News & Events

The long term effect of Japan's earthquake, Tsunami and disaster at the Fukushima power plant on the Fukushima pets is now known.    Read more »

New study traces genetics of winning racehorses over time and in different regions. "The results show that the 'speed gene' entered the Thoroughbred from a single founder, which was most like a British mare about 300 years ago when local British horse types were the pre-eminent racing horses," Hill said.   Read more »

AHF therapy animal teams are called on to participate in many local events. In January, 2012, several teams helped students understand what therapy animals are at an elementary school's "Ability Awareness Day".   Read more »

Veterinarians and engineers at N.C. State University have collaborated on innovative medical procedures since 2005, when Dr. Denis Marcellin-Little performed the world's first surgery to give a cat artificial leg implants that fused together with living bone tissue.
But Cyrano presented the most complicated challenge ever faced by the team at NCSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. The cat's bone cancer and radiation treatment had caused the knee to collapse and parts of his leg to deteriorate.

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The veterinarians recently set up a registry they hope will connect pet owners and cancer researchers and show that diseased pets - dogs in particular - are better predictors of the efficacy of new cancer drugs and devices in people than mice, oncologists' favorite test subject historically.   Read more »

In the audio, Jan Vincent of the Animal Health Foundation describes the amazing effect pet partners have upon children and adults in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities. She will tell us all about the Pet Partner Program, and how you can get involved.

This article by the Co-President of the San Francisco's SPCA, Jennifer Scarlett, links the reader to research that has been done about animal hoarders. It is a must-read to understand this particular mental illness.   Read more »

No word yet on which genes control loyalty, dog breath, or a propensity to slobber on your slippers
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The most common clinical sign of food allergy affecting the skin in dogs is nonseasonal scratching, which is usually generalized. This also may be primarily directed at the feet or ears.   Read more »

Watch for warning signs before a catfight breaks out   Read more »

"I have many happy patients who have been dealing with diabetes for several years, and in practically every case, the clients are so grateful to have their beloved pet with them living a happy life. I hope this information has helped, and that Woody will do very well in the future"   Read more »

On Jan. 23, Busch Gardens' $5 million Animal Care Center will be open to the public. The center allows visitors to view surgical procedures, dental care and diet preparation for the zoo's animals. "In the zoo world before, no one really got to see that, and now everything is open basically," said animal expert Jack Hanna.    Read more »

Scientists in Japan have solved a long-standing veterinary mystery: how dogs can stand and walk for so long on snow and ice without apparent discomfort, and without freezing their paws.   Read more »

Past President and Animal Health Foundation Pet Partner Coordinator, Jan Vincent, was interviewed on January 13th about the benefits of therapy dogs to patients and children.

How To Help Dogs Lose Weight - Sound familiar?
Evaluate what your dog eats every day; pick a low-calorie food; eliminate fatty human foods; exercise   Read more »

Veterinarians and animal behavior experts not involved with the research said that while it may seem obvious that dogs are able to follow nonverbal cues, this is one of the few studies that offer scientific proof about dogs' ability to communicate   Read more »

The relationship between chronological and physiological age in dogs is not linear. Young dogs age rapidly at first and then the rate of aging slows down in middle age before increasing again in geriatric dogs   Read more »

Is it dry forced-air heat in your home or allergy to indoor allergens or fleas? Read on.   Read more »

There are many reasons why cats have this habit. Most can be fixed.   Read more »

British scientists have discovered a “lost world” of new species of yeti crab, starfish, barnacles, sea anemones — and potentially an octopus — on the sea floor near Antarctica.

