Veterinarians have traditionally advised clients to have their cats spayed and neutered at 6 months, but because cats can begin reproducing before then, the American Association of Feline Practitioners has updated its position statement on pediatric sterilization in cats to recommend spay/neuter by 5 months...
A new study published in Scientific Reports examines how dog-related activities impact our well-being. The authors studied 58 dog-human activities and found—not surprisingly!—that most of them improved the owners’ sense of life satisfaction and well-being. The researchers acknowledge that most studies of dog owners show that...
This sweet little kitten is Cheesy! Cheesy had only been with his adoptive family for 2 weeks when he jumped into the air and had a bad landing, injuring his back leg. Cheesy needed veterinary care and weeks of splinting and bandaging, but his family...
Did you know that more than half of US cats are not taken to the veterinarian for an annual veterinary exam? Yearly checkups are an important part of keeping your cat happy and healthy. Royal Canin, Chewy, PetSmart, and Banfield have become partners to raise awareness...
Wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can be traumatic events for people…and their animals. As you think about how you will react if a disaster hits your area, don’t forget to include your pets in any emergency preparedness planning. The American Veterinary Medical Association has created...
Researchers at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have found that early spay/neuter in heavier mixed breed dogs can lead to joint problems later in life. Specifically, the study found that mixed breed dogs with an adult weight of 44 pounds or heavier...
The American Veterinary Medical Association has been studying the growing trend of cannabis use for pet health, including the potential benefits and risks. They recently posted a statement about their perspective on this fast-evolving issue. Here’s a quick summary of what you should know before using...
This little cutie is Max! He recently escaped out of the house and got injured because he was hit by a car. Max's mom and dad had both worked in the food service industry and were laid off during the COVID-19 crisis. They were struggling...
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets, but it’s never a good time for your dog or cat to get stung by a bee or other stinging insect. Veterinary emergency and critical care doctor Christine Rutter from Texas A&M University provides...
Social distancing is an important component of keeping us all safe and healthy during these times. But as a social animal, your dog might be feeling the effects of reduced social contact with other pets and people. The American Veterinary Medical Association has created a list...
Don’t let that serious face fool you! With a nickname like “Grumpy Sunshine” you can bet this 8 year old kitty has a sweet and playful personality. Recently, Chops began showing signs of a urinary tract problem. His family took him to San Diego’s Veterinary Specialty...
Community cats--unowned stray and/or feral cats that live outdoors--are common in all types of neighborhoods. Many kindhearted people who live in these communities provide food and shelter for the homeless cats in their area. The hot summer months can be as hard on these kitties as...
A new study published in the journal Parasites & Vectors examines the types and amounts of gastrointestinal parasites found at US dog parks. Is your pup at risk for making some not-so-nice new friends at the dog park? Here’s a rundown of the study. The researchers...
Meet Chiquita…a cute and playful 6 month old Chihuahua! Chiquita recently got herself into a lot of trouble when she accidentally ingested a dangerous number of anti-inflammatory pills. She needed immediate hospitalization and hands-on care to save her life. Unfortunately, Chiquita’s critical veterinary care was more...
The American Pet Products Association has published a new report called Covid-19 Pulse Study: Pet Ownership During the Pandemic. This study examines the ways the pandemic has influenced how we care for our pets. See the APPA’s website to find out how to obtain a copy...
Here is a simple but powerful reminder to never leave your dog unattended in a car during the warm summer months, courtesy of the RSPCA. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO84RKZtO7c&w=560&h=315] For more information on the dangers of leaving your dog in a hot car, check out the RSPCA’s “Dogs Die...
Join us on Monday, June 29th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. PDT for a free live webinar on pet cancer awareness and screening. Dr. David Proulx, a veterinary oncologist from VCA California Veterinary Specialists will discuss incidence of cancer in pets and the importance of early...
With summer now in full swing, pet owners need to be more aware of the heat-related dangers that can impact dogs, cats, and other pets. Did you know that some dog breeds are at higher risk for heatstroke than others? A recent article in Nature’s Scientific...
Melody’s family began to notice that something was wrong with their cat. She started hiding and showing signs of stomach pain. They took her to the vet and X-rays showed that she had ingested a foreign object…string. Melody needed emergency surgery to save her life, but...
Human health and safety precautions during the coronavirus pandemic have significantly impacted how veterinarians care for our animal companions. Besides implementing social distancing practices at veterinary clinics, vets are also turning to telemedicine. A recent article in JAVMA News reports that vets who were once exploring...
Have your heart set on a particular breed of dog as your next pet? Before you get your new best friend, be sure to do your research on the overall health of the breed you are interested in. Advances in DNA technology have made it easier...