What’s involved when the veterinarian tells you your pet needs a dental procedure? Photo: robertwitcher At a family reunion recently, my cousin wanted to talk to me, a veterinarian, about her dog’s recent dental. She had just had a “dental” done, and my cousin began to go on and on about the price and how

Have you thought about what you want to do when your pet dies? It was the height of a storm the other night. Wind gusts were frightening, our towering trees very close to the house, and my veterinary hospital reeking and bending. My beeper went off. “Are you kidding me?” said one of my kids.

Do you know how to give medicine to a cat? Get specific instructions directly from your veterinarian before trying it at home. Photo: David Herraez Calzada As a veterinarian, I’ve been tasked with medicating thousands of cats over the years. And whether I’m trying to show people how to give medicine to a cat or

These days, there are more and more options for fresh pet food delivery services — but which ones are the best? Photo: 123rf As a pet sitter and delivery person, I visit a lot of homes and have noticed a rising trend: fresh pet food delivery services. It’s a great concept. Most people have hectic

No, giving a bath is not the best way to treat fleas. Bathing just removes a small part of the problem. Photo: oritslama If you have a dog or cat, you’re probably wondering what’s the single best way to treat fleas. The truth is, anyone can get a flea problem. No matter how advanced and

Does your cat sleep too much? Probably not — all cats sleep two-thirds of the day. Photo: rberteig My wellness exams usually start out much the same: “Great to see you! How’s Muffin doing?” The edgy cat people often respond: “How should I know? My cat sleeps too much.” The upbeat, happy cat people say

How Much to Tip a Veterinarian or Vet Tech Veterinarians and veterinary technicians and other staff members work in an office environment and handle the medical needs of your pets, from routine vaccinations to emergency services. They are on hand to answer questions about medications, treat minor and major injuries and illnesses, and perform wellness exams. The true depth

How much to pay your pet sitter? The short answer is, it depends. Photo: Dora Zett Many people with pets prefer the convenience of a pet sitter as opposed to boarding their pets. Some pets have anxiety issues that preclude boarding, while others have health problems. And then some pets just prefer — and do

Champion Petfoods says the metals in Orijen and Acana are found in “minuscule amounts.” An Orijen lawsuit claims differently. Have 2 top-rated pet food brands been exposed as frauds? Or, has a “shady” class-action lawsuit filed in 2018 set out to do little other than trash these pet foods’ stellar reputations? Depending on whom you

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Varo. The opinions and text are all mine. This Labradoodle named Skipper is one of my clients as a pet sitter. Photos: Melissa Smith/Petful One of the worst feelings in the world is when you’re sitting helplessly in front of a veterinarian, knowing

Consider quality of life when your pet can no longer do things that bring them joy. Photo: Wallula When is it time to consider euthanizing your pet? How do you know when your pet’s quality of life has gone way down? Any pet’s basic needs include being able to:  Breathe Walk Eat Drink Defecate Urinate Groom Sleep