Can Pet Birds Get Avian Influenza?

Bird flu is a serious viral infection that has been much in the news lately. Experts say this disease primarily affects wild aquatic birds like ducks and geese, but it also impacts poultry, including backyard flocks of chickens. Birds in zoos can also be impacted by avian influenza. But what about pet birds? Can indoor …

Pets and Wildfires: Analysis of the Impact of Colorado’s Marshall Fire on Pets

The University of Colorado’s Natural Hazards Center has produced a report analyzing the impact of wildfire on pets and their owners. The Marshall Fire occurred in Boulder County, Colorado in late December 2021. It destroyed over 1,000 homes and more than 1,000 pets were estimated to have died in the fire. The researchers interviewed pet …

Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips from the AVMA

With frigid cold weather across much of the US this week, now is a good time for some reminders on how to keep your companion animals safe when the temperatures drop. The American Veterinary Medical Association has compiled a list of pet winter safety tips. Here are a few highlights: Be aware of your pet’s …

Virtual Reality Dog Helps People Understand Canine Behavior

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have created a virtual reality Labrador Retriever in a pilot program called DAVE (Dog Assisted Virtual Environment). They hope this new program can teach people how to spot and interpret canine behaviors such as aggression, so it can be used as a dog bite prevention tool. DAVE’s developers say …

November is National Senior Pet Month

This month is a good time to show appreciation for senior pets and those who adopt and care for them. Sharing your life with a senior pet can be rewarding, but there are some challenges. Here’s some excellent advice from the veterinary experts at the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association on providing the best day-to-day care …