Pet Health Care

The Biggest Dangers To Pets on Thanksgiving

hareyan — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:35:29 -0600

There can be deadly consequences for pets and dogs during Thanksgiving the holidays. Holiday threats to pets can include seasonal decorations, ornamental lighting, ingestion of inappropriate or toxic items, excessive consumption of rich foods or harmful food, candle flames, and many other hazards.

The 10 Vet Bills That Stole Christmas

ruzik_tuzik — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:34:53 -0600

Sure, it's the most wonderful time of the year, but that doesn't mean Rover won't get sick, break a leg, or eat a nativity set.

"He ate a sheep and a wise man," said Deborah Breen of Brewster, New York, whose American bulldog Achilles made a snack of her holiday decorations. "He didn't need surgery, but between the emergency room visit, testing and medication, the bill still came out to about $400. He was a little out of sorts for a week or so, but once everything passed, he got better."

Author Pens Pet Guardian Self-Defense Manual

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:24:10 -0600

Devoted dog owners know the dilemma -- my dog is old and has health issues: I know he doesn't feel great, but how should I know when to let him go to the big dog park in the sky?

James D. Schwartz, a retired Colorado fee-only financial planner, knows the problem well. "A large number of guardians (pet owners) have told me the same thing about asking their vets when it's time to say goodbye. In response to the question: 'How do we know when it's time?,' the response is something like, 'Oh, you'll know when it's time,'" he writes.

North Texas, North Louisiana Customers Should Check For Recalled Pet Food

ruzik_tuzik — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:28:17 -0600

Kroger is asking customers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, east Texas, and Shreveport and Alexandria, La., to check the pet food they have at home for specific packages of Pet Pride pet food. These products were included in a September recall due to potential contamination with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.

The three products listed below were included in the Mars Petcare US recall on Sept. 12, 2008. Customers should look for these items:

Pet Pride Indoor Cat Food, 3.5-lb. - Best by JUL 29 09 or earlier dates

Pet Pride Indoor Cat Food, 18-lb. - Best by JUL 29 09 or earlier dates

Natural Remedies Treat Animals' Complex Emotions

ruzik_tuzik — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:27:50 -0600

Does your pet misbehave when you leave the house? Whether you're entertaining or traveling for the holidays, the change in schedule can negatively affect your pet's behavior. Recent research shows that upwards of 10.7 million pets in the United States suffer from separation anxiety, resulting in inappropriate, unwanted behaviors.

Malawi: Confirmed Rabies Case In Puppy

ruzik_tuzik — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:28:00 -0600

The Health Protection Agency has been made aware of a case of confirmed rabies in a puppy that may have been in contact with UK travellers at the Mabuya Camp backpacker lodge near Lilongwe (the capital of Malawi).

The Agency is asking anyone who stayed at the lodge between 28th October and 14th November and who had any contact with the puppy to seek medical advice. It is understood that around 75 UK travellers stayed during this time.

Heartworm Disease Prevention Protects Pets, Wallets

ruzik_tuzik — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:39:47 -0600

The American Heartworm Society strongly urges pet owners to continue year-round heartworm prevention medication for their pets. It's important not to cut back on preventatives as failing to administer them could cause harm to pets, and could actually increase the financial burden if heartworm disease treatment is needed. The warning comes as this year's increase in precipitation, widespread flooding across the country and surge of hurricanes has greatly increased the mosquito population.

Humane Society To Enforce Animal Fighting Info Reward

hareyan — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:51:34 -0600

The Humane Society of the United States has teamed up with various Minnesota law enforcement agencies to combat cockfighting and dogfighting. At a press conference held today at the state Capitol, representatives from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, Minnesota Police & Peace Officers Association and Minnesota Animal Control Association joined to announce that The Humane Society of the United States is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person(s) involved in illegal animal fighting.

Vaccinate Your Pets Against Rabies

ruzik_tuzik — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:24:01 -0600

The message is clear – Vaccinate your pets against rabies. That’s the word from Bonnie Lilley, DVM, Chief Veterinarian for Pima County. Within the past week, near the Pima and Cochise County lines, a domestic dog tested positive for rabies; while close to Catalina, a fox was found to be rabid.

Top Ten List On Holiday Pet Health

ruzik_tuzik — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:11:54 -0600

Dr. James Cook, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), says he has a very unhappy holiday tradition -- treating pets that have become sick due to holiday excesses.

"From Thanksgiving through Christmas and into New Years, we'll see it every year at my practice, and, unfortunately, some of them can't be saved," Dr. Cook explains. "People want to involve their pets in the holiday celebrations, but people need to focus on keeping their pets healthy. That's the best gift."

Here are the AVMA's top ten holiday health tips: