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Adjusting to a new home can be stressful for any pet, with new sounds and smells, unfamiliar people, a different diet, new schedules and more to learn. When holidays come around, sudden changes – houseguests and visitors, decorations, rearranged furniture, busier schedules, etc. – can be even more disorienting. Fortunately, there are easy ways you can celebrate a holiday with pets to help any furred, feathered or scaled family member acclimate to all those changes without trouble. Safety FirstNo matter what your preparations may be for any holiday, always keep your pet's safety in mind. Holiday decorations with extra electrical cords, glass baubles, toxic plants, fireworks or burning candles can be dangerous to pets and should either be removed from...

Halloween can be an un-intentionally scary time for pets. In fact, veterinarians see many pet injuries that can be avoided this time of year. With all of the shrieks and howls coming our way, we thought it would be a good idea to make sure they are happy ones, in keeping with the fun atmosphere of the holiday. It’s always a good idea to keep aware that the festivities may not be as fun for our pets as it is for the kids, teens and adults.To keep this Halloween from being a real-life nightmare for you and your pet, consider the following things: Treats are for kidsThe number one danger for pets during Halloween is the treats. Explain to the...

The benefits of exercise are well-documented, and as we struggle to stay fit, fitness crazes come and go. From jazzercise to home gym machines to fitness videos and video games to all manner of exercise classes, celebrity-endorsed fitness equipment, and workout routines, there is always a new trend to help us stay in shape. But are our pets ready to be part of the next fitness craze? What Are Pet-Accompanied Workouts? A pet-accompanied workout is any fitness routine with your pet as your workout buddy. The workout may be as simple as a basic walk or game of fetch, or it could be a more complex, intense activity that gives you both the ultimate in cardiovascular exercise, interval training or...

Summer is a great time to enjoy all sorts of outdoor fun, but when temperatures rise too high, conditions can become uncomfortable and even dangerous for pets. Conscientious pet owners, however, can take easy steps to keep their pets cool and safe even on the hottest days. Know Your Pet’s Temperature Tolerances Different pets enjoy different temperatures, and some pets are more sensitive to heat than others. Fish, for example, are more temperature-sensitive and must be kept within an optimum range or they can begin to suffer ill effects very quickly. Many reptiles, such as lizards, tortoises and snakes, often prefer warmer temperatures. Small animals, such as ferrets and rabbits, can be more tolerant of wider temperature ranges, but still...

A day at the beach can be fun for you and your pet, but is it safe? There can be more threats and hazards on the beach than many pet owners realize, but there are easy ways to keep your pet safe as you both enjoy the outing. Threats at the Beach Just how safe or hazardous any particular beach may be will depend on a number of factors, including what type of pet you have, whether you are visiting a river, lake or ocean, recent weather conditions, the time of year and how busy the beach is while you visit. Common hazards pets face at different beaches include… Extreme Temperatures – Hot sand can burn a pet's sensitive feet and...