Helpful tips, recent news, inspiring tales, cute photos and more fun stuff from The Drake Center.
How to Pet Proof Your Home
Preparing your home for your new furry arrival is an exciting time. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or an old hand, it’s always a mix of emotions. Will everything go smoothly? Will they be safe and happy? One way you can protect your new charge is by pet-proofing your home.
Frankly, there are so many potential hazards, ranging from sugar-free gum to antifreeze, that it’s worth reviewing your home periodically, even if you’re used to living with pets.
Why Do Dogs Like to Give Kisses?
Receiving slobbery kisses from our canine companions is part of the dog-loving package, but do you ever wonder why they do this?
Turns out, there are lots of reasons dogs like to put their tongues on you, ranging from instinct, to affection, to stress. Let’s take a look.
Is Your Kitty Content? 6 Signs of a Happy, Healthy Cat
The world loves grumpy cats (just ask Grumpy Cat herself). We tend to think of our feline friends as sassy, independent, and apathetic creatures—and for many cat lovers, that low-key attitude is all just a part of their charm. But are our cats really unhappy? In honor of Happy Healthy Cat Month, here are six ways you’ll know if your cat is living his best life (even if he’ll never admit it).
Safety Tips for Kids and Cats
According to The American Pet Products Association, 62 percent of American households have either a dog, a cat, or both. Chances are, if you already have pets and kids, they’ve learned how to get along.
Adopting? How to Choose the Right Furry Family Member for Your Family
The ASPCA estimates there are approximately 6.5 million pets in shelters across the country. Many of these animals are great pets, but their families gave them up for a variety of reasons, including death or illness of a caregiver.
Because there are so many worthy animals waiting for their furever homes, it makes sense to adopt.
Home Alone? How to Keep Your Dog Happy
It’s no secret that dogs are sociable creatures who are happiest being with others and having something to do. Not to get overly philosophical, but everyone needs a purpose.
Plus, dogs are like toddlers. If you don’t give them a constructive focus, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves, such as pulling all of the stuffing out of each cushion on your new couch, or enjoying four or five shoes -- each from a different pair. Not that we’ve had any experience with such things…
Feeding grain-free? Your dog may be at risk for heart disease
By Jennifer Reed
In veterinary medicine, we have the ability to treat a myriad of conditions—from sensitive stomachs to skin issues and everything in between—with the help of balanced, therapeutic diets. But what happens when what we feed actually causes health problems for our pets? An alarming trend is causing veterinary professionals to take a closer look at the link between popular pet diets and heart disease.
Does Your Pet Need a Plane Ticket? And Other Questions You May Have About Flying with Pets
Whether you're relocating or considering taking your pet on vacation with you, flying with pets presents interesting challenges.
