Adopted pets turn into family, neighborhood heroes - USATODAY.com

Adopted pets turn into family, neighborhood heroes - USATODAY.com

Senior managers more likely to be dog owners - wtop.com

This is interesting from a statistical standpoint, though it's questionable whether it means anything substantative

Senior managers more likely to be dog owners - wtop.com

Canine pedal injury resulting from metal landscape... [J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2010] - PubMed result

Canine pedal injury resulting from metal landscape... [J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2010] - PubMed result

How Cats Lap: Water Uptake by Felis catus | Science/AAAS

How Cats Lap: Water Uptake by Felis catus Science/AAAS

Employees get to share their pets on Take Your Dog to Work Day - LA Daily News

Employees get to share their pets on Take Your Dog to Work Day - LA Daily News

HealthDay Articles

A Dog May Help Guard Against Childhood Eczema

HealthDay Articles

COLUMN: Do your duty as pet owner and scoop poop | SCNOW

Read about the effects of not scooping your pet's waste.

Do your duty as pet owner and scoop poop

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day | Pet Obesity Prevention

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day | Pet Obesity Prevention

New online weather service helps you determine how pets fare each day | OregonLive.com

New online weather service helps you determine how pets fare each day | OregonLive.com

Dog that went missing years ago comes home | bodycopyrag, class, teddy - Local - Sun Journal

Dog that went missing years ago comes home | bodycopyrag, class, teddy - Local - Sun Journal

The Associated Press: Military dog comes home from Iraq traumatized

PTSD is well-documented among American servicemen and women returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but its existence in animals is less clear-cut. Some veterinarians say animals do experience it, or a version of it.

"There is a condition in dogs which is almost precisely the same, if not precisely the same, as PTSD in humans," said Nicholas Dodman, head of the animal behavior program at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

But some veterinarians dislike applying the diagnosis to animals, thinking it demeans servicemen and women, Dodman said. He added that he means no offense to military personnel when he uses the term.

The Associated Press: Military dog comes home from Iraq traumatized

Pet-Centric Design - NYTimes.com

Raising the Bar on Pet Décor

Pet-Centric Design - NYTimes.com

Loads of phone apps for pet lovers | abc7.com

Loads of phone apps for pet lovers | abc7.com

Iams pet food recall extends to veterinary formulations - DVM

Iams pet food recall extends to veterinary formulations - DVM

Monitoring diabetes in patients and pets - UPI.com

Monitoring diabetes in patients and pets - UPI.com

Cutting fat, calories 'can reduce cancer risk in dogs and humans'

Cutting fat, calories 'can reduce cancer risk in dogs and humans'

Iams Prescription Cat Food Recalled Over Salmonella - NYTimes.com

Iams Prescription Cat Food Recalled Over Salmonella - NYTimes.com

New portal to report pet-food issues went online today | OregonLive.com

New portal to report pet-food issues went online today

Breed information at your fingertips

This website has a really nice breed finder that has great information about dog, cat, and other small pet breeds that could be valuable for someone researching a potential pet, and characteristics to consider with certain breeds of dog and cat. Just look for the graphic on the right hand side of the home page.



WebVet - pet health and well-being information, vet-approved

Deciphering Pet Food Label-ese

Here is a very helpful primer on reading pet food labels - discover what the terms on the bag or can really mean!

Deciphering Pet Food Label-ese

E-mail alert system for wolves

Here is an innovative use of technology for the benefit of our pets.

Wis. DNR creates e-mail alert system for wolves - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

N.C. may allow dining with pets - CharlotteObserver.com

Here's an interesting possibility - what do you think, a good idea or bad?

N.C. may allow dining with pets - CharlotteObserver.com

Be cautious letting cats outdoors - Fosters

Some interesting thoughts on cats that become lost, even in their own neighborhoods

Be cautious letting cats outdoors - Fosters

Pet Planning - Be Ready For An Emergency Or Disaster

Here's a great overview of what you should do and what you should know when it comes to preparing your pets for disasters, hurricanes, etc.

