Pet of the Month: Luna

Meet Luna. She is Northwest's Pet of the Month! Luna is a two year old American Pitbull Terrier. Her favorite toy is a Stuffed Octopus and she loves car rides and playing chase. 

She was a rescue from southern California in a very high kill shelter, while she was pregnant. 

She was adopted shortly after her puppies were adopted out. She was scared, shy, and not confident, but has since blossomed in one of the most loving, friendly, and curious pits. 

She is an absolute joy and we love doing fun things together. She loves her belly rubs! 

February is Pet Dental Health Month

Did you know that a healthy mouth is a necessary aspect of your pet's overall physical health? February is Pet Dental Health Month and we urge you to bring your pet in for a dental appointment this month! Keep your pets’ mouth fresh and disease free this February!

Few things can negatively impact the health of a dog or cat like the pain, inflammation and infection associated with unchecked periodontal disease. Data suggests that an unhealthy mouth can negatively impact the health of a distant organ like the kidneys and the heart. Fortunately, periodontal inflammation is a disease that is both preventable and treatable.

The most important part to excellent dental health is home care. Daily brushing of the gums and teeth with your finger, a finger toothbrush, or best yet a soft toothbrush combined with an enzymatic toothpaste is the most effective tool in periodontal health. Combine brushing with a dog's natural tendency to chew on toys or rawhides,and you have a strong recipe for success. Five minutes per day chewing on an appropriate chew item will halt plaque from hardening into tartar and help condition the gums, thus preventing gingivitis (inflammation). Bones, antlers and hooves are too hard for most dogs and frequently result in chipped or broken teeth. I recommend offering large rawhides given under direct supervision (to prevent a dog from swallowing large pieces). 

Although brushing and chewing are the foundation of good home care there are a myriad of products available to supplement these efforts. Oral rinses, water additives, and powders may assist with dental health, but are often never truly tested for effectiveness and sometimes not even safety tested. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) was created by veterinarian dental specialist to review product data to see if effectiveness claims had any validity. I recommend you choose products that either your veterinarian has recommended or that carry the VOHC seal. 

Even with the best home care, eventually gingivitis and periodontal disease will rear their ugly heads. Your veterinarian can identify when this is beginning to happen during your pet's annual exam, or, in the case of elderly dogs, twice yearly exams. Some pets need full dental cleaning/prophylaxis under anesthesia every year, while others can go many years with home care alone. Your veterinarian will help you determine your pet's specific needs. 

Anesthetic based dental prophylaxis versus non-anesthetic cleaning…now the controversy begins! Virtually all the board certified veterinary dentists in the United States are in agreement that non-anesthetic cleaning cannot accomplish their intended health goals and are at best cosmetic, and at worst, detrimental. It is almost impossible to clean and examine the insides of the back teeth unless a cat or dog's mouth remains fully open without movement for the full hour or so it takes to adequately clean, polish and examine both the visible aspects of the tooth and the tooth under the gum line where most of the disease causing abnormalities and inflammation will be found. Also, it is impossible to x-ray teeth when awake and if a tooth is diseased, it is likely to be painful to the dog if probed or curetted while awake. At our practice, we frequently have to address pathology that was missed or aggravated by non-professional, non-anesthetic cleanings done elsewhere, shortly after those "cleanings" have been performed. 

Anesthesia in this day and age is very gentle and very safe. We use multiple methods to monitor animal health during anesthesia (ECG, blood pressure, carbon dioxide levels, oxygen levels, etc.). The newer anesthetic agents we now use are the same as used in human anesthesia and allow us to safely anesthetize even compromised patients. Licensed technicians and veterinarians have extensive training and ongoing education in safe anesthetic techniques. When the rare risk of anesthesia is weighed against the risk of not adequately treating periodontal disease, there simply is no rational reason to avoid a complete dental prophylaxis treatment under anesthesia. 

By utilizing all the tools available: tooth brushing, appropriate regular chew items, VOHC approved dental health aids and complete dental prophylaxis under anesthesia, your cat or dog will be able to enjoy a healthy, non-painful mouth over a long lifetime. 

For a view from a veterinarian that once participated in non-anesthetic dentals but then realized their limitations, please see www.youtube.com/user/SeattleVeterinary/videos. 

Stuart Spencer, DVM  

Dr. Spencer earned his degree from the University of California, Davis. He received a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Range Management from Cal Poly San Luisobispo.

"I have a special interest in well patient care, geriatrics, internal medicine, endoscopy and laser surgery." 