The 64-year-old Army veteran who has been battling post-traumatic stress disorder is finally sharing his story, thanks to a new ally named Dazzle   Read more »

The lounge chairs, of course, are for basking in the non-stop sun. The ironing boards? They’re used as operating tables at the animal shelter in Cabo San Lucas, which is where Fowler and his team log several 12-hour days spaying and neutering a never-ending parade of homeless cats and dogs.   Read more »

Q: What is the difference between sevoflurane and isoflurane?
Q: Why not use sevoflurane on every pet?
Q: Why do veterinarians run blood tests before anesthesia?   Read more »

One recent study found therapy dogs effective in easing the anxiety of people waiting to have an MRI -- and their help didn't involve the side effects that often accompany the use of anti-anxiety medication.   Read more »

Similar to human hospice, Stanland works with pet owners to make old and ailing animals comfortable in their homes during their final days. She offers pet owners information on treatment and surgery options and tells them the signs to look for to recognize when the end is near.   Read more »

The other plants include azaleas, Easter lilies, lantanas, mistletoe, nightshades, oleander and yew.

Jennings said it's not uncommon for pets such as Lotty to die from eating such plants, especially around the holidays with so much mistletoe around as well as poinsettias, which are toxic but not deadly.

Recently, I saw a dog whose teeth were pearly white. She'd had her teeth cleaned by a local groomer for years. But four of her incisors and two molars were loose, causing a lot of pain when she ate. These teeth needed extraction. And guess what we found when we removed them? Their roots were covered in that brown stuff: tartar.   Read more »

“Researchers have established that the development of canine asthma, as well as nasal and lung cancer, may be prompted by exposure to secondhand smoke,” Yugel said.   Read more »

Being left out in the cold is what saved his life per the veterinarians because it kept his brain from swelling.   Read more »

Julie says, in his mind, Hoke is still 2-years old searching for victims at the World Trade Center, searching through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. So the lack of ability and pain is particularly hard on him. Some of his service work may have even caused this.   Read more »

Animal of the Year: SEAL Team Six’s Canine Companion   Read more »

Steer clear of boarding facilities that don't offer direct, fully explained answers to all your questions. This article tells you what to ask.   Read more »

"It's a very contagious virus," White said. "And the virus lives for a long time in the environment, which makes it very dangerous." White says parvo can live for a year in the environment, or even longer. Parvo can withstand wide pH ranges and high temperatures.    Read more »

Scoop Fido's Feces While It's Still Fresh   Read more »

“The kids who know Muffy love their special visits and look forward to them."   Read more »

Knowing what type of plant was ingested, how much was ingested, the time of ingestion, and what symptoms your pet is showing will help your veterinarian take appropriate action.
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Acetaminophen toxicity is an emergency situation. If you suspect acetaminophen ingestion, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt veterinary care is crucial to your pet’s survival. There is a greater chance of survival if treatment is instituted early.   Read more »

Dr. Caplis believes “Magpie” will survive and serve Deeds once again, but the separation is difficult for the three year-old boy.   Read more »

The AHF will continue to support programs that further the human-animal bond.   Read more »

The affected product lot was distributed to a limited number of retailers located in the eastern United
States (AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, LA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, SC, VA).   Read more »

Service Strives to East Emotional Stress   Read more »

According to Vichot, a veterinarian needs to evaluate any dog with heartworms to stage the disease before making any treatment options.
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Like humans with the analogous disorder, different dogs show different symptoms. Some become hyper-vigilant. Others avoid buildings or work areas that they had previously been comfortable in. Some undergo sharp changes in temperament, becoming unusually aggressive with their handlers, or clingy and timid. Most crucially, many stop doing the tasks they were trained to perform.

By: Ask Dr. Watts - Dr. Michael Watts
Published: December 05, 2011

One of our favorite patients, Sadie the Dachshund, submitted this week’s question. She is concerned that her owners seem to be buying more and more sugar free food for themselves. Sadie is worried this may limit the nibbles of human food she is sometimes allowed.   Read more »

If your pet is diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to understand that diabetes can be successfully managed though is a fulltime commitment   Read more »

A recent survey of over 1,000 cat owners showed that 58 percent of cats hate going to the vet. Many of these cat lovers decide not to make regular visits to their veterinarian for wellness exams and preventive care. The cats may suffer the consequences of not getting adequate health care and only see their vet when they have been sick.
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It is currently believed that allergens are at least part of the cause of feline asthma. It is important to consider possible allergens in your home if you have an asthmatic cat. Exposure to cigarette smoke is a common cause. Dust and dust mites are common household allergens as are air fresheners. If your cat has seasonal signs, pollen may be the cause.   Read more »

