Animal Care Tips

The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine's Animal Care Tips page offers a comprehensive collection of articles aimed at promoting the health and well-being of pets. These resources cover a wide range of topics, including preventive care, seasonal safety, behavioral guidance, and emergency preparedness. If you have questions or concerns about your pet, please speak to your veterinarian or make an appointment with our Small Animal Community Practice.
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Article ItemFour tips for creating a pet-friendly garden , article
Gardening offers the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and make your yard prettier. Here are some ways to create a safe garden you and your pets can enjoy.
Date: May 19, 2025 - -
Article ItemLilies and cats: A deadly combination , article
Lilies may be beautiful, but they are extremely toxic to cats — even small exposures can be fatal — so pet owners should keep them out of their homes and gardens.
Date: Apr 03, 2025 - -
Article ItemSenior cat health alert: Recognizing hyperthyroidism , article
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder for cats middle-aged and older cats, but early progression of the disease might fly under the radar for many cat owners.
Date: Mar 13, 2025 - -
Article ItemLove languages: Understanding how your pet communicates , article
Pets' body language depends on context, but here are a few quick tips to help owners decode it for better understanding.
Date: Feb 03, 2025 - -
Article ItemKeeping the peace: A guide for happy pets and houseguests over the holidays , article
Houseguests might bring you holiday cheer, but pets may need help adjusting to changes in routine.
Date: Dec 11, 2024 - -
Article ItemThe 12 tips of pet safety: A holiday guide , article
There are several hazards that can turn festive celebrations into unexpected veterinary visits.
Date: Dec 01, 2024 - -
Article ItemUnderstanding diabetes in pets , article
National Pet Diabetes Month offers chance to learn more about how your pet may suffer from a malady also common in humans.
Date: Nov 19, 2024 - -
Article ItemSpooktacular pet safety: Unique Halloween tips for pet owners , article
As Halloween approaches and you start decorating your home with jack-o'-lanterns and spooky decorations, it's important to consider how this festive season might affect our furry friends.
Date: Oct 15, 2024 - -
Article ItemWhy all dog owners need to know about leptospirosis , article
Leptospirosis, known colloquially as "lepto," lives in wet environments and can be spread through the urine of infected animals.
Date: Sep 10, 2024 - -
Article ItemHow to keep your pet’s coat healthy , article
Nutrition and grooming are keys to maintaining pet coat health.
Date: Aug 13, 2024 - -
Article ItemIs your pet stressed? , article
Stress can cause unwanted behaviors and can lead to injury, illness, and aggression in cats and dogs. As a pet owner, it’s important to be aware of and address your pet’s stress so your pet can be happy and healthy.
Date: Jul 01, 2024 - -
Article ItemWhy preventive medicine is key to pet health , article
Regular wellness visits, vaccinations, dental care, and other routine appointments can catch health issues earlier and make them less expensive to treat.
Date: Jun 13, 2024 - -
Article ItemAllergies in dogs and cats are nothing to sneeze at , article
Spring is in full swing, which means pollen and other allergens are wreaking havoc on the 50 million Americans who experience seasonal allergies. But humans aren’t the only species that suffer due to allergens — other animals, including our pets, can have allergies, too.
Date: May 20, 2024 - -
Article ItemLyme Disease in Dogs: What Dog Owners Should Know , article
As Lyme disease cases rise in the United States, not only humans are at risk; dogs are increasingly vulnerable to this tick-borne illness. The disease's spread is facilitated by ticks, which thrive in tall grasses and wooded areas and symptoms in dogs can range from fever and joint pain to more serious conditions like kidney damage if left untreated.
Date: Apr 12, 2024 - -
Article ItemThings you need to know before you bring home your new puppy , article
National Puppy Day is March 23, but we like to celebrate all year long. If you’ve decided to add a puppy to your life, here are some things you need to keep in mind to make sure your puppy is set up for success.
