The bad news is that most modern pet foods are far from what nature designed dogs and cats to eat. Many of the ingredients in today’s “best selling” and “premium” foods. have little or no nutritional value.

While the shelf price of these foods may be lower, the effects on your pet’s health and wellbeing end up costing you more in the long run. Choosing healthier foods will result in improved health and quality of life for your pets.

“Lean pets live longer,” explains Dr. Chip Cannon, CityVet Founder. “Feed [your pets] good foods, not junk foods, and don’t overpay for popular or “premium” when the true cost to feed a healthy, all-natural, meat-based food can be the same cost or less.”

At CityVet, our pet food recommendations are based on the science of pet nutrition. With this foundation, we can help pet owners evaluate food choices and select the healthiest option for their furry family members.

Pet Nutrition Basics
Science tells us that dogs and cats are carnivores by nature. In the wild, their diet would consist of nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods such as muscle and organ tissues. Grains (carbohydrates) would make up a very small percentage of their natural diet.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of modern pet foods are carbohydrate-based. This is true even for pet foods that list meat as the first ingredient, and advertise claims of “healthy” and “high-quality ingredients”.

The reality is that many of these name brand foods primarily consist of inexpensive, low-quality ingredients such as cheap grains, grain fractions, grain fillers, and by-products. Pet food manufacturers can meet the minimum regulatory requirements using these lower quality ingredients. This allows them to keep prices low but means the nutritional value is low as well.

Dogs and cats who consume these lower quality foods will survive, but they don’t always thrive. Health issues such as obesity, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, kidney disease, and cancer are all linked in some way to nutrition.

Pet Food Economics
Lower quality grain-based pet foods may appear to be cheaper upon first glance, but the real cost may be higher than you think. When evaluating pet foods, you should consider the “cost to feed” rather than the “cost per volume”. This is a more accurate reflection of the true price point of pet foods.

There are two key factors that affect the purchase price of pet foods:

1. The QUANTITY of meat they contain
2. The QUALITY of the meat and other ingredients

Foods containing more meat and better quality ingredients have a higher nutrient value and greater digestibility. This results in less food consumed and less pet waste produced, leading to an overall lower “cost to feed”.

For example, consider a healthy 50-pound, 5-year-old dog. This breakdown shows the cost difference between feeding the dog a grain-based food vs. an all-natural meat-based food:

• Economy / grain-based food
• Requires 3.1 cups of economy feed per day
• Costs to feed per day: $0.95
• Feed them this to survive
• All-natural meat-based food
• Requires 2.4 cups of CityVet Select feed per day
• Costs to feed per day: $1.18
• Feed them this to thrive

In this example, the daily cost difference between a grain-based food and healthier meat-based food is just $0.23 per day. This equates to just $6.90 more per month, for a significantly healthier dog!

Top Pet Food Ingredients to Avoid

• Animal Fat – A generic by-product of rendering; includes things such as restaurant grease, slaughterhouse waste, and diseased cattle.
• Artificial Colors – Artificial colors are only used to make kibble look attractive.
• By-Product – Dry rendered waste products made from what is left of a slaughtered chicken or cow after all the prime cuts are removed. This can contain almost anything . feet, beaks, undeveloped eggs, etc.. All are low-quality sources of protein.
• Corn, ground yellow corn, corn gluten meal – These are inexpensive grains and grain by-products with limited nutritional value. They are often primary ingredients in “Economy” and “Premium” pet foods and should be avoided.

Top Pet Food Ingredients to Choose

• Carbohydrates – Healthy carbs come from ingredients such as peas, beans, potatoes, soy and healthy grains such as rice, oats, and barley in limited amounts. These are a good source of energy.
• Fruits and Vegetables – Provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients.
• Specified Meat Protein – Ingredients such as chicken, beef, fish and eggs. The most nutritious foods will have meat protein as the first ingredients.
• Specified Fats and Oils – Provide essential fatty acids, energy and natural flavor. Healthy fats also help maintain a healthy coat and immune system.

Evaluating Pet Food Quality
Understanding pet food options should be easy, but the pet food industry has not set it up that way. Reading pet food labels and evaluating ingredients can be tricky, so CityVet has committed to tackling the hard part.

