It may surprise you that just as humans have allergies, so too can your pets. Allergies can be to a particular item, foods, or seasonal allergies. The most common pets to have allergies are dogs. It can be difficult to tell if your dog has allergies, as the cause of the symptoms may not be apparent. You may also not realize that all of the symptoms are related to the same condition.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of allergies in your pet are similar to allergy symptoms for humans. You will likely notice that your pet’s skin is red and irritated. It may be tender to the touch as well. Pets will often be itchy when they are suffering from allergies, and they may have excessive shedding. Sometimes skin irritations can become infected due to scratching and bacteria entering the skin.

Other Signs Your Pet Has Allergies

There are some things that your pet might do if they are suffering from allergies. Paw licking is a sign of discomfort. Some pets may drag their butt across the floor or lick the anal region. They will likely be biting and scratching themselves as if they have fleas, but without any sign of pests. They may also have chronic ear infections or respiratory problems. Read more

Acupuncture continues to grow in popularity in America, as men and women seek natural and holistic treatment options for their health problems. But humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the ancient art of acupuncture! This practice is even being used on animals! Here’s what you should know if you’re curious about the benefits and safety of acupuncture for your own family pet.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been practiced since the days of the days of the ancient Chinese. Tiny needles are inserted into specific parts of the body to produce a healing response.

This practice identifies precise points on the body and stimulates them for a certain amount of time. The stimulation achieved through acupuncture makes changes to the central nervous system that can relieve pain and resolve other existing problems.

How Can Acupuncture Be Used For Your Pet?

Known as veterinary acupuncture, the process is used the same way it is on humans. The conditions that respond most effectively to acupuncture include musculoskeletal, respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal problems. This means that anything from arthritis, nerve injury, asthma, and dermatitis can potentially be resolved using acupuncture, sometimes in tandem with other mainstream treatments.

Since acupuncture essentially helps the body heal itself by creating specific physiological changes, this can be a powerful tool for vets and pet lovers alike. It is one of the very safest forms of medical treatment for animals, and side effects are very rare. It goes without saying that only a licensed veterinarian is qualified to complete animal acupuncture Read more

You may not think of Halloween as a risky day for your pets, but the spooky holiday actually poses a number of threats to dogs and cats. Take the following precautions to help your pet have a safe and healthy Halloween.

Keep Candy In a Safe Place

It’s no secret that your dog shouldn’t be feasting on Twix bars on Halloween, so make sure all Halloween treats are stored in a place where your pets can’t access them. Chocolate in all forms is extremely dangerous for cats and dogs, and candy presents a choking risk. Some sugar-free candy even contains the sugar substitute xylitol, which is dangerous to animals.

Decorate With Care

It’s fun to decorate for Halloween with pumpkins, decorative corn, jack-o-lanterns, and candles, but think of the risks they pose to your pets. Curious kittens can easily pull decorations down or knock over flames, and dogs love to nibble on pumpkins and corn. Try to decorate your home with a “baby proof” mindset in order to keep your furry friends safe. Read more

Has your pet ever escaped through a broken fence or darted away in fear during a fireworks show? If so, then you are one of the countless pet owners who understands just how frightening it is to lose your family pet.

According to the American Humane Association, over ten million dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year in American. That means that one in three pets will become lost at some point during their life!

Microchipping your pet is the best and easiest way to locate your lost pet and bring him home safe, but only if you take the preventive measure to have him microchipped now. Here’s what you should know about this essential process. Read more

Just like allergies wreak havoc on so many children and adults during the transition into spring and summer, fleas and ticks cause just as much discomfort to our pets. This is especially true in Florida, where the warm weather begins extremely early. But just starting a flea and tick treatment isn’t enough! You need to maintain that regimen throughout the warm weather months to ensure that your pet remains healthy and happy.

Here’s What to Know About Fleas

Fleas are bad news. Once they lay eggs on your dog or cat and begin to reproduce, a flea infestation is much harder to stop. Some dogs and cats can even develop anemia from flea infestation, and it’s possible for fleas to carry tapeworm eggs! Read more