Can you imagine being lost and unable to find your family? Sadly, pets are lost more often than you might expect, with tragic consequences. Unexpected events can separate even the most faithful dogs and cats from their loving homes. If your pet is missing, act immediately. Check with neighbors. Ask permission to look in all
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A few years ago I was facing a major surgery and it brought to the forefront this question: “Who will care for our beloved pets should something catastrophic occur and I am not able to?” I checked with friends and family to find out who was willing or able to care for which animals. Then
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Euthanasia is the final act of kindness when a pet is suffering from an incurable disease or severe, irreparable injury. Less frequently, a pet is euthanized due to aggressive or unacceptable behavior. In all cases, it is the veterinarian’s responsibility to painlessly and peacefully ease the pet into death. The timing of euthanasia is one
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Not everyone is aware that the state of California is a declared rabies area. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system and, once symptomatic, it is almost always fatal. The virus is endemic in the skunk and bat populations, but every mammal is at risk, including humans. This is why it is
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Heartworm is a common parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes and poses a major threat to your family pets. An ounce of prevention in this case is worth more than a pound of cure – it can save your dog’s or cat’s life. Mosquitoes become infected by ingesting baby heartworms – called microfilaria – drawn
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“They love to work and they love the attention. It’s a great way to bond and they need that at any age.” – Sherry Galka, trainer

Having worked in the animal welfare field for more than 20 years, I know that controlling pet overpopulation is the single most important way to reduce euthanasia. Adoption is helpful but spay/neuter is the key. The excess numbers of dogs and cats born in this country is astounding, and it is unrealistic to believe that
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Here are two good reasons to check your pet daily for ticks: your pet’s health, and your health. The more you know about these disease-carrying arachnids, the more you’ll understand how vital it is to avoid them. Ticks need blood meals from accommodating “hosts” – whether rodents, reptiles, pets or people – to survive. As
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Those of us in the Sierra Nevada foothills live with the very real threat of wildfires. Having to get pets and belongs out during an emergency is stressful under any circumstance, but some advance preparation can help to make things a little easier. Have a pet carrier ready for each dog and cat. Make sure
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Bad breath in dogs and cats often signals periodontal disease, the most common disease we see in companion pets. Here’s how it happens: Bacterial buildup on the teeth leads to plaque formation The plaque hardens and turns into tartar, the dark brown stuff visible on the tooth’s surface This leads to gingivitis, which is inflammation
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