What bears can teach us about exercise habits Source: New York Times, April 7, 2021. Link. Like us, bears are inherently lazy. Scientists are finding out why. Their results are remarkable. The time has come to start training the pets for your return to work Source: CNN, April 11, 2021. Link. Millions of adopted pets have no sense … [Read more...]
Carriers driving early Black Friday offers
Commentary The pandemic has changed Black Friday forever. Surcharges announced in August by the largest shippers are the penalty for not selling out early. The pandemic has caused shippers to fully reassess their supply chain strategy and their carrier mix. One way that delivery services hope to deal with the holiday crush is to push retailers to ship more packages early … [Read more...]
Dealing with the pandemic 15#
The pandemic 15 pounds! It’s a discussion topic among friends and has been mentioned on talk shows. For some of us, it is a reality as food is comforting during times of stress or anxiety. Lisa Drayer shares how using a hunger meter can return food to being just food. When you feel a pull toward food, create space between you and the food to see where you are on the hunger … [Read more...]
Dog year not equal to 7 human years
Research published last week in the Cell Systems journal debunks the thinking that multiplying a dog’s age by seven is equivalent to its real age. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine developed a new formula that tracks molecular changes, mainly the changing patterns of methyl groups, in the DNA of Labrador retrievers. It shows dogs age … [Read more...]
Family dogs likely encourage toddler’s social and emotional development
Animal health pros likely have a good grasp on the value of dogs in homes. A newly published study focuses on children too young for school. Toddlers from dog-owning families who participated in the study published in Pediatric Research were 30 percent less likely to have conduct and peer problems compared to preschoolers from families who didn't own dogs. Source: CNN, July … [Read more...]
465 sick, 1 dead, 1/3 of sick are children – Chickens to blame
Backyard chickens can be fun and educational, but families have to be aware of how to safely manage the animals, according to the CDC. It's a little different than raising a dog or cat. The CDC sends out regular warnings about the salmonella risks from backyard flocks. Chickens should be outside animals only and while they may be cute please "don't kiss or snuggle backyard … [Read more...]
Getting our minds around pandemics and their history
Context is key when seeking to understand how our current situation with SARS-CoV-2 fits in the overall view of pandemics. The selections below warrant a hard look. “F-E-A-R has two meanings: 'Forget Everything and Run' or 'Face Everything and Rise.' The choice is yours.” – Zig Ziglar Source: Visualizing the history of pandemics, Visual Capitalist, March 14, 2020. … [Read more...]
Dog allergies linked to male dogs
Doctors have discovered that up to 30 percent of dog-allergic patients are only sensitized to one specific protein made in the prostate of male dogs. In other words, pet owners with allergies might be able to tolerate female dogs or male dogs that have been neutered. Source: Animal Wellness, February 3, 2020. Link. Also see: Allergic to dogs? It may only be the males, … [Read more...]
5 ways to improve your mental health in 2020
Mental health, stress reduction and suicide prevention are prevalent weekly topics in veterinary media sources. CNN’s Sandee LaMotte shares scientifically validated steps to improve your mental outlook. Because the mind and body are entwined, these behaviors also will improve your overall health: Practice optimism Start volunteering Be grateful Bolster your social … [Read more...]
Justin Bieber reveals he’s battling Lyme disease
Celebrity status often makes disease risks seem more real. Bieber’s struggle with Lyme may help animal health pros discuss the need for tick control on animals as well as around premises. Never say never! 😉 Source: CNN, January 9, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Video: AKC announces 2 new dog breeds
Warning! You might fall in love with the new Barbet or Argentino breed of dogs. Source: CNN, January 3, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Rats, cats and feral hogs invading national parks
A new study published in the Biological Invasions journal says our national parks are under a deep and immediate threat from invasive, non-native species. The researchers are urging the National Park Service to create and implement a systemwide approach that involves everybody from National Park Service leadership to their staff and park visitors. Source: CNN, December 4, … [Read more...]
25-pound cat takes over internet (video)
Videos of Cinderblock, an 8-year-old gray domestic shorthair, has captured the attention of social media users. A Facebook video of Cinderblock meowing while lazily using a treadmill has been seen more than 2.2 million times. The cat was relinquished by its owner to Britta Kiffney, DVM, at Northshore Veterinary Hospital in Bellingham, Washington < link > who posted the … [Read more...]
Cats hurt too
Animal Pain Awareness Month wraps up this week < link >. The American Association of Feline Practitioners provides information for cat owners through its Cat Friendly Homes website < link >. We’re highlighting the article about ‘knowing when a cat is in pain‘ in support of this month’s theme. It is good information to share with cat owners on social media, in … [Read more...]
FDA suggests non-dairy milk isn’t milk
The FDA describes milk as "the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows." That definition doesn't leave room for vegan alternatives to call themselves "milk," though a number of products on the market do. Source: CNN, July 19, 2018. Link. The agency is not commenting on its plans or Gottlieb's observation … [Read more...]
Avoid eclipse blindness on August 21st (includes video)
Thousands will look skyward on August 21, 2017 when the moon will pass between the earth and the sun creating a total solar eclipse. There's one thing you shouldn't do; look at the sun with your naked eye. Source: CNN, August 11, 2017. When you look directly at the sun, the intensity of the light and the focus of the light is so great on the retina that it can cook it," … [Read more...]
Pigs infect humans, says CDC
Pigs are responsible for infecting children with a type of swine flu not previously seen in humans, according to a report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. None of the 18 persons infected from the variant virus infections were severely ill. The positive message here is that the CDC’s surveillance methods are working and we have “eyes” on variant … [Read more...]
Salmonella outbreaks linked to turtles
Animal health professionals need to spread the word about small turtles and the potential for salmonella infections. Turtles carry the bacteria on their skin and shell, but they do not get sick. Of those persons infected this year, 41 percent are under the age of five and about 30 percent required hospitalization. Source: CNN, May 19, 2016. Between January 2015 and April of … [Read more...]
Editorial – Generational overload
Media sources are full of information about boomers, gen Xers, millennials and recently the iGens, or Generation Z. Depending on which date ranges you use, I live with a boomer, a gen Xer, a millennial and an iGen. We’re all different, have different attitudes and approach communication, problem solving and planning differently. I’ve found that engaging in safe, open discussion … [Read more...]