Below is CityVet’s process for evaluating pet food quality:

That’s right – CityVet veterinarians only recommend the pet food products that we actually feed our own dogs and cats. You’ll never find unhealthy grain-based foods with poor nutrient quality ingredients on our shelves!

CityVet emphasizes all-natural foods that feature only healthy grains and are high in protein and real meat ingredients. Complete pet care begins with nutrition – learn more about our natural, meat-based pet foods.

Boguslawski joins CityVet from Deca Dental, where he was Chief Operating Officer and the first executive hired by its founding dentists. In this role he was instrumental in growing the Deca Dental business from 28 locations to 85 locations in less than four years, including the expansion into four new markets. He was awarded Dallas Business Journal’s 40 under 40 for his efforts at Deca Dental. His experience with Deca Dental gives him excellent experience and insight into working with doctors and clinical staff, positioning him perfectly for his new role with CityVet.

Andy Anderson, DVM, Executive Chairman of the Board, said, “The Board is delighted to welcome David to CityVet. His strong leadership and experience in high growth, multi-location retail healthcare will be critical to CityVet’s success. Dave understands the power of values-based leadership and is the perfect fit for our DVM partnership model.”

“I am excited to start this new chapter in my career and am honored to be a part of the highly respected CityVet team,” said Boguslawski. “CityVet has long been recognized as the premier organization for unparalleled care for pets, pet owners and employees. I look forward to continuing the positive momentum and bringing a fresh perspective to the team.”

“We are thrilled to welcome David to the CityVet family,” said company founder Chip Cannon, DVM. “CityVet was built on family values principled in caring for both clients and team members, with the understanding that healthier pets lead longer, happier lives. I am confident that David.s experience, disposition and passion for care make him uniquely qualified to lead the CityVet team toward an even brighter future.”

Boguslawski’s appointment is effective immediately. He will partner with the local DVMs and lead a staff of more than 300 employees in the strategic vision as well as the daily operations across 17 business units including: 12 state-of-the-art CityVet veterinary hospitals and five Ruffit DayPlay and boarding operations.

Boguslawski started his career at Lockheed Martin, where he graduated from the Leadership Development Program and earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. He has a MBA from Southern Methodist University and an Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Arkansas. He loves animals and spending time outside with his family. His commitment to animals and family make him an ideal match for CityVet.

About CityVet
CityVet is a veterinarian-owned pet care business that offers complete pet care services, including highly qualified, competent and compassionate veterinarians; boarding, bathing and grooming services; and healthy pet foods and supplies. Headquartered in Dallas, the company has been in business for 20 years with a focus on treating pets and people with the right care while remaining affordable, so that pets can live longer, happier lives. CityVet now has 17 business units, 12 veterinary clinic locations and five DayPlay and boarding facilities, including one CityVet clinic in Denver, Colo.

The blue-green algae epidemic seemed to peak in the Southeastern U.S., but cases occurred as far north as New York and Minnesota, and as far west as Colorado. In Austin alone, blue-green algae in Lady Bird Lake resulted in the deaths of at least five dogs.

Understandably, these news headlines have left pet owners with many questions. What is blue-green algae, why is it so dangerous, and most importantly, how can they keep their dogs safe?

What is Blue-Green Algae?
“Blue-green algae” is a bit of a misnomer; it’s actually not a true algae at all, but rather a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. It thrives in water and moist soil environments, especially during warm, sunny weather. This may include lakes, ponds, rivers, and even backyard pools and decorative ponds. Scientists have observed cyanobacteria in all 50 states over the years.

Blue-green algae tends to be more prevalent during summer and early fall, when the weather is warmest. Officials in Texas and other affected states had previously predicted that the algae blooms would clear by mid-October.

But as of October 16th, officials in Austin say that Lady Bird Lake and surrounding bodies of water are still contaminated. As such, pet owners should keep their pets away from these bodies of water until officials announce the “all clear”.

In order for this to happen, there needs to be a shift to consistently cool temperatures (below 75 degrees) and increased water flow. Scientists are also looking ahead to summer 2020, and preparing to handle the potential of more blue-green algae blooms.

Why is Blue-Green Algae Dangerous?
Cyanobacteria is incredibly toxic to pets, wildlife and even humans. This is because it feeds off sunlight to produce its own energy, and may release neurotoxins as a byproduct. These toxins can be fatal within just minutes of exposure.

