Linda – The Probiotics Tooth Fairy

The facts are clear and simple: pets are not humans, and not all human foods are safe for pets to consume. In fact, many human foods are downright dangerous for our furry companions. Here are some things to keep in mind – and out of your pets’ reach – as you prepare your holiday treats.

Aside from potentially saving the life of a very deserving pet, there are many great things about adopting from shelters. Here are just a few things to consider that may lead you to adopt from a shelter rather than buy from a breeder or pet store next time you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family.

When we look at our cute, snuggly kitties, the last thing we like to think of it worms in their tummies. Unfortunately, worms are a common health hazard for cats, especially if they are ever allowed outdoors or have access to animals who are allowed outdoors.

As the seasons change, and with them, our routines, we need to be sure we don’t overlook the needs of our furry friends.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three – Pet lovers are sure to find this statistic very startling, since most of us still thik of our pets as puppies and kittens at age three!

Research conducted at Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts showed a link between cats diagnosed with lymph node cancer and contact with second-hand smoke, revealing that cats exposed to secondhand smoke developed lymphoma twice as often as cats in smoke-free homes.

Ticks can carry infections they pass along to our pets and even our family members. These infections need to be treated.

Sometimes our cats develop bad breath for the very same reason we might develop bad breath if we never cared for our teeth. A simple build-up of plaque and tartar on your kitty-friend’s teeth can act as a fantastic breeding ground for the bacteria that produce the volatile sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath.

It’s one of the biggest challenges pet parents face: what to do with their dog or cat while they are away on vacation, and how to prepare the caregivers to take the best possible care of their furry best friends.

It’s not uncommon for children to have trouble understanding the responsibility of owning a pet. Here are some ways to set limits and help children understand that even if the sign says “FREE,” having pets is a big job that comes with a pretty substantial price tag.