Anyone who’s ever had to give a cat a dose of medicine, you know that it can go sideways quickly. While no cat enjoys the process, some might be more cooperative depending on how the drug is given. For example, some cats tolerate taking pills easier than liquid, while others make the pill-giving process into… Continue reading Is Your Pet’s Medicine Safe?
Tag: dogs
Using Flea and Tick Products Safely on Your Pet
Flea bites may be more than an itchy annoyance to some dogs and cats. They can cause flea allergy dermatitis — an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. And a pet’s constant scratching can lead to permanent hair loss or other skin problems. In severe infestations, fleas feasting on your pet’s blood can lead… Continue reading Using Flea and Tick Products Safely on Your Pet
COVID-19 and Animals
Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in people, is a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause cold-like illnesses in people, while others cause illness in certain types of animals, such as cattle, camels, and bats. Some coronaviruses, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, infect only animals and do not infect humans. According… Continue reading COVID-19 and Animals
Why You Shouldn’t Be Giving Your Dog Bones (or Bone Treats)
Many dog owners know not to toss a turkey or chicken bone to their dog; those bones are just too brittle. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the risk goes beyond that, especially when it comes to the “bone treats” you may see at the store. What’s a Bone Treat? FDA has… Continue reading Why You Shouldn’t Be Giving Your Dog Bones (or Bone Treats)
Dogs May Help Protect Against Childhood Eczema and Asthma
Now there’s another reason to call dogs man’s best friend. Or maybe a child’s best friend. Research presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting shows that babies born in a home with a dog during a woman’s pregnancy receive protection from allergic eczema. A second study shows dogs… Continue reading Dogs May Help Protect Against Childhood Eczema and Asthma
The Hormone That Could Explain Your Dog’s Aggression
Dogs who exhibit “leash aggression” – barking, growling or lunging at other dogs while out for a walk – may be influenced by hormones that have not been recognized until now, new research shows. The study, led by the University of Arizona’s Evan MacLean, was published in a special issue of the journal Frontiers in… Continue reading The Hormone That Could Explain Your Dog’s Aggression
Dog Safety Quiz
[Editor’s note: The U.S. Postal Service has created this quiz about how to stay safe – and keep others safe – around dogs.] Is it okay to open a door and let dogs out when a letter carrier drops off mail? Yes OR No Answer: NO If a letter carrier delivers mail or packages to… Continue reading Dog Safety Quiz
Is My Dog or Cat a Healthy Weight? Questions to Ask Your Vet
Pets, like people, can be obese. Here are some tips from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on how to recognize whether your furry friend should go on a diet. Your 8-year-old chocolate lab is putting on weight, and you know she should probably lose a pound or two. But when she looks at… Continue reading Is My Dog or Cat a Healthy Weight? Questions to Ask Your Vet
Keep Your Dogs and Cats Safe From Holiday Hazards
This holiday season, while you’re busy decorating, cooking, and wrapping gifts, remember to watch out for holiday temptations for your pets. FDA veterinarian Carmela Stamper tells how to keep your animals safe. Stocking Stuffers and Pet Treats If your dog received a stocking full of pet treats, make sure he doesn’t gobble them all up… Continue reading Keep Your Dogs and Cats Safe From Holiday Hazards
Stopping the Spread of “Dog Diseases”
Guidelines for how to avoid “dog disease” – illnesses spread by our furry friends – are now available thanks to an effort led by experts from the Ohio State University. The advice, which appears in a user-friendly guide and in a scientific paper in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, is intended to… Continue reading Stopping the Spread of “Dog Diseases”
What Dogs Really Want from People
Praise or food? Lots of dogs just want praise, according to research publisven the choice, many dogs prefer praise from their owners over food, suggests a new study published in the journal Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. The study is one of the first to combine brain-imaging data with behavioral experiments to explore canine reward… Continue reading What Dogs Really Want from People
People Foods that Are Bad for Your Dog
The latest from If you consider the family dog, well, family—and are apt to toss him a piece of your food now and then—proceed with caution. Some foods meant for human consumption can be dangerous, and even deadly, to your dog. How are people and animals different when it comes to food? According to Carmela… Continue reading People Foods that Are Bad for Your Dog
Benefits of Dog Ownership for Seniors
Dogs provide their older-adult owners with more than companionship – a new study shows that dog walking is associated with lower body mass index, fewer doctor visits, more frequent exercise and an increase in social benefits for seniors. “Our study explored the associations between dog ownership and pet bonding with walking behavior and health outcomes… Continue reading Benefits of Dog Ownership for Seniors
Prevent Heartworm in Pets Year Round
If you’ve been to a veterinarian’s office, chances are you’ve seen the photos on the wall of worms growing from the heart of a dog or cat. Although these images may be unsettling, the message is clear: Heartworm disease is fatal to pets. The good news: You can protect your pet from this disease. “It’s… Continue reading Prevent Heartworm in Pets Year Round
“Wings of Rescue” Flies Shelter Pets to Loving Homes For Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate everyone you love the most…including our furry friends! And one organization’s dedication to saving the lives of pets—on Cupid’s Day, and every day—proves that when it comes to unconditional love, the sky’s the limit. Overcrowding in animal shelters is a huge problem across the U.S., so much so… Continue reading “Wings of Rescue” Flies Shelter Pets to Loving Homes For Valentine’s Day
Pet-Safety Tips for The Holidays
Pet safety is important all year round, but you need to be especially wary at holiday time, when cats see interesting objects (plants, tinsel) they want to explore. Here, from the Pet Poison Helpline, are some things you should keep away from your pets. When decorating for the season, consider your pets. Holiday decorations such… Continue reading Pet-Safety Tips for The Holidays
Cold-Weather Safety Tips for Your Pet
Winter is coming, and just as we prepare ourselves to face the cold weather, we should make sure our animal companions are safe and warm for the whole season. What do you need to do? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, you should take your dog in for a checkup before the season starts.… Continue reading Cold-Weather Safety Tips for Your Pet
Understanding Diabetes in Dogs
Researchers are drawing closer to an explanation of canine diabetes, a little-understood but serious condition. Their continuing investigation could eventually lead to insights about treating humans with diabetes. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Baylor College of Medicine have used advanced imaging technology to precisely quantified the dramatic loss of insulin-producing beta cells in… Continue reading Understanding Diabetes in Dogs