Socialization is vital to raising a well-adjusted, calm and happy dog. And there’s no better time to start socializing your dog than when he or she is a puppy. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah’s joined by a very special guest who will help demonstrate the ins-and-outs of early canine socialization. Learn what to expect at certain periods of development, what to avoid when teaching puppies and the importance of positive reinforcement. In this video, Dr. Sarah shares valuable tips that can help your puppy grow up with the social skills needed over a lifetime.

It’s one of those terms that not everyone is familiar with, but once you’ve witnessed “palliative care” in the case of a loved one, you’ll never forget it. According to the World Health Organization, palliative care is a medical approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing complications associated with life-threatening illness, often through the prevention and relief of suffering by treatment of pain and other problems. These treatments are offered regardless of whether or not there is any hope of a cure by any means.

While palliative care has been available to humans for decades, more and more veterinarians and pet parents are advocating for similar treatments for companion animals, too. As a pet parent, you owe it to yourselves – and your companion animals – to watch this special episode of Pet Talk.

This month, we’d like to highlight another financial award given by the Dr. Jane HealthyPetNet Foundation, this time to Angela's Angels Cat Rescue, a donor-supported, non-profit, no-kill, cage-free cat rescue in Columbia, North Carolina. What began as a personal experience caring for and rescuing sickly and abandoned cats, quickly became the established rescue organization we honor here.

A small, tightly knit organization, their focus is on saving felines from euthanasia at high-kill shelters, while also taking in stray, abandoned and surrendered cats. They actively work to maintain relationships with other no-kill rescues, shelters and vets in the surrounding area, thus creating a strong network of caring individuals working in tandem to save as many cats as possible, placing them in loving, permanent homes. The majority of their rescues are in temporary foster care, although some of their adoptable cats currently reside in the cage-free “Cat House” on the founders’ property. More...

One of America’s favorite summer pastimes is vacation travel. Often, these trips do not or cannot include our pets, so what do you do with your beloved companion when you cannot take them along? The most important thing is to not worry - the more we worry the less fun we have. Here are some of Dr. Sarah’s favorite tips to help your animals when you travel.

We’re pleased to bring you news of yet another financial award given by the Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation, this time to a small, inspirational group of Boxer rescuers in North Carolina.

Headquartered in Hampstead, the Carolina Boxer Rescue is a not-for-profit rescue organization established in October of 2001. In their decade of operation, they have helped to rescue and find forever homes for hundreds of purebred Boxers in North and South Carolina.

The folks at this amazing non-profit liberate Boxers from nearby shelters and humane societies, accept surrenders directly from owners who are no longer able to provide quality care, and welcome strays in any condition. The rescued pups are then transferred to one of many caring volunteer foster homes in both Carolina states, living indoors with their temporary pet parents. Every Boxer receives a complete physical, immunizations, sterilization, heartworm test and treatment for any illnesses or diseases. More...

We’ve all been there. Looking into the pleading eyes of a puppy or kitten who needs a good home. In that moment, it’s hard to think straight. Fortunately, Dr. Sarah is here to help. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah discusses the five biggest mistakes that new pet parents make, and how to avoid them. By taking these solutions to heart, your next adoption could just be the best decision you’ve ever made!

On April 27th, a massive storm system spawned over 180 tornadoes across the southeastern U.S., cutting a swathe of damage, injuries and death. The majority of the destruction occurred in Alabama, where tornados reached strengths of F4 and F5, the most destructive possible. Nearly 4,000 businesses were shuttered due to extensive damage. The full extent of the devastation is difficult to comprehend.

Now, just a few short weeks after experiencing the worst tornadic outbreak in over 50 years, Alabama residents are still digging through the rubble. So many lives were lost, many more were injured, and thousands are homeless. Many of those affected by the disaster included companion animals. Fortunately, a rescue organization has been making great strides in assisting dogs, cats and pet parents through this unbelievably trying time.

Established in 1971, the Humane Society of West Alabama is a no-kill, all-volunteer, non-profit organization utterly dedicated to the dogs and cats in their care. They operate on a spare budget, thanks entirely to donations and fundraisers, but never spare on the superior care they provide their rescues. In 2010, they placed 109 dogs and 91 cats in new forever homes, in addition to providing support to another hundred animals and families in need. More...