Sit and Stay

Flea season is in full swing.  I never fully appreciated just how miserable fleas must make our dogs and cats feel until I too suffered the full effects of infestation. I was just about to start my residency program and had moved into a rental apartment. For the first few days I noticed a few red spots [...]

“Flea control”, now there are two words that have caused a lot of fervor the last few months. Some products, previously only available through veterinary offices, can now be bought over the counter, without a prescription. Is this good news for Pets, good news for Pet parents or good news for fleas? Unfortunately, answering these [...]

With the slow start we had to our spring in Portland, I spend the warm days as wisely as possible. Often, they lend themselves to a trip to the dog park with a friend or two. Not one to go unprepared—especially when it comes to my dog, Emerson—I bring a collection of essentials, such as [...]

I have always loved cats immensely, and I spent my childhood trying to tame every stray, barn cat and kitten I could find – I have the scratches and scars to prove it!    I also have vivid memories of my dad shooing my cats out of the house with a kitchen broom.  The cats were [...]

Emerson

I am convinced that my Lhasa Apso, Emerson, feels better when he is well-groomed. True, I sometimes endure some criticism from family and friends about the fact that his tiny doggie toothbrush is next to mine in the bathroom, but it helps me remember to brush his teeth on a regular basis. While he may [...]

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Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control based out of Minneapolis, looked into the EPA’s investigation of spot-on flea/tick preventive products. After compiling, reviewing and analyzing much of the data provided to the EPA, Pet Poison Helpline experts concur with the EPA’s assessment that when used correctly, the incidence of severe [...]

Emerson

In the summer, it’s amazing how many opportunities exist to socialize my 3-year-old Lhasa Apso, Emerson. Granted, I live in the particularly dog-friendly town of Portland, Ore. That said, it seems that as the weather warms up, dogs accompany their owners on more and more activities—sometimes even to the grocery store (though it’s not always [...]

The magic and mystery, the sheer pleasure and joy that cats bring to our lives are no surprise to those of us that have chosen to cohabit with them.  As cat people we love them unconditionally; from clipping their nails, cleaning up their hairballs, to daily litter box scooping, and allowing them to sleep on [...]

Banfield’s research team found that fleas are one of the most common external parasites affecting dogs and cats. This is nothing to overlook—especially because fleas can lead to other, serious medical problems, such as flea bite allergies, skin and systemic infections and even anemia. Furthermore, the thought of fleas (or any external parasite) on my [...]

For the entire month of April, you can support the Banfield Charitable Trust’s Pet Peace of Mind program by voting for ’Help Hospice Patients Keep their Pets’ in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. The Pet Peace of Mind program provides non-profit hospice programs with resources and funding to help hospice patients care for their Pets during [...]