Check this link for a great article on dog nutrition from a veterinary nutritionist that addresses, among other things, the differences between dog and wolf digestion and the scientific evidence behind these differences: http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/07/vegan-dogs-a-healthy-lifestyle-or-going-against-nature/
Here is my favorite part: “ In 2013, a group of researchers compared the dog genome (all the genes in the DNA) to the wolf and found that the differences between the two mainly fell into two categories – genes that were responsible for behavior traits (i.e. how we got from the temperament of a wolf to a golden retriever) and starch digestion. Yep, you read that correctly – one of the major genetic differences between dogs and wolves is that dogs have evolved to better be able to digest starches (carbohydrates) than wolves!”
Advice for getting your pets through the loud and scary 4th of July holiday:
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/July-4-Safety.aspx?utm_source=smartbrief&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=smartbrief-assoc-news

A great resource for information on Pet Nutrition

Tufts University has a veterinary school with a wonderful nutrition service.  They have an extensive website dedicated to providing information on pet nutrition.  Here you can find information on just about any topic related to pet food.  And rather than relying on information posted by owners, or pet food companies, or even general practice veterinarians, this information comes from board accredited veterinary nutritionists, people whose careers are dedicated to the study of animal nutrition.
Check it out:
http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

Leptospirosis... What is that again doc? Does my dog really need that vaccine?

Here is link to another article on Lepto that explains how the vaccine can protect your dog and your family!
​http://wglt.org/post/animal-house-leptospirosis-can-infect-you-and-your-pet#stream/0

Do I need to feed my dog (or cat) a grain-free diet?

In a word - NO.
Check out this link:​www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2017/08/15/grain-free-pet-foods-are-no-healthier-vets-say-focus-on-this-nutrition-issue-instead/?utm_term=.e332a0f89a26&wpisrc=nl_sb_smartbrief

Treat recall

A recall has been issued for several flavors of treats made by Loving Pets due to Salmonella contamination:
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/loving-pets-recalls-air-puffed-dog-treats-062217.html

Rawhide Recall  6/19/2017

Check the following link for more information:
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm563544.htm#recall-photos
​

Airplane travel with pets

Here are some good tips and information about travelling by airplane with your pets:
https://www.boston.com/news/travel/2017/06/06/how-to-make-plane-trips-easier-on-pets-and-owners-too

Dog Breed Genetics

Here is a great article that explains which dog breeds are closely related to one another: ​ http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/04/where-did-your-dog-come-new-tree-breeds-may-hold-answer

Pet Food Safety from the CDC

Check out the link to the CDC's pet food safety page: ​ https://www.cdc.gov/features/pet-food-safety/

Counterfeit Medications
Our clients often ask us to write prescriptions for them so they can buy their medications more conveniently or at a lower price online, especially for flea/tick preventatives, heartworm preventatives, and pain medications that are being taken long term.  In general I think this is fine, and I certainly understand the desire money and/or a trip to the vet, but please be careful when buying online.  There is a large market for counterfeit veterinary medications.  Only buy from a reputable supplier, and if the price seems too good to be true, that should raise some alarm bells.   It has always seemed a little hard to believe that anyone would go to the trouble of counterfeiting veterinary medications, but I guess that wherever there is a lot of money to be made you will find criminal activity.  See the following link:
https://www.securingindustry.com/pharmaceuticals/packaging-firm-ceo-pleads-guilty-to-veterinary-med-counterfeiting/s40/a3912/#.WOUt8m_yvIX

The Great Outdoors 

Getting ready for camping/hiking season?  The AVMA has some great tips for keeping safe if you plan to bring your dog with you into the great outdoors:  https://www.avma.org/public/Health/Pages/Outdoor-Enthusiasts-Quick-Tips.aspx

Blastomycosis link

Here is a link to a nice overview of the disease Blastomycosis which unfortunately is present in our neighborhood:
http://www.crookstontimes.com/news/20170307/u-of-m-extension-news-and-views--8200blastomycosis-in-dogs-has-taken-life-in-northwestern-minnesota
Here is a summary of current genetic testing available for dogs:
https://www.avma.org/news/javmanews/pages/170315a.aspx?utm_source=email-optin&utm_medium=javma-news-170315&utm_campaign=policy&utm_term=story-a

Canine Influenza Facts

Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious infection caused by an influenza A virus. The causative canine influenza virus (CIV) strains have been classified as H3N8 and H3N.  
The first recognized U.S. outbreak of H3N2 canine influenza occurred in 2015, starting in Chicago and spreading to otherr Midwestern states. Since March 2015, outbreaks have occurred in a number of areas throughout the U.S. and thousands of dogs have been confirmed positive for the H3N2 virus. 
Outbreaks are more commonly seen in situations where groups of susceptible dogs are in close contact, such as shelters, kennels, dog day care facilities, and grooming or boarding facilities. In March 2016, it was reported that cats in an Indiana shelter had been infected with the virus, spread from dogs, and that cat-to-cat transmission could occur.
Like other mammalian influenza viruses, canine influenza virus causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs. However, unlike human influenza, CIV is not a "seasonal" flu – infections can occur year-round. Canine influenza virus infection often resembles the illness associated with canine infectious tracheobronchitis ("kennel cough"), which is caused by one of more bacterial and viral infections (including Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus).
The majority of infected dogs exhibit the mild form of canine influenza. In the mild form, the most common clinical sign is a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days despite treatment with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Affected dogs may have a soft, moist cough or a dry cough similar to that induced by kennel cough. Nasal and/or ocular discharge, sneezing, lethargy and anorexia may also be observed. Many dogs develop a purulent nasal discharge and fever (104-105o​F). The nasal discharge is usually caused by secondary bacterial infections, including Pasteurella multocida and mycoplasma species.

For more information:
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socmed&utm_campaign=vet-resources&utm_term=social-link&utm_content=current-events
To schedule vaccination: ​http://www.northhoffmanvet.com/request-appointment.html

Homemade food puzzles

Do you have a cat?
Are you crafty?
Make a food puzzle for your cat!
Here is a link for some cool ideas:​http://foodpuzzlesforcats.com/homemade-puzzles
And here is an explanation for why this is a good idea:
​http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cat-feed-how-often-many-times-a-day-five-smaller-portions-diet-a7524981.html