Essential Pet Care and Wellness

A new study conducted by researchers from North Carolina State University explored how ignoring pet food handling guidelines may pose health risks to consumers and their pets. 

According to the findings, many dog owners are unaware of important guidelines regarding handling dog food. They explained that dog food bowls are a breeding ground for many kinds of bacteria and that it’s important for consumers to keep things clean to avoid contamination. 

“Most pet owners are unaware that pet food bowls can be a hidden source of bacteria in the household,” the researchers wrote. “Knowing how to mitigate this risk and practice proper pet food storage and hygiene may make for a happier, healthier household.” 

Avoiding health risks

The researchers divided the study into two parts to better understand consumers’ knowledge of FDA guidelines for handling pet food and the potential health risks for both dog owners and their pets when these guidelines fall by the wayside. 

The first part of the study included a survey of nearly 420 dog owners. The researchers asked respondents if they were aware of the FDA’s pet food handling guidelines and if they followed them. It was overwhelmingly clear that the dog owners were unaware of the FDA guidelines; just five percent of the group reported knowing about the precautions to take when feeding their pets. Additionally, just one-third of the survey respondents said they washed their hands before and after feeding their pets. 

To understand the health risks associated with ignoring these guidelines, the researchers tested nearly 70 dog bowls for different kinds of bacteria. They then had the dog owners handle their pet’s food in a variety of different ways for one week. When the owners followed the FDA guidelines, the dog bowls were much less likely to be contaminated with any kind of bacteria. 

Following the FDA guidelines

While the team plans to do more work in this area to better understand the health risks for dog owners and their pets, they hope these findings encourage consumers to follow the FDA’s guidelines for handling pet food. 

Some of their tips include: 

• Washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after feeding and any snacks.

• Washing food bowls and utensils with soap and hot water after each use.

• Using clean utensils to scoop pet food for each use.

• Throwing out old pet food in a safe way.

Consumers can view all of the FDA's safety tips by visiting the agency's website here. 

The cost of health care has skyrocketed in recent years, not only for people but also for their pets. According to Care Credit, the average first-year cost of veterinary care for a medium-size dog is $1,779, and the average cost of care for a cat is $1,174.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says pet insurance can cover unexpected veterinary bills and, in some cases, routine wellness expenses. However, policies vary greatly in price and coverage.

The BBB has published a guide to selecting a pet insurance policy. It suggests that consumers first investigate different policies and what they offer. For example, accident-only coverage offers reimbursement for accidental injuries only, such as ingesting a toxin or breaking a bone. Accident and illness coverage includes reimbursement for common illnesses like cancer or genetic conditions.

It could mean the difference in getting care

Kim, of Portland, Ore., has a policy with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance and, in her line of work, sees firsthand how important the right coverage can be.

“I am a veterinarian and see pets all the time that cannot receive care because of financial limitations,” Kim wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “Even receiving a discount on services, I have been able to offer my pets care that I wouldn't be able to offer without insurance.”

The BBB says it's important to decide on the right type of coverage. While accident-only coverage is generally the least expensive, it might not be right for an indoor dog that may live into “old age” and have a growing list of medical needs.

Regarding age, it will be more cost-effective to insure a pet when it is young and healthy. Waiting until problems develop will be more expensive. It may also be too late because the insurance company may decline to insure your pet because of pre-existing conditions.

How payments work

It’s also important to understand how pet insurance payments work. Unlike human health care providers that usually bill an insurance company, most veterinarians will expect payment for services when they are rendered. The policyholder then files a claim with the insurance company and is reimbursed by the insurance company.

According to the BBB, waiting periods vary between insurers and can even vary depending on the type of treatment. For example, wellness visits can have a different waiting period than accident coverage within the same plan.

There may be ways to save money on a policy by receiving discounts, so it’s important to ask. Some policies offer multi-pet discounts, discounts for spayed or neutered pets, or military discounts. 

While recent studies have shown how owning a pet has benefited consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study has explored the brain health boost pets can bring at any time. 

According to researchers from the American Academy of Neurology, owning a pet, especially for five or more years, may slow the rate of cognitive decline in older consumers. 

“Prior studies have suggested that the human-animal bond may have health benefits like decreasing blood pressure and stress,” said researcher Dr. Tiffany Braley. “Our results suggest that pet ownership may also be protective against cognitive decline.” 

Pets keep owners’ brains sharp

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from nearly 1,400 older adults enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study. Over the course of six years, participants took several cognitive tests that evaluated their word recall, numerical counting, and subtraction, among other cognitive skills. 

Of the participants involved in the study, 53% were pet owners and 32% were long-term pet owners. Overall, pet owners’ cognition declined at a slower rate than non-pet owners. Those who had had their pets for five years or more performed even better on the cognitive assessments, scoring 1.2 points higher than non-pet owners at the end of the study. 

While the researchers accounted for several factors that could impact cognition, they also evaluated how certain demographic factors came into play. They learned that the link between pet ownership and cognitive function was strongest for men, Black adults, and those with college degrees. 