Fortunately, most humans know to state out of scummy, foul-smelling water, which is why you don’t often hear about it affecting humans. But playful pups will happily swim in – and consume – contaminated water. Dogs have even been known to eat dried clumps of algae on the shore.

How Can I Spot Blue-Green Algae?
You may be able to identify bodies of water containing blue-green algae by looking for water discoloration and foam on the surface. In some cases, cyanobacteria may even look like a shimmering substance on top of the water, easily mistaken for paint or oil.

Blue-green algae may also have a foul stench, much like the smell of rotting plants. Unfortunately, these tell-tale signs are not always apparent. Cyanobacteria can lurk on the bottom of the lake, or in small patches that are easy to miss.

What Are the Symptoms of Blue-Green Algae Exposure?
If a dog has come into contact with blue-green algae, they will usually begin showing signs within 15-20 minutes. However, in some cases, it may take hours or days for symptoms to arise.

Signs that a dog has been exposed to cyanobacteria may include:

• Disorientation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Twitching / convulsions / seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Liver failure

Unfortunately, due to the extreme toxicity of blue-green algae, ingestion will almost always result in death. That said, you should still immediately bring your dog to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms and suspect blue-green algae contamination.

How Can I Keep My Dogs Safe From Blue-Green Algae?
When it comes to protecting your pets from blue-green algae, prevention is key. There is no known cure, so if a dog has been infected with a high enough dose of the toxin, there is usually nothing that can be done.

You can keep your pup safe by keeping them leashed around bodies of water, especially if it appears dirty or foamy. Never allow your pet to drink from ponds, lakes or other stagnant bodies of water.

If you believe your pet may have come into contact with blue-green algae, immediately wash them with clean water and soap. Be sure to wear gloves to protect yourself! Then, bring them in to see your vet as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation.

Pet owners who live in areas with known blue-green algae blooms should stay especially vigilant. Keep an eye out for signage, and look for updates from the public health department to see if your area has been cleared before letting your pets near any bodies of water.

Environmental scientists say that although blue-green algae blooms have historically been quite rare, they are becoming more common as a result of increasing global temperatures, as well as the use of crop fertilizers.

As the weather continues to cool, experts hope that the current outbreaks will begin to subside. However, pet owners should remain aware of this threat once the weather begins to warm up again in spring, and continue taking all measures to keep their dogs safe.

To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 questions our vets get about pets. Read to the very end for the one question that we wish pet owners would ask more often.

1. Does my pet really need a yearly exam?
Yes – at a minimum! Regular wellness checkups are an important part of pet ownership. Bringing your pet in for a checkup may feel like a chore, but studies show that preventative care is essential to disease prevention and early detection of potential problems.
Dogs and cats age much more rapidly than humans, so a lot can change in just a few months. We actually recommend general physical exams every 6 months, especially for pets older than 5 years of age. For puppies and kittens, we recommend having exams performed at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age.

2. What type of food is healthiest for my pet?
Our veterinarian recommendations for feeding your pet are based on the science of nutrition. The reality is that dogs and cats are carnivores by nature, and their diet would consist of nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods such as organ tissue in the wild.

We recommend pet foods with proteins such as chicken, beef, fish, and eggs listed among the first ingredients. Foods containing more meat and better quality ingredients have higher nutrient value and greater digestibility.

3. What vaccinations does my pet need?
Core vaccines are those immunizations recommended for all dogs and cats regardless of life stage or lifestyle.

Core Vaccines for Puppies and Dogs

• DA2PPV: Recommend starting at the 8-week puppy visit with boosters at the 12-week and 16-week puppy visits. Another booster should be given 1 year after completing the initial puppy vaccines, and every 3 years thereafter.
• Bordetella – Recommend starting at the 8-week or 12-week puppy visits with a booster 3-5 weeks after the initial vaccine. Recommended every 6 months for dogs regularly exposed to high-risk situations such as grooming, boarding, day play, and dog parks.

Core Vaccines for Kittens and Cats

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia, Calicivirus (FVRCP)
• Recommend starting at the 8-week kitten visit with boosters at the 12-week and 16-week visits. Another booster should be given 1 year after completing initial kitten vaccines, and every 3 years thereafter.

