As 2015 comes to a close, we’ve had a chance to reflect on what a busy, exciting, and productive year it’s been here at Union Lake. We are grateful and deeply humbled to have had the chance to care for your pets and connect with you and your families over the past year. The success we have had as a practice is a direct result of our wonderful patients, clients, and readers.

We find it absolutely thrilling that so many of you are reading our blog, and it has always been our goal to provide you with interesting and helpful information. Without further ado, allow us to present 2015 Top 10 Blogs as determined by our readers:

10. In the past, we have covered topics related to common pet toxins, such as poisonous plants and the dangers of chocolate and Xylitol. But, pet poisoning remains one of the most common reasons pet owners seek veterinary emergency care. Since 90% of poisonings occur in the home, it is especially important to focus on pet poison awareness and the steps you can take to poison-proof your home. 

9. You’ve had your new puppy for four months now, and no matter what you do, she continues to potty in the house. You have Googled every training website, checked out a million books from the library, and taken advice from your cousin… but to no avail.

8. There is almost nothing that beats that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from looking into the thankful, soulful eyes of a dear old four-legged friend. Senior pets have often been with us through thick and thin; and because of this, it’s only natural that we should want to provide the best possible care for them in their golden years. 

7. When people think of doggie daycare, what generally comes to mind is the busy pet owner who needs help with daily exercise and attention. While these benefits are a great impetus for enrolling your dog in a daycare program, they are only the start of the beneficial aspects of this interactive and engaging outlet for dogs.

6. You may be proud of your Heinz 57 rescue dog, but have you ever stopped to wonder what breeds he might be? Sure he looks a little like a Labrador Retriever, but has a dark tongue like a Chow Chow? And sometimes, if he’s in the right mood and the light hits just right, looks like he might have just a little terrier in him..? 

5. Your pet is perfect, right? While his or her big, brown eyes and unconditional love may be irreplaceable, most pets do have a behavior or two that they struggle with. Read on for a handy guide for troubleshooting three of the top dog training struggles that pet owners encounter. 

4. How can a new dog owner separate truth from myth when attempting to choose the best method for canine obedience training and socialization? We can help! 

3. Your pet’s ears are very important, and, as a pet owner, it is vital that you take good care of them. Most dog owners should be cleaning his or her dog’s ears on a regular basis to maintain good hygiene and make themselves familiar with any early signs of problems. If you have a pet who is prone to ear problems, you may need to be cleaning more often.

2. It is a time that every pet owner dreads. We hope it never happens, but the truth is that most pet owners outlive their animals and will someday need to play a part in deciding when it is time for their beloved family friend to rest. Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy, but it can be a little less painful if you know how to tell when it is the right time to let go.

1. Many pet owners fear the dreaded task of trimming their dogs’ nails. Thankfully there are techniques for trimming dog nails that can be mastered by the amateur with the right tools, education, and practice