The researchers explained that more work is needed to better understand why pet ownership has such an impact on cognitive function. However, the findings highlight important information for older consumers who also have a furry friend at home. 

“As stress can negatively affect cognitive function, the potential stress-buffering effects of pet ownership could provide a plausible reason for our findings,” Dr. Braley said. “A companion animal can also increase physical activity, which could benefit cognitive health. That said, more research is needed to confirm our results and identify underlying mechanisms for this association.” 

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign explored some of the dietary changes that can help overweight dogs. According to their findings, sticking to a diet that it’s high in both protein and fiber can help heavier dogs reach a healthy weight and improve their overall health outcomes. 

“Some of the problems we see in humans with obesity also occur in pet dogs,” said researcher Kelly Swanson. “There’s added stress on the joints, there’s an intolerance to exercise and heat; there’s also glucose intolerance, insulin resistance. And if you look at pet insurance claims, obesity is a big factor there.” 

Making healthier diet choices for dogs

To better understand how a different diet may impact overweight dogs, the researchers tested how a diet that was high in protein and fiber impacted important health outcomes, including physical activity, blood metabolites, and body composition. There were 12 female dogs involved in the study, and they were fed high-protein and high-fiber diets over the course of 24 weeks. 

The researchers learned that these dietary changes were beneficial for the dogs. They lost more than 31% of their body weight by the end of the study, and their fat percentage decreased by 3.1 kilograms on average. 

The diet also led to benefits in other important health outcomes, including lower levels of triglycerides and insulin. Similar to humans who struggle with obesity, the researchers explained that these health markers are significant for overweight dogs.

The researchers found that a high-protein and high-fiber diet also helped the dogs get to a healthy weight while maintaining their muscle mass. As the dogs lost weight and became healthier, their inflammation also improved.

Moving forward, the researchers hope consumers understand how their dogs’ diets can influence their long-term health outcomes. For overweight dogs, incorporating more protein and fiber can help improve overall health and wellness.

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Helsinki explored how puppies’ diets can impact their health as they get older. According to their findings, dogs are more likely to develop allergies and atopic dermatitis when they are fed fewer raw foods and more dry foods as puppies. 

“The puppies that had been fed raw tripe, raw organ meats, and human meal leftovers during puppyhood showed significantly less allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms in adult life,” said researcher Anna Hielm-Björkman. “On the other hand, puppies not getting any raw foods, eating most of their food as dry food, i.e. kibble, being fed fruits, and heat-dried animal parts, had significantly more allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms in adulthood.” 

Healthy diets are beneficial for dogs, too

For the study, the researchers analyzed questionnaires from dog owners that included information on more than 4,000 dogs. Dog owners reported on what they fed their dogs when they were between two and six months old, and the researchers tracked their health outcomes into adulthood. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that puppies’ diets may impact their likelihood of developing allergies and dermatitis later in life. Raw foods were associated with a lower risk of allergies and atopic dermatitis, while dry foods and commercial dog foods were linked with a higher risk of developing allergies. 

The study showed that when puppies’ diets were comprised of 20% commercial foods or 80% dry foods, they were more likely to develop atopic dermatitis or allergies when they got older. Conversely, when 80% of their diets consisted of raw food, they were much less likely to have these health concerns. 

“These findings indicate that it was the raw food component that was the beneficial health promoter, and that even as little as 20% of the diet being raw foods, already gives health benefits,” Hielm-Björkman said. 

More research needed 

The researchers hope that more work can be done to better understand the ins and outs of how puppies’ diets can affect their long-term health. 

“We could see an association between lower prevalence of allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms as adults and serving puppies fresh foods and avoiding processed foods as well as sweet fruits,” said researcher Manal Hemida. 

“That’s a good start for any owner. However, the study only suggests a causal relationship but does not prove it. Diet intervention studies are required to further elucidate the in-depth association between the development of atopy and allergy-related skin symptoms and dietary factors, such as raw and dry foods, human meal leftovers, and the correct dosing of oils.” 

It’s been well documented that pets can play a significant role in improving consumers’ mental health and stress. Now, a new study conducted by researchers from Concordia University explored how kids are affected when their pets sleep with them. 

Though many consumers believe a pet could be detrimental to kids’ sleep quality and lead to all kinds of issues, the study findings show that the opposite is actually true: many kids sleep better when they’re with their pets. 

“Co-sleeping with a pet is something many children are doing, and we don’t know how it influences their sleep,” said researcher Hillary Rowe. “So, from a sleep science perspective, we felt this was something important we should look into.” 

Kids can benefit when sleeping with pets

The researchers had roughly 200 children between the ages of 11 and 17 enrolled in the Candian Institute of Health Research’s Healthy Heart Project involved in the study. 

There were three primary points of data collection for the study: the children wore wrist monitors for two weeks that measured their sleep quality; the children and their parents responded to questionnaires about their sleeping habits; and the researchers measured the children’s brain waves while sleeping for one night of the study. Based on the responses to the questionnaires, children were put into one of three groups based on the frequency with which they slept with their pets: sometimes, frequently, or never. 