He has two dogs, one of which "has a talent for challenging all of my medical abilities with his many chronic illnesses." Dr. Spencer has a strong interest in international development and resource management. Away from the office, he spends time fly-fishing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, soapstone carving, snow skiing, and snowshoeing.

6 Common Cat Health Problems

Cats are good at self-maintenance, but even your fastidious feline can't prevent some of the more common cat diseases and health issues. To help you care for kitty, here's a brief overview of six of the most common cat health problems.

Common Cat Health Problem: Vomiting

Vomiting is a very common cat health problem, with causes ranging from eating something poisonous or inedible (like string), to infection, urinary tract disease, or diabetes.

Symptoms are usually obvious, and include drooling and abdominal heaving. Vomiting can quickly leave your cat dehydrated, so if kitty continues vomiting or acts ill, call your vet right away. And, because it's hard for a pet owner to tell the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, collect a sample of your cat's vomit and take it with you to the vet.

Common Cat Health Problem: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD)

About 10% of cats brought to the vet have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is actually a group of feline diseases with multiple causes.

Female and male cats can get FLUTD, and it often occurs in cats that are overweight, unfit, or who eat dry food. Stress, a multi-cat household, and sudden changes can all raise a cat's risk of FLUTD, and treatment depends on the type of FLUTD your cat has. FLUTD symptoms include:

• Straining to urinate
• Bloody urine
• Urinating in unusual places
• Crying when urinating
• Licking around the urinary area (often because of pain)
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting

It's always an emergency if your cat can't urinate. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has a urinary tract problem.

Common Cat Health Problem: Fleas

Fleas are a very common external feline health problem, but one you can treat easily. Signs your cat has fleas include:

• Flea dirt on their skin (they look like tiny black dots)
• Constant scratching
• Frequent licking
• Red or irritated skin
• Hair loss
• Skin infections or hot spots

Fleas can live for more than a year, and your cat risks anemia if the problem becomes serious, so be sure to treat your cat's flea problem and prevent future infestations.

Talk to your vet about which flea control would be best for your cat. Treatments include oral medication, powders, foams, and topical medication.

Common Cat Health Problem: Tapeworms

One of the most common feline health problems inside your cat, tapeworms live in kitty's small intestine, sometimes growing as long as two feet.

Symptoms of a tapeworm infection can be subtle, but may include vomiting and weight loss. The easiest way to tell if your cat has tapeworms is to look at its feces and around its anus. If you see small white worms, or what look like grains of rice or sesame seeds, your cat likely has tapeworms.

Treatment options include injection or oral medication, but because cats almost always get tapeworms as a result of swallowing a flea, be sure to handle any flea problems your cat has before tackling tapeworms.

Common Cat Health Problem: Diarrhea

Many things can cause diarrhea in cats, including hairballs, spoiled food, allergies, infection, liver disease, cancer, and more.

Symptoms of diarrhea are loose, watery, or liquid stool. Depending on its cause, diarrhea can last for a day, a week, or even months.

If your cat has diarrhea, offer kitty plenty of fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration, then remove kitty's food for no more than 12-24 hours. Take your cat to the vet if he or she still has diarrhea after a day, or immediately if you notice vomiting, dark, or bloody stools, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or if you cat is straining to defecate.

Common Cat Health Problem: Eye Problems

Eye problems in cats can be caused by a number of things, including conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, trauma, viruses, inflammation, and retinal disease.

A few symptoms that may mean your cat has eye problems include watery eyes, tear-stained fur, cloudiness, red or white eyelid linings, gunk in the corners of the eye, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a visible third eyelid.

Unless you know what's causing your cat's eye problems, there isn't much you can do other than wipe away any gunk with a damp cotton ball. After that, call your vet.

SOURCES: American Veterinary Medical Association: "External Parasites," "What is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease?" 

Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County: "About FLUTD. 

"Veterinary Partner: "Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)." "Vomiting and Diarrhea." 

Suevet.com: "Cat Vomiting." 

ASPCA: “Fleas," “Worms," “Diarrhea," “Top Tips for Keeping Kitty's Eyes Healthy.” 

©2011 WebMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 

Source: WebMD.com
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/6-most-common-cat-health-problems

National Pet Travel Safety Day

It’s National Pet Travel Safety Day. A day to remember that protecting your pet on the road is extremely important! If you’re traveling by car, remember your pet should always wear a seat belt or be strapped in in a carrier. If you have questions about travel safety, we’ll be glad to help!

