Pet & Pasture Talk
Digging Deeper: How to Protect Pets From The New World Screwworm
Pet owners may be diligent about routine care, but even a minor wound can put animals at risk for dangerous parasites. One parasite that poses a potential threat is the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic fly whose larvae infest wounds and can result in significant tissue damage if left untreated. Although there have been […]
Managing Mosquito-Borne Diseases In Horses
As temperatures warm across the United States, mosquito activity increases, leading to a rise in mosquito-borne diseases for both people and animals. For horses, this can mean an uptick in rare but deadly conditions like West Nile virus and three forms of equine encephalitis: Eastern, Venezuelan, or Western. Dr. Kallie Hobbs, an assistant professor at […]
A Well-Fed Mind: Mealtime Enrichment For Cats
The typical day for an indoor cat is often filled with continuous attention, cozy naps, and — most importantly — a scheduled dinnertime. Because indoor cats miss out on the exploration and adventure accessible to outdoor cats, they may be left feeling restless. However, owners can bridge that gap in stimulation by implementing opportunities for […]
Springing To Action: Shielding Pets From Plant Toxins
Spring is officially here, and while pets are as eager as their owners to experience the great outdoors, the season of new life means the return of several plant-related toxins that can leave your pet regretting their promenade through the garden. Dr. Lance Wheeler, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary […]
The Benefits Of Community Trap-Neuter-Return Programs For Unowned Cats
Although neighborhood cats may seem like a fun, charming presence, unowned cat populations have been criticized for causing harm to a community and its environment. Without proper management, stray cat populations can rise rapidly, leading to concerns about predation, disease, and public nuisance. That’s why it’s important to control unowned cat populations in a sustainable […]
Tackling Tetanus: A Large Animal Owner’s Guide
A scorching day in the pasture often leads horses and livestock to find cooling relief in the mud. But while playing in the mud may seem harmless, large animals’ attempts to cool off may offer up the opportunity for the bacteria that cause tetanus to creep into existing wounds. Dr. Kallie Hobbs, an assistant professor […]
Mind Over Metal: Staying Wary Of Metal-Related Toxicities
Pets encounter a variety of everyday risks, from outdoor threats like animals or parasites to physical dangers like vehicles or sharp objects and household toxins like plants or cleaners. However, many owners may underestimate the invisible dangers — such as poisonous metals — that their pets could also come across in their daily lives. While […]
A Risk In the Ripple: Understanding Heterobilharzia americana In Dogs
For many dogs, there’s nothing better than splashing in a lake, pond, or river. However, in certain regions of the United States, freshwater fun can carry a little-known risk — a parasitic flatworm called Heterobilharzia americana. Once considered rare and geographically limited, new research suggests that H. americana may be more common — and more […]
Caring For A Special Needs Dog
Providing a safe, loving home for a dog is rewarding for many reasons, and it can sometimes be even more so for a canine companion with special needs. Dogs impacted by blindness, deafness, the loss of a limb, or a chronic medical or behavioral condition can live a full and happy life if its owners […]
Preventing Accidental Drug Intoxication In Pets
Our furry friends have curious natures, and even though we try our best to keep them safe and healthy, they may still get into trouble if they unknowingly eat medications that are toxic to them. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences clinical associate professor Dr. Christine Rutter and clinical assistant professor Dr. […]
