Helping your pet stay active on cold and snowy winter days isn’t easy — especially if you are one of the many folks who prefers staying inside where it’s nice and toasty. Unfortunately, if you are only taking your dog outside for quick potty breaks and rushing back inside, they probably are not getting enough exercise. Even your indoor cat could experience boredom if you spend winter evenings camped out in front of the television rather than engaging them in play.

As the biggest gift-giving month of the year, December is aptly also “Safe Toys and Gifts Month.” While one might assume this applies only to young children, the message behind this month is also highly relevant to our pets. From choking hazards to toxic chemicals, there are plenty of products on the market to be wary of when it comes to your pets.

World Animal Day, recognized every year on October 4, is a day dedicated to improving animal welfare standards across the globe. Although this special day just passed, we still want to recognize it, as it unites all animal rights organizations into one global movement, creating a collective force with a shared mission of making the world a better place for animals — domestic and wild.

Though people often associate September with football season, back-to-school, and the unofficial start of fall, it is also Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Founded by the American Kennel Club (AKC), this month-long event is all about helping pet parents learn how to raise healthy, happy dogs.

Since our dogs are much-loved members of our families, it’s only natural that we want them along for the fun when it’s time for a family vacation. However, that often means a long road trip to the beach, campsite, mountains, or other destination. As veterinarians, we understand your goal is to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible for your dog, and we want nothing more than to help this effort with some expert insight. Following are our recommendations for ensuring a smooth road trip, so your dog enjoys both the vacation and the journey.

Does your dog practically do cartwheels when you pick up the leash? If so, you may have taught them well to be excited about fitness! January is National Walk Your Pet Month, and while there have been movements to have “leash-free” communities, there are good reasons to keep your pet leashed in public places, no matter how well-behaved your dog is.

What are you doing this January 14th? The answer is, being fabulous with your pet, of course! January 14th is National Dress Up Your Pet Day – a special day created by celebrity pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige in 2009.

Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility – one that can get complicated sometimes. When it comes to keeping track of your pet’s health records, vet information, vaccinations, etc., how many times have you found yourself thinking, “I wish I had an app for that!”?