As many of us remain quarantined due to COVID-19 and summer quickly approaches, those with swimming pools are likely getting prepared for The Big Open. And as temperatures outside continue to rise (well, for some of us!), dogs may look for ways to cool off when they go outside. Even when it's not very hot out, adventurous dogs may find any body of water irresistible.

You may have seen the quote: “The best therapist has fur and four legs” floating around the interwebs by way of inspirational memes, but is there any truth to this saying? According to studies performed by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), our pets can actually benefit our mental health in a variety of ways.

These are challenging times. On top of the worries about COVID-19, you might have kids trying to e-learn while you’re balancing working from home and keeping your surroundings clean. Add to that a dog - and possibly a bored dog - and it can feel overwhelming. Many dogs need stimulation to stay happy and healthy and, quite frankly, to stay out of trouble.

If you’re a dog owner, then you know most dogs need to be walked at least once each day, although very active breeds and more hyper dogs (cough, cough - Huskies) benefit from more frequent walks. While a dog walker may be as close as an app click away, you'll be missing out on the many benefits of enjoying this activity yourself. If you are one of the millions having trouble sticking to an exercise program, help could be as close as your best buddy at the end of the leash.

For many expectant parents, their first baby was a fur baby. Your dog has gotten used to having all of Mom's and Dad’s attention, and a shift in that attention can mean stress for everyone. Even before the human baby arrives, your dog will sense change is coming, from the physical changes to Mom to changes around the house such as new furniture and strange new baby paraphernalia. Your pup can even sense the excitement and nervousness you may be feeling. The key to having your dog welcome the baby as its new best friend is in the preparation.

We've all seen it. You're running along and the person coming at you with the gorgeous Golden Retriever has just hit her most glorious stride, and her dog stops to go to the bathroom. She's jolted backward and her face goes red, but you're not sure if it's because she's furious with her pooch or embarrassed to pick up her dog's excrement. Ahh, the joys of running with a dog. Sarcasm aside, running with your dog can be a truly wonderful experience, but a lot must go into preparing for your outing.

Establishing an at home dental care routine is an important part of your dog’s overall health. You would never think to go days without brushing your own teeth, and it’s no different for your pets. Here at Rau Animal Hospital we recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily, but a great goal is at least three times a week.

One could spend all day, or more, engaging in (sometimes heated) dialogue about what our pets should eat. Depending on your personal beliefs, education, and experience, your perspective could be vastly different from another pet owner. Even within the veterinary community, there are a wide range of recommendations as to what is the most appropriate style of feeding for our companion canines and felines.