Creepy, crawly, blood-sucking, little jerks. Yep, we all hate ticks. Have you come back from a hike or a walk around the block to find a tick on your dog? Or your cat wanders around the yard and comes back with a tick? Ick.

It’s goblin, candy, and party, time again. Halloween can be so much fun for kids and adults.

But how does this evening look to your cat or dog?

There’s evil lurking in the weeds. An invasive plant can make a simple walk with your dog dangerous. Foxtail is a grass-like weed found in the western US and is very common in our area. It has barbed seed heads that can work their way into the skin of your pets.

When you think of things you love about your dog, it’s probably the companionship, the playtimes, the snuggles, and those loving eyes. Wet dog smell, not so much. 

We love old dogs. They’re calm, trained, loyal, and wise. Although they sometimes need a bit more care for age-related ailments, they are worth it. The physical challenges of age are easier for many families to understand and manage than the mental changes in their elderly dog.

Just as we thought summer was winding down, the temperature is again near 100 degrees. Summers are hotter and longer than they used to be, which makes me wonder- is it too hot here for furry dogs? 

Every dog does things that are cringe-worthy. Humping, licking those places, sniffing crotches, gagging (causing the mad dash to get outside), and yes… scooting our butts across the carpet or grass. Whether we choose to scoot in the middle of your dinner party or while you’re enjoying a cup of coffee- it’s something you probably wish would stop. 

Humans have several socially acceptable ways of greeting each other… a smile, a handshake, a hug. You definitely would not be invited back if you did what many dogs do as part of social interactions. Yes, we’re talking about humping.

Take a look at your fingernails. Now imagine what it would take to permanently remove them. Ouch. Looks like you’d have to remove part of your finger right? Yep, that is what happens when you declaw a cat. Speaking from experience it is awful.