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Halloween offers a fun chance to dress up your pet, but comfort and safety should always come first. Whether you’re buying or crafting a costume, make sure it allows for easy movement and doesn’t cramp their style—literally! If you’re planning to dress up your pet for Halloween, here are some tips to keep in mind: Fit is Key: Your pet’s costume should let them move as freely as they normally do—without blocking their sight, hearing, or breathing. A good fit keeps them comfortable and helps avoid accidents, making the experience as enjoyable (or tolerable) as possible. Beware of Hazards: Small buttons, loose decorations, or long fabrics can quickly become dangerous if your pet chews on them or gets tangled. Stick to simple costumes that minimize tripping and choking risks. Opt for Easy-On, Easy-Off Costumes: Choose costumes that are quick and easy to put on and take off. Pets may become anxious if the process takes too long or if the outfit feels restrictive. Look for designs with Velcro closures or soft ties that can be adjusted easily. Supervise Your Pet: Never leave your pet alone while dressed up. Even the calmest pet can become anxious or try to wriggle out of their costume, which could cause an injury. Keep a close eye on them and step in quickly to prevent accidents. Repurpose What You Have: If your pet already wears a harness or jacket on walks, this can be the perfect base for a simple Halloween costume. Instead of dressing them in something entirely new, use their everyday gear as a foundation and attach lightweight, festive items. Watch the Weather: For pets with thicker coats, heavy costumes can cause overheating. Stick to lightweight options and watch for signs like panting or lethargy. If your pet looks uncomfortable, it’s time to remove the costume. Use Positive Reinforcement: If your pet isn’t used to wearing costumes, take it slow and make it a positive experience. Offer treats and praise while they wear the costume, and don’t force them to wear it at all if they seem uncomfortable. Your pet should enjoy Halloween without stress. Do a Dress Rehearsal: Let your pet wear their costume for short periods before Halloween. These practice runs help them get comfortable and let you see if adjustments are needed. If the costume isn’t working out after a few tries, switch to something simple like a bandana or festive collar. Check Mobility and Senses: Before finalizing a costume, ensure your pet can still see, hear, and move easily. Avoid costumes that block their senses or make them feel restricted—their comfort and safety matter most! Respect Their Limits: Not every pet likes dressing up, and that’s okay! If your pet seems distressed or tries to remove the outfit, don’t force it!

Dogs and cats have a third eyelid, called the nictitating membrane or nictitans. This shiny, pink membrane is tucked behind the lower eyelid and pops up when a pet is sedated or sick, has a mass behind or under the eye, or has a neurological condition. The nictitans contains a gland that is responsible for tear production. Cherry eye is a condition where the gland within the third eyelid protrudes from its normal position, resulting in a red, swollen mass near the inner eyelid that kind of looks like a little red cherry. It is believed to be caused by weak tissue fibers failing to hold the gland in place. One or both eyes can be affected, and improper treatment of this condition can result in dry eye.

Cancer is not one disease, but hundreds. Cancer can be grouped into three main categories: Carcinomas – carcinomas are formed by epithelial cells, which are the cells that cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body. Tumors of the anal gland and mammary gland are common carcinomas in dogs and cats. Hematopoetic tumors – blood cancer, or hematopoetic tumors, include leukemia and lymphoma. Sarcomas – sarcomas are tumors formed by cells from bone and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and fibrous tissue (such as tendons and ligaments). Examples of sarcomas in dogs include soft tissue sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs, accounting for 85% of all canine skeletal tumors. While osteosarcoma is also the most common bone tumor in cats, primary bone tumors are relatively uncommon in cats to begin with. Osteosarcoma is also far less aggressive in cats than it is in dogs. Osteosarcoma typically develops on the limbs (the forelimbs more often than the hindlimbs), but can also occur on the skull, rib cage, and spine. A rare form of osteosarcoma occurs outside the skeleton in the muscles, liver, or spleen. Osteosarcoma is a particularly aggressive tumor in dogs, with 75-90% of patients eventually having the tumor cells metastasize (spread) to other areas, particularly the lungs and other bones. In cats with osteosarcoma, around 40% will metastasize.

Kidney disease refers to the inability of the kidneys to work properly. Kidneys perform several key functions in the body, the most important of which is filtering waste products from the blood. Kidneys also maintain the balance of electrolyte levels in the body (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride), maintain blood pressure, and produce urine. Damage to the kidneys can result in the buildup of waste products to dangerous levels in the blood, also known as azotemia. There are two main types of kidney disease – acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD develops slowly over time and can damage the kidneys to the point where they are unable to function properly. CKD was previously termed chronic renal failure (CRF). Unlike acute kidney injury, CKD does not disappear with treatment. CKD affects up to 10% of elderly dogs, while all cats are at risk of developing the disease. Unfortunately, it can take months or even years before a pet with CKD show signs of the disease. In addition, pets that have been diagnosed with AKI are at risk of developing permanent damage to their kidneys which can lead to CKD.

After spending an entire summer with the whole family together, your dog or cat may be affected by the abrupt change in routine once your kids go back to school. Not only will they have to deal with a new schedule, but there are safety concerns to take into consideration for pets at home alone. Here are some tips for a smooth, back-to-school transition for your pet.