Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs: Prevention and Treatment
Panting more. Getting tired on walks. Not wanting to go up or down the stairs. It’s normal for dogs to slow down as they age, but sometimes it’s more than getting older. The early signs of heart disease can be subtle, but it’s important to recognize them. Early diagnosis and treatment of some heart diseases can slow down or prevent congestive heart failure in dogs. What causes congestive heart failure in dogs? Heart disease, which can develop into heart failure, is commonly seen in older dogs. According to veterinary...
7 Cat Breeds That Don’t Mind Cold Weather
As cooler weather begins to arrive, many of us find that the chill in the air is a bit difficult to ignore. While a good many cats are the same way, there are some breeds that are fairly impervious to the cold. While that doesn’t mean they should be outside in chilly temperatures on a regular basis, the following cats may not mind checking out a dusting of snow. Himalayan Cat PHOTO: PIXABAY / NO-LONGER-HERE Himalayan cats are known to be gentle, playful, and easygoing. They’re even easygoing about the cold. That’s because...
The Top 5 Emotional Support Breeds for Working with Children
Some dogs are just better suited for tasks than others, much like people. As far as emotional support animals (ESAs), there are a lot of them, but some are ideal for the job. At this point, it’s pretty well established that pets improve mental health in people experiencing crises, including stress, sadness, or loneliness. We’re profiling the Top 5 large-breed ESAs that stand out from the rest of the pack for their caring natures and gentle manner when it comes to supporting kids’ emotional health. They’re all winners...
Jaw Bone of Extinct American Ice-Age Lion Discovered Along the Mississippi
The drought conditions that have impacted most of the world have unearthed all sorts of unusual finds as water levels continue to recede. Many of them are the remains of ancient ruins or prehistoric creatures that used to inhabit the planet. Two recent discoveries exposed aquatic species long gone from our world. Now, a fragment of a long-forgotten creature known as the American lion has been discovered by Wiley Prewitt, a resident of Oxford, Mississippi. Panthera Atrox Also known as the North American lion, or American cave lion, this...
2023 Neonatal Kitten Nursery Calendar Contest!
Nov 18, 2022 Thanks for checking out some of the adorable cats and kittens that have come through the APA! Neonatal Program this year! As of early December, we’ve saved more lives than ever before. We’ve shattered so many records, and we couldn’t do it without your support! Your donation with each vote will help us continue our lifesaving efforts into 2023. The winning photos will be compiled into a calendar that will be available for purchase online soon. Help us choose our cover model kitties! Source: Austin Pets...
North Carolina Animal Shelter Seeks Home For Billy Bob, “The Hot Mess”
Animal shelters do their best to describe a dog or cat’s personality in hopes of finding them the perfect fit. Some dogs are shy while others are outgoing. Most people like dogs who have good manners, but then there are dogs like Billy Bob who are sure to make you laugh every day. Honesty is the best policy… or at least that is what Burke County Animal Services in North Carolina believes. The shelter has taken in a mastiff that has a larger-than-life personality, but not the best manners. However, he plans to steal your heart...
Pet Food Donations Desperately Needed Across the Country
With inflation dinging so many people’s pocketbooks, many pet owners are feeling the squeeze this fall, and experts in the animal welfare community are concerned things could get worse for pet parents as winter approaches. The winter months can be a difficult time of year financially, even under normal circumstances. There are the holidays, with food and gifts eating into our bank accounts, and it’s a time of year when many are out of work in states that see regular snowfall. Add to that unexpected colds and injuries that force us...
Things To Let Your New Dog Sitter Know About Your Pet
There are times when you will need or want to travel without your dog. If you don’t have a friend or family member who can stay with your dog, consider hiring a responsible dog sitter. Many dogs find the experience of having a dog sitter in their home much less stressful than going to a boarding kennel or doggie daycare as they are in a familiar environment. Questions to ask a dog sitter include finding out about prior experience and qualifications, as well as his philosophy and approach for working with dogs. Just because someone...
7 herbs that support your senior dog
Senior dogs need extra help to keep them happy and healthy. Used under the guidance of your veterinarian, these seven herbs address a range of age-related issues in your canine companion. Caring for a senior dog can be a challenge. Older canines often suffer from arthritis, heart disease, GI issues, cognitive decline, mobility problems and other issues. There are many ways to optimize an aging dog’s health and well-being as he goes through his golden years – including herbal medicine. This article looks at some of the herbs that...
German Shepherd Saves Young Child From Vicious Dog Attack
Dogs are loyal companions. There’s a reason they’re known as man’s best friend. Sometimes though, they go above and beyond companionship and act as guardian angels. German Shepherds, in particular, are known for doing the most to look out for their humans, and one German Shepherd is proving that in a viral video. Photo: TikTok/@flodaboy1 According to the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds are known to be loyal, confident, courageous, and steady. They’re also known to be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians,...
