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  • Meet Calvin a Cancer Survivor Who Is Celebrating Brain Cancer Awareness Month!

    Meet Calvin a Cancer Survivor Who Is Celebrating Brain Cancer Awareness Month!

    As the world celebrates National Brain Tumor Awareness Month this May, brain tumor survivor Calvin, an eight-year-old French Bulldog belonging to Gretchen and David May of Scottsdale, is happily playing with his favourite crunchy bone toy and playing (chasing) his French Bulldog sister, Olive, around the house.

    Gretchen said: “He’s our little miracle dog. Calvin and Olive are our kids. We would do anything for them. We feel incredibly lucky that we had access to SRS (stereotactic surgery) here in Arizona.”


    Photo Credit: Twitter.com/petcureoncpetcureonc

    Already proven successful in human medicine, SRS is now available for pets and providing newfound hope in the fight against cancer.

    Calvin’s survivor story began on a Sunday afternoon last September when Gretchen noticed Calvin having a seizure. He was shaking and foaming at the mouth. A trip to the emergency room for overnight observation was followed by a visit to his primary care veterinarian, Travis Nick, DVM, of Scottsdale Ranch Animal Hospital, for evaluation. After some preliminary testing, Calvin was referred to a veterinary neurologist, Jason Evans, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), at Veterinary Neurological Center in Phoenix, Arizona. There, MRI results revealed that Calvin had a malignant brain tumour. Dr. Evans referred the Mays to PetCure Oncology at Arizona Veterinary Oncology (AVO) in Gilbert, Arizona for further evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologist Eric Boshoven, DVM, DACVR (RO).

    After reviewing Calvin’s history and performing a comprehensive exam, Dr. Boshoven walked his owners through all of their available treatment options. Ultimately, he recommended treating the tumour with SRS rather than surgery or chemotherapy. “Calvin successfully completed three SRS sessions,” said Dr. Boshoven. “He suffered a small seizure after his first treatment but none since. Aside from experiencing a slight lightening of his coat, he has had no side effects. An MRI at four months post-treatment showed virtually no sign of the tumor.”

  • Dog Owners in South East England Warned About Caterpillar Dangers

    Owners of dogs and other animals in London, Surrey and West Berkshire are being alerted to look out for and report an insect pest which can cause health problems to them, especially during spring and summer, typically from May onwards.

    People, too, can develop rashes and eye and throat irritations from exposure to caterpillars of the Oak processionary moth (OPM), an exotic species which was accidentally introduced 11 years ago. It is possible that it will be found in southern parts of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire this year.

    OPM is a tree health pest because its caterpillars, moving about in nose-to-tail processions, feed on oak leaves. In large numbers they can strip oak trees almost bare, weakening them and making them vulnerable to threats such as disease and drought.

    They are also a human and animal health hazard. The caterpillars – the larval stage of the insect’s life cycle – have thousands of tiny hairs which can become detached and blown about by the wind. The hairs contain an irritating substance, called thaumetopoein, which on contact with people can cause itching skin rashes and, less commonly, eye, ear and throat irritations and breathing difficulties.

    Symptoms reported in dogs, especially dogs which have licked, sniffed, picked up or tried to eat caterpillars or nests, include hyper-salivation, swelling of the tongue, conjunctivitis, gagging, vomiting, respiratory distress and inflammation of the mouth.

    The hairs can be blown by the wind, and they build up in the caterpillars’ silken webbing nests, which they build on the branches and trunks of oak trees in May and June, sometimes at ground level. Nests sometimes fall to the ground, and the caterpillars sometimes descend to the ground, posing a risk to inquisitive animals such as cats and dogs, grazing animals, and playing children.

    The Forestry Commission is leading efforts with councils and major landowners to minimise the spread, population and impacts of the pest in a Defra-funded control programme. Andrew Hoppit, its OPM project manager said,
    “It’s essential that dog owners in the affected areas are aware of this pest and the hazard it poses to their animals, themselves and their families. Dogs are naturally curious animals which like to investigate items of interest, but they really must be restrained from doing this in the case of OPM nests and caterpillars.

    “I also encourage dog owners in the affected areas to help our control programme by reporting sightings of the pest using our on-line Tree Alert reporting tool.

    “Our website has a lot of helpful information, including guides to recognising OPM.”

    Areas most at risk

    In Surrey: Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Spelthorne and Woking.

