Sit and Stay

Have you ever stopped to consider how many treats, snacks and extra calories you give to your Pet?  We all know that overweight and obesity are increasing in humans, and the same is true for our Pet cats and dogs.  We should be worried because obesity has serious health risks and can shorten lives.  There [...]

I have always felt fortunate to live within seven minutes of Portland, Ore.’s DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, a nonprofit emergency animal hospital in Portland specializing in emergency and critical care medicine. While I hoped I would never have to go, the need arose around midnight on Saturday, July 3, when Emerson woke me up. He [...]

With summer well underway in most of the country and finally starting here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s a good time to review a few of the summer dangers faced by our Pets. Luckily all of these dangers can be prevented with some forethought.
Probably the number one danger for most Pets is the heat. Almost [...]

Emerson

Emerson and I relish any opportunity to get out of the house for some fresh air. He enjoys his daily walks, but the Fourth of July holiday gives us the opportunity for extra time together, which usually means we take a small road trip.  Because I live within driving distance of the beach, and Emerson [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]