Snow Magic’s medical problems began a couple years ago when he suffered a spinal aneurism that paralyzed his back legs. Steroids, acupuncture and massage healed his right leg, but not the left. Since then, he walked stiffly, but the muscle holding the bad leg deteriorated and could not be repaired.   Read more »

FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination   Read more »

The program's goal is to train adult students with autism and developmental disabilities to work with animals so they may be able to get jobs with veterinarians or in other animal care facilities.   Read more »

This article will bring a smile to your heart.   Read more »

Advocates against wrongful vest use say it’s important to remember that it’s against the law to use the vests improperly and you could be prosecuted.
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Signs your pet needs a diet

These tips are from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention website:

How to tell if your pet is a healthy weight:

Ribs are easily felt

Tucked abdomen — no sagging stomach

Waist when viewed from above

Your pet is overweight if …

It's difficult to feel ribs under fat

Sagging stomach: You can grab a handful of fat!

Broad, flat back

No waist
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Earlier this year, German research discovered that dogs could sniff out lung cancer from breath samples of sufferers.

The four dogs in the study learned to get it right 71 per cent of the time, far too high to be mere coincidence.

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Pancreatitis can be fatal in severe acute forms. Permanent damage to the pancreas can result from any form of the disease, leading to diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Most importantly, any pet that has suffered from pancreatitis in the past is subject to a recurrence if receiving table scraps.   Read more »

"We wanted to have a law in place that would protect animals from being hurt," Katherine Medlen said. "Before this, animals were considered property, and you weren't allowed to sue or be compensated for sentimental value. The hurt we experienced was nowhere comparable to a piece of property."   Read more »

The single-shot, multiyear vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies that bind to GnRH, a hormone in an animal’s body that signals the production of sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. By binding to GnRH, the antibodies reduce its ability to stimulate the release of these sex hormones. All sexual activity is inhibited, and animals remain in a nonreproductive state as long as a sufficient level of antibody activity is present.   Read more »

In all, $12,357,277 was paid on 20,229 claims from the United States and Canada, according to information provided by the claims administrator, the accounting firm Heffler, Radetich & Saitta LLP in Philadelphia   Read more »

At the Canine Rehab Center, dogs of all sizes and conditions are rehabilitated, giving them a chance for a speedy recovery as well as an "improvement in the quality of recovery and function," Bergh said.   Read more »

Resource will further study the human-animal bond
By Drew Andersen
November 3, 2011
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Dr. Tom Sullivan, a veterinary ophthalmologist at Animal Eye Clinic in Seattle, answers this week's questions about eye problems in aging dogs. It is part of our continuing series about the health issues facing senior dogs.   Read more »

As cat owners, we’ve all experienced it—the war that starts when it’s time to put your feline friend in a travel carrier. The sweet, purring ball of fluff can suddenly turn into ten pounds of fury. Fluffy might straighten and stiffen her legs in an attempt to make her body too big to fit into the crate. She may even use her claws to try and get away—or urinate due to the stress of the situation.   Read more »

When celebrating the winter festivities, don't forget to keep holiday pet dangers in mind. It may require some changes to your normal decorating or dining routine, but these tips can help you create a pet-safe holiday that is fun for the whole family.   Read more »

Agriculture-sniffing dogs that operate for USDA identify parcels from around the world that contain plant matter that could harbor pests that threaten the nation's fruits and vegetables. An individual dog may examine up to 5,000 packages in just one day, and in 2009 alone, the dogs identified roughly 39,000 packages with potentially harmful contents   Read more »

FDA this week announced that in October it began testing commercial dog and cat food, including treats, for the presence of salmonella. The measure is aimed at curbing potential illness in owners; between 2006 and 2007, salmonella-contaminated pet food was linked to sickness in 70 people   Read more »

Her love of animals lead her down the path of a rewarding career helping them heal.   Read more »

