What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is caused by bacterial organisms called Leptospira which is spread via the urine of infected animals. These bacteria can be shed in the soil and water which can then serve as a source of infection for dogs.

Tags: Ask the Vet, dog safety, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, pet health, pet info, Pets, Vet

Spring has finally arrived! We’re all happy to welcome the sunshine, but there’s one thing that warmer weather brings that we don’t like welcoming… FLEAS!

Tags: cats, dogs, pet advice, pet behavior, Pet Health, pet health, pet info

The last Tuesday of February has been coined "World Spay Day" in an effort to make a positive impact on the pet overpopulation problem. If you're wondering whether or not to spay or neuter your pet, take a look at our list- the Top Five Reasons to Spay & Neuter Your Pet!

Tags: Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pet Safety, Pets, Rabbits

With Valentine’s Day comes an abundance of chocolate (hopefully)! While these sweet treats are a delight for us, they are not at all good for our furry family members. Chocolate contains caffeine as well as a compound known as theobromine which can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, and even death if ingested in large quantities. Baker’s chocolate or any kind of dark chocolate are the most concerning since these have the highest level of toxicity.

Tags: Ask the Vet, dog safety, Dogs, dogs, health, holidays, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pet Safety, Pets, safety, tips

In response to the question that was posted about thyroid diseases, here is a quick review of hypothyroidism in dogs.

Tags: Ask the Vet, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, Vet, Weight

Hi Krissy. Thyroid diseases in dogs and cats are pretty different so I think we’ll tackle them separately. Let’s start with the kitties.

Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, cats, health, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pets, Vet

Here at Best Friends Pet Care, we are excited to announce that we have been expanding into the veterinary care realm! Our guests have grown to know us as the leader in providing the best pet boarding, grooming, training and doggy day camp, nationwide. But on top of our 41 pet care centers, we are now operating nine veterinary hospitals and growing fast. This means we are now able to provide veterinary and pet care expertise! A total pet care experience for both you and your pet!

Tags: Ask the Vet, best friends news, Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pets, Vet

Tags: Activity, doggy daycamp, Dogs, exercise, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, tips, winter

The dog days of summer are here and we humans aren’t the only ones suffering.  For our canine best friends, long hot summer days in a house without air conditioning or a backyard without shade can be misery.

Tags: dog safety, doggy daycamp, Dogs, dogs, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pet Safety

The medical community has long stated that owning a pet will reduce stress in your life. That comes as no surprise to us! Just last week, the American Heart association came out with a report stating that pet owners actually live longer than non pet owners!

Tags: Activity, cats, doggy daycamp, Dogs, dogs, exercise, pet advice, pet health, Pets, Weight