Choosing the right diet for your pet can feel overwhelming. With so many feeding trends and strong opinions online, it’s natural to want to make the healthiest choice possible. In recent years, raw and freeze-dried diets have become increasingly popular, often marketed as more “natural” or closer to what pets would eat in the wild.

At Easthampton Animal Hospital, we understand why these diets appeal to caring pet owners. However, based on veterinary research and clinical experience, we advise against feeding raw and freeze-dried diets due to serious health risks for pets and the people who care for them.

Winter can be a beautiful season, but for our senior pets, it also brings unique challenges. Older dogs and cats often feel the effects of cold weather more intensely than their younger companions. Joint stiffness, reduced mobility, and changes in appetite or energy can all become more noticeable once temperatures drop. December is the perfect time to give senior pets a little extra attention so they stay comfortable, healthy, and happy throughout the season.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, great food. As the smells of turkey and pie fill the house, it can be hard to resist those pleading eyes at your feet. But before you share a taste of your holiday meal with your pets, it’s important to know that not every dish on your table is safe for cats and dogs. Some Thanksgiving foods are perfectly fine in moderation, while others can lead to stomach upset, or in more serious cases, a trip to the emergency vet.

At Easthampton Animal Hospital, we know your pets are part of the family, and keeping them healthy during the holidays starts with a little knowledge and planning.

Adopting a rescue dog or cat is a wonderful way to change a life—yours and theirs. Whether you’re welcoming your very first furry friend or adding another companion to the family, those first few weeks can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here’s how to make the transition as smooth and joyful as possible for your new pet.