More Pet Owners Are Turning to Sitters

By Alyssa Andrews, For The Associated Press ERIE — Wembley, the basset hound, scrambles out of the foliage in his yard and proudly presents a tennis ball to Gay Boutwell. Chester, Wembley’s brother, lazes happily nearby as the pet sitter tosses the ball again. It’s a simple game of toss-and-fetch. But the personal attention and play time Boutwell provides for a busy pet owner on this spring evening is a burgeoning business, muscling its way into the marketplace, despite a bad economy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor has identified in-home pet care as one of the fastest-growing home-based businesses in…

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New Solutions for Pet Allergies

By DR. MARTY BECKER, DVM Do you suffer from allergies? You might not be alone: Your pet may be suffering, too. Veternarians have options for pets struggling with allergies. Do you suffer from allergies? You might not be alone: Your pet may be suffering, too. When pets suffer, they are at least as miserable as we are — and maybe more. Instead of the runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing or wheezing allergies mean to many people, pet allergies typically show up as scratching, chewing, rubbing, head-shaking or diarrhea. Allergies are common for dogs: According to the pet-health insurance company VPI,…

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Top Summertime Tips for Pet Safety

Summertime! Finally, your chance to relax and unwind! With your sunblock, sunglasses and a good book, you plan to enjoy the day at the pool! Suddenly, you remember your dog is in the yard – unsupervised? surely he will be okay for a couple hours. Or will he?

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Puppy Love: What to Consider Before Getting a Dog

By Amy Lieberman It’s true: dogs are generally all that they appear to be — sweet, silly, funny and lifelong loving friends. Chances are, you wouldn’t be here reading this article if they weren’t. But dogs, and especially puppies, do come with issues that new pet owners aren’t always prepared to face, companion care specialists say. Knowing what it takes — in terms of finances, time and emotional expenses — to care for a new dog in the house doesn’t take much in the short term, but can save owners heartbreak in the long run, and prevent animals from needless…

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Fleas Really Get Under Our Skin!

Every year pet owners suffer the same frustrations. Warmer weather means more parasites, especially fleas! And, despite good, veterinary approved products, some pets are still subjected to these nasty bugs! What can we do to stop the infestation?

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