The researchers learned that more than 30% of the children reported sharing their beds with their pets. While this was shocking to the team, it produced no adverse effects on the children’s overall sleep quality. Nearly 35% reported frequently or sometimes sleeping with their pets, and it ultimately boosted sleeping outcomes. 

Compared to children who didn’t sleep with their pets, those who did had similar or better results in each of the key areas -- sleep duration, disruptions, latency, and overall quality. Though the team plans to do more work in this area, it’s important to understand the peace and comfort that young people get from sleeping with their pets. 

“Sleeping with your pet does not appear to be disruptive,” said Rowe. “In fact, children who frequently slept with their pet endorsed having higher sleep quality.” 

Many college students struggle with stress and poor mental health, and it can be difficult to find effective ways to be mindful and productive. Now, a new study conducted by researchers from Washington State University explored the role that therapy dogs could have on college students’ stress levels. 

Their findings showed that petting therapy dogs was beneficial for college students’ overall stress levels, and it led to improved planning abilities and general thinking skills. The researchers explained that these findings are particularly important because the benefits of interacting with animals stayed with the students for more than a month. 

“It’s a really powerful finding,” said researcher Patricia Pendry. “Universities are doing a lot of great work trying to help students succeed academically, especially those who may be at risk due to a history of mental health issues or academic and learning issues. This study shows that traditional stress management approaches aren’t as effective for this population compared with programs that focus on providing opportunities to interact with therapy dogs.” 

Managing stress levels

For the study, the researchers divided over 300 college students into three groups that focused on different stress management skills. Some of the students interacted with therapy dogs, while others participated in lecture-based stress management classes. To see how effective these interventions were, the team evaluated the students’ memory and organization to see if there was a noticeable change.

The results showed that students had the best outcomes when they were given time with the therapy dogs. As opposed to students who were taught about stress management in a classroom environment, those who got to interact with the dogs had stronger thinking and concentrating skills for as long as six weeks after the initial four-week study. 

By interacting with the dogs in a relaxed setting, the students were able to tackle their stressors from a different mindset. While the dogs didn’t change anything going on in the students’ lives, it helped put them in a more positive space to tackle the things that are typically stressful or overwhelming. 

“You can’t learn math just by being chill,” said Pendry. “But when you are looking at the ability to study, engage, concentrate, and take a test, then having the animal aspect is very powerful. Being calm is helpful for learning especially for those who struggle with stress and learning.” 

Choosing the best interventions

The researchers hope these findings change the way that universities go about addressing the topic of stress management. While workshop-style sessions aren’t designed to increase students’ stress levels, the researchers explained that being lectured about stress isn’t the best approach. 

“These are really important topics, and these workshops are helping typical students succeed by teaching them how to manage stress,” said Pendry. “Interestingly though, our findings suggest that these types of educational workshops are less effective for students that are struggling. It seems that students may experience these programs as another lecture, which is exactly what causes the students to feel stressed. 

“If you’re stressed, you can’t think or take up information; learning about stress is stressful!” she said. 

Having a family pet has been found to relieve consumers’ stress both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia has found that having a pet cat can be particularly beneficial for kids with autism.

According to their findings, having a cat can help kids with autism improve their anxiety-related symptoms and develop stronger empathy skills. 

“We found the main benefit of these companion animals is their unconditional acceptance,” said researcher Gretchen Carlisle. “Some children with autism may have sensory issues or be sensitive to loud noises, so a cat may be an appropriate, comforting pet for some families due to their calming presence.” 

Cats can improve anxiety

To see how cats can benefit kids with autism, the researchers had families with kids between the ages of six and 14 adopt a cat. Prior to taking the cats home, all of the animals were evaluated to ensure that they had a calm demeanor. For 18 weeks, the researchers evaluated the families’ progress with the cats at home, and parents completed surveys about how their kids interacted with the cats and how their overall mental well-being was affected by having a pet in the house. 

The researchers found that the cats provided several benefits for the kids and their families -- not least of which was an immediate bond between the kids and their new pets. The parents reported that their kids were not only experiencing less severe separation anxiety, but they also were less angry and had better focus and attention. Additionally, having a cat at home helped the kids develop stronger empathy skills and improve their overall well-being. 

Carlisle noted that a lot of research focuses on how having a dog in the house can benefit kids with autism. While she agrees that a pet can be a great form of stress relief, she says these findings should help encourage more families to consider adopting a cat. 

“Previous research has shown parents of kids with autism are more stressed than parents of kids with any other disability,” Carlisle said. “If a family is considering adopting a companion animal, we want to provide the best evidence-based information possible so they can make an informed decision, and cats might be more beneficial to some families than dogs.” 

The researchers hope that families with kids with autism utilize these findings because they emphasize the countless ways that having a pet can help reduce stress and anxiety for the whole family. 

