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Good Samaritan Arrested for Helping Animals Affected by Hurricane Florence

As residents of North Carolina frantically attempted to evacuate in the hours ahead of Hurricane Florence’s landfall, one woman was determined to rescue many of the pets left behind. Her reward? Twelve misdemeanor counts.

Tammie Hedges, founder of Crazy’s Claws N Paws, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income families pay their veterinary bills, had shifted her focus to rescuing pets left behind during the evacuation. Before the hurricane hit, she had begun to convert warehouse space into an animal shelter. When Florence began to pose a threat to the coast, Hedges had not yet registered the shelter officially, but had enough essential supplies and resources to begin sheltering animals until the storm passed.

Over the course of the storm, Hedges’ shelter took in 27 animals from people who were unable to evacuate with their pets. The animals were provided with food, water, basic medical care, and 24 hour supervision.

Once the storm passed, Hedges received a call from the Wayne County Department of Animal Control in which she was told she would need to surrender the animals in her care. With few other options, Hedges complied. Several days later, Hedges was arrested and charged with twelve counts of misdemeanor practice/attempt veterinary medicine without a license and one count of solicitation of a Schedule 4 controlled substance.

While the Department of Animal Control’s grounds for seizing the animals from Hedges’ unregistered animal shelter was valid under the law, many view the seizure and Hedges’ arrest as a gratuitous act against a well-intentioned good samaritan. Following the arrest, members of the community rallied around Hedges and her efforts. A crowdfunding campaign was launched to help cover Hedges’ legal fees and a petition calling for the dropping of the charges has collected over 10,000 signatures.

UPDATE:

Following the public outcry in support of Hedges, the Wayne County District Attorney’s office dropped all charges against her.

Source: Woman arrested after helping animals affected by Hurricane Florence

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Usage Rates of Dog Food Ingredients Suspected of Being Tied to Canine Heart Disease

PetFoodIndustry.com has published a breakdown of the usage rates of dog food ingredients suspected by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as being correlated with increased risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

From the breakdown, at least 12% of all dry dog foods have at least one of the ingredients — peas, chickpeas, lentils, and potatoes — suspected by the FDA as increasing the risk of the development of DCM in dogs. Among grain-free recipes, that number goes up to 50%.

In July, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine released a statement that it was investigating a potential connection between canine diets and the development of canine heart disease. The statement was made after the FDA received several reports of dogs developing DCM. A common link among the reported cases appeared to be diets containing potatoes or legumes, including peas, lentils, and chickpeas. While a causative link between these ingredients and the development of DCM has not been established, the FDA has encouraged pet owners and veterinarians to report any cases of DCM among dogs whose diets contain the suspected ingredients.

For additional details about the suspected ingredients and their incidence rates among dry dog foods, read the full article from PetFoodIndustry.com.

Source: 5 usage rates of dog food ingredients in FDA DCM warning

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How to Evacuate Your Pets During a Hurricane

Mother Nature Network‘s Mary Jo Dilonardo has published a guide to evacuating your pets during a hurricane.

Among the recommendations in the article, Dilonardo suggests that owners prepare for disasters and other emergencies by:

  • IDing your pets, both with wearable tags and with registered subcutaneous microchips.
  • Creating an emergency contact list
  • Investing in pet carriers
  • Keeping photos of you and your pet(s) together
  • Evacuating on the first warning

Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States suggests keeping a pet emergency kit containing:

  • At least three days of food and water in airtight, waterproof containers
  • Bowls for food and water
  • Current photos and physical descriptions of your pets
  • Veterinary records, medications and first aid supplies
  • Comfort items like toys and blankets
  • For dogs: Leash, harness, pet waste bags and a pet carrier that can double as a sleeping area
  • For cats: Litter, litter box and a carrier

“It is crucial that residents are prepared to keep their pets inside if they are able to stay at home or to take pets with them if asked to evacuate in the face of this potentially destructive storm. If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets.”

— Niki Dawson, Director of Disaster Services, The Humane Society of the United States

For more information about the things you can do now to keep you and your pets safe in the face of a hurricane or other disaster, read the full article on Mother Nature Network.

Source: How to evacuate your pet for a hurricane

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HABRI and Petco Foundation Aim to Raise $2.2 Million for Animal Welfare Organizations

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and the Petco Foundation have teamed up to raise $2.2 million to support animal welfare organizations across the United States as part of the annual “All for Saving Lives” campaign which runs through September 9.

The “All for Saving Lives” campaign takes a look at the various ways pets improve our lives, including benefits to physical health and mental health. As part of the campaign, Petco customers are encouraged to make donations during the checkout process at Petco stores and on petco.com.

