Spaying and neutering large-breed dogs might increase risk of obesityJuly 23, 2019The advantages of the long-supported practice of spaying or neutering dogs are being questioned, thanks to new research based on data analyzed from the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
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FDA approves ProHeart 12July 8, 2019The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has approved ProHeart 12 (moxidectin) extended release injectable suspension for dogs one year and older.
What does FDA's DCM alert mean?July 8, 2019Last week brought a revealing announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). After frequent and persistent petitioning from veterinarians, veterinary nutritionists, and caregivers, the FDA finally released a list of the brands that have been linked to cases of diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Since June 27, my inbox and social media sites have been blowing up with shares, retweets, and emails from concerned friends and family. The story was even picked up by major new outlets such as CNN and ABC, adding to the fervor. But I'm conflicted about this report. On one hand, certain pet food manufacturers have taken a very cavalier approach to their diet's role in this preventable and potentially deadly disease. Because only a relatively "small percentage" of dogs develop diet-associated DCM on their foods, they insist there is no problem, ignoring the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. On the other hand, the FDA's report paints a broad stroke over specific brands and is being interpreted (at least by the concerned friends and owners I've talked to) as an indictment of all "grain-free" diets or of certain manufacturers, which is a less than helpful oversimplification of a complex problem. As I advised in my …
FDA updates on potential connection between certain diets and canine DCMJuly 3, 2019The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing its investigation into certain diets and a heightened risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and for the first time, has named the brands most frequently linked to the condition.
Veterinary professionals, pet owners divided on pet food claimsJune 26, 2019When it comes to an animal’s nutrition, veterinary professionals and pet owners remain divided on several dietary trends.
Are vegan or vegetarian diets good for pets?June 24, 2019Pet owners frequently project their beliefs about human health onto their companion animals. Anxieties about purported harms from vaccines in children, for example, have spurred an anti-vaccination movement among veterinarians and pet owners.
Dog owners need positive reinforcement, tooJune 21, 2019Clinical animal behaviorists should practice patience when coaching owners on how to correct aggressive behavior in dogs, according to new research.
Alexandria, Va., tops list of heartworm cities for JuneJune 19, 2019Alexandria, Va., is the number one city for heartworms in June, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) reports.
Survey finds man's best friend is more like familyJune 6, 2019They've always been your best friend, but now a new nationwide survey has found owners largely consider dogs to be part of the family. Sponsored by SpotOn Virtual Smart Fence, the survey asked 1,500 dog owners about their pet parent habits and behaviors. The survey found: 98 percent of dog owners consider their dogs to be members of the family; 50 percent of dog owners say their dog sleeps in a family member's bed, while an additional 32 percent have their dogs sleep in a family member's bedroom; and 60 percent of Northeast dog owners saying they cuddle their pet at night, compared to 49 percent of respondents from other regions. According to SpotOn Virtual Smart Fence, the survey's results indicate there are opportunities for businesses and public spaces to meet the needs of the growing population of dog owners: 48 percent rely on parks and recreation for outdoor activities with their dog; 71 percent of dog owners in the New York metropolitan area note they have access to amenities such as dog parks, outdoor areas, and dog-friendly stores and eateries; 86 percent of dog owners feel welcome at the homes of friends and family with their pets; 37 …
Penn Vet to study hemp-based canine supplementMay 28, 2019A trial at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) will be looking at the effectiveness of a hemp-based supplement to relieve symptoms of canine joint immobility. Approximately 60 dogs who are suffering from inflammation secondary to osteoarthritis will be split into three groups. One group will receive Mobility, which was developed by Dixie Brands' subsidiary Therabis. The second group will receive CBD, and the last group will receive a placebo. The dogs will then be studied to see which group achieves a better outcome. "We are honored to have a Therabis product selected by the world-renowned experts at Penn Vet for their first major study of the effects of natural hemp oil to reduce joint pain in dogs," says Therabis cofounder, Stephen M. Katz, DVM. "Our experience in my clinic has shown cannabidiol (CBD) is an effective treatment in reducing inflammatory response. We have a passion for improving dogs' quality of life, and we look forward to learning all we can about therapeutic methods to achieve this." Physical tests will be used to measure the effectiveness of the products, mostly focusing on the front leg joints. Results are expected in approximately 12 months.
