Game Warden and Veterinarian Couple Save Fawn
When we think of veterinarians, we typically see them caring for house pets, such as cats and dogs. However, veterinarians gain experience in treating a variety of animals, including livestock, “pocket pets”—such as gerbils or hamsters—and even wildlife. Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences […]
Pet Trade Troubles
Many people are fascinated with non-domestic animals—whether exotic or native species—and think these animals would make great pets. However, non-domestic animals, including certain species of snakes and tortoises, do not make great additions to households despite being included in the pet trade. In fact, it may cause more harm than good to bring a non-domestic […]
Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets
Although the words “exotic” and “wild” are frequently used interchangeably, many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets. It is important to understand the difference between wild and exotic animals and the requirements and responsibilities of owning such animals as pets. According to Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, clinical assistant […]
The Seeing Eye Guide Dog Birthday
The first school for Seeing Eye Dogs was opened on January 29, 1929 in Nashville, Tennessee. Following a short-lived program in Germany after World War I, this guide school trained dogs to assist those in need, and since then has influenced programs all over the world, including the Texas A&M’s Aggie Guide Dogs and Service […]
Security Dogs
Since their domestication thousands of years ago, dogs have been used to protect the home and the workplace, giving owners a sense of security against intruders. The most common dogs used for protection are larger breeds like Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Chows, and Pit Bulls. “But pet owners should be careful when using a dog […]
Feather Plucking
Nail-biting, gum smacking, knuckle popping – they can be irritating habits people have. Even birds display their share of odd behaviors. Feather plucking is a common habit among parrot-type birds, says Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, a veterinarian with the Winnie Carter Wildlife Center at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. While most […]
Raccoons
The late night ruckus coming from the back porch may not be a robber or even the friendly neighborhood cat. Raccoons love to filter through the trash and can frequently be seen doing so during the late hours of the night. However fascinating this may be, experts advise people to stay away from cute little Rocky […]
Boarding a Pet
Sometimes, you may find yourself in the position of needing to leave your animals for a few days. If you cannot find a sitter to care for your pets in your home, you may want to consider boarding them at a kennel. And since there are more than 9,000 boarding kennels in the United States […]
Pets on Wheels
Some injures can lead to paralysis and drive our pets to a dead-end. Fortunately, there are now options for animals that can make their lives go on wheels again. Literally. For pets that have lost use of their legs because of paralysis or a disease, wheelchair devices are now available that can restore lost motion. […]
The Joy and Trouble of Feeding Wildlife
I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn. – Henry David Thoreau The beauty of nature is awe-inspiring and magical. It […]
