Cholesterol’s link with canine cancer, choosing oral flea meds, breathing difficulties in pugs, leash manners, and more.

Diet, Health & Research

Elevated Cholesterol’s Link with Canine Cancer Includes a Better Prognosis – Usually thought of as a health detriment, elevated cholesterol may play a role in longer survival times for dogs with a common form of bone cancer.

Which Oral Flea Control Should You Use? – Get updated on the side effects, safety, and methods of the most widely prescribed flea-killing medications for dogs on the market.

The Future of Veterinary Pharmacy – Pharmacists may soon be poised to take on new roles within the growing landscape of animal health, according to Jim Cleary, Group President of Global Commercialization Services and Animal Health for AmerisourceBergen.

Predicting Breathing Difficulties In Pugs, French Bulldogs And Bulldogs – research suggests that there is no way to accurately predict from visible features whether an apparently healthy pug or French bulldog will go on to develop breathing difficulties.

Research Dog Helps Scientists Save Endangered Carnivores – Scat-sniffing research dogs are helping scientists map out a plan to save reclusive jaguars, pumas, bush dogs and other endangered carnivores in the increasingly fragmented forests of northeastern Argentina, according to a new study from Washington University in St. Louis.

Canine Vision Differs From Human Vision – The scientific interest in studying canine cognition has led to the development of a slew of test protocols—some uniquely designed for dogs and others modified from the field of comparative psychology.

Human Health Benefits & Companionship

Pet Therapy for Mental Health: Four-Legged Volunteers Are Helping Patients – One of the things our elder patients miss the most about coming into the hospital is their pets. While they may struggle with certain aspects of their memory, they very clearly remember their animal companions, even those from long ago.

How Pets Can Advance New Drug Development for Humans – These collaborations include the 2007 One Health Initiative between the American Medical Association and the AVMA—a policy that advocates for closer ties between human and veterinary medicine.

The Link between Animal Abuse and Murder – A forensic veterinarian is on a mission to convince law enforcement that people who harm pets often commit other serious crimes.

Behavior & Training

Leash Manners Need a Dog’s Perspective – Being on a leash is unnatural for dogs; it’s restricting, which activates their fight or flight responses. Fleeing is not an option when on leash, so dogs must find alternatives to deal with that stress

COSEQUIN® Supports Veterinary Care and Positive Training in Season 5 of Emmy Award-Winning CBS Show Lucky Dog – The weekly half-hour series, which will air on the CBS Network over a 52-week broadcast schedule, continues to be hosted by animal trainer, Brandon McMillan. Since its premiere in 2013, Lucky Dog has won two Daytime Emmys, two Parent’s Choice Awards, and five Telly Awards.

Dogs Hone Their Sniffing Skills, One Treat at A Time – “All dogs want to sniff,” explained nosework instructor Kathie Nurena, who’s also a physician at Stamford Hospital. “It’s about finding what they want to search for and having a little bit of patience.”

Tails of Interest

AVMA Donates $100,000 to Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts – The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has donated $100,000 toward Hurricane Harvey relief efforts

14 Canine Disaster Search Teams Deployed Out to Help In The Aftermath of Harvey – The non-profit organization rescues dogs out of shelters, then trains them to become search and rescue dogs in disaster situations such as the catastrophe from Hurricane Harvey.

How a Vietnam Vet Changed the Life Of A Twice-Surrendered Shelter Dog – The first time, his owner, a college student, had left Copper behind when she transferred to a new school. Though quickly adopted by a new couple, their busy lifestyle meant they weren’t home often enough to give him the exercise he needed, so he was returned to the shelter’s care.