PET OWNERS

Pets have gotten accustomed to their owners spending more time at home than ever before amid the pandemic, so what happens when that routine changes?

When it comes to dog attacks on mail carriers, Detroit ranks 10th in the nation. There were at least 35 incidents reported last year.

Some pet owners are finding vet appointments to be scarce lately, and emergency procedures are forcing wait times several hours longer than normal. Emmy, a Beagle mix, had been Melaina Bukowski’s shadow for more than half her life. At Hilton Veterinary Clinic of Ferndale, Dr. Betsy Schnur’s team has had to also limit the number of employees and lighten appointments. “Nowadays, we’re talking six or seven hours wait times.”In the end, for Emmy, Bukowski was able to find a vet who did an at-home euthanasia. READ: Michigan family reunited with cat lost during devastating Midland floodsREAD: Detroit dog gets set of wheels to help her recover after being hit by carREAD: Detroit woman frustrated that Michigan veterinary clinics still won’t let pet owners inside

There is no doubt that humans and their pets share a special bond -- but, sometimes, that bond is not stronger than your pup’s bad breath. Just in time for pet dental health month, we want to get you thinking about ways to help tackle your pet’s bad breath and keep them healthy. Bad breath in animals can be caused by a number of factors, like their diet or the buildup of plaque and tarter. Luckily, pet owners have options when it comes to maintaining their pet’s dental health. Find more: All 4 Pets stories

DETROIT – A Detroit woman is frustrated that Michigan veterinary clinics still aren’t allowing pet owners inside after two of her dogs died in a matter of weeks. Businesses across the state of Michigan have reopened, but many veterinary clinics are keeping pet parents outside. Making matters worse, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, owners aren’t being allowed inside vet offices. Maureen Kearns, of Detroit, said it’s critical to reopen the doors to owners. What I’d like to see is just that at least one pet parent be able to go in with the animal.”In Michigan, veterinarians can decide whether to allow pet owners inside their hospitals.