Halloween Safety Tips

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.aspx

Protecting Pets From Contaminated Food: Be Informed, Be Prepared

Since the dawn of documentaries like Super Size Meand Food, Inc., America's relationship with food and nutrition has undergone a significant change. Words like gluten-free, sustainable and free-range have entered our lexicon, and many of us are taking a second look at labels and thinking twice not just about what we put into our bodies, but also where it comes from. It follows naturally that as we make better and more informed choices about our own food, we would also start giving more careful consideration to what we feed our pets.

As Co-CEO of the nation's leading pet health insurance company, and executive editor of fetch!magazine, I consider myself an informed consumer. Like most pet parents, I try to make the very best choices in pet food and I am willing to pay for a better, more healthful product to help my pets live their best life. But it turns out that knowing what to look for on labels is only the beginning, and that even products from companies with a sterling reputation can sometimes come up short.

This lesson hit home at the Petplan offices just recently. As the editorial team was putting the finishing touches on our Gourmet Issue (due in homes and stores on August 31), the news broke that a product we planned to recommend was being recalled. Though this is just the latest in a string of pet food recalls making headlines this year, we were rattled. After all, this was a high-end treat made with cage-free chicken, Vitamin E and flaxseed, from a manufacturer we trust. While we love to cover policyholders when they make unexpected trips to the vet, we certainly don't want those visits happening because of a product we endorsed! It begs the question -- how can you really know if what you're feeding your pet is safe?

We chewed on that for some time as our Gourmet Issue went to press. Pet food recalls are a problem our team of expert veterinarians have written about in the past, and while we can share insight into the health dangers associated with unsafe products, it is much harder to know what to say to pet parents who want to be proactive about safeguarding their pet's diet. In our global world, where food from our corner store often hails from faraway places, even healthy, nutritionally-rich food or treats can pose a risk. That said, taking a measured approach to pet food can help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Do your homework
Carefully examine the ingredients -- and ingredient sources -- in your pet's food. Talk to your vet about your pet's age, breed and health history and ask for recommendations as well as suggestions of foods to avoid. Take to the Internet to check out the manufacturer; see if they have a Veterinary Nutritionist on staff and look for any recent recalls in the news. Don't forget to give due diligence to treats!

Stay informed
One advantage of our 24-hour news cycle is that it is relatively simple to track topics of interest. Setting up a "pet food recall" Google alert, subscribing to FDA alerts and following experts on Twitter like @AVMARecallWatch can help you stay ahead of the curve. Keep up with veterinarians who blog, like Dr. Ernie Ward, Dr. Kim Smyth and Dr. Jules Benson for the latest pet health news and information.

Trust your gut
If you suspect something is wrong, go to your vet -- whether a recall has been issued or not. You know your pet better than anyone, and any interruptions to or changes in their eating patterns and behaviors can spell trouble. Food-borne illnesses and complications from food contamination can develop rapidly, so it is always best to seek medical attention for your pet at the first sign of trouble.

Expect the Unexpected
Of course, no matter what plans you make, life has other plans. After asking ourselves how you can really know if what you're feeding your pet is safe, we all arrived at the same unsettling conclusion -- you just can't. Which is why you should consider the worst case scenario and put a plan in place to tackle it. Take it from someone who has been there -- the emergency vet is no place to make expensive decisions about your pet's health. Prepare for surprises, protect your pet with dog or cat insurance and pray that you never have to use it.

At the end of the day, by arming yourself with knowledge and expecting the unexpected, you can avoid letting worry about your pet's diet overshadow the simple delight of providing him or her with a nourishing meal or tasty treat. Food is one of the ways we bond with one another, one of life's pleasures that can be shared with those we love, whether they have two or four legs. Our increased awareness about where our food comes from (and this year's increased frequency of recalls!) may cause a touch of trepidation, but ultimately, our understanding can lead to a deeper appreciation for how food keeps our bodies healthy, gives us energy to care for ourselves and our pets, and inspires us to taste all that life has to offer.

Natasha Ashton

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-ashton/healthy-pet-food_b_1757699.html

Pets & Insects

It’s September, the season for cooler weather, picnics, barbecues, camping trips…and that means bees and wasps! If you’re planning on taking your pet to a picnic or out on a camping trip, make sure you keep an eye on them. Bee stings can be dangerous for pets, especially if they’re allergic! We recommend removing the stinger from the site as quickly as possible after your pet has been stung, applying ice to offset swelling, and monitoring your pet for at least 24 hours. Remember, DO NOT give your pet a painkiller unless it has been prescribed by us!

