Even Your Pet Dog Was First 'Made in China'

Genetic tests confirm that the Asian region south of the Yangtze River is where people most likely began domesticating wolves.

PROBLEM: Scientists who study genetics, morphology, and behavior agree that dogs are descended from wolves. There's no such consensus, however, on where these canines were first domesticated.

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METHODOLOGY: Peter Savolainen and Mattias Oskarsson, scientists at Sweden's KTH Royal Institute of Technology, along with several Chinese researchers analyzed DNA from male dogs around the world, including specimens from the Asian region south of the Yangtze River (ASY). RESULTS: About half of the canine gene pool was universally shared everywhere in the world, and only the ASY region had the entire range of genetic diversity.
CONCLUSION: The DNA of dogs from all over the world can be traced back to the ASY region.
IMPLICATION: Previous studies that have pointed to the Middle East as the area where people began domesticating wolves may be mistaken. As Savolainen says in a statement: "Our results confirm that Asia south of the Yangtze River was the most important -- and probably the only -- region for wolf domestication."
SOURCE: The full study, "Origins of Domestic Dog in Southern East Asia is Supported by Analysis of Y-Chromosome DNA," is published in the journal Heredity.

Pets as Presents: Don't Let Pets Get Lost in the Tinsel

It's hard to resist the joy of giving your favorite loved one the pet they've always wanted for Christmas. However, the result of many of these well intentioned gifts is animals that are unwanted, uncared for and oftentimes sent to shelters. 

An animal of any kind (even one as small as a fish or a hamster) is not a light, last minute purchase. Bringing a new life into the house should be well thought out and discussed with the entire family. 

Holiday pets often get ignored in the holiday rush. Christmas morning is filled with so many presents, lots of food, family and relatives coming over...then there's New Years in a few days. You think it's stressful on you? Thank about what a pet who's never been in your house before would be thinking. A new pet needs lots of quiet and calm. A new puppy or kitten needs to watched constantly and settle into a routine so they can become a happy member of the family. This is impossible to accomplish on Christmas. The new pet will just end up confused and scared. 

You should never pick an actual pet for another person, even a child. Bring the child along to pick out the animal and let it be a family event. All animals (even hamsters and fish) have distinct personalities and letting your entire family help with the choice makes the animal more special to them. Besides, don't you want to see how the puppy interacts with your entire family? That great puppy you pick out for your son might not like kids. Your son might decide the puppy you like plays too rough. Your kids may decide they'd rather have a cat! 

New Puppies

Almost every child asks Santa for one, however a dog is MAJOR purchase and a new puppy needs lots of attention and care. With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas/New Year holiday, the puppy probably won't get the attention it needs. That's not even taking into account all the ribbon, trees, rich Christmas foods, chocolate and other dangers the puppy could unintentionally get in while your family is busy with their other gifts. 

Alternate ideas: Give the kids a stuffed puppy and tell them the new puppy is coming. Wrap a puppy bowl, collar, crate and other puppy supplies with a "certificate" to get a puppy at a later date. All of this stuff should be set up and ready for the puppy when it comes home anyway. This way, you and your family can set it up while you tell them about the responsibility of a new dog. Another great idea is a few books on puppy care (especially if you have an older child).

New Kittens

Kittens don't take quite as much attention as puppies but they can still get into a lot of trouble at Christmas. Kittens are notorious for swallowing tinsel and ribbon and getting lots of stomach problems. Small kittens scare easily and the safest retreat will probably be up the tree which can be dangerous. 

Alternate ideas: Cat care kits, litter boxes, cat toys, books on kitten care. The litter box and a bed for kitty should be in place before he gets to his new house. You and the kids can decide where to put it.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:
O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
  
• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
That Holiday Glow
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

FDA Issues Warning on Chicken Jerky for Dogs

Pet owners should be aware that chicken jerky products from China may be associated with reports of Fanconi-like syndrome in dogs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned.

The FDA issued the following alert:

Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be fed occasionally in small quantities.

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. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.

FDA, in addition to several animal health diagnostic laboratories in the U.S., is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. FDA's Veterinary Laboratory Response Network (VLRN) is now available to support these animal health diagnostic laboratories. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA continues extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified a contaminant.

