Pet Talk
Recent Articles
Nutraceuticals – Dr. Glennon Mays
- Natural nutrients … natural herb … from a natural source … plants. Is this combination a better alternative than prescription treatments? For centuries medications have been derived from plants and many drugs now synthesized originated from plants. Could unprocessed natural herbs and their nutrients achieve “miraculous” cures where traditional medicines have failed? (Full Article)Reptilian Feeding Frenzy
- Having a reptile as a pet is quite different from owning a dog or a cat, since feeding is relatively simple in the canine and feline world. After adopting your first snake, lizard, or other reptilian pet, there is typically a controversy over what the correct method of feeding is for the animal. Many reptilian pet owners want their pet to be able to experience the thrill of the attack with their prey, in other words, they want their pet to feel like they are a wild animal in their domesticated habitat. But sometimes snakes and other reptiles are attacked by the live prey as they fight the predator animal, and your pet can become severely wounded or even die. (Full Article)Alternative Pet Care
- Many people have biases toward alternative forms of healthcare because there is not much evidence based on research to support it. For them, more science and clinical data is needed to support acceptance of these therapies. Others are completely sold on the idea of alternative or ‘holistic’ medicine because it is known to be a cure for the source of problems and not just a treatment for the symptoms that result from those problems, as has been suggested of the role of traditional Western medicine. (Full Article)Hypothyroidism in Dogs
- “Hair loss, weight gain, lethargy and exercise intolerance are symptoms that most pet owners attribute to the onset of old age in their beloved pups. But, especially if your dog is about four to six years old, be aware that these might be symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a canine condition in which the thyroid gland functions insufficiently. The thyroid gland is that which controls the metabolic rate of the body. (Full Article)Spaying and Neutering Your Pets
- “If we let one dog and all their offspring breed uncontrolled for six years we would have 78,000 puppies and if we did the same with cats we would have 76,000 kittens born within the same period,” explains Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. (Full Article)When Does a Horse Need a Farrier?
- We all know what it feels like to break a fingernail or toenail, and it is certainly not comfortable. Luckily for humans, we do not have to walk or stand on that nail after it has been cracked or split. Horses do not have that same luxury. When a horse cracks or splits his nail, the results can be especially painful since the horse must continue to stand and walk on the broken nail. A horse cannot just clip his own toenail off; that must be done through the services of a professional farrier. (Full Article)Animal Abuse
- A tragic, yet not uncommon occurrence among pet owners is that of animal abuse. It is hard for many of us to believe how someone could inflict harm on such loving and devoted creatures, but it happens. More often than not, it is the stray and wandering dogs that have been abused. We must be aware of how to take the right precautions when welcoming a pet into the family, who may have been abused. You want to make sure the animal knows it is now in a safe and loving home where it will be cared for properly. (Full Article)Don’t be Lame – Causes and Cures for Equine Lameness
- An athlete’s body is trained to handle an amazing amount of work and stress. From runners to swimmers, all athletes train to handle the specific stress their sport requires. Unfortunately, it is still not uncommon for these athletes to injure themselves performing the very actions they trained for. This is also true of a horse’s body. (Full Article)Should Your Pet be a Vegetarian?
- There are so many human vegetarians that some of you may have wondered if your beloved four-legged friend is able to share the same passion and cause as you. If you have ever been interested in having your pet become a vegetarian it should be helpful to know the certain nutritional needs that your pet has, in order to make the right decision regarding vegetarianism. (Full Article)You, Your Pets, and Parasites
- For many animal caregivers, pets are an important part of the household environment. As humans and pets co-inhabit, your family is more likely to be exposed to internal and external parasites. Consequently, quality family health may be determined by actions taken to maintain your pet’s well being. (Full Article)Doggy Day Care
- Owning a pet is oftentimes quite similar to raising children, including the need for finding them a place to stay while you are out of the house. The majority of pet owners leave their pets at home, unattended during long days at the office. The downside to this is that dogs, especially young ones, need just as much exercise, attention and love as children do. One of the best alternatives to leaving a pet at home is taking them to a pet day care while you are at work. (Full Article)Socially Acceptable!
