Unfortunately, the biggest threat of pet poisoning is often found at home. Common medications like ibuprofen, antidepressants, acetaminophen and ADHD medications are major culprits. Not only do these medications, if not stored properly, pose a risk in the home, they also pose a risk to the environment if not disposed of properly. 

In an effort to address this problem, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Sea Grant College Program have partnered to raise awareness about the proper storage and disposal of common, household medications. 

Make sure you store all of your medication out of the reach of pets and children. Check that any medication you carry in your purse, backpack or briefcase is not accessible to pets. And, don't store medication in lower cabinets or shelves in your kitchen or bath. 

A new study by Pethealth, Inc. shows that more stray cats are being returned to their homes rather than taken to animal shelters. Increased use of pet tags and microchipping is helping to decrease the stray pet population and ensure that lost cats find their way home. 

While this is good news for the cats that are returned home, overpopulation of cats and dogs in animal shelters continues. It's important to make sure your pets' tags are up-to-date with your current contact information. It's also a good idea to make sure the ring connectors on your tags are in good working order and that collars and harnesses fit properly. 

A study in the American Journal of Cardiology reports that people with pets had better heart rate variability than those without. The study of 200 Japanese people with a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure of high cholesterol, found that pet owners in the cohort  had hearts that responded better to the body's changing requirements, such as beating faster during stressful situations. Reduced heart rate variability has been linked to a higher risk of dying from heart disease.

While the study was very preliminary, Erika Friedmann, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, said that it's a step forward from what is already known about the connection between pet ownership and a person's heart health.

Hooray for heart healthy pets!

Photo credit: Evan Richman, Boston Globe

As animal lovers, we all know the value our pets bring to our lives. It turns out more and more employers are recognizing those benefits and allowing pets in the workplace. 

According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association (APPMA), over 50 million respondents believe that having pets in the workplace creates a more productive environment, improves interpersonal relationships and leads to more creativity. 

Just like people, dogs are at risk of developing the flu. Canine flu virus is a growing problem throughout the US because of increased interaction between individual dogs and among shelter dog populations. Canine flu virus spreads through airborne particles and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of canine flu vary but may include fever, runny nose and cough. A percentage of infected dogs will not exhibit any symptoms and a small percentage of canine flu sufferers will go on to develop pneumonia. 

Petfinder.com Foundation and Merck, manufacturer of the canine flu vaccine, recently teamed up to provide free flu vaccine to 1400 animal shelters as part of a new initiative, Building Community Immunity. If your dog comes in frequent contact with other dogs through dog day care, training, boarding or other interaction, you may want to talk with your vet about the pros and cons of canine flu vaccine. If you are adopting a pet from your local shelter, be sure to talk with your adoption supervisor about recent flu outbreaks so that you are able to provide the very best care and support for your new family member as well as existing ones. 

You can help prevent the spread of canine flu virus (any many other diseases) by disinfecting surfaces frequently and managing your dog's health closely. If you suspect that your dog has the flu, contact your veterinarian immediately and keep your pet away from other dogs until he or she has recovered. 

If it's Buddy or Lucy then you're among good company! Petfinder.com reports these are the two most popular names for the second year in a row. Here are the top ten names for both dogs and cats:

We've been huge Big Shrimpy Dog Bed fans for years and for good reason. They are comfy, durable and very eco-friendly. How eco-friendly? Well, most folks know that you can purchase a new cover for your bed to extend the life of your bed. Or, if you like, you can even have it recycled. That's right, Big Shrimpy dog beds are made from recycled material, AND you have them recycled when (or if) you decide your pet's bed is no longer needed. This video shows how to recycle your Big Shrimpy bed. Comfy, classy, durable and recyclable. That's why Big Shrimpy Dog Beds are totally awesome.