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The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 60% of cats are overweight or obese. In animals, fat starts to accumulate around internal organs before it’s visible from the outside. That means by the time you notice your cat is gaining weight, her health may already be negatively affected. A 10-pound cat only needs about 200 calories a day. Being overweight or obese doesn’t just affect how your cat looks, it also increases her risk for many health problems including: Cancer Decreased lifespan Heart disease Bladder stones Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance Osteoarthritis If your cat does become overweight or obese, talk with your veterinarian about ways to get your cat back to a healthy weight. This could include a change in diet or starting an exercise program. Your veterinarian can help you to find a solution that works for you and your cat.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 59% of dogs are overweight or obese. In animals, fat starts to accumulate around internal organs before it’s visible from the outside. That means by the time you notice your dog has gained weight, his health may already be negatively affected. Being overweight or obese doesn’t just affect how your dog looks, it also increases his risk for many health problems including: Cancer Decreased lifespan Heart disease Kidney issues Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance Osteoarthritis If your dog does become overweight or obese, talk with your veterinarian about ways to get your pup back to a healthy weight. This could include a change in diet or starting an exercise program. Your veterinarian can help you find a solution that works best for you and your dog.    

As adorable as dogs may look in Halloween costumes, it’s important to prioritize safety and comfort over style and cuteness. If you’re planning to dress up your dog for Halloween, here are some tips to keep in mind: Make sure the costume fits properly and doesn’t interfere with your dog’s sight, hearing, breathing, or movement. Avoid costumes with pieces that can be tripped over or chewed off. Never leave your pet unsupervised while dressed up. Don’t remove your dog’s collar or ID tag. If your dog has a thick coat, choose a lightweight costume to prevent overheating. Do a dress rehearsal before the big day. If after a few attempts, your pet rejects the costume, don’t force it.

As fun and festive as the holiday season may be, it can be a confusing and dangerous time for our pets. Decorations pose unique risks and that includes Christmas trees. If your celebration includes setting up a tree, be sure to take precautions to keep pets safe. Here are 8 tree-trimming tips to keep in mind: 8 Ways to Pet-proof Your Christmas Tree Opt for plastic or wooden ornaments instead of glass, which can break and cause injury. Avoid using edible decorations to reduce temptation. Toss out the tinsel — it can cause severe damage to your pet’s intestinal tract if ingested. String lights and power cords can cause oral burns and electric shock if chewed. Hang them near the top of the tree or skip them altogether. Anchor your tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent pets from knocking it over. Sweep up pine needles, which can cause GI upset or a foreign body obstruction if too many are swallowed. Cover up the tree stand to prevent pets from drinking the water, which can contain pesticides, fertilizer, or bacteria. Don’t put wrapped gifts under the tree, especially if there’s food inside. Keep presents in a safe place until it’s time to open them.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious and usually fatal virus that affects both wild and domestic (“pet”) rabbits. The virus can be transmitted not only from rabbit to rabbit, but via food, bedding, or other contaminated materials. A vaccination for the virus has existed for years in Europe and other parts of the world, but not in the United States. In October 2021, a new U.S.-developed vaccine received emergency authorization from the USDA. In preliminary studies, the vaccine proved highly effective in preventing disease with minimal side effects. The vaccine series consists of the initial vaccine and a booster shot approximately 3 weeks after the initial dose. A rabbit is considered fully protected two weeks after the booster shot.