Pet Planning - Be Ready For An Emergency Or Disaster

Bill in North Carolina seeks to regulate puppy mills

A Senate bill in North Carolina calls for tougher restrictions on animal breeders in the state. The measure, which will be reviewed by the House finance committee next week, would necessitate in-state breeders that sell at least 30 puppies and have more than 15 female dogs to obtain state licenses and comply with the Agriculture Department's standards.

http://www.myfox8.com/news/wghp-puppy-mill-bill-100609,0,487325.story

Personality linked to longevity in dogs

Here's an interesting abstract on some research done regarding the correlation between personaily traits in dogs and longevitiy (life-expectancy). It seems that "slow-paced" dogs may live longer than "fast-paced" dogs.

http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/652435

Another reason to stop smoking: Your pets' health

It may seem obvious, but smoke exposure put's your pet at risk for illness too. Read this article for more information

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2010-05-11-petsmoke11_ST_N.htm

A Great Website for your Emergency Prep Needs

This website is an excellent source for your pet emergency preparedness needs - selling evacuation kits, first aid kits, and number of other items that could prove important in emergency/disaster situations

http://www.wagn4u.com/

Sony Creates Tweeting Cat Collar - PCWorld

Just when you thought it couldn't get anymore whimsical - now your cat can tweet too!!!!

Sony Creates Tweeting Cat Collar - PCWorld

The Associated Press: Microchip helps NY family find dog gone since 2006

We love these stories - they're not infrequent, and they reinforce the importance of microchipping your pets.

The Associated Press: Microchip helps NY family find dog gone since 2006

Rare cat disease making inroads in the Triangle - Health/Science - NewsObserver.com

Something for cat owners to be aware of - a potentially deadly disease that cats can contract from tick bites, whether they are indoors or outdoors. We have been seeing more of this in eastern NC over the last 10 years. Treatment is available, but survival rates are not stellar.

Rare cat disease making inroads in the Triangle - Health/Science - NewsObserver.com

An inside look at total knee replacement - DVM

An interesting overview of a relatively new procedure for dogs - the Total Knee Repalcement (TKR). The article is somewhat heavy on medical temrinology, but not too technical for general consumption. This is likely to become more available over time.

An inside look at total knee replacement - DVM

Pets and Distracted Driving - Well Blog - NYTimes.com

Many of us would do well to heed this advice. Secure your pets while they are traveling in the car.

Pets and Distracted Driving - Well Blog - NYTimes.com

Susie’s Law - stricter animal cruelty laws for N.C. | North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare

Take the time to check out this link and email your NC legislators to show your support for "Susie's Law"

Susie’s Law - stricter animal cruelty laws for N.C. North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare

Pet Tube by PetEgo Keeps Dogs, Cats Safe in Car

Check out this cool design for a car kennel - the Pet Tube Car Kennel!

Pet Tube by PetEgo Keeps Dogs, Cats Safe in Car

Advocates Campaign For Susie's Law | digtriad.com | Triad, NC | Local News

New law proposed in NC to provide tougher penalties for animal abuse crimes.

Advocates Campaign For Susie's Law digtriad.com Triad, NC Local News

PetDocks Veterinary Hospital - Morehead City, NC

Check out our new and improved website - more information, more photos, more links, and more educational materials. Hope you all enjoy it and find it useful!

PetDocks Veterinary Hospital - Morehead City, NC

Labradoodle Pioneer Regrets Fashioning 'Designer Dog'

Labradoodle Pioneer Regrets Fashioning 'Designer Dog'

No Bones About It: Bones are Unsafe for Your Dog

If only more pet owners would take these points to heart, we would see a lot less problems and emergency visits relating to the seemingly harmless act of treating our pets to bones (raw or otherwise).

