The Barking Bulletin From PetPartners

Meet the Breeds Event is a Huge Success

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST

Over 36,000 people attended the first Meet the Breeds^TM event, including dogs and cats, held over two days in October 2009 in New York City, and sponsored by PetPartners. The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) came together for this occasion to arrange a unique showcase of nearly 200 pure breed dogs and pedigreed cats, providing fun entertainment, and information on different breeds and responsible pet ownership topics. The organizers are excitedly planning their second event for 2010.

Smile for the Camera: Holiday Canine Photo Tips

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The holidays are a great time to gather with friends and family to enjoy the spirit of the season. For many of us, these special occasions also represent the perfect opportunity to capture candid photos of the people and pets we love most!

AKC Canine Health Foundation Gala

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The AKC Canine Health Foundation's (CHF) Annual Gala by the Bay will feature an AKC Pet Healthcare Plan as a raffle prize this year. The Gala will include dinner and dancing, a Maretta Kennedy bronze canine sculpture, and other spectacular raffle items.

Puddle Jumping: Canine Urinary Incontinence

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Canine urinary incontinence is surprisingly common, but there are many strategies to keep house and hound dry.

Make Your Puppy a STAR: The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

When you bring your new puppy home, one of the most joyous times of your life will begin. Puppies arrive in the world full of life, willing to please and ready to learn. There's no better place for your puppy, and you, to learn than in the AKC^® S.T.A.R. Puppy^sm Program.

Two New Benefits for Popular Pet Health Insurance Plan

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Increasing numbers of pet owners are finding the real benefits of insuring their pet's health in case of unexpected accidents and illnesses. With an eye toward true value, those selecting the popular AKC Pet Healthcare Wellness Plus Plan can now look forward to some new benefits!

Readers' Tips and Heart-Tugging Tales

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

We continue to receive wonderful tales about why dogs are man's best friend. Each of these stories will touch your heart in some way.

A New Kind of Canine Hero: Allergy Detection Dogs

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

There's a new hero in the canine world -- the allergy detection dog -- a new arrival to the 'working dog' scene. Today, dogs no longer just sniff out drugs, explosives, or fugitives on the run. Our canine companions can now be trained to serve as detection dogs for people (usually children) who have deadly allergies to things such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk and eggs.

Canine Obesity - is Your Dog Overweight?

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Obesity in the United States has been identified as a major health problem for both adults and children reaching epidemic levels in recent years. However, this problem is not unique to humans - it affects our pets' health and well-being.

Research in Infectious Diseases Helps Humans and Canines

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The following story is about Scott Willard's beloved Golden Retriever, Hogan, whose death appeared to have been caused by a bacterial disease. It was a fate that was eerily similar to what had also befallen the dogs of several friends of the Willard family.

Herding - for Strategists and Team Players

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Pausing momentarily to weigh his options, Shep notices the group shuffle nervously to the left, away from his intended route. A quick look to his right shows him that his partner, Jane, has spotted this change too. "No problem," he thinks, "time for Plan B." He darts low, around the sheep, stops then edges gently closer. The group hesitates, nervous, unsure whether to run or stay. "Steady, there," he thinks, hoping his calm demeanor will rub off.

Readers' Tips and Heart-Tugging Tales

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

We continue to receive wonderful tales that confirm why dogs are man's best friend. Each story is guaranteed to touch you!

Meet the Breeds™

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A Special Dog and Cat Show for Pet Lovers

Hosted by the American Kennel Club ® and the Cat Fanciers' Association

The World's Largest Showcase of Dog and Cat Breeds

Presented by PetPartners

October 17th and 18th, 2009

at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, NY

Welcome

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Welcome to the Spring 2009 edition of The Barking Bulletin. A quarterly newsletter brought to you by PetPartners, the folks that administer the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan.

