The Food and Drug Administration has begun a year-long nationwide effort to test pet food for salmonella contamination, but the key concern is not the health of dogs and cats — it’s of their owners. FDA investigators began in October taking samples of dry pet food, pet treats and diet supplements from distributors, wholesalers and Read More

Dr. Tessa King, a veterinarian at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, answers this week’s questions. Question: If my dog is healthy, why does he need annual blood work? Answer: Blood and urine tests are extremely useful tools for looking at the overall health of your pet. From them, a vet can learn if your pet is a diabetic, Read More

By Dr. Marty Becker Is “people food” safe for dogs? Some is, some isn’t, and knowing what’s OK to share can mean the difference between a healthy treat and a trip to the emergency clinic. Poison to Pets Sugar-free candy and gum. Read the label of your favorite sugar-free gum, candy or even cough drop, Read More

Walk the dog, drop the pounds Researchers look to put leash on obesity By Laurel J. Sweet WORCESTER — Taking Fido for a walk can keep people from getting husky, say University of Massachusetts researchers who are trying to get couch potatoes up and out by appealing to their love of dogs. The first-in-the-nation clinical Read More

LOS ANGELES — Dogs have 42 teeth, humans have 32, cats have 30 and Mario has none.  The cat was eating poorly, hiding in the closet, and had red, sore gums when he was diagnosed with a mouth infection called stomatitis. Three surgeries and $10,000 later, all his teeth had been pulled.( Morry Gash / Read More

Anesthesia concerns cause many pet owners to put off dental cleanings, but those fears should be put into context when considering the overall need for essential preventive care for cats and dogs. Advanced periodontal disease not only makes eating a painful experience for the pet, but it also stresses internal organs with a constant shower Read More

BOLIVAR, Mo.—   Veterinarians are calling it dangerous and for dog owners it may be deadly.   The only distributor of the only drug that treats heartworms is all out.   The company that distributes the drug was running low last week and this week they’re running on empty.  What local veterinarians says is so Read More

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WUSA) — Hokie is fine now, but she was one sick pup back in March. “She wasn’t eating well,” says Hokie’s owner, Alyssa Westenberger. “She was vomiting all night.  And her stool started to change a lot.” All of Hokie’s symptoms were because of a parasite called Giardia.  One of the most common parasites Read More

‘Wishbone’ Doggie Treats Recalled by News Desk | Aug 09, 2011 A Texas company is recalling a single lot — 248 cases — of its Doggie Wishbone pet treats because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Merrick Pet Care of Amarillo said the problem was identified through routine sampling by the Food and Drug Administration. Read More

Purina recalls some cat foods Nestlé Purina PetCare Co., is voluntarily recalling a limited number of 3.5- and 7-pound bags of its Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food due to possible contamination with Salmonella. Read More