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Pets poisoned by e-cigarette liquids on rise DNJ Business Brief 10:15 a.m. CDT September 9, 2014   With the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, Pet Poison Helpline has encountered a sharp uptick in calls concerning cases of nicotine poisoning in pets that ingested e-cigarettes or liquid nicotine refill solution.   Nicotine poses a serious threat of poisoning to dogs and cats and e-cigarettes back a powerful punch. The problem is that many pet owners don’t realize it.   Over the past six months, Pet Poison Helpline cases have more than doubled, indicating that along with their increased popularity, the nicotine-delivering…

Behavior Consultations Being Offered Now at the Hospital Dr. Jamie Abete has recently become a member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and will begin offering behavior consultations at Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center starting this fall for birds, cats, and dogs. Dr. Abete, in addition to her veterinary education, has completed graduate level courses in animal behavior and animal training at the John G. Shedd Aquarium through Western Illinois University. She has a personal interest in strengthening the human-animal bond through positive reinforcement training. In addition, Dr. Abete is a strong advocate of “clicker training”…

Family Says it Wasn’t Notified of Contagious Parakeets PetSmart removes parakeets from all stores due to bacterial disease By Natalie Martinez PetSmart June 11 Letter to Customers PetSmart is alerting its customers about a bacterial disease found in parakeets at its stores that can be transmitted to humans, but one suburban Chicago family says their warning came too late. The store has confirmed several cases of psittacosis, also known as parrot flu. When the bacterial infection is transferred to humans — in some cases through the bird’s droppings — victims may develop cold or flu-like symptoms similar to a respiratory…

Actually I should entitle this the danger of believing everything you read on the internet!   The Rumor Of Ice Water & Dogs An old Internet rumor resurfaces and has dog owners wondering: Is ice bad for dogs? From VeterinaryPracticeNews.com     Photo from National Weather StationWe We have been getting a lot of questions from clients and friends asking if ice water is lethal to dogs?  It’s a rumor that’s circulating the Internet and worrying dog owners.   The cautionary tale (titled “NO ICE WATER FOR DOGS…PLEASE READ ASAP”) was written in 2010, but the rumor has been circulating…

North Shore Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus Remember to remove any standing water on your property to help protect yourself from bites. Posted by Emily Stone (Editor) , June 20, 2014 at 01:54 PM Mosquitoes collected in traps in Northbrook and Kenilworth have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD). The mosquitoes were collected June 18. Mosquitoes in Skokie have also previously tested positive. According to the NSMAD: “West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. Mild cases of WNV may cause a slight fever or…

Assess Your Dog’s risk factors Assessing the risk for your dog to get Lyme disease is a combination of where you live, your dog’s lifestyle and his overall health. While many dogs are at risk in their own backyards because of where they live, others may have hunting or travel lifestyles that put them at risk. Understanding the risk in your local area is important. The breed of your dog is not an important risk factor. Big or small, couch potato or hunting dog, any dog can be at risk. Whenever and wherever dogs come in close contact with ticks…

Three Ways to Help Pets Cope With Fear of Storms By Michael Kuhne, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer June 09, 2014; 4:48 AM The loud roar of passing thunderstorms and other loud noises can spark fear in many animals, causing extreme anxiety not only for pets, but also their owners who must manage this stress.   In order to help animals cope with these phobias, pet owners can look for different solutions with the help of their veterinarians. According to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Lauren Connolly, there are several techniques to calm an animal during a thunderstorm.   “Being afraid of thunderstorms…

The Hidden Epidemic of Lyme Disease   Lyme disease is a risk for both humans and their pets. As it is carried by ticks, it is important to use an effective flea/tick preventative on a regular basis. If your pet spends any time in areas which have the potential for the presence of ticks it is prudent for extra protection to have them receive the Lyme vaccination as well. This is an article specifically referring to the human side of the disease, as we are also at risk of developing the disease. In fact, I have known a number of…

Maker of powerful rat poison will cease production in July Kian Schulman, an advocate against using anticoagulant rodenticides (rat poisons), checks the label on a rat trap by a business in Malibu. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)   Maker agrees to stop producing harmful rat poison for consumer market. Powerful rat poison to be replaced has accidentally harmed children and animals.’This is a significant victory for environmental protection,’ attorney says of rat poison halt.   After years of battling federal environmental officials, the maker of d-CON has agreed to stop producing for the consumer market certain rat poisons that…