We don’t blame you – it’s not easy to hear news of over-crowded pet shelters, see advertisements of despondent puppies, or avert your eyes as you walk through an adoption event at the entrance of your local pet store. Animal lovers have the biggest hearts, and we can always stretch to fit in one more, right? We’re all about finding homes for every down-and-out doggie, promoting adoption over pet stores and breeders, but adding a furry family member is a cherished yet careful and consequential choice. The best matches are made with a little extra purpose and planning. Why is Adoption Awesome? Pet adoption is best-in-show for saving lives, supporting our communities and non-profits, and discouraging overbreeding. Yet only around 25% of dogs join families from a shelter. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports the sad reality that over 3 million pups enter shelters each year, and approximately a third of those are euthanized. But beneath these heavy statistics, animal shelters are mines full of diamonds in the rough. Beyond a few tangles, fleas, and snaggle teeth are marvelous mutts asking for safety and security. While there are plenty of purebreds to be found, mixed breeds are often healthier and live longer than their pedigreed cousins. Beyond the cute exterior, shelter dogs are still man’s best friend, with lots of life and love to share. The benefits of pet adoption go beyond patronage and philanthropy, though; there are many practical and tangible benefits to seeking your sidekick from a shelter. Adult dogs typically cost less and are often housetrained and better-behaved. Unlike shiny new puppies, more mature dogs offer a more predictable personality, showing their quirks up front. The Careful Adopter’s Checklist Like most major life decisions, bringing home a new dog requires a balance of assessments, adjustments, and arrangements to choose what is best. Following these steps will help to set your perspectives and priorities for a perfect puppy pairing: Step 1: Assessment First on the list of considerations is your personality and lifestyle. Your work arrangement, free time, and activity level are essential considerations when determining the right age, breed, and temperament of your pup. Do you love to pamper and dote on a needier pet or prefer a more independent and confident canine? Are you sensitive to pet fur and dander? (Quick tip: look for a “hypoallergenic” dog with a wire coat and less shedding). Also assess your environment – do you live in the wide-open country or the concrete jungle? Do you have a fenced yard or is astroturf the only green in your neighborhood? Closer to home, consider the noise and traffic level of your household and whether you have children and/or other pets. Are you a neat-freak or germophobe, or do you have expensive taste in furniture and décor? Take stock of how attached you are to the ambience of your abode. The atmosphere and dynamics of your home have a lot to say on finding the right fit. Puppies and some high-drive breeds have a lot of energy, require more time, and can be destructive. If a quiet couch-warmer and slow, peaceful strolls are more your mojo, take a second glance at older dogs looking for respite in their golden years. Step 2: Adjustment Once you’ve listed your major criteria and done your research on characteristics to look for in your potential pup, it’s time to reflect on what adjustments might be necessary in your lifestyle, home, and environment. Maybe your current setup doesn’t sync with the age or type of dog you have your heart set on, or you’re looking to make personal changes along with some cute and cuddly inspiration. If so, honestly think through past experiences and be careful with making too many changes at once. Remember that your decision involves another life, and adoption should be a solid commitment. Also be sure to adjust your expectations. If this is your first time adopting a dog, take your time and become more familiar with the ways and whims of canines. Pet sit for your friends, visit dog parks and observe, or volunteer at a pet shelter. Dogs are delightful 99% of the time, but any pet owner can share stories of destroyed family heirlooms, overnight puke-a-thons, and that one pesky habit your pup never outgrows. Step 3: Arrangement Ok, so you’ve prepared your mind and your heart, and the search is on for your new best friend. While some parts of pet ownership are implemented as you go, there are important arrangements to think through and set up ahead of your dog’s homecoming. As you thought through the adjustments in your household and day-to-day life, you should have noted the necessary additions and subtractions to fit a new pup into your flow. Realistically think through both the temporary and permanent alterations in your schedule to provide the time and attention that your dog