Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion.  The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company.  Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and help children with emotional and social skills.

Vaccinations are essential for protecting your pet from preventable diseases and are often required by ordinance or law.  Vaccines can also help you save money by preventing your pet from being sick.

​Have you heard the myth that your gas mileage and performance increase if you keep your tank half full?  While this is slightly true, your car should be faster with less gas, just as your car will be faster when carrying fewer people.  The difference is insignificant enough to justify only filling up to half a tank each trip to the gas station.  Even if you gain an extra mile per gallon, you will likely only save a few dollars.

Cheap Gas, Is It Bad for Your Car?
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Does Saving on The Cost of Name Brand Gas Put My Car's Engine At Risk?
Stop worrying about using cheap gas!  Many experts say it is unlikely to hurt your vehicle.  More additives afford more engine protection, but they also cost more.  

Can cats and dogs get COVID-19?  Yes.  But while dogs and cats can contract the virus, most pets experience only mild symptoms.  Call your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet may have COVID-19.  Your vet can offer guidance on treating and quarantining your pet.  With veterinary care and monitoring, your pet will feel better again soon.

Diabetes Prevention
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

​Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes.  It is the primary cause of kidney failure, limb amputations, and onset blindness in adults nationwide.  It is also a major cause of heart disease and stroke.  

Your body takes care of countless tasks for you.  You may not know everything it does to keep you healthy until something goes wrong.
Diabetes is a disease when your body has difficulty managing and using blood glucose, a sugar that the body utilizes as fuel.  When you have diabetes, you must actively take care of this yourself.  New technologies are being developed to make it easier for you to regulate diabetes and to help you stay healthy.

While vet bills can add up, several options can help you reduce costs.  Consider pet insurance if you are concerned about expensive bills.  Also, consider local veterinary school clinics since they often offer discounts on routine services.  Finally, you may be eligible for charity grants that assist with your pets' major healthcare expenses.  Consider which option is best for your wallet and your pet.

​Common Medicines Containing Aspirin and Ibuprofen
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

​Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and ibuprofen slow down the body's ability to form clots.  It increases your chance of bleeding.  If you have surgery, you should not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or products containing them.  Below is a list of common medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen.

​Meniere’s disease is triggered by fluid buildup in the inner ear.  It causes unpredictable attacks of vertigo and tinnitus that can interfere with daily activities.  While there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, most people can manage attacks with medication and by avoiding triggers.

If your cat suddenly starts peeing or pooping outside of their litter box, it indicates something is wrong.  They could have a medical condition such as bladder stones or inflammatory bowel disease.  Or they might be trying to protect their territory by peeing or pooping outside of their litter box.  Some cats might have an aversion to the litter box, the type of litter, or the box's placement.
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To change their behavior, it is essential to figure out the underlying cause.  If your cat is not utilizing their litter box, immediately take them to your veterinarian.