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Finding a tick on your dog or cat can be an unsettling moment, but knowing exactly what to do next makes all the difference. While it’s natural to feel worried when you spot fleas or ticks, the key to protecting your pet lies in a steady hand and a clear plan. Whether your pet is a frequent trail hiker or a backyard explorer, knowing how to handle these parasites is an essential part of responsible pet ownership.

A common misconception among pet owners is that ticks are only a problem during warm spring and summer months. In reality, ticks are a year-round risk for dogs and cats, particularly in many parts of the United States where milder winters allow tick activity to continue. According to the 

Because ticks transmit a wide variety of disease agents to pets and people and are active throughout the year, tick control must be practiced consistently to protect the health of the pet and to prevent untreated pets from bringing ticks – which may then infest people - into the home.”

This ongoing exposure matters because ticks are capable of transmitting several serious tick-borne diseases in dogs. These infections are not always obvious immediately following the bite. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 notes that symptoms of tick-borne illness may take 7 to 21 days to appear after a bite, possibly longer. This delay makes prevention especially important, since treatment is often most effective when started early.

Because of this incubation period, pets may go through what veterinarians sometimes refer to as a “silent infection window.” During this time, a dog or cat may appear completely normal while the infection is developing internally. By the time more noticeable clinical signs of tick-borne disease appear, the illness may already be well established and require more intensive treatment. This is why consistent year-round tick prevention for pets is far more effective than reacting after a bite occurs.

The CDC recommends checking your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors. Ticks prefer warm, hidden areas of the body where they can feed undisturbed. On dogs, pay close attention to the area in and around the ears, around the eyelids, under the collar, under the front legs, between the toes, between the back legs and around the tail. For cats, the same areas apply, though cats will often groom ticks off before you spot them, making prevention and veterinary-recommended repellents especially important.

Ticks crawling on or biting a pet can be hard to spot, especially for breeds with long and dark fur. Take your time and use your fingertips to feel through the coat rather than relying on sight alone.

If you find a tick on your pet, the priority is to remove the feeding tick as soon as possible. Because the risk of pathogen transmission increases the longer a tick remains attached to its host, acting quickly is the most effective way to protect your pet’s bloodstream from infection. A tick’s anatomy is designed for a secure hold, featuring a one-piece body equipped with harpoon-like barbs on the mouthparts, supported by crab-like legs and a sticky, cement-like secretion that anchors it firmly in place.

 provides clear, vet-informed guidance on how to remove a tick from your dog using fine-point tweezers or a tick removal hook. They advise spreading your dog's fur, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine-point tweezers and pulling straight upward in a slow, steady motion to prevent the mouth parts from breaking off and remaining embedded in the skin. 

Successfully removing a tick is an important first step, but it does not eliminate the risk of infection; it only reduces it. Because tick-borne illnesses can take days or even weeks to develop, it’s important to closely monitor both the bite site and your pet’s overall health for several weeks following removal.

In some cases, preserving the tick can also be helpful. Veterinary guidance from the 

 notes that keeping the tick may assist with later identification if illness occurs:

“Save the removed tick, wrapped in cellophane tape or in a vial with alcohol, in case it is needed for identification later. The tape or vial can be sealed in a plastic bag, labeled with the date found, and frozen. If illness develops, identification of the tick and the day it was discovered may aid the physician in recognizing which infection was most likely transmitted and allow prompt, appropriate treatment.”

Storing the tick in this way can provide valuable context for your veterinarian or physician, helping them better assess potential disease risks and make more informed decisions if symptoms appear later.

Ticks may be small and hard to spot, but the health risks they carry are significant and often delayed. With the right knowledge and consistent habits, you can dramatically reduce your pet’s risk of serious illness. From daily tick checks and quick removal to close monitoring in the weeks that follow, every step you take plays a role in protecting your pet’s long-term health.

 remains the most effective strategy for all pets. Year-round tick control, combined with routine inspections and quick action when a tick is found, helps break the cycle of exposure before disease can take hold. Staying calm and informed ensures you will respond quickly and confidently when that time comes. 

 makes it easier to stay consistent with your pet’s prevention routine, so you’re always prepared when ticks are waiting to attach. By combining reliable protection with simple, proactive habits, you give your pet a stronger defense against tick-borne disease. Small, consistent actions today can go a long way in helping your dog or cat stay healthy, active and protected throughout the year.