- Have you ever taken a brand new puppy on its first walk, or to a dog park with other dogs? This can sometimes be a difficult undertaking, seeing as puppies have yet to be exposed to many humans and animals in their young life. But dogs and cats need to develop social skills just as much as people do! It is important for an animal’s health and well-being to become a socially acceptable pet. (Full Article)Adding a (Four-legged) Member to the Family
- Babies are wonderful additions to a family that can bring great happiness, but also require special attention. This, of course, applies to puppies and kittens as well. Before bringing these furry bundles of joy home, there are a few things you should know and preparations you need to make for them. (Full Article)Safe Toys for Dogs and Cats
- It is never desirable to leave a pet at home alone, but when it is necessary, it is nice to know the pet will be entertained. But the price of entertainment can be high when the pet is left with inappropriate toys; some toys may cause choking or even require surgery to eliminate the problem. (Full Article)Shock Collars
-There are many options available for new pet owners when it comes to training the new member of the family. The most controversial method of training is the use of shock collars or shock fences. Many stories and photos have surfaced in the media recently showing animals who have been harmed by these devices. (Full Article)The Importance of Supplements for Your Pets
-We all want our pets to live long, happy and healthy lives. In order to achieve this, we take them for their annual veterinary appointments, make sure they get plenty of exercise and feed them the best pet food we can afford. Some of us even go so far as to give our pets vitamins or supplements to add an extra degree of protection. But are these supplements necessary? (Full Article)Potty Training for Pets
-Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time for a family. Playing with a sweet little puppy or kitten and watching them explore their new home can be rewarding and fun. Unfortunately, cleaning up messes your pet makes in your home is a part of pet ownership that can quickly become tiresome. For this reason, it is important to have a potty training plan for your new pet and start them on it as soon as you bring them home. (Full Article)Adopting A Pet
-His pudgy nose, tiny paws and sloppy, wet kisses melted your heart in an instant. But after giving in to desire and surprising the family with a new furry friend, you found that caring for a new puppy was not exactly what you expected. Adopting a pet can be rewarding, but certain steps must be made before both you and your pet can be ready for the transition. (Full Article)Animal Influenza
-The recent emergence and spread of the Swine Flu virus, also known as H1N1, has affected people throughout the world. From school closings to cancelled vacations, the Swine Flu has caused a lot of concern. These concerns have led many to take extended precautions for themselves, their spouses and their children. But what, if any, precautions should be taken for the furry members of our families? (Full Article)Boarding your Pets with Peace of Mind
-For most pet owners, traveling can be bitter sweet. While we all have job and family commitments that require travel, pet owners often have to entrust their beloved companions to others while they are away. (Full Article)Born To Be Wild
- There is perhaps one moment in almost everyone’s life when they come across a baby raccoon, squirrel, or even deer fawn, which seems to be helpless and alone. We tend to think that the only way these cute little animals will survive is with our tender loving care. Other times, our culture considers it trendy to own a wild animal as a pet. What people often do not realize is that taking in wildlife animals as pets will actually hinder and hurt them more than it will help. (Full Article)Cat Food for Thought
- Anyone who owns a dog or a cat knows that they will typically eat anything they can get their paws on. While it is not harmful for a dog to eat a cat’s food, it can be potentially hazardous for a cat to eat a dog’s food. In moderation, a cat eating a dog’s food is probably safe, but if the cat is only eating Fido’s dinner, they are probably not getting the nutrients that are essential to their specific health needs. (Full Article)Cataracts
- As people age, they often develop vision problems, including cataracts. The same holds true for your aging pet. Bumping into objects and failing to retrieve toys may be signs of vision loss. These are especially significant if they occur within the pet’s normal environment, but vision loss can be attributed to various eye diseases or conditions including cataracts. (Full Article)Dental Care
- The American Dental Association recommends that we brush our teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit our dentist regularly to have teeth cleanings and oral exams. Keeping our teeth clean is vital to our oral health and well being, why should our pets be any different. (Full Article)Dog Dementia
- As we age, we notice our bodies and minds may not be as quick as they once were. Luckily for humans, we are able to voice problems and pains and seek the medical attention we need; our dogs are not so lucky. (Full Article)Ear Care For Pets
- Hot, humid days are rapidly approaching as summer slowly begins. The season means finally diving into the neighborhood swimming pool, children on summer vacation running through the streets, and grass lawns growing at seemingly breakneck speeds. But summer could also mean painful ear infections for your pet. Heat, moisture and even grass clippings could cause serious problems for your furry friend’s ear canals. (Full Article)Evacuating with Your Pet
- Hurricane season isn’t over yet. In the wake of Hurricane Ike’s wrath, we are again reminded of the stress and chaos that can come from evacuations. Though a difficult time for everyone, pet owners have the added responsibility of making sure their furry (or scaly) friends are safe. (Full Article)Exotic Pets and Children
- Depending on your family’s lifestyle, the responsibility of taking care of a cat or dog may be too time consuming. Left with the desire for a pet but time constraints that aren’t conducive to a cat or dog, some people think that getting a “pocket pet”, reptile, or another exotic animal might seem like the right solution. (Full Article)First Aid Tips for Pet Owners
- When our kids or our significant other gets sick or hurt we have a pretty good idea of how to take care of them. Unfortunately, most people are not prepared to handle these occurrences in our pets. To help pet owners deal with emergency situations, April has been designated as National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. (Full Article)Holiday Food Hazards