Earthdog - Natural Talents at Work, for Play

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Trees rustle in the wind; everything is quiet in the forest for a moment. Craning her neck, she cautiously steps forward, using all of her senses to gauge what is ahead. A rustle in the dark indicates something; she catches more of its scent and pushes on, listening intently. She focuses in the tunnel, assessing the situation. A dig to clear some earth, followed by another stop and listen, then another dig and suddenly she has reached the goal. "There's the little animal," she cries, as it braces itself, hissing at her from the protection of its cage.

A League of His Own

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

At the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship event in Long Beach, California last December, an appealing Golden Retriever gently held the handle of a small basket of promotional items in his mouth. This charmer stole the show as he walked the exhibit floor and greeted visitors, melting their hearts. But don't be fooled, he's not just another pretty face.

Meet CH. Nitro's Boy Wonder, also known as ‘Robin' - American-Canadian Show Champion, Police K-9 Officer, Narcotics Detector, Therapy Dog - and the list goes on. Robin's owner and best friend is Mary MacQueen. She founded Nitro Golden Retrievers in 1988, and with her husband, Butch, began a breeding program that has come to produce a long and stellar line of show-quality, working-caliber Golden Retrievers.

Veterinarian Q and A on Preventive Care

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Regular preventive care is critical to raising a healthy dog and avoiding disease. Vaccines can prevent a variety of diseases while parasite and heartworm controls help avoid fleas and heartworms - the most common parasites that plague dogs.

It's important to work with your veterinarian on developing a plan for the vaccines and preventive treatments that best fit your dog's needs. We asked Kathleen Gruss, DVM of the Earlysville Animal Hospital in Virginia to comment on the importance of year round canine vaccines, heartworm and flea treatments and the protection needed by indoor dogs.

Knotty's Story: A Courageous Champion

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Enjoying their regular daily run along a trail in the California hills near home one sunny afternoon in March 2007, life suddenly took a serious turn for Lyn Sherman and her bloodhound, Knotty. He had been bitten on his rear leg by a Diamond-back rattlesnake. "Knotty heard a noise before I did, and dove into a bush, only to find a snake there. He was protecting me, as he often did, jumping out in front to protect me from something or other." Lyn explained. "He was first my pet, and then my show dog. I fed him, walked him and conditioned him every day. We traveled everywhere together. He was such a character, everyone loved him."

Readers' Tips and Heart-Tugging Tales

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

We continue to receive wonderful tales that confirm why dogs are man's best friend. Each story is guaranteed to touch you!

Welcome!

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Welcome to our first Barking Bulletin of 2009, brought to you by PetPartners, Inc., the team behind the AKC Pet Healthcare Insurance Plan. We look forward to another year of providing helpful articles for you and your dog, as well as inspiring stories about our tail-wagging friends.

Stretching Your Canine Dollars

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

In today's challenging economic times, most of us are spending less to save more. But saving money doesn't mean you need to skimp on caring for your pet. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) ‘Cost of Dog Ownership' survey, each year the average dog owner spends approximately $2,500 on maintenance fees such as food and veterinary care.

The Top Six Skin Ailments

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Canine skin disease is the most common health problem presented to veterinarians. It can be frustrating to diagnose, because many diseases look the same yet require different treatments. But because just a few diseases account for the majority of dermatologic cases, the odds are good that the veterinarian will make the correct diagnosis and create an appropriate treatment plan.

By Jeff Grognet, DVM

Grieving the Loss of a Dog

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

The loss of a dog is the loss of a trusted friend and family member. The experience can trigger overwhelming feelings of grief and sadness that affect us both emotionally and physically. It's important to find ways to express your grief for the adored dog that is gone from your life, but never from your heart.

Tomorrow's Dog World Needs Today's Young Talent

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

With over 16,000 active participants, the AKC National Junior Organization continues to attract young people into the world of dogs, providing support for those keen to enjoy activities with their canine friends. This could take them into showmanship for Conformation or competing in events like Obedience, Rally, Agility and Tracking. Boys and girls from age 9 to 18 can find an outlet for their interest in dogs in many ways and have fun at different levels, whether simply learning basic obedience skills with their dog or progressing further as a team in one of the many competitive events around the USA.

