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FDA warns about feeding your pet a raw-food diet In a new study, compared to other types of pet food tested, raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, the FDA said. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning pet owners about feeding their animals raw diets, warning that those who do may have a higher risk of getting infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. In a new study, compared to other types of pet food tested, raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, the agency said. The new warning…

  From an internet posting….worth sharing. Why Teenagers Are Like Cats For all of you with teenagers or who have had teenagers, or are a teenager, you may want to know why they really have a lot in common with cats: Neither teenagers nor cats turn their heads when you call them by name. No matter what you do for them, it is not enough. Indeed, all humane efforts are barely adequate to compensate for the privilege of waiting on them hand and foot. You rarely see a cat walking outside of the house with an adult human being, and…

Concerns About Jerky Pet Treats   By NICHOLAS BAKALAR   Patricia Cassidy’s dog, Doodles, died, in one of the cases associated with eating jerky. There have been more than 3,600 reports of illnesses associated with the pet treats and more than 580 deaths.   Seven years ago, Jordan Smith offered her two dogs a Christmas treat: pieces of chicken jerky. Within hours, Eugene, a 14-year-old wire-haired pointing griffon, and Choppy White, a poodle of uncertain age, had diarrhea and were vomiting. A week later, Choppy White died of liver failure. Eugene hung on for a few more weeks but died…

Dr. Sakas Appearing on National Catholic Radio 11/11/13 Dr. Sakas will be on the nationally broadcast radio show, “On Call” hosted by Wendy Wiese, on Relevant Radio, Monday, November 11th from 1-2 PM CST. This is a rescheduling of the previous announced November 26th date. The broadcast can be heard on 950 AM, 930 AM, 1270 AM or accessed through your computer at www.relevantradio.com and listened to online. It is a call in show and Dr. Sakas has been a regular guest on the show. Their phone number for call ins is 1-877-766-3777. Future dates for next year are being…

An interesting article about cats from the Washington Post..   Dogs we understand. Cats are mysterious, even though they are the most popular pet By John Bradshaw, Published: October 14 Cats are the world’s most popular pets, outnumbering dogs by as many as three to one. This popularity is undoubtedly helped by the fact that cats are simultaneously affectionate and self-reliant: They need virtually no training; they groom themselves; they can be left alone without pining for their owners, but most nonetheless greet us affectionately when we get home. In a word, they are convenient. Even so, cats remain aloof and…

Halloween Hazards for Your Pets Peter S. Sakas DVM   Halloween is a holiday that is great fun. Through the years more and more people have really become involved with extensive decorations in and around the house. In addition, there is the candy and trick or treating. Candy is around the house in bowls for the trick or treaters as well as the candy collected by your own kids as they canvas the neighborhood with their own trick or treating. If you have Halloween parties for kids or adults there will be food and drink around as well. With all…

From the American Animal Hospital Association 5 Tips to De-stressing Your Cat’s Vet Visit “Chloe, why do you always hide under the part of the bed I can’t reach? I’ll have to use the broom to get you out and into that darn carrier. We have to be at the veterinarian’s office in 20 minutes!” You’re not alone if you can identify with the above scenario. Getting your cat to the veterinarian every year (better yet, every six months) is important, even if your cat seems perfectly fine. But doing so can be a challenge. You might feel like the…

Dr. Sakas will be on the nationally broadcast radio show, “On Call” hosted by Wendy Wiese, on Relevant Radio, Monday, October 7th from 1-2 PM CST. It can be heard on 950 AM, 930 AM, 1270 AM or accessed through your computer at www.relevantradio.com and listened to online. It is a call in show and Dr. Sakas has been a regular guest on the show. Their phone number for call ins is 1-877-766-3777. Future dates have been set up….all between 1-2 CST. The remaining upcoming date for this year is Tuesday November 26th. We will keep providing updates. If you…

10 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Dog Have you been dreaming of getting a dog ever since you saw the reruns of the television classic Lassie as a kid? Or maybe you were fortunate enough to watch the original series. While your dog might not be able to save you week after week from a burning building, a runaway freight train, or the bottom of a well (and in the time it takes to finish a 30-minute episode, too), owning a dog can be a wonderful experience. Here are 10 things you should know and consider before choosing…

Commit to Your Pet’s Health During National Pet Wellness Month AMY JO HAND More than likely you visit the doctor and/or dentist at least once a year. Are you doing the same for your pet? Because cats and dogs age quicker than us, taking them to the veterinary hospital once a year is like you going once in five to seven years! October is National Pet Wellness Month (NPWM); celebrate by committing to your furry friends’ health with annual wellness exams. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends annual wellness exams at a minimum, and as your pet gets older,…