As the biggest gift-giving month of the year, December is aptly also “Safe Toys and Gifts Month.” While one might assume this applies only to young children, the message behind this month is also highly relevant to our pets. From choking hazards to toxic chemicals, there are plenty of products on the market to be wary of when it comes to your pets.

Don’t you think Andy Williams should have sung, “Whoop de do, and dickory dock, has anyone caught a glimpse of my sock?” It’s the holiday season! And if you own a dog, you know that anything around your house could potentially become their favorite toy—even those high-end slippers you splurged on. Why not get your doggo something special this year, just for them? Perhaps this will leave your belongings intact. Hey, it’s worth a shot! Plus, pampering your pooch is something most of us love to do, and, thankfully, there are plenty of items to choose from.

When Benjamin Franklin said that there were only two things that are certain in life - death and taxes - he forgot about winter. Love it or hate it, it’s comin’ in hot...er, cold. And while you know what you need to keep yourself safe and warm, do you know how your dog feels out in the cold? The truth is, you don’t. And as veterinarians, it’s our job to remind you of that. Because you don’t know what your dog feels, it’s important to consider the winter implications for them.

“Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.” - Roger Caras

Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility – one that can get complicated sometimes. When it comes to keeping track of your pet’s health records, vet information, vaccinations, etc., how many times have you found yourself thinking, “I wish I had an app for that!”?