The Rabies vaccination is another core vaccine that is required by law for all dogs and cats. Non-core vaccines that may still be recommended include Canine Influenza and Leptospirosis for dogs and Feline Leukemia for cats.

4. Does heartworm / flea / tick prevention need to be given year-round?
Absolutely, yes! Prevention is the key to avoiding parasite infections and infestations, which are damaging to your pet’s health and expensive to treat. There are many different ways for your dog or cat to contract parasites. Indoor pets can even be infected when their humans bring fleas in on their clothing or shoes!

Fleas and ticks can be found at any time of year in the United States, so year-round prevention medication is essential. Dogs and cats can be exposed to heartworms in almost any location where mosquitoes can be found. Feline heartworm disease is especially dangerous; infected cats may die from the development of just one heartworm.

Learn more about preventing parasites in pets.

5. How often should I groom my pet?
Keeping your pet clean and well-groomed is an important part of complete pet care, so we are glad to see so many pet owners asking this question. But the truth is, the answer depends entirely on the breed and coat of your pet.

For example, some dogs (such as poodles) will need to be professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks in order to keep their coats free of painful mats and tangles. On the other hand, short-haired dogs may be able to go 8-12 weeks between professional groomings, although they will still require regular upkeep at home.

Long-haired and medium-haired dogs and cats usually need to be brushed daily or every other day, while short-haired pets only require brushing once or twice a week. You should also keep your pet’s teeth, ears and nails clean and tidy with regular maintenance.

Bonus: One Questions Vets Wish Pet Owners Would Ask
Our vets regularly field a long list of questions from loving pet parents, but one question we would like to hear more often is this: “Is my pet at a healthy weight? If not, what should I do differently?”

Vets know weight management can be a sensitive topic, and many pet owners don’t want to hear that their dog or cat is severely overweight. But the truth is, it’s an essential component of complete pet care.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, a whopping 59% of cats and 54% of dogs in the U.S. are classified as either overweight or obese. They define “obese” pets as weighing more than 30% above their ideal weight.

Data shows that the pet obesity epidemic is on the rise, and this is a growing concern for veterinarians. Excessive fat in pets can significantly increase the risk of chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, liver and kidney disease, diabetes, and asthma. Ultimately, pet obesity can even lead to a shortened lifespan and heart failure.

By starting this conversation, we can work towards helpful habits like establishing an exercise or play routine, changing the quality or quantity of your pet’s food, and replacing food treats with other activities.

Still, have questions about your pet’s health? Schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian!

The best way to avoid these hassles is by preventing parasite infestations and infections in the first place. This parasite prevention guide covers everything you need to know about protecting your pets against fleas, heartworms, and other common parasites.

1. Fleas
Fleas are a common “ectoparasite”, which means they live on the outside of their host. Flea infestations can affect dogs, cats, and other mammals. These pesky parasites live everywhere we live, including our lawn, furniture, carpet, and yes, on our pets.

Many pets are exposed to fleas in outside environments like backyards, patios, dog parks, or walks around the neighborhood. Humans can even bring fleas into the home on their shoes or clothing without noticing!

Did you know a single female flea will lay up to 60 eggs a day, and up to 2000 in her lifetime? She can also consume up to 15 times her bodyweight in blood! Since fleas multiply so quickly, one flea turns into a flea infestation very rapidly.

Even though these infestations can be treated, it can be very difficult (and expensive) to completely eradicate fleas from your home, since flea eggs can survive for 2 to 3 months.

Besides being irritating parasites, fleas can negatively affect our pets in many ways by causing itching, hair loss, allergies, anemia, and skin infection. They can also transmit other parasites and diseases such as tapeworms and haemobartonella.

The key to preventing fleas is consistent administration of a safe flea preventative. Without consistent application, your pet and property will be susceptible to flea infestation.

2. Heartworms
Heartworms are a common internal parasite affecting dogs and cats. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms live in the heart and blood vessels, which results in heartworm disease.

Clinical signs of progressing heartworm disease include persistent cough, reluctance to move or exercise, fatigue after only moderate exercise, reduced appetite and weight loss, and even sudden death.

While heartworm disease can be treated, treatment is expensive and requires hospitalization. The good news is that heartworm disease is 99% preventable! Compared to heartworm treatment, prevention is safe, easy, effective, and inexpensive.