Found a Tick? Here's What to Do Next

Managing chronic dermatology cases isn't just about selecting the right treatment plan — it's about helping pet owners stick with it.

During Koala's recent sponsored webinar, "When the Itch Won't Quit: Cultivating Compliance in Your Derm Cases," board-certified veterinary dermatologist Dr. Julia E. Miller, DACVD shared practical strategies for improving long-term compliance through stronger communication and a whole-clinic approach to patient care.

Here are five key takeaways from the discussion.

1. Dermatology Compliance Starts with the Entire Veterinary Team

Successful dermatology cases don't rely on one conversation with the veterinarian. Every interaction, from the front desk to the exam room, helps shape client experience and understanding.

When client service representatives, technicians and doctors all reinforce the same message, pet parents receive consistent guidance throughout their visit. That consistency builds trust and makes long-term treatment plans easier to follow.

One of the biggest opportunities to improve compliance is during the initial appointment.

Helping pet parents understand that many allergic skin conditions require ongoing management, not just a one-time fix, creates realistic expectations from the beginning. When pet parents know what the journey looks like, they're more likely to stay engaged with treatment, 

Follow-up care is a critical part of managing chronic dermatology patients.

Rather than asking clients to remember to call later, pre-booking the recheck appointments before they leave the clinic helps keep treatment plans on track and creates natural opportunities to evaluate progress, adjust therapies and answer questions.

4. Prepare Pet Parents for Allergic Flares

Even with an effective treatment plan, flare-ups can happen.

Talking about this possibility before it occurs helps reduce frustration and uncertainty when symptoms return. Pet parents who understand what to expect are often better prepared to recognize changes, reach out appropriately and continue following the recommended plan instead of assuming treatment has failed.

Technicians play a vital role in educating pet parents, reinforcing recommendations and answering day-to-day questions.

Providing ongoing education and clinical resources helps create a knowledgeable, confident team that can deliver consistent messaging across every stage of the patient journey. The stronger the team's understanding, the stronger the client (and patient!) experience becomes.

Better Communication Leads to Better Outcomes

Dermatology cases often require months (or even years!) of partnership between veterinary teams and pet owners. Improving compliance isn't about having one perfect conversation; it's about creating a consistent experience at every touchpoint.

, we're proud to support continuing education that helps veterinary teams strengthen client relationships, improve adherence to treatment plans and ultimately deliver better outcomes for pets.

Thank you to Dr. Julia E. Miller and the 

 team for an engaging discussion and for sharing practical strategies that clinics can begin implementing today. Didn’t get a chance to tune in? 

Top Five Ways to Improve Compliance in Veterinary Dermatology

As spring arrives, environmental allergens begin to rise, triggering symptoms that are uncomfortable for many pets. When pollen and other allergens are released into the environment, dogs and cats can go from enjoying time outside to feeling uncomfortable every day. If your pet is scratching nonstop, rubbing their face or waking up with watery eyes, seasonal allergies are likely the cause. Recognizing the symptoms early and understanding what is happening in their body can make a meaningful difference in their comfort and overall quality of life.

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to a typically harmless substance known as an allergen. These allergens are often proteins found in plants, insects, animals or certain foods. With repeated exposure over time, ranging from months to years, the immune system can become sensitized. Once this sensitization occurs, future exposure can trigger an overactive inflammatory response in the body, leading to the clinical signs seen in allergic pets (

A common misconception among pet owners is that allergens remain outdoors, but in reality, pollen and other microscopic particles easily enter the home through open windows and doors. Once indoors, these allergens can linger in the environment, meaning even indoor dogs and cats may experience ongoing exposure and symptoms during peak allergy seasons. Although dogs are diagnosed more frequently, both dogs and cats can be affected by seasonal allergies. Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time with repeated exposure as the immune system becomes increasingly reactive, with mild seasonal itching potentially progressing into more persistent or severe discomfort in later years if not properly managed.

Allergy symptoms in pets often differ from those seen in humans. While people commonly develop sneezing and watery eyes, dogs and cats are more likely to show signs through their skin. The most common indicator of spring allergies is persistent itching. They may scratch under their legs, rub their faces against furniture or lick and chew obsessively at their paws. Ear inflammation and recurrent ear infections are also symptoms of seasonal allergies. Pets may shake their heads or scratch at their ears, and these symptoms should be taken seriously and evaluated by a veterinarian (

One of the more serious cases linked to spring allergens is canine atopic dermatitis, a chronic and intensely itchy skin disease triggered by environmental allergens. According to 

Cornell University's Riney Canine Health Center

, atopic dermatitis may affect as much as 10 to 15 percent of the dog population, with dogs typically beginning to show signs between six months and three years of age.

