All articles tagged with #pet health
Dog dementia, or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), is common in aging dogs and shares similarities with human Alzheimer's disease, including memory and behavioral impairments. Early detection is crucial as symptoms worsen quickly, but there is no cure; treatments like medication and training are being explored. Dogs serve as valuable models for understanding dementia, which can also inform human health research.
White dog poop was common in the 90s due to high calcium content in dog food, often from bone meal, which left mineral deposits in the stool. Changes in pet food formulations, reducing calcium-rich ingredients, have made white dog poop less common today. Excess calcium can be toxic, so pet owners should monitor their dogs' health and consult vets if unusual stool occurs.
A domestic cat in Evergreen, Colorado, tested positive for the plague and died, marking the first confirmed animal case in Jefferson County since 2023, following a recent human death in Arizona; health officials warn about the risks of flea bites and contact with infected animals, emphasizing prompt antibiotic treatment for humans.
Veterinarian Tiffany Ruiz-Dasilva advises against feeding dogs raw eggs, raw meat, and bully sticks due to health risks like bacterial contamination and potential nutritional deficiencies. She recommends commercially prepared diets formulated by experts to ensure safety and balance, especially in households with children or vulnerable individuals. Her advice has sparked debate among pet owners.
A Tennessee veterinarian has diagnosed two dogs in the Arlington area with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a potentially fatal tick-borne illness. Despite preventative measures, one of the affected dogs, a golden retriever named Stella, experienced severe symptoms but is now recovering. The veterinarian warns that the disease is a significant health concern in Tennessee and urges pet owners to maintain tick and flea prevention measures.
A survey reveals that many dog owners misinterpret symptoms of aging in their senior pets as normal, potentially delaying necessary veterinary care. The study found that owners often attribute common clinical signs in older dogs to aging, such as slowing down on walks and dental issues, and may not seek medical attention promptly. To address this issue, a new toolkit has been developed to improve communication between pet owners and veterinary professionals, aiming to increase owner understanding and engagement with veterinary care for aging dogs.
New research presented at the ESCMID Global Congress indicates that pet dogs and cats can transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to their owners, raising concerns about the spread of deadly superbugs. The study found evidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria being passed between sick pets and their healthy owners in Portugal and the UK, highlighting the need for improved hygiene practices and comprehensive monitoring in pet-owning households. The findings underscore the importance of including pet-owning households in national programs that monitor levels of antibiotic resistance and recommend practicing good hygiene to prevent transmission.
Zoetis Inc's stock plummeted after reports suggested that its pet arthritis drugs, Librela and Solensia, may have caused adverse effects in dogs and cats. The FDA approved these drugs for pain associated with osteoarthritis in pets, marking a significant development in pet healthcare. However, some pet owners have linked the drugs to adverse effects and deaths in their pets, leading to scrutiny and thousands of reports of side effects. Zoetis stated that these side effects represent a fraction of the shots given and that neither the company nor researchers have identified a connection between the drugs and the reported adverse effects. Additionally, the European Commission initiated an investigation into whether Zoetis hindered the market launch of a competing pain medication for dogs.
San Diego veterinarians are observing a rise in cases of leptospirosis, a rare bacterial disease that can be transmitted to dogs through contact with contaminated water or wildlife urine. The disease, which can also affect humans, can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Pet owners are urged to be vigilant, vaccinate their pets, and seek veterinary care if their animals show signs of lethargy or illness.
Some pet owners are hesitant to vaccinate their dogs against rabies due to concerns about vaccine safety and potential side effects, despite the fact that rabies is nearly always fatal. Experts stress the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies, as the virus poses a significant public health threat. Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners mirrors similar trends in human vaccination, and there are concerns that dismantling laws mandating rabies vaccines for dogs could jeopardize successful public health initiatives. While there has not been a major decline in dog vaccinations, experts emphasize the importance of distinguishing between perceptions about pet vaccines and the firm mandates requiring dogs to be vaccinated in most states.
When faced with the devastating diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in her beloved Dachshund Tanq, the author had to choose between a $15,000 surgery or a holistic approach. Opting for the latter, she found a chiropractor who provided alternative care, and a year later, Tanq is thriving with regular maintenance appointments. The experience prompted her to advocate for proactive pet health and educate others about IVDD in Dachshunds.
Renton residents are on alert as an outbreak of parvovirus, primarily affecting puppies, has been reported in the area, with three cases identified at Petrovitsky Park. Parvovirus is highly contagious and potentially deadly, spreading through direct contact with infected dogs and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and fever. Pet owners are advised to stay informed, take preventive measures, and seek veterinary attention if their dogs show signs of the disease.
Research shows that letting your dog sniff during walks is crucial for their well-being, providing mental stimulation and enrichment similar to social media for humans. Sniffing is beneficial for a dog's physical and mental health, especially for older dogs, and is a necessary part of their existence. Dogs' strong sense of smell is a result of their ancestry and is used to communicate and assess their surroundings. Providing opportunities for sniffing at home and outdoors is important, but vigilance is necessary to ensure safety.
A study funded by Animal Bioscience and conducted at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine tested the effects of an anti-aging supplement for dogs, claiming to improve brain function in older dogs. However, the study showed minimal to no benefits from the expensive daily pill, with only one small difference in cognitive function between the supplement and placebo groups. Overall, the research suggests that the supplements likely have little to no benefit for aging in older dogs, and it's advised to stay away from expensive additives that probably have minimal impact on their health.
Skipping walks for your dog can lead to boredom, stress, and health issues, as walks provide essential exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. Dogs need the opportunity to explore and sniff during walks, and denying them this can lead to symptoms of chronic stress. Additionally, walking dogs can benefit the mental and physical health of their owners.