    In Berkshire: West Berkshire, Windsor & Maidenhead.

    In Buckinghamshire: South Buckinghamshire.

    In London: Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Hillingdon, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Kingston Upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, City of London, Merton, Newham, Richmond Upon Thames, Slough, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Waltham Forest, and City of Westminster.

    Owners who think their animals have been seriously affected should consult a vet. The effects of OPM contact on people, although unpleasant, are not usually medically serious and pass in a few days. People who have been affected should consult a pharmacist for relief from the symptoms, or a doctor for serious allergic reactions, although these are rare.

  • Dog Owners Asked to Remain Vigilant as Caterpillar Dangers Rise During Summer Months

    Dog Owners Asked to Remain Vigilant as Caterpillar Dangers Rise During Summer Months

    Dog owners in certain areas across the UK are being asked to remain vigilant to caterpillars of the Oak processionary moth, a native of Southern Europe, as we head into Summer.

    Symptoms reported in dogs, especially dogs which have licked, sniffed, picked up or tried to eat caterpillars or nests, include hyper-salivation, swelling of the tongue, conjunctivitis, gagging, vomiting, respiratory distress and inflammation of the mouth.

    People, too, can develop rashes and eye and throat irritations from exposure to caterpillars of the Oak processionary moth (OPM), an exotic species which was accidentally introduced 11 years ago. It is possible that it will be found in southern parts of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire this year.

    The hairs can be blown by the wind, and they build up in the caterpillars’ silken webbing nests, which they build on the branches and trunks of oak trees in May and June, sometimes at ground level. Nests sometimes fall to the ground, and the caterpillars sometimes descend to the ground, posing a risk to inquisitive animals such as cats and dogs, grazing animals, and playing children.

    The Forestry Commission is leading efforts with councils and major landowners to minimise the spread, population and impacts of the pest in a Defra-funded control programme. Andrew Hoppit, its OPM project manager said,
    “It’s essential that dog owners in the affected areas are aware of this pest and the hazard it poses to their animals, themselves and their families. Dogs are naturally curious animals which like to investigate items of interest, but they really must be restrained from doing this in the case of OPM nests and caterpillars.

    “I also encourage dog owners in the affected areas to help our control programme by reporting sightings of the pest using our on-line Tree Alert reporting tool.

    “Our website has a lot of helpful information, including guides to recognising OPM.”

    Read more about the caterpillar here and areas most at risk: http://www.dognews.co.uk/dog-owners-south-east-england-warned-caterpillar-dangers/

  • WATCH: Meet the Dog Who Interrupts a Football Match & Does It in Style!

    WATCH: Meet the Dog Who Interrupts a Football Match & Does It in Style!

    Meet the dog who galloped onto the football pitch during a game between Deportivo Tachira and Pumas in Mexico who were playing each other as part of the South American ‘Copa Libertadores’ tournament (similar to Europe’s Champions League tournament).

    The dog, who was clearly excited and is now being called the happiest dog in the world, bounced about from player to player chasing the ball as he went. He even went up to the Pumas goalkeeper Alejandro Palacios, but after teasing the goalkeeper that he would come to him for some fuss, he bounced off in another direction.

    After a few minutes, the dog decided enough was enough and allowed a Deportivo Tachira player to take him in his arms and walk off the pitch while he tried to lick his face.

    Although this fun loving dog is being called the happiest dog in the world, we’re wondering is if he a newer version of ‘Paul the Octopus’ who predicted scores in the 2010 World Cup, after all this bouncy young dog clearly favoured Tachira and they won the match 1-0 after his appearance on the pitch!

    Watch the video:

    This little dog does certainly have a spring in his step!

  • My Dog Did This on a Walk This Morning, is She Strange or Sick?

    My Dog Did This on a Walk This Morning, is She Strange or Sick?

    We received a note from K9 Magazine reader Kerry. She was puzzled about a particular piece of behaviour her dog put on when they were out for a morning walk.

    Here’s her email (which she has given us permission to publish):

    http://i.imgur.com/yAhzgAo.png

    This morning, Tina our nine month old pup encountered a fairly fresh pile of horse dung. At first she sniffed it and then she tried to eat it so I shouted for her to stop and then she started to roll around in it. My question is whether this is normal behaviour or does she have some sort of deficiency in her diet that would make her want to eat something nasty like that?