“The ‘All for Saving Lives’ campaign highlights the science behind the human-animal bond and educates people about the positive impacts of adopting a pet. Supported by scientific research, we share five important ways that pets change people’s lives for the better.”

— Steven Feldman, Executive Director, HABRI

Among the ways pets improve human health and wellbeing, research has shown that pets help to decrease social isolation and improve overall life satisfaction. Owners who walk their dogs regularly have bene shown to have lower rates of obesity than those without dogs. Additionally, interaction with animals helps children develop stronger social skills and reduces stress.

Source: Petco Foundation, Human Animal Bond Research Institute Strive to Raise $2.2M for Animal Welfare Organizations

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PetSafe Announces 2018 Bark for Your Park Grant Recipients

PetSafe recently announced the recipients of its 2018 Bark for Your Park grant.

The Bark for Your Park program provides funding for the maintenance and development of dog parks across the United States. Applicants must provide documentation about their proposed or existing park as well as evidence of authorization and support for the project from community leaders. For the 2018 grants, PetSafe added three additional slots for new park projects ($25,000 grants) to a total of eight. Five applicants will receive grants to maintain existing dog park projects ($5,000).

This year’s recipients include:

New Park Awards

  • Enoch, UT
  • Pasadena, TX
  • Passaic, NJ
  • Pensacola, FL
  • Perris, CA
  • Ponderay, ID
  • Reno, NV
  • Standish, ME

Park Maintenance Awards

  • Baraboo, WI
  • Dallas, TX
  • Rocklin, CA
  • Savannah, GA
  • Williamsburg, VA

“For the right community, a dog park will help to increase pet adoptions and help to reduce the number of dogs surrendered to shelters and rescues due to behavior. That’s the legacy that the PetSafe brand wants to leave in communities across the U.S.”

— Willie Wallace, CEO, Radio Systems Corporation (parent company of PetSafe)

Applications for 2019 Bark for Your Park grants will be accepted beginning in spring of next year. For more information about the program, including how to apply, visit www.petsafe.com/barkforyourpark.

Source: PetSafe Expands Bark for Your Park Grants Program

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PetSmart Charities Launches New Social Media Campaign to Encourage Pet Lovers to #PicMe

PetSmart Charities recently announced the launch of a new social media campaign intended to boost the number of pet adoptions.

The new #PicMe campaign asks social media users to share photos of adoptable pets to encourage others to, from the perspective of the pet, “pick me.” PetSmart Charities is hoping the campaign will encourage pet lovers to adopt 25,000 pets during National Adoption Weekend which runs from September 14 to 16.

“We know people are passionate about helping to end pet homelessness. But historically, unless you were ready to adopt a pet into your home, there was no other way for millions of pet-lovers to take part in National Adoption Weekend. Now, by sharing a photo, video or Boomerang of an adorable, adoptable pet on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and using the hashtag #PicMe, everyone has the ability to help by inspiring their community of followers to consider adopting a pet.”

— David Haworth, President, PetSmart Charities

Source: PetSmart Charities® Launches #PicMe Social Media Campaign to Encourage Pet Lovers To Adopt a Pet if They Can and Inspire Others if They Can’t

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FDA Approves NexGard for Prevention of Lyme Disease

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved NexGard for the treatment of deer ticks and black-legged ticks.

NexGard (afoxolaner), a flea and tick treatment developed by Merial, now part of Borhringer Ingelheim, had previously been approved for the treatment of flea and tick infestations, it had not been approved to prevent Lyme disease often associated with ticks. However, following the release of results of two studies on the effectiveness of NexGard in preventing the transmission of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria responsible for causing Lyme disease, the FDA approved the drug for the prevention of Lyme disease.

The mechanism of NexGard’s Lyme disease preventative action occurs through the killing of deer ticks that serve as Borrelia burgdorferi‘s hosts. With no way for the bacteria to be introduced into dogs, there is no way for them to cause the symptoms associated with Lyme disease.

“Both studies measured the transmission of B. burgdorferi to dogs after exposure to infected ticks. All dogs treated with NexGard tested negative for B. burgdorferi infection, demonstrating that transmission was prevented as a direct result of NexGard killing infected ticks. This research shows that NexGard provides a full month of protection against black-legged ticks infected with the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.”

— Zach Mills, Executive Director, US Pet Veterinary Professional Services

Source: FDA Approves NexGard to Prevent Infections in Dogs

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Popular Exotic Pets at Greater Risk for Release

According to a new study, popular exotic pets are more likely to be released into the wild than other types of pets.

