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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...

Is your pet starting to scratch a lot? Do they seem bothered or irritated for unknown reasons? Chances are during this time of the year; your pet has encountered fleas or ticks.  During the peak months of summer, fleas and ticks are at full strength and can be a major threat to humans and their pets. The purpose of this article is to provide you with some advice on flea and tick prevention for pets. Fleas and ticks can do more than just make your pet itch. They can also make your pet quite ill. When flea infestations get heavy in your pets, the accumulations develop grayish larvae. Furthermore white eggs give dogs a salt and pepper appearance that makes...

February has been declared Pet Dental Month --and for good reason. The most common disease seen by veterinarians is dental disease. In fact, 75-85% of pets over the age of 2 have dental disease of some form. You’re probably thinking: Great, I don’t like going to the dentist, I can only imagine how my pet feels about it! The truth is, the same philosophy that applies to you and your family also applies to your pets when it comes to dental care. Below, we’ll discuss the importance of healthy dental practices for your pets and what you should do to ensure they have a comfortable and long, healthy life. Poor dental habits for your pet can lead to a number of health...