    Well Kerry, your dog is neither strange nor sick. Many dogs appear to have this particularly unpleasant predilection for eating or rolling in horse mess.

    First things first. You were right to try and prevent your dog from eating it. It’s not good. Horse dung can also include the presence of horse wormer so that’s even more reason to prevent your dog from doing it along with the fact that it’s just plain nasty!

    The presence of equine parasite treatments such as Ivemectin can be very hazardous to dogs (breeds such as Collies, Staffies, Whippets/Greyhounds and Australian Shepherds are particularly vulnerable), so if you witness a dog that has recently eaten horse poop behaving strangely, consult your vet immediately and explain what’s happened.

    Why do dogs eat horse dung?

    Ever smelled a can of freshly opened dog meat? How about tripe that’s been hung for a while? What about an animal carcass that’s been in the sun for a few hours? Disgusting, right? Your dog will try to eat ALL of those things and don’t pretend otherwise. You know it, I know it, they know it. Let’s not try and deny the obvious, our dogs show a fondness for consuming some seriously smelly stuff.

    What seems awfully off putting for us can serve as a delicious treat to our four legged pals. The smellier the better seems to be their motto. So horse poop is just another delicacy on the canine menu. To a dog, a fresh pile of horse dung is a high fibre breakfast meal with a particularly arousing odour. It’s like an enticing bowl of Weetabix, if the Weetabix came out of a horse’s bum. As stated though, if you don’t personally know the backside the horse it came from and everything that’s been given to that horse then you should be quick to stop your dog before they get too many mouthfuls down their neck – and even if you do know the horse in question, don’t let your dog scoff their delicious dung deposits, it’s just, you know, nasty.

    You might be somewhat comforted to know that from our mini survey of dog owners, there wasn’t a single one of us who owned or had owned a dog that DIDN’T try to scoff horse muck. They seem to view it as free food that should be eaten as quickly as possible. Yuck!

    Why do dogs roll around in horse poop?

    There’s a school of thought that dogs smear themselves in pungent material (like horse poop) because it disguises their own smell. Well, they’re not wrong are they? You take the dog out for a walk smelling all fresh and reassuringly doggy and the journey home you find yourself holding your nose so as to not get a strong whiff of Stinky McStinkface who seems quite proud of himself as he showcases his fondness for eau de dung.

    A dog might want to disguise his smell because somewhere, in the very back of the ancient part of his canine brain, he thinks by smelling like horse poop he’s gained an advantage over his predators and his prey. By smelling like animal excrement he’ll be less detectable and will blend in to his environment more. Now, quite why he’d want to do that when he lives in a nice detached house in Cheshire we can only guess. But he does. He still thinks he’s a wolf, bless him. Speaking of which, you won’t be surprised to learn that wolves do this to. They roll around in horse muck, buffalo dung and all manner of stinky animal carcasses. Wild wolves have the same penchant for coating themselves in smelly stuff as our domestic pet dogs which is just another reminder that domesticated canines, at heart, are never slow to show us they’ve got a few ancestral tricks up the sleeves of their designer dog coats even if some of those tricks happen to be, quite frankly, gross.

    Rest assured Kerry. Your dog is 100% normal.

  • 171 Dogs Rescued Weeks Before South Korea’s ‘Bok Nal Days of Dog’ Meat Eating Ritual

    171 Dogs Rescued Weeks Before South Korea’s ‘Bok Nal Days of Dog’ Meat Eating Ritual

    Just 11 weeks ahead of South Korea’s ‘Bok Nal: Days of Dog’ meat eating ritual, animal welfare organisation Humane Society International (HSI) has rescued 171 dogs, shutting down a dog meat farm in Wonju.

    The Asian country celebrates the days of summer by consuming large quantities of dog meat ‘boshintang’ stew and the rescued dogs were otherwise destined to be killed and eaten at the country’s ritual.

    The 171 dogs are part of the final cohort of 250 dogs and puppies rescued by HSI from one of the dog meat farm in Wonju, the fifth such farm that the charity has closed down as part of its campaign to end the eating of dogs in South Korea. The dogs are being flown to shelters and rescues in the United States and Canada.


    Photo Credit: Meredith Lee/HSI

    The groups accepting dogs are part of The Humane Society of the United States’ Emergency Placement Partner program, for a second chance at life. HSI is The HSUS’ international affiliate. Working together with placement partners, hundreds of dogs from previous dog meat farm closures have already found wonderful homes. Working in partnership with the Wonju farmer who contacted HSI last year for help getting out of the dog meat business, HSI is also overseeing the destruction of hundreds of now empty wire cages.

