Tips & Advice from your local Pet Store

There are several different reasons dogs lose water from their body. A few ways this can happen is through panting, urinating, and evaporation through the feet and other body surfaces. Obviously, dogs replenish their fluids by drinking water or other liquids, and also by eating moist foods. Even a relatively small drop in their water content such as four to five percent, could result in signs of dehydration. Maintaining a constant fluid content is as important in dogs as it is for humans.Symptoms:Your dog’s skin will lose elasticity as it loses it’s moisture. Younger, fatter dogs will have more elasticity...

Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, not only for nature but for our pets as well. As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, it's important to take some steps to ensure our furry friends are happy and healthy. Here are some springtime pet care tips to keep in mind: Protect against parasites: Spring is the season when parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes become more active. Make sure your pet is up to date on their flea and tick prevention medication, and consider using a natural mosquito repellent to keep them safe from heartworms. Keep...

Ticks can be bothersome, even dangerous, pests, but you can easily remove them if your pet does pick one up. Removing ticks safely and easily can help keep your pet comfortable and healthy, even if ticks are a nuisance. About Ticks Ticks are eight-legged parasites that bite through the skin and feed on the blood of their host. As a tick feeds, its body will swell dramatically, and one tick may stay on a host 5-14 days until it is fully engorged. Once finished feeding, the tick will naturally drop off. Several species of ticks are common in North America,...

Healthy teeth and gums are essential for all pets, from chewing and eating to grooming, defense and clean breath. With just a few steps, pet owners can keep their pet's mouth healthy and avoid a range of unpleasant and dangerous health issues that result from poor dental care. Know the Signs The first step to proper pet dental care is recognizing problems so any issues can be addressed immediately. Watch your pet for these signs that indicate their teeth or gums are in trouble… Strong, offensive smells on the breath Swollen or discolored gums (pink is normal) Excessive drooling Pawing...

When temperatures drop, we layer up in warm clothes, turn up the furnace, enjoy hot drinks, and take other steps to stay warm and safe. But what about our pets? Practicing good cold weather safety for pets is essential to keep all our furry, scaled, and feathered family members safe and comfortable in winter. How Animals Adapt to Cold Animals have many natural adaptations to cold weather. Our furry friends may grow a thicker winter coat, while many animals will gain weight in autumn to store an insulating layer of fat just under their skin. Some animals slow their metabolism...