Readers' Tips and Heart-Tugging Tales

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

We continue to receive wonderful tales that confirm why dogs are man's best friend. Each story is guaranteed to touch you!

Readers' Tips and Heart-Tugging Tales

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT

We continue to receive wonderful tales that confirm why dogs are man's best friend. Each story is guaranteed to touch you!

Will The Holidays Be Joyful For You and Your Dog?

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT

A shiny holiday garland laden with red 'berries' caught the eye of Stinger, a Golden Retriever, and he decided to make it a Christmas treat. This episode of holiday high jinks was followed by 10 visits over a six-week period to the veterinarian, for diagnostics and surgery on Stinger's abdomen to remove the garland's wire wedged in his stomach. Further concern was caused by post-operation complications from an abscess caused by the wire. His worried owners, Mr and Mrs Hebert, from Massachusetts, were thankful to avoid the majority of this incident's sting covered by their AKC Pet Healthcare Plan.

What If Your Dog Outlives You?

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Deciding what will become of your dog(s) should you be incapacitated or die is a difficult decision. If you are a breeder with a full kennel, you have a greater burden than the average pet owner when it comes to planning ahead. In planning ahead for your dog(s), there are two primary legal mechanisms to consider: non-trust arrangements and trusts.

Vet Q & A: All About Canine Ear Infections

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Inflammation of the external ear canal -- otitis externa -- is one of the most common types of conditions veterinarians see in pets. The external ear canal is the area from the external ear (exterior opening of the canal) to the tympanic membrane (ear drum). Some dogs, particularly those with large or hairy ears, are more prone to ear infections than others but all dogs are susceptible to ear infections.

Canine Sprinters Stretch Out

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Muscles tense, eyes searching the far side of the field, her senses are ablaze with excitement. She steals a look at her competitor in the yellow jersey next to her and crouches lower, determined to get a faster launch. Her heart is racing, waiting for the Starter's signal. Suddenly, they're off, the Starter's Tally-Ho! ringing in the air. Spying the target she turns on the speed, pulling away from Yellow Jersey, her own pink jersey flashing as she surges forward, the wind rushing past her eyes.

Readers' Tips and Heart-Tugging Tales

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

We continue to receive wonderful tales that confirm why dogs are man's best friend. Each story is guaranteed to touch you!

Many Happy Reunions--Thanks to Microchips

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The loss of a pet who has wandered off or been stolen can be a very heart-breaking experience for an owner. In the past, pet owners relied primarily on collar I.D. tags or special tattoos when dogs were lost but in recent years, the more effective method of microchipping has become increasingly popular. Microchipping is a proven way to successfully recover your pet should it become lost. If your pet is involved in an accident, it can help a veterinarian to identify your pet quickly; if your pet is stolen, a microchip can provide proof of ownership.

Photo Courtesy of AKC CAR

Vacation Travel Tips for Your Dog

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

If you're thinking about bringing your dog along on your summer vacation, your first consideration should be whether or not he is friendly, well-behaved and adaptable to change. A traveling dog should be calm, obedient, quiet and in good health. Until recent years, most dogs didn't vacation with their owners - they stayed at a kennel or in the care of a friend or neighbor. Today, families often include their canine companions in their vacation plans and select destinations that cater to pets.

Running and Leaping to Agility

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

With the strength and grace of a gazelle, Jive hurdles the next jump, lands nimbly and heads for the tunnel, emerging with a happy shout that draws laughter from the excited crowd packed into the bleachers. Next come the weave poles and, like an Olympic downhill skier, he moves his muscular shoulders deftly between the narrowly spaced poles. He bolts for the chute, clears two jumps easily and charges up the A-frame, pausing for a nanosecond at the top to bring his speed under control and then scampers down, hits the yellow spot and leaps off, to noisy applause....