There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection in both dogs and cats, including monthly chewables, topical products and semi-annual injections.

Heartworm prevention interrupts the development of heartworm larvae before they can grow into adult worms in the heart and cause disease. When administered properly on a timely and consistent schedule, heartworm infection can be prevented.

A Warning About Feline Heartworm Disease
Although heartworm disease is more common in dogs, prevention for cats is even more important. Currently there is no treatment for heartworms in cats!

Most infected cats will die from the development of even one heartworm – in fact, sudden death is often the first and only sign of heartworm disease.

Cats may also exhibit clinical signs that are very non-specific, mimicking many other feline diseases including vomiting, gagging, difficult or rapid breathing, lethargy and weight loss.

Signs associated with the first stage of heartworm disease are often mistaken for feline asthma or allergic bronchitis, when in fact they are actually due to a syndrome newly defined as Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).

Indoor cats can be infected with heartworm disease just as easily as outdoor cats. Therefore it’s recommended that all cats be on heartworm prevention.

3. Ticks
Ticks are external parasites that attach to your pet by inserting their mouthparts into your pet’s skin. After attaching, the tick begins to feed on your pet’s blood. Ticks can consume enough of your pet’s blood to cause a deficiency called anemia.

More importantly, ticks are capable of transmitting many debilitating diseases such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichia. Many of the diseases ticks carry can also be transmitted to people.

How often you see ticks will depend on the region of the country in which you live, the time of year (tick activity varies in warm and cool weather), the habits of your pet, and how and when you use tick control products.

It is very difficult to prevent your pet’s exposure to ticks. Therefore, the best way to prevent ticks on your pet is with the regular use of tick prevention / control products.

4. Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are best prevented by keeping your pet on a regular Heartworm/Flea preventative that also contains anthelmintic. All pets should be regularly screened (annually or bi-annually) and dewormed (annually or bi-annually).

Roundworms are large worms that live in the intestines of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats, and can even be transmitted to humans (children are at the highest risk). They are transmitted through the environment (sniffing and licking fecal contaminated soil, grass, etc.); eating infected prey such as birds or rodents; through the placenta (to puppies); and through nursing (puppies and kittens). In pets, these parasites can cause coughing, dull/thin coat, vomiting, diarrhea, a pot-bellied appearance, and failure to gain weight.

Hookworms are very common microscopic worms that live in the intestines of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats, and can also be transmitted to humans. They are transmitted through the environment (eggs from fecal contaminated soil or grass can penetrate the skin, or pet ingests eggs during grooming its coat); eating infected prey such as rodents or insects; or through nursing. In pets, these parasites can cause anemia, diarrhea, dull/thin coat, skin problems, lethargy, and failure to gain weight.

Whipworms are intestinal parasites that live in the large intestine. They are transmitted through ingesting infected matter such as soil or fecal material from the environment. Once present, the eggs can remain viable for years. Clinical signs include bloody diarrhea, dehydration, anemia, and weight loss.

Tapeworms are transmitted by ingesting an infected flea. Tapeworms are diagnosed by seeing short, white, rice-like segments around the anus, or by seeing the eggs of the tapeworm on a fecal examination. Tapeworms are best prevented by keeping your pet on flea prevention year-round.

The Best Parasite Prevention Products for Dogs and Cats
Prevention is key when it comes to parasites, both internal and external. Heartworm / flea / tick prevention products are an important investment for your pet’s health and comfort, and choosing the right one can be a difficult process.

CityVet has done the hard part for you! Our veterinarians evaluate all parasite prevention products, including monthly chewables, topical products, and semi-annual injections, and can provide recommendations for you at your appointment.

Learn more about our preventative care plans for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, or contact your local CityVet veterinarian today for recommendations.

The truth is, the idea that pets should eat the same food all the time is a myth that originated in the pet food industry. Of course, every pet food company wants you to commit to their product, without switching to another brand.

This myth has been supported by the fact that pets sometimes have a negative reaction when introduced to a new type of food. But this usually occurs when they have been forced to eat a single source of food for an extended time and are transitioned to a new food very abruptly.

Digestive systems that have been trained to process a single type of diet for a prolonged period of time are sensitive to changes. But if you are able to transition your pet’s food gradually, you can avoid illness, stress, and aversion to the new diet.

