In this month’s episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah reviews one of those I’ve-heard-mentioned-before-but-don’t-know-very-much-about canine health topics, Parvovirus. Sadly, with spring comes a seasonal increase in this potentially lethal disease, so you and your pup need to be prepared. Our staff veterinarian explains what the disease is, how it’s transmitted, tips about how to hinder its spread, symptoms to look out for, as well as what to do if your dog contracts this illness. And, be sure to watch the entire video, to learn how you can prevent your sweet pup from ever getting parvo. Thanks for watching this installment of Pet Talk, and check back next month for another brand new episode.

This month, I’d like to share with you a study on spay and neuter procedures that’s making big waves in veterinary circles. It really has surprised many people. However, before I launch into the review, I want to caution you that sometimes studies can be misleading, so let’s take the following with a grain of salt before we overhaul the way we think about the importance of alteration surgeries.

This new study was published by researchers at the University of California – Davis. It indicates that neutering may adversely impact the risk of some dogs for developing certain cancers and joint problems. This study runs counter to prevailing sentiments, so it’s worth a review of where we stand now. More...

Stories about our foundation’s charitable giving are some of the most popular features on this blog. If you are a regular reader, you’ll have a pretty good idea what kinds of rescue groups are chosen as recipients of our financial assistance. Regardless of their structures or focus, whether they’re traditional dog-and-cat shelters or breed-specific foster networks, you’ll know that every one of these awardees is deserving of the help our foundation provides.

What you may not know is that, on every application for funding, applicants must submit specific information … about their finances, daily operations, cleaning protocols, how they would respond to hypothetical situations, and more. One pertinent question posed is, ‘If your funding request is granted, what are your plans for the money?’ When it comes to saving the lives of animals subjected to homelessness, neglect and abuse, sometimes the most noble goals are also the most universal … the provision of nourishment, shelter and a healing touch. These are definitely cases where the immediate needs of the few are weighted more heavily than tomorrow’s needs of the many. More...

Skin problems rank high among the most common reasons that pets go to the veterinarian. Chief complaints include unexplained lumps and bumps that develop on the surface of the skin, under the skin, or even inside the mouth. The good news is that most of the time these swellings are simply benign (non-cancerous) growths. However, it is imperative to have any suspicious growths examined by your vet since they could lead to a more serious condition that may require treatment. More...

Sometimes just meeting the basic necessities can be the greatest gift of all.

Along with a safe place to live, a reliable source of food is the most vital of needs. Unfortunately, too many in this country live with food insecurity, going day-to-day without knowing when – or if – their next meal will come.

In times of hardship, individuals step forward to lend a helping hand. No other small group of dedicated people is more devoted to helping their neighbors than Community Sharing. It’s our foundation’s great pleasure to assist them in achieving their goals. More...

For most of us, the meal of the year is quickly fading from memory. While families, friends and neighbors gathered together last Thursday for Thanksgiving, others were slowly picking up the pieces of their lives after Hurricane Sandy, the largest Atlantic storm on record. Pummeling the East Coast beginning on October 29th, the death toll of the 1,000-mile-wide superstorm is estimated to be 113 human lives. Not tallied, and possibly unknowable, are the numbers of companion animals lost in the wake of this devastating weather event. More...

The inclusion of animals in medical settings is nothing new – in fact, dogs and other animals have been visiting hospitals and other medical care facilities for over 150 years. The benefits of using therapy dogs in facilities where comfort and affection may be in short supply have become strikingly evident in recent years – and the need for these canine volunteers has grown exponentially. In fact, many people have asked me what character traits make for a good therapy dog. Since it’s a wonderful way to help someone in need, I’m glad to use this forum to discuss what makes a good therapy dog and give you an introduction to getting your dog started in this most noble of vocations. More...

In this thrilling episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah peers into her crystal ball and treats pet parents to some special tricks to help fur-kids have a happy and healthy Halloween. Our staff veterinarian offers some timely tips on keeping your pets’ paws off potentially hazardous candies. Further, Dr. Sarah conjures up the perfect spell to keep your furry friends from unexpectedly venturing out among the other creatures of the night! And, since tasty treats are central to All Hallow’s Eve, Dr. Sarah reveals some healthier options made especially with your four-footers’ nutritional needs and well-being in mind. In the brief video, you’ll learn all sorts of helpful tricks for taking the fear out of your Halloween celebration!

One of the most amazing things about canines is the astounding range of sizes and shapes they come in. From Saint Bernards to Chihuahuas - and everything in between – there’s a dizzying array of physical variations. This explosion of varieties has happened extraordinarily quickly in terms of evolutionary timescales due to relentless selective breeding by humans and, as a result of our genetic meddling, the dog is now the physically most diverse land animal on the planet.

With the multitude of shapes and sizes in the canine kingdom, you may be surprised to note that only six or seven locations in a dog’s genetic code can explain about 80% of the differences in height and weight among dog breeds. In comparison, in studies on humans, like those conducted by Carlos Bustamente, professor of genetics at Stanford, differences in height and weight in humans are controlled by hundreds if not thousands of genetic variations. More...

On behalf of the Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation, it is our privilege to announce the gift of yet another financial award. This month’s featured group is Animal Friends Humane Society, a non-profit based in Boerne, TX. Saving canine lives since 2000, this impressive little group was established with the goal of serving a small part of the greater San Antonio area where over 50,000 dogs and cats are euthanized annually. During the last 12 years, they’ve continued to grow and foster their own place in the community. More...