Spot Team
We’re pet parents first—and writers, marketers, and product developers by trade—combining lived experience with industry expertise in everything we create.
Latest Articles
Is Pet Insurance Cheaper Than Emergency Surgery?
Is pet insurance cheaper than emergency surgery? In most single-incident comparisons, yes: pet insurance premiums usually add up to less than a single emergency surgery bill. But "cheaper" isn't guaranteed for every pet parent — it depends on whether...
Pet Insurance Costs
What to Do If a Dog Is Choking: First Aid and the Heimlich Maneuver
If your dog is choking, every second counts — and staying calm is the first step. Check the mouth immediately: if you can clearly see and safely grasp the obstruction, remove it. If not, use chest thrusts or the modified Heimlich maneuver. Even if the...
Dog Tips
Can Dogs Get the Flu? Canine Influenza Signs, Treatment, and Prevention
Yes — dogs can get the flu. Canine influenza (CIV) is a contagious respiratory infection that spreads among dogs and causes symptoms that look familiar: persistent coughing, runny nose, fever, and fatigue. It's caused by two influenza A strains adapted...
Dog Tips
Respiratory Illnesses in Dogs: Common Conditions, Symptoms, and Treatment
Respiratory illnesses in dogs cover a wide range — from kennel cough, a highly contagious but usually mild condition, to pneumonia and tracheal collapse, which can be serious and require prompt veterinary care. Understanding the most common respiratory...
Health
Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
A feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is essentially a cat cold — an infection of the nose, throat, and sinuses that causes sneezing, congestion, and eye discharge. Most cases are caused by one of two viruses, and while mild infections typically...
Health
Arthritis in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Pain Relief Options
Arthritis — specifically osteoarthritis — is one of the most common health conditions dogs face. According to VCA Animal Hospitals¹, at least 20% of dogs over one year old are affected, and the rate climbs to about 80% in dogs over eight years old. It...
Health
Stomatitis in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Stomatitis is a painful inflammation of the mouth's soft tissues — gums, tongue, inner lips, and sometimes the back of the throat. In cats, it can make eating, grooming, and day-to-day comfort a real struggle. The exact cause isn't fully understood,...
Health
UTI in Cats: Signs, Causes, and When to See a Vet
If your cat is straining at the litter box, urinating outside of it, or producing bloody urine, your first thought might be a urinary tract infection. But here's something many pet parents don't know: true bacterial UTIs are actually uncommon in cats....
Health
Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs: Formulations, Schedule, and Side Effects
Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the most common causes of kennel cough — a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads quickly in any setting where dogs gather. The Bordetella vaccine is a non-core vaccine, meaning it's recommended based...
Health
Feline Leukemia Vaccine: Schedule, Which Cats Need It, and What to Know
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is the leading infectious cause of cancer in cats. It damages the immune system progressively, leaving cats vulnerable to serious secondary infections and cancers that are difficult to treat. The feline leukemia vaccine is...
Health
FVRCP Vaccine: Schedule, What It Covers, and What Pet Parents Should Know
The FVRCP vaccine is the most important routine vaccine your cat will receive. It is classified as a core vaccine — meaning it is recommended for every cat, regardless of lifestyle — because it protects against three diseases that are highly...
Health
Canine Influenza Vaccine: Does Your Dog Need the Dog Flu Shot?
Canine influenza — commonly called dog flu — is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects a large proportion of exposed dogs. Unlike human flu, it doesn’t have a seasonal peak and can spread year-round wherever dogs congregate. The American...
Health
