Adopting a puppy is one of life's greatest moments, regardless of age. From their sweet little faces to their cozy snuggles, puppies are the cutest companions and naturally become the center of attention for many families. Along with their cuteness and playful nature, puppies come with great responsibility. From having adequate space to fitting puppyhood into your lifestyle, the following are the top factors to consider when determining if you're ready to take the leap and adopt a puppy.

August 26 is National Dog Day, founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige—a pet and family lifestyle expert, animal rescue advocate, conservationist, dog trainer, and author. This day honoring dogs of all breeds marks when Colleen and her family adopted their first dog, Sheltie, from a local animal shelter when Colleen was 10 years old.

As veterinarians and animal lovers, we get it—feeding your dog or cat your leftovers is fun. It makes them feel more like family, right? And nine times out of ten, we're okay with that, as long as you're not overfeeding anybody or feeding more people food than dog or cat food.

Summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy those warm, sunny days with your furry friend. Unfortunately, this time of year can be hazardous for pets. If you are not careful, your dog or cat could experience serious injuries, illnesses, or worse. As veterinarians, we want you and your pet to enjoy the rest of a healthy, fun-filled summer, so we're sharing information about some of the most common summertime pet hazards below.

Keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccinations protects them from several devastating illnesses, including rabies, parvovirus, distemper, bordetella, and more. Unfortunately, no vaccine will protect your canine companion from every disease they may encounter throughout their life. And while modern vaccines are highly effective, there is always a minuscule risk of vaccine failure. This means that, despite your best efforts, there's no way to ensure that your furry friend will never get sick.

Are you planning to visit a local dog park so your canine companion can blow off some steam? Dog parks are perfect for exercising, socializing, and bonding with your pet. It's not all fun and games, though. Every dog park has rules and regulations to keep all visitors — canine and human — safe. Being a responsible pet parent means following those rules and practicing proper dog park etiquette.

Every pet owner wants to bring along their four-legged family member when they set out for a fun adventure, including camping. However, camping excursions must be carefully planned, from understanding campground rules to ensuring your pet is safe in an unfamiliar outdoor environment. June is National Camping Month—the perfect time to safely explore how to take your pet along for a multi-day camping trip.