Author: Sarah Lazzari

Jump to section 4 Reasons Dogs Tilt Their Heads Why Do Puppies Tilt Their Heads? When Is Head Tilting Considered a Concern? FAQs About Dog Head Tilting

Ticks are most active during the warmer months, typically from April to September, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Colder states that start to see freezing temperatures in the fall and experience them until early spring have a lower risk of tick infestations during the months of December and January. However, in milder regions (like the southern states or on the west coast), ticks can be found any time of year, says Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM, a veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet, in Fresno, CA. In fact, according to the CDC, certain species of adult ticks, such as deer ticks, may be out searching for a host any time winter temperatures are above freezing. While we’re offering some guidelines on tick season below (per the CDC and our vet experts Dr. Hsia and Dr. Raymond Spragley, DVM, CCRT, CVA, an integrative veterinarian at Zen Dog Veterinary Care in Tuckahoe, NY), it’s best to always be on guard and protect your pet from ticks year-round—no matter your location. The bottom line is, if you’re spending time outdoors, be aware that ticks could be present.,Jump to section When Is Tick Season in Your State? What Are the Most Common Ticks in the US? And Where Are They? My Pet Has a Tick—What Do I Do? How To Protect Your Dog Against Ticks How To Protect Your Cat Against Ticks How To Protect Your Home Against Ticks FAQs About Tick Season

It’s no laughing matter when your dog ingests something they shouldn’t, and when they’re sick it can ruin the joy of the holiday season. So, what holiday foods are not safe for your dog to eat?  We consulted veterinarians on what holiday items are the biggest no-nos. Here are 17 holiday foods not to feed dogs. 

The short answer here is: Absolutely! Dental cleanings in dogs are essential for maintaining oral health and keeping periodontal disease at bay, says Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, certified canine rehabilitation practitioner at Jules Veterinary Center in Tracy, California, and veterinary consultant at WeLoveDoodles.com. Oral health and helping your pup keep their teeth into old age aren’t the only reasons dog teeth cleaning is helpful. According to Dr. Courtnye Jackson, DVM, a veterinarian in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the founder of The Pets Digest, regular cleanings can help: Prevent tooth decay Prevent plaque and tartar buildup Prevent heart disease Decrease overall inflammation,Jump to section Is Dog Dental Cleaning Really Necessary? How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost? When Should Dogs Get Their First Dental Cleaning? How Often Do Dogs Need Teeth Cleanings? How Do Vets Clean a Dog’s Teeth? Dog Teeth Cleaning Risks How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean at Home

You suspect you’ve got some kind of insect sitch going on in your bed—but are we dealing with fleas or bedbugs here? We never thought we’d utter these words, but you should probably cross your fingers and hope for a flea problem. Dr. Mader says it’s almost impossible to eliminate bedbugs from your home without a professional exterminator—plus you’ll have to basically soak everything you own in hot water—whereas fleas can be dealt with in a more DIY fashion if the infestation is not too advanced. (More on this below.) So how do we establish the difference and suss out what we’re dealing with so we can treat effectively? According to Nicole Savageau, VMD, an Austin, Texas–based veterinarian with The Vets, we need to take a closer look at the bites:,Jump to section Flea Bite or Bedbug Bite? Check Your Pet’s Skin and Coat for Fleas 5 Signs You’ve Got Fleas in Bed How To Get Rid of Fleas in Your Bed How To Prevent Fleas in Bed