Hey, pet lovers! Today we want to talk to you about a common household item that can pose a serious threat to your furry friends: string. Yes, you heard right. String, yarn, ribbon, thread, floss, clothing, rope toys, rugs that have frayed and other similar items can be very dangerous for your dog or cat if they swallow them. Here’s why.

Just like it is for humans, with advances in veterinary medicine, our pets are living longer lives. With wide-spread vaccination, safe medications, improved nutrition, and changes in life-styles, pets can avoid some of the illnesses and injuries that they used to succumb to in past decades. Assuring that your pet sees a veterinarian regularly for preventative health check-ups can assure that they are getting the care they need to stay healthy and happy with long lives – as well as detect problems early.

If you’re planning a vacation, you might be wondering what to do with your furry friend. Whether you decide to take them with you or leave them behind, there are some things you can do to make sure they are comfortable and happy.

Tina was set up for litter box failure from the moment she was adopted as a kitten. By the time I inherited her at 10 years of age, her litter box behaviors were pretty much written in stone.

Here are some common situations that veterinarians report at a higher rate around 4th of July: Noisy fireworks and crowds can scare animals and cause them to run away! Make sure your pets – dogs and cats! – have identification tags that have current information and that their location is secure. Even better, since collars can come off, is to have your pet microchipped. This is a simple procedure that can be done at your veterinary office that can really increase your chances of getting your pet returned to you. If you know your pet is anxious, speak to your veterinarian ahead of time to discuss behavioral therapy or medication around the holiday.

Do I really need pet insurance? That is the question that we as veterinary professionals always hear when the topic of pet insurance is brought up. I choose pet insurance so I can approve my pet’s care when they need it. I like knowing I can give them whatever treatments the doctor recommends. I have had insurance on my pet’s since they were young, so almost all conditions are covered.

Last month I wrote about how important it was to ground yourself and really accept that the plastic cone around your cat or dog’s head was the cheapest and quickest way to ensure your cat or dog heals.

Prepare yourself emotionally that “Kitty” or “Fido” will be awkward. This is OK. You promised your pet a home, love and regular meals. You did not promise them every day would be sunshine and cone free. Next, prepare your home. Remove breakable items from low surfaces tables. The less there is to knock over, the easier it will be for you and your pet.

This is the first of a 2-part series discussing the plastic Elizabethan collar that veterinarians send pets home with after surgery or injury. This month's article is about your attitudes and training. Next month I will discuss options and troubleshooting.

The advice in these columns is hard won. As a veterinarian for 38 years, I like to think of the plastic cone as the halo of healing. I have brainstormed with hundreds of pet parents about how to manage “Fluffy” in their Elizabethan collar (E collar or cone of shame). But it turns out, we must manage ourselves first.

Hey, dog lovers! Do you ever wonder if your furry friend is getting too chubby? It’s not always easy to tell if your dog is overweight, but there are some signs you can look for. Here are some tips to help you check your dog’s weight and keep them healthy and happy.