End-of-the-year festivities may bring friends and families closer, but with all of the season’s hustle and bustle, many pets may become overwhelmed and confused or exhibit negative behaviors resulting from unfamiliar sounds, smells and visitors that surround them before the New Year.

Traveling with pets in the car presents special challenges that, fortunately, can be met with a bit of forethought and careful preparation of both the vehicle and pet.

Summer has arrived and for many families, that means more fun and festivities, but for pets it can become a stressful time due to increased sudden noise such as thunderstorms, neighborhood festivities and fireworks.

Many vets are recognizing the benefits of low-level therapeutic heat to treat everything from separation anxiety and stress to a variety of bone and joint problems like arthritis for the latch-key dog.

Women facing breast cancer report that their cats rank among the most important of the many loyal, loving and understanding supporters they rely on to help them through their treatment. In fact, cats rank alongside parents and siblings as an important source of daily support, according to a recent survey.

A record number of people and their pets are experiencing the benefits of sharing time together. Beginning in August, cats, dogs and owners everywhere are invited to celebrate these special moments in the “Here’s to The Goodlife” pet video contest sponsored by The Goodlife Recipe brand food and treats for cats and dogs.

Planting a garden, spring cleaning, fertilizing the lawn -- we all have lots of work to do with the coming of spring. But pets also have health and safety needs this time of year that their owners should know about.