22
Aug 2019
Sergeant Stubby took part in 17 battles, saved his regiment from mustard gas attacks and caught a German spy during World War I. By any standards, Stubby is a hero. But what makes his story all the more extraordinary, is that he was a dog. Stubby became the official mascot of the USA’s 102nd Infantry Regiment after Private J. Robert Conroy found him in July 1917 at Yale University campus where troops were training before being deployed to France. Conroy found he could not part with his four-legged friend and smuggled Stubby in his......
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07
Jul 2019
Foxtails and grass seed awns are designed to do one thing: burrow. This is how the grass spreads as the seed slowly works its way deeper and deeper into soil. Unfortunately for our canine companions, this mechanism works just as well on your dog’s skin as it does on dirt. Due to the unique shape of this seed, it’s always moving forward — never backward. As a seed burrows into your dog’s skin, it has the potential to cause an abscess or other injury. The most common areas for your dog......
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31
Oct 2017
While most pet advocates will vouch for the benefits of microchipping (and for good reason!), it’s important to remember that a microchip is not always enough to improve a lost pet’s shot at a safe return home. The reality is this: only about 10 to 30 percent of lost pets are returned to their owners. However, the good news is that there are a few straightforward and user-friendly ways to keep your pet as safe as possible. 1. Tags No pet owner likes to think about the possibility of their dog getting......
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28
Feb 2017
On the last Tuesday of every February, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and its international partners host World Spay Day — a time devoted to raising awareness about the many positive benefits of spaying and neutering. While “fixing” pets remains just as important throughout the calendar year, this day is an opportunity to remind ourselves and our neighbors to take this critical step in helping community animals. Many people assume that spaying female pets and neutering male pets will leave owners footing a hefty vet bill. However, an abundance......
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12
Jul 2016
Wagging puppy tails and kitty curiosity are generally traits that make canine and feline friends so darn charming – but when left alone, your fur babies’ excitability or penchant for investigation just might get them into trouble. According to the National Fire Protection Association, pets and wild animals play a role in starting approximately 700 home fires annually. Whether or not they are the instigators, it is also crucial to include household pets in your family’s disaster evacuation plans. For this reason, the folks at the American Kennel Club joined forces with......
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15
Apr 2016
One of the common questions we get from pet owners is how much exercise is right for their dog. Honestly, it can be hard to answer! Exercise needs are based on a blend of factors, including breed, age, temperament, size, and health. And even with these factors taken into consideration, no two dogs are the same – just like people. Athletic breeds like herders or hunting dogs might need as much three runs day, while breeds like pugs will overheat and have trouble breathing if they’re pushed too hard. One thing that’s......
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09
Mar 2016
As we discussed in our last blog post, bloat is one of the most life-endangering and sadly common threats to the health of your dog. During bloat – also known as Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) – the stomach swells, often rotating 90° to 360°, trapping any food or liquid inside and slowing or stopping blood flow. Bloat can kill a dog in a matter of hours, and it’s crucial that every pet owner knows what to do if they detect signs of this deadly condition. Go to the Vet Immediately If your dog......
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11
Feb 2016
If you are a dog owner and dog lover, you can easily conjure up an image of groups of dogs running freely across a field, fetching sticks or balls, rolling in the grass and playing with one another. In fact, that image probably brings a smile to your face – because, for one thing, you love to see dogs having a good time. But you also probably understand intuitively that off-leash time is a great source of exercise for a well-socialized dog. So how do you know if your dog is appropriate......
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28
Dec 2015
When deciding upon a caregiver for your dog, the selection process should be as thorough and careful as choosing a babysitter for your child. Not only should your dog walker be experienced and reliable, but attitudes and beliefs regarding pets and their care are equally important. For instance, Sarah’s Pet Care believes that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement and rewards-based training and care. These methods have proven far more effective and long-lasting, with fewer negative repercussions, than those based in fear or aggression. In fact, when caring for dogs in small......
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14
Aug 2015
Tips to keep cool in the heat Swimming pools, spraygrounds and cooling centers Don’t use fans as primary cooling system Check on your neighbors Don’t leave kids or pets alone, especially in cars If you work outdoors, take frequent breaks Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing Take advantage of discounted public transit Exercise in an air-condition place and drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour Protect yourself from the sun with suncreen of SPF15 or higher, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses With high temperatures expected in......
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27
Jun 2015
By Barbara Elisse Najar July 9, 2012 Summer is here, and we’ve shed our coats. Dogs and cats don’t have that luxury, but their fur, which keeps them warm in winter, also protects them in the summer by preventing them from taking on too much heat. It’s a fine system until it gets too hot, at which point it can be overwhelmed, with potentially dire consequences.Dogs and cats are homeotherms, meaning they maintain a fairly constant body temperature of 101 to 102 degrees, according to James H. Jones, an expert in comparative animal exercise......
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26
May 2015
Dental care isn’t just for humans. Dogs and cats need it too. “Taking care of our pets’ teeth doesn’t only make them smell better but it contributes to a longer, healthier life,” Dr. Dan Carmichael, a veterinary dentist at Animal Medical Center in New York City, told CBS News. “Not only can dental problems cause pets to have oral pain and infection, but the bacteria from oral disease can spread through the bloodstream to the vital organs,” he explained. Carmichael treats a variety of dogs, cats and even Bronx Zoo animals. He......
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12
Mar 2015
TAKE HEART FELINE enthusiasts. Your cat’s continued indifference toward her new Deluxe Scratch DJ Deck may be disappointing, but there is an object that’s pretty much guaranteed to pique her interest. That object, as the Internet has so thoroughly documented, is a box. Any box, really. Big boxes, small boxes, irregularly shaped boxes—it doesn’t matter. Place one on the ground, a chair, or a bookshelf and watch as Admiral Snuggles quickly commandeers it. What’s Up With That? Each week, we’ll explain the science behind a strange phenomenon that you may be wondering about, or......
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12
Jan 2015
Experts consider puppyhood, particularly the first three to four months, the most important period of a dog’s life. In that short window, a dog’s experiences shape his opinions about what’s safe and what’s scary — opinions that can be hard to change later on. During puppyhood, your dog will: Learn how to get along with other dogs, if he has lots of positive interactions with them. A dog who misses out on these interactions — part of what trainers call socialization — can grow up to be fearful or aggressive around other canines. Learn how to be safe and......
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03
Jan 2015
It’s very common for dogs to become upset and frightened during loud thunder, lightning, and heavy rain or snow. Dogs are especially sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and can often sense a coming storm before you can and may begin to act strangely in the hours leading up to a major weather event. Despite the natural inclination to sit with your dog and speak soothingly in an effort to calm them down, this may actually reinforce their anxiety in the long run. Instead, try these techniques to help ease your dog’s......
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26
May 2014
Nutrition Your bird’s diet is one of the most important considerations of its overall care. Adequate feeding plans may be developed from a wide variety of commonly available foods, or formulated diets specially prepared for birds by commercial companies may be offered. Ask your avian veterinarian for recommendations on feeding your bird. Environment Temperature: A healthy bird can tolerate temperatures that are comfortable to its owner. Sudden changes in temperature may be a potential threat to the sick bird. Humidity: Pet birds can adapt to a wide range of humidity levels, although birds native......
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13
Jan 2014
When a beloved pet seems a bit “off,” it might be more than just a bad day; it could be a sign of mild sickness or a more serious illness. Here are some tips for recognizing the symptoms of sickness in pets and getting your pet the care he needs to recover. Keep in mind that animals will generally attempt to mask signs of illness. This behavior is a natural instinct that is used for protection in the wild, where any animal showing signs of weakness is likely to be shunned by......
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