From Tragedy to Triumph

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Arthur Sultan is still delighted that his daughter, Kate, gave him her much loved Labrador Retriever, Miles, eight years ago when she had to move away for work. Arthur laughs as he describes Miles' fondness to do 'High Fives', and how he jumps up to kiss tall girls, which comes from those early years of training by Kate. Arthur is very happy that he applied for the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan in 2004 for Miles. This was a wise decision, because happy-go-lucky Miles developed cancer in 2005, leading to surgery for a mast cell tumor and post-operative treatment, bringing veterinary costs to well over $2,000.

Next Stop: Rally and Obedience

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Prince suddenly ripped through his front screen door to defend his home turf from a neighbor's invading cat. Soon after a loud sidewalk skirmish subsided and the screen was repaired, the dog's ten-year-old owner, Curt, and his mom, Minnie, decided it was time to enroll their Labrador Retriever in a local Obedience Class.

The Heartache of Heartworm Disease

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

With warmer months upon us, our thoughts turn to enjoying outside activities with our pets. And as you hunt for insect spray for yourself, you might be unaware that mosquitoes can also be a pest for your dog, or even a deadly threat from serious illnesses like Heartworm Disease.

Cold Nose Facts

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Dogs are truly amazing creatures! Here are a few anatomy and health facts about our four-legged friends that might surprise you:

The Brand New AKC Pet Healthcare Accident Plus Plan

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The old adage 'accidents happen' isn't just for humans. Accidents happen to pets all the time. Dogs are very curious creatures and they are always at risk for missteps and mishaps, no matter how closely we watch them.

Click on "Read More" to find out more about this exciting new addition to our family of pet healthcare plans.

Readers' Tips and Heart-Tugging Tales

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

We continue to receive wonderful tales that confirm why dogs are man's best friend. Each story is guaranteed to touch you!

A Look Back: How Veterinary Advances Help Our Pets

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

We've come a long way since America's first doctor of veterinary medicine degree was awarded in 1876 to Daniel E. Salmon by Cornell University. Since then, veterinary methods have advanced dramatically, enabling our dogs and cats to live longer, healthier and happier live

Magnum - A Service and Therapy Dog

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

It is a joy to receive many emails from our Barking Bulletin readers that describe all the wonderful activities that our dogs share with us, at work and at play. One such example is a dog called Magnum and his owner, Sharon and the many varied activities that they accomplish together. Here is their story.

The Road to Good Citizenship

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

There is no better time than the New Year to set some goals for you and your dog. Training your dog can benefit both owner and dog alike; training gives both of you a chance to get outdoors every day for physical exercise, fresh air and sunshine. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with - they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who takes the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation and a high quality life. The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen® program is an excellent place to begin training. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC^TM skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog.

How to Give Your Dog a Healthy Smile

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

February is Pet Dental Health month. Despite brushing their own teeth religiously, most people ignore the dental health of their pets. February isn't the only month to think about your pet's oral health, it should be a year-round priority.

6 More Heart-Tugging Tales from Our Readers

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

We continue to receive wonderful tales that confirm why dogs are man's best friend. Each story is guaranteed to touch you!

Six More Heart-Tugging Tales from Our Readers

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Recently we received some wonderful tales of how dogs are helping people in different ways - this time, in detecting acute medical problems like epileptic seizures and diabetic shock. These dogs acted in time to make a difference, save lives, or provide much needed assistance for the disabled. We hope that you enjoy these inspiring real life stories below. They left us with an appreciation of amazing canine sensory powers, and how humans once again can benefit hugely from canine heroes of help and hope.

Don't Let Holiday Festivities Harm Your Dog

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT

The upcoming holidays can pose special health dangers for our four-legged friends. Each year, thousands of pets become seriously injured or ill during the holiday season while their owners are busy with shopping, baking and entertaining. Pets can become very ill from a variety of common holiday meal items, including table butter, meat and candy.

