The new year is just a few days away, and for many people, that means a fresh start and a new set of goals. New year’s resolutions are all about bettering yourself—whether you’re focused on your health, fitness, social life or other personal achievements. While you’re setting goals for yourself in the new year, don’t forget to make a few resolutions for your pets, as well!

Many pet owners are familiar with being woken up by their cat resting on their chest or licking their face. Cats don’t always have a sense of boundaries, which gives us owners the less-than-pleasant opportunity to get a whiff of their stinky tuna breath.

When humans look for a general practitioner to take care of our healthcare needs, we have a lot of options. Doctors can specialize in many things, including different medical approaches like “traditional Western” medicine or “alternative” medicine.

Many people are aware that November is Diabetes Awareness Month, but fewer know that pets can suffer from this disease, as well. Because thousands of cats and dogs are diagnosed with diabetes around the world each year, November now serves as a reminder of the disease in our furry friends, too.

Much like in humans, chronic inflammation is a problem that can lead to health complications in our furry, four-legged counterparts. Although inflammatory immune responses are normal, chronic inflammation is not, and mitigating it starting when your pet is young may help them live a longer and more comfortable life.

Cats are always on their feet, but we don’t always think to check on the health of their paws. While it’s true that cats clean themselves from head to toe, your cat’s paws are a delicate area you should be sure to pay special attention to.

Kittens are adorable, small bundles of love, and adopting one just might be one of the highlights of your life. However, they also require a lot of attention and care in order to grow up happy and healthy.

When you adopt a dog or cat, one of the first things you’ll do is bring the pet to its new veterinarian for a checkup and preliminary healthcare services. This initial appointment is extremely important to get your pet set up with preventative care and disease protection. But as your pet ages, you may be tempted to skip an appointment here and there, as long as your furry friend is acting normal. Unfortunately, opting out of your vet’s recommended yearly checkup schedule could be a big mistake. 

It’s not always possible to travel with your pup, which means, at one point or another, your dog will likely spend a few nights in a boarding facility. For the large part, boarding your pet can be a great experience; your dog gets the chance to socialize and have fun with other dogs and new people, and it will be well cared for in your absence.