“As a former pediatric nurse, I have always strived to help children, and one thing I learned is that you need to involve the parents so they can make informed choices for their children,” said Carlisle. “I see pets as a way to enhance wellness, and it feels gratifying to provide assistance to families that have a lot on their plate.” 

Anxiety and stress have been at an all-time high since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent studies have tried to identify ways that consumers can maintain better mental health during these uncertain times. 

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of York found that pets could be a great means of boosting consumers’ mental health while reducing feelings of loneliness during the pandemic. 

“This work is particularly important at the current time as it indicates how having a companion animal in your home can buffer against some of the psychological stresses associated with lockdown,” said researcher Daniel Mills. “However, it is important that everyone appreciates their pet’s needs too, as our other work shows failing to meet these can have a detrimental effect for both people and their pets.” 

Benefits of pets

The researchers surveyed 6,000 pet owners between April and June and had them report on their mental health, their typical interactions with their pet, and their overall well-being. 

The overwhelming majority of the participants felt emotionally connected to their pets and reported that having a companion at home with them during lockdown was crucial to feeling supported and less lonely. The study also revealed that any kind of pet benefited consumers’ mental health, as it wasn’t just dog or cat owners who felt that added connection. 

“We also discovered that in this study, the strength of the emotional bond with pets did not statistically differ by animal species, meaning that people in our sample felt on average as emotionally close to, for example, their guinea pig as they felt to their dog,” said researcher Dr. Elena Ratschen. 

The researchers explained that participants’ mental health before the pandemic impacted how much their pets helped them cope once quarantine began. They found that those who struggled with their mental health pre-pandemic were more likely to feel even closer to their pets when quarantine orders became official. 

“Findings from this study also demonstrated potential links between people’s mental health and the emotional bonds they form with their pets: measures of the strength of the human-animal bond were higher among people who reported lower scores for mental health-related outcomes at baseline,” Dr. Ratschen said. 

Though these findings are positive, and other studies have highlighted the mental health benefits associated with pet ownership, the researchers don’t recommend that consumers become pet owners as a quick fix for their mental health. 

“While our study showed that having a pet may mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, it is important to understand that this finding is unlikely to be of clinical significance and does not warrant any suggestion that people should acquire pets to protect their mental health during the pandemic,” said Dr. Ratschen. 

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Guelph has found that giving pet cats just one big meal per day can improve their health outcomes. The researchers explained that cats that ate once per day, as opposed to several times a day, were less likely to develop obesity and less likely to beg for food throughout the day.

“These findings may surprise the veterinary community and many cat owners who have been told their animals need several small meals a day,” said researcher Adronie Verbrugghe. “But these results suggest there are benefits to this approach.” 

Changing the feeding schedule

The researchers put two feeding schedules to the test with 80 healthy cats. For three weeks, one group of cats was fed four times a day while a second group was fed the same amount of food just once a day. The groups then switched for another three-week trial so that each cat experienced both feeding schedules. Throughout the study, the researchers monitored the cats’ health outcomes, including weight, physical activity, and metabolism. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that the frequency with which cats eat can make a big difference when it comes to their health. Eating once a day led to higher levels of protein in the cats’ blood, overall leaner body mass, and higher levels of hormones that are linked to appetite regulation. The researchers say this feeding schedule is beneficial for several reasons; firstly, the findings suggest that it allows cats to get more protein and improve their muscle mass. Secondly, it led to more satisfaction and reduced the likelihood that the cats would beg for food throughout the day.

The researchers also found that the cats’ weight remained the same regardless of how often they were eating. However, there were far more health benefits associated with the once-daily eating schedule. 

“Physiologically, it makes sense that feeding only once a day would have benefits,” said researcher Kate Shoveller. “When you look at human research, there’s pretty consistent evidence that there are positive health outcomes with intermittent fasting and improved satiety.” 

Not a one-size-fits-all solution

While these findings clearly showed how changing up cats’ eating schedules can be beneficial for their health, the researchers also noted that cat owners should think about the needs of their specific pets, as not every intervention is beneficial for every animal. 

“This approach is really yet another tool in a veterinarian or a cat owner’s toolbox for managing a cat’s weight and keeping their animals healthy and happy,” said Verbrugghe. “But we always have to look at each individual animal and account for the cat’s and owner’s lifestyle. So although this approach might be helpful to promote satiety in some cats, it might not help another.” 

While many consumers worry about the best time to neuter their dogs, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of California Davis is exploring risk factors certain breeds could face if owners decide to neuter too early. 

According to their findings, bigger dogs are at the biggest risk of facing health complications following the neutering procedure; however, timing is also key. The researchers explained that spaying or neutering before a dog is one year old can increase the likelihood of joint disorders in larger breeds. 

“Most dogs are mixed breeds,” said researcher Benjamin Hart. “We hope this study will influence the spay or neuter process in order to give people wishing to adopt a puppy the time to make an informed decision on when to spay or neuter.” 

Assessing the risk of joint conditions

To better understand the risks associated with premature neutering, the researchers analyzed 15 years worth of data from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The researchers assessed when the dogs were neutered, their breed and weight, and any associated complications or risks that were associated with the procedure. 