The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem and its origin. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky. Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in their state or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/11/fda-repeats-warning-on-chicken-jerky-for-dogs/

Cat Playing Basketball

Holiday Pet Gifts

Are you looking for a gift for your canine friend that is sure to get the tails wagging and paws pouncing this holiday season? For the safety conscious pet, you could always get them a new travel carrier or car seat harness. Or for the sophisticated pet, try some baked doggie goods from your local doggie bakery. If purchasing special goodies from bakeries isn’t your thing, make your own doggie treats! For the owner on a budget or for the pet who has everything, the gift of time is the top gift for any pet this year.

 

FOUND PUPPY

This is a heartwarming story about an accidental pet. A single mother with two young boys sheltered a stray dog for a few days. The dog later saved the life of her older son with Down syndrome. The dog's original owner responded to a flyer and came to collect the dog, but decided that the young boys needed the dog more than he did.

http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article1023586.ece

E. coli reduction in cattle is possible, but economics are debated

Two approaches could dramatically reduce the presence of E. coli O157:H7 from cattle, though who should foot the bill is cause for debate. One option is Pfizer's three-series vaccine that has shown E. coli elimination in 85% of vaccinated cattle, while the other option, probiotics, when given in the right amounts, can reduce E. coli up to 50%.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/story/2011-12-01/safe-meat/51447546/1

Birthday/Work Anniversary

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Ana Rodriguez and Lisa Woods who celebrated their special day yesterday!

Happy Work Anniversary to Dr. Westerdahl who has been a part of the Seattle Veterinary Associates team for 7 years! We are so grateful to have such a dedicated worker as a part of our team!

 

National Mutt Day!

Today is National Mutt Day! National Mutt Day is all about embracing, saving and celebrating mixed breed dogs. There are millions of loving and healthy mixed breed dogs sitting in shelters, which are desperately searching for a new home. Consider a mixed breed pet for your next furry family member! 

 

Rescued Dogs are Trained to Track Endangered Species for Research

The dogs of the University of Washington are playing a key role in understanding a variety of threatened and endangered species and, in this case, understanding the habits and number of cougars in the Blue Mountains of southeast Washington.




Click the link below for the full story!

http://www.king5.com/news/local/UW-Dawgs-v-Cougars-134420133.html

Starting a family doesn't mean giving away your cat

Celebrity couple Chris Pratt and Anna Faris faced a backlash when Pratt tweeted his intention to give his cat away as the pair plans to start having children, but couples across the country quietly make the same decision daily, often driven by unfounded health fears, experts say. While the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage and birth defects, it's very rare and virtually nonexistent in indoor cats, says internist Jeff Kravetz.

http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/19/8385464-should-you-get-rid-of-your-cat-if-youre-pregnant

Partnership for Preventive Pet Healthcare guidelines

The Partnership for Preventive Pet Healthcare, a group formed by 19 veterinary associations and animal health companies with the goal of promoting preventive care to owners to enhance pets' health, recently released new canine and feline preventive care guidelines for practitioners.

http://www.pethealthpartnership.org/media.php

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Cat shot with arrow making great recovery thanks to donors worldwide

Archie, an 8 year old tabby whose right front leg was missing, was taken to Auburn Veterinary Hospital in June with an arrow through his left front leg that had snapped the radius and ulna. A cat loving client paid the tab for the stray's lengthy surgery, and some of his more than 200 Facebook friends also chipped in for follow up care.

http://www2.wrbl.com/news/2011/oct/20/archie-arrow-cat-making-remarkable-recovery-ar-2583475/

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

Lethal virus threatens salmon supply for humans and animals

 Infectious salmon anemia, a virulent and highly contagious virus that decimated 70% of salmon stock on affected farms in other countries, has been documented in salmon on North America's West Coast. Scientists are concerned about the salmon supply for wild animals, such as grizzly bears, killer whales and wolves, and for humans because offshore pens supply most of the Atlantic salmon for human consumption in the U.S.

Click here for more information about Salmon Anemia.

November is National Senior Pet Month

November is Senior Pet Month. Do you have an older cat or dog sharing your home? If so, you know the joys of pets who might have less spunk but more soul. Here are five reasons to love a senior pet.

