Pet Talk
How to ‘Chews’ the Best Dog Chew Toys
Pet stores often carry an overwhelming number of dog chew options, from rawhides and antlers to rubber toys and ropes. With so many choices, how do you know which is the best for your dog? To help with this decision, Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine […]
Stop the Spread of Vesicular Stomatitis
Outbreaks of vesicular stomatitis (VS) occur in Texas every several years, but until this June, there were no reported cases since 2014. Because horses near Austin were recently diagnosed with this disease, horse and livestock owners in nearby areas should take precautions to keep their animals safe. VS is a highly-contagious zoonotic disease that causes […]
The Benefits of a Balanced Microbiome
The term “gut microbiome” is often used to refer to all the organisms—including bacteria, viruses, and fungi—that live in an animal’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. For people and pets, these organisms have a large impact on the health of both the GI tract and the entire body. Dr. Audrey Cook, an associate professor at the Texas […]
Detecting the Subtle Signs of Pain
The first step in caring for a sick or injured animal is being able to recognize the signs of pain that indicate something is wrong. Acute pain tends to be easier to identify, but chronic pain can have a variety of less-noticeable symptoms. To help pet owners recognize these symptoms, Dr. Daniel Eckman, a veterinarian […]
Fourth of July Pet Safety: Fireworks, Barbecues, Mosquitos, Oh My!
Many of us celebrate our nation’s Independence Day by barbecuing, relaxing with loved ones, and watching the bright-colored flashes of fireworks that light up the night sky. The Fourth of July may be a fun-filled holiday for you, but for pets, the holiday can potentially be scary and hazardous. Dr. Stacy Eckman, a clinical associate […]
Combating Pet Cancer
Cancer is a scary subject, especially when a loved one has been diagnosed. Because the first reactions and decisions can make a huge impact on treatment options and outcomes, it is important to be prepared and know what questions to ask first. Dr. Brandan Wustefeld-Janssens, an assistant professor of surgical oncology at the Texas A&M […]
What to Know About Swine Fever
Over the past couple of months, stories of African Swine Fever (ASF) spreading through Asia have frequented U.S. and international news. While ASF is not currently present in the U.S., there are still precautions pig owners can take in case this disease does spread to America. To offer clarification on this topic, Dr. Brandon Dominguez, […]
Keep Pets Cool in the Summer Heat
Summer brings with it an expectation of sweltering temperatures, sometimes to the point of danger. As temperatures climb, remember that if you are hot, your pet is probably feeling even hotter. Dogs and cats generate more heat than people and usually also have a thick layer of fur to trap that heat inside. Dr. Christine […]
Tips for Safe Travel with Pets
Summer is the season for fun vacations with the whole family, often including pets. Before hitting the road, Kit Darling, infection control coordinator at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, has some helpful tips for keeping pets safe and calm during road trips, plane rides, and any other type of trip […]
Avoiding Heartworms & Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Fleas and ticks are not the only parasites that can cause problems for our dogs, cats, and other pets. Mosquitos are the number one vector of diseases and pathogens worldwide, but preventative medicine can make a big impact in reducing infection. With summer swiftly approaching, and with it, an increase in mosquitos, Dr. Guilherme Verocai, […]
