When it gets hot outside, humans reach for an ice-cold glass of water. Unfortunately for our furry companions, their access to water entirely depends on the care from pet parents. Pets need to hydrate just as much as we do, especially when the temperature starts to rise. Proper hydration keeps pets happy and reduces the risk of a life-threatening medical condition.

Summers are hot enough as is, and a heat wave can make venturing outside almost unbearable. When temperatures begin to climb, pets turn to you for a way to keep cool. Heat waves make it more difficult to exercise and stay hydrated, ultimately increasing the risk of hyperthermia and heat exhaustion in dogs and cats.

It’s no secret that cats love to eat meat. They’re carnivores by nature, with pointy teeth designed to tear into unsuspecting prey. Domesticated cats have retained the meat-eating tendencies of their ancestors, leading pet parents to believe all these fur babies want is a heaping pile of protein-rich wet food.

Pet parents often wonder if their pups get enough nutrition from their food. With so many supplements on the market, it’s hard to know which ones your dog really needs. While nutritional needs vary, nearly all canine companions would benefit from a daily dose of fish oil.

Limping, pain, stiffness—these are all signs of hip dysplasia in a dog. When dogs are diagnosed with hip dysplasia, pet parents fear they can do nothing about the disorder. After all, hip dysplasia is in a dog’s genes, which means there’s no cure.

Pet parents work to avoid health problems that are readily apparent—injuries, weight gain and allergy symptoms, to name a few. However, not all shortcomings in your pet’s health are easy to spot. Brain health often falls to the wayside, but neglecting this aspect can make your pet gradually develop cognitive challenges over the years.

Many dog lovers have their hearts set on purebred pups. Purebreds are beautiful creatures deserving of love, but mixed-breed dogs offer so many qualities that are often overlooked. The playfulness, loyalty and companionship pet parents crave is easily found in shelter pups with a diverse lineage. Mixed breeds possess everything you want and more in a dog!

If your fur baby eats nothing but kibble, you may be looking to switch up their diet. Cats and dogs are big meat eaters, which is why their food bowls are filled with beef, pork and chicken. Many pet parents wonder if their furry friends can eat other parts of these animals besides muscle meat. The answer is yes!

It’s hard not to fall in love with purebred dogs. Their pristine appearances make each purebred a strong candidate to go home with a loving family. On the other hand, mutts don’t come with a pedigree, but they’re just as lovable and deserve a forever home.