1. Distinguished look
You know how as we age, we are said to look distinguished? The same is true for our pets. I think senior cats project an air of peaceful dignity. And who can resist the precious gray muzzle of an older dog?
2. Laid-back lifestyle
For kittens and puppies, most any time is play time. Older pets, however, don’t need to release all that youthful energy. They are quieter and often content to just watch what’s going on in the living room or outside the window. Cuddling next to you takes precedence over most anything else.
3. Fewer demands
Older pets still need love and attention, but they don’t require babysitting like a frisky puppy or curious kitten. Some older pets have special medical needs, but after all they’ve given us through the years, it’s an honor to take care of them in return.
4. Wisdom of the ages
When I look into the eyes of a senior dog, I see a world of experience and wisdom. Older pets know what to expect, and are generally reliable and even. They require little training since they already know the rules.
5. They might be just like you!
As we get older, our needs and routines change. We might prefer quiet evenings at home rather than going out on the weekends. We still like to exercise, walk, or even run—but sometimes we go at a different pace. We might even nap in our chair occasionally. If you have a senior dog, you might find that he’s just like you!

Medical Blog

Cats are master of disguise!

More than half of all pet cats in this country are overweight or obese. With this condition comes a myriad of health problems. So, if your cat is losing weight, it must be a good thing, right? Especially if Fluffy is battling the bulge, it seems logical that shedding those pounds should be applauded.

But what if Fluffy is not on a diet or exercise plan? What if Fluffy is mysteriously slimming down? This is a cause for concern because cats don't typically lose weight easily. Almost anyone who has tried to diet a cat will empathize.

Remember that cats are small creatures, so small weight changes are important. Ounces are significant, and pounds are alarming. A 15-pound cat that loses only 1.5 pounds has lost 10% of it's body weight.

Unexplained weight loss may be the only obvious sign that Fluffy is in the early stages of a serious illness. Very often, these cats are still playful, interactive, eating and drinking. But inside their bodies, something is changing so that they are not able to process food for energy as they have in the past.

Being aware of these changes and bringing them to the attention of your veterinarian might allow early intervention.

Whey does my veterinarian say it is necessary to bring my older pet in for a checkup two times a year.

The health and well-being of an aging pet can change rather rapidly. Conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, cancer and diabetes become much more prevalent as dogs and cats enter their middle to geriatric years (small dogs and cats more than eight years of age and large breed dogs over six).

The key to treating or managing these conditions successfully is early screening and detection. Veterinarians recommend twice-yearly checkups for elderly pets to increase the chance of catching illness at an earlier stage. This should include a thorough physical examination and a body-weight check, as well as laboratory testing (if indicating) such as blood work, urine testing, intestinal parasite screening and a check of the blood pressue.

Keeping your veterinarian updated on any changes in your pet's thirst level, appetite, activity level or body weight can also provide clues to adverse health conditions your pet may be experiencing. Twice-yearly checkups, together with open and efficient communications with your veterinarian, can make all the difference in keeping your pet healthy and happy for years to come.

Feline Trainspotter

A cat in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, has gained fame for routinely dropping off and picking up Nicole Weinrich as she returns home from work.

Train Cat has arrived.

"He always seems to know which train carriage I am on and will be sitting there behind the yellow line when the doors open, because he is all about safety," Weinrich told the Herald Sun. "I've heard people get off the train and say, 'Look, it's Graeme'. Some just call him 'rock star'," she added.

When he's not greeting Weinrich, he can often be found sunning himself and being pet by curious train passengers while there.

"He likes peak hour and people getting off the train...he seems to be a people cat," one commuter told the Herald Sun.

Weinrich told the Herald Sun, "He's one of a kind."

Indeed train cat may just be.

http://video.heraldsun.com.au/2131780176/Feline-trainspotter

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/20/cat-waits-for-owner-at-tr_n_971881.html

Talking Dog

Teamwork has never been more adorable

FDA Launches New Outbreak Response Team

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assembled a new network of epidemiologists and other public health experts in hopes of responding more quickly and effectively to outbreaks of foodborne illness.

The CORE network is a multi-disciplinary team of epidemiologists, veterinarians, microbiologists and other specialists who will work full time on outbreak prevention and response, the agency said.

