Pet Talk
April 30 is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30, Helena Wayt, a veterinary student at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained some of the major reasons to adopt a pet from a shelter. For one, Wayt said, you are saving a life and giving an animal a […]
Miniature donkeys as pets
If you live on at least one to two acres of grass and want a unique pet, a miniature pet donkey may be for you. However, like any pet, miniature donkeys need training, food, shelter, and veterinary care, which means you must be fully committed before getting one. Evaluating your commitment to a miniature donkey […]
Chagas Disease in Dogs (2018)
Whether your dog stays outside for hours at a time or is primarily an inside dog, all dogs are at risk for Chagas disease, a potentially fatal disease that affects the heart and other organ systems. Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is spread to dogs through insects in the Reduviidae […]
Before adopting a pet rabbit, make sure you are committed
If you’re looking for a new furry friend this spring, then a pet rabbit may be for you. However, Selena Zalesak, a veterinary student at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says before making that commitment, it is best to do your research. “Rabbit purchases are very popular around Easter,” Zalesak […]
Cats are carnivores, so they should eat like one
Diet can have a big impact on health. Just like humans, cats have special dietary needs to help them stay healthy. However, feline diets are a lot different than human diets. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diet and need little carbohydrates. In the wild, cats usually prey on small animals, […]
Preventing Lyme disease in pets
We all know that pets are prone to getting fleas and ticks, but did you know that these pesky parasites could transmit dangerous diseases to your pet? Maria Esteve-Gasent, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained everything pet owners need to know about Lyme disease, a tick-borne […]
Snakes as pets (2018)
If you’re not into furry animals with four legs, perhaps a pet snake might be able to “slither” into your heart. Some people may feel squirmy around snakes, but these reptiles offer company and stress relief for many people. Snakes are also low maintenance; they do not require daily walks and they are quiet during […]
Losing a furry friend
For many of us, pets are considered a part of the family. While no one wants to think about their pet’s eventual death, that loss is an event that all “parents” will face as loving pet owners. Dr. Sarah Griffin, lecturer at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), said that […]
Pets can have allergies too
With spring right around the corner, many of us are bracing ourselves for pesky allergies. Just like people, pets can suffer from allergies, too. While humans tear, cough, and sneeze their way through allergy season, pets usually deal with allergies differently. Dr. Adam Patterson, a clinical associate professor and chief of dermatology at the Texas […]
February is Pet Dental Health Month
Dental health in dogs and cats may sometimes be overlooked by pet owners. However, just like humans, pets need regular dental cleanings to keep their gums and teeth healthy. As part of pet dental health month, Dr. J.R. “Bert” Dodd, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained […]