Pets often serve as the heart of the home, which makes Heartworm Awareness Month an important time to focus on protecting their actual heart health. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, and a simple mosquitobite is all it takes to begin the infection process. Inside the mosquito, microscopic baby worms, called “microfilariae” develop into infectedlarvae. When that mosquito later bites another animal,…
Poison Prevention Month is an important reminder for pet owners to take a closer look at the everyday items that could put dogs and cats at risk. As spring arrives, pets tend to spend more time exploring, family gatherings become more frequent, routines get busier, and the chances of a curious pet getting into something harmful can increase. Even common…
Few things are as frustrating as a pet who won’t eat. As owners, we do our best to provide everything our pets need for a healthy, happy life, and that includes the right diet and feeding regimen tailored to their unique specifications. So, when your pet suddenly turns down dinner, it’s important to uncover the underlying cause before there is any risk to their nutrition or overall wellbeing. When it…
This month, we’re thankful for every four-legged friend who brings joy, companionship, and a whole lot of love into our homes. As we count our blessings, we’re also grateful for every adopter, foster, volunteer, and giver who helps pets find their way home. As we know, adoption is more than just acquiring a pet, it’s offering a second chance and gaining a grateful new friend. Adoption changes two lives: yours AND your pets’. Let’s celebrate the…
As cat owners know, the bond we share with our feline companions is something truly special. It’s also a relationship that spans thousands of years. Historians believe humans and cats first connected nearly 10,000 years ago, when early farmers in regions of modern-day Turkey, Israel, and Egypt welcomed wild cats to their lands to help control rodents and protect valuable…
Rising rates of obesity in dogs and cats can pose serious risks. In fact, it’s estimated that over half of pets in the United States are overweight or obese to some capacity, yet the problem often goes unnoticed by their owners. In this blog, we will explore preventative measures that will help keep your pets fit and healthy. If kept…
Back to school is a time of new adjustments, stricter schedules, and overall less free time. It can be a daunting change for the entire family, including our pets. As kids return to their earlier bedtimes and parents juggle transportation and other obligations that come with school activities, the home becomes generally more chaotic. During this abrupt change of season,…
Many Iowa farm families know the joy of having your four-legged companion as a partner on their property. Whether they’re herding cows, guarding against pests, or simply keeping you company while you work, dogs in particular are often essential members of the farm family. However, the open spaces, unpredictable environments, and potential hazards that come with farm life can also…