Since a groundhog hibernates for the winter, its coming out of the ground is a natural sign of spring. In [...]]]> For some of us, we wake up early every February 2nd morning to see the groundhog’s prediction [if you will] of what the weather has in store for us.  So when did this all begin?

Since a groundhog hibernates for the winter, its coming out of the ground is a natural sign of spring. In Europe centuries ago, people watched for other hibernating animals such as bears and hedgehogs, as a sign to the end of the winter season.  Germans who immigrated to Pennsylvania  in the 1800s began keeping an eye on the groundhog. The widespread population of the rodent made it a handy agent for this particular weather superstition

“Phil” the infamous Groundhog who resides in Pennsylvania, is the center of attention on Feburary 2 with huge festivities that include food, music and crowds of people just before sunrise.  Traditionally, if Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, he has predicted six more weeks of winter. If Phil does not see his shadow, he has predicted an early Spring (YAY!)   Across the United States and Canada this day is known as “Groundhog Day.” Phil’s predictions have been correct about 40% of the time! Sorry Ladies, Phil is taken-he is a married hog…I mean Groundhog..he resides with his wife Phyllis .

Are you excited about Phil’s prediction this year?

Canine influenza is a disease which was first identified in 2003. It mutated from a [...]]]> Flu Season is here! What does that mean for you and your family?  It means you must take precautions to ensure that everyone keeps from getting sick this time around.  And I do mean everyone..even your DOG! Yes, your dog!

Canine influenza is a disease which was first identified in 2003. It mutated from a horse influenza virus to an influenza virus infecting dogs.  Today, more and more dogs are being infected.

Your dogs maybe at risk for canine influenza!  Typically social dogs, such as those that go to doggie day care, dog parks or a boarding kennel are at high risk of becoming infected. A vaccine has recently been developed to protect against canine influenza, be sure to ask your veterinarian. The vaccination is two doses of vaccine given two weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination.

I know we just love to cuddle with our dogs when we are sick, but you may want to reconsider this.  Should a family member come down with the flu make sure that they remain alone and away from everyone. Even the most cuddly member of the family!

Be Safe during this Flu Season!

1.  Paws off the [...]]]> Halloween is a fun day, but should only remain fun for children.  Please keep  in mind that it is a day of lots of candy, lots spooky costumes and most of all lost of pranks being pulled.  Here are a few tips we wanted to remind you of before Halloween arrives.

1.  Paws off the Candy:  Chocolate is a no no and so are candy wrappers.  Keep that candy bowl out of reach from your pets.

2.  Dress up the Kids not the Pets:  Unless you have dressed up your pet before Halloween may not be a good “trial run” of dress up day.  Watch out for those small pieces of costumes and make sure elastic bands are not too tight.

3.  Take the Kids out and Leave the Pets in:  If possible leave your pets at home while you take the kids out Trick or Treating.  There will be lots of chaos going on around your neighborhood and lots of costumes that may spook your pet.

4.  Watch out for the Decorations:  We all love to decorate for Halloween, but it is important to make sure that the yard decorations as well as the decor inside isnt a danger for your pet!

Overall just play it safe and make sure that you take extra care of your pet on this fun day! Happy Halloween Everyone and send us some pics of your pets and show us how your family celebrated Halloween 2011.

1.  Cats and kittens love to nap in warm places, this can include car engines! Be sure that you check for any [...]]]> Even though it may be hard to imagine Fall is very near!  As the new season approaches there are a few “To Do” things that you may need to add to your list.

1.  Cats and kittens love to nap in warm places, this can include car engines! Be sure that you check for any by knocking on the hood of your car, truck or honk the horn and wait a few minutes before starting the engine.

2.  If you are like me this is your favorite time of year to pull out the decorations!  Candles, electric cords, glass ornaments,  ribbons, foil wrapping, etc. can all be dangerous for your pets. Cover up or hide ALL electric cords!

3.  Halloween Candy is not good for your pets.  Keep your pets inside while trick or treaters are out!  Remember while your little neighborhood witches and goblins continuously ring your doorbell your dog or cat may try to sneak out and see what all the fun is about!

This undoubtedly is one of the best times of the year. From Halloween to Turkey Day right down to Christmas and the New Year.  But as always, as things change we must prepare ourselves and our pets as well!  Share your tips for the Fall Season!