The study, conducted by researchers at Rutgers University, used a combination of historic data and citizen science reporting of non-native species sightings to determine how frequently various types of exotic animals were released into the wild — potentially as invasive species.

The study’s findings suggest that popular exotic pets — often those imported in large numbers and sold at low prices — are at greater risk of being dumped into the wild later than are other types of exotic pets.

“The owners may underestimate the space and costs needed to keep such animals as they grow into adults. Boa constrictors and reticulated pythons grow over 8 feet long. African clawed frogs and Russian tortoises live 30 years or more. Not wanting to euthanize, owners may resort to releasing them instead.”

— Oliver Stringham, Lead Author

The findings point to a greater need to educate consumers on the ecological dangers of wild release as well as the availability of alternative solutions, such as rehoming programs and other human surrender options.

The results of this study can be found in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

Source: For exotic pets, the most popular are also most likely to be released in the wild

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Purina’s Flock-Tober Celebrates Backyard Chickens

Chicken aficionados rejoice! Purina‘s annual Flock-Tober festivities are returning again this year.

Purina’s Flock-Tober is a month-long celebration of chickens that takes place at participating Purina retailers and over social media. Festivities include a number of giveaways as well as the Miss Flock-Tober pageant. Participants in the pageant may qualify for one of four categories: Miss Congeniality, Miss Fancy Feathers, Miss Helpful, and Miss Performance.

For more information on how to join in the Flock-Tober festivities visit Purina’s Chicken & Poultry Feed page or check out Purina Poultry on Facebook or Instagram.

Source: Purina Celebrates Strong Backyard Chickens with ‘Flock-Tober’ 2018

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Virtual Dog Could Help Prevent Actual Dog Bites

A virtual dog may soon help reduce the occurrence of bites from [actual] dogs.

The University of Liverpool’s Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC) recently undertook a project in collaboration with the Dogs Trust and University of Liverpool to create a virtual reality experience to help humans better understand the indicators of aggression in dogs.

The project team sought to model dog behaviors and body language faithfully to allow human participants to experience, first-hand, in 3D, these signs themselves. The virtual dogs in the VR experience demonstrate behaviors from the Canine Ladder of Aggression, including front paw raising, lip licking, lowering of posture, the displaying of teeth, and growling.

“The next steps will look to enhance the detail within the immersive environment to ensure the simulation is as realistic as possible. Future developments will also show a wider range of dog behaviors and the dog’s reactions to user behavior.”

— Iain Cant, Team Leader, VEC Visualization Team

The team hopes the project will help educate the public and consequently curb the number dog bites. In the United States, there are roughly 800,000 dog bites that require medical treatment every year. In the United Kingdom, there are nearly 7,000 hospitalizations to to bites every year.

Source: Meet the virtual pooch that could help prevent dog bites

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Study Suggests Adolescents May Enjoy Pet Rats More Than Cats and Dogs

A recent survey found that adolescents may get more satisfaction from owning pet rats than from pet cats or dogs.

The survey, conducted by RightPet, an online resource for pet owners, involved nearly 17,000 pet owners from 113 countries. The survey contained questions about pets participants owned currently, in the past, as well as those they have worked with. The survey was paired with a Big Five personality assessment to better understand the ways individuals with specific personality traits interact with and respond to specific types of animals.

Among the findings, the survey indicated that children between the ages of 10 and 17 years old got more satisfaction out of pet rats than they did any other animal. The survey results contained other interesting findings as well:

Women vs. Men on the “Dogs vs. Cats” Debate:
Women like cats more than dogs. In contrast, men like cats and dogs the same.

Dog Owners Are Generally Happier with Large Dogs:
Women and men are both more satisfied with larger dog breeds than small breeds. This is especially true for men, who are happiest with large and giant dog breeds.

For People Open to New Experiences:
Pet owners who score high in the personality trait of “openness” tend to be more satisfied with dogs than cats.

Moody and Anxious Men Don’t Care Much for Cats:
Men who experience a lot of negative emotions tend to be less satisfied with cats than more emotionally-stable men (i.e., ones who experience fewer negative emotions). In contrast, moody and anxious women tend to enjoy cats just as much as their more emotionally-stable peers.

The Least Favorite Pets to Own:
Based on 32 types of pet and livestock animals included in the survey,  geese and scorpions are the least satisfying animals to own

For more information on the survey and its findings, check out the full article here.

