Archives by: Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren
Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren
64 Posts
About the author
Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren is a veterinarian with a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Michigan and two degrees from The Ohio State University; a master's (MS) in molecular genetics and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. She is Founder, President & CEO of 501(c)(3) nonprofit One Health Organization (onehealth.org), working to increase access to veterinary care for people living with dogs and cats in Northeast Ohio. She publishes blogs about caring for dogs and cats, addressing related challenges that can arise. To contact Dr. Anna, email her at
[email protected].
Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren Posts
Many common, easy-to-care-for houseplants are not safe for pets. Curious dogs and cats may sneak a nibble and develop symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or other serious issues that need medical attention. If you must have plants where your pets will be, then there are some pet-friendly houseplants that are less likely to make your pet extremely sick. ...
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More than 55% of adults older than 50 have pets in their homes. If you have an older relative who might benefit from the companionship of a pet, there are certain things to keep in mind to truly add to their quality of life. ...
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A visit to the dog park can be an important reset to start or finish a busy day. But taking your dog for a leash-free romp at a fenced-in dog park does involve some risks, including contracting diseases or parasites and encountering aggressive dogs. ...
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Dogs aim to please, so your canine companion might not let you know when they are in pain or distress. But if you wait until a health problem gets bad before you contact a veterinarian, it can become more difficult and expensive to address some issues. ...
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Did you know that an unsterilized female cat is capable of giving birth to 100 kittens in her life?
On a societal level, spaying and neutering is the right thing to do. There are just too many cats, dogs, puppies, kittens, and other kinds of animals in shelters already. Sterilizing your pet ensures that they won’t reproduce and add to the millions of animals that are euthanized each year. ...
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Once you start looking for a potential pet, there are so many adorable faces and heart-wrenching stories that tug at your heartstrings... it can be overwhelming. Instead of following your emotions, first consider these seven factors when choosing a pet. ...
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As you and your pet begin to share more time outdoors, be vigilant about checking yourselves for tiny ticks that like to attach themselves to warm-blooded hosts like yourselves. These tiny creatures are more than just icky; they can pose dangerous threats to your pet’s health, and your own. ...
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Because we love our cats, it’s natural to want to share good things with them. But because cats are not people, we also have to acknowledge that their needs are different. Cats can eat some “people” foods." But there are others—maybe even a few of your favorites—that can make your cat seriously ill or worse. ...
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