At CityVet, we strongly believe that rotation is nature’s way of ensuring a complete and balanced diet. Therefore, it’s best to feed your pet a variety of healthy dry foods, wet foods, and fresh raw foods when possible.

Changing up your pet’s food can be tricky and require some trial and error, but it’s well worth the health and wellness benefits for your pet. Below are some common questions and answers about transitioning your pet’s food.

How do I transition my pet to a new food?
While some pets may be more sensitive to food adjustments than others, in general, we recommend transitioning your pet’s food on a one-week schedule.

1. Day 1-2: Mix 25% new food + 75% old food
2. Day 3-4: Mix 50% new food + 50% old food
3. Day 5-6: Mix 75% new food + 25% old food
4. Day 7: Feed your pet 100% new food

Keep in mind that these ratios are only a guide and that some pets will require a longer 2-3 week food transition schedule. If you notice adverse side effects while transitioning your pet’s food, experiment with a more gradual pace.

When is an ideal time to transition my pet’s food?
Food transitions are ideal when the pet is at home in familiar surroundings. Avoid beginning a transition while traveling, when someone else is caring for your pet, or during the holidays and other high-stress, high-foot traffic times in your home.

What if my pet just won’t adjust to the new diet?
For some pets, a more gradual 2-3 week transition schedule may be necessary. Don’t give up right away! You may just need to experiment with different flavors or brands until you find what works your pet.

Additionally, you can rest assured that CityVet will accept your opened bag of dog or cat food for a full return or exchange if the new food is simply not working out.

What if my veterinarian recommends prescription pet food?
You should always consult with your veterinarian on the best way to transition to a prescription food, as this will vary depending on your pet’s unique needs.

My pet is having negative side effects on their new diet. What should I do?
In some cases, undesirable symptoms such as stomach upset, flatulence, loose stool, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite will occur as a result of introducing a new food. These symptoms are common in pets that are not used to variety in their diets.

Keep in mind that variety is natural and healthy! If you encounter these symptoms when transitioning your pet’s food, try slowing down the transition process. You may also add a digestive aid and/or anti-diarrheal supplement, or consult with your veterinarian.

We recommend following these steps for dealing with minor symptoms:

If symptoms persist or become severe, especially if your pet stops eating, we recommend that you stop the transition immediately and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Prescription medications may be used to treat severe symptoms. In some cases, a pet may need to remain on a limited diet because of a medical condition or allergies.

Rest assured that in time, most pets will eventually adjust to the transition process and thrive on a diet that consists of dry, wet, and raw foods rotated appropriately.

Still, have questions about transitioning your pet’s food? Don’t hesitate to contact CityVet for more information!

We don’t like to think of it, but health problems can pop up unexpectedly. Often our pet’s health will decline as they age, yet we have not thought of them getting older and needing more care.

Difficult situations can be less difficult if you have planned ahead financially. Few of us can suddenly cough up thousands of dollars suddenly when a pet is hit by a car, tears its ACL, is attacked by another animal, obstructs its bowel after eating something he or she shouldn’t have, develops pancreatitis, diabetes or some other disease that requires extensive testing, surgery, medication, etc. Planning in advance can help keep these situations from being devastating both financially and emotionally.

One suggestion is to start a savings account for your puppy or kitten so that when they are older and need more veterinary care, there is money set aside.

Another effective and beneficial approach is to obtain pet insurance for your pet immediately. Just like with some human medical insurance plans, pre-existing conditions may be excluded, so get the insurance ASAP so that when a problem is found (and problems can be identified very early in life!), it will be covered.

There are many pet insurance companies, some better than others, so do your homework. Ask friends, or even people at the dog park, which companies they have used and are happy with. A valuable website to start with is petinsurancereview.com.

Remember: costs associated with having a pet as part of the family are more than just food and recommended vaccines! Plan for you furry bundle of joy accordingly.