No Bones About It: Bones are Unsafe for Your Dog

Fears unleash bill targeting the pit bull

Fears unleash bill targeting the pit bull
Article from the St. Petersburg Times

Medications for Your Pet: 10 Questions to Ask Your Vet

Everyone should have a familiarity with these questions and feel free (and for your pet's sake, obligated) to ask these questions when your pet is prescribed any medication.

Medications for Your Pet: 10 Questions to Ask Your Vet

BioCurex Announces Commercialization Of OncoPet RECAFTM, The First Blood Test For Cancer Detection In Companion Animals

Here's some exciting news for pet owners - a blood test that may be able to detect cancer. This could certainly have a place in wellness screenings as well as diagnosing sick pets. More information should be available soon, and we will keep you posted on when we have it available and pricing information. Stay tuned!

BioCurex Announces Commercialization Of OncoPet RECAFTM, The First Blood Test For Cancer Detection In Companion Animals

Pet Product Advisor

This is a fantastic cat toy - every cat owner should have one of these, especially if you've been looking for a way to exercise your cat and find an outlet for their play and hunting behaviors. This link also includes a video to show how the toy works. These can be purchased online through a variety of retail sites.

Pet Product Advisor

Pet Bite Etiquette 101: Who pays when teeth fly? - USATODAY.com

Here is a good primer on what to do when (or if) your dog either bites someone or another pet, as well as what to do if you or your pet are the victim of such an encounter.

Pet Bite Etiquette 101: Who pays when teeth fly? - USATODAY.com

Communication among dogs and hyenas

Here are a couple of interesting articles/new items that shed some light on canine communication - though I think most of us dog owners out there already knew many of the general conclusions that are implied.

Hyena laughs and giggles decoded

'Grrrr' Means Many Things in Dog Speak

FELINE HEARTWORM DISEASE

FELINE HEARTWORM DISEASE

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite named Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworms are most commonly found in dogs, but now are known to also infect cats and other mammals. The adult heartworms live in the heart and major arteries of the lungs where they interfere with the function of the heart and lungs. The adult heartworm lives for 1-2 years in the cat, compared to 4-5 years in the dog..

TRANSMISSION. Heartworms can only be transmitted from one animal to another by mosquitoes. Once a bite occurs and the immature heartworms are deposited under the pet’s skin, they begin migrating through the tissues, eventually making their home in the heart and lungs where they mature into adult heartworms. Heartworms can occur in cats kept totally indoors if an infected mosquito should enter the house.

HEARTWORMS IN CATS IS A SERIOUS DISEASE. Whereas dogs can live with quite a few heartworms in the heart, because of their smaller size heart, 2-3 adult heartworms can be fatal to the cat.

SIGNS OF HEARTWORMS IN CATS. Clinical signs of heartworm disease in cats are quite variable. Many cats do not show any signs of heartworm disease until they die. In some acute cases, death may come so rapidly that there is insufficient time to make the diagnosis or provide any type of treatment. There are cases reported where the cat can appear clinically normal one hour before death. However some cats will show such signs as vomiting, coughing, & difficult breathing. Coughing may be intermittent or occur in severe, sudden attacks that take place days apart.

DIAGNOSIS. Clinical signs of heartworm are very similar to several other cat diseases. The diagnosis is confirmed with a combination of radiographs, ultrasound, and blood testing. We recently diagnosed a cat in our office by using the blood test. This cat presented to us with a history of a mild cough that had progressively worsened over several weeks.

TREATMENT. Treatment of heartworms in cats is not nearly as successful as in dogs. Treatment is complicated by the fact that after even one heartworm is killed in the heart, it can lead to an arterial blockage that has the potential to be fatal. Blood vessels in the cat are so much smaller than larger dogs creating much more risk while the dead heartworm is being removed from the body. Another one of the major problems is that no clinical signs are observed in many cases until close to death. What treatment we can employ is targeted at controlling clinical signs to the best of our ability.

PREVENTION. Since treatment is not very successful, prevention is very important. Even cats kept totally indoors can become infected from a mosquito in the house. Fortunately, heartworm preventives are available to be given to the cat once each month and we strongly recommend its use for all cats. Talk to your veterinarian bout the type of feline heartworm preventative he or she recommends.