Pet Obesity

Is your pet overweight? We recommend keeping your pet on a healthy diet, and exercising them regularly to prevent weight issues from developing. It’s important to give your pets only healthy foods that are a part of their own diets—human food is strictly discouraged because so much of it can be dangerous for our pets!—and exercise such as daily walks for dogs, and regular playtime for dogs and cats are a definite must to keep your pet healthy. 

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month!

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month! We recommend that every family create an evacuation plan in case of a disaster. It’s also important to include your pet in your evacuation plan! Remember to pack food and medication so that in the event of a separation, you could be reunited. View the video below of some team members from Queen Anne Animal Clinic speaking about the importance of making a disaster preparedness kit for your pet.

Exposure to Pets Can Make Young Children Healthier

A new study published online from the journal Pediatrics found that children who had pets as part of their environment during their first year of their lives were on average healthier than children who did not have exposure to pets. The study specifically looked at the impact that the presence of cats and dogs had on the children, and found that when a pet was present during the child's first year, the child on average suffered fewer ear infections and colds, among other health benefits.

How was the study conducted?

According to the article in Pediatrics, the study was conducted in Finland. It involved some 397 children, who were followed from pregnancy up until they passed their first year. All the children were born in the three-year period between 2002 and 2005. Households were asked to keep weekly diaries regarding the presence of dogs and cats, and then at the end of the child's first year, filled out an additional questionnaire.

What did the study find, specifically?

A link was found between the number of ear infections, colds, and other respiratory ailments and the amount of time that a child spent exposed to animals. In addition, the number of times a child required a course of antibiotics for their ailments was also studied against exposure to animals.

In general, researchers found that exposure to a pet decreased the chances that a child would develop respiratory ailments or other ailments needing antibiotic treatment. This correlation was far stronger in dogs, where exposure appeared to coincide with as much as a 31 percent reduction in respiratory issues, including infections, as well as a 44 percent reduction in the number of ear infections and a 29 percent smaller risk that a child would need antibiotic treatment, as reported by MyHealthNewsDaily. In cats, that link between exposure and health was still present, but the benefits appeared to be somewhat reduced in comparison to exposure to dogs.

Why do the health benefits appear to be greater with exposure to dogs?

Researchers speculated that the nature of the animal may have something to do with it. Dogs are more likely to be outside, which also means that they can pick up more dirt. Dr. Eija Bergoth, one of the study's authors, told WebMD that it is likely that the greater exposure to dirt and other outside elements facilitated by dog ownership is probably the reason that dogs bring more measurable health benefits to a child's respiratory system than cats, as cats are more likely to stay indoors. Bergoth also said that differences in dander could be a culprit, but more study is needed to determine the cause of the disparity.

What are the challenges to the study?

The study did not separate the children into different categories per their living environment. Researchers did not differentiate between children who lived in a rural versus an urban environment. Critics told CNN that oversight could have had an affect on the results, as the microbes and other agents that exist in the city differ from those in a rural environment.

http://news.yahoo.com/study-exposure-pets-young-children-healthier-172800246.html 

Today is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

How long has it been since your cat visited us at Seattle Veterinary Associates? Today is National “Take Your Cat to the Vet” Day! If your cat is due for a visit, it’s time to get them checked. Remember, there’s supposed to be 6-12 months between each visit, depending on your pet’s age! Regular visits can help your cat live longer, because we can identify and treat problems sooner.

Pets & Insects

It's time to go outdoors with your pet and check out all flowers and plants. Make sure to keep an eye on your pet in case a bee decides he doesn't want your pet to get up close and personal. There are all sorts of flying critters out in the garden, so make sure your pet is protected from allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Protect your pet so you both can enjoy the summer season together!

Happy Work Anniversary Michelle!

Happy Work Anniversary to Michelle, Licensed Veterinary Technician, who has been a part of the Seattle Veterinary Associates team for 4 years! Thank you for all that you contribute and for being a great team member!

 

Ask the Vet - How do you keep a dog inactive while he recovers from ACL surgery?

Question: 

We have a 10 year German Shepherd, in good health, other than what has been diagnosed as a partial ACL tear in one rear knee. We both work and we also have a second, younger and very playful german shepherd. This makes it seem impossible to me to make it through a post surgery recovery period. I am leaning towards trying a brace option as it seems more "appropriate" or a better fit for our situation. Obviously you can't comment based on the extent of the injury. Is there a general comment you could make about recovery processes and or braces?

