pet care

There may come a time when your pet needs immediate care outside the normal operating hours of your regular veterinarian.

You know your pet and his normal habits and behavior better than anyone, but you may be unsure if your pet needs emergency care. Following are some signs you can look for that will help you determine if you are dealing with an urgent situation.

Changes in behavior are often a sure sign that there is something going on that needs to be treated immediately.

If you’re among the millions of Americans who wants to cut costs and increase your savings, taking a back-to-basics, simplified approach to life can offer a number of advantages -- among them, saving money.

If you’re looking for ways to slash pet-related expenses, there are smart and not-so-smart strategies available to accomplish your goal.

I encourage you choose wisely, not only for the well-being of your pet, but also to avoid unseen but potentially costly problems in the future.

DON’T Skimp on Routine Vet Visits

Skipping routine veterinarian exams – I recommend two per year -- to save some money in the short-term could backfire down the roa

You've been planning your vacation all year, but your cat may not be as excited as you are to have you away from home. Although many people believe cats prefer to be on their own, kitties get lonely and can become anxious when their surroundings change. As a responsible pet owner, you will want to make sure your kitty is safely and comfortably cared for while you're on vacation.

I know this whole site is for pet friendly vacations and for years I have taken my dogs with me always. They have been to Las Vegas, Orlando, down the Oregan coast, all over Canada etc. But I bought a timeshare last year and want to take advantage of traveling to different countries now for a week a year. I am going to continue to take dog friendly holidays for the other weeks of the year that I am on holidays. I am looking for the best kennels in Alberta from experience. I am in the Edmonton area, but would travel to where ever for the best service for my dogs. I have 2 dogs, one being a 10 yr old BC that has never been in a kennel. I can't do an in house service because my other dog is an 8 month old BC cross and she needs alot of stimulation.

Choosing a veterinarian that is right for you and your cat is not always easy. You want to find a veterinarian with whom you and your pet can feel comfortable and can build a trusting relationship. And you want to find that veterinarian before you get a cat - the veterinarian may be able to help you select a cat that will fit your expectations and lifestyle. If you have moved, or for some other reason need to change veterinarians, find a new veterinarian before your cat becomes ill.

TYPES OF VETERINARY PRACTICES

Different types of veterinary practices exist.

Sunshine, fresh air, and days spent relaxing outdoors are what summertime is all about. But with the hot summer weather come dangers, too. Here are a few tips to help ensure that you are your pet can safely enjoy the summer days together.

- Go for walks in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler.

- Keep your pet cool by providing plenty of shade and water.

- Bring water for your dog when engaging in outdoor recreation. To keep the water cool, freeze it overnight in a container.

Accidents happen. A first aid kit specifically meant for your pets is helpful because it provides stuff that's often not found in a first aid kit for people. You can buy a kit or assemble your own at home by gathering the items and storing them in a hard plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

Pets often have minor illnesses or injuries that don't cause any lasting harm. Naturally you don't need to run to the vet every time your pet sneezes, but how do you know when it's time to go see your vet?

It can be hard to tell if your pet is suffering since so many animals hide signs of distress. Warning signs that all is not well with your pet include:

Changes in appetite, such as refusing to eat for a couple of days or showing no interest in food. While it's not uncommon for dogs to skip a meal here and there, but repeated refusal to eat could indicate something more serious.

Most pets will require veterinary care beyond basic health care at some point during their lifetimes. Pets owners naturally want to keep their pets as healthy as possible, and pet insurance can help with expensive vet bills.

If you're good at putting away "emergency" funds then you may not need pet insurance. Many people, however, find that unanticipated vet bills can cause a real financial strain.

Those hot, lazy summer days are perfect for lounging around with our canine pals. Heatstroke, however, is a very real danger - here are a few tips on how to keep your canine cool & content:

- Provide a cool, shady spot & fresh water when your dog is outside. Dogs get hot too (imagine what it would feel like to wear a fur coat all of the time!)!

- Don't leave your dog unattended in the car, even if the windows are cracked and you're parked in the shade. The temperature inside a car can rise very quickly and cause heatstroke and can even be fatal.