will need. Walks, potty breaks, training, play, and outlets for socialization should each find a slot in your days and weeks. If you travel, identify a safe & sound place for boarding. If your fuzzball will need regular grooming, locate a good stylist to tame your pup’s mane. Many animal adoption agencies will ask for a veterinary reference, so find a great vet , schedule a visit, and ask questions about routine costs. Set line items in your financial budget for pet food, treats, grooming, and vet care. Optimal pet health starts with high-quality nutrition, so premium foods and supplements are typically worth their price. Resist Rehoming Responsible pet adoption goes beyond doing your up-front homework and putting plans in place; the goal is lifelong companionship and mutual rewards. Overcrowded shelters reflect not only collected strays, but a significant number of dogs relinquished by capable owners. The ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey cites “problem behavior” as the chief reason that owners give up their pets. About half of shelter drop-offs are related to irritating or unmanageable dog deeds, beating out housing limitations or family reasons. Lack of time and money are other common complaints. We’ve anticipated each of these reasons in our responsible adoption checklist. It’s not far-fetched to propose that pet retention could be greatly enhanced with more careful assessment, adjustment, and arrangement: Behavior – Honestly gauge your lifestyle and family dynamics and find the best fit in terms of age, social needs, and energy level Housing – Match your perfect pup with the size, location, and accommodations of your pad. If you live in an apartment or are part of an HOA, double-check that your breed’s in compliance Family – Bring the whole family for a meet & greet at the shelter. If you’re looking to grow your tribe, decide now whether a dog is still part of your family photograph Time – Plan for generous amounts of time to care for, train, and enjoy your dog. Pets are meant to bring joy and increase your quality of life; don’t let that delight turn into drudgery Money – Do your research on pet care costs and don’t spend your buddy’s budget unless it’s an emergency. If your financial situation is rocky, save up or have patience until you’re able to give your dog the best care he needs Should you adopt? Absolutely! With your head, your heart, your home, and your horizon in the right place, go find your new best friend.

High-quality health care is a non-negotiable for ourselves and our families. And most of us count our critters as part of the family, right? So when it comes to choosing a veterinarian for our pets, it’s with a serious sense of responsibility that we do our research and find the right fit. If a new puppy just became part of the family, you just moved to a new town, or you’ve been looking to find better care for your longtime companion, start with these key considerations: What Does Pet Health Care Mean to You? Animal health is as complex and multifaceted as human health, so it’s just as important to know what that means. What makes for a healthy dog, and how can we support a vibrant, enjoyable quality of life for our best friends? Today, we know much more about what modifiable factors go into optimal pet health, like diet, exercise, environment, and socialization. We’ve also learned a lot about aspects that are out of our control but nonetheless have an influence on out pet’s health trajectory. In addition to their current health status, our dogs’ breed, bloodline, and age might drive certain care decisions and guide us toward the best veterinary choices. If your pet is currently in excellent health, veterinary attention may be lower on your radar and you may see an annual check-up as a quick and routine service, like an oil change in your car. Or you might be more proactive and have a preventative care plan for your active canine. And if your dog is a senior or has special needs, pet health care is a frequent priority involving specialists in addition to your veterinarian. Does pet health care extend beyond avoiding illness and meeting vaccination requirements? Holistic pet care is a growing field as pet owners and veterinarians incorporate guidance on the best foods, supplements , activities, and home environment to enhance your dog’s overall health and longevity. Match your scope of pet health care to a veterinarian who is trained and experienced in the right sphere. Your Pet Care Philosophy Regardless of your dog’s age, breed, or history, the first step in choosing the best veterinarian is to have an idea of your own pet care philosophy. Whether we know it or not, we enter every decision with unique needs, desires, perspectives, and opinions that may point to the best provider or place for your pet’s care. Most likely, you see the choices