If you have ever tried to leave your house only to have your dog leaping at the opportunity to escape, then you may be wondering how to stop this behavior. You probably know that chasing your pup isn't the best solution ... but what should you do if your companion does sneak out? This common issue is better known as ‘door darting’ and it can make any pet parent feel discouraged, especially if you've got a repeat offender. Unfortunately, if your dog does successfully fly the coop, multiple safety issues can also arise.

The good news is that Dr. Sarah offers effective tips for addressing this problem in this episode of Pet Talk. Her step-by-step guidance will also teach you some commands to use so you can safely keep your companion inside despite any tempting doors being opened.

The great thing about cats is that they are superb at being independent and social companions. Most cats enjoy spending time outside playing with other felines. As a pet parent, it is very important that you are aware of some possible dangers associated with having your cat freely roaming outdoors. Since the 1960’s, Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) have been spreading amongst the feline population worldwide. While these two diseases are preventable, they are contagious and potentially fatal if they are not detected early enough. The good news is that vaccines are available to decrease the chances that your feline will catch FeLV or FIV. More...

Few words evoke as much spontaneous glee as ‘my new puppy’. But, it’s also true that some might react with mild dread at the mere thought of the work involved in adopting a new pup. Fortunately, Dr. Sarah is ready to share the fruits of her personal experience and veterinary wisdom, all to help viewers ensure a smooth transition into the wonderful world of puppydom.

In the latest episode of Pet Talk, our puppy-loving doctor is joined by a very special co-host – Sarge. While technically not a sergeant (or even a human), Sarge is qualified to assist in this department, as he is a full-time puppy. With Sarge’s help, Dr. Sarah will reveal how, with just a little bit of prep work, you and your newest family member will be getting down to the business of bonding and creating adorable memories.

From tips on what you’ll need to buy before bringing your puppy home, to how to safely puppy-proof your home, to ideas for communicating effectively with your pup, to dietary considerations and so much more, Sarah and Sarge will demonstrate what you need to know in order to put your best paw forward.

From all of us here at Life’s Abundance, we send our heartfelt wishes for a long, healthy and happy relationship with your new canine companion.

To kick off the New Year and the launch of our Large Breed Puppy Food, we’re celebrating everything puppy. If you’re a new pet parent or are simply thinking about adopting a new puppy, we offer the following collection of frequently asked questions about puppies, along with Dr. Jane’s insightful responses.

My puppy often has the hiccups. Is this something I should be concerned about?

For a puppy, hiccups are generally not cause for alarm. Puppy hiccups are usually a harmless, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. Hiccups are experienced by all breeds and sizes, with episodes typically lasting less than a few minutes. Some unborn pups even hiccup inside their mother's womb! While hiccups are harmless, when accompanied by regurgitation, or the sudden discharge of undigested food or water, especially without much provocation, is worrisome. If your pup vomits, especially repeatedly, a veterinary exam is very much in order. More...

During the holidays many of us are swept up in a whirlwind of activities including trimming trees, opening presents and spending time with friends and loved ones. Once the twinkly lights are extinguished, the gifts are distributed and the kids go to sleep with full bellies and warm hearts, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year that’s passed and make resolutions for the upcoming year.

As I look back on 2012, I feel the need to reiterate how truly honored and grateful I feel to be a part of a company devoted to the health and well-being of companion animals. Our products speak for themselves but they all include one important ingredient you won’t find on the label – heart. From our customer service agents to our management team to our dedicated Field Representatives, everyone here at Life’s Abundance plays a part in fulfilling our mission … to help dogs and cats lead longer, healthier and happier lives. More...

Gathering your family together for a delicious, festive feast is a holiday tradition. And, while you don’t have to completely exclude your pets from the celebration, you do need to watch out for the seemingly harmless holiday fixtures that could wreak havoc on their health. In this month’s informative episode of Pet Talk, our staff veterinarian Dr. Sarah sheds light on the things pet parents shouldn’t put under the Christmas tree. From errant table scraps, to cookies left out for Santa, to the delightful treats made for friends and family, if your dog or cat eats any of these, you could land on your vet's “naughty list”. The last thing you want to do this holiday season is forego eggnog and caroling in favor of urgent medical care for an ailing animal companion. So, watch this special yuletide message and enjoy the spirit of the season, responsibly! From all of us at Life's Abundance, we wish you a merry - and safe - holiday season!

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.

Not all of us are able to get to our professional groomer every time we really need to, so this episode of Pet Talk is all about techniques to wash your dog’s coat at home … in between regular groomer visits.

With help from her beautiful, blond assistant, Alma, Dr. Sarah offers a quick overview of the basics of home bathing, to leave your dog’s coat lustrous, clean and smelling spectacular.

Bathing At Home (41,889,792 bytes)

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.

Not all of us are able to get to our professional groomer every time we really need to, so this episode of Pet Talk is all about techniques to wash your dog’s coat at home … in between regular groomer visits.

With help from her beautiful, blond assistant, Alma, Dr. Sarah offers a quick overview of the basics of home bathing, to leave your dog’s coat lustrous, clean and smelling spectacular.

Bathing At Home (41,889,792 bytes)

The inclusion of animals in medical settings is nothing new – in fact, dogs and other animals have been visiting hospitals and other medical care facilities for over 150 years. The benefits of using therapy dogs in facilities where comfort and affection may be in short supply have become strikingly evident in recent years – and the need for these canine volunteers has grown exponentially. In fact, many people have asked me what character traits make for a good therapy dog. Since it’s a wonderful way to help someone in need, I’m glad to use this forum to discuss what makes a good therapy dog and give you an introduction to getting your dog started in this most noble of vocations. More...

“Oh the weather outside is frightful” … so be careful out there! Winter will soon wrap her cold, sleety arms around much of the country. We want to remind everybody to take special precautions to keep their fur kids safe and healthy. In this episode of Pet Talk, staff veterinarian Dr. Sarah devotes time to the crucial topic of cold-weather safety. And that goes double for those of you with a puppy romping around in that wintry mix.

Yes, even though spring and summer are prime periods for bringing a new pup into the family fold, there is a corps of dedicated pet parents who believe the holiday season is the perfect time to adopt a new dog. What better way to celebrate the season of giving and caring than by embracing the responsibility of a new companion animal, right?

We’re pleased to report that Dr. Sarah has some seriously helpful tips for all of our readers, new and established pet parents alike. We’re covering some new territory on outdoor safety, as well as reissuing some practical tips from a couple of seasons ago … it’s our version of the best-of-the-best info for winter pet care, with a dash of old-school puppy safety thrown in for good measure. Hopefully, this brief video will put your mind at ease, demonstrating just how simple it is to keep wee pups, and old dogs, safe throughout the chilly winter.