Marbach Road Animal Hospital

Most airlines require that pet carriers and crates meet certain specifications and that veterinary certificates of health be signed within a certain period before carriage, and many limit the number of animals they will carry on any given flight, whether in the passenger cabin or the cargo hold. AVMA President Dr. John Howe says pets should not be tranquilized before flying, and owners should check with a veterinarian to discuss options for reducing anxiety and to ensure their pet is healthy enough for air travel.

Vaccine skepticism puts millions of pets in the UK at risk

The UK-based People's Dispensary for Sick Animals describes the anti-vaccination movement as a "ticking time bomb" that puts animals at risk of dying from preventable diseases. A 2019 report found that two-thirds of pet dogs, cats and rabbits in the UK received primary vaccines on schedule, compared with 84% in 2016, and 32% have not received scheduled boosters, potentially leaving 7 million pets in the UK unprotected. A survey found 98% of veterinarians in the UK had been asked about vaccine safety, says British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Daniella Dos Santos.

Spondylosis deformans in ancient canids hints at bond with people

Researchers have long pointed to spondylosis deformans in ancient dog remains as a sign the animals were used by people to help transport supplies, but new research published in PLOS ONE suggests the deformity is an indicator of the care people lavished on the animals. Graduate student Katherine Latham looked at bones from dozens of pets, sled dogs and wolves, and found spondylosis deformans became more common as they aged beyond the typical lifespan of a wild wolf, suggesting those that lived long enough to develop the condition were cared for by humans.

Bats overtake dogs as leading cause of human rabies infections in US

Until 1960, most human cases of rabies in the US were caused by exposure to infected dogs, but now wildlife cause nearly every case, with bats accounting for about 70% of human rabies cases acquired in the US, according to a CDC report. The CDC also noted an increase in the number of mass bat exposures, when at least 10 people come into contact with a possibly rabid bat, and the CDC recommends vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wildlife and seeking medical attention quickly if contact with wildlife does occur.

What do cats do when no one is watching? Scientists find out
An animal behaviorist and a behavioral ecologist attached small cameras to 16 domestic cats and discovered that the animals behaved differently depending on whether they were around humans in their homes, or on their own outdoors. In their homes, cats tended to follow humans around, researcher Maren Huck said, noting "a lot of my students were surprised at how attached cats were to people."

Veterinarian makes the case for adopting a senior pet
Adopting an older pet is tremendously rewarding and might be easier than adopting a puppy, says veterinarian Jaimie Ronchetto. Senior pets might already have been trained and are usually calmer than young animals, and age-related health conditions like arthritis can be managed, Dr. Ronchetto says.

Animal nutritionists warn against vegan diet for pets
Cats can synthesize certain essential nutrients only from meat, making feline vegetarian diets inappropriate and risky, even with added supplements, say veterinary nutritionists Lisa Freeman and Jennifer Adolphe. Plants are also poor sources of some amino acids that dogs need, says animal nutritionist Cailin Heinze, who recommends working with a veterinarian to determine an appropriate diet.

Most dog owners get more exercise, with or without the dog in tow
Most people with a dog walk about 300 minutes each week, compared with about 100 minutes for people without a dog, and dog owners also spent more time than their dogless peers engaging in other physical activity like bicycling and jogging, according to a study in England published in Scientific Reports. However, a small percentage of dog owners -- nearly all of them young, healthy women -- never walked their dogs, and researchers say the finding warrants further study.

Be alert for heat-linked illness in pets, veterinarian says
As temperatures rise across the US, pet owners need to be on the lookout for heat-related illnesses, says veterinarian Lee Bolt. Excessive panting and salivation, dry mucous membranes, and a rapid heart rate are early signs of heat-related illness, according to the American Kennel Club.

From vine to barrel, dogs prevent sour wine
TN Coopers is using trained dogs to detect the scent of harmful chemicals in wood that could contaminate wine stored in the company's barrels. At vineyards, dogs also detect destructive vine mealy bugs and other pests.

A little preparation goes a long way in keeping pets safe during disaster For pet owners, preparing for tornadoes, wildfires or hurricanes should involve keeping vaccines and microchip data up to date placing leashes and carriers in an easily accessed location and preparing a kit that contains food and water, medications, vaccination records, microchip information, recent photos and other important items, writes veterinarian Christa Gallagher of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. If pets must be left behind, they should be allowed to move freely and have access to ample food and water, and authorities should be notified of the number and type of pets left.