Cats are taken to the veterinarian's office half as often as their canine counterparts, writes veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus, which results in serious consequences for their health. Dr. Hohenhaus explains three concerning trends in cat health, including an increase in feline rabies, more cases of diabetes and a high incidence of dental disease. Preventative care including wellness exams, vaccinations and dental cleanings can prevent these maladies.
-- WebMD/Tales from the Pet Clinic blog (10/28)
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If insurance actuaries know your pet's breed, age and place of residence, they can estimate the cost of medical treatment during the animal's lifetime. They base predictions on medical data, but location also is important, since treatment is more expensive if you live in a large urban center.   Read more »

It's happening all too frequently these days. People leave their homes and their pets behind. These tips can help you move with your pet...after all, they are part of the family.   Read more »

It's something people wouldn't think about, but why not? If second hand smoke is bad for other humans, then it's bad for pets.   Read more »

Dr. Weldy of Serrano Animal Hospital in Lake Forest not only fixes and cleans teeth for our domestic furry friends, but last week, he helped out a cougar who broke his upper canine and needed a root removed.
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Mike Sofka has been kind enough to provide us with a free mailbox and discounts on other services at UPS Store #26 in Lake Forest, California. His support saves us more money we can invest in our projects.

Along with providing the Animal Health Foundation a free mailbox Mike’s crew of wife Jean, Marissa, Steven and Jon do a great job of UPS shipping, providing notary services. packaging, freight services, copying, finishing and printing when we need those services. If you live in the Lake Forest area stop in and tell Mike and his crew you appreciate his support of the Animal Health Foundation and of course please support his store.

Thanks Mike and Jean!!   Read more »

Getting a Google Grant was a challenge but we met a bigger challenge in making it work for the foundation. We tried managing our Adwords campaign ourselves and found Google Grants make for challenging problems and learned in short order that we needed a professional. We interviewed several Adwords specialists and feel lucky that we made the right decision in choosing Rob Coats and his company to do our Adwords promotions.   Read more »

We want to thank all of our supporters for visiting our website and spreading the word about our projects. There are some special "thank yous" we would like to make....
Google Grants is a unique in-kind donation program awarding free AdWords advertising to select charitable organizations. Google supports organizations sharing their philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts.   Read more »

New federal program will enhance information sharing of pet food-related incidents.   Read more »

Trend shows rise in pet parents choosing cremation for departed pets. While it’s becoming more and more common for pet owners to include their pets in their wills, another, seemingly contradictory trend is on the rise — opting for cremation of pets rather than a burial, reports the Los Angeles Times.
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Historically, heartworm has not been a concern in Southern California because of our dry climate, but that seems to be changing.   Read more »

An associate professor at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine lectured her students on human animal interaction. Little did they know that, instead of bringing in a therapy dog, the professor arranged to have 2 miniature horses brought into class while they discussed the human-animal bond.
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It's more important than ever to use monthly flea preventative treatments on your dogs and cats so that your pet and your families are protected. Symptoms include feaver, headache, muscle aches and a rason the the chest, back arms or legs.   Read more »

Ever wonder how canine vaccines work? How does the vaccine know to target parvo? How do they travel in the canine body? Read more and find out.   Read more »

The Animal Health Foundation is proud to share the Jan Vincent interview in the SCVMA Pulse magazine with our visitors.    Read more »

Second graders who read aloud to a canine over the summer seem to maintain their reading skills during the dog days of summer, according to a pilot study published today by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.  If you live in the Los Angeles or Orange County areas and would like to participate in the AHF READ program please visit http://www.animalhealthfoundation.net/how-we-help/read.html for more information.

The idea behind the project is that the stem cells could be isolated and stored in a tissue bank. Then those healthy cells would be sent to a veterinarian, who would inject them into the animal from which they came.

The animal would have to be the same because its immune system would mobilize to reject cells originating from another animal.   Read more »

In the past almost all military dogs were euthanized once their tours of duty were done. Few dogs returned from Viet Nam ... unfortunately those that survived the battle fields, serving their country, were thanked by being "put down".

