From choosing the right food to making sure you’re not offering up too many treats, you need to keep several things in mind when it comes to meeting your dog’s nutritional needs. To make things even more complicated, much of what you think you know about canine nutrition could be completely wrong. There are a lot of dog nutrition myths out there, and following inaccurate information could put your four-legged best friend’s health at risk.

Did someone say sweets?! October 14th is probably one of the best holidays ever, as it is National Dessert Day! You're likely wondering how this can be veterinary-related, as your pets can't safely eat sweets...or can they? Just like you and me, dogs and cats love sweet things (which is why you get the hairy eyeball every time you eat ice cream), and, thankfully, there are some ways that your pets can get in on this dessert holiday safely and sweetly.

Dogs gravitate towards treats just as we gravitate towards the dessert table. Much like humans, dogs are at risk of becoming overweight or obese at some point in their lives. It’s estimated that nearly 56% of dogs are overweight, which increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, puts unnecessary strain on their bones and organs, and decreases their overall life expectancy. As veterinarians who are also dog owners, we know those extra rolls are ripe for belly rubs, but we also want your dog to be at peak health every time we see them for their wellness visits.

Life has definitely changed in the past several weeks. We hear daily of more and more stores, restaurants, beaches, and parks being closed, along with a ton of event cancellations. "Social distancing" has become part of our everyday vernacular. In most states, we are allowed only to go out for essentials, to get gas, to walk our dogs, and to get exercise. We're generally allowed to walk outside freely (with the very strong recommendation that we endeavor to keep a distance of at least 6 feet from another person).

Is your fur baby destined to turn into a fur giant? If you own a large-breed puppy, they may be a lap dog now, but before you know it, they’ll be way too big for cuddles on the couch. Of course, your colossal canine will still be just as lovable, but you’ll need to know a few things about taking care of a large-breed puppy.

One of the most commonly diagnosed pet pathologies from a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective is dampness accumulation in the body. This is true for both dogs and cats.

When it comes to positive reinforcement and rewarding your dog for good behavior or learning a new command, treats are obviously the first thing that pet owners tend to rely on. They are convenient and effective, especially when it comes to training your pet.

For dedicated and loving pet owners, expressing all of the ways in which you’re thankful for your pet is easy.