Dogs are pretty interesting creatures, but they’ve got some weird habits. Here’s what science says about a few of the strangest. April 2017 by R.J. Wilson From URBO Many dog behaviors are downright baffling. We’ve all noticed our canine friends chasing their tails, barking at the mailman, or hiding when a thunderstorm rolls in. It’s kind of weird. Then there’s their strange, humanlike qualities,...

Lyme Borreliosis in Dogs (From PetMed) Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world but only causes symptoms in 5-10% of affected dogs. It is caused by a spirochete (bacteria) species of the Borrelia burgdorferi group. When infection leads to disease in dogs, the dominant clinical feature is recurrent lameness due to inflammation of the joints. There may also be a...

From This Dog’s Life Jillian Blume Those often-expensive drinking fountains for pets may seem over-the-top, but a water bowl that filters tap water is a good investment in your dog’s health. Tap water contains a number of toxins that are harmful to dogs. For example, it may surprise you that synthesized fluoride, which is put in the water supply to help prevent tooth decay,...

Duke Trinity College of Arts and Sciences Duke Canine Cognition Center Other than humans, dogs are easily the most successful large mammal on the planet. From the Arctic Circle to the deepest jungles of the Amazon, dogs have traveled with humans for thousands of years, and the role of dogs in society has continued to grow. Seen in the past as an artificial creation...

“Our pups may not surprise us with breakfast in bed or a handmade macaroni noodle card, but instead we wake up to a lovable dog jumping to greet us with sloppy puppy kisses. But we don’t care because our hearts are so full of love for these fur-kids Our dogs are our family members, whether they came into our lives unexpectedly or as carefully...

From I Heart Dogs If we’re lucky enough to have our dogs reach old age, some of us will experience a dog with declining mental acuity. This article, by Karen Tietjen, offers some insights into the disease and some ways to help us all — dog and person — navigate these uncharted waters. by Karen Tietjen You’ve heard that dementia can affect elderly people...

With the arrival of some well-earned spring weather, May also brings National Pet Week and National be Kind to Animals Week. Both are celebrated at the same time, May 6 to 12, 2018. In acknowledgement of National Pet Week, the American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org) offers some basic ways to help your furry friend enjoy a happy and healthy life. For example, it’s important...

From American Veterinarian Neurosurgeons from the University of Alabama at Birmingham are partnering with veterinary universities to conduct the first immunotherapy study for brain tumors in dogs using an oncolytic herpes simplex virus. By Amanda Carrozza As the One Health initiative grows to bridge the gap between human and veterinary medicine, there has been significant research in the area of comparative oncology. So far...

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Citizen Corps declared May 8, National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. The declaration is meant to raise awareness about the importance of planning for pets’ safety before disaster strikes. “Preparedness is peace of mind, and including our animals in preparedness plans before an emergency or disaster is the best way to ensure the safety of people and their pets,” said...