that you make for your pet’s care as those made on behalf of a loved one, and this lays the foundation for your overall pet care philosophy. Preserving and enhancing your dog’s quality of life is of first consideration when choosing veterinary treatments and services. Meanwhile, you recognize that sometimes compassion is the best care, and make selfless decisions that you believe are best because they minimize suffering and align with an animal’s awareness and experience of its own life. Past experiences, good and bad, also feed into your care perspective and allow you to set thresholds and boundaries on the time, cost, and extend of potential treatments. Your pet care philosophy doesn’t have to be precise and fixed, but it’s wise to think through potential and inevitable decisions and be ready to discuss them with your new or existing veterinarian. Finally, you should establish your views on wellness and what promotes good health, for yourself and your pet. Science has shown us how important food, lifestyle, stress , and relationships are for health. If these things are important to you, find a veterinarian who shares a whole-body perspective on being and staying healthy. Veterinarians grounded in integrative care seek to resolve health issues by finding and resolving the root cause, often avoiding unnecessary treatments and detrimental side effects. Collaborative Pet Care One often overlooked but critical consideration in choosing your pet’s health expert is the patient-provider relationship. But unlike human healthcare, veterinary care involves two, two-way relationships: the one between you and the veterinarian, and the one between your dog and his veterinarian. The best veterinarians are not just service providers; they’re also a source of education and advice. Relationships are all about communication, so an open and comfortable discourse should be high on your veterinary criteria list. Not only do good veterinarians listen, they speak to inform and be understood. The human-to-human part of an optimal veterinary relationship is respectful and collaborative, as you acknowledge your veterinarian’s expertise and experience, and your vet has patient regard for your needs and beliefs. Having a strong rapport with your veterinarian will ultimately enhance your dog’s care. Some animals are less socialized and wary of different people and places, but eventually a comfortable bond should form between your dog and his healthcare team. If an initial reaction of shyness doesn’t ease into a more relaxed demeanor after a few visits, it may indicate a poor fit. Animals have undefined senses we don’t fully understand, and your pup may never warm up to certain people. When you, your pet, and your veterinarian are in harmony, it creates an open and transparent environment to exchange information, be honest about concerns, and work together on the right care plan for your pet. Start with a solid and trusting relationship and face decisions with greater confidence and camaraderie. Practical Tips for Choosing the Best Veterinarian Both you and your dog are unique, so there’s no right or wrong way to find the best provider and place for your pet’s health care. But a thorough discovery process is smart no matter your starting place. Mix and match these practical tips to find an optimal veterinarian for your furry friend: Scope out your area – search within a reasonable distance of your home and work, so travel time and inconvenience don’t become excuses for skipping appointments or delaying urgent care. Check review sites – online reviews can be skewed towards the negative, so read widely across a few sites and look for patterns of praise, feedback, or complaints. Ask around – even if you’re new to the area, ask pet-friendly neighbors, coworkers, and nearby pet stores, grooming salons, and doggie daycares for recommendations or referrals. Do your research – with a handful of options, explore each veterinarian’s website, and use your discernment to sift out sites that are unprofessional, non-informative, and not updated. Read up on the veterinarian’s credentials and be sure they are board-accredited. Pay a personal visit – Call ahead and set up a time to visit the office and meet with the veterinarian, if possible. Ask questions and gauge the environment. Plan a follow-up visit with your pup if he tends to be slow to warm up to strangers. Don’t wait for an emergency to be the first meet-n-greet! One final tip once you’ve found your fit - be a good patient! Show up for routine appointments, be on time, and pay promptly. Socialize and train your pet to foster a calm experience for your pet. Develop trust and respect your veterinarian’s expertise. A bit of extra time, patience, and planning will pay you back with peace of mind, satisfying service, and most importantly, a happy dog with a long, healthy life.

