B-a-t-h time. Some dogs are major tail-wagging water fans. They love being in water – be it a lake, a backyard pool and yes, even a bathtub or walk-in shower. Others, like my terrier mix, Kona, see the tub of water or a spraying garden hose and quickly shift into reverse gear. And, then there are dogs like Bujeau, my Bernese Mountain Dog mix, who now tolerates regular baths because high-grade treats are being doled out and we make bath time pleasant and calm.

Bottom line: our dogs – and on rare occasion, our cats – benefit in many ways when we treat them to a proper bath – especially when they roll in mud or worse, duck poo.

Hot dogs. These two words may make you think of those meaty treats inside toasted buns. But hot dogs can also describe a life-threatening condition – heat stroke – that can quickly occur not only in dogs, but indoor cats, too.

Summer’s arrival signals higher temperatures. Sunny skies can increase the risk of injury, even death to pets for heat-related incidents. That’s why as a master certified pet first aid/CPR instructor, I am on a mission to educate pet parents and pet professionals about hot weather hazards facing their dogs and cats.

In less than two months, the number of pets in our home unexpectedly climbed from four to six this year. The adoptions of Rusty, an orange tabby kitten; and Emma, an 8-pound young stray dog, were not planned.

In late January, I flew home with then 6-month-old Rusty from a national cat conference. In late March, skinny and scared Emma showed up with no collar or microchip ID in our neighborhood. For several weeks, no one claimed her despite us reaching out to shelters, rescue groups and veterinary clinics. She became ours officially in mid-April. Quickly, the newbies were warmly welcomed by our current four leggers and are now full-fledged members of our Furry Brady Bunch.