"The CORE Network builds on the best practices FDA has already implemented in its outbreak response efforts," said Mike Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner of foods.  "And, in keeping with the reforms of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, CORE activities will learn from outbreaks to develop preventive systems in an effort to reduce them.

The fulltime staff will be better equipped to respond to outbreaks, Karas said. "And we can concentrate more on lessons learned, to try and prevent incidents in the future."

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/09/fda-launches-new-outbreak-response-team/

Veterinarian to receive National Medal of Science for the first time

Ralph Brinster, a prominent veterinary scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, is to receive the National Medal of Science for his work on transgenic lab animals - research that helped lay the foundation for much of modern biomedicine.

Brinster, 79, a professor of reproductive physiology at Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine, is among seven recipients of the science medal this year. They are to be honored at a ceremony this year, along with five inventors who are receiving the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

In the early 1980s, Brinster and colleagues made some of the first mice with foreign genes, a powerful technique for drug development because such mice can be tailored to have a particular disease. The scientists created these mice by injecting the genes into mouse eggs and then implanting them in a female mouse.

Untold numbers of mouse "disease models" are still made this way in nearly every university lab in the world.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/130679108.html

Research

Researchers use dogs to study obesity in humans

Taking Fido for a walk can keep people from getting husky, say University of Massachusetts researchers who are trying to get couch potatoes up and out by appealing to their love of dogs.

The first-in-the-nation clinical study at the University of Massachusetts Medical School aims to see if Rover has the power to unleash new levels of human motivation and combat the nation’s obesity epidemic. Researchers are launching a study that will use social networking and other methods to encourage test subjects to walk their dogs — and measure how much walking they do.

Wackiest Pet Names of 2011

Ozzy Pawsbourne and Almost-A-Dog top this year's list of quirkiest monikers.
Fido, Spot or Fluffy? For some peculiar pet owners, these names are just too traditional. Although "Bella" and "Max" currently lead the pack as the nation's most popular pet names, thousands of other four-legged friends have much more distinctive names.


So drumroll, please... the 10 Most Unusual Dog and Cat Names for 2011:
Dogs

1. Almost-A-Dog
2. Franco Furter
3. Stinkie Mcstinkerson
4. Sir Seamus McPoop
5. Audrey Shepburn
6. Dewey Decimell
7. Knuckles Capone
8. Beagle Lugosi
9. Shooter Mclovin
10. Uzi Duzi-Du

Cats

1. Ozzy Pawsbourne
2. Mr. Meowgi
3. Murderface
4. Fuglee
5. Scruffernutter
6. Corporal Cuddles
7. Cat Masterson
8. Spam
9. Tape W. Orm
10. Louisiana Purchase

Happy Cat Month

The CATalyst Council has declared September as Happy Cat Month. This month is dedicated to finding ways to keep our feline friends happy, healthy and purring all year long. Click the link below for the top 10 ways to keep your feline friend happy.
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Today is National Assistance Dog Day! Assistance Dogs transform the lives of their human partners with physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, best friend and close member of their family. We would like recognize and honor the hardworking assistance dogs and honor the puppy raisers and trainers of assistance dogs as well as recognize the heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our community.

 

Pet of the Month-NOVA

We are proud to honor Nova, as our Pet of the Month. “Nova” is a Seattle Veterin...ary Associates employee pet and blood donor for ACCES (Animal Critical Care & Critical Care Services). Nova is a three year old American Bulldog Mix who was rescued in Colorado. Nova has been donating blood for 2 years because it can save up to 4 lives with each donation. Nova loves playing with all her friends at Northwest Veterinary Hospital!

Pet of the Month

Please meet Madchen (means girl in German). She is a purebred German Shepherd, 3 years old, spayed, recently examined, up to date on vaccines, and weighs 75 pounds. Madchen is calm, quiet, and great with people and kids. She is scared of cats, but does well with dogs when introduced slowly. She loves to go for walks and is obedience trained in German. Like all Shepherds is protective of her family or person. If you are interested in adoption, please contact: ginasshepherds@yahoo.com.            

           

Pet Trivia

Did you know that Dalmatian puppies are born pure white? It's only when they start to grow that their black or brown spots begin to appear.