An unexpected fire, whether a residential or an environmental wildfire, can be a devastating and stressful experience. Multiple fire-related events are dangerous for people and their pets including burns, toxic chemicals, and smoke inhalation, but many problems are not immediately obvious following fire exposure. The National Volunteer Firefighter Council estimated that more than 40,000 pets [...]

The warm summer months are often accompanied by an abundance of pesky insects and pests that hitchhike on you and your pet. Fleas and ticks can transmit dangerous diseases to your pets, and itching and scratching pets are also at risk for secondary skin infections—and sleepless nights for pet owners. However, choosing a flea and [...]

Many people take advantage of the warm spring and summer months to cultivate and tend to their garden. Whether you are growing food, ornamental plants, or colorful flowers, seeing the fruits of your garden labor is extremely rewarding. However, garden pests can make a successful harvest a challenge. Snails and slugs are the bane of [...]

Warmer weather often means more outdoor adventures with your favorite four-legged companion. Many pet owners enjoy summer hiking and camping trips and more time in the backyard garden, but you can easily become distracted when you are outside with your pet. Curious canines may want to investigate your favorite birdbath or may wander off in [...]

Summer is quickly approaching and many pet owners will be enjoying outdoor hiking and fishing adventures with their favorite canine companions. Pets are family and including them on outdoor expeditions is a great way to mentally and physically stimulate your pet, as well as strengthen your bond. However, exposure to the elements can be dangerous [...]

Springtime is almost here and many people and their pets will start spending more time outdoors as the weather slowly becomes warmer. Gardening is a popular and relaxing spring pastime with the fruits of your labor resulting in beautiful flowers that adorn coffee tables and dining rooms. However, many popular plants and flowers are toxic [...]

The popularity of low sugar and low carbohydrate human diets has led to many creative ways to make food and sweets palatable.Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute used in many foods, supplements, and dental hygiene products.  The most common accidental exposures to xylitol include chewing gum, melatonin supplements, sugar-free baking additives, and some forms of [...]

Rats and mice have a long-standing feud with their human counterparts, and they often cause irritation by building nests in homes or attics or eating plants and gardens. Many people take matters into their own hands by purchasing commercially available rat poison or rodenticide from their local grocery or hardware store. Rodenticide is appealing to [...]

Many pet owners are familiar with the recreational drug marijuana which is also referred to as weed, pot, or reefer. Marijuana has become more widely legal across the United States over the past several years, and marijuana toxicity has become a more common problem in pets because of the drug’s increased availability and popularity. In [...]

The winter season brings chilly temperatures, cozy sweaters, and crackling fires. In addition to ensuring their human and fur family members have winter wardrobes, many people prepare their cars and homes for the cold winter months. Antifreeze is a common chemical used in cars, as well as pipes in the home, to prevent damage from [...]