Since our dogs are much-loved members of our families, it’s only natural that we want them along for the fun when it’s time for a family vacation. However, that often means a long road trip to the beach, campsite, mountains, or other destination. As veterinarians, we understand your goal is to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible for your dog, and we want nothing more than to help this effort with some expert insight. Following are our recommendations for ensuring a smooth road trip, so your dog enjoys both the vacation and the journey.

You’re taking the dog out on a hike, and he suddenly veers off the path to explore something that caught his eye—now, you and your precious pup are face to face with a rattlesnake. It’s a scary circumstance to find yourself in, but one that does indeed happen and one that dog owners don’t often think about. Dogs are curious (and, let’s face it, a bit goofy) creatures! Snakes pose a serious threat to your dog, especially during Spring when warmer weather arrives, and snakes seek out the sun for warmth after a long, cold winter.

Everyone knows Mother’s Day is approaching but did you know there’s a lesser-known holiday that's pawsitively worth celebrating. This Saturday, May 8th, is National Dog Mom’s Day and, while Mother’s Day is known for macaroni art, breakfast in bed, and having other things (hopefully!) done for you, this holiday might have you wondering what you can do for your pup. As veterinarians, we’d like to suggest that you celebrate National Dog Mom’s Day by doing all that you can to give your hound the healthiest and highest quality life possible.

Billions of cicadas have spent the last 17 years underground! In fact, the last time they emerged was 2004, when Facebook was founded, and your high schooler was just a baby.

You’ve brought your much-anticipated new puppy home and are delighted with this adorable little creature who just wants to play, cuddle, love you, and let you revel in that heavenly puppy breath. However, within the first hour, you’re reminded of the daunting task of potty training after they leave their first “present” on your carpet.

With the prevalence of online shopping and the everyday consumer looking for the best deal, it's no wonder cat and dog medications are the latest product to be sold on marketplace sites. But did you know that not all websites are created equal? As veterinarians, we must make you aware of this disturbing trend. When it comes to buying your pet's medications and preventions there is a good reason we try to sell you them in the clinic.

There are many veterinary issues that we can easily relate to human ones. For example, just as discussing weight problems with people is uncomfortable, we veterinarians often dread having to bring up pet obesity with our clients. The truth is, though, it’s time to get uncomfortable in order to nip this growing epidemic in the bud and keep our pets as healthy as possible.

As veterinarians, what we’d love to talk about all day is puppy breath, good nutrition, and pet toys we recommend. Unfortunately, we have to also talk about the tough stuff to keep our pet and human clients safe, and one of those topics is heartworm disease. April is Heartworm Awareness Month.