    Andrew Plumbly, campaign manager for HSI, who assisted in the dog rescue, said: “It’s a huge relief to rescue these dogs and get them to safety, knowing that in just a few weeks’ time during Bok Nal, they would likely have ended up being killed and eaten. The conditions on these farms is truly shocking. It’s factory-farming of dogs in row upon row of bare wire cages, filthy with faeces. The dogs live in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety. But the miserable existence they have endured is finally over, and the happy homes that await them in the USA and Canada couldn’t be more different. They will at last get to run and play and know what it feels like to be loved as a family friend.”

    Most people in South Korea don’t regularly eat dogs, and the practice is increasingly out of favour with the younger generation. However, during the summer months – and particularly the hottest days of Bok Nal between 17 July and 16 August – dog meat stew will be widely consumed even by those who never normally eat it, in the unfounded belief that it cools the blood. Hundreds of thousands of dogs will be slaughtered at this time, as an estimated 60-80 percent of the entire year’s dog meat is eaten in just two months, most often at one of South Korea’s thousands of dedicated dog meat restaurants.


    Darby, pictured departing. Photo Credit: Meredith Lee/HSI

    An estimated 2.5-3 million dogs endure extreme deprivation on these farms every year, confined their whole lives in small, barren wire cages without any comfort or proper care, until the day they are killed, usually by electrocution. Dog farmers intensively breed dogs throughout the year, but often wait to sell them for slaughter at Bok Nal when they will fetch the highest price. A large dog can fetch around £120 each, with a bowl of dog meat stew selling for as little as £3-£6.

    Most people in South Korea never visit a dog meat farm and are unaware of the suffering experienced by the dogs. There is also a widespread misconception that farmed dogs are somehow different in nature to companion dogs, a myth that Humane Society International is keen to dispel. On every farm closed so far by HSI, a mixture of breeds has been discovered including large mastiffs, Jindo mixes, golden retrievers, beagles and Chihuahuas. Alerting Koreans to the fact that these are no different to the dogs we live with at home, is a key part of HSI’s message.

    Plumbly said: “In our experience, many dog meat farmers are keen to leave this business behind them, and come under increasing pressure from their children to end dog breeding and killing. However, they need help in transitioning to an alternative living, so that’s where HSI steps in. Ultimately we need the South Korean government to get involved in phasing out dog farming and banning dog eating, and with the Winter Olympics coming up in Pyeongchang in 2018, we are urging politicians to work with us to consign the eating of dogs to the history books.”

    HSI is working in countries across Asia to end the grisly dog meat trade. Efforts include: intercepting trucks crammed with dogs headed for slaughter in China; providing expertise to train officials for improved enforcement of laws and humane rabies elimination in Vietnam; and helping dog meat farmers in South Korea transition to more humane ways of making a living.

    For more information visit hsi.org/dogmeat

  • Watch This Dog Reunited With Owner After 7 Months Apart (You’ll Smile, Guaranteed)

    Watch This Dog Reunited With Owner After 7 Months Apart (You’ll Smile, Guaranteed)

    Anyone’s who’s ever been apart from their dog for more than 30 minutes will attest to the fact that a canine welcome is something that makes us feel really, really special.

    Now watch this video of a dog hunting for an owner after being apart for 7 months….

    Source https://www.facebook.com/todaysAnimals/videos/752873221479469/

  • Could Your Dog Be a Theatre Star?

    If you think your dog could shine on stage, then here’s your chance to showcase their talents!

    Staff at The Touring Consortium Theatre Company and Birmingham Repertory Theatre are looking for a senior dog to appear briefly on stage in the production of John Steinbeck’s classic ‘Of Mice and Men’ as ‘Candy’s Dog’ during the show’s tour at Curve Leicester from 23 to 28 May.

    Their previous canine star, Badger, sadly passed away from old age before rehearsals began, the producers are seeking an elderly dog in each city on the tour.

    Most breeds and sizes will be considered, but he or she should ideally look relatively elderly and have the appearance of a ‘working’ dog, and must have a calm temperament.

    The dog will be on stage for around 5 minutes in total, alongside Dudley Sutton, playing ‘Candy’ and on a lead at all times. No previous acting experience needed.

