Posts by Ashley Tomasko

Spaying or neutering is one of the most responsible ways dog owners can care for their pet. First-time dog owners are likely to have many questions about spaying and neutering procedures, from the risks involved to how much they will cost. Here are some answers to the most common questions that pet parents have about…

What are pet allergies? An allergy is a state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity to an allergen. Most allergens are proteins. The allergen protein may be of insect, plant or animal origin.  Some allergens are inhaled, some allergens are ingested, and some allergens cause contact irritation. No matter the route of exposure, the end result is…

Cats by nature have a need to scratch to mark their territory, stretch their bodies, and remove the worn-out outer claws to expose fresher sharper claws underneath. For an indoor cat, this natural instinct can result in tattered curtains, torn up sofas, and carpets left in shreds—destructive and cranky behaviors that can leave frustrated pet…

A pet is truly the gift that keeps on giving. The key to adding a new pet to your life the right way, is by being prepared — not just on the day you bring your new animal home, but for every day after. Below you’ll find what to consider before getting a new dog…

The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to celebrate with their pets. As you get ready for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following…

Dogs do so much more than entertain us with tricks or accompany us on walks. Their abilities as service dogs are astounding. Gaining in popularity, dogs that assist people who have seizures play an important role in the lives of their owners. People with controlled seizures live a relatively unencumbered life where medication keeps their…

Here are some basic rules that work well for any kind of command you’re trying to teach your dog, including the place command. Here are some general guidelines: Pick a Quiet Environment As any professional dog trainer will tell you, you always want to start by working in an environment with minimal distraction. It’s also…

Heartworm Disease What is heartworm disease? Heartworm disease, or dirofilariasis, is a serious and potentially fatal disease. It is caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis or as we know heartworms. Adult heartworms are found in the heart, pulmonary artery, and adjacent large blood vessels of infected dogs. Rarely, worms may be found…

What is Feline Leukemia? Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a virus that infects cats. It was first discovered in cats with a form of leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells). FeLV can cause a variety of diseases in addition to leukemia. How is it transmitted? Felines can’t transmit FeLV to dogs or people. Cats…

A day out in the sun can be a real treat for us, but it’s not always comfortable for our four-legged friends. If hot weather is in your forecast or you’re taking your dog on holiday somewhere warm, you’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure they don’t get affected by the heat. WALKS/HOT PAVEMENT…