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Norovirus Update – Can the Virus be Passed from Dog to Human?

Norovirus—the word alone might be enough to make you a little nauseous. According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), noroviruses (there are many types) are the “leading cause of illness and outbreaks from contaminated food in the United States.” People can also become infected with norovirus through touching contaminated surfaces or by having contact with...

Alternatives to Declawing Your Cat

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Declawing is a misnomer. Yes, a correctly performed declaw surgery does remove a cat’s claws, but it doesn’t stop there. To prevent the claws from regrowing, the bony top of each digit (finger or toe) must also be amputated. It’s not too surprising then that declawing has fallen out of favor with many pet parents. And many cities and states have made declawing cats illegal. But that...

Is it the Veterinarian’s Responsibility to Provide Affordable Health Care?

Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

I worked in an emergency hospital for several years, and while you might think the stress of dealing with critically ill and injured pets would be the worst part, it wasn’t—not by a long shot. The worst part was hearing this from an angry owner: “You’re only in this for the money.” We hear it every day, and it never stings any less. One case in particular sticks out: AJ, a one year old...

Can Pet Fish Recognize Their Owners? Research Says Yes

Adam Denish, DVM

by Adam Denish, DVM My home aquarium contains 350 gallons of saltwater and extends about 6 feet in length and 2 feet in height. It is tastefully decorated with rock formations and it is inhabited by an assortment of fish with beautiful colors and shapes. It came as a surprise to learn that studies suggest that just as I enjoy peering into their underwater world, the fish are enjoying their view...

Why Dogs Should NOT Eat ‘People Food’

PetMD Editorial

“Love hurts,” or, in the case of feeding your dog “table food,” love can kill, slowly. We all want to show our pets how much we love them and help them to feel more a part of the family. So we slip them a little treat off our plate—but only on holidays… and then when they are really well behaved during a party, and soon we find ourselves feeding Fido daily off our own plate. While the...

Feral Cats and Wildlife – Are the Cats as Bad as ‘They’ Say?

PetMD Editorial

Feral cats are frequently maligned; by neighbors, local communities, bird enthusiasts, and even some ecological groups. Some communities even go so far as to ban feeding programs or, worse yet, euthanize feral cats. A common argument against feral cats is that they prey on local wildlife, significantly reducing the population of at-risk species, perhaps to the point of near or full extinction....