    The successful dog and owner will be required 6-9pm TUESDAY, 7-9pm WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY of the run, and 2.00- 3.30pm for the Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Interested parties should apply immediately to Janice Taylor Via email: janice@touringconsortium.com or telephone 0844 5880 848.

  • Do You Recognise This Man Who Punched a Dog?

    Do You Recognise This Man Who Punched a Dog?

    The RSPCA has appealed for information after a man was captured on camera punching a dog.

    A member of the public was parked up at the seafront in Margate, Kent, on Sunday (17 April) when he heard the yelps and cries of a dog. He came around to see a man leading the black Labrador-type dog away on the lead and checked his dashcam footage to see what had happened.

    In the footage, which the RSPCA is releasing today as part of its investigation, the man can be seen punching the cowering dog three times. He then attaches the dog’s lead and walks away, raising his hand to the camera.

    The member of public contacted the RSPCA on Monday (18 April) following the incident which, contrary to the time listed on the dashcam, took place shortly after 5pm on Sunday in Newgate Lower Promenade, near the lido.

    RSPCA inspector Deborah Pert is now investigating. She said:

    “It’s very concerning to see this footage and I have concerns about the welfare of this dog.

    “It is not acceptable to punch a dog, either as punishment or discipline. It is never acceptable to be violent towards an animal and I’m keen to trace this individual.”

    If anyone recognises the man or the dog, please get in touch with the RSPCA by calling their appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

  • This Deadly Canine Disease Has Increased by 79.9% Since 2006: Is Your Dog at Risk?

    This Deadly Canine Disease Has Increased by 79.9% Since 2006: Is Your Dog at Risk?

    Banfield Pet Hospital, the world’s largest veterinary practice, released the most comprehensive pet health report ever compiled, comprised of medical data from 2.5 million dogs and nearly 500,000 cats. The State of Pet Health 2016 Report, created by Banfield’s research team, Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge (BARK), analysed data from 3 million total pets cared for in 2015 in Banfield’s 925 hospitals spanning 43 states, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

    The report analyses trends from the past 10 years and highlights the most common diagnoses affecting cats and dogs. The data are broken down into distinct health sections, covering: diabetes mellitus, heartworm disease, dental disease, otitis externa (ear infection), fleas and ticks and internal parasites.

    “Now in its sixth year, this report was created because we wanted to use our knowledge and research to help educate pet owners and raise profession-wide awareness for some of the most common and important diagnoses affecting the health of pets in the United States,” said Daniel Aja, DVM, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Banfield Pet Hospital. “It is our hope that the information in this report continues to serve as a catalyst for pet owners to partner with veterinary teams to help pets live better lives through preventive care.”

    Diabetes mellitus findings
    The report suggests that just as in humans, diseases such as diabetes are rising in pets. Canine diabetes has increased by 79.9 percent since 2006, while the prevalence of diabetes in cats has increased by 18.1 percent over the same time frame.

    Dogs and cats can suffer from Type 1 (insulin-dependent) or Type 2 (non-insulin- dependent) diabetes. However, dogs are more likely to develop Type 1 diabetes, which is similar to the form of diabetes seen in children; cats are more likely than dogs to develop Type 2 diabetes, the form more often developed in human adults. Modifications to the diet can play a major role in the treatment and management of this disease. Similar to the human form of the disease, Type 2 diabetes in pets can often be traced back to obesity, one of the top five diagnoses impacting young adult, mature adult and geriatric pets. Unlike with humans, there is no clear regional pattern to the highest rates of diabetes. The greatest prevalence of diabetes in 2015 in dogs was found in Nevada, Montana, Iowa, Wisconsin and Kentucky. In cats, the highest rates were found in Delaware, New Mexico, District of Columbia, Wisconsin and Arkansas.

    Canine Diabetes: Is Your Dog at Risk?

    Most dogs are diagnosed with canine diabetes between the ages of 7-10 and any dog has the potential to be affected. Springer Spaniels, Poodles and Cairn Terriers are among the breeds at increased risk, says Charlotte Summers, COO of global diabetes community Diabetes.co.uk.

    Diabetes in dogs is being increasingly diagnosed and so is affecting more and more dogs across the country. Whilst Diabetes Mellitus is more common in older dogs; entire bitches and is pre-disposed in certain breeds, it can occur in dogs as young as 18 months of age, and it is one of the most common hormonal diseases in dogs.

