Archives by: Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren

Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren

63 Posts 0 comments

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

How to Help Your Dog Live Longer

What can we learn from dogs that live long lives? Most pets do best when they eat a complete and balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, have healthy teeth and gums, and receive regular veterinary care. Whatever your budget may be, there is much you can do to optimize your dog's health and likely life span. ...
Read more 0

Happy Cat? Know the Signs

Felines communicate differently than dogs, but they will definitely let you know if they are unhappy. Have you ever had a problem with a cat peeing in an inappropriate place? Or meowing endlessly? Here are some signs that show your cat is happy. ...
Read more 2

Traveling with Your Pet? Read This First

Does your dream vacation involve your best friend? What if that best friend is not human? Are you moving with a pet? If you plan on traveling with a pet either in the U.S. or internationally, you’ll need to do some careful planning to make sure the experience is pleasant for all involved. ...
Read more 0

That Darn Cat! Why Does Kitty Hide?

Do you have a cat that hides when you would like to snuggle? Or disappears when you have company? Even affectionate, well-socialized cats like to hide. But sometimes, hiding more than usual can indicate a problem. ...
Read more 0

Living with Animals Keeps You Heart-Healthy

We love our pets, and they love us back, unconditionally. But did you know that it has been scientifically proven that pets improve our heart health? The benefits of living with pets extend far beyond the emotional; interacting with companion animals actually lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. ...
Read more 0

What if Your Pet Outlives You?

All pet owners can benefit from thinking about who would take their furry friends in if they died or became unable to care for them. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as putting a written note in with your important estate documents. Ideally, you should also have a conversation with that person to confirm their willingness to adopt your pet(s). ...
Read more 0

What’s the Fuss Over Water Fountains for Pets?

The market seems to be flooded (get it?) with ads for pet water fountains, and it can be challenging to sort out the claims. No matter what your pet is drinking out of, it’s important to keep it clean by running it through the dishwasher or hand washing it often (daily) to prevent mold and bacteria from building up.  ...
Read more 0

The Fur Factory: What Pet Parents Need to Know about Groomers & Grooming

While we groom and bathe ourselves, when it comes to our furry family members it's good to know which tasks to tackle at home, and which to leave to the pros. ...
Read more 0