It’s puppy season, people! Tiny paws that smell like Frito’s (why we’ll never know), playful behavior, soft fur, so many snuggles, and the piece de resistance - puppy breath! Let’s face it, though. As time goes on, the puppy breath typically changes to something, well, a bit more ominous.

When most people hear the term “microchip”, they think of computers and robots. When you’re told that you should get your pet should be microchipped, you might picture some SciFi version of what is actually going to happen but, trust us, there is nothing quite so ominous involved in the procedure. So let’s talk about what microchipping is and what it isn’t. It’s particularly important to discuss this around this time of year, as the main job of a microchip is to help lost pets get back to their owners.

All you have to do is scroll through your social media feed to see that dogs, on the whole, are lovers. From giant Mastiffs who think they are lap dogs to Pugs who have no concept of personal space, most dog breeds are very affectionate. That’s because dogs love their pack members and, yes, that’s you! Being around them often is crucial to dog wellness.

As many of us remain quarantined due to COVID-19 and summer quickly approaches, those with swimming pools are likely getting prepared for The Big Open. And as temperatures outside continue to rise (well, for some of us!), dogs may look for ways to cool off when they go outside. Even when it's not very hot out, adventurous dogs may find any body of water irresistible.

You may have seen the quote: “The best therapist has fur and four legs” floating around the interwebs by way of inspirational memes, but is there any truth to this saying? According to studies performed by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), our pets can actually benefit our mental health in a variety of ways.

These are challenging times. On top of the worries about COVID-19, you might have kids trying to e-learn while you’re balancing working from home and keeping your surroundings clean. Add to that a dog - and possibly a bored dog - and it can feel overwhelming. Many dogs need stimulation to stay happy and healthy and, quite frankly, to stay out of trouble.

If you’re a dog owner, then you know most dogs need to be walked at least once each day, although very active breeds and more hyper dogs (cough, cough - Huskies) benefit from more frequent walks. While a dog walker may be as close as an app click away, you'll be missing out on the many benefits of enjoying this activity yourself. If you are one of the millions having trouble sticking to an exercise program, help could be as close as your best buddy at the end of the leash.

For many expectant parents, their first baby was a fur baby. Your dog has gotten used to having all of Mom's and Dad’s attention, and a shift in that attention can mean stress for everyone. Even before the human baby arrives, your dog will sense change is coming, from the physical changes to Mom to changes around the house such as new furniture and strange new baby paraphernalia. Your pup can even sense the excitement and nervousness you may be feeling. The key to having your dog welcome the baby as its new best friend is in the preparation.