Here are a few tips that can help find your pet:

• Start your search as soon as your animal is missing. The sooner you start, the better the chances are that your pet will be found.
• Immediately place a large piece of your clothing, bedding outside where they can smell the scent.
• Search nearby for any areas where your pet may have become trapped- garages, basements, drainage areas, etc.
  • Search during the day AND at night as some pets, especially cats, may hide during the day
  • Bring canned food and/or treats to entice your pet to come when called

• Spread the word! – Notify your neighbors, area veterinary clinics, pet supply stores and other area businesses that your pet is missing.
  • Use neighborhood social media pages to quickly reach a large group of people
  • Post “Lost Pet” signs around the neighborhood and in local businesses- offering a reward may increase the chance of having your pet returned, include a picture and description of your pet and your contact information
• Call AND visit local shelters and animal control facilities every day to check for your pet. Many shelters are very busy and it may take time for them to process found pets. Visiting may increase the chance of finding your pet sooner.
• Pets who are microchipped and/or wearing ID tags have a much greater chance of returning home.
• If someone posts a sign that they have found your pet, be prepared to claim them by having a photo of you with your pet. Always have a current photo of your pet on your phone for this reason. We often have many photos of our pets, but few with the owner. This could be the only confirmation that you are their owner on a weekend or late at night.

Because dogs and cats can’t tell us when they’re in pain, it’s up to us to notice those subtle signs that indicate they’re not feeling quite right. It’s also our responsibility to be proactive about their wellness and take steps to keep them healthy.

Below are 10 things every pet parent should know about animal safety and protection.

1. Stay up to date with vaccines and yearly vet check-ups.
Properly caring for your pet’s health begins with yearly visits to your veterinarian. Vets can use their trained eye to examine your furry family member from ears to tail, and spot signs of trouble. These visits will also ensure your pet is up to date on their immunizations.

2. Know the signs of an allergic reaction.
Just like humans, animals of all types and sizes can suffer from allergic reactions. Signs of an allergic reaction include redness, itching, obsessive licking, swelling around the eyes or face, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect an allergic reaction, you should bring your pet in for a vet check-up right away.

3. Keep your dog away from fatal human foods.
Many dog owners know that chocolate is bad for their pups. But did you know it can actually cause severe symptoms like seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and even death? Salty foods, onions, grapes, raisins, nuts, and yeast dough are all among the worst foods for dogs.

4. Don’t let your cat play with string.
There are few sights more adorable than a playful kitten attacking a ball of yarn. But cats have been known to ingest yarn and string, which can result in a medical emergency. Ribbons, twine, Christmas tree tinsel, and shoelaces should all be kept out of reach as well.

5. Keep pets away from household chemicals.
Animals are often curious about all sorts of objects and substances around the house – and that can include dangerous household chemicals like detergents, bleach, fertilizers, glues and other cleaners. These substances can cause harm not only if inhaled or swallowed, but also upon contact with your pet’s skin or fur. Keep your animals away from the area you’re using the chemicals in, and store all chemicals safely out of reach when you’re finished.

6. Include your pet in your disaster preparedness plan.
When disaster strikes – whether it’s an earthquake, fire, hurricane or blizzard – you never know what could happen. It’s important to plan ahead to ensure everyone in your family will have access to food, water, shelter and medications, even if your power and water is cut. Stash several day’s worth of food, water and supplies for your pet in your emergency kit.

7. Don’t keep toxic plants around the house.
Your new houseplant may be beautiful, but did you know it could also be fatal to your dog or cat? Lilies, sago palms, tulips, pothos, aloe vera, areca palms, elephant ears, money plants and spider plants are all on the list of houseplants that can be toxic and fatal to pets.

8. Know the signs of dehydration.
Pets can become dehydrated for a number of reasons, and this is a situation where it’s important to act quickly. Signs of dehydration in dogs and cats may include loss of skin elasticity, dry mouth, sunken eyes, and exhaustion. See your vet as soon as possible if you notice these signs so they can perform a full assessment.

9. Microchip your pets.
If your furry family member gets lost, a microchip could make the difference in whether they find their way home or not. Collars and tags are not foolproof, as they can break or fall off. If your pet gets lost and ends up in a shelter, a microchip will enable someone to access your contact information and reunite you with your pup or kitty. If you move or change your phone number, be sure to update your contact information accordingly.

10. Spay and neuter your pets.
Spaying and neutering your pets is a responsible choice for many reasons, including the fact that it offers health benefits to your pet. Cats and dogs that have been neutered or spayed have a lower risk of various types of cancers, and are less prone to problematic behaviors like aggression and roaming.

Every loving pet parent wants the best for their animals, but it can be difficult to know which steps you should take your keep your pets safe and healthy. We hope these quick tips make it easier to care for your pet and keep them protected every month of the year.