Dogs Prefer People Who Are Generous
Surely we all want our dogs to love us as much as we adore them. But it turns out that pups may not be as warm if you’re not nice. Researchers at the University of Milan had dogs watch as certain people shared food with someone in need and others rejected the request for help. When the same people then called the dogs to them, the pups “overwhelmingly trotted over to the generous people.”

Cats and Dogs Can Be Allergic to Humans
Unfortunately, some people are allergic to cats and dogs. But it’s also true that some of our pets find humans just as intolerable. “It’s rare, but dogs can be allergic to cat dander and people dander and vice versa,” Raelynn Farnsworth of Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, told National Geographic.
Dogs’ symptoms will often appear as skin inflammation and itching as well as sneezing and a runny nose, while cats may suffer from miliary dermatitis, which reveals itself through missing fur as well as scabs on your kitty’s skin. Luckily, if your pet is allergic to you, you can help them out with allergy shots or oral drops.

Why dogs do what they do when they gotta go
Before defecating, many dogs instinctively sniff the area to detect signs of danger, choose a spot that they want to claim or reclaim, and circle the area to flatten tall plants or snow that could make going less comfortable, say veterinarians Jennifer Coates and Gary Richter. Certified trainer Russell Hartstein says it is possible to teach a dog to go on command and suggests rewarding dogs with play or a walk instead of bringing them indoors immediately after they go.

Having Dogs is Great for Your Social Life: Almost Half of Owners Have Made Friends While On ‘Walkies’

Owning a dog is influenced by our genetic make-up
Scientists have studied the heritability of dog ownership using information from 35,035 twin pairs from the Swedish Twin Registry. The new study suggests that genetic variation explains more than half of the variation in dog ownership, implying that the choice of getting a dog is heavily influenced by an individual's genetic make-up.

This article is about Chicago but the large raccoon population of San Antonio makes unvaccinated dogs at high risk of getting Canine Distemper.

Dog That Shoplifted a Book on ‘Abandonment’ is Given the Love It Was Asking For

Pathogens carried by fleas pose risk to humans
Veterinarians in the UK collected fleas from dogs and cats in April and June last year, and approximately 14% of samples from the fleas contained at least one pathogen, such as Bartonella spp, which has been identified as a risk to people. "The results have shown the high numbers of cats and dogs that still carry fleas and the relatively high prevalence of Bartonella spp found in the samples provided, which is of significant concern for the health of the pet, pet owner and veterinary practice staff," researcher Richard Wall said.

National Pet Week: Exercise body, exercise mind
Nutrition and exercise matter. That's today's National Pet Week theme. With more than half of U.S. pet dogs and cats considered overweight or obese, and humans plagued by this issue as well, the AVMA encourages pets and their owners to provide proper nutrition and get regular exercise--together! This not only improves cardiovascular health, maintains a healthy weight, and supports good mental health for both owner and pet, but it strengthens the human-animal bond. Visit the AVMA website for tips on walking, running or starting an exercise program with your pet and to learn more about your pet's healthy weight.

The biology behind white "socks" in cats and other animals
White paws, a manifestation of piebaldism, are due to a mutation in the KIT gene that causes an uneven distribution of melanocytes in cats and other animals. A study published recently in Nature Communications found that melanoblasts in embryonic piebalds don't divide enough to produce the amount of melanocytes needed for a monochrome coat.

Having a pet can quell loneliness
Talking to your pet is not so wacky after all. It's actually good for you - and your health
Although it is scientifically unclear whether owning pets improves human health, pet owners say having a pet helps them connect with other people, and a newly released survey found strong support for government policies that facilitate interaction with pets. "The greatest gift of animals is they remind us we can love and be loved unconditionally," says former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

Homemade Cat Food Diets Could Be Risky
Study Examined Nutritional Adequacy of 114 recipes None of the 114 cat food recipes evaluated provided adequate nutrition, and many were severely deficient in multiple nutrients, according to a study published in the Journ Homemade Cat Food Diets Could Be Risky
Study Examined Nutritional Adequacy of 114 recipes None of the 114 cat food recipes evaluated provided adequate nutrition, and many were severely deficient in multiple nutrients, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The researchers evaluated recipes found online and in books, and found that only five of the recipes contained adequate amounts of all but one essential nutrient, and numerous recipes included potentiallal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The researchers evaluated recipes found online and in books, and found that only five of the recipes contained adequate amounts of all but one essential nutrient, and numerous recipes included potentially harmful ingredients.