The study revealed that dogs that typically weigh upwards of 40 pounds are at the biggest risk of health complications following an early neuter or spay procedure. 

Joint disorders were the most common side effect for larger dogs who were spayed or neutered before their first birthday. The study revealed that the likelihood of a joint disorder was 12 percent more likely for a dog that weighs over 40 pounds and was spayed or neutered at less than one year old. Conversely, dogs of the same weight that weren’t spayed or neutered had just a four percent chance of developing a joint disorder. 

“The study raises unique challenges,” said researcher Lynette Hart. “People like to adopt puppies from shelters, but with mixed breeds it may become difficult to determine just how big the dog will become if you don’t know anything about the dog’s parents.” 

Changing policies

Moving forward, the researchers are calling for a change in policies regarding spaying and neutering young dogs. They explained that many shelters won’t allow consumers to adopt dogs without first getting them spayed or neutered -- regardless of how old they are or how much they weigh. 

However, this study made it clear that the procedure can negatively impact larger dogs’ day-to-day lives, and it’s important that each dog’s unique situation be taken into consideration before performing a procedure that could lead to serious health complications. 

“They need to take a serious look at this,” said Lynette Hart. “Joint disorders can shorten a dog’s useful working life and impact its role as a family member.” 

While a great deal of pet-related research has centered around the benefits pets can bring to owners, a new study is exploring what consumers can do to ensure their pets are as healthy as possible. 

Researchers from the University of California, Davis found that the best time to get dogs neutered depends on their breed. They analyzed nearly three dozen breeds and determined that different breeds respond to the procedure differently, and it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the risks. 

“There is a huge disparity among different breeds,” said researcher Benjamin Hart. “Some breeds developed problems, others didn’t. Some may have developed joint disorders but not cancer or the other way around.” 

Knowing when to neuter

The researchers analyzed 15 years’ worth of patient data from the UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital to determine the risks associated with spaying or neutering different breeds. Breed, sex, and age were the primary factors assessed in the study, and the researchers were interested in seeing the risks of cancer and joint disorders. 

The biggest takeaway from this study is that different breeds respond differently to being spayed or neutered. However, sex and body size are important for pet owners to consider when thinking about potential risks associated with the procedure. 

While female golden retrievers were 10 percent more likely than males to experience complications from being spayed, Boston terriers were the opposite, with males more likely than females to develop complications post-procedure. 

Size also played a key role, as the study revealed that smaller dogs tended to have fewer complications overall. The researchers explained that larger dogs were more likely than smaller-sized breeds to develop either joint disorders or cancer. 

Get an expert opinion

Though many consumers worry about spaying or neutering too early, this study found that for most breeds, age wasn’t a huge risk factor. 

Because there are so many specific differences among the breeds, the researchers encourage consumers to look closely at their findings to determine the potential risks for their pet. Moreover, each dog is as unique as their breed, and so it’s important that consumers have an open dialogue with their veterinarians prior to spaying or neutering their pets. 

“We think it’s the decision of the pet owner, in consultation with their veterinarian, not society’s expectations that should dictate when to neuter,” Hart said. “This is a paradigm shift for the most commonly performed operation in veterinary practice.” 

While many consumers worry about hearing loss as they head into older age, a new study found that their four-legged friends can also struggle with hearing impairment. 

According to experts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, dogs can experience hearing loss for many of the same reasons as humans, including age, disease, or consistent exposure to noise. 

“Most commonly, noise-induced hearing loss results from damage to hair cells in the cochlea that vibrate in response to sound waves,” said researcher Dr. Kari Foss. “However, extreme noise may also damage the eardrum and the small bones within the inner ear, called the ossicles.” 

Caring for dogs with hearing loss

Dr. Foss wants consumers to know how to detect if their pets might be struggling with hearing loss, and how to best go about communicating with pets with impaired hearing. 

For starters, she explained that pet owners should pay close attention to their dog’s behavior, as this is the primary way to determine if a dog is struggling with hearing. She revealed three main factors that could indicate hearing loss for dogs: 

• Sleeping through loud noises

• Different barking habits

• Not responding to verbal cues 

Dog owners shouldn’t be concerned about hearing loss influencing any other health concerns. However, it’s important for consumers to know how to best communicate with their pets under these circumstances. 

Dr. Foss recommends that pet owners should rely on visual cues instead of vocal cues with their pets; these can include hand gestures and eye contact. Limiting pets’ exposure to loud noises can also be beneficial.  

“They are vulnerable to undetected dangers such as motor vehicles or predators and therefore should be monitored when outside,” Dr. Foss said. 

Dogs can adapt

If consumers suspect their pet might be struggling with hearing loss, Dr. Foss recommends seeking out a vet for a professional evaluation. Though adjustments may not be necessary, dogs typically adapt well to changes. 

“A dog with congenital hearing loss grows up completely unaware that they are different from other dogs,” said Dr. Foss. “Dogs that lose their hearing later in life may be more acutely aware of their hearing loss, but they adapt quite well. A dog’s life would be significantly more affected by the loss of smell than by a loss of hearing.” 

