Have you ever wondered if your cat was right-pawed or left-pawed? Well I just read on discoverynews.com about a study that was done that essentiall... Read More
It is far more common to read about dogs biting humans, but humans have also been known to bite dogs. Since the start of the millenium, there have been at least four headline making news stories about humans biting dogs.
First there was a case in San Francisco in 2000, where a man was arrested not once, but twice for biting his dog. He claim...Read More
It is a myth that we have all heard, and probably believe it, for the most part. It is the myth that dogs age seven years for every one human year. This myth says that a 1-year-old dog will be the equivalent to a 7-year-old human.
Myth, busted
This myth is wrong on multiple accounts. If this myth were true, it would mean that humans would r...Read More
Have you ever wondered why dogs have whiskers? When you really think about it, they seem pretty odd. However, whiskers are actually a very important sensory device for dogs and other animals. These thick hairlike structures serve many functions and should not be taken for granted.
Get it right
Commonly referred to as whiskers, these thicker...Read More
The dog’s nose. No matter how annoying it can be, it is hard to resist. Despite being right in front of your face, there are still many myths surrounding this useful organ.
Your dog’s nose does more than smell. It aids in keeping you dog cool and also acts as a filter that can stop the chemicals in the air from entering the body....Read More
The myths about black cats being ill omens are deeply ingrained into many cultures. Ancient Greece saw them as symbols of Hecate, the mother of witchcraft. 12th and 13th Century Europe claimed that black cats were the familiars of witches, or even witches in disguise. And 17th Century Salem, Massachusetts often killed the poor animals during ...Read More
Why are the hottest days of summer referred to as the “dog days of summer”?
First, what are the “dog days” of summer? Everyone knows those sweltering hot days of summer when there seems to be no wind and no end in sight to the almost overwhelming heat. The term dog days of summer is a popular enough saying that at lea...Read More
Very often when we go on vacation it is not possible to bring FiFi or Fluffy along with us. Do you think it’s better to board your pets or use a pet sitter when you are gone? Both of these options will care for your pet when you are gone – the best choice will be what will be better for your pet and whic...Read More
The enormity of the tragedy that befell Japan last weekend is virtually impossible to comprehend, but one viral video helps sum it up in painfully simple detail. This video showed two dogs amidst the wreckage of the tsunami, one badly injured and lying on its side, and the other standing guard over their friend. The latter stood ardently, refusi...Read More
People with Asperger's Syndrome (who sometimes refer to themselves as 'Aspies') have several similarities to cats, They tend to prefer being by themselves, with socialization done on their own terms. Their interests are very narrow and focused, and they like routine to the point of losing it when that routine is disrupted. And while ...Read More
When a beloved household pet passes on, it is always a tragic experience for the owner that takes a long time to overcome. But the same is just as true for the owners' other pets. Animals grieve too, and the loss of a regular companion, even one with which they didn't always get along, can be heart-breaking for them. Here are some tips t...Read More
When you talk about giving your dog or cat table scraps do you really mean scraps or do you mean bits of the food you are eating, or "people food?" There is a difference, and a big one!
Table Scraps are just that - scraps. These are actually foods that you would not eat yourself. Table Scraps are things li...Read More
You ever wonder when the first dog appeared in North America? Recent fossil evidence was found proving that 9000 years in Texas, Native Americans had dogs living with them in their village. Genetic studies determined that the piece of bone found was from a domesticated dog; not from a coyote, wolf, or fox. These transitional early...Read More
I was zoology major before I entered veterinary school. Zoology is not the study of zoo animals, but the study of their adaptations to the environment in which they live. For example we studied the bone and muscle structure of diggers, runners, and flyers to see what design or evolutionary changes helped the animal perform their tasks and ensure...Read More
Lonna and I have been married thirty-three years and have owned 8 dogs and 8 cats. Throughout my life I have always appreciated their love and company. Seems like the older we get the more attached we become to our pets.
Gilroy Vet used to be a mixed practice. On any gi...Read More
It is that time of year once again. Yes, New Year is here. 2011 to be exact. And what do we do when New Year's rolls around? We make resolutions - some we keep, most we do not. Some we wish he had kept when the next New Year comes around. But what about your pets? They really do not understand the whole concept of...Read More
Michael Vick is a record-breaking football player for the Atlantic Falcons who has more rushing yards per game than any other quarterback. He is also the most infamous participant in the Bad Newz Kennels Dog Fighting ring, which had pit bulls fight each other for sport, and treated them with gruesome abuse and torture when not " performing ". Ye...Read More
Happy Thanksgiving, animal lovers! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share a personal story as well as extend my gratitude to the man responsible for my earliest childhood experience with dogs.
He lived at the very bottom of my street. He was a quiet type, but also kind of reminded me of "the man in the b...Read More
There are over 800 dog breeds in the world. Amazing! The five most popular breeds are Labrador, Golden, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier, and German Shepherd. It doesn’t necessarily mean that popular breeds are healthy. Some people want dogs for their appearance and others prefer a dog with a good health record. Although most breeds have had he...Read More
Genetically modified " designer dogs " have become popular in recent years, combining the appeal of multiple breeds. It is impossible to dispute the cuteness of a labradoodle, schichi, schinoodle, or chiweenie ( chihuahua + weiner dog ). However, the consequences attached to breeding a designer dog aren't so adorable.
Many designer dog breede...Read More
There is no way around the heartbreak that comes with losing a beloved pet, even an older pet that's been in ill health. Being without a treasured companion is devestating, and nothing will erase that feeling. However, memorial arrangements can help you work through your grief, and eventually reach a catharsis.
The typical method to deal with...Read More