    Learn More About Canine Diabetes

    Heartworm disease findings
    Heartworm disease is one of the most serious, yet preventable, conditions affecting pets in the United States and can be fatal. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms migrate to blood vessels of the lungs and heart and are capable of causing permanent damage to both before a pet ever shows symptoms. While there is no safe treatment for cats, the treatment for dogs can be costly and can result in dangerous side effects, including clots within the lungs, caused by a combination of a die-off of the worms, inflammation of the blood vessels, and reduced blood flow in the lungs.

    Heartworm disease has been diagnosed in each of the 43 states Banfield practices in, but there is a distinct geographical trend with the highest prevalence of heartworm infection in the Southeastern states. This includes Mississippi (with 4.1 percent of tested dogs), Louisiana (3.9 percent), Arkansas (3.6 percent), and Puerto Rico and Alabama (with 1.6 percent). While the infection can occur year-round, it peaks sharply during the summer months due to the weather being more favorable for mosquitoes, which transmit the disease.

    Based on Banfield data, the odds of contracting heartworm disease in Mississippi are 171 times those of contracting the disease in Nevada, the state with the lowest prevalence of the disease. This is followed by Louisiana, where the odds are 165 times greater than those of contracting heartworm in Nevada.

    Dental disease findings
    Dental tartar, a precursor to periodontal disease, is one of the most common causes of dental disease. Dental disease is the most common disorder among cats and dogs, affecting 68 percent of cats and 76 percent of dogs (however, the number increases in pets over the age of 3 where 88 percent of cats and 93 percent of dogs are affected). Dental disease has increased by 8 percent in dogs and 9.7 percent of cats since our initial report in 2011.

    The greatest prevalence of dental disease in 2015 in dogs was found in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Nevada. The greatest prevalence in cats was found in Nevada, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Washington.

    Otitis externa findings
    One condition that is decreasing in dogs is otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal). Since 2011, otitis externa has decreased 6.4 percent in dogs, with the prevalence of cats remaining unchanged. It can be triggered by numerous factors such as skin allergies, ear mites or irritation from foreign bodies such as parts of plants, shrubs or trees. Bacterial and yeast infections commonly occur secondary to inflammation in the ear. As in humans, ear infections cause significant discomfort, but in pets, they can become chronic and impact a pet for the duration of its life. While otitis externa has decreased in dogs, it remains very common in certain breeds; 1 in 4 Golden Retrievers and 1 in 5 Labrador Retrievers are diagnosed with this condition.

    Flea and Tick findings
    Similar to heartworm disease, fleas and ticks can affect a pet year-round but are most prevalent during certain seasons. Infestations begin increasing in the spring and summer and peak in early fall. Flea infestations can cause numerous health problems for pets. As fleas bite to eat, they inject saliva under the skin, causing an irritation that can lead to scratching, hair loss and infections. One of the greatest risks that ticks pose is the transmission of Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to dogs, humans and other mammals. These diseases can potentially be life-threatening.

    Since 2011, flea infestations in dogs have decreased in prevalence by 8.3 percent and have remained unchanged in cats. The abundance of fleas is dependent upon, among other factors, the use of a flea preventive, geographic location within the United States and local weather patterns. The prevalence of fleas in cats (10.9 cases per 100) is almost twice that of dogs (5.9 cases per 100), indicating the need for greater education about flea control for the feline population. Ticks have decreased over the past 10 years for dogs (11.3 percent decrease).

    Internal parasites findings
    Since 2011, we have seen a reduction of roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms in dogs, though the prevalence of hookworms has remained relatively unchanged. In cats, there has been a reduction of roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms (though, as with fleas, cats are more than twice as likely to have a tapeworm diagnosis compared to dogs). Increased use of flea preventive in dogs and cats, and increased use of heartworm prevention in dogs may explain some of these changes.

    Puerto Rico findings
    For the first time since Banfield expanded to Puerto Rico in 2013, we have adequate data from our hospitals on the island to include in the 2016 report. Puerto Rico is ranked among the top five states and territories for heartworm disease in dogs. While it is difficult to be certain, the high prevalence may be due to the tropical climate, which creates unique challenges for pets on the island. The climate favors sustained levels of disease transmission year-round, which may account for the above-average prevalence of other infectious diseases: Puerto Rico is also ranked among the top five states and territories for otitis externa, ticks, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms in dogs and cats. Conversely, for reasons unknown, Puerto Rico ranked the lowest for prevalence of diabetes and dental disease.