Source: RightPet Study: Children Enjoy Pet Rats Over Cats and Dogs

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Simple Blood Test Could Help Detect Liver Disease Early in Dogs

According to a new study, a blood test could help veterinarians identify early signs of liver disease in dogs.

The study, conducted by a team based at the University of Edinburgh, examined blood samples taken from 250 dogs, some of whom were known to have liver disease. The researchers were looking specifically at levels of a microRNA molecule, known as miR-122, they believed to be associated with liver disease.

Levels of miR-122 were found to be higher among dogs who were known to have liver disease than those who were not.

The researchers have already begin developing a test kit that can be used by veterinarians to detect miR-122 and, consequently, liver disease.

Prior to this development, veterinarians had to rely on invasive liver biopsies to diagnose liver disease in dogs. The researchers hope this blood test-based method will help improve detection rates while also reducing complications from biopsies.

“We have found a specific, sensitive and non-invasive way to detect liver damage in dogs. We hope that our test will greatly improve outcomes by allowing vets to make rapid and accurate diagnosis.”

— Richard Mellanby, Head of Companion Animal Sciences, The Hospital for Small Animals, The University of Edinburgh

The results of the study have been published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Source: Dogs set to benefit from simple blood test to spot liver disease

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New Study Suggests Dogs May be Calmed by Bob Marley, Phil Collins

According to a new study, dogs tend to be less stressed in the presence of music, with a particular preference given to reggae and soft rock.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow in collaboration with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), examined the effects of music on the stress levels of dogs in kennels. Using cortisol measurements to determine stress levels as well as a rotating playlist consisting of classical, motown, pop, reggae, and soft rock, the researchers observed the dogs over the course of five days.

Researchers found that dogs tended to be less stressed in the presence of music and spent more time lying down than dogs who did not have music playing. The researchers noted that stress levels among dogs were lowest when reggae or soft rock was playing, adding that the differences across genres did not vary by much.

In addition to being used to help kennels and shelters everywhere improve the psychological health of dogs in their care, the results of the study have been directly used by the Scottish SPCA to inform their decision to install sound systems in all of their kennel facilities.

For more information about the study, check out the full story on Mother Nature Network or read the published article in Physiology & Behavior

Source: Stressed dogs prefer reggae and soft rock

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AVMA Highlights Check the Chip Day Successes

Today is Check the Chip Day and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has published some heartwarming success stories to mark the occasion.

An orange tabby cat named T2 escaped from his owner’s temporary home in Florida following a hurricane in 2004. Just this past March, he arrived in an animal shelter as a stray and was reunited with his owner after more than 14 years apart.

Dixxy, a beagle, disappeared from her Maryland home in 2013 and turned up two years later at an Oklahoma animal shelter. Her owners, who had given up hope of ever finding her, picked her up two days later.

Both reunions were made possible by microchips – microchips that linked these much-loved pets with the current contact information for their families.

Check the Chip Day was created by the AVMA in collaboration with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to encourage pet owners to microchip their pet and to keep the registration information accurate and up-to-date. For more information about Check the Chip Day, visit the AVMA website.

Source: Check the Chip Day reunites families

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SuperZoo 2019 Rescheduled to August

The World Pet Association‘s (WPA) annual trade show, SuperZoo, will be pushing back it’s 2019 schedule from July to August, Pet Age reports.

SuperZoo’s new 2019 schedule will run August 20–22. The move comes in response to feedback received from attendees of past shows.

“SuperZoo’s goal is to provide the most robust platform of product discovery, education and networking to ensure this hardworking, dedicated community is able to come together at a date that is most conducive to their business imperatives. Our commitment to serving the needs of the industry requires us to be vigilant, listen to feedback and take action when required. After several conversations and in-depth post show research analysis, we realized that hosting SuperZoo in August more efficiently matches the business goals and priorities of both brands and retailers. Armed with that information, we took immediate action and are pleased to make this industry-requested change.”

— Jacinthe Moreau, President, WPA

SuperZoo registration is expected to open early next year.

Source: SuperZoo Changes Dates to August for 2019 Show

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Amazon’s Dog Food Roll-Out Not Without Problems

Online retail giant Amazon recently launched its own private label pet food line, but the deployment wasn’t without a few hiccups.

According to Petfood Industry, Amazon’s Wag line of dog foods, initially launched in May, has run into issues with both the quality and marketing of its product. A number of customers who ordered Wag’s Salmon & Lentil variety reported that their food seemed to have been pulverized in transit. Other varieties in the Wag line did not appear to have the same problem.

Customers also appeared to take issue with Wag’s claim of containing “ingredients from around the world” without specifying the specific sources.

