July 31st is National Mutt Day, a day dedicated to celebrating mixed breed dogs! As anyone who has ever owned a mutt can tell you, these guys have just as much to offer an any purebred dog and can take on a variety of important jobs such as therapy dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, and guide dogs.

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Did you know that pets can often be involved in unintentionally starting a house fire? As a knowledgeable and proactive pet parent, here are some things to keep in mind to keep your home and your family safe.

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Is your dog afraid of thunderstorms? It is not uncommon for dogs to be afraid of thunderstorms (or any loud noises from above) but their reaction to these noises can range from merely being nervous and shaky to chewing through drywall or breaking through windows. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix but there are some things you can do at home to help.

Tags: Dogs, Pet Safety, Uncategorized

Many of you have already heard that there is an epidemic of canine influenza (flu) occurring in the Midwest. Researchers have found that this most recent outbreak is due a strain of flu not previously seen here in the US. So what does this mean to you as a responsible and educated pet parent? Here are some FAQs to help you understand this disease and what you can do to protect your dog.

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Did you know that March 15th through the 21st is Poison Prevention Week? As a member of our Best Friends family, we want to help you keep all of your furry family members safe so here are a few tips on how to keep an accidental poisoning from happening in your home.

Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, Dogs, Pet Health, pet health, Pet Poisoning, Pet Safety, Pets, Uncategorized, Vet

A huge thanks to everyone who entered our Best Friends #PetScares, Halloween Instagram Photo Contest! It was a big hit and we are thrilled with ALL of the entries. In fact, the judges had such a hard time narrowing down a top three that they decided to name five winners instead. The lucky five will receive a $50 gift certificate to use at any Best Friends Pet Care center or Veterinary Hospital.

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Anyone who is owned by a cat knows that cats are very opinionated about going to the vet’s office. Unfortunately, cats can be really good about hiding signs of illness so routine veterinary visits are an important part of making sure your kitty stays healthy.

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I just love holiday time! There are so many fun things to do and good things to eat. And everybody is in such a good mood!

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The upcoming Fourth of July holiday week can be a difficult time for dogs afraid of loud noises. Fireworks can cause a dog to hide, bark excessively and even run away.  Independence Day week is a peak time for lost dog reports.

We asked our panel of professional trainers for advice on helping pets make it through the noisy celebration. 

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