Dogs + Mosquitoes = Heartworm Disease: Heartworm Prevention Is Cheaper & Easier Than Heartworm Treatment!

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Did you know that your dog can still get deadly heartworms even if your dog is on a monthly preventative? It's true. Unfortunately, certain strains of heartworms are able to resist current heartworm medications. This appears to be true mostly -- but not exclusively -- in the south. So, if you happen to live in the southern part of the United States, be sure to talk with your veterinarian about the best options for you and your dog. If you're like me, even if you don't live in the … [Read more...]

6 Ways To Get Help With Vet Bills After A Dog Emergency

Whether your dog is old or young, there are a number things that could inadvertently happen to your dog, leaving you with some very high vet bills. Not to mention the fact that your chances of incurring a slew of high vet bills significantly increase as your dog ages. If you find yourself unable to pay all the vet bills, you're not alone. Here are some ways to get help with vet bills...   … [Read more...]

How To Make A Unique & Long-Lasting Dog Memorial As A Tribute To Your Dog

Most people who have dogs consider their dog part of the family.  This is especially true if you don't have kids.  I know that my husband and I consider both of our dogs (and our 2 cats!) to be our kids.  So what do you do with your pet after he has passed away?  You probably want to give him the same dignity and respect that you would give a family member.  (I know we did.) A pet memorial is a great way to memorialize your dog after he has passed on.  It's … [Read more...]

Are You Prepared To Save Your Dog’s Life In The Event Of An Emergency?

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What would you do if your dog was involved in an accident or became incapacitated due to some other type of health problem or sudden emergency?Are you prepared to save your dog's life? Who knows what type of emergency could arise. Some of the most common situations that could result in you having to perform CPR on your dog are:  You might have to evacuate (with your dog) due to fire, flood, or other natural disaster Your dog could be hit by a car A fire could break out, … [Read more...]

How To Treat A Dog Sunburn & Facts About Dog Skin Cancer

Most of us don't really think about the sun and how it affects our dogs -- except to be sure that we provide plenty of water and shade for our four-legged friends during the summer months. Right? Well, believe it or not, your dog's skin can be seriously damaged by the sun! Yep, just like people, dogs get sunburns too. And you may not realize this, but dogs also get skin cancer from too much exposure to the sun. Here's what you need to know about dog sunburn, doggie skin cancer, and … [Read more...]

The Last Act of Kindness: How To Prepare For The Death Of A Pet

You’ve spent many happy years with your four-legged best friend. You’ve fed him good healthy food, kept his water dish clean and full, and kept him bathed, clipped and brushed.  You’ve romped together, cuddled together, and taken him in for his regular checkups.  You gave him medicine when he needed it, and over time as he slowed down, or perhaps became ill, you traded playing catch or going on a run for some gentler activities and extra pets & pats.But time … [Read more...]

Abandoned Dogs Left Behind In Home Foreclosures

If you have a good stable home and are considering getting a dog (or perhaps a second or third dog), now is a great time to find an abundance of dogs at rescue shelters. Apparently, our struggling economy and the increasing number of home foreclosures have left many dogs homeless. As people are losing their homes and moving into rental apartments, many are also leaving their dogs behind.  Some leave their dogs due to the fact that pets are not allowed in their new living arrangements.  … [Read more...]

WARNING: Cruel & Unusual Euthanization Of Dogs Is Taking Place Behind Closed Doors

I don't normally write about such grim topics here, but I have a very tiny bit of personal experience with this one, so I feel compelled to share with you something that broke in the local news recently. The point of this article: If you should ever have to put your dog to sleep, it is in your best interest to be present throughout the entire euthanization process. Here's why... … [Read more...]

Brown Dog Foundation + Organizations That Help Dog Owners Pay Expensive Vet Bills

The world needs more non-profit companies like this one... The Brown Dog Foundation is from my neck of the woods. I'm so delighted to hear that something like this is finally available. The Brown Dog Foundation helps dog owners who are faced with expensive vet bills in order to save their dog's life. … [Read more...]

My Tribute To Destin… Who Is Playing With Jersey Somewhere Fun

Together, Jim and I have had 3 dogs. First, there was Jersey, who was "my dog" first but welcomed Jim into our lives with open arms. Then came Destin, the dog we found under a dumpster. And then, Destin's "brother from another mother", Tenor. There was actually a point in time where we had all three under one roof at the same time. But now there's only Tenor. Our buddy Destin recently went to chase rainbows in the sky and to play with Jersey in fields that are forever green. … [Read more...]