Don't try the keto diet on your dog
Adapting human diet trends and fads to pets can leave pets dangerously undernourished, and working with a veterinarian is the best way to choose a pet's diet, says veterinarian Katy Nelson. A higher-protein diet is good for cats, which are obligate carnivores, while a diet that blends protein and vegetables is more appropriate for dogs, Dr. Nelson says, noting vegan and keto diets are largely inappropriate for both.

Cocktail party effect applies to dogs, too
People can hear their own names in the midst of noise, a phenomenon dubbed the cocktail party effect, and dogs have a similar ability, researchers report in Animal Cognition. Dogs in the study recognized their own names amid noise, even when spoken by a stranger and on a loudspeaker, but they did not respond when their names were spoken at a lower decibel level than the background noise, performing better than babies do but not as well as adults.

Arthritis in cats is normal, treatable
Cats can develop arthritis as they age, and the condition is most likely in joints that have been severely stressed, broken or dislocated, says veterinarian Dennis Larsen. Risk can be mitigated through proper weight management, and arthritis can be treated with feline-specific prescriptions, but medicines for humans or dogs should never be given to cats, Dr. Larsen says.

Experts weigh in on pet-safe houseplants
Pets should be kept away from houseplants if for no other reason than the fertilizer might be dangerous, says veterinarian Stephanie Liff, but some plants themselves are toxic to pets and should be avoided. Potentially dangerous houseplants include most herbs, some ferns, philodendron, ficus, aloe, spiny cacti and lilies safer choices include succulents, red maranta, Boston fern, spider plant and basil.

"Clean eating" trend might not be so healthy for pets
Boutique, grain-free dog foods made by small manufacturers have been linked to an increase in dilated cardiomyopathy cases, and though no ingredient has been identified as the cause, some of the dogs presenting with DCM have had a taurine deficiency, says veterinary cardiologist Pamela Lee. The so-called clean foods trend has led to a rise in pet foods with exotic ingredients made by small companies that may lack nutritional expertise, and Dr. Lee points out that what is good for humans isn't necessarily good for animals.

Springtime means surge in parvovirus cases
Parvovirus infection -- characterized by vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite -- is common at this time of year, and veterinarian Isabelle Ying saw five cases last week alone. Parvovirus lingers in the soil and is extremely contagious, but a vaccine is available, Dr. Ying says, though she warns against over-the-counter options that may not be effective.

What to Do If Your Dog Has a Tick Bite
Protect your pup with these vet-approved tips.

People are getting scammed with fake puppies. How to spot one.
The Michigan attorney general's office has received two reports this year of families losing money after attempting to purchase a puppy online, and Consumer Federation of America consumer protection director Susan Grant says it's easy for scam artists to set up websites with stolen photos of puppies. Consumer advocates advise potential puppy purchasers to meet sellers in person at a kennel, not in a parking lot never wire money or put money on gift cards to buy a puppy and check seller credentials carefully.

Look What the Cat Dragged In: ParasitesResearchers found that house cats that roam outdoors were more likely to pick up diseases than indoor cats.

Dog Saved By Workers On Oil Rig, 135 Miles Off Thai Coast

Anti-vaccination movement endangers pets

Misguided fears that vaccinations cause autism and other conditions has some pet owners avoiding getting their animals vaccinated against deadly diseases such as parvovirus and rabies, and the trend is reducing herd immunity levels, according to the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations. Much of the medical information available online "can be misleading and is not based on scientific evidence or research," says FECAVA President Wolfgang Dohne, and the risks of diseases and treatments for them outweigh any potential side effects, says veterinarian Raelynn Farnsworth.20

Lost dogs follow their noses to get home

Dogs use their hypersensitive noses to find their way home when they are lost, and research suggests that they might also sense differences in magnetic orientation. A brain imaging study found dogs are especially attuned to the scent of familiar people.

Cats recognize their names but don't respond like dogs do

Four different experiments demonstrated that cats recognize their own names, but their response to hearing their names isn't as strong as dogs', according to a study published in Scientific Reports. The difference may be due to more training and selective breeding of dogs. National Geographic online (4/4)

Older people say pets make them feel loved, reduce stress

Fifty-five percent of 50- to 80-year-olds responding to a survey said they own at least one pet, and nearly 90% of those owners said their pet contributes to feelings of being loved, around 80% said pets mitigate stress, nearly 75% said their pet gives them a sense of purpose, and 64% said their pet helps them stay active. Drawbacks to having a pet included adding complexity to leaving the house or traveling, financial strain and related falls or injuries.