Keeping Your Cat Safe From Rabies -- ZooToo Pet News

Keeping Your Cat Safe From Rabies

Making anesthesia safer for pets

An excellent article on modern anesthetic techniques and the risks of anesthesia for pets

Making anesthesia safer for pets

FDA looks into complaints about dog treats made in Mo. - STLtoday.com

If you use Real Ham Bones for Dogs, read this:

FDA looks into complaints about dog treats made in Mo. - STLtoday.com

ASPCA | March 12, 2010

Poisonous Plant “Pet Safe” App Launches on iTunes

ASPCA | March 12, 2010

Cow tweet it is: Now the cows are on Twitter

This may be a little too much technology and too little usefulness - you decide!

Cow tweet it is: Now the cows are on Twitter

The future of dog spaying - KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather Sports |

Keeping your female dog intact may keep her around longer - interesting and possibly controversial!

The future of dog spaying - KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather Sports |

Missing dog found 600 miles from home

Another great reason to not wait on getting your pet that microchip!

Missing dog found 600 miles from home

Third-hand smoke also bad for you: study on Yahoo! Health

This article is geared towards risks for people (especially infants or children) but should probably be viewed with respect to our four-legged friends as well

Third-hand smoke also bad for you: study on Yahoo! Health

Meatballs kill dogs; poison suspected - Crime & courts- msnbc.com

Meatballs kill dogs; poison suspected

Pets fall victim to mental health problems, too | SouthCoastToday.com

Pets fall victim to mental health problems, too | SouthCoastToday.com

Neb manufacturer recalls chicken-flavored pet food - CNBC

Neb manufacturer recalls chicken-flavored pet food - CNBC

Dog Ear Infections Top Cause of Vet Visits

Dog Ear Infections Top Cause of Vet Visits

Dog Flu Risk Highest Where Canines Mingle - Yahoo! News

Dog Flu Risk Highest Where Canines Mingle - Yahoo! News

Helping the Animal Victims of the Haiti Earthquake

Great post on Paw Nation!

Top 10 human medications that poison pets - Firstline

Top 10 human medications that poison pets - Firstline

Study Finds a Shared Gene in Dogs With Compulsive Behavior - NYTimes.com

Study Finds a Shared Gene in Dogs With Compulsive Behavior - NYTimes.com

Gadgets for pets

As humans, we love our gadgets. From solar- powered laptop bags to Bluetooth dongles, there's always something fun and new to futurise our lives.

Don't let your pets miss out; the internet world offers a huge range of gadgets for animals - some useful and some bizarre.

Gadgets for pets

Ain't Too Proud to Beg

In the AVMA's latest podcast, animal behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin talks about how we may inadvertently train our pets to beg for food ... and how we can get them to stop
253-pets begging for food.mp3 (audio/mpeg Object)

Kennel Cough - What You Should Know

WHAT IS IT?

Kennel cough is bronchitis characterized by a harsh, hacking cough which most people describe as sounding like "something stuck in my dog's throat." It is analogous to a chest cold for humans and is only a serious condition in special circumstances; in general, it resolves on its own.

HOW INFECTION OCCURS?

The normal respiratory tract has substantial safeguards against invading infectious agents. These defense mechanisms are damaged by the following:

o shipping stress
o crowding stress
o heavy dust exposure
o cigarette smoke exposure
o infectious agents (various viruses, bacteria, etc)
o Cold temperature
o Poor ventilation

Without these protective mechanisms, invading bacteria, especially Bordetella bronchiseptica may simply march down the airways unimpeded.

Because it is common for Bordetella to be accompanied by at least one other infections agent. "Kennel Cough" is actually a complex of infections, rather than infection by one agent.

