What Are the Core and Non-Core Vaccines for Cats? Your Questions Answered

Keeping your feline friend healthy means keeping them up-to-date on their vaccinations. Today's vaccines are safe and effective at safeguarding companion animals against a wide range of illnesses. Side effects and complications are rare, and pets are much more likely to get sick if they don't receive the proper vaccines.

As veterinarians, we would like to help you better understand the core and non-core vaccines and which ones your cat needs. Read on to find the answers you need!

5 Common Illnesses in Dogs and What You Need to Know

Keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccinations protects them from several devastating illnesses, including rabies, parvovirus, distemper, bordetella, and more. Unfortunately, no vaccine will protect your canine companion from every disease they may encounter throughout their life. And while modern vaccines are highly effective, there is always a minuscule risk of vaccine failure. This means that, despite your best efforts, there's no way to ensure that your furry friend will never get sick.

Pet Hydration Awareness Month: The Importance of Keeping Your Furry Friends Hydrated

As one of the hottest months of the year, July is a time when you need to stay hydrated. The media blasts messages at this time of year reminding us to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Unfortunately, there is not as much information on how important proper hydration is for optimal health in cat and dog nutrition.

In Honor of National Swimming Pool Day: How to Prevent Dry Drowning In Pets

Drowning is a familiar term to all of us—a traumatic event that occurs when a person or animal is submerged in water for too long and deprived of oxygen. However, a relatively uncommon but related term is secondary or "dry drowning." Water is aspirated into the lungs and causes serious complications, often hours or even days after water exposure. Dry drowning, also known as aspiration pneumonia, can affect humans and their pets.

Dog Park Etiquette to Protect Your Precious Pup

Are you planning to visit a local dog park so your canine companion can blow off some steam? Dog parks are perfect for exercising, socializing, and bonding with your pet. It's not all fun and games, though. Every dog park has rules and regulations to keep all visitors — canine and human — safe. Being a responsible pet parent means following those rules and practicing proper dog park etiquette.

The Secret to Handling Fraidy Cats and Nervous Doggos This July 4th

Barbecues, fireworks, and other activities are Fourth of July staples. But if you are a pet parent, all of the festivities might be more stressful than fun. Fireworks often trigger intense fear and anxiety — especially in dogs. Barbecues can be anxiety-inducing (and dangerous for dogs), too. They are often noisy, and many pets just don't enjoy all of the unfamiliar people, smells, and sounds.

National Foster a Pet Month: 3 Ways to Celebrate and Why You Should

Fostering animals saves lives. In fact, if just two percent of pet-owning households in the United States fostered one pet each year, unnecessary euthanasia in shelters could end, according to Susanne Kogut, president of the Petco Foundation. It's a surprising statistic most folks are unaware of, and spreading awareness of this is one of the many goals of National Foster a Pet Month.

A Veterinary Guide to Stubborn Tear Stains on Dogs

You're probably a bit frustrated if your dog is prone to tear stains. These stains not only seem uncomfortable for your precious canine companion but they also look like a big mess. You might not need your precious pup to be "Best in Show" by any means, but you likely don't want to see them with a tear-stained face either. And the truth is, this isn't just a cosmetic issue, as we must treat the condition to eradicate it. Read on to learn more about the misinformation that you can find about tear stains on dogs online, why they get it, and how to properly treat this condition.

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