The occurrence of canine influenza is all-too-common these days. In what began with a viral infection in just eight dogs in one location less than a decade ago, the contagious disease has spread to more than half of the states across America. That’s why Dr. Sarah has dedicated this episode of Pet Talk to all of the pet parents who are dealing with this particular health challenge. The disease leads to symptoms similar to the flu in humans, including coughing, fever, malaise, loss of appetite, nasal discharge and possibly even pneumonia. Sadly, some dogs can experience permanent damage to their lungs, which is why awareness of the illness is paramount.

While boarding facilities are a great option for many people, some pet parents feel more comfortable hiring a pet sitter to stay home and care for their pet while they are away. Pet sitters and pet parents can make for a winning combination in companion animal care, but the secrets to this relationship are preparation and communication. If you are planning on hiring a pet sitter, here are some tips that help ensure a seamless experience:

In the 20th century, Americans were encouraged to guard against an ever-present Communist menace, even to go so far as to build underground fortifications to protect against an onslaught of nuclear weapons. Modern-day preppers face a much bigger adversary – Mother Nature. With brutal winters, tornadic springs, fiery summers and a hurricane season that lasts for months, calamity seems ubiquitous in the news. Before adversity strikes in your neighborhood, watch this episode of Pet Talk where Dr. Sarah offers her insights for how to avoid pandemonium in the wake of turmoil. Take this opportunity now to learn how to get your house in order, with helpful tips from our good doctor.

It’s an unfortunate fact that our dogs and cats become sick and sustain injuries. And sometimes, getting to a vet quickly isn’t an option. Isn’t it comforting to know that you might be able to help simply by using items found in just about every home? Benefit from Dr. Sarah’s expertise as an emergency veterinary doctor, and watch this month’s episode of Pet Talk. You too can become a ‘Medical MacGyver’! Hopefully, you’ll learn something new that’ll help a companion animal in need until you can get to the vet.

People often ask me if cats can get asthma. Unfortunately, the answer is a definite, “Yes”. The signs of feline asthma can come on quite suddenly and can constitute a medical emergency, so let’s review this condition in some detail.

No matter how much we adore our companion animals, there’s no denying that they come with responsibilities. Keeping your dog’s coat clean not only helps to support skin health, a luxurious, odor-free coat can actually improve your quality of life, too.

Could that growth on my dog’s back be a mast cell tumor? Is that cough really kennel cough, or perhaps something even worse? My pet is drinking more water – what does that mean? If you have ever gone online to try and diagnose what is wrong with your dog or cat, you have plenty of company.

At Life’s Abundance, we are dedicated to the health of companion animals, especially when it comes to the safety of their food. Every serving is protected by strict quality control measures. Our foods are produced in small batches to ensure the freshness of the products delivered conveniently to your doorstep. We also maintain long-term relationships with our suppliers, who help us to ensure that only quality ingredients are used. Since we opened for business in 1999, we have always been committed to safety and this continues to be one of our primary objectives. Given recent competitor recalls, we think it's important to remind our consumers that every effort is made to preserve the well-being of their pet kids.

Ever wonder why ear infections and skin allergies are the most common reasons pets are taken in to the veterinarian?