Living with Canine Epilepsy

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in dogs, but no one knows for certain what causes it or how common it is. It’s more than a single condition, comprising general categories of seizures. Epilepsy is unpredictable -- some pets appear to have seizures very regularly, while in others, the seizures appear to be triggered by specific events. There is no simple test for epilepsy. If it is suspected, veterinarians use a variety of diagnostic screening tests to rule out other problems first (such as glucose intolerance, thyroid function, infections, toxins and tumors) before arriving at a diagnosis. Having the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan can provide valuable financial support for costly diagnostic testing by a veterinarian.

Poisoning Accidents - Are You Prepared?

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Canines are curious creatures by nature. Because of their tendency to consume what they see in front of them, dogs are accidentally poisoned each year -- sometimes with fatal results. Even veterinary prescriptions and topical treatments can potentially poison a dog if they are not used properly. Common foods, such as chocolate, onions, coffee grounds and bread dough can be fatal to dogs when ingested. Our homes, garages and gardens contain many chemical items, common household plants and landscaping items that can also be toxic to our pets.

If a Natural Disaster strikes, How Will Your Pet Fare?

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Two years after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, progress is being made on many fronts to improve the nation’s capabilities to cope with natural disasters. In its mission as ‘the Dog’s Champion’ and in its role with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the American Kennel Club is assisting many state and local initiatives, to become more prepared to manage animal issues that arise when disaster strikes. Here is some useful information to help you prepare for natural disasters, now that we are once again in Hurricane Season.

Bama - An Amazing Therapy Dog

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Here's a heartwarming story about the special bond that developed between a sensitive dog and a young leukemia patient who was very frustrated and had little to smile about. It begins with Monica and her therapy dog, Bama, who live in Virginia. Over the past 6 months they have been volunteering at the Medical Center of Virginia (MCV) in Richmond with the Dogs on Call program. "When Bama and I visit patients we learn a lot about them, we listen, we talk, we pet Bama and we share tears," says Monica. "Every patient has taught me something -- from facts about Bloodhounds to life regrets to their happiest moments to their saddest day."

Therapy Dogs: Canine Bonds That Make a Difference

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT

The practice of using pets as part of therapy programs in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes is becoming increasingly popular and studies have shown positive results. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than five million Americans are currently suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and someone new is added to those ranks every 72 seconds. Felicity's Diamond Jim, affectionately known as James, is more than just a purebred, award-winning canine. Before being crowned National Champion at the 6th Annual AKC/Eukanuba Championship last December, this English Springer Spaniel worked as a Certified Therapy Dog.

Emergency Care Tips For Your Pet

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT

The welcome months of spring and summer bring lush green lawns, balmy days and nights, fragrant flowers and thoughts of relaxing vacations. Unfortunately, they also bring those ever-present and annoying insects and creatures of all kinds. We humans are used to shielding ourselves from insects and reptiles in a variety of ways, to avoid being stung or bitten. Our pets, however, are unaware that these unwelcome pests can become a source of danger.

Canine Treasures: Celebrating Dogs Through Art

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT

If you're planning a summer vacation in America's heartland this summer, you may want to consider a stop at the fascinating American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, just outside of St. Louis, Missouri at Queeny Park. For a modest admission fee, museum visitors can discover canine themes in over 500 paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, sculptures and a variety of decorative art objects. The museum is located on 570 acres at Jarville House, a charming and historic (1853) Greek Revival-style home that has recently been expanded into a 14,000 square foot facility.

AKC CAR Introduces Revolutionary Microchip

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT

In its continuing effort to improve the pet recovery process in America, the American Kennel Club's Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) announced that it is introducing a new microchip identification system to the market. The new AKC Companion Animal Recovery ID System^TM microchip is one of the most technologically superior and affordable microchips currently on the market. This new low cost chip combined with CAR's historically low one time lifetime fee for enrollment in the largest not for profit recovery database in the country offers excellent value and protection for any pet for the rest of its life.