The good news is that spring pet allergies are very manageable with the right approach. Managing a pet with seasonal allergies requires a combination of therapies alongside frequent communication between the veterinary team and the pet's family. For pets with moderate to severe seasonal allergy symptoms, veterinarians have several proven prescription options. Veterinarians may recommend anti-itch medications such as 

, an oral chewable approved for dogs, or 

, an oral immunosuppressant medication available for both dogs and cats that can take around a month for effects to be seen and is intended for long-term allergy control. For cats, medication options are more limited. Some feline allergies can be managed with daily low doses of immunosuppressive drugs such as 

Keep in mind, these medications may cause side effects and should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a veterinarian, with appropriate monitoring throughout treatment. Working closely with your veterinary team, tracking your pet's symptoms across seasons, and staying consistent with treatment is what makes the biggest difference in long-term comfort and quality of life.

While prescription treatment is an important part of managing spring allergies, what pet owners do at home between veterinary visits matters just as much. 

recommends weekly to biweekly baths in dogs with a history of flares due to microbial overgrowth; routine use of 

 may help decrease the incidence of secondary infections. Catching secondary infections early prevents them from layering additional discomfort on top of already irritated skin, and keeping your veterinary team informed throughout the season is one of the most important things you can do for your pet's comfort and long-term health. 

For cats, management may include periodic bathing with gentle, soothing ingredients such as oatmeal, along with veterinarian-prescribed 

 to calm irritated skin. Because cats can be more sensitive to products and grooming, it is important to use formulations specifically recommended by your veterinarian based on your pet’s individual needs.

Additional preventive steps can make a meaningful difference. Keeping up with 

 and limiting outdoor exposure on high-pollen days are two additional steps that can reduce the burden on your pet's immune system during spring. The 

 recommend prescribing a flea and tick preventive and discussing compliance with the client as a core step in managing the allergic patient. Even pets with no history of flea allergy can experience a worsened itch response when flea exposure combines with an existing environmental allergy. 

Spring pet allergies are not a condition that can be fixed once and forgotten. The most important thing to understand is that seasonal allergies in pets are very manageable when addressed early and consistently. Recognizing the symptoms before they worsen, working closely with your veterinary team to find the right combination of treatments, and staying alert at home throughout the season all contribute to a meaningfully better outcome for your pet. No two animals respond to allergy season the same way, which is why the relationship between pet owner and veterinarian is so central to success.

There is no single solution that resolves seasonal allergies overnight. Managing them well is about building a plan over time, one that gets refined season after season based on how your pet responds. With the right guidance, the right treatment and a little extra attention at home, most pets can move through spring with far more comfort than their allergies might initially suggest is possible. If you think your pet may be experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms, reaching out to your veterinarian is the best first step toward giving them the relief they deserve.

Spring Pet Allergies: Symptoms & Survival Tips 

Dogs bring immense joy to millions of households, but being a responsible owner means recognizing that they are animals with instincts and boundaries. We may believe our pets would never bite someone, but the reality is that any dog can bite under the right circumstances. In the United States alone, “

more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year

”, with nearly 800,000 requiring medical attention (AVMA). Understanding that even gentle dogs can bite and learning how to prevent it is the first step in keeping both your family and your dog safe.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week, observed annually during the second full week of April, is dedicated to educating the public about responsible dog ownership and the strategies that reduce dog-related injuries. The reality is that dog bite prevention is actually within our control, starting with understanding why dogs bite and learning to recognize dog body language warning signs before a bite ever occurs.

Why Dogs Bite: Understanding the Triggers

A common misconception is that dog bites happen without warning. In reality, dogs typically bite in response to specific situations, often when they feel stressed, fearful, in pain or threatened. Beyond defense or fear, dogs may also bite due to territorial instincts, underlying illness or injury, neglectful care, or a lack of proper socialization. It’s also mentioned, “

even well-trained, gentle dogs, are capable of biting when provoked, especially when eating, sleeping or caring for puppies

If a dog is suffering from an undetected health issue such as arthritis, a dental infection, or an ear problem, they may snap or growl when touched, even if they have never shown aggression before. This is why regular veterinary checkups are an important part of bite prevention. Pain or illness can dramatically alter a dog’s tolerance for handling and interaction. 

