CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A contagious disease in dogs has popped up in the Charleston area. A local veterinarian is warning pet owners about an uptick in cases of canine distemper. Distemper is a serious viral illness that’s highly contagious and often fatal for dogs. Dr. Kristin Welch, DVM, DACVECC, at Charleston Veterinary Referral Center, said cases don’t come into their clinic very often,...
Ohio State program helps pet owners cope during grief process
Allison Burk Professional Support Offers Comfort Through the Loss of a Pet Making end-of-life decisions for your pet or coping with the loss of an animal is something that no pet owner wants to think about. A program at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center recognizes the importance of human-animal bonds and provides grief support for pet owners facing tough decisions for their...
Pets impact how we shape communities
The Better Cities for Pets Report details how pet-friendly cities optimize community services with animals in mind Not only are animals a large part of our lives, but pet ownership has a significant impact on how we build our communities. This is according to an inaugural report from Mars Petcare and the Better Cities for Pets program, which explored animal-related housing, policy, and government...
A New Pathway To “Reprogram” Killer Cells
[This article, while addressing NK cells in humans, is applicable to canines as well.] The so-called natural killer (NK) cells are cells of the innate immune system that recognize and eliminate infected cells or cancer cells. During a virus infection, NK cells also keep the body’s own immune cells such as the T cells at bay in order to avoid excessive killing of intact...
Woman says her husky sniffed out her cancer, caught 4 re-occurrences before doctors could
By Colleen Killingsworth MADISON, Wis. – Stephanie Herfel might not have caught her ovarian cancer in time if not for her husky, Sierra. And not just the first time — Sierra alerted Herfel to the re-occurrence of her cancer four times. Each time, Sierra found Herfel’s cancer before her doctors did. Herfel started noticing inexplicable symptoms around January of 2013 after moving from California...
Top 10 Winter Skin and Paw Care Tips
By WebMD Veterinary Reference from the ASPCA Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. Says Dr. Louise Murray, ASPCA Director of Medicine, “During the winter,...
Is Your Dog Ready for Winter?
When the temperatures drop, dogs need special care to stay healthy, safe, and warm. Whether your pup spends lots of time outdoors or goes out for a couple of quick walks, he needs your help to avoid cold-weather health hazards. Keep a few basic tips in mind this winter. Watch out on walks: Snow and ice can take a toll on your dog’s paws....
Do lawn chemicals cause cancer in dogs?
[We’ve posted similar articles before, but the information is worth repeating.] Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that lawn chemicals can cause canine cancer, and if so, how can I protect my dog? – Bill W., Ithaca, NY Unfortunately, the answer may very well be yes. A 2012 study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Environmental Research, found that exposure to certain lawn care products, such...
Scientists Want Around 10,000 Canine Participants for a New Project Called DAP
Scientists are calling for all good girls and boys. This week researchers debuted a new project that is called “citizen science project.” The project is going to include around 10,000 furry friends. And the study is to understand aging both in humans and in dogs. Scientists are asking dog owners across the United States to volunteer their dogs to participate in this research. This...