The Animal Health Foundation is thrilled to hear that about 300 retired U.S. military dogs are put up for adoption each year and military officials tell us they received more than 400 adoption applications in the three weeks after the May 2 bin Laden raid.   Read more »

Ask yourself the following five essential questions in preparation of a written pre-event disaster
plan:
1. What is my number one concern? Of course it is safety of yourself and your families
lives as well as your pets and then property
2. What will be my means of survival? Having food, water, and shelter?
3. What are the contingency plans, if any? Will I need to evacuate?
4. How will I help others?
5. What is my plan? Is it realistic? Can I effectively activate the plan with the resources
I have available and be safe and secure?   Read more »

Veterinarians, including those on the AHF Board of trustees, report that the number of paunchy pooches and fat cats is on the rise, leading to health issues like diabetes, arthritis, breathing problems and more. Many of us see "food as love" ... don't love your pet to death by overfeeding!   Read more »

Researcher Zhen Fang Fu at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine will work with experts across the country to test a vaccine that could cure rabies even after infection.

Professor Zhen received his DVM In 1981 from Huazhong Agricultural University, China and his PhD in1988) from Massey University in New Zealand   Read more »

Pam Becker's plunge into the world of specialized canines led to her current position as executive director of the Animal Health Foundation. Read this great article about our Executive Director!   Read more »

ATLANTA — A California company has resumed selling a kind of pet frog that caused salmonella illnesses in more than 240 people, most of them children. And federal health officials are not happy.   Read more »

The owners of one lucky Upper West Side cat were talking about nine lives after he survived a 20-floor fall from a high-rise building.

Forget about black cats and bad luck – this cat is one amazing animal.

“They told me that he was a miracle,” owner Barry Myers said.
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Consumer Contact: Nestlé Purina PetCare Office of Consumer Affairs: 1-800-982-6559

Media Contact: Jill Winte 314-982-3032

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ST. LOUIS, MO, June 27, 2011—Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (NPPC) is voluntarily recalling approximately 870 bags of dry cat food shipped to Colorado, Idaho and Oregon. This is being done as a precautionary measure, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

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The AHF learned recently that a Laguna Beach Cat who killed a bat and was not vaccinated for rabies is stuck in quarantine for 6 months. Had she been vaccinated the quarantine period would have been only one month.   Read more »

Check the label for country of origin, and be observant if you give your dog chicken jerky treats. The American Veterinary Medical Association was notified last week by the Canadian VMA that several Canadian veterinarians have seen dogs with a condition that resembles Fanconi syndrome, and it may be associated with the consumption of chicken jerky treats manufactured in China. Similar incidents were reported in the United States in 2007 and investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which issued a further warning in 2008   Read more »

Article by Pat Brennan, science, environment editor of the Orange County Register:

The girl, looking something like a well-mannered cherub, sat primly with her hands folded, raised her hand to speak, and made direct eye contact as her teacher told a story.

Her reward: permission to leave the table and join Cinder, a large, friendly golden retriever and a glutton for affection, on the classroom rug.

The girl is among six children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder who are taking part in a four-year, $2.2 million experiment by scientists at UC Irvine.

The question: Can dogs help the children learn to act appropriately in social situations? And will animal-assisted therapy yield more solid, lasting effects than non-animal conditioning?
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The American Kennel Club announced Wednesday that it is expanding its litter of recognized breeds by three — bringing the registry's total to 173 breeds in the U.S.
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Nearly half the calls the team at Pet Posion Helpline receives are for pets that have accidentally ingested human medications. With such a high number of incidents occurring each year, it’s critical that you stay up-to-date in case your veterinary clinic is the first place clients call for help.    Read more »

The last days of May signal the unofficial start of summer for folks, young and old, across the country. But with these carefree months of no homework and summer Fridays comes an increased risk for illness or injury for our furry pals.

From unpredictable weather to unusual routines, our animals are exposed to all sorts of hazards during June, July and August, and your pet is counting on you to keep him safe. Check out our top six tips for keeping your animal secure all summer long.
- Give your pet access to plenty of fresh water at all times. Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat.

- Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the four-legged kind.
- Keep your pet away from matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.
- Be cool near the pool. Don't leave pets unsupervised around a pool, lake or high waters—not all dogs are expert swimmers!
- Never leave your dog, cat or any other animal friend alone in a car! The inside of a car can heat up very quickly—even with a window open.
- Be prepared! From tornadoes to floods, we've seen the devastation severe weather has brought to pets and their families these past few weeks. Develop an evacuation plan well ahead of time in case you're forced from your home in an emergency.
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The competitive Orangutan Caring Scholarship (OCS) has been one of OURF’s main education programs in Sumatra where the organization has been collaborating with the Yayasan Orangutan Sumatra Lestari-Orangutan Information Center (OIC) for the past six years. OIC promotes and oversees the program in-country while OURF seeks fiscal support for the program. OURF President Dr. Gary Shapiro stated, “The Orangutan Caring Scholarship program is an investment in long-term orangutan conservation by supporting talented students who will advocate for orangutans as professionals.”

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Two more companies are recalling pig ear dog treats after a supplier, Keys Manufacturing of Paris, IL, found that a batch of the pet chews tested positive for Salmonella.

One dog has been reported to have become ill because of contaminated pig ears.
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The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is alerting pet owners to use caution with the use of an unapproved animal drug product, Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo (0.1% phytosphingosine), distributed by Sogeval Laboratories, Inc. of Coppell, Texas after recently receiving a report of the death of a woman associated with the use of the product on her dog.

The March adverse event report describes a woman with severe, preexisting asthma who had a sudden, severe asthma attack and died while bathing a dog using the product, Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo. A few days later, another asthmatic family member bathed the dog using the same product and experienced a mild asthma attack but recovered.

FDA is advising consumers with asthma or other respiratory conditions to consider consulting with their physicians prior to use of this product.

FDA is currently investigating this serious issue and will provide additional information as appropriate.

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When it comes to detecting the unexpected, female dogs might have a leg up.
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A new University of Georgia study provides a rare and comprehensive look at causes of death in more than 80 breeds.

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Medical tests can be daunting, especially when they require 45 minutes of complete stillness deep in an outsized, noisy magnet. For 16-year-old Allison Ruchman of Rumson, N.J., a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to investigate recurrent headaches provoked a level of fear and anxiety that left her desperately searching her mind for a distraction. That's when Wally, her 5-year-old beagle, saved the day.
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There are several negative unintended consequences to pet dentistry without anesthesia or sedation. While some dogs can be tolerant and will sit patiently, many have to be physically restrained, leading to stress and deep-seated fears.

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An Illinois company is recalling pet chews made of pig's ears because they could be contaminated with salmonella.

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During the month of June, with the assistance of AVID and HomeAgain, the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) and many of the shelters in LA and OC are creating a Microchip Awareness Program to educate pet owners about the inportance and benefit of having their pets both microchipped and registered. Shelters will be working in their communities to encourage un-chipped pets to come in for a chip. Microchip Days will be organized throughout the area to provide affordable chipping for pet owners.
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Some dog breeds are more sensitive to certain drugs than other breeds. Collies and related breeds, for instance, can have adverse reactions to drugs such as ivermectin and loperamide (Imodium). At Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine you can get your dog tested for drug sensitivity and keep up with the latest research.

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Article highlights the AHF's role in helping animals and their owners.

Missouri voters thought they scored a big win against some of the nation's most notorious puppy mills when they approved strict new dog breeding regulations last year. Now state lawmakers are changing the rules. See the "More Info" Link for the full story.

Was Promeris discontinued as a business decision or was it recalled because of side effects?   Read more »

You can help pets suffering in Japan...   Read more »

Read about "Read Across America" local school event ...   Read more »

Students from the Hiroshima Animal Care College, along with one of their teachers, visited Irvine Medical Center to learn about our pet therapy program...   Read more »

See how Pet Therapy benefits hospice patients...   Read more »

Pet therapy is helpful for many patients who are overwhelmed in dealing with their disease...   Read more »

The K9 Cancer Walks are a grass roots effort to raises funds and awareness for the Morris Animal Foundation's Canine Cancer Campaign, which funds research that will develop prevention strategies, test new treatments, establish tools for cancer researchers and train new scientists specializing in cancer research. We are California dog lovers committed to doing our part to fight this horrible disease. Half of all dogs will be affected by cancer—but together, we can beat this disease.