In today’s economy, CityVet’s model of business stands out with practice ownership rising above the industry’s stale corporate culture and consolidation trends. Dr. Cannon’s goal is to give vets much-needed room to do what they do best: take care of pets and their people.

It All Started With a Burning Building
“The easiest way to explain how we came to be is just giving a little bit of history,” Dr. Cannon said. “When I got out of school, I knew that success for me as a practitioner would have to be where I focused on taking care of people and their pets. I couldn’t [just] do what all of us want to do as veterinarians, which is taking great care of pets – I knew the key to it was also taking great care of people, too.”

After working for a vet who was unwilling to sell his practice, Dr. Cannon aimed his sights on the Flower Mound area to launch his own operation. He met with and studied under developers to learn the building process in exchange for finding the site of his new practice.

Dr. Cannon soon had to halt development after a fellow vet joined a practice across the street from the potential site. A day later, the developmental plans fell through on his plot because of zoning concerns.

Despite the setbacks, Dr. Cannon maintained hope that his dream would one day be fulfilled. Leaning on his faith and trusting that the right moment to finally put his plan into action would arrive, Cannon turned to working as a mobile vet.

As it turned out, the right moment was even closer than he anticipated.

While waiting for new opportunities to arise, Dr. Cannon regularly attended a Bible study located off Oak Lawn and Lemmon Avenues in the urban sprawl of Dallas. Each time he commuted in for the study, he marveled at the lack of veterinarians in the downtown area. “My wife’s working at UT Southwestern around the corner too, and she realizes there’s a whole lot of people down in this urban area of Dallas,” explained Dr. Cannon. “I said, ‘That’s funny you mention that, because I’ve been going to this Bible study and the traffic is incredible, but every time I’m stuck in traffic I see people walking dogs.’”

The final push to Cannon’s dream took place when he witnessed his proverbial burning bush. On the way into Oak Lawn, traffic diverted due to an arson fire. The building had previously been occupied by a family of fortune tellers that were firebombed out by a rivalling group. But in the midst of the carnage, Dr. Cannon saw opportunity – at last, he knew it was time for his hard work and fortitude to pay off.

Contacting the landlord across the street, Cannon got the lease and made the move into the renovated building, which is now the site of the CityVet Oak Lawn Ruffit location. Finally – after a failed practice development, months of searching and networking, and more months of working as a mobile vet – Dr. Cannon had fulfilled his dream of practice ownership.

Today, Cannon attributes much of his success to his faith, his determination, and his unwillingness to give up on his vision. “I had no plans to come to downtown Dallas, but I’m so glad I did.”

Bigger Than a Vet Practice
“We were in an area that was – at that time – devoid of Petsmart or Banfield or a boarding facility,” Dr. Cannon said. “They didn’t know how to come to the city because it’s hard to park, hard to be smaller. We had figured that out.”

What started out as a vet practice began to grow into a boarding facility, and then a pet supply store. Dr. Cannon’s goal was to tailor retail offerings based the supplies that vets used on their own pets. For the Oak Lawn area, he pushed the idea that vets should be the primary resource for animal information – more so than Dr. Google or pet supply store clerks.

Dr. Cannon wanted to arm owners with the information to make good decisions for their pets without judgement or bias. At the same time, he aimed to enable vets to fulfill their goals in veterinary medicine while aiding them with business management support.

“You take care of the person, and you’re going to help them take the best care of their pet,” Dr. Cannon said. “We had people at the level of poverty and we were able to help them. Then you had the people on the other side of the street living in mansions on Turtle Creek, and we met their needs, too.”

20 Years Later, CityVet’s Future is Bright
CityVet has grown a little since its founding in 1999, now with a staff of more than 300 team members who have served more than 50,000 clients and their pets over the past 20 years. It’s performed 16,000 neuter and spay operations, given 75,000 vaccines, and has even survived a hurricane.

“We’ve become a client-centric business model with a DVM ownership equity model that’s focused on being in urban areas where the need is high,” Dr. Cannon said. “It has become an identity that not only I’m thankful for and proud of, but that every veterinarian that has joined our team can relate to.”

From its humble beginnings to today’s family of 14 clinics and four boarding facilities, CityVet has Dr. Cannon as excited as ever for the days ahead.