A Dog’s Body Language: Warning Signs Before a Bite

Dogs rarely bite without first communicating discomfort. The problem is that many people don’t recognize or respect their signals. Dogs primarily communicate through body language. When feeling stressed or threatened, they may display subtle cues before a bite happens. According to canine behavior experts, dogs often show warning signals when they are uncomfortable or anxious in a situation (

Some of the most common warning signs include:

ᐧ Whale eye (when the whites of the eyes are visible)

ᐧ Yawning, lip licking or turning the head away

Unfortunately, these signals are often misunderstood or ignored, especially by children who may interpret them as playful behavior. When these warnings fail to stop the interaction, the dog may escalate to snapping or biting.

Prompt and proper care reduces the risk of infection and other complications. The 

 shares instructions on what to do next: Wash the wound gently and thoroughly

with soap and warm water for several minutes to remove bacteria or any debris. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile bandage to stop any bleeding. If the bleeding is severe or does not stop, seek emergency medical care immediately. Once the wound is washed and the bleeding has subsided, apply an antibiotic cream and cover the injury with a clean bandage.

Consider reporting the bite to local authorities, particularly if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown or if it poses a public safety risk. Prompt care and reporting ensure both your safety and the safety of the community.

While dog bites are a serious concern, they are largely preventable through proactive care and proper education. Pet parents can significantly lower the risk of injury by understanding canine motivations, recognizing subtle warning signs, supervising when around children and practicing responsible ownership. Taking preventative measures is most effective when they address the physical and behavioral needs of the pet through every life stage. 

A healthy dog is also a safer dog, as underlying pain or illness can often lead to irritability and unexpected reactions. Staying up to date with veterinary care is essential. Services like 

 simplify the process by providing vet-verified medications, personalized pre-sorted pouches and working directly with your vet to ensure prescription accuracy. By combining these logistical health tools with a deep understanding of canine behavior, owners can create a secure environment where both pets and people thrive together. 

Dog Bite Prevention Week: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Unlike a broken bone or an open wound, heartworms do not advertise their presence with a limp or a whine. Because heartworm symptoms in dogs and cats are often invisible, internal damage can occur before a pet parent even notices any red flags. This is why heartworm prevention is one of the most important topics your veterinarian will ever discuss with you. The first step in protecting your pet from heartworm infection is to understand the parasite that causes it and where it comes from. 

Heartworms can only be transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes

 explains. A mosquito bites an infected dog, picks up immature heartworms in the process, and then passes them along to the next dog it bites.

Once inside a dog, those larvae take about six to seven months to grow into adult worms and settle into the heart and pulmonary arteries,

 where they can live for “five to seven years

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

). The worms grow surprisingly large, and over time, the physical burden they place on the heart and lungs can become serious.

One of the most difficult realities for pet owners is that the early stages of heartworm disease are often completely silent. It can take several years before dogs show any visible signs of infection, and by the time a persistent cough or unusual symptom appears, the disease has already quietly progressed. Waiting for your pet to seem sick is not a safe approach and can be a risk to their long-term health.

Heartworm disease is more widespread than most pet owners realize, and the numbers are increasing every year.

 While many believe the risk is limited to humid, southern climates, Heartworm disease has been detected in all 50 states

, and its reach continues to grow as climate shifts expand mosquito populations and the relocation of pets across state lines introduces the disease to new areas (

According to a recent American Heartworm Society (

) survey, data reported by the AVMA reveals that over 68% of dogs in the U.S. leave their veterinary clinic without a single dose of heartworm preventive. This gap in protection makes the "chance of infection" higher than ever. As the environmental and social factors evolve, the reach of this life-threatening disease continues to grow nationwide.

Because heartworms damage the heart and lungs slowly over time, symptoms may be subtle at first. Early warning signs in dogs may include:

As the infection progresses, symptoms can become more severe. Dogs may develop difficulty breathing or a swollen belly due to fluid buildup. In the more advanced cases, an abundance of worms blocks blood flow through the heart, creating a life-threatening emergency that often requires immediate surgery.

Cats can also develop heartworm disease, although it affects them differently. Because cats typically harbor fewer worms, the disease may present as sudden respiratory distress, coughing, vomiting or asthma-like symptoms. In some cases, sudden death may be the first and only sign of infection. According to the 

, even a single worm can cause serious illness in cats.