    State of Pet Health: Infographic

    https://i.imgur.com/Dn9828M.jpg

    As a practice, Banfield’s focus is making a better world for pets through preventive care. To help reduce the risk of diseases, such as those outlined in the State of Pet Health 2016 Report, Banfield is committed to working in partnership with pet owners to focus on proactive disease management.

    For more information about Banfield Pet Hospital, visit www.Banfield.com. For the full State of Pet Health 2016 Report, please visit www.stateofpethealth.com.

  • These Household Items Could Kill Your Dog – This Dog Got Lucky

    These Household Items Could Kill Your Dog – This Dog Got Lucky

    Inside the average household cupboard, in amongst the bread, butter and condiments there exists a collection of foods and other everyday household items that could cause your dog serious injury or death.

    Take the case of a binge-eating Boxer dog who created his own Great British bark-off after wolfing down the entire contents of a baking cupboard.

    Ray, the lovable eight-year-old pooch, from Plymouth, gobbled up a bag of flour, an entire kilo of sugar (including the bag) and a packet of raisins, which can be deadly to dogs.

    As soon as the kitchen crime scene was discovered, greedy Ray was rushed to Plymouth PDSA Pet Hospital by his worried owner, Jasmine Quick (36), where he was admitted for emergency treatment.

    https://i.imgur.com/Dvlmv5Y.jpg

    Jasmine said: “I’d been on a baking competition weekend with friends and brought the leftover ingredients home. I popped out for 20 minutes, but I returned to complete chaos – Ray was absolutely covered in flour and sugar, and was guzzling his way through the raisins.”

    Jasmine called PDSA immediately as she had read that grapes were poisonous to dogs – and was advised to bring him straight in.

    PDSA Vet Erin Beale said: “Ray was given medicine to make him sick and kept in overnight for observation. This was a potentially disastrous cocktail. Grapes, raisins and sultanas are all highly toxic to dogs and even small amounts can be fatal, depending on their size. Thankfully for Ray he got help straight away, so recovered quite quickly and was soon back to his boisterous self.”

    Ray returned home the next day and the family are hugely grateful for the help they received. Jasmine, who will be keeping a close eye on Ray in the future where food is concerned, added: “PDSA have been a godsend, we gave a donation but simply couldn’t have afforded Ray’s treatment without them.

    “My husband lost his job a few years ago and Ray was ill soon after, we thought we might have to give him up. It was such a difficult time and the kids were devastated – we’d had Ray since he was a puppy. Then a friend suggested PDSA might be able to help us. We can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for Ray.”

  • New Research Reveals a Dog’s Age More Likely to Be Factor in Finding New Home, Not Coat Colour

    New research challenges the idea that black dogs are less likely to be adopted and finds age and breed of dog key factors in waiting time for adoption.

    In the past, news reports have regularly quoted animal shelter personnel and spokespeople from various humane organisations, who state that it is harder to rehome black dogs compared to others. The idea is so entrenched that there’s even a name for it – Black Dog Syndrome – with various surveys appearing to support the concept.


    Pictured above is Tansley, a 2 year old Labrador cross who is looking for a new home on dogsblog.com

    However, new research not only challenges this view but has resulted in some surprising findings, claim Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) who published a study in their scientific journal ‘Animal Welfare’.

    The study aimed to determine whether the colour of a dog’s coat had a significant impact on its average length of availability for adoption in a shelter and on its likelihood of euthanasia and used four years of adoption and euthanasia data from two private, not-for-profit animal shelters located in the USA.

    The data amounted to 16,692 records of dogs and was carried out by the Department of Animal Behaviour, Ecology and Conservation at Canisius College, New York.


    Pictured above is Tilley, a 5 month old Border Collie who is looking for a new home

    Only those dogs considered to have the potential to be rehomed were included in the analysis and so dogs under 1 year of age or over 13 years were excluded as well as those with missing or incomplete information relating to their coat colour, breed, sex or age.

    The study determined the number of days which passed between when the dog first became available for adoption and the actual adoption date and this was defined as the ‘LOA’ or ‘length of availability’ for adoption.

