Seasonal

Should you get a dog, puppy, or other kind of pet as a gift? Read the article to learn about the many reasons why it may be best to allow the person to get their own pet instead.… Read More

Most of us know that almost all dogs like to swim… particularly retrievers and other sporting dogs. However, regardless of your dog’s breed or mix of breeds, it’s very important that your pet be taught how to swim, rather than … Read More

When spring is in the air, most people’s schedules and lifestyles change quite a bit. More time is spent outdoors, kids start to have more after school activities, and visitors come into your yard more frequently. Just as these and … Read More

As spring warms the soil, our lawns, flowers, trees and bushes begin growing. It is at this time of year that many people work on sprucing things up to make their property look pretty. However, many dogs and puppies seem … Read More

Some might say that summer is a season of strange noises. With fireworks frequently fired on Memorial and Independence Days, and thunder that often accompanies storms, many dogs find these strange sounds difficult to deal with. Whether your dog barks, … Read More

Unless you have a “hypoallergenic” dog (one with hair instead of fur), chances are that, particularly when spring comes along, your pet is beginning to shed his winter coat and will be trading it in for a somewhat thinner summer … Read More

Years ago, when I bought my first home in NY, my family and I excitedly settled in to our first night in our new home. Needless to say, it had been an exhausting day complete with lifting, carrying, setting up, … Read More

Most people will agree that even if you have a “significant other,” Valentine’s Day is a time for showing all the important people in your life some love and appreciation, and our pets are no exception! (Yes, I did just … Read More

With all the holiday festivities during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, it’s important to remember your pet when you do your holiday shopping. Not only will your dog enjoy a nice new toy or two from Santa on Christmas morning, … Read More

“Ahh… the Christmas tree… a giant stick! And it even has balls hanging on it! It’s the dog toy of my dreams!” This is likely how your puppy or young dog views this central holiday decoration that graces your home. … Read More

It’s the first week of October and as the air begins to cool also comes the reality that there are many holidays coming just around the corner. And holidays mean candy in bowls, food on counters, doors opening, guests arriving, … Read More

After a lifetime of being self-employed, I’ve gotten used to the seasonal fluctuations of owning a business, many of which are completely unforeseeable even after all this time. However, there are some things that are always predictable, and one of … Read More

Halloween can be a fun time of year. With all sorts of fall festivals, costumes, trick-or-treating, and candy, most households, both with and without children, will join in the festivities to some extent. While this can be a fun time … Read More

When the weather starts getting cold, I often start receiving calls and emails from folks wanting to know how to get their “outside dog” to behave inside. Some people say that they had been doing their dog a favor by … Read More

With holiday festivities coming to a close and a new year beginning, this is a very common time of year to set new goals and resolve to accomplish them. With cooler temperatures outdoors, no big events on the horizon, and … Read More

When the lazy days of summer begin to come to an end, many people’s schedules undergo big changes. While temperatures may still be a little bit summery, many people’s schedules will not. For many teachers, students and parents, the beginning … Read More

In most parts of the country, when summer sets in, there is no question as to what the weather will be each day. Undoubtedly it will be hot! For dogs, whose normal body temperatures are warmer than that of humans, … Read More

Just as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are a concern for humans, they are also an issue for our pets. Not only are they annoying, but they can pose a serious health hazard through the diseases they may transmit. Of course, … Read More

Spring and summer are times of year that can be difficult for some pets and their owners. While most dogs are fine with thunderstorms, others are downright traumatized. With symptoms ranging from barking when they hear a thunderclap, to severe … Read More

Spring is here! Birds are chirping, squirrels are scampering and flowers are sprouting. It is at this time of year that many people feel it would be a shame for their dog to spend the day indoors while the family … Read More

Whether you have a dog or a cat, bird, fish or hamster, there are many joys our pets can bring throughout the year. Just as grandparents can enjoy the wonders of youth through their grandchildren, so can we all enjoy … Read More

It’s that time of year again. Holiday festivities are coming to an end and with the start of a new calendar year, there is a feeling of fresh beginnings. With cooler temperatures outdoors, no big events on the horizon, and … Read More

It’s the time of year when many people begin decorating their homes for the Christmas season. But some of the festive decorations we enjoy can be dangerous for pets, especially in households that have mischievous puppies or rambunctious adult dogs. … Read More

Without a doubt, dogs love bones. Chewing is very important to dogs, because it helps keep their teeth clean, their gums healthy and gives them something to do. Most pet owners like to give their dogs bones for these reasons, … Read More

How do you serve your appetizers when company visits? Do you put your cheese and crackers right on the coffee table, at dog eye level? Or is that something you would not do because it would be a free-for-all for … Read More

Halloween can be a fun time of year for kids, adults, and even our pets. But just as we take safety measures with our children, it’s also important to do the same with our dogs and cats. Keep in mind … Read More

Autumn is a great season to train your dog or puppy. With the cooler weather, there’s less worry about heat exhaustion, and there are plenty of sights, sounds and smells for you and your dog to experience. Obedience training is … Read More

With all of the suffering that has gone on during this year’s hurricane season, it should be a wakeup call to anyone who doesn’t have an emergency plan for themselves, their children, and their pets. One thing that has been … Read More

As pet lovers, one thing I’m sure has been on all of our minds, is the heartbreak and tragedy befalling the pets of Hurricane Katrina victims. Perhaps like me, you’ve tried to imagine what it would be like to be … Read More

As the beginning of the school calendar draws near, many people’s schedules change. Those who work in schools, as well as parents, students and others, will have a much different schedule than during the lazy days of summer. Other times … Read More

When temperatures start to really rise, even the most mild mannered people can get a little testy… and likewise for our dogs! This is a time when parents need to take extra measures of precaution to protect both children and … Read More

As Independence Day approaches, many pet owners become concerned about their dog or puppy’s reaction to fireworks. While some pets may be completely unaffected, others can become downright traumatized! By understanding how dogs think and working on some simple training … Read More

As you make your travel plans, they may very well include your dog or puppy. Planning in advance and bringing along some needed items can help make things go much more smoothly for you, your pet, and your host. For … Read More

When summer or other time off draws nearer, there is a certain scent of promise in the air… only a few more weeks till school’s out! These are times of year when many teachers and other school personnel may start … Read More

Whether in a lake, the ocean, or a plastic baby pool, lots of pet owners like to include their dog in their fun summer activities. Some breeds are more inclined to enjoy the water than others. However, no matter what … Read More

While some dogs will dig at any time of year, digging is a problem which typically becomes more prevalent in warmer weather and/or during rainy seasons. With many smells beneath the surface, temptations of scampering squirrels and chirping birds, and … Read More

Springtime in particular is a time of year when mud becomes an issue for many homes with dogs. Not only does the rain cause mud, but for our pets there are many new smells to explore on the ground. More … Read More

There are a few times of year when many people consider getting a new pet. One of those times is holiday season, and the other is summertime. However, there are many factors to consider when getting a dog, and making … Read More

Starting an exercise program is a great thing to do…. and who better to go walking or jogging with than your dog? However, many pet owners find that initially, bringing their dog along was not as fun as they expected! … Read More

As outdoor temperatures become cool, owners of pets that live outdoors need to be extra concerned. Cold weather can seem very harsh to your pet, and most of our domesticated dogs are simply not cut out to live outdoors. All … Read More