Adding a pet to the family can be a big decision for many consumers, but a new study could help make that decision a bit easier. 

Researchers at the American Heart Association (AHA) found that having a dog can add years to consumers’ lives, particularly for those recovering from a heart attack or stroke.

“We know that social isolation is a strong risk factor for worse health outcomes and premature death,” said researcher Tove Fall, D.V.M. “Previous studies have indicated that dog owners experience less social isolation and have more interaction with other people. Furthermore, keeping a dog is good motivation for physical activity, which is an important factor in rehabilitation and mental health.” 

Being healthier, living longer

The researchers compiled their findings from two studies -- one which evaluated how having a dog helped all consumers live longer and one that explored how a dog could benefit those recovering from a heart attack or stroke. 

The first study examined a total of nearly four million participants, which the researchers used to compare how dog owners fared versus non-dog owners. Dog owners were found to be healthier than those without dogs, as the researchers found they exercised more and had lower blood pressure and cholesterol. This group was also over 30 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular issues and had al 24 percent lower likelihood of death from all causes. 

For the second study, the researchers analyzed patients who had suffered a heart attack or stroke between 2001 and 2012. Again, the researchers compared the health outcomes between dog owners and non-dog owners. The findings showed that dog owners won out, as the risk of death following health struggles was lower for those who had a dog at home, regardless of whether patients lived alone or with family. 

Dog owners who had suffered a heart attack and lived alone reduced their risk of death by over 30 percent, while those who had suffered a stroke and lived in the same conditions reduced their risk of death by 27 percent. 

While the researchers do suggest that consumers only seek out dog ownership if they feel able to care for a pet, the findings are promising in that they offer a way to be more active and social in day-to-day life, both of which can contribute to longer life. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed 16 brands of dog food it suggests may be associated with heart disease in dogs, the latest step in a more than year-long investigation.

The FDA began investigating last July when it reported a sharp increase in the number of cases of a form of heart disease in dogs called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM. The ailment is linked to congestive heart disease in dogs.

After analyzing the cases, the FDA has listed the brands of dog foods each affected animal was fed. The FDA posted the brands and other data here.

“It’s important to note that the FDA doesn’t yet know how certain diets may be associated with DCM in some dogs,” the agency said in a statement. “However, the FDA is first and foremost a public health agency, and takes seriously its responsibility to protect human and animal health. In the case of DCM, the agency has an obligation to be transparent with the pet-owning public regarding the frequency with which certain brands have been reported.”

To better characterize diets reported in DCM cases, the FDA said it examined product labels to determine whether the product was grain-free and whether the products contained peas or other lentils, including chickpeas, beans, or potatoes.

The FDA said more than 90 percent of products were “grain-free,” and 93 percent of reported products had peas and/or lentils.  A far smaller proportion contained potatoes.

Industry response

The pet food industry is cautioning consumers against a rush to judgment. In a statement, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) notes that an investigation into the role of diet and DCM in animals is likely to take years to complete.

“PFI members take seriously their commitment to provide safe pet food that delivers complete and balanced nutrition, and they welcome new information that can help them keep this commitment,” the group said. “Member company scientists, veterinarians, and nutritionists are currently working closely with one another, ingredient suppliers and veterinarians to further advance the understanding of this issue.”

Individual pet food manufacturers that appear on the FDA’s list made stronger statements. Zignature flatly states there is no connection between its products and DCM, pointing to its own third-party internal studies.

Champion Petfoods, maker of Arcana and Orijen, said it is currently conducting its own study to determine the cause of DCM in animals. In a statement, the company also called the FDA’s publishing of pet food brands “misleading” because the agency admits it has no evidence of a link between the pet food brands and the disease.

Exposure to glyphosate -- the main ingredient in several popular weed killers -- has been a hot-button issue lately when it comes to how it can negatively impact consumers’ health. However, a new study conducted by researchers from Cornell University explored the ways the chemical could be affecting consumers’ pets.

The researchers analyzed several different brands of popular dog and cat foods currently on shelves in grocery and pet stores and found traces of glyphosate in all of the samples tested -- though the levels found were considered safe for humans.

“While the levels of glyphosate in pet food surprised us, if a human ate it every day, their glyphosate exposure would still be well below the limits currently deemed safe,” said researcher Anthony Hay.

Evaluating risks

The researchers evaluated 18 different pet foods from eight manufacturers -- all of which were vegetable and meat mixes, while one was certified as GMO-free. All of the pet foods were found in either pet stores or major retailers, and the researchers analyzed samples of each to test their glyphosate levels.

They found that each pet food contained traces of glyphosate, ranging from 80 to 2,000 micrograms per kilogram. Additionally, the one pet food that was GMO-free was found to have the highest levels of glyphosate than any of the other brands.

The team was unable to nail down exactly where the glyphosate was coming from, but the researchers did see a correlation between glyphosate and fiber levels in the pet foods.

