Posts in Category: You & Your Pet

As Kermit once lamented, “It’s not easy being green.” Many of us drive cars, collect plastic bags by the thousands, and occasionally don’t scoop the poop (cringe). However, being an eco-friendly pet owner can be a lot easier by making a few simple choices. Continue…

It seems dog parks, community parks, and sidewalks can be dangerously rife with dog poo. We have to shake our heads and wonder why some owners just can’t seem to scoop the poop. Aside from the disgusting experience of stepping in a fresh pile, there are numerous health reasons for cleaning up after our pets.

Health Reasons for Cleaning Up Pet Waste

Although the task is a stinky one, cleaning up after a pet is a necessary part of being a responsible pet owner. It also helps minimize the spread of illnesses and parasites, some of which can be transmitted to humans as well (i.e., zoonotic). Continue…

We don’t always rely on our pets to judge others, but if your pet reacts strongly to a new person in your life, is it possible he or she is keyed into something to which you’re oblivious?

Like a barometer measures atmospheric pressure, your pet could potentially assess compatibility, determine your level of risk, and even weigh his or her own place in a potential love triangle. Is your pet a good judge of character? Let’s find out… Continue…

Heart-shaped treats have a tremendous power to make us feel loved, but the idea that special treats equal devotion can have terrible consequences. This is especially true for your four-legged friend, who doesn’t need yummy, indulgent treats to know how much you care. Instead, the occasional healthy snack is a wonderful alternative, and it begs the question: how else can you show your pet love? Continue…

For owners who love to run, jog, hike, and enjoy outdoor activities, allowing their dog to walk off-leash makes good sense. These activities keep your energetic dog moving while also providing opportunities for sniffing, exploring, and running free.

However, off-leash roaming is a big responsibility for any dog owner. Training and practice must be provided to ensure the safety of the dog and other humans and animals. Continue…

If you’ve been to a specialty pet store, you’ve probably seen the aisles of adorable pet clothing. There’s so much variety in design, fabric, and color that you may start to wonder: should your pet wear clothes?

This is surely a modern conundrum, as animals have survived the elements long before we domesticated them and became best friends. However, with the right combination of comfort and utility (along with your pet’s acceptance), pet clothing can turn a windy afternoon walk into a full-fledged giddy-up and go. Continue…

Although some of us live in the country with acres of land for a pet to roam, the reality is that most people live in urban or suburban areas. With an estimated 37-47 percent of all U.S. households owning a dog and 30-37 percent having a cat, we can assume that many pets are city pets.

For urban pet owners, dealing with traffic, dog park safety, and municipal laws is a large part of being a responsible owner. Understanding the misconceptions of city pet ownership will also ensure the health and safety of your pet. Continue…

It’s almost contradictory that a season replete with joy, family time, and indulgences is also rife with dangers. While it can be exciting to get swept away in all the festivities, lights, and gingerbread house contests, it’s important to remain in tune with your four-legged friend to best protect him or her from illness or holiday-related calamity. Plus, your pet may be wondering when you plan to slow down a bit for a nice lasting cuddle or some other version of quality time, say, a long walk or laser chase.

In response, we’ve prepared the following guidelines for your pet and the holidays so you can close out this year in safety and peace. Continue…

Finally, the temperatures have lowered in the last month and continue to move back into the pleasant outdoor climate that makes San Antonio a great place to live. South central Texas offers a lot of fun activities with pets in the fall. Hiking, biking, parks and parties, the fall season really is a nice mix of seasonal activities for you and your furry friends. Here are some ideas to keep you and your favorite animal moving well into winter. Continue…

We are all too familiar with that singular moment of disbelief when – for the first time – a pet starts to show signs of getting older. Since when did Fido shrug off a walk along the river? Was Fluffy’s face that grey (or white) just yesterday? While changes can certainly occur overnight, it’s more common for distinct age-related symptoms to surface over a period of time. Plus, many pets are hardwired to mask illness, keeping you in the dark as long as possible. Continue…