Answer: 

This is a challenging problem! The recovery period is an important strategic challenge with any patient undergoing a cruciate surgery. Practical considerations such as the layout of your home, the temperament of your pets and the ability to restrict activity are important factors. Most clients faced with these challenges have figured out temporary solutions to optimize their pet’s recovery such as ramps, sedatives, kennels to limit activity, separating other pets, etc.
With respect to the orthopedic braces, they may help stabilize the joint in the short term and in theory could help recovery if there truly is a partial cruciate. Most partial cruciate injuries progress with time and I question the long term return on a brace with respect to stabilizing the joint and minimizing the inflammation associated with chronic instability. Osteoarthritis will develop quicker and with more severity if the instability is not eliminated 100% of the time. If your shepherd has torn its meniscus (50-75% of cases) the brace will do nothing for recovery. In my opinion, the long term benefits obtained from surgery far outweigh the short term inconveniences of setting the proper stage for recovery. I am also not aware of any legitimate studies showing braces are an effective alternative to surgery. For more information on cruciate injury please see our previous blog posts or visit our website.

Categories: Ask the Vet

http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/2012/06/15/ask-the-vet-how-do-you-keep-a-dog-inactive-while-he-recovers-from-acl-surgery

Dr. Jeb Mortimer, Greenlake Animal Hospital

Dr. Mortimer earned his degree from Iowa State University. He received a B.A. in Biology from Baylor University, and completed an internship in Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Surgery in Rochester, New York. His interests include internal medicine and surgery, including minimally invasive surgery (endoscopy and laparoscopy).
“Above all, I have a strong interest in people and animals. The relationship between my patients and their owners is the reason I am in this profession.”
When away from the practice, he spends most of his time having fun with his family (his wife Kristie, three children, three cats and one “Labrador non-retriever”. Personal interests include fly-fishing, hiking, gardening and travel.

WSU veterinarians are caring for infant owls

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Veterinarians at Washington State University are raising nine tiny great horned owls after the birds' nests were destroyed.

 Baby horned owls are rarely seen by the public because adult owls aggressively protect them, making it difficult to get near a nest.

The babies, five from one nest and four from another, are being hand-fed until they are strong enough to eat on their own. The first four were brought to the university April 13 at roughly one week old. Just four days later, the second group arrived at only a few days old.

"We've had great horned babies before, but in 10 years, I've never had any this young," said Nickol Finch, who oversees the school's Raptor Rehabilitation Center. "Pretty much all they're doing is eating and sleeping."

The palm-sized birds are living at WSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where they are being fed cut-up mice soaked in water.

Four of the infant owls survived a fall to the ground near Colton after someone unknowingly cut down a tree where they were nesting, Finch said. The other five were brought to a veterinarian in Lewiston, Idaho, after their nest was destroyed inside a chimney during a home remodel.

"With no nest to be returned to, babies on the ground are vulnerable," Finch said. "At this age, they would probably not survive if left on the ground. The parents will still try to protect them and feed them if they are on the ground, but keeping them warm is another story."

The owls must be fed three times a day, and if they survive will stand 2 feet tall with a 4-foot wingspan.
Great horned owls are fierce-looking predators with yellow eyes and tufts resembling pointy ears. They hunt rodents, rabbits, snakes and skunks.

People working with the baby owls are instructed not to talk when feeding them.
"It's important that the owls don't imprint on humans," said Finch, who plans to release the baby owls this summer. "The more independent they are, the better."

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Wash-State-University-raising-infant-horned-owls-3509780.php#ixzz1tS0VBIoN

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/WSU-raising-infant-horned-owls-3509780.php

Pets & Cookouts

The weather is getting warmer and many people are firing up their grills for burgers, hotdogs, steaks and ribs. Dogs love the smell of meat, and some dogs will do anything to get some for themselves. Knowing this, it's important to use extra caution around the grill during cooking. Remember, your dog won't use caution about which part of the meat he eats if he grabs a piece, and swallowed bones could mean injury, or even death. It's just not worth it! Keep Fido inside during the grilling festivities.

March is Poison Prevention Month

March is Poison Prevention Month. Did you know that some of the most common household items that poison pets include human medication, both prescription and over the counter? With over 25,000 reported cases of pets poisoned by eating human medicine, it’s important to exercise extreme caution when it comes to storing these items! Keep your medications high up on shelves and closed inside cabinets, where your pet cannot access them. It’s also important to open bottles over counters so that any dropped pills don’t end up on the floor where they can be snapped up by a curious pet. Use precaution, and give your pet a long, healthy life.

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