Would you be surprised to learn that 50% of the dogs and cats in America are overweight? Worse, these percentages, not to mention waist-sizes, are only going up.

The good news is that this serious health epidemic has more than one solution, and they are all easy to adopt. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah shares her veterinary tips for weight loss, including one which utilizes a simple tool in virtually every kitchen.

Be sure to share this episode of Pet Talk with other pet parents. Sending a video link could be the first step in the process toward a better life for overweight pet kids.

In fact, by employing a couple of Dr. Sarah’s easy-to-master tips, 2014 could be the healthiest year ever for dogs and cats!

My Dear Friends,

If you have read my end of year letters in the past, you know that the holidays, for me, are a time of joy and reflection. A time to celebrate the courage and dedication of our families and friends. To fondly remember loved ones we’ve lost. To find inspiration and hope. To share with those less fortunate than ourselves. So much to be grateful for and so much to hold precious. More...

‘Beaumont (a.k.a. Beau) flourishing under
CARMA’s excellent care.’

This month’s featured grant recipient is Companion Animal Rescue & Medical Assistance Inc. (CARMA), a non-profit organization doing its utmost to alter the destiny of dogs and cats abandoned in New Mexico.

Just over a decade ago, many of the unwanted animals in the rural Albuquerque suburb of Village of Corrales faced almost certain euthanasia. Fortunately, this group of supremely dedicated volunteers came together in 1999, determined to make a big difference in the way abandoned animals are treated. Their efforts have been rewarded, effecting a much broader change, saving innumerable lives every year. More...

Along with the majority of our customers and Field Reps, I consider companion animals as family members. I believe that their diets should be as healthy and delicious as our own, which is why I have dedicated my life to researching the best foods and products for our pet kids. Although there are significant differences in nutritional requirements and taste preferences between dogs and humans, new compelling research published this year suggests that canine diets, and subsequent genetic profiles, evolved in order to cohabitate with humans. More...

Some people just have a knack for attracting the affections of cats. Others, not so much. If you’re in the latter category, you should definitely watch this short episode of Pet Talk, where Dr. Sarah reveals the secrets to ‘cat whispering’. Joined by Alvis, her feline guest-host, our staff veterinarian presents an excellent tutorial for those interested in learning the proper way to pet a cat. Great for children or anyone with limited experience with felines.

Even though the U.S. has seen a dramatic reduction in the annual number of dogs and cats euthanized – rates are one-quarter to one-fifth of those in decades past – an estimated 2.7 million still fail to be adopted every year. Given that 25-40% of rescue dogs are purebred, the need for specific-breed advocacy is vital. Championing the merits of a particular breed not only helps the breed in question, it also boosts the perception of all breeds. This month’s featured grant recipient has made significant inroads towards fighting canine homelessness through their tireless advocacy on behalf of Golden Retrievers. More...

For those of you who enjoy taking your pup to parks or on trails where no leashes are required, off-leash training is an absolute must.

In the latest episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah demonstrates how vocal control can direct your pup’s attention squarely on you, not the oodles of distractions populating the teeming wild. It’s the best way to keep you and your dog connected, even when she’s leash-liberated out in the great wide open.

Additionally, untethered training could prepare you for potentially dangerous, off-leash scenarios. Say, if your dog should ever encounter a wild animal, an ill-tempered dog who’s also off-lead or even a child who might inadvertently provoke aggression on your dog’s part. Just being aware that your dog simply has a bit of bolt in her nature can put you ahead of the game. Not to mention, some people suffer from cynophobia (an abnormal fear of dogs). An overly enthusiastic dog, especially a large breed, could strike fear in unsuspecting hikers who don’t even suffer from this particular phobia. For all of these reasons and more, training your pup to behave while off-lead could prevent events from spinning out of control.

Mastering voice control not only frees your dog literally, it liberates you, too, allowing you to have the same sort of influence as you do in the comfort of your own home. While no guarantee against trouble, teaching your pup to heed your commands is a great way to help ensure the safety of your free-roaming pup.

Moving to a new residence can be a nerve-wracking event for everyone involved. With the average American moving 11-14 times, that’s a lot of trips to ‘Stressville’. Between sorting through your possessions, packing up boxes, traveling to the new location, switching utilities and all of the other steps that go into a move, it’s easy to become frazzled at the mere prospect of all that work. Coordinating all of these elements can prove challenging even for folks with a knack for organization. More...

Nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have been sickened in an outbreak of illnesses tied to contaminated jerky treats made in China, federal animal health officials said in an October 22nd statement. The epidemic is so severe that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is turning to vets and pet parents across the nation for help. More...

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.

We encourage you to watch our Staff Veterinarian’s overview on canine influenza. In mere minutes, you’ll learn what a flu diagnosis means for your pup, how you can prevent onset of the illness and what steps you can take to help an infected canine recover as soon as possible. Watch this month’s Pet Talk episode now …