Adopt Love Adopt Local

On Saturday, April 11th at the Tucson Expo Center in Tucson I am pleased to be speaking at a wonderful event called Adopt Love Adopt Local.  The principal goal is to help 200 animals find loving homes.   Animal rescue groups and animal related vendors have joined together to make this one day event possible.  See “pets of all breeds, …

Dogs Alert People To Food Allergens

Food allergies are a serious problem for many people in the United States. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, food allergies have increased from 3.5% in 1999 – 2001 to 5.6% in 2011 – 2013 for children and teens. The reactions differ from rashes and hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. For those with severe allergies, leaving …

Million Cat Challenge Hopes to Improve Adoption Rates of Shelter Cats

Across the United States, euthanasia rates for dogs surrendered to shelters are decreasing dramatically while those for cats are improving at a much slower rate. Two veterinarians, Dr. Julie Levy from the University of Florida Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program and Dr. Kate Hurley from the University of California, Davis have launched “The Million Cat Challenge” …

Two Horses Confirmed with Vesicular Stomatitis Virus in Arizona

On January 8, 2014, the Arizona Department of Agriculture announced vesicular stomatitis was diagnosed in two horses living in Santa Cruz County, Arizona.  This viral disease causes painful blisters and ulcers on the mouth, nose and tongue of horses. In cattle, it also affects the hooves and udder.  The virus may infect people causing flu-like …

Arizona Skies Animal Hospital

Readers of the Coated With Fur book series know that I used to own a clinic in Burnsville, Minnesota.  Upon coming to Arizona, I have always worked at other veterinarian’s clinics.  While that enabled me to write the first two books, I have been looking for the right clinic to buy – a great practice and …

New Heartworm Testing Recommendations for Dogs

The National Center for Veterinary Parasitology (NCVP), the American Heartworm Society (AHS) and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) have updated their heartworm testing recommendations for dogs. The specialists in these organizations recommend annual screening  with an antigen test as well as a microfilaria test on all dogs. This includes dogs who are on heartworm preventative year round. Here’s why: …

Labor Day Salute To Working Dogs

Since it is Labor Day, I decided to honor the working dogs. Pictured below are some wonderful canines on the job training to rescue avalanche victims, comforting patients, herding sheep and apprehending agitators. Although their duties differ greatly, they all  have one thing in common – they love their work. Enjoy!

Cat Parasite May Help Fight Cancer In Humans

Certain cats are the host for an intestinal roundworm called Toxoplasma gondii. Adult worms live in the cat’s intestines and reproduce by releasing eggs into the cat’s feces. When humans are infected by inadvertently ingesting the infective oocysts (for example children sometimes put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t), the victim’s  immune system springs into …

Children’s Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota

On August 6th I have the privilege of serving as a conversationalist at CHA’s Table Talk in St. Paul.  We will have a wonderful time and raise money in support of Children’s health.  One of the great programs Table Talk helps fund is Pets Assisting With Healing (PAWH). Animals bring a world of medical benefits …