Checklist helps owners know when it's time to say goodbye
Although many pet owners prefer the idea of a "natural death" for their animals, the reality is that letting nature take its course in companion animals often involves prolonged suffering that animals tend to conceal. Veterinarian Alice Villalobos urges owners to think about pets' quality of life when determining whether it's time to say goodbye, and she developed a checklist to help with decision-making.

Many DCM reports involve specialized diets
When a 5-year-old double doodle named Nyla developed advanced dilated cardiomyopathy, her veterinarian thought her grain-free diet might have played a role and reported the case to the FDA. The agency has received 300 reports of DCM since starting an investigation, and of the nearly 200 reports involving dogs that ate just one type of food, 90% involved diets that were labeled grain-free. WPTV-TV (West Palm Beach, Fla.)

Dog nearly dies from xylitol poisoning after eating sugar-free gum

How to walk a dog instead of letting a dog walk you
Kevin Pirruccio, co-author of a recent study showing that seniors who walk a dog are at risk for fractured bones, says the key to reducing fracture risk is not for seniors to stop walking dogs but to leash-train dogs properly, consider smaller, easily trained dogs, and engage in resistance training and balance exercises to boost their own strength. Trainer Tyler Ohlmann also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right leash and collar or harness. NBC News (3/14)

The proportion of cats and dogs in the US that are overweight or obese has held steady at about 60% and 56%, respectively, but the percentage that are obese has risen to nearly 34% of cats and 19% of dogs in 2018, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Though overfeeding is a primary culprit, sedentary lifestyles, hormonal imbalances, genetics and gut bacteria play a role, and pet owners should talk with a veterinarian about diet, nutrition and lifestyle, says veterinarian Ernie Ward, founder of APOP. USA Today (3/12)

Lack of data, regulation on veterinary CBD products puts pets at risk

Cannabidiol products are being marketed to treat pain, anxiety, inflammation and cancer in people and in some cases their pets, but little research has been completed to examine the products' safety or efficacy, and they are not well regulated, says American Kennel Club Chief Veterinary Officer Jerry Klein. Though CBD products have potential as veterinary treatments, the lack of data and regulation mean the risks are high, Dr. Klein says.
NBC News (2/11)

Distemper outbreak in La. wildlife could hit unvaccinated pets
Pet owners in Louisiana should ensure their pets' distemper vaccinations are up to date, says state wildlife veterinarian James LaCour. An outbreak of canine distemper is affecting wildlife from the Florida Parishes to Lafayette.
WDSU-TV (New Orleans) (2/5)

An immunotherapy based on autologous canine osteosarcoma cells resulted in remission for more than 400 days after surgery, compared with 270 days for dogs in a different study treated with chemotherapy, researchers reported at the Veterinary Cancer Society Annual Conference. The vaccines stimulate anti-tumor lymphocytes, and researchers say the results could translate to a human bone cancer immunotherapy.
HealthDay News (2/5)

The ABCs of preventing cannabis toxicity in pets

Recreational marijuana and some medical cannabis-based products contain tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychotropic compound that is not good for pets in any amount. Dogs in particular are attracted to cannabis, and keeping them safe requires storing products appropriately, being aware of the signs of exposure and contacting a veterinarian immediately if pets manage to consume cannabis, write Colleen Dell, Erin Wasson and Kevin Cosford.
The Conversation (US) (2/7)

Veterinarians save ice-covered cat

Veterinarians Jevon Clark and China Corum saved the life of a cat that had been injured and trapped in a snowbank in northwest Montana. The cat was almost completely covered in ice balls and was so hypothermic that a thermometer could not get an accurate reading, Dr. Clark said.
KULR-TV (Billings, Mont.) (2/7)

Puppy in S.E. Ala. may have exposed people to rabies

The Alabama Department of Public Health is working with veterinarians, a rescue group and animal control workers to identify anyone who might have had contact with a 4-month-old stray puppy that had rabies, DPH veterinarian Dee Jones says. The puppy was one of four taken in by Dothan city and Houston County Animal Control officers.
The Birmingham News (Ala.) (2/7)