On Christmas morning, will the family members peeking out from piles of wrapping paper and ribbons have nary a gift to unwrap? Make sure Fido and Fluffy get to join in the Christmas revelry with some special presents of their own. They’ll thank you later. Here are some items that will help ease your pet’s… Continue reading.

It may be only October, but if you look around, nature is beginning its preparation for winter. You’re probably thinking about winter, too: Planning to get the gutters cleaned, the furnaced checked, and the snowblower unburied from the shed and tuned up. You should also think about your pet’s needs before winter arrives. Winter can… Continue reading.

Nothing garners attention on social media these days like cute critter photos. The photos you make and share of your dog or cat can be just as memorable as the photos you see in magazines or on Instagram. But rarely do they just “happen.” Here are some tips to keep in mind to make your… Continue reading.

If you’ve found added comfort in the company of furry family members while sheltering in place, maybe you’re considering adding another set of paws upon your floor. Perhaps you’ve heard of a pet orphaned by COVID-19; or you think your pets would welcome the added company after life returns to normal and they are once… Continue reading.

Does your dog jump, shake, tense up, cower, become anxious or crawl under a bed with an approaching storm? If so, your dog might be suffering from anxiety or phobias related to storms or loud noises. Just as in humans, some unusual behaviors in dogs may not ratchet up to the point of concern. But… Continue reading.

Rural residents need little convincing there’s an animal overpopulation problem. Beyond the city and county shelters, they are the ones who often must deal with the unexpected and unwanted litters dumped along country roads in the night by irresponsible pet owners. “A good home in the country” is not what awaits most abandoned kittens and… Continue reading.

The Purdue University Small Animal Hospital provides 24/7 assistance and a referral practice for questions and concerns about your pet. 765-494-1107, or visit: https://www.purdue.edu/vet/vth/small-animal/. Many a cartoon shared among cat lovers on Facebook depicts skeletal remains of cat owners who died rather than upset snoozing kitties, still on their laps. While “cat naps” are part… Continue reading.

By Richard G. Biever Halloween is supposed to be a fun time of make believe. But if Fido and Fluffy make believe the bite-sized morsels for trick-or-treaters momentarily left unattended by the front door were for them, Halloween can turn into a true fright night. Holidays, with their special decorations and treats, are fraught with… Continue reading.

BY BRIAN D. SMITH It’s a day made for the outdoors, with temperatures in the mid-70s and a balmy breeze stirring the humid Indiana air. Even your 10-year-old bulldog Max seems invigorated, bolting into your fenced backyard when you open the door.  But when you check on him a half hour later, Max looks anything… Continue reading.

BY BRIAN D. SMITH The dog days of summer can mean days without your dog – or cat, for that matter. It’s not easy to take pet passengers on a vacation trip, which explains the burgeoning popularity of boarding. Carmen Rustenbeck, CEO and founder of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association, recalls that when… Continue reading.

By Richard G. Biever “Let sleeping dogs lie” might be good advice about not stirring things up for most situations. But it’s not the case when it comes to dogs — especially dogs that bark too much. In that the case, the best time to give your dog attention is when it’s being calm and… Continue reading.

Don’t turn your nose to Fido’s or Fluffy’s bad breath! That odor might signify a serious health problem. That’s the message the American Veterinary Medical Association wants pet owners to consider during February, the National Pet Dental Health Month. Dental health is important to your pet’s overall health, just as it is for humans. And… Continue reading.