Expert guidance on common health issues, symptoms to watch for, preventive care, and when to call the vet.
The #1 overlooked health issue in pets. Daily brushing and professional cleanings.
Learn more →Aging pets need different care. Joint support, cognition, and quality of life.
Learn more →Over 50% of pets are overweight. Help them live longer, healthier lives.
Learn more →Practical, vet-reviewed guides on the health topics owners search for most.
Core and non-core vaccines from puppy shots through senior boosters — with timing and costs.
Read article →Kitten, adult, and senior cat vaccination timelines including indoor-only considerations.
Read article →How to tell them apart, which diseases each transmits, and the right prevention for each.
Read article →Step-by-step response for bleeding, choking, heatstroke, seizures, and other emergencies.
Read article →Home brushing routine, what professional cleanings involve, and how to read warning signs.
Read article →The best medicine is prevention. Regular wellness exams (annual for adults, twice-yearly for seniors) catch problems early when they're most treatable. Your veterinarian will check weight, body condition, dental health, heart and lung function, skin and coat, and more. Routine bloodwork after age 7 helps detect silent diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders before symptoms appear.
Core vaccinations for dogs include rabies, distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus. For cats: rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Additional vaccines depend on lifestyle and geographic risk factors. Discuss with your veterinarian.
By age 3, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of dental disease. Periodontal disease causes pain, tooth loss, and contributes to heart, kidney, and liver disease. Yet dental care remains the most overlooked aspect of pet health.
Brush your pet's teeth daily if possible, using pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste — fluoride is toxic). Dental chews, water additives, and prescription dental diets help. Professional veterinary dental cleanings under anesthesia — typically every 1-3 years — are essential for thorough care.
Some situations require immediate veterinary care, not a next-morning appointment. Call an emergency vet or go directly to an ER if you see:
Dogs are generally considered seniors at 7-8 years (later for small breeds, earlier for giant breeds). Cats are seniors around age 10. Senior pets benefit from twice-yearly veterinary exams, joint supplements, softer bedding, adjusted exercise, and sometimes specialty diets. Watch for cognitive changes (confusion, altered sleep patterns), incontinence, and reduced activity — these are often treatable.
Year-round parasite prevention is essential. Fleas cause skin disease and can transmit tapeworms. Ticks carry Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and other serious infections. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal if untreated. Intestinal worms are common, especially in puppies and kittens. Your veterinarian will recommend a prevention plan based on your pet's lifestyle and local risk factors.
Obesity shortens pet lifespan by an average of 2 years and predisposes to diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Measure food portions precisely, limit treats to 10 percent of daily calories, and provide appropriate exercise. If your pet is overweight, work with your veterinarian on a gradual weight loss plan — rapid weight loss is dangerous, especially in cats.