How Responsible Breeding Can Reduce Hereditary Diseases in Dogs and Cats

The American Veterinary Medical Association convention went virtual this year, and one of the topics discussed was that a greater understanding of how genetic diseases occur can help vets prevent and mitigate their effects in our pets. The speaker, Dr. Jerold Bell, a veterinarian and geneticist at Tufts University, said that many of the most …

Homes Needed for Greyhounds as US Dog Tracks Continue to Close

An in-depth article on the decline of dog racing in the US published by National Geographic shines a light on the challenges faced by Greyhounds, both on and off the track. Earlier this year, the last Greyhound track in Texas closed.  At the end of 2020, dog racing will end in Florida with the closure …

Two New Animal Welfare Laws Protect California Pets

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two animal welfare bills into law this month.  Both are designed to protect the welfare of the state’s dogs, cats, and other companion animals.  The laws were signed on September 19th, in recognition of Puppy Mill Awareness Day. AB 2152, sponsored by Assembly member Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), closes a …

Vets See Burns, Smoke Inhalation Injuries in Pets from Wildfires

The wildfires in the western United States have been devastating for both people and their pets.  An article in the Medford, Oregon Mail Tribune explains the kinds of injuries local veterinarians are seeing in dogs, cats, and other animals from the Almeda Fire. Vets at the Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center report that the most …

Cat Vets Recommend Feline Spay/Neuter by Five Months of Age

Veterinarians have traditionally advised clients to have their cats spayed and neutered at 6 months, but because cats can begin reproducing before then, the American Association of Feline Practitioners has updated its position statement on pediatric sterilization in cats to recommend spay/neuter by 5 months of age. The AAFP says that this earlier age will …