National Animal Poison Prevention Week is observed the third week of March, falling this year from March 19-25. This important week is dedicated to educating pet owners about household items that are poisonous to pets, how to identify signs of poisoning, and what steps to take if your pet exhibits symptoms.

Ireland is the native country of some of our most beloved dog breeds, including two hounds, three gundogs, and four terriers. As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, let’s take a look at the nine Irish dog breeds that have been immersed in cultures across the world and adored for their talents and sweet demeanors.

Ahh do you smell that sweet scent in the air? The First Day of Spring is almost here! With the warmer weather and seasonal blooms, there are many wonderful things that come with the season. However, there are also a variety of Spring toxins that can pose a risk for your precious canine. Here are the top Spring toxins, from plants to food to cleaning products, your dog needs to avoid.

Not everyone has an energetic personality, a lifestyle that allows for daily trips to the dog park, or a love of hiking with a dog running the trails alongside them. Some people want the companionship of a pet, but perhaps health issues, a tiring job, or an introverted personality mean the best kind of pet for them is calm, low maintenance, and enjoys cuddles more than dog parks. This doesn't mean a dog isn't the right pet for them, but they need to choose the breed carefully.

While owning a dog means plenty of cuddles, playtime, and neighborhood walks, it also comes with immense responsibility. From staying up-to-date on vaccines and clipping nails to brushing teeth and grooming, they require regular care to ensure good health and happiness. Cleaning your dog’s ears is one task that falls under the not-so-fun category but should be high on your priority list to avoid infection or irritation.

What Is Cognitive Dysfunction?

If you have ever had a senior pet, you may have noticed that as they age their behavior can change. Just like people, cats and dogs can get behavioral changes that can look a lot like changes we see in elderly people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Anal Glands are gross, but every dog and cat has them.

Today, we’re going to get all up in your cat or dog’s business. I’m sorry, but it has to be done. Dogs and cats have scent glands, called anal glands, on either side of the anus, similar to skunks.

Here is a picture of where they’re located, at about 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock on a clock face (the red circles indicate approximate location):

Thanks to advances in the field of genomics, pet owners now have access to genetic testing that can help them learn more about their beloved companions. From identifying potential genetic diseases to learning more about your pet's ancestry and predisposition to health problems, a DNA test can provide unprecedented insight into your pet's health and history.