What Treatment Looks Like (Why Prevention Is So Much Better)

If a dog tests positive for heartworm, serious treatment challenges lie ahead. An ingredient called 

 is the only FDA-approved drug for heartworm treatment in dogs

, and it must be administered by a veterinarian through a series of injections (

). Following treatment, dogs require restricted exercise for up to six weeks because active dogs are at risk for potentially fatal blood clots in the lungs. The process is physically taxing on the animal and emotionally exhausting for the family watching it happen.

Monthly preventive medications, chewable tablets, or topical treatments are accessible and highly effective. 

 are safe, relatively inexpensive and easy to give, but if a dog becomes infected, treatment can be costly and difficult, requiring multiple veterinary visits and months of exercise restriction, the 

Protecting Your Pet Starts With Prevention

Heartworm is a serious and largely preventable disease. Because infections develop quietly and without symptoms, waiting until a pet appears sick can allow damage to occur inside the heart and lungs. Consistent 

, screenings and regular veterinary checkups are the most reliable ways to protect pets from this dangerous parasite.

 simplifies the prevention process. Through direct collaboration with veterinary clinics and veterinarians, 

 enables owners to easily order prescribed medications for their pets online, ensuring they are delivered directly to their homes on a regular schedule.

What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know About Heartworm

You know your pet better than anyone. You notice when the morning shuffle to the food bowl takes a little longer than usual, when the tail wag is missing from the afternoon greeting, or when jumping onto the couch happens less and less. These are the moments that signal a joint flare-up, and for the millions of pet owners managing a dog or cat with arthritis, they're a familiar and frustrating reality.

Joint flare-ups are defined as a sudden spike in pain and inflammation in an already arthritic joint. According to

, dogs with arthritis can have good days and bad days much like their human counterparts, and flare-ups need to be managed daily to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. Understanding what triggers them, how to respond and how to plan ahead can make a meaningful difference in your pet's quality of life.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is by far the most common joint disease encountered in humans and animals. 

 notes that in canines the inflammatory and degenerative process involved with the disease often starts early in life so that by the time that the clinical signs are noted it can be quite advanced. Being overweight with OA makes the problem even worse. 

 noted that even a reduction of 6.2% of body weight in dogs that were obese and diagnosed with OA led to a reduction in lameness. Being heavy is not just a physical load to the joints, it’s also a biochemical one too. If the disease is not properly managed, these signs can gradually become more difficult to control and more irreversible as the disease progresses. Early and consistent intervention is key.

One of the challenges with arthritis is that flare ups can appear suddenly, even when a pet seemed relatively comfortable the day before. According to the 

, common clinical signs of osteoarthritis include lameness, joint swelling, muscle loss around the affected joint and difficulty with normal movement. Because animals hide pain very well, these changes can look subtle at first. However, there are several signs that may indicate inflammation in the joints has increased. You might notice extra stiffness when your dog gets up from a nap or when your cat rises after sleeping. Limping or favoring one leg can also become more pronounced during a flare up. Some pets struggle with activities that were previously manageable such as climbing stairs, jumping onto furniture or getting into the car. 

Behavioral changes can also signal pain. A pet experiencing a flare up may sleep more than usual, show less interest in play or seem reluctant to go for walks. Some dogs may become irritable when touched around painful joints. Cats often show discomfort in quieter ways. They may groom less frequently, avoid jumping onto high surfaces or stop using elevated resting spots that were once favorite locations. Changes in grooming habits, mobility or daily routines can all be signs that joint pain has increased.

Flare ups rarely occur without a reason. In many cases they are triggered by a combination of physical strain and underlying joint disease. Excessive activity is one of the most common causes. A long hike, energetic play session or roughhousing with another dog can temporarily worsen inflammation in joints that are already compromised. While exercise is important for maintaining muscle strength and mobility, sudden bursts of intense activity can push arthritic joints beyond their comfort zone.

Weather changes are another frequently reported factor. Many pet owners notice their animals seem stiffer during colder months or during shifts in barometric pressure. While research on this effect is still developing, veterinarians commonly hear these observations from clients managing arthritis in their pets.

Weight also plays a major role. Extra body weight increases pressure on already stressed joints while also contributing to inflammation throughout the body. According to the 

, obesity is strongly linked with worsening osteoarthritis because increased mechanical load accelerates joint breakdown.

