Did you know that when you make simple changes to enrich your cat's life you reap the benefits as well? From eliminating outside the litter box to aggression, even inappropriate scratching, these and other behavioral disorders of indoor cats can be treated simply by making improvements to your cat's environment. In this month's episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah shares her surprisingly simple tips that you can implement at home, all to help your feline feel purringly content. Which makes everyone in the home a little bit happier.

Don’t forget to share this webisode with other pet parents!

With advances in veterinary medicine in the past 30 years, we now have more tools than ever before to treat disease. As a consequence, dogs and cats are living longer, which means plenty of visits to the vet’s office.

As long as there are no major medical issues to contend with – just wellness checks and treatments for the occasional injury or illness – there’s a pretty low level risk of tension between a vet and a pet parent. But when things go badly, such as with a terminal diagnosis, that risk can escalate dramatically. Pet parents can often be so uncomfortable thinking about end-of-life care, much less talking it through, that they become defensive when discussing treatments for a terminally ill companion animal.More...

Recently, I read an article about dogs and cats that are considered “less adoptable” due to their age, breed or traits. This item was written in connection with Petfinder's “Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet-Week”, which is celebrated the last week of September. I was surprised to find out that black cats are still considered less adoptable mainly due to superstition; hard to believe considering it’s 2014. My husband and I have shared our home with a black cat for 15 years. Lucky Boy is not only handsome with his dark fur and big green eyes, but he’s funny and playful … a complete joy. So it occurred to me that our readers have had similar positive experiences with their supposed “less adoptable” companion animals. By sharing our stories, together we can help increase the adoption rates of less fortunate animals and encourage more families to experience the delight of sharing their lives with pets that may not be considered perfect but have so much love and appreciation to give.More...

Many pet parents are unaware that their canine companions have expertly turned them into unsuspecting human vending machines: one poke of the paw delivers a delicious treat or a toy. If you've ever been scratched by a rambunctious canine pawing to get your attention, then you know just how much of a pain pawing behavior can be … literally!

Why do dogs paw, and more importantly, how can you get them to stop? In the latest episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah reviews possible rationales behind your dog's pawing, as well as tips on how to cease and desist this irksome behavior. Watch this short but instructive video now to help your dog learn proper paw manners. And don't forget to share this webisode with other pet parents!

What do you think are the most common pet poisonings? Rat poison? Insecticides? The Pet Poison Hotline publishes a list of most common poisonings reported in dogs and cats - many of these items are non-toxic to humans but can be deadly to fur babies. In this month’s post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the dangers lurking in your home and how to best to protect your pet kids. More...

It is our great pleasure to announce one of the latest recipients of financial aid awarded by Dr. Jane’s Foundation. This month’s featured beneficiary is a committed group of rescuers wholly dedicated to improving the lives of abandoned, abused and neglected animals in West Virginia.

Based in Union, WV, Monroe County Animal League is comprised of caring foster parents. In operation since 1990, the small but committed non-profit group is staffed solely by volunteers. Without governmental financial assistance, they rely heavily on their modest membership fees, bake sales, auctions, as well as the donations of good Samaritans for their day-to-day operations. More...

It’s the height of summer, which means that mountain trails, bucolic meadows and forested thickets are beckoning your dog to romp and explore. This impulse may be at odds with concerns about new research on Lyme disease, which may have you more inclined to restrict your canine companion’s activities to the Great Indoors. Before you put the kibosh on outdoor fun, make sure you know all the facts about canine Lyme disease. More...

In the latest episode of Pet Talk, we’re wading hip deep in watery fun as Dr. Sarah dives into the subject of canine swimming safety. Regardless of the venue – poolside, lake or beach - you won’t want to miss these important, helpful tips.

Find out what breeds are especially suited to swimming, what to do if you’re dog isn’t an accomplished swimmer, and the potential dangers of swimming at a new location. And, our staff veterinarian warns what to look out for when your pup has had a bit too much fun in the sun. All that and more in the most recent installment of our ongoing web series created to improve the wellbeing of your companion animals.

Take the plunge and share this fun, informative video with fellow pet parents using the ‘email’ link below.

It gives us immense delight to announce yet another financial award given by Dr. Jane’s Foundation, this time to Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest. The mission of the Oregon-headquartered rescue is to find responsible, loving homes for Greyhounds who no longer participate in dog racing or who are simply in need of a good home. More...

With summer fully upon us, many of us are spending more time outdoors. Some of us may even be entertaining thoughts of beginning a new exercise routine.

The unspoken rule is don’t set yourself up to fail. Having a partner for your new endeavors can make a huge difference … but it has to be the right partner. The proposition to just beg off, to postpone until tomorrow, or ‘nah, let’s just go for a coffee instead’ – these statements are murder on any good intentions you may have towards making any real progress.

On the other hand, having a dedicated collaborator for these new activities can go a long way towards your long-term success. Especially if your exercise partner is someone who won’t ask you to procrastinate. How many of your friends could make that claim … that they’ll never, ever be negative and will always go with you, no matter the time of day? Probably not too many. Which is exactly why Dr. Sarah thinks someone already living in your home – namely, your canine companion – could make for one ‘Grade A’ exercise partner.

If you’re serious about getting healthy, don’t miss Dr. Sarah’s six vital steps for starting and maintaining an exercise routine with your dog.

Watch the latest episode of Pet Talk now, and check back next month for another brand new show.