Classically, dogs get infected when they are kept in a crowded situation with poor air circulation but lots of warm air (i.e. a boarding kennel, vaccination clinic, obedience class, local park, animal shelter, animal hospital waiting room, or grooming parlor). In reality, most causes of coughing that begin acutely in the dog are due to infectious causes and usually represent some form of Kennel Cough.

*THE INCUBATION PERIOD IS 2 - 14 DAYS*

X-rays of the chest can gather much information about the heart and lungs as well as the entire respiratory system. We will be looking for infiltration of the lungs with fluid typical for pneumonia or congestion. We will look at the trachea and bronchi for thickness and inflammation.

There are many intestinal parasites that migrate through the lungs and respiratory parasites that pass eggs in the stools. Therefore, to evaluate your pet for respiratory disease, we recommend a fecal test for parasite eggs.

TREATMENT

We generally prescribed 2 medications:

1. an antibiotic to help your pet clear any bacterial agents that may be responsible for the coughing and inflammation in the airways, and

2. a cough suppressant and expectorant to help reduce the irritation brought about by continued coughing and to help bring up any mucous or debris in the airways.

We may also give your pet an injection of a short-acting cortisone medication. This steroid will reduce inflammation within the airway and help reduce symptoms for a short period of time, while body fights any infection that is present

FEEDING

You can feed your pet's normal diet - there is no need to change the diet at this time

Encourage as much fluid consumption as possible.

Water is the best drug available to help thin the mucus so that it can be coughed up.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

It is often helpful to use a cool water or cool mist humidifier in the room where your pet spends the majority of his/her time, particularly during the night or when sleeping.

Minimize exercise during recovery to help prevent coughing.

Remove collars and other objects from the neck which may cause pressure on the trachea, stimulating coughing.

It probably is best to keep your pet inside as much as possible. Maintain a constant air temperature and prevent chilling.

Be sure to thoroughly dry your pet if a bath is necessary.

HOW CONTAGIOUS IS IT?

Bordetella infection can be picked up by rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, cats (if they are very young and housed in groups), and other dogs. It is not contagious to humans though it is closely related to Bordetella pertussis, the agent of Whooping Cough.

Among dogs it is fairly contagious depending on stress level, vaccination status, and exposure to minor viruses.

Our hospital recommends keeping all dogs current on their Bordetella vaccinations as you never know when they might be in an unexpected situation.

WHEN IS IT A SERIOUS CONDITION?

In very young puppies, especially those with a recent shipping history (i.e. pet store puppies) are especially prone to severe cases of infectious tracheobronchitis (frequently progressing to pneumonia). In dogs where the distemper virus is involved (usually shelter or pet store puppies), there is tremendous potential for serious consequences.

If the coughing has not improved greatly within the next 2-3 days, or if the symptoms are not resolved completely within 7-10 days we recommend rechecking your pet and possibly considering other tests or medications

Cat contraception study shows promise

Vaccine Shows Significant Promise for Controlling Feline Contraception

The uncontrolled reproduction of feral cats is a substantial cause of cat overpopulation and euthanasia. Although surgical sterilization is an increasingly popular and humane method of controlling feral cat populations, it is expensive, labor-intensive, highly technical and limited in scale. In a previous MAF-funded study, researchers tested a single-dose vaccine that successfully prevented pregnancy in 73 percent of female cats during the two-year observation period. A second three-year study continued this work, for a total of five years of observation, at which point 27 percent of the cats remained infertile. The duration of the vaccine's effectiveness ranged from four months to more than five years (median = three years). It is highly likely that a second immunization would increase the percentage of cats with long-lasting and perhaps permanent contraception, but multiple treatments of free-roaming cats would be difficult. Researchers believe future work should focus on refining the single-dose approach to increase the percentage of cats that remain infertile for at least three years. Results from this study have been widely presented, and the lead researcher was appointed to the initial scientific advisory committee of the Michelson Prize and Grants program of the Found Animals Foundation in Los Angeles, which has earmarked $75 million for the development of nonsurgical sterilization options for cats and dogs.