    Breeds were grouped into herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy, bully and working. The bully breeds (American Pit bull, American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier) were considered separately from the other terrier breeds. Coat colour was also categorised and reduced to nine standard options – black, brindle, brown, grey, red, tan, white, yellow and multi-coloured.

    Assistant Professor Christy Hoffman PhD who co-authored the study, said: “Approximately 3.9 million dogs each year are accepted into community animal shelters in the United States. Whilst the impetus for this study was to examine the impact of black coat colour on the length of availability for adoption (LOA) and the likelihood of euthanasia, our results indicated that it is in actual fact a brindle coloured coat that is associated with increased likelihood of euthanasia and increased LOA, not black.

    Also, age and breed group were more consistent predictors of shelter outcomes than coat colour. Previous research has found that factors other than coat colour, such as age and breed or breed group, are better indicators in predicting the length of stay at a shelter and our study results support those findings.”


    Pictured above is Nellie a 10 year old Standard Poodle who is looking for a new home on dogsblog.com

    The study found that, in general, younger dogs were more quickly rehomed and had lower euthanasia rates than older dogs. They were also less likely to be classified as unhealthy or untreatable. The bully breeds had the longest waits prior to adoption, were euthanised at higher than expected rates, and were more likely than expected to be labelled as unhealthy/untreatable.


    Pictured above is Honey, a 5 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is looking for a new home on dogsblog.com

    Findings from this study may provide shelters with insight regarding how best to use limited resources to market animals whose physical characteristics may place them at risk for euthanasia. Shelters may also benefit from applying some of the methods utilised in this study to take a closer look at their own adoption and euthanasia-related trends. Doing so may help them make informed changes that could potentially increase adoption success and reduce euthanasia rates within their organisations.

    The full abstract of the study can be read at UFAW’s website HERE.

  • WATCH: Tribute to Maggie the Kelpie ‘World’s Oldest Dog’

    WATCH: Tribute to Maggie the Kelpie ‘World’s Oldest Dog’

    An Australian Kelpie named Maggie who is thought to be aged around 30 years old (approximately 200 in human years) has passed away peacefully, according to her owner Brian McLaren, a dairy farmer in Woolsthorp, Victoria, who confirmed the news to The Weekly Times.

    Maggie was never officially confirmed as the ‘World’s Oldest Dog’, as her owner had lost the original paperwork for her, meaning that her age could not be independently verified, but speaking to the news outlet Mr McLaren said: “She was 30 years old, she was still going along nicely last week, she was walking from the dairy to the office and growling at the cats and all that sort of thing.”

    But added that she had started to deteriorate recently, “She just went downhill in two days and I said yesterday morning when I went home for lunch … ‘She hasn’t got long now’. Although still very raw, he said, “I’m sad, but I’m pleased she went the way she went…we were great mates.”

    Watch a special tribute local TV news outlet 7News created for Maggie:


     

     

     

     

  • WATCH: This Cat & Dog Duo Set The Friendship Barrier High

    WATCH: This Cat & Dog Duo Set The Friendship Barrier High

    If you own a dog and a cat, their friendships can be complicated. Much like people, some folks gel and some don’t. In my home, my cat loves one of my dogs because he’s calm and has quickly learnt how to influence her ways and earn kitty gold stars. She tolerates another (barely, at times) who is still young and a little too boisterous for her liking and isn’t given the chance to have an opinion on the third because she, frankly, ignores the cat’s presence unless there’s food involved and she has the chance to double up and steal the cat’s treat.

    Some dogs and cats get on so well though, they have a bond envious to most and set the friendship barrier high.

    Watch this video below and take a look for yourselves:

    We told you, it’s lovely isn’t it? Friendship goals for sure.

  • WATCH: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Apologise Ending #WaronTerrier

    WATCH: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Apologise Ending #WaronTerrier

    Johnny Depp and wife Amber Heard found themselves in hot water when Heard smuggled the couple’s two Yorkshire Terriers, Pistol and Boo, into the country while Depp was filming the 5th installment in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series last year.

    The actress had pleaded guilty in court to making a false statement on her immigration card about the Yorkshire Terriers, but the Queensland judge gave her a one-month good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded (a fine will be issued if the bond is broken).

    The couple also recorded a scripted video apology bringing an end to the ‘War on Terrier’ warning others to respect the island’s laws.

    WATCH THE VIDEO:

    What do you think of the couples apology? It’s certainly sparking debate…