Pet health library

Trusted Advice for Healthier Pets

Practical, vet-approved guides to help you care for your pet between visits — from first vaccines to golden years.

  • Dogs & cats

    Vaccines That Protect for Life

    Vaccines are one of the simplest ways to prevent serious, sometimes fatal, disease.

    • Puppies and kittens start a vaccine series at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks.
    • Rabies vaccination is required in most communities — keep your certificate handy.
    • Lifestyle vaccines such as Lyme, leptospirosis, Bordetella, and feline leukemia depend on your pet's risks.
  • Dogs & cats

    Fleas, Ticks & Heartworm

    Parasites are easier to prevent than to treat — and some can spread to people.

    • Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. Dogs need monthly prevention and a yearly test.
    • Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, so keep prevention going spring through fall at a minimum.
    • An annual stool test checks for intestinal worms you can't see.
  • Dogs & cats

    Dental Health Basics

    Most dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by age three, and it can affect the whole body.

    • Watch for bad breath, red gums, drooling, or dropping food.
    • Brush daily with a pet toothpaste — never human toothpaste.
    • Professional cleanings under anesthesia reach below the gumline, where disease starts.
  • Nutrition

    Feeding & Healthy Weight

    Keeping your pet lean is one of the best ways to add healthy years to their life.

    • Choose a complete and balanced food made for your pet's life stage.
    • Measure meals and keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories.
    • You should be able to feel your pet's ribs easily under a thin layer of fat.
  • Senior pets

    Caring for Senior Pets

    Most pets are considered seniors around age seven — earlier for large-breed dogs.

    • Twice-yearly exams and bloodwork help catch kidney, thyroid, and other changes early.
    • Stiffness, trouble with stairs, or changes in thirst and appetite are worth a visit.
    • Soft bedding, ramps, and non-slip rugs keep aging joints comfortable.
  • Safety

    Common Household Toxins

    Many everyday foods, plants, and medicines are dangerous for pets.

    • Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol sweetener are toxic to dogs.
    • Lilies are extremely toxic to cats — even a little pollen can harm the kidneys.
    • Suspect a poisoning? Call us right away or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
  • Behavior

    Behavior & Training

    Good manners and a calm pet start with patience and positive reinforcement.

    • Reward the behavior you want instead of punishing the behavior you don't.
    • Gentle, positive socialization early in life builds confident adult pets.
    • Sudden behavior changes, including litter box problems, often have a medical cause.
  • Exotic pets

    Birds, Rabbits & Reptiles

    Exotic pets hide illness well, so the right setup and yearly checkups matter.

    • Rabbits need unlimited grass hay for healthy teeth and digestion.
    • Reptiles depend on the correct heat gradient and UVB lighting.
    • Birds are sensitive to fumes from nonstick cookware, candles, and aerosols.
  • New pets

    Puppy & Kitten Checklist

    Bringing home a new family member? Start them off on the right paw.

    • Schedule a first exam within a week of bringing your new pet home.
    • Ask about the right timing for spaying or neutering.
    • A microchip is permanent ID that can't fall off like a collar tag.

Have a question about your pet's health?

This library is general information and isn't a substitute for an exam. If something doesn't seem right, reach out — emergency care is available 24/7.

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