By Ashley Watson
Keeping your dog or cat hydrated during the summer really boils down to making sure your pet has access to plenty of clean drinking water. Just like humans, dogs and cats need water to help with important body functions, including digestion, waste removal, and for regulating body temperature.
By Ashley Watson
On a sunny Thursday morning, several staff members at River Cove Animal Hospital are hovered around a large Bouvier mix lying on a table in the back. The dog is waking up from anesthesia after having an oral mass removed. There are three more unoccupied exam tables around the technicians who focus their attention on the patient. They are carefully monitoring the dog while providing some post-op love as he gains consciousness.
That level of attention and care from the veterinary staff at River Cove is one of the many reasons that we picked this practice based in Williston, VT as our clinic of the month. Conveniently located just down the road from us here at Vetri-Science, we had the opportunity to spend a few hours with the staff and their patients.
By Ashely Watson
Last week, we covered some of the potential reasons that dogs bark to help dog owners find ways to keep their pups from causing a disturbance. Knowing why your dog is barking is the first step in controlling the behavior. In this week’s post, we revisit some of those reasons and take a look at ways to help curb bad behavior and stop excessive barking.
You may also consider consulting your Vet before you try any of these methods. Your Vet knows your dog best and may have another suggestion for you. For some general tips, check out the Humane Society website.
By Ashley Watson
After a recent experience with my neighbors’ noisy dog, I became curious about what options are out there for dog owners who are looking for ways to curb excessive barking. I realized that some dog owners are not aware that their dogs are causing a disturbance, especially if it happens when the owners aren’t home. My neighbors, for instance, had no idea that their dog was barking non-stop while they were at work.
By Vonda Ellinger
Ah, you’re finally laying down in a cool dark room, your head comfortably resting on a pillow, and your all snuggled up in a warm, fluffy comforter. It’s been a long day at work, and an even more hectic evening running errands. After you finally get to sleep, and begin to dream peacefully, you hear a wretched sound!
By Karin Krisher
Pet allergies are no fun. And spring should be about fun, the outdoors, and feeling carefree. So when fleabites and flea allergies grab your dog or cat by the collar, it can put a damper on your mood and your ability to play outside. How do you identify these common pet allergies, and what can you, a responsible pet owner, do to help?
The first piece to any pet allergy care plan is always prevention. If the animal isn’t exposed to bites in the first place, the allergic reaction won’t occur. To that end, Vetri-Repel products can work wonders for making your animal invisible to those pesky fleas.
By Karin Krisher
Dogs and cats, like humans, have allergies. Because our beloved animals can’t tell us what they think is bothering them, it’s up to the responsible pet owner to recognize and avoid common allergens, and to respond appropriately during those times our pets do have reactions. This two-part blog post will highlight some important facts about cat and dog allergies and help you begin the process of dealing with them.
The most common pet allergens are similar to the most common human allergens: trees, grass, weeds, dander, dust mites, feathers, prescription drugs, fabrics, mold spores, and the like. Other possible allergens include cleaning products, insecticidal shampoo, cigarette smoke, fleas, fragrances, and often, food.
By Karin Krisher
Last week we talked about the potential pitfalls of the Food and Drug Administration’s recall protocol. This week, we want everyone to feel empowered to take thinking about food safety into our own hands. How can you ensure your safety and the safety of your children, pets or patients?
First, if you recognize a problem, report it. The FDA has options for this here. If you see a problem in the process of dealing with your concerns, report that as well. You can get in touch with the GAO to discuss the high-risk list.
But the most important thing any consumer can do to keep everyone we love safe? Pay attention.
Last week, we discussed the FDA recall process itself, highlighting procedural and administrative actions. This week, we’re ready to dive into the food and drug safety system in all its glory—and to explain why there might be cause for questioning the effectiveness of current practices.
Food Safety Modernization Act
When the FSMA upgraded the FDA’s power to order a mandatory recall, it was a big deal. Never before did the FDA hold the power necessary to force independent companies to recall their products—instead, it was strongly suggested, and the suggestions were usually followed. Interestingly, this is still the case. The FDA doesn’t jump to mandates for just anything.
By Karin Krisher
One of many recalled Kasel Associated Industries products.
You’ve no doubt heard about the staggering amount of food and drug recalls in the United States last year. Because we in the animal health industry are so frequently confronted with a new chicken jerky concern, we decided to take a deeper look into the recall process. In this three part blog series, we’ll discuss the actual process, the potential downfalls of the current system, and what you can do to stay informed.
At the First Signs of a Problem
On a Friday in early September 2011, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released some concerning information in the form of a media announcement: Listeria cases, which normally ranged around two per month, were up to seven in August. The Signals and Surveillance Team at the FDA saw the announcement and took action, reaching out to the FDA’s Denver office to get the ball rolling.