Guardianship is a journey, and at Pet Planet we understand that there may be times when we all need a little help navigating the road. As an education-based retailer, we believe that understanding what our pet's need to thrive is the key to health. We welcome you to use this resource center to find information to help your pets with what they need for their longer, happier and healthier life.
Search by topic, by choosing the leaf of your choice, browse our most recent articles below, or keyword search in the text box below.
Looking for more information on a topic? Click on leaves next to each article to find more articles related to your search.
Dr. Al Townshend An environmental allergy is an abnormal reaction by the immune system to a substance in the environment. Pets can become exposed to the offending substance (an allergen) by inhaling it, swallowing with food or through exposure to the skin, eyes or nose. Most environmental reactions are to plant, animal and insect proteins, […]
Dr. Al Townshend While allergies and sensitivities to food are not all that common in dogs and especially cats, they can occur. They can be challenging to diagnose and control, which can mean frequent trips to the veterinarian until a diagnosis is confirmed and a solution has been developed. Some breeds and families within a […]
Dr. Al Townshend The health of the teeth is a critical factor in the long-term health of every animal. When veterinarians, doctors, and dentists talk about dental health, they are referring to the whole mouth and not just the teeth. Oral health encompasses the teeth, gums, tongue, throat, the lining of the mouth and cheeks. […]
Dr. Al Townshend Exercise is an essential and critical factor in a pet’s health, both socially, mentally, and physically. The type of exercise we provide our pets can come in several forms, all of which can have specific benefits for the pet and their Guardians. The form or type of exercise we provide can depend […]
Dr. Al Townshend Pet obesity and the effects of a pet being overweight can significantly impact its long-term health. The 2018 survey of veterinary clinics by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Dr. Ernie Ward, the association’s founder, […]
Dr. Al Townshend The holidays are a time of peace, joy, and goodwill to all. Families come together to celebrate their faith, their bond to one another, and their friends and community. The family pets will often be included in many of the events in the home this time of the year. It is the […]
Dr. Al Townshend, DVM Interest in the Cannabis plant and the benefits for pets has grown significantly in the past few years. Many nutritional and health benefits have been claimed by consumers and manufacturers of products for pets. Human research has shown a significant benefit to humans, and many feel it is reasonable to assume […]
Dr. Al Townshend What we today call the domestic cat descended from the North African Wild Cat. Unlike the domestic dog, the cat we know today has changed very little physically, physiologically, or behaviorally from their ancient relatives. They remain skilled predators that depend on a diet that is prey-based or animal protein-focused. Keeping in […]
Dr. Al Townshend The dog evolved as a hunter and scavenger, consuming large, infrequent meals of fresh or decaying tissue. Whereas cats in the wild are prone to smaller, more frequent meals comprised of fresh nutrients to support a more sensitive digestive system. The domestic feline we know today has evolved as a […]
Dr. Al Townshend Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a condition that can occur when the body cannot utilize glucose. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the cells of the body. Insulin, which is produced by the cells of the pancreas, is necessary for the transport of glucose into the cells of the body. […]
