A kidney breakdown is a frightening thing. As you may remember from biology class, kidneys filter out substances the body can’t use and release it as urine. They also help control blood pressure and maintain healthy levels of hydration, salts, and acids in the body.

Basically, having at least one healthy kidney is essential to having a healthy and well-functioning body.

It’s generally agreed that Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer. And who better to celebrate the start of the season with than your dog? When bringing your four-legged best friend along for some Memorial Day festivities, be sure to avoid any possible dog emergencies with the following summertime safety tips.

Taking care of a dog is typically pretty straight forward. You have to make sure that they eat every day, that they have a safe place to sleep at night, and that they get the love and attention they deserve as a furry member of your family. But dealing with a sick dog may become tricky -- not to mention stressful.

Foxtails may look like harmless tall grasses to the untrained eye, but they’re actually devils-in-disguise. Common in the Western United States, this fast-growing weed can grow 4 feet tall and proliferate easily, spreading their seeds everywhere.

This is bad news for dog lovers as they’re downright dangerous to our sweet pups.

If your dog or cat had an accident, would you know how to stabilize them before transporting them to the vet or to an emergency veterinary care center? The goal of National Pet First Aid Awareness Month in April is to ensure pet owners are aware of basic actions to take in the case of a pet-related emergency. Here are some tips to remember if your pet has an emergency:

Most people think of bleach or rat poison when they think of household toxins. If that’s you, you’re right. Yet, there are many other less obvious items that could pose a hazard.

Take sugar-free gum for instance. Did you know that it contains xylitol, which can cause liver failure in your dog? The popular sugar substitute is also in certain brands of toothpaste and sweetener packets for coffee and tea. Yet, it can be deadly to your dog.

And that’s just one of dozens of poisonous products your pets may encounter in a typical day.

So, you’re heading out of town for the holidays. The flights are booked, bags are packed, and you’ve arranged for a trusted professional to care for your dog or cat while you’re away.

You’re prepared—but is your pet sitter? Here you’ll find a list of the eight most important things your pet sitter needs to know before you hit the road. Make sure you check it twice!

The holiday season is a time of giving and joy for many families. However, for pets, there are some dangers that come along with the holiday festivities. During this season, it is important to keep in mind some of the hazards for pets while still enjoying the holidays together.

Pets are attracted to bright lights much in the same way kids are. Low-hanging ornaments, tinsel, and twinkling Christmas lights all pose a threat to pets. Here are some things to remember regarding decorations this holiday season.