Lucy, the Library Reading Dog and Cleo the Rescue Dog

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Two Heart-Tugging Tales from our readers

In response to our last Barking Bulletin request for heart-tugging stories about our four-legged friends, two of the stories we received were from Liz in Oakland, Michigan and Betty in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Following are their special heart-tugging tales.

What's special about your dog? The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan would love to hear your story about your dog and share it with others!

Minor Ear Ache Becomes a Major Heart Ache

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Pet Healthcare Plans are designed to offer pet owners options for unexpected illnesses and accidents. The right pet healthcare plan can help alleviate difficult emotional and financial decisions over whether you can afford treatment. Read here about Rupert, a labrador retriever puppy whose minor ear ache became a major emotional issue for his owners, Vicki and Jim. Fortunately, the financial burden of the veterinary treatment was manageable, thanks to their AKC Pet Healthcare Plan.

Helpful Hints: Healthy Weight for Dogs

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Don't be fooled by the myth that if you want your dog to be big and strong, you must feed it lots of food. Each breed has different nutritional requirements. If you're not certain how much food is appropriate to feed your dog, check with a breeder or veterinarian. Table scraps alone are unhealthy for your dog and can lead to an unbalanced diet. If you think your dog needs to lose a few pounds, slowly cut down its caloric intake. "Crash diets" will only lead to nutritional deficiencies and are very unhealthy.

Those Amazing Alaskan Sled Dogs - What Makes Them Go?

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EDT

It's official - the race results are in, and Lance Mackey has continued his family's tradition by being first to the finish line in Nome, Alaska. But what makes it a truly extraordinary event is the tenacity and persistence of the sled dogs who get the mushers there. To study the dogs and their incredible stamina, assistant professor Erica McKenzie from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University has collected blood protein levels of sled dogs participating in the annual Iditarod Trail Race in Alaska.

Emergency Care Tips For Your Pet

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Information that can be helpful for various emergency situations that you may encounter as a pet owner. Included are tips about coping with heat stroke, choking, bleeding, snake bites, as well as spider bites.

This is not intended as a substitute for expert veterinary care. Ask your own veterinarian clinic if they hold pet first-aid classes for owners. Many are now doing this, sometimes in partnership with other clinics in their area.

Presidential Purebreds Rule White House

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

From George Washington's foxhounds to George W. Bush's Barney, presidential purebred pups are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Twenty-two U.S. presidents have owned purebred dogs and most shared the White House with them.

Funding Your Dog's Health Care

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

Our pets age much more quickly than we do and they also endure many of the same problems that we encounter-cancer, heart disease, arthritis, etc. Several recent studies indicate that pets that live longer help their owners live longer too and that the impact of the bond between humans and pets is significant to our health too. It makes sense to keep our pets in top physical condition as we manage our own health.

Veterinarian Viewpoint

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

After 26 years of private veterinary practice, I have been amazed in the shift in reasons for orthopedic problems. In the beginning of my career, the most common cause of lameness on evaluation was a fractured leg due to traumatic injuries (such as getting hit by a car). Another widely known concern was hip dysplasia, an inherited developmental problem leading to significant arthritis in the hips.

What Exactly is a ‘Wellness Plan’ Anyway?

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

Pet Healthcare Plans are designed to offer pet owners options for unexpected illnesses and accidents. The right pet healthcare plan can help alleviate difficult emotional and financial decisions over whether you can afford treatment. But what about preventive care?

Heart-tugging Dog Tales to Bark About!

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

Has your dog done something really special that tugs at your heart strings – for you or someone else, or even for another dog? Dogs can earn recognition too! There are numerous events that recognize extra-special canines, including one in California that recently acknowledged dogs of distinction in five categories: Exemplary Companion, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Service and Therapy.

What's special about your dog? The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan would love to hear your story about your dog and share it with others!