Blog at Niles AH
-
Jul 21 2013
Company’s Hypoallergenic Cat Claims May Be False
Many cat lovers with cat allergies would be willing to pay top dollar for a truly hypoallergenic cat, so when a biotech company called Allerca announced in 2006 that it had developed such a breed, prospective owners forked over thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to get one. But now an investigative report by ABC’s “The Lookout” has shown that Allerca’s claims about hypoallergenic cats appear to be a lot of unsubstantiated hype. A protein known as Fel d 1, found in cats’ saliva, is what causes allergies to cats. Simon Brodie, the founder of Allerca (now known…
-
Jul 01 2013
West Nile virus outbreak in 2012 was the worst since 2003
With the warm weather, we now are seeing increases in the mosquito populations, with the resultant increased risk of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases. West Nile Virus is one of those diseases which poses a risk to people and certain types of animals. When Summer Brings West Nile Virus Reviewed by: Joseph V. Madia, MD By:Tara Haelle West Nile virus outbreak in 2012 was the worst since 2003 As summer begins, many may remember the West Nile outbreak that occurred in the summer of 2012. The CDC just released a review of that outbreak and how to avoid…
-
Jun 27 2013
The dangers of leaving a pet in a parked car in hot weather, even with the windows partially open.
Here is a video demonstration of how hot it can get in a parked car for a pet (and people!) in hot weather, even with the windows cracked. Too many pets die and suffer because of being left in a hot car, because of owners not being aware of how dangerously hot it does get in these cars This is a very effective demonstration and will make you see how significantly elevated the temperature becomes and how deadly this situation is for any pet/person left inside these cars. It is imperative not to put them in this situation and please…
-
Jun 19 2013
Natura Pet Recalls Multiple Brands of Dry Dog and Cat Foods, Treats
Here we go again…another pet food recall…. Natura Pet Issues New Dog And Cat Food Recall June 18, 2013 3:28 PM : A sampling of product labels being recalled by Natura Pet Products (Credit: Steve Grzanich) Reporting Steve Grzanich CHICAGO (CBS) — Nebraska-based Natura Pet Products has announced a new voluntary recall of multiple brands of dry pet food and treats. The decision comes after a positive test for Salmonella on April 3. This is the latest in a series of recalls involving the company in the past year. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the…
-
Jun 07 2013
Interacting with Dogs and Cats Good for Your Mental Health
From the AVMA Pet Health SmartBrief- How Pooches Can Replace Drugs Jun 7, 2013 by Jennifer Viegas Dogs may help to correct certain human mental health disorders by beneficially affecting brain chemistry and function, a new study suggests. The research shows how interacting with dogs improves mood among teenagers living in residential treatment centers. In this case, the teens were in therapy for drug or alcohol abuse. “We suggest that the dog interaction activities and/or the dog itself could potentially serve as a non-drug stimulus that may heighten the adolescents’ response to naturally occurring stimuli therefore potentially helping to…
-
May 29 2013
Something Frightening About Research and the Risk of Bioterrorism
From an article posted on the AVMA Pet Health SmartBrief. Although not animal related per se this article should be brought to everyone’s attention. Granted, research is essential to help determine causes and cures of diseases, but in out tumultuous, uncertain times, with the significant risk of bioterrorism, we could be at risk if certain projects are not kept secured. A Most Dangerous Race Posted: 05/27/2013 8:00 am Imagine a flu season in which the disease hits a quarter of the U.S. population and kills 675,000 Americans, mostly young adults, and upward of 40 million people worldwide. That was…
-
May 24 2013
Breed-specific regulation: Not new and not working
From the AVMA Pet Health SmartBrief……. Breed-specific regulation: Not new and not working By Donald Cleary Guest columnist May 24, 2013 We all want to live safely, including with dogs. With that purpose in mind, we should adopt policies that have succeeded, and avoid ones that failed. Breed-specific regulation did not originate with pit bulls. Long Branch, N.J., banned the Spitz in 1878. Massachusetts banned bloodhounds in 1886. Australia prohibited the further importation of German Shepherd dogs in 1929. None of these breed-specific regulations made communities safer, and all have long since been consigned to the dustbin reserved for…
-
May 21 2013
Adam and Eve’s Pets (A Bible “Story”)
This is not my original composition….it is from an email I received, but is a fun Bible “story” that I wanted to share. The Story of Adam & Eve’s Pets Adam and Eve said, ‘Lord, when we were in the garden, You walked with us every day. Now we do not see You any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much You love us.’ And God said, ‘I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you,…
-
May 18 2013
Driving with Pets Increases Crash Rates
Driving with pets increases crash rates MICHAEL VAUGHAN Special to The Globe and Mail Published Thursday, May. 16 2013, 7:00 AM EDT This week: more developments in the battle against distracted driving. The Ontario Government states that distracted driving is cited as a causal factor in 30 to 50 per cent of traffic collisions and pedestrian fatalities. Distracted driving is blamed in more than 10 per cent of all U.S. highway fatalities, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The problem is people fussing with their phones, e-mailing or texting when they should have their eyes…
-
May 16 2013
Illinois Senate passes Puppy “Lemon” Law
Illinois Senate narrowly favors puppy lemon law May 01, 2013 7:27 pm • L.E. Hlavach Times Bureau SPRINGFIELD — Illinoisans who go to a pet store and buy a dog or cat that turns out to be seriously ill would have additional legal remedies under a proposal approved Wednesday in the Illinois Senate. The measure won by a narrow vote — 31 “yes,” 18 “no” and 6 “present.” At least 20 states have similar laws, commonly called “puppy lemon laws,” that outline legal remedies for pet buyers who discover their animal was seriously ill at the time of purchase. To make a…