Date: Mar 25, 2024 - -
Article ItemChocolate and candy: The hidden Valentine's Day dangers to your pet's health , article
As Valentine's Day approaches, you may be planning to enjoy some chocolates and candies. While these sweet treats delight us, they can pose significant risks to our pets. Understanding what's enjoyable for us but might be harmful for our furry friends is important during this sweet holiday.
Date: Feb 05, 2024 - -
Article ItemKeep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays , article
Celebrating the holidays can bring a lot of joy, but it can also endanger the health of your furry companions. It’s important to be aware of pet health hazards — especially around the holidays, when the home is filled with new sights and smells like decorations and holiday meals.
Date: Dec 08, 2023 - -
Article ItemCaring for Your Senior Pet , article
As pet owners, we all want our furry companions to have long and happy lives, but as dogs and cats age, their needs change. Let’s look at some common health problems your pet may face in their old age.
Date: Nov 06, 2023 - -
Article ItemPreparing Your Pet for a Disaster: Essential Tips from Veterinary Experts , article
Disasters can strike unexpectedly, leaving families and their beloved pets vulnerable and needing immediate assistance. Taking proactive measures to safeguard your pet's well-being by following a few simple steps can ensure their safety and increase the chances of a swift reunion in case of separation.
Date: Sep 06, 2023 - -
Article ItemThe importance of vaccinating your pet , article
It is often said that prevention is the best medicine — and that’s especially true for pet vaccinations. No pet owner wants to see a furry friend get sick, and as an added bonus, vaccinations are far less expensive than treating a disease.
Date: Aug 01, 2023 - -
Article ItemUnleashing Paw-some Shots: Mastering Pet Photography , article
Pets hold a special place in our hearts – capturing their adorable antics and unique personalities through photography has become a popular and cherished pastime and even a profession. However, photographing our animal companions can be quite challenging due to their unpredictable antics. Here are some tips to help you get great photos of your furry, feathery, and even scaly friend from our college communications manager and photographer, Margie Christianson.
Date: Jul 06, 2023 - -
Article Item5 Things You Need to Know About Microchipping Your Pet , article
Millions of pets in the United States have microchips so they can be returned to their homes if they become lost. A collar and tag with your phone number may be the easiest way for you to be reunited with your pet, but collars can slip off — and a microchip can’t.
Date: Jun 08, 2023 - -
Article Item5 Fun Ways to Celebrate National Pet Month , article
Did you know that May is National Pet Month? The VMCVM is full of pet lovers (duh!), so we’re giving you five fun ideas to celebrate the pets in your life.
Date: May 01, 2023 - -
Article ItemWhat Pet Owners Need to Know About Heartworm , article
Heartworm infection is a serious disease that can be fatal if left untreated. It is caused by worms that normally live in animals' heart, lungs, and blood vessels but can migrate to other tissues and organs, including the brain, kidneys, and eyes. These worms grow up to a foot long and can cause organ damage, heart failure, and lung disease. Cats and dogs can both get heartworm, though the disease looks different in the two species.
Date: Apr 12, 2023 - -
Article Item5 Poison Prevention Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe , article
Poisoning is a leading cause of injury and death in companion animals in the USA. It's essential to stay informed about the most common causes of poisoning and to take steps to prevent it. By being vigilant and taking steps to protect your pet from toxic substances, you can help keep them safe and healthy.
Date: Mar 01, 2023 - -
Article ItemHow Dental Care Keeps Your Pet Healthy and Happy , article
Pets are beloved members of many families, so it's important to ensure that they receive the proper care in order to keep them healthy and happy. One aspect of pet care that is often overlooked is oral health. It’s been estimated that a whopping 85% of cats over the age of three suffer from dental disease!
Date: Feb 08, 2023 - -
Article Item5 Tips for Successful Dog Training , article
Training your dog is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. It helps to establish boundaries, build trust, and create a positive relationship between you and your furry friend.
Date: Jan 19, 2023 -