Halloween Pet Safety

English bulldog and a pumpkinIt’s that time of year again to get your family and pet ready for a night of costumed fun. Trick-or-treating can be incredibly enjoyable and exciting, but it can also be an extremely stressful and potentially dangerous time of for your pet.

Not only does your pet have access to a number of toxic foods, but your furry friend also faces risks of injury from the costume you have chosen for him or her, as well as the decorations in the house and yard. Help keep your pet safe this Halloween and free from any scary emergency situations by following some simple advice for the night of tricks and treats. Continue…

Kids & Pet Safety

iStock_000034391390_MediumWe are so lucky to start each day with our pets. The cold, wet nose on the palm before the alarm goes off, the incessant meowing before the food hits the bowl, the woofing coming from the backyard when the paper hits the front porch… We adore our pets’ consistent, everyday behaviors – perhaps because they reflect our own human ways. But where did our affinity for animals come from?

You may have heard that special little squeal or giggle that result from the very first touch of a whisker or floppy ear. Pet owners and families delight in the fact that babies are captivated by animals. The scores of stuffed animals that arrive for each birthday or holiday may perpetuate that fascination or the stories about animal characters kids naturally identify with. Continue…

Fall Yard Clean-Up & Pet Safety

young Australian shepherd playing with leavesAs we round out yet another dry, hot summer here in San Antonio we’ve begun to notice certain changes in our neighborhoods. Folks are out in their yards and garages getting ready for the shifts in temperature our fickle seasons provide.

In your preparations for the coming months please consider your pet. Keep him or her inside and away from the action as you clear away refuse, plant your spring bulbs, fertilize your yard, and prepare your vehicle for the colder months ahead.

Rule of Thumb for Your Green Thumb

Many pet parents are painfully aware that their pups like to dig. However, if he gets his paws and jaws on certain flower bulbs he will be in a world of hurt. Continue…

Fourth of July Pet Safety

Field of Flags at Kennesaw Mountain 9-11 AnniversaryWhether you are headed out and about to enjoy Fourth of July festivities or planning on staying home and inviting friends over to celebrate, it is important to consider your pet’s safety. The Fourth of July can be a terrifying day for pets. The loud noises, crazy crowds, and even the abundance of people food, can cause your pet to feel overwhelmed and exhibit signs of fear ranging from hiding to aggression.

As a responsible pet owner it’s best to plan ahead for your pet’s well-being. Keep these Fourth of July pet safety tips in mind as you gear up for the big day… Continue…

Pet Travel Safety

iStock_000016700754_SmallWith summer under way, many of you are looking forward to your summer vacation. But when the open road calls to both you and your pet, there are a few extra steps that should be taken. Keep these pet travel safety tips in mind, both as you pack and as you travel, to help ensure that you and your pet have the vacation you both deserve.

ID Tags and Microchips

When preparing your pet for a family vacation you’ll want to make sure he or she is wearing a collar, equipped with proper ID tags. However, collars can and do come off. Because of this, we also advise that you have your pet microchipped (if he or she isn’t already), and that you double check that the chip is both activated and updated with your Continue…