- Sweet treats and family meals are a hallmark of the holidays, but for many of our furry friends, these same indulgences can be dangerous.Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, tells us how we can keep our pets safe while enjoying the holiday season. (Full Article)Make Sure Pet Costumes are a Treat
- As the weather turns colder and the holidays approach, many pet owners start thinking of the adorable Halloween costumes and cozy sweaters they can put on their pets. While these outfits can be fun and festive, the wrong outfit can cause harm to your animal. (Full Article)How Cold is Too Cold
- Heaters are on and blankets seem to have taken over our homes as we bundle up to wait out the winter season. Luckily, we are able to add more layers or turn up the thermostat if we start to feel uncomfortably cold. Our outdoor pets and livestock are not so fortunate, so it is our responsibility to make sure they have adequate shelter from the harsh weather and temperatures. (Full Article)Communication is Key in Picking the Right Veterinarian
- As our pets become more and more an extension of our human families, their healthcare and who is providing it is increasingly important. (Full Article)A Resolution Fit for You and Your Best Friend
- As 2009 opens a year of promise, we all start pondering our New Year’s resolutions. For many people the top of that list includes weight loss and exercise. While most people could benefit from this resolution, so could most pets. (Full Article)Best Pets for People with Allergies
- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that one in five Americans suffers from all types of allergies, and of these between 15 and 30 percent have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. With so many people affected by allergies, it has become a growing trend to market pets as hypo-allergenic or suitable for people with allergies. (Full Article)Cancer and Your Pets: What You Need to Know
- Almost everyone has known a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer. While cancer in humans is definitely prevalent, our pets are also afflicted with this disease. (Full Article)Pet Health Insurance
- In the past few years veterinary medicine has made leaps and bounds in the types of procedures that are available for animals. Pet medical histories are beginning to resemble that of their owners. Cancer treatments, pacemakers and other surgical procedures are becoming more accessible and common for our furry friends.(Full Article)Pet Wellness
- Taking care of our pets is a year round commitment. However, caring for our animals is more than simply making sure they have food, water, and shelter each day. Making sure they visit their veterinarian for regular check-ups is vital to their well being as well. (Full Article)Springtime Yard Hazards for Pets
- Springtime is garden time. Spring is when we plant new plants and get our yards ready to shine. While you are preparing your outdoor areas for your family to enjoy just make sure you take the steps to ensure that it is safe for your pets to enjoy as well. (Full Article)Springtime Prevention The Key To Eliminating Rabies
- Springtime is garden time. Spring is when we plant new plants and get our yards ready to shine. While you are preparing your outdoor areas for your family to enjoy just make sure you take the steps to ensure that it is safe for your pets to enjoy as well. (Full Article)Joint Health
- As the winter season settles in, the chill of the cold air often make us more aware of our joint health problems- the same goes for your pet. Though commonly bothersome in the winter, joint discomfort can be a year round-pain that affects your pet’s quality of life. (Full Article)Gift Ideas
- Sure Santa Clause is coming to town with gifts for little Sammy and Sue, but what about your pet? If your pet has been good this year it is time to reward them with a holiday present. (Full Article)Pet Hygiene
- Looking neat and smelling clean are crucial aspects of social interaction for most people. While we also like our animals to smell and look nice, there are many other important reasons to maintain their hygiene. (Full Article)Giving Your Pet Pills
- Medicines are intended to enhance and protect the health of our pets but giving oral medication to companion animals can be a trying process. Have no fear pet caregivers, there are proven techniques that will make pilling your pet a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.(Full Article)Animal-assisted Therapy
- Depression, loneliness, stress and anxiety threaten the health of our society. Oftentimes, old age and rehabilitation foster the negative emotional, psychological and physical ailments that can take a damaging toll on our well-being. Prescription medications and psychiatrists work hard to provide the suffering with help, but sometimes a sloppy, wet kiss from a furry friend makes for good medicine as well.(Full Article)Picking a Pet
- Whether you are a college student with the new found freedom to have your own pet, the parent of a child pleading for a furry addition to the family, or a veteran pet owner looking to add a different species to your family; choosing the right pet for your lifestyle requires thought and planning. Pets are a long-term commitment so impulse purchases or adoptions should be avoided.(Full Article)Preparing for Pet Emergencies
- Our pets are more than just animals; they are members of our families. We rely on our pets for companionship just as they rely on us for love and care. When a pet dies or gets injured we are often left in a state of panic and chaos. (Full Article)Sleeping Disorders in Animals
- Maybe you’ve seen the comical home video on ‘YouTube’ titled “sleepwalking fail”? It is a short clip of a sleeping dog that starts to “run” horizontally in his sleep, then suddenly jumps up and slams into a wall! Although the video is seriously funny, there is nothing funny about what might be wrong with this animal. This dog could be dreaming, although it unknown for certain if animals dream according to Dr. M.A. Crist, Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. (Full Article)So You Want a Pet Bird?
- Now more than ever, Americans are constantly on the go. Long days at the office coupled with the demanding extra-curricular activities for kids leaves little time spent at home. So before adding another member to the family, it is important to consider the responsibilities of caring for and choosing your pet bird. (Full Article)Beware the Skunks
- With the fall season in sight, many of us will venture to the great outdoors and go camping. All kinds of fascinating creatures can be found in the great outdoors, but when your puppy is roaming around, beware the skunks! Puppies especially can become curious when they come across these foreign creatures, but skunks are startled easily and have no mercy. The skunk odor, which is actually a poison, can sometimes take years to remove from a dog’s fur. (Full Article)