Managing arthritis effectively involves more than reacting to flare ups as they occur. Long term planning can significantly reduce how often these episodes happen and how severe they become.

Weight management is one of the most effective strategies available. Research has shown that even modest weight reduction in overweight dogs can improve mobility and decrease lameness. By reducing stress on joints and lowering inflammatory signals in the body weight control helps slow disease progression and improves overall comfort.

Consistent low impact exercise is also important. Regular walks, swimming or gentle playing can help maintain muscle strength which stabilizes joints and improves mobility. Strong muscles act as natural support structures that reduce strain on the joint itself.

Environmental adjustments around the home can also make daily life easier. Non slip rugs help prevent slipping on hard floors. Pet stairs or ramps reduce the need for jumping onto furniture or into vehicles. Orthopedic pet beds provide cushioning that reduces pressure on sore joints while resting.

Because osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, treatment is not always a one size fits all or a permanent resolution. Regular communication with your veterinarian helps ensure your pet’s care plan continues to meet their changing needs as the condition develops over time.

Your veterinarian may recommend routine checkups to evaluate joint health, mobility and overall comfort. During these visits they may assess how your pet moves, examine affected joints and discuss any changes you have noticed at home. In some cases diagnostic imaging such as X rays may be used to better understand how the disease is progressing. Based on these findings adjustments to medications, nutrition or exercise routines can be made to better manage pain and support mobility.

 are often an important part to managing flare ups

 Veterinarians commonly prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. Other medications, such as 

, may be used to help manage chronic pain and improve comfort, particularly when nerve related pain is suspected. In some cases additional therapies or medications may be recommended depending on the severity of the condition and the individual pet’s needs. All medications should be used only under veterinary supervision to ensure they are safe and effective for your pet.

Living with arthritis can be challenging for pets and the people who care for them, but understanding the condition makes it easier to manage. Flare ups can still occur from time to time, but recognizing the early signs, identifying common triggers and maintaining a care routine can help reduce both their frequency and severity.

Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Maintaining a healthy weight, keeping exercise consistent but gentle, creating a supportive home environment and staying in close communication with your veterinarian all play an important role in protecting joint health. When needed, medications prescribed by your veterinarian can also help control inflammation and manage pain so your pet can continue enjoying daily activities.

Having a reliable way to manage those medications is equally important. That is where services like 

 is a licensed pet pharmacy that works directly with veterinarians to verify prescriptions, fill medications and deliver them to your door. The platform also offers services like automatic refills and medication pouch packaging sorted by date and time, which can make it easier for pet owners to stay consistent with treatment plans. 

Most importantly, your attentiveness as a pet owner remains one of the most powerful tools in managing arthritis. You know your pet’s habits, personality and routines better than anyone else. By noticing subtle changes early and working with your veterinarian and trusted pharmacy partners to keep treatment on track, you can help ensure your pet experiences more comfortable days, better mobility and a higher quality of life.

Pet Arthritis Flare Ups: Managing Your Dog or Cat's Bad Joint Day

Deciding to bring a pet into your life is a commitment to their happiness, but it’s also a commitment to their long-term health. The early days might be filled with potty training, puppy playdates and hunting down the most durable cat toys, but one decision carries more long-term impact than almost any other: 

whether and when to spay or neuter your pet. 

Besides being routine veterinary procedures, spaying and neutering are powerful tools that help save millions of lives each year. Each year in the United States, millions of dogs and cats enter animal shelters, and hundreds of thousands are euthanized simply because there aren’t enough homes available. By preventing unplanned pregnancies, spaying and neutering will directly reduce shelter overcrowding, ease strain on rescue organizations, and help ensure more animals have the chance to live safe, healthy lives in loving homes.

It’s easy to think one unplanned litter won’t make much of a difference. To understand the scale of the issue, we have to look at how quickly one pair of animals can impact a community. According to PETA, a single unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just six years. For cats, the numbers are even more explosive, with one female and her descendants potentially producing 370,000 kittens in seven years (

). When multiplied across communities, those litters contribute to a nationwide overpopulation crisis. 