For more information on Wag and Amazon’s first major foray into the pet food market, read the full story.

Source: Amazon private label dog food experienced problems

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VCA Animal Hospitals Offer Free Boarding to Pets Affected by Wildfires

VCA Animal Hospitals have announced that they will be offering free boarding services to pets that have been displaced due to the recent California wildfires.

The free boarding program is available through participating Northern California VCA Animal Hospitals and contingent on availability. To participate, pets should have received the appropriate vaccinations; however, pets that are not current on their vaccinations are eligible for free vaccinations provided by VCA veterinarians.

“Following the initial days of this devastating situation, our teams from all three local hospitals are proud to have cared for over 300 displaced pets and will continue to welcome more as long as space is available. All of us are concerned for the welfare of families and their pets across Northern California and are ready to help those in need.”

— Art Antin, Chief Operating Officer, VCA Animal Hospitals

Among the VCA Animal Hospitals in the affected area, two located near the evacuation zone of the Carr Fire have remained open to tend to animals in need of treatment or boarding.

For more information on how to participate in the free boarding program, contact your nearest VCA Animal Hospital.

Source: VCA Animal Hospitals Offers Free Boarding for Pets Affected by Northern California Wildfires

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California Veterinarians and Pets Struggling to Keep Up with Fires

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that a number of veterinary clinics are in need of assistance as wildfires continue to rage in California.

As residents evacuate areas affected by fire, many veterinarians have been overwhelmed by pets that have been boarded or simply left behind. Veterinarians are also dealing with higher than normal emergency cases as well as the threat of being displaced themselves as the fires grow.

The AVMA’s American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) offers grants to assist veterinarians with the costs of emergency medical care for animal victims as well as grants to provide aid to veterinarians and veterinary students who have been displaced due to disasters. Those interested in making a contribution to the AVMF to support veterinarians and animals in need can visit avmf.org/donate.

For more information about the effects of wildfires on veterinarians and animals as well as more information about what you can do to help, read the full story here.

Source: Veterinarians in California urgently need your help

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Dogs Able to Interpret Human Emotional States

A recent study provides additional evidence that dogs are aware of our different emotional states.

The study, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, placed participant dogs in an environment with researcher confederates. From behind closed doors, the confederates made either distressed cries for help or would sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. The dogs’ stress levels as well as their reactions to the different emotionally charged sounds were recorded and analyzed.

Dogs who heard the singing approached the door out of curiosity. Dogs who heard distressed cries for help had stress level spikes and approached the door an average of three times more quickly and many attempted to help open the door. Some of the dogs in this condition were so overwhelmed by the stress of hearing the confederate’s cries for help that they effectively froze in place, unable to determine how to help.

“It’s really cool for us to know that dogs are so sensitive to human emotional states. It is interesting to think that all these anecdotes of dogs rescuing humans, they could be grounded in truth, and this study is a step toward understanding how those kinds of mechanisms work.”

— Emily Sanford, Researcher, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University

For additional information about the study and its results, read the full article published in Learning & Behavior.

Source: Dogs know when we’re sad — and rush to help

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Pets in the Classroom Shown to Improve Student Performance

A recent survey conducted by Pets in the Classroom suggests that the program has had a positive impact on multiple areas of students’ lives, both in and out of the classroom.

The survey, issued to teachers who have participated in the Pets in the Classroom program in the past two years, highlighted some of the ways the program has affected students:

  • 70% of participating teachers used their classroom pet one to two times per week.
  • Almost half of participating teachers used their classroom pet every day.
  • 60% of participating teachers observed improvements in students’ academic performance after incorporating a pet into the curriculum
  • 59% of participating teachers reported an improvement in classroom attendance after incorporating a pet into the curriculum
  • 86% of participating teachers reported a decrease in anxiety among their students after incorporating a pet into the curriculum
  • 95% of participating teachers reported an increase in students’ empathy and compassion after incorporating a pet into the curriculum
  • 92% of participating teachers reported an improvement in collaboration among students after incorporating a pet into the curriculum
  • 97% of participating teachers reported an increase in student responsibility after incorporating a pet into the curriculum

“One of my students had very poor attendance from 2nd-4th grade. At open house, her mom explained to me that she has a hard time getting her daughter to come to school. That student was there every day—even when she didn’t feel well—because she didn’t want to miss seeing me and Darwin. At the end of 5th grade, this student had missed zero days! Darwin had a huge impact on this!”

— Participating teacher, Pets in the Classroom program

For more information on the Pets in the Classroom program, visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.

Source: Pets in the Classroom User Survey Shows Positive Results

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