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Any time, but especially during lean economic times, it's tempting to look for discounted drugs for your pets.

Buyer beware, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns Tuesday with a video and announcement, especially when it comes to ads that say you don't need a veterinarian's prescription. You could kill a dog, for instance, that has heartworms by giving it heartworm meds and kill cats and small dogs by giving them certian tick and flea meds.
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The reports have cropped up on the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), an online community for the profession and parent of the VIN News Service. In message board discussions, veterinarians have revealed cases of hypercalcemia secondary to vitamin D toxicosis occurring in dogs that eat a single brand of dry pet food: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Diet, chicken flavor. In each of the cases, veterinarians report that dogs’ conditions have improved after switching brands.

So far, nothing concrete has identified a causal relationship between the food and illnesses in dogs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while reportedly alerted to adverse events tied to the food, has not prompted a recall, though the VIN News Service has been unable to reach officials with the regulatory agency directly.
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Maryanne Dell, and her AHF Pet Partner will received an honor September 11, 2010 at the Paws for Cures Fundraiser in Anaheim Hills. The night honored Heroes of all kinds and Maryanne received the Community Hero award for her work educating the public about issues affecting their pets.   Read more »

The California Spay & Neuter license plate, sponsored by the California Veterinary Medical Board, provides a fun and easy way for pet lovers to help reduce pet overpopulation.    Read more »

The move by Hartz Mountain Corp. came after random sample testing by the FDA indicated the presence of salmonella organisms in one or more 8-ounce bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs.   Read more »

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Lights are off, sirens are screaming, it is before sunrise, cold, possibly raining and there truly is an emergency. Phone lines are out with overloaded circuits. Smoke billows in the distance. You have a NOAA radio with fresh batteries. Your generator has adequate fuel and you have started it routinely on a monthly basis since you purchased it two years ago. The family seems shaken but fine for the time being and you have systems in place for safety for all of your family including your beloved pets and livestock.   Read more »

Salmonella could be used in the war against cancer after it was found to trigger the body's own defence system against the disease.   Read more »

Stanley Coren, Ph.D.a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, in his July 20, 2010, Animal Behavior blog presents current research challenging the idea of the alpha dog.   Read more »

CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 - The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.   Read more »

On July 24, 2010 Cloud and Daleen became the first Pet Partner Dove Team! Dove's cooing at the evaluations calmed everyone and it was a delightful background to a normally hectic day   Read more »

NURSING PET THERAPY

Nursing students took a break from studying for finals May 10 by petting a few cuddly dogs on campus.

Beyond relieving their own stress, students learned a few things about how pet therapy is used in hospitals and nursing homes to soothe patients.
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A cat that had its back feet severed by a combine harvester has been given two prosthetic limbs in a pioneering operation by a UK vet.   Read more »

Planning and preparation are important when traveling with family pets. There are dogs and cats that cannot withstand the rigors of any type of travel due to illness, injury, or temperament. If this is the case, discuss with your veterinarian options such as hiring a reliable pet-sitter or housing your pet in a clean, well-managed boarding facility   Read more »

Two U.S. Coast Guard cargo planes brought 62 brown pelicans to Texas on Wednesday for the largest release to date of pelicans rehabilitated after being contaminated in BP's oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.   Read more »

Kids, dogs and a good book are a great combination, according to researchers in UC Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine — and they have the data to back that up.

In the past year, 28 veterinary hospitals recieved $15,275 from the Angel Fund to help 39 clients afford needed treatment for their furry family member.
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Claudia Bradford is an AHF/Delta Pet Partner with an unusual pet.  Claudia and her mini-horse Lucky were featured in the Orange County register when the Mission Viejo City Council gave her special permission to keep Lucky in the back yard.