Pet Talk
Training tips for dogs
Taking care of a dog may seem like an easy, fun task, but many struggle with teaching their dog basic commands. These commands, such as sit and stay, are important for your dog’s safety and will also make your life with your new friend much more enjoyable. Training should start right when the dog is […]
Benefits of Exercising with your Dog
As the semester rolls on and tests pile up many students begin changing their daily routine to one that is more study friendly and, unfortunately, usually more desk-bound. What most students do not realize is that while your dog lies next to you on the couch day after day, it is being robbed of exercise […]
Veterans and Their Dogs
Decorated Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell was the only survivor of a 2005 mission in Afghanistan. He is considered the “Lone Survivor” because the mission was the largest loss of life in Seal history. Upon returning from combat, Luttrell received a Labrador retriever named D.A.S.Y. to help him cope with the loss of his teammates. D.A.S.Y., […]
Tips for Buying Dog Toys
Tennis balls, Frisbees, rawhides, and Kongs. Dog toys line the shelves of multiple aisles at pet stores. With all of the choices, which toys should or shouldn’t you buy for man’s best friend? Dr. Mark Stickney, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of General Surgery Services at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical […]
Dangers of Pet Halloween Costumes
With Halloween less than a week away, many pet owners have already purchased their animal’s costume. While these outfits can be fun and festive, the wrong outfit can pose dangers to your animal. Although costumes are a fun way to interact with your pet, Dr. Mark Stickney, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of General Surgery […]
Exotic Pets: What To Know Before You Buy
We all have that friend, the one that sees a picture or video of a cute exotic animal and instantly thinks that it would be a perfect companion for them. Although owning an exotic pet can be a rewarding experience, most people are not prepared for the responsibilities or expenses that are tied with these […]
Feline Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms and Treatments
Is your middle-aged cat experiencing increased thirst, appetite, and urination? Is your furry friend losing weight or has a change in behavior? If so, your family cat may have hyperthyroidism. This common disease is caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, called T3 and T4, due to dysfunction of the thyroid glands in the cat’s […]
Eliminating Rabies Across the World
World Rabies Day is September 28, 2012. It is a day to raise awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies. More than 55,000 people die from rabies worldwide every year, a rate of one person every 10 minutes. This is an astonishing number, especially because rabies in humans in 100 per cent preventable. […]
Assisting Service Dogs
Although most people have pets strictly for companionship, those with disabilities often use animals to help perform every day functions. These “service animals” are trained to provide specific assistance tailored to their owner’s disability. Just like any animal, however, service animals can develop disabilities and need rehabilitation as well. There are multiple types of service animals. […]
Staph infections and Methicillin Resistance in Companion Animals
Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria are all around us in an intimate way since it normally lives on the skin and mucous membranes of both people and animals alike. It usually is not of a concern to the individual if the skin is functioning normally and there is not a risk for infection (e.g., systemic illness and […]
