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Ask The Vet: Protect Dog From Intestinal Parasites With Monthly Dewormer
Q: My dog Frankie and I were at the dog park when another dog had diarrhea and the owner did a poor job cleaning up. Now I'm worried that every time we visit this dog park, Frankie may be exposed to parasites. Is this a valid concern?
A: Yes, so be sure you give him a broad-spectrum chewable or topical dewormer every month throughout the year. ...Read more
My Pet World: How to curb a dog’s food-seeking behaviors and coax a cat downstairs
Dear Cathy,
I have a little beagle that someone just dropped about a year ago. She is the sweetest dog but has gotten fat. She has gotten terrible about taking food out of your hand, jumping up to the table to get food, and taking food out of the refrigerator. She went through obedience training and did well. This food thing started within the ...Read more
Would you consider cloning your pets?
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Everyone has that one pet in life who they fall in love with at first sight — or first scratch.
For San Francisco resident Wyatt Boumedine, that was Zine, his white cat with a raccoon-like tail who would constantly growl, claw — and probably curse, if he could speak — at his owner. But Boumedine adored him. When Zine ...Read more
Canine infectious respiratory disease: new research insights
It is incredibly important to stay alert to any changes in your dog’s health. Any minor differences in the way they are breathing or walking can be indications of a health problem. There is always research being done on new and existing diseases to better educate pet owners on what to look out for in and how to treat different diseases.
...Read more
Lost cat turns up 2,000 miles from home after nearly 3 years
(UPI) A cat who went missing from his family's Texas home nearly three years ago was reunited with his owners after turning up in Massachusetts.
The Dakin Humane Society said on social media that "a skinny stray cat" was recently brought in by a member of the public and staff members were left in disbelief when his microchip identified ...Read more
Ask the Vet: Cat Scratching Posts Must Be Tall, Stable and Numerous
Q: We read your column about the importance of not declawing cats -- or, as you put it, amputating their toes. We're convinced! Now our question is: What can we do to prevent our cats from scratching our furniture?
A: Multiple toe amputation, euphemistically called declawing, causes long-term medical and behavioral problems in cats. Readers who...Read more
Dog bites: How to prevent or treat them
Each year, more than 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States. Despite what you might assume, most of these incidents dot happen when an unfamiliar dog attacks someone in a park or another outdoor location. Instead, most dog bites are inflicted by a pet dog in a home.
Here’s advice for avoiding these upsetting and potentially serious ...Read more
My Pet World: Managing behavioral challenges — Peeing issues, cognitive decline, and aggression
Dear Cathy,
I have a rescue cat who has always been skittish, but developed unfortunate peeing habits at about a year old. I tried hyper cleaning litter boxes (we have four) and changed litter types, but nothing has helped. We have pulled up the rugs in the house. I did the whole workup with the vet, and he put him on medication, which helped...Read more
Most popular dog breeds in the US and the states where they're #1
From bags of kibble in the grocery store to modern home sizes, things are getting smaller—and evidently, Americans are starting to look for furry friends that match. Small breeds like terriers and toys have largely dethroned the retrievers that once dominated the most popular breed rankings. This is a continuation of a trend that began in 2022...Read more
Kitten takes 15-mile ride in wheel well of search and rescue vehicle
(UPI) A kitten has a new home with an Oregon sheriff's deputy after hitching a 15-mile ride in the wheel well of a Search and Rescue team vehicle.
The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said a truck used by its Search and Rescue team was flagged to be inspected for a rodent infestation after it caught the attention of K9 during a training ...Read more
Tips on spending quality time with your dog as the seasons change
When you’re a dog owner, every day is spent appreciating your pup. This is especially true during the summer, when there may be more time to spend with our canine companions (maybe another dog has even been added to the family!).
The best way to strengthen the human-canine bond is through quality time. With summer coming to an end and ...Read more
Ask the Vet: Probiotic May Reduce Dog's Tear Staining
Q: Cosette, my 5-year-old white toy poodle, has always had bronze staining beneath both eyes. Every year, her veterinarian examines her eyes and says they look fine, so I assume the bronze staining isn't a medical problem. What causes it, and what can I do about it?
A: Tear staining is the most common cause of bronze discoloration of the hair ...Read more
My Pet World: Training your dog to use the yard instead of walks to 'go potty'
Dear Cathy,
My husband and I adopted/rescued a six-year-old Mini Schnauzer eight months ago. She has been a wonderful addition to our family. We are both in our 70s and live in a single-family, one-level home but do not have a fenced-in yard. For this reason, we always take her on walks to "do her duty." I wish she would poop and pee in our ...Read more
Florida team's bat dog to keep her job, despite messy debut
(UPI) A Minor League Baseball team in Florida introduced its new "bat dog" to the public, but the canine ended up being less interested in game than she was in doing her business.
Lucy May, a 10-month-old Labrador retriever, was introduced by Philadelphia Phillies single-A affiliate team the Clearwater Thrushers during their game against the ...Read more
Carrie Fisher's Dog Steals The Spotlight
Did you know that August 26th is World Dog Day? Here are some of our favourite celebrity dog stories.
Soaked kitten rescued from Ohio car wash
(UPI) Employees rescued a soaked kitten found lost inside an Ohio car wash, and the feline has now been dubbed Turbo Rinse.
The Fayette Regional Humane Society said on social media that Kierra Mills, team lead at Ultimate Shine Car Wash in Washington Court House, found the kitten in the turbo-blaster area of the wash during a routine inspection...Read more
Tips for your itchy dog
August has been named “Itchy Pet Awareness Month” by a top pharmaceutical firm. Itchy Pet Month? Really? Well, yes. According to veterinary insurance companies, skin conditions are among top reason owners bring their pets into their vet, accounting for about 22% of all dog insurance claims.
These skin conditions range from excessive ...Read more
Ask the Vet: Many Treatment Options for Feline Hyperthyroidism
Q: Codi, our 13-year-old cat, needs methimazole for his hyperthyroidism, but he won't take it. I've tried crushing his quarter-tablet and mixing it with pilling treats and various wet foods mixed with a flavor enhancer, but nothing works. I'm at my wit's end trying to get him to take his medicine. Any suggestions are welcome.
A: Hyperthyroidism...Read more
Firefighters rescue dog from roof of California home
(UPI) Firefighters responded to a California home where a dog climbed out through a second story window and became stranded on the roof.
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District said on social media that the Truck 31 crew, based in Danville, took the call. "Although nobody was home, a neighbor noticed a dog walking on the roof," the department...Read more
My Pet World: Training a dog to ignore distractions and focus on you
Dear Cathy,
My trainer has always taught positive reinforcement rather than negative consequences, as you recommend. However, I need help understanding what to do when my dog won't listen or obey in cases where it is important.
For example, I have trained my two-year-old Havanese to come when I call, "leave it," "wait," etc., but when we are ...Read more