Dozens of At-Risk Dogs and Cats to Be Flown From Overcrowded Shelters Just Before Thanksgiving
It’s the time of year when we often think about being home for the holidays. To help make that a reality for pets from overcrowded shelters in the South, we’re flying at-risk dogs and cats to better lives just before Thanksgiving. On November 22, this month’s Save-A-Heart flight will transport dozens of dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, to rescues in New Jersey with room for them. After arrival, they’ll be quickly adopted, so they’ll always have a home for the holidays. DOG...
Quiet Young Kitten Needs a Cardiologist so She Can Run & Play
Nov 17, 2022 Kesha 21 is truly an Austin Pets Alive! kitten. This 3-month-old kitty was born in our care, and raised in the APA! nursery program. She’s what we call a “neonatal graduate”—and yes it’s all right to picture her sweet self in a teeny cap and gown. But when Kesha 21 got her spay surgery, our veterinarians discovered some heart issues that she’d likely been born with. Further examinations led our vets to believe that Kesha 21 has advanced pulmonic stenosis—a rare condition in cats. Having...
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month!
Senior pets and those with medical needs are by far the hardest pets to rehome, hands down. A lot of that has to do with the idea that they’ll be more work or that they’ll be too old to train if need be, propped up by the false adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. The old tricks part is definitely not true, but animals with medical needs can come with more time and responsibility. That does not mean they’re not worth every moment or penny spent on them. Adopt a Senior Pet Since November is the official...
Woman Falls in Love with Two Kittens Unlikely to Survive, Decides to Foster Them
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! It was my second time fostering for Broward Animal Control back in 2011. The minute I saw them, I knew I had to take them and I knew at least one of them would be a foster failure. There were two beautiful DSH white kittens with blue eyes in the cage, under two pounds and needing foster. I went to go find the foster coordinator so that I could take them. CATS. PHOTO: PIXABAY / GUNDULA...
TikTok Video Showing Two Abandoned Dogs Living Their Best Lives Now is Too Sweet
Animals are found abandoned all over the world, and pet owners everywhere are left baffled and heartbroken. It’s not that people don’t understand the inability to care for them due to unforeseen circumstances. It’s that they’d be left to fend for themselves rather than trying to find them shelter until they can be adopted or at least fostered. It’s like those incredibly sad ASCPA commercials people tear up over. It rips at your heart just thinking about it. Photo: TikTok/@stormandsummit Animal Rescue A TikTok...
Three Dogs Die After Reportedly Ingesting Rat Poison Spread Around NYC Apartment Building
Three dogs have suddenly passed away recently, and some believe that rat poison is to blame. According to the New York Post, 42-year-old Ralph Edwards was over-the-moon to welcome Cali, a Rottweiler puppy, into his family. Photo: Pexels/Tommes Frites The two became inseparable and enjoyed regular walks from their Washington Heights apartment building in New York City. However, things took a tragic turn when Cali became severely ill one morning. Her sickness was sudden and came on without warning. Edwards immediately rushed her to a vet and...
Feeding Dogs Table Scraps Isn’t In Your (or Their) Best Interest
We’ve all heard that feeding dogs table scraps should be, well, scrapped. Not only is the habit bad for your pet’s health, but it undermines teaching them not to beg. Yes, you can always wait until after the meal and then place scraps in their bowl, but it’s still not good for their health and most pets are significantly overweight right now in this country. Additionally, your veterinarian would most likely have a few choice words on the subject, were it to be brought up. Photo: Pixabay/Mylene2401 How Stuff Works A recent...
“Mean” Dog About To Be Euthanized Transforms Into Loving Pup Thanks To Kisses
Shelter life can be stressful, and many dogs are left heartbroken or confused as to why they are there. Some dogs react by hiding in the back of their kennel while others go into defense mode. A tiny Chihuahua mix was unsure of his new surroundings and the unfamiliar people. He reacted by biting anyone who tried to touch him. The little fella was afraid and lost his trust in humans, but can you blame him? He was labeled as “mean” and scheduled to be euthanized. Thankfully, he was rescued just in time by Danielle Reno, founder of...
Save Money This Winter (and All Year Round) By Eliminating This One Thing From Your Pet’s Diet
With inflation still wreaking havoc on our budgets, pet owners everywhere are looking for ways to cut back and save money this winter. If you’re concerned with rising costs and facing costly heating bills this winter, you are probably looking for ways to cut corners. This is especially important during a time more and more pet owners are facing the unthinkable: surrendering their pets due to a lack of funds. One vet has a suggestion that can help save money and help keep your pets from gaining unnecessary pounds during a season when...
A Thanksgiving Cautionary “Tail” for Pet Owners to Acquaint Themselves with Immediately
With the holidays fast approaching, reminding readers about foods and decorations that could be dangerous to their pets is front and center. By now many, if not most, people are aware of the usual list of perishables containing toxins that lurk in people food, but there is one you may not be aware of. And frankly, even we were surprised. The info comes to us from the Pet Poison Helpline (PPH). If you’re not familiar with them as a pet parent you really should be. A lot of pet owners have their helpline number and web address posted on...
