Electronic Cigarette Toxicity in Dogs and Cats

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are toxic to dogs and cats. Beside the danger of the e-cig causing an obstruction or perforation, the liquid inside can be fatal. E-juice or e-liquid contains propylene glycol, nicotine, flavorings and either vegetable glycerin or polyethylene glycol. Propylene glycol and glycerin are usually not toxic at the low levels contained in …

What’s Missing From The Guaranteed Analysis on Pet Food Labels?

Finding the best food for pets has become a frustrating and time consuming process. With isles full of foods, people read the labels thinking that will help them identify the best one. They mistakenly think that dog and cat food can be compared by the Guaranteed Analysis (GA). Nothing could be further from the truth! …

You Make The Diagnosis: Name This Dog Parasite Found On Skin

Last week I examined a dog for itching and wound up with a surprising diagnosis. This beautiful dog has a history of allergies which require constant treatment to keep her comfortable. I though she had another breakthrough of her allergies or maybe developed a secondary bacterial or fungal infection. This wasn’t the case at all. …

‘S. zooepidemicus’ Infects Dogs at Maricopa County Animal Shelter

On January 21, 2018, Mary Martin, Director at Maricopa Animal Care Centers (MCACC), announced that Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus was found at their east valley shelter located at 2630 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa, AZ. S. epidemicus is a serious bacterial disease that effects horses, dogs, cats and immune compromised people in rare circumstances. As of yet, there are …

Pets May Help Build Immunity During Pregnancy

Keeping pets in the home during pregnancy may help prevent eczema and asthma in babies. Two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) indicate that having pets, dogs in particular, in the home during pregnancy decreases the chance of children developing these immune related diseases. In …

FDA Issues Warning for Dog Bone Treats

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning for dog bone treats. From November 1, 2010 to September 12, 2017, many dogs have fallen ill after eating commercially produced dog bone treats. Unfortunately, 15 dogs died. According to their report, the treats are marketed under the names, “Ham Bones, Pork Femur Bones, Rib Bones …

You Make The Diagnosis: Top 7 Health Problems in Beagles

Beagles are a wonderful breed of dog known for their unique personalities. They have a zest for life that never stops.  Their antics keep their human families in stitches. Maggie, pictured below, is the perfect example enjoying an afternoon on the boat. Beagles have a keen sense of smell and an immense joy for eating …

Trump Placed Hold on Decision to Allow Elephant Trophy Imports But Still Allows Lion Trophy Imports

It is with great dismay that I read of the Trump administration’s decision to allow importation of lion and elephant trophies. Lions and elephants are classified as ‘threatened’ which means they are likely to become endangered (become extinct in all or part of their normal habitat) soon. The ban was put in place in 2014 …

A Tribute to Fozzie the Scottsdale Crisis Response Dog

Fozzie, the Scottsdale Crisis Response Dog died last month. This golden retriever responded to all kinds of crimes providing comfort to people suffering from psychological trauma. From homicides to school shootings and everything in between, Fozzie was there ready to help. His big brown eyes and wagging tail were simply irresistible! Animal-assisted therapy came about …