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YES! Pets are great and they enrich our lives! Your particular lifestyle may be better suited for a dog or a cat, or you may simply like one more than another.

Dogs are generally more dependent on their owners. They look to you for attention, affection and typically require more time spent with them playing, walking and petting.

Cats are typically more independent. They are pretty adaptable and can thrive in both very active or very quiet homes. They also do well if the owner needs to be away for longer periods of time as they will use a litter box to go to the bathroom.

It is good to remember that adopting a pet is a huge decision and should be treated this way. Pets are living creatures which will need some of your attention and will need some medical care throughout their lives as well. Adopting a pet will require some of your time and money. We are advocates of starting a personal savings account or a pet health insurance plan to use for pet related expenses as they come up.

Dental disease is inevitable, just like it is with humans. The thing we can change, however, is the rate at which dental disease builds up.

The first and foremost beneficial practice is brushing your pet’s teeth. Daily toothbrushing is ideal but brushing a few times per week can make a world of difference. Use a soft bristled veterinary or kids tooth brush and veterinary toothpaste.

There are a few criteria we like to meet when selecting or recommending pet food.

First, pet food should be life-stage specific. This means that young animals should have puppy or kitten food and older pets should have senior food. Second, we always recommend a reputable brand and commercially produced food which is not advertised to be grain-free. Grain-free foods can be deficient in nutrients which can lead to heart disease.

Some good quality brands include Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin and Purina Pro Plan. Prescription pet foods are available and should be fed only if your veterinarian has made this recommendation.

Dental disease and infection makes your dog’s breath stink. If your pets mouth already stinks then they likely already need a dental cleaning and possibly tooth extractions. A dental cleaning with necessary extractions returns their mouth to its healthy, good smelling state.

End of life care and support is a really big topic and there are many factors to consider. A quality of life discussion with your veterinarian will help you have clarity and confidence in your plan for your beloved pet. In the right context, euthanasia is a loving release and a responsible decision, not something to feel bad about.