Tips & Advice

These insightful articles about pet wellness, nutrition and other interesting topics that will help you keep your, as a pet parent, keep your animal companions maintain optimal health.
pet food bags toxic chemicals
Tips & Advice

The Alarming Toxic Chemicals Lurking Inside Pet Food Bags

If your pet's food comes out of a bag, you need to know about this warning by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Recent testing detected at least seven potentially toxic chemicals on 11 pet food packages from seven pet food brands that could place both you and your pet at risk.
— 6 min read
heart murmurs in dogs
Tips & Advice

What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know About Heart Disease

Veterinarians once thought only older dogs could develop heart murmurs (unless it was present at birth), but now researchers have discovered that they are far more common, even in younger dogs. Because a heart problem can emerge at any time, know the five signs that your pup may be in trouble.
— 8 min read
pet reverse sneezing
Tips & Advice

The Weird Sneeze That Can Terrify Pet Parents

Caused by a spasm of the throat and soft palate, reverse sneezing can send owners running to the vet, thinking their pet is in serious distress. Know what can cause this strange respiratory event, how to recognize it and what to do when it occurs to help both you and your pet relax.
— 4 min read
cat thiamine deficiency
Tips & Advice

10 Signs Your Cat May Be Suffering From a Deadly Deficiency

Cats require three times as much of this nutrient as dogs, so it's easy for them to develop a deficiency, especially if they eat canned or dried food. This nutrient is needed for proper nerve function, so a deficiency can lead to paralysis and even death in just a few weeks. Know the red flags.
— 5 min read
warning: this sugar can poison your pet
Tips & Advice

Warning: This Sugar Can Poison Your Pet

Many pet owners know to keep their pets (especially dogs) away from any traces of xylitol, but they likely don't know about this sugar that's really xylitol in disguise. Know what to look for on labels of food & nonfood items to save your pet from its potential side effects liver failure and death.
— 4 min read
green tea
Tips & Advice

Should You Share This Healthy Drink With Your Pet?

Many health-conscious pet parents consume this antioxidant-rich beverage and wonder if it's okay for their furry family members, too. It improves brain function and dental health, and reduces risk for malignancy, heart disease and diabetes in humans. Could it do the same for your pet?
— 5 min read
dog peeing positions
Tips & Advice

The Many Poses Dogs Strike to Relieve Themselves

Is it true that all male dogs lift a leg and all females squat to urinate? If you've spent much time around different dogs, you know there are many more variations - or 'signature' ways of peeing. What's the meaning behind each pee position, and why do dogs kick at the ground after pooping?
— 4 min read
saving brachycephalic dogs
Tips & Advice

The Race Against Time to Save 'Flat-Faced' Pets

Is it too late to reverse the damage already done to certain brachycephalic, or 'brachy,' breeds? Organizations in both the UK and US are racing to raise awareness and reduce both the popularity and negative impacts in these threatened breeds, some of which are truly suffering.
— 7 min read
cat-friendly practice program
Tips & Advice

How Veterinarian Practices Are Becoming More Cat-Friendly

Many cats in the US haven't visited a veterinarian in the past year, and it may be because 58% of cat owners say their pets hate going to the vet. As of December 2022, 862 clinics were designated cat-friendly. What secrets are they using to help make even the most hesitant of kitties comfortable?
— 5 min read
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bark & whiskers disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.

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