1.  Although Labor Day weekend is not particularly known for its abundance of fireworks shows, you may still [...]]]> Labor Day weekend is finally here.  But before you go there are a few things you should know when heading out to those ever so popular Labor Day Weekend activities.  Here are a few tips and reminders:

1.  Although Labor Day weekend is not particularly known for its abundance of fireworks shows, you may still come across some out there.  Check to make sure when you head out to your destination that fireworks will not be  much of a problem especially if you have had trouble with your pets in the past.  I’m guessing with this ongoing drought that fireworks may indeed be prohibited just about anywhere. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

2.  The best thing about holiday weekends is all the food that we get to much on.  The bad thing is we tend to forget that our best friends may be following us around trying to get a bite of what we may have left behind.  Make sure that you keep the garbage in a safe and out of the way place.  Remind your guests or others that might be around you that it is not a good idea to feed your dog table food.  Even if occasionally you may sneak a scrap or two to your dog (shame on you) you should always be concerned when around others who may not be so familiar with what your dog normally consumes on a daily basis.

3.  Last but least, The Heat is Definitely on!  If you plan to be outdoors make sure that you pack not only for yourself but also for your pet.  Be sure that your pet takes as many breaks as you do throughout the day.  We all love the outdoors but sometimes that sun can sure be brutal after a just a few hours.

Just a few tips and reminders to help you get going on your weekend plans.  We hope that all of you can enjoy this Labor Day Weekend.

My children’s dog was always the dog [...]]]> Recently a grieving dog made headlines when he laid beneath his owner’s coffin.  The photo raised a number of questions and tearful memories for some of us who look back and can recall a time when we believed our own pet was suffering some type of grieving.

My children’s dog was always the dog that I would yell at along with the children when they had gotten into something or when they had gone off too far outside.  She was also the guilty third party when my kids would make a mess in the kitchen.  When the kids were sent to their rooms Preslee would trail behind them with her head hung low as if she knew that she too was in just as much trouble as my other two.  When my nieces and nephews would come to visit, she was just as excited as my kids were to see their cousins. My nephew was not so much a fan of Preslee. They had a “love-hate” relationship. Preslee loved him and my nephew hated her.  She loved to follow the boys outside to play basketball, hang out by the pool and run in and out of the house.  She was as much a part of the family as my children, neices, nephews, and neighborhood kids were.

I can recall when my teenage nephew passed away and I came home from the hospital I sat on the couch for a few minutes to sort of take everything in.  Once I began to cry suddenly I felt something at my feet.  It was of course Preslee.  Though I never actually “told” her of my nephew’s passing it was at that moment that I knew that she knew and felt what we were all feeling.  She was truly a part of the family in many ways than we ever imagined.  She must have followed me around the house for weeks after his passing.  Even when the kids were outside playing or inside goofing off she remained by my side.

A year later Preslee passed away.  In my mind I imagine her running around in heaven following my nephew around.  And even though I can recall him hating her most of the time, something tells me that he doesn’t mind having someone from the family following him around from time to time.

Do you believe that a dog or cat can feel the emotions that we feel?  Did the photo of the the fallen SEAL’s coffin with his dog lying beneath bring a tear to your eye as you remembered a similar situation when you felt your own dog/cat may have been grieving?  Share your memory with us! We’d love to hear it!

The number one symptom that can [...]]]> Find yourself sneezing more and more these days. Have you noticed you’re not the only one in the house sneezing? You may discover that your pet has allergies as well. It is common for our furry friends to be allergic to the same things that we are allergic to.

The number one symptom that can raise a flag is skin irritation. You will notice your pet constantly licking and chewing on his feet. Animals can also develop chronic ear infections. If you notice itchy feet and constant ear infections this is most likely brought on by food allergies. Symptoms such as eye drainage, constant scratching and hot spots can lead to more serious infections.

Food Allergies may take a little longer to solve. It’s a good idea to keep some sort of journal of what your pet has eaten and been around. Veterinarians do offer allergy testing and you will typically get an antihistamine for your pet. Steroids is another common option to treat allergies.

If you believe your pet may be suffering from allergies set up an appointment to see your veterinarian. Happy Allergy Season, ..oh I mean Spring Season!!