“We know that glyphosate is only certified for spraying on crops, and it does not bioaccumulate in animals, so we would not expect it to come from feed animals that are the main protein sources in some of the products,” said Hay. “Our evidence suggests that it’s coming from plant material.”

As this is one of the first studies to explore the effects glyphosate has on animals, the researchers are still unsure if the chemical poses any risks to pets. However, they analyzed the levels of glyphosate against what is acceptable and safe for humans and found that, on average, pets would be consuming 0.7 percent of the limit deemed safe for humans.

“Glyphosate is out there in in our pets’ food, and while there doesn’t appear to be any immediate risk, there is still uncertainty about the chronic impact of low doses like this,” said Hay. “The old adage: ‘dose determines the poison’ is good to keep in mind: While it’s possible that these animals might respond differently than humans, the numbers are still within a range that would be deemed safe for humans.”

Dangers of glyphosate

The health risks associated with glyphosate have been well-documented -- especially as of late.

The popular weed killer Roundup -- manufactured by the agricultural company Monsanto -- has been under fire recently, as the company is currently embroiled in a major lawsuit.

Dewayne Johnson, a 46-year-old father of two and school groundskeeper, became involved in a lawsuit due to the glyphosate found in Roundup. Johnson is dying from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and he was one of nearly 4,000 cancer patients arguing against the dangerous side effects that come from glyphosate.

While Johnson was initially awarded nearly $300 million, Judge Suzanne Bolanos decided to reduce the settlement by $211 million. Johnson has until early December to either accept the offer or request a new trial.

Monsanto is no stranger to lawsuits. The company sued the state of California in 2016 because it disagreed with the state’s assessment that the ingredients in Roundup classify it as a carcinogen. Since then, Monsanto has been involved in several lawsuits for failing to inform consumers of what’s in their products.

While this most recent study explores the ways glyphosate affects pets, earlier studies examined the ways pregnant women -- and their future babies -- are affected by the chemical. Women who were frequently exposed to Roundup were found to have shorter pregnancies, and 90 percent of the women involved in the study had glyphosate in their urine.

More than half of American cats are overweight, and those extra pounds can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, skeletal stress, and a shortened life span.

However, in order to help an overweight cat achieve weight loss, owners must continue to reduce the feline’s food intake even as they lose weight. That’s because a fat cat will stay a lazy cat even after it loses weight, researchers say.

A recent study from the University of Illinois found that in order for cats to achieve weight loss, a continual reduction of food intake had to be implemented.

“That’s a key point. When we go on a diet ourselves, we might lose a lot of weight in the first few weeks and then hit a roadblock. Same with these animals,” said lead author Kelly Swanson.

The eight cats in the study were all neutered males, which the researchers noted tend to be lazy. For 18 weeks, the cats were kept together while having their activity level and food intake monitored. The results showed that the animals needed a lot of time to reach their weight goals.

“It turns out you have to keep reducing their food intake because they're not very active. It takes a long time," Swanson said.

Healthy weight loss

The researchers targeted a safe level of weight loss -- 1.5 percent body weight loss per week, which falls in line with the range (0.5-2 percent per week) suggested by the American Animal Hospital Association.

This rate of weight loss is enough to notice a change, but not enough to cause health problems as a result of losing weight too quickly. Each cat's food intake was reduced at the beginning of weeks two through eight and then kept constant for the remaining 10 weeks.

"The intent with this diet was a healthy weight loss: getting rid of fat while maintaining lean mass," he said. "The risk with rapid weight loss, especially in a cat, is hepatic lipidosis. The body releases too much fat, and the liver gets bogged down. They can't handle that much.”

To achieve 1.5 percent loss, the researchers had to keep cutting the felines’ food intake. First by 20 percent compared to a maintenance diet, then further reducing food intake every week.

“We got really low, but we were monitoring them so they were healthy,” Swanson said.

As the group of cats slimmed down, their voluntary physical activity “didn’t change much.” Swanson said that toward the end of the study, they were “becoming a little more active, but not statistically."

Helping your pet lose weight

The study authors say it can be hard to convince a pet owner to keep reducing their pet’s food intake. “You might get owners to reduce intake from 60 to 50 grams per day, but we're telling them they might have to go to 45 or 40 grams.”

Swanson added that pet owners sometimes don’t even want to admit that their pets are overweight.

"We've done some clinical studies in dogs showing that misconception. If you have a veterinarian do a body conditioning assessment (BCS) of a pet and then have an owner do it, the owner will almost always underestimate the BCS,” he said, adding that it’s crucial for owners to acknowledge the weight status of their pets.

"The second thing that needs to change is the owner's behavior: getting them to reduce food intake to maintain a healthy BCS. Food companies recognize that many owners feed too much, so they're trying to formulate their diets so it's easier for the animals to maintain or lose weight even if an owner overfeeds," he said.

To help a cat achieve weight loss, Swanson recommends encouraging exercise as much as possible by playing with them and placing food bowls farther away from favorite resting spots.

The full study has been published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research.