In the United States, roughly 5.8 million dogs and cats entered animal shelters in 2024, yet about 607,000 of those animals were euthanized because there weren’t enough homes or resources to care for them. This means that for every 10 shelter pets, roughly one did not survive, despite the dedication of shelters and rescues (

Spaying and neutering are the most powerful tools pet parents have to prevent unplanned litters and combat pet overpopulation. These procedures reduce the number of animals entering shelters and ease overcrowding, giving pets already in shelters a much better chance of finding permanent loving homes. Beyond helping communities and shelters, spaying and neutering also support the health and well-being of individual pets, preventing certain cancers, avoiding heat cycles in females and reducing roaming or aggressive behaviors in males.

Spay and neuter programs benefit communities as well. Fewer roaming or stray animals decrease the risk of bites, disease transmission and conflicts, while shelters can focus resources on animals that truly need care. In this way, sterilization not only protects individual pets but strengthens entire communities by lowering euthanasia rates, reducing shelter strain, helping more animals find safe and permanent homes 

Spaying and neutering isn’t just about preventing litters, they’re also a big positive on your pet’s health. The 

 explains that spaying female pets removes the risk of serious uterine infections like pyometra and greatly lowers the chance of mammary tumors, which are often cancerous. Neutering males eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and can reduce prostate problems later in life. It’s essentially preventive care that can spare your pet from major health issues down the road.

There are behavioral and safety benefits too. Pets that are not spayed or neutered are more likely to roam in search of a mate, which increases their risk of being hit by cars or getting into fights with other animals. Sterilization can also reduce marking behaviors, aggression linked to mating instincts and excessive yowling or howling during heat cycles. That means a calmer pet at home and a lower risk of injuries outside. Choosing to spay or neuter early helps support a longer, healthier and more balanced life for your pet 

Deciding when to spay or neuter your pet is an important choice, and the timing can make a big difference for their health. Most veterinarians recommend spaying female dogs and cats before their first heat cycle to give them the strongest protection against mammary tumors and eliminate the risk of uterine infections. Male pets are often neutered around six to nine months of age, though the exact timing can vary depending on your pet’s breed, size, and overall health (

The best timing isn’t the same for every pet. The American Animal Hospital Association (

) explains that the best age to spay or neuter a dog depends on the projected full grown size. Small‑breed dogs are often spayed or neutered around six months, while large‑breed dogs (over about 45 lbs) may benefit from waiting until growth stops because their bones and joints mature more slowly. Veterinarians should tailor timing to each pet’s breed, size and health profile. 

Spaying or neutering your pet is more than a routine procedure, it’s a proactive investment in their long-term health and one of the most effective ways to prevent pet overpopulation and reduce shelter overcrowding. Every appointment helps decrease unplanned litters and ease the strain on animal shelters nationwide.

Timing matters. Small-breed dogs are often sterilized around six months, while larger breeds may benefit from waiting until skeletal growth is complete (sometimes 9 - 15 months). Cats are typically spayed or neutered around five to six months, though earlier procedures can be safely performed. The American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes that decisions should be individualized based on breed, size, and health history.

There’s no universal “perfect age” for every pet. The best approach is working closely with your veterinarian to balance cancer prevention, orthopedic health, behavioral benefits, and population control ensuring the healthiest outcome for your companion and a positive impact on the broader pet community.

Why Spaying and Neutering are the Cornerstones of Pet Health and Population Control

Choosing the right parasite preventative is one of the most important decisions for a dog owner. With fleas and ticks becoming increasingly resilient and widespread, oral chewables like NexGard and Bravecto have become the gold standard in veterinary medicine due to their high efficiency and ease of use, both of which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and widely recommended by veterinarians. 

While these products share similarities in efficiency and drug class, important differences exist in dosing schedule, age indications and safety considerations. This article provides a side-by-side comparison of NexGard and Bravecto to assist dog owners in making informed decisions in consultation with their veterinarian.

 are systemic flea and tick preventatives that belong to the 

 class of medications. After oral administration, the active ingredients circulate in the dog’s bloodstream. Fleas and ticks are killed after they attach and ingest the medication while feeding rather than being repelled prior to attachment.

NexGard contains the active ingredient afoxolaner and is formulated as a beef-flavored chewable tablet administered once every thirty days. It is approved for dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older that weigh at least four pounds, making it a common choice for puppies beginning parasite prevention (

Bravecto contains fluralaner and is administered orally as a flavored chewable tablet that provides up to twelve weeks of flea and tick protection per dose (Bravecto Prescribing Information). It is approved for dogs six months of age and older and is also available in a topical formulation for dogs that cannot tolerate oral medications (