Snakes threaten Hawaii’s fragile island ecosystem

Hawaii has been largely successful in preventing snakes from entering the island paradise over the years and avoiding the grave danger they present to tropical birds, colorful plants and the vibrant environment that draws millions of tourists to the state each year.
But the recent capture of escaped pet snakes — illegal in [...]

Take extra care handling pet with broken bone

LOS ANGELES — Broken bones for dogs and cats may not be life threatening, but a trip to the vet can guard against more serious injury.
Even for the most mild-mannered of pets, a car crash, fight or fall can be traumatizing and require extra care in handling, said Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, [...]

Study Shows Pet Ownership Has Psychological Benefits

It’s well known that dogs are “man’s best friend” — and now we have science to prove it.
The emotional benefits of pet ownership can be equal to those of human friendship, according to psychologists at Miami University and St. Louis University.
The findings, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, are based on three [...]

Don’t leave pets in the car during hot months!

The “dog days” of summer can be dangerous for dogs — especially those dogs left inside hot cars. Every year, many dogs and cats die after being locked in cars. Sadly these tragic deaths are preventable.
Have you ever noticed how hot it can get inside a car on a summer day [...]

Puppy Love: Pet Owners Are Happier, Healthier

Pets are good sources of social and emotional support for everyone, not just people facing health challenges, new research suggests.
“We observed evidence that pet owners fared better, both in terms of well-being outcomes and individual differences, than nonowners on several dimensions,” study researcher Allen McConnell, of Miami University in Ohio, said in a statement. “Specifically, [...]

For People With Diabetes, Pets May Pose Unusual Hazards

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) — Pet owners are familiar with cats pouncing on their feet under the covers or a pooch who nibbles their toes in bed.
But if you have diabetes, this lighthearted play is off-limits: Your feet and hands should not be exposed when sleeping with a pet.
Click here to find out more!
In [...]

‘There are some dog breeds that should just not be pets’

Union City police officers shot and killed a pit bull Tuesday that they say mauled a smaller dog. The smaller dog, which neighbors said was a black poodle, died from injuries it sustained in the attack. The debate about pit bulls, and the different breeds, rages on at NJ.com/hudson.
NYGIANT56
… I love animals [...]

Animal Hoarding: Notes from a Hoarding Researcher

When you think of an animal hoarder does the the image of a “cat lady” come to mind? The image of someone who has dozens of felines is a reality, but it’s not the only game in town. There’s also the man down the street who has a dozen dogs or the young woman across [...]

Do childhood pets affect allergy risk?

“Having a pet in the house during the first year of a child’s life could halve the risk of them becoming allergic to the animals, a study suggests,” reported the Daily Mail.
This story is based on a study that followed 566 children from birth up to the age of 18 years. It [...]

Pets Are Safer Inside on Hot Days

With another heat wave expected this week, pet owners need to take heed to some basic precautions to ensure the safety of animal companions.
Consider that dogs don’t sweat – they cool off through their paws, and this is why they pant when they are hot. Jen Lyons, main kennel operator for [...]