Pet obesity is a growing problem, currently affecting an estimated 58 percent of cats and 54 percent of dogs in the U.S. Experts say being overweight can have negative consequences on a pet’s overall health and quality of life.

To that end, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging pet owners to take steps to identify and combat obesity in their own pets.

Excess weight can seriously harm your pet’s health and even lead to a shorter life span, said Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at the FDA.

“The diseases we see in our overweight pets are strikingly similar to those seen in overweight people,” Stamper said, naming as examples diabetes mellitus (also known as Type 2 Diabetes), osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, and kidney disease.

“We want our pets to live happy lives, but we also want them to live long ones,” she said.

Ideal weight is relative

Pets are considered “obese” if their weight exceeds their ideal body weight by 20 percent or more. Your pet’s ideal weight will vary depending on its breed, age, body type, and metabolism, according to the FDA.

Labs and beagles, for example, tend to be more prone to obesity than other breeds. Long, low dogs -- such as dachshunds and basset hounds -- are also more prone to packing on extra pounds.

“Neutering can slow down a dog or cat’s metabolism, and so can aging, especially if the animal gets less exercise than when younger,” the agency said.

Your veterinarian can tell you what your pet’s ideal weight is, as well as give you an idea of how much food your pet should be eating on a day-to-day basis.

Signs to look for

A few basic signs to look for to help you determine whether or not your pet is at a healthy weight include:

• A non-defined waist. Look at your pet from above to see if they have a definitive waist. “If not, and her back is broad and flat like a footstool, she is likely overweight,” Stamper said.

• Sagging stomach. Animals at a healthy weight should have a tapered or “tucked” abdomen.

• Can’t feel their ribs. Check to see if you can feel your pet’s ribs by running your hands along their sides. You shouldn’t have to push too hard to feel them, nor should your pet’s ribs be too prominent.

Small changes

If your pet does have a few pounds to shed, Dr. Kirk Breuninger, Veterinary Research Associate, Banfield Pet Hospital, suggests taking small steps to help them get down to their ideal weight.  

“Just as with people, weight management is unique to the individual pet,” Breuninger told ConsumerAffairs. Your vet can help you determine a healthy weight for your pet, as well as help you make a game plan for how to get there.  

Small lifestyle changes can have big long-term health benefits for your pet, he explained. “Instead of resolving to run with your dog three miles a day, start with walking a few extra blocks each day.”

Additionally, he recommends cutting down on “people food,” which can quickly add up to extra pounds on your pet.

While helping your pet achieve and maintain their ideal weight is in their best interest, you don’t have to cut out treats altogether. For most animals, an occasional treat is fine. However, be sure to limit treats to no more than 10 percent of your pet’s daily calories.

The key is take an “everything in moderation” approach and talk to your vet if you’re concerned about your pet’s weight, Stamper said.

Feeding your pet a raw meat could harm their health and yours, a new study warns.

Researchers based in the Netherlands say raw meat based-diets (RMBDs) may be contaminated with bacteria and parasites, which can pose a risk to both animal and human health.

“It has been claimed that feeding pets raw meat results in a better overall condition of the animals and could have a supportive role in controlling and preventing certain medical conditions in both dogs and cats such as allergies, skin and gastrointestinal tract problems,” said lead researcher Paul Overgaauw, from Utrecht University.

However, the researchers say their study shows no evidence that raw meat diets are healthier for pets. On the contrary, cats and dogs that eat raw meat diets are more likely to become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria than animals that are fed typical pet food.

Serious health risks

Overgaauw and his colleagues analyzed 35 commercial frozen raw meat diet products for pets that are widely available in the Netherlands and found E. coli bacteria in eight products (23 percent), listeria bacteria in 15 products (43 percent), and traces of salmonella in seven products (20 percent).

Eight products contained Sarcocystes parasites and two products (6 percent) contained Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The two types of Sarcocystes parasites found in the products only pose a risk to farm animals, but the investigators note that T. gondii can cause disease in people.

Commercial pet food safer

Some argue that conventional pet foods lose important nutrients during the heating process, while others say the consumption of unnecessary additives is avoided by feeding pets a raw meat based diet.

Others argue that it’s more natural for a carnivorous species to eat raw meat products. But even a little meat can be harmful to pets if it’s still raw and not heated, Overgaauw says.

Commercial dry or canned pet foods are safer because the composition of the food is complete and optimally balanced in terms of nutrients, he said. Conventional pet food is also heated during processing, which kills all germs.

Safe handling

Pet owners and other household members can come into contact with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in several ways, including direct contact with the food or with an infected pet, through contact with contaminated household surfaces, or by eating cross-contaminated human food.

The study authors say pet owners should be informed about the risks associated with feeding their animals raw meat-based diets. Pet owners should also be educated about personal hygiene and proper handling of raw meat products.

When handling raw meat products, Overgaauw suggests taking the following precautions:

• Buy frozen meat (freezing kills most parasites and Campylobacter bacteria)

• Defrost in bowls or on plates that will only be used for this purpose

• Handle the