Where Did Dogs Come From?

Gray wolf — ancestor of domestic dogs

Have you ever wondered exactly when and how humans domesticated canines?   The origin of the dog is a continual mystery, but (suggested) fossil evidence for domestication dates back as far as 36,000 years, based on ancient DNA analysis. One Great Step for Man One of the most important transitions in human history was the domestication of…

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Pet Dental Care

Veterinary care - Pet Dental Care

Q: Can you clean a dog or cat’s teeth adequately, without anesthesia? Q: If a tooth is broken, does it have to be removed? Q: Can you stop bad breath in dogs? Q: Which is safer: rawhides, compressed vegetable chew treats, synthetic bones, cooked bones, raw bones, or none of the above? Q: Why do…

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Doggy Day Care – What to Know, Before You Go

Two dogs playing together in a fenced doggy day care yard

Dog parks and day care facilities are great places for your pet to socialize, get some exercise and overcome separation anxiety.  However, they are also a great place for your dog to catch an illness that could be very harmful or fatal.  To create a relatively carefree event, and prevent illness in your dog, you…

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Keep Socializing Your Dog

Bernese mountain dog and a smaller dog greeting each other on a grassy lawn

The current quarantine issue is weighing just as heavily on your pet as it is on you. It’s common knowledge that chaining a dog in the backyard, with no promise of freedom, will make it aggressive. The same goes for just keeping your dog indoors all day, every day. Like you become irritable, your dog…

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Deciduous Teeth – Pet Dental Care

Playful calico kitten held in a person's hands, mouth open

What Are Deciduous Teeth? Deciduous teeth—commonly called baby teeth or milk teeth—are the first set of teeth that puppies and kittens develop. In people, it’s common practice to pull out baby teeth when they become loose. However, dogs and cats don’t naturally lose all their baby teeth on their own schedule, and retained deciduous teeth…

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Your Pet’s Teeth – What you see is NOT always what you get.

Close-up of a dog's teeth and gums with the lip lifted for a dental check

You’ve been paying close attention and your pet’s teeth are looking shiny, but having a professional dental checkup is still very important. There can be problems under the surface that can only be seen with an X-ray. Under the Enamel: Tooth Anatomy 101 A pet’s tooth is made up of distinct layers, each with an…

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Boarding Your Pet? Think of this…

Smiling yellow Labrador retriever lying on a red cushion inside a wire dog crate

Choosing to board your pet is a big decision—and preparation makes all the difference. One often overlooked detail is air quality. Look for boarding facilities that use a MERV 9 filter or higher in their HVAC systems. These high-efficiency filters capture airborne pathogens, dander, and dust, significantly reducing the spread of respiratory illness between animals…

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Intestinal Issues in Cats

Cats can experience a wide range of gastrointestinal problems. Common symptoms include: prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia or abdominal pain, constipation, dull coat, weight loss, or excessive thirst. Intestinal issues are among the most frequently seen health concerns in cats across all life stages. While an occasional upset stomach may be nothing to worry about, recurring…

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Why do cats purr?

Fluffy gray cat sleeping peacefully on a soft white blanket

You cat’s purring may NOT actually be what you think it is. Purring is a self-soothing mechanism. Therefore, cats may purr because they love you, or because they are stressed. The Science Behind the Purr Most people assume a purring cat is a happy cat—and often, they’re right. But the reality is more nuanced and…

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