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.

The holidays are wonderful times for families and friends. But they aren’t without risks for our animal companions. “Whether you are leaving your pet at home or traveling with them during the holidays, planning is necessary to ensure they are safe,” said Dr. Steve Thompson, Purdue Veterinary Medicine clinical associate professor of small animal community… Continue reading.