No matter how you feel about Daylight Saving Time (and we know people have very strong opinions!), it’s coming in hot…or at least lukewarm. Daylight Saving Time is on March 13th this year, so we will be “springing forward” in less than two weeks. In preparation for it, we’ve come up with five things you can do that revolve around you and your fur friends.

The smoosh-faced dogs of the world are some of the most adorable, with French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus tugging at our heartstrings and making everyone smile with their unique look. Classified as brachycephalic — Greek for “short-headed” — these dogs have grown in popularity and even outnumber Labradors in some countries.

December is Winter Weather Safety Month, making it the perfect time to remind pet owners of the dangers that come with the cold winter months. From hypothermia risk and protecting sensitive paws to leashing your dog and ensuring adequate shelter for outdoor cats, there are many precautions to take to ensure your pets continue living their best lives straight through this cold, snowy season. Following are the top six pet safety tips to keep in mind as winter settles in so you can avoid a cat or dog emergency.

It’s no surprise that households across the U.S. have been under increased stress since the start of the pandemic, with families working and learning from home, quarantines keeping people secluded, and anxiety about exposure to the virus. However, what might come as a surprise is the impact of the pandemic on our dogs, who are exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviors in response to their altered world.

Dogs gravitate towards treats just as we gravitate towards the dessert table. Much like humans, dogs are at risk of becoming overweight or obese at some point in their lives. It’s estimated that nearly 56% of dogs are overweight, which increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, puts unnecessary strain on their bones and organs, and decreases their overall life expectancy. As veterinarians who are also dog owners, we know those extra rolls are ripe for belly rubs, but we also want your dog to be at peak health every time we see them for their wellness visits.

It’s human instinct to protect our most valued possessions. We lock our homes when we’re away, set our car alarms at the shopping mall, keep our wallets secure and our kids glued to our sides. As veterinarians, we know that dogs are among an owner’s most valued possessions (nay, family members!), and they’re fiercely protective of them when it comes to the neighbor’s aggressive dog or lurking predatory animals. However, dog owners often fail to realize that their fellow humans are also a threat.

You’re taking the dog out on a hike, and he suddenly veers off the path to explore something that caught his eye—now, you and your precious pup are face to face with a rattlesnake. It’s a scary circumstance to find yourself in, but one that does indeed happen and one that dog owners don’t often think about. Dogs are curious (and, let’s face it, a bit goofy) creatures! Snakes pose a serious threat to your dog, especially during Spring when warmer weather arrives, and snakes seek out the sun for warmth after a long, cold winter.

Billions of cicadas have spent the last 17 years underground! In fact, the last time they emerged was 2004, when Facebook was founded, and your high schooler was just a baby.