Humans and animals are made to move: strolling, sprinting, and every pace in between, our bodies thrive with regular exercise. There is abundant evidence and public health messaging to recommend that we include intentional movement into our days for optimal health and longevity. And while the benefits for humans are profound, how much more so for animals that are built to roam, romp, and ramble? Animal health and lifestyle expert Colleen Paige is a longtime advocate for pet welfare. Noticing a tendency in our busy days to neglect the critical priority of pet exercise, Colleen established National Walk-Your-Dog Week in 2010. At this favorable time of year when heat, cold, travel, or holidays are far-fetched excuses, this may be an ideal occasion to establish a new routine and habit! Best of all, this simple, free, natural activity brings more value than meets the eye.

Puppy energy can be overwhelming, but the endless exploration, carefree play, and joyful mischief of youth is a cherished time that often passes far too quickly. Like children, puppies evoke fond memories of innocent days and bright ambitions and help restore our optimism. Many of us would trade a few more chewed shoes for perpetual puppyhood. Yet, like puppies to childhood vigor, so go dogs to adulthood’s deceleration. Despite our best hopes to keep them immortal, our pampered pets age before our eyes. Dogs mature seven to ten times faster than humans, meaning the inevitable effects of aging begin long before we’re switching them to “senior” food. When puppy exuberance dwindles to a permanent couch crater, we assume this about-face in activity is natural and normal, and maybe even appreciate the slower pace (until it’s time to drag them out for a potty break). We dote on our pets to share the delight in their spoils, perhaps oblivious of the detriments to our plump and fluffy friends. But like our own health trajectory, we can suddenly find that unlimited indulgence has consequences. Mobility issues are a leading health complaint to veterinarians, from laziness to limping. Many breeds are genetically predisposed to structural impairments that emerge in adulthood, but a majority of symptoms result from an accumulation of factors that follow from modern life. In an unfortunate paradox, our pups are too comfy on one hand and over-stimulated on the other. The result? Both physical and mental influences often lie at the root of reluctant movement.

If you’re reading this article, you are likely a conscientious pet parent who’s last Fourth of July celebration or two was dampened by a miserable pooch. Many of us can relate to the experience of finding that our animal companions are less enthusiastic about the sensational firework displays that we Americans enjoy in celebration of our Independence Day. Every year, animal shelters are inundated with lost pets, some injured during their escapes. Even some children do not react with glee to the sights and sounds of the holiday; the bizarre and erratic noises that intrude the predictable hum of everyday life can take some getting used to. When you think about it, the heightened sense of hearing that makes canines highly intelligent and perceptive also means that the fervor of the Fourth is heard much more acutely to sensitive ears. So, it’s not abnormal for dogs and other pets to react in fear and anxiety to loud and unusual sounds. Hiding, shaking, pacing, panting, barking, refusing to eat, and destructive behaviors are common.

Skin complaints are one of the most frequent reasons that pet owners visit their veterinarians. Redness, tenderness, hair loss, excessive scratching or licking of invisible irritants: their misery is our own. Often arising out of nowhere, disappearing and reappearing, skin issues often cause insufferable restlessness and anxiety in our unsuspecting animal friends. Even some seemingly disconnected misbehaviors can be triggered by skin irritation: odd eating or chewing habits, destroying a favorite toy, digging, poor leash manners; anything to relieve pent up frustration. Like most pet health situations, our companions can’t tell us what’s wrong. They rely on us to know them well enough to sense when they aren’t feeling well and to be informed about what influences their health. The vitality of our skin is often referred to as a reflector of overall health, and while we may sometimes forget how much this delicate organ does for us and our pets, it’s important not to ignore the skin when it provides forewarning. Both external and internal assaults affect skin health, some more obvious than others. Airborne instigators include insects, pollen, dust, pollutants, and other toxic chemicals. From within, food allergies often manifest in unhappy skin, as do many autoimmune issues. Another critical factor we may forget is psychological stress. Since we now recognize how significantly our pets absorb human emotions and experience their own, stress could be at the bottom of many otherwise unexplainable skin troubles.