If you take your dog or cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups, you’ve probably been asked at one time or another to bring in some of your pet’s poop for a fecal exam. But what exactly is a fecal exam? Why are fecal exams essential to your pet’s health?

Roundworms are intestinal parasites that can affect our pets, and they can even be passed along to us! While many puppies and kittens are actually born with roundworms, they can be managed and cleared, and you can protect your pet all the way through adulthood.

How do I know when to take my pet to the vet? This is a good question. And it is a rather common question. Because too many times, pet owners worry that they waited too long or brought their pet to see the doctor too soon, and somehow they will be at fault if Fluffy has any issues.

Temperature elevation in your dog can happen for more than one reason - they could have a fever (which often means infection), or it could be elevated from environmental factors such as heat and humidity. A dog’s normal temperature ranges from 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures in the 103-105 range could mean heat exhaustion.

When choosing the right dog for you and your family, there are many considerations to weigh. Which dog could be the right fit for your lifestyle? One of the more difficult issues is the question of whether to get a mixed breed (mutt) or a purebred dog. There are pros and cons to each, as well as differing opinions. There are also some misconceptions about what is available to the potential dog owner and some information out there that may not be completely accurate.

Floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires. There’s no part of the country that hasn’t been affected by weather emergencies in recent years.

This is why it’s a good idea to have an emergency plan for your entire family, including your pets. Hopefully, you’ll never need it. But since summer is prime time for severe storms and flooding, why not take a few minutes to review your plan and if needed, create a “go” bag in case of emergency?

Many of us know of someone who has been bitten by a neighborhood dog. Often, those involved will say that nobody saw it coming. The dog had seemed friendly in prior circumstances, and the bite victim might have even had great interactions with the dog before. Yet this dog still turned and bit...hard.

If your dog coughs a lot, seems to gag, and/or no longer has the stamina to go on miles-long hikes, it could be due to heart problems.

After all, the heart is responsible for pumping blood (which contains oxygen and nutrients) throughout the body. This provides energy.

When your dog’s body doesn’t get enough oxygen, he feels fatigued and isn’t as playful. You might chalk it up to “old age” if your dog is getting older, but it could be something more. It could be heart problems.