Canine Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, is one of the most common canine hormone imbalances. This was not always the case. In recent decades, hypothyroidism diagnoses are on the rise.

In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah gives advice about how best to care for dogs that have already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, as well as provides the steps you can take to ensure that your dog has the best chance of staying healthy.

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Come!

After three years of apprenticing with a dog trainer/certified dog behaviorist, I went out on my own after she retired and started My Best Buddy Dog Training. It's been an amazing, fun, exciting, happy ride. I truly do love spending time with dogs and their owners teaching their dogs how to be good canine citizens. Recently I was talking to one of my students who isn’t so good with recall when he’s outside in the back yard. I asked the owners how they call him and the circumstances around him not coming when called. I noted that the "party" in the house has to be more fun than the "party" outside and that you have to think really hard about how you can compete with all the good things outside. Click here to read the rest of the article

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Dogs: Heat Stroke

As summer arrives in all parts of the country, quickly recognizing the signs of heat stroke and knowing how to treat it could save your dog’s life.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when your dog can no longer maintain his normal body temperature (around 101F) by panting. Humidity and heat combine to increase his temperature and at 106F his internal organs start to break down. At that point, you only have minutes to cool him or he could suffer permanent organ damage or even die.

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Study Links ProMeris to Pemphigus Foliaceus; Pfizer Stopping Its Production

By Jessica Tremayne
Contributing Editor

A recent groundbreaking study of clinical, histological and immunological data of 22 cases of Pemphigus foliaceus, or PF, shows evidence that it can occur as an adverse drug reaction to the canine flea and tick preventive ProMeris.

PF is the most common spontaneously occurring autoimmune skin disease of dogs and typically displays as lesions on the face, nasal planum and ears. The reaction is rare but serious, says the study’s lead author, Thierry Olivry, DrVet, PhD, Dipl. ACVD, of North Carolina State University.

Ultimately, ProMeris Duo (Metaflumizone–amitraz ), which is also used for treating demodicosis, will be discontinued. The product, marketed by Pfizer Animal Health, will be available while supplies last or until mid-September. ProMeris Duo is called ProMeris for Dogs in the US. It is a novel topical ectoparasiticide.

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Free Book!

Are you considering getting a new dog this summer? Click the link to download our free book "Before You Get Your Puppy" by Ian Dunbar, DVM.

Free Book!

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Dogs: Compulsive Behaviors

WARWICK, R.I. -- The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants 2011 Conference April 1-3 was attended by over 300 dog, cat, parrot and horse behavior consultants.

One headline from the event emerged from a speech by veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Behavior Clinics at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Mass. Dodman discussed animals with compulsive behaviors, and said that new research may demonstrate that dogs who chase their tails (mostly terriers and herding breeds) might actually not be demonstrating a compulsive behavior, but instead could be autistic.

"Like people can have compulsive behaviors, such as famously washing their hands until their skin is raw, animals can have similar behaviors," said Dodman, author of several popular books and editor of "Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy and Comfortable" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, NY, 2010; $26).

"We don't know how many pets have compulsive behaviors," says Dodman. "Generally, behaviorists say around five percent, which makes sense and is consistent with around three percent of the human population who are identified with compulsive disorders."

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Risk of vaccines: A Review

This study has come out on vaccine reactions. Well worth the read.

"More often, reactions are consequences of disobeying label instructions, particularly their restrictions against using vaccines only in healthy animals."


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Housetraining Your Dog

Housesoiling is a spatial problem. Your puppydog has been allowed to eliminate in the wrong place. Housesoiling quickly becomes a bad habit because dogs develop strong location, substrate, and olfactory preferences for their improvised indoor toilet areas. To housetrain your puppydog: first, prevent any more mistakes; and second, teach your puppydog where you would like him to eliminate.

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Pet Food Products Liability - Update

On April 5, 2011, Judge Hillman ruled that the allocation of $250,000 to Purchase Claims was fair, reasonable and adequate and reaffirmed the settlement in its entirety. This decision can be accessed by clicking the appropriate link under the heading "Important Links" on the right. The Claims Administrator is now working diligently to reimburse all claims as promptly as possible. The Claims Administrator will send each claimant a letter advising him or her of determinations made regarding his or her claim. Within approximately 60 days thereafter, each claimant's final settlement amount will be set and a check will be mailed. Read the entire article

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Soothing Mist

It's the time of year when the mosquitos and fleas and ticks are arriving for a summer stay. It's a good reminder to get some Soothing Mist to keep on hand for skin irritation.

The foundation of Soothing Mist's formula is vitamin C, zinc and pro-vitamin B-5 - nutrients that help nourish, beautify, and defend healthy skin. With its calming blend of pure flower and plant extracts – including aloe vera, calendula, lavender, and chamomile, it never makes the coat greasy. It is safe for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens (over 12 weeks old). You don't have to worry when they lick themselves. Spray it on your pet or onto a piece of cotton, either way it penetrates fast. This gentle formula feels good on the skin and doesn't sting like other topical skin products can.

Finally, an herbal product that you can spray on your pet's skin and feel confident that you are doing the right thing!

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: For use on puppies and kittens over 12 weeks of age. Shake well. Spray a liberal amount directly onto skin or apply to a cotton ball and massage into skin. For long-haired animals, separate hair exposing the skin for better coverage. Use a cotton ball for application around the eyes, nose and mouth. For best results, use several times a day. Click here for more information.

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Training a Cat to Sit!

Nope, this is NOT an April Fool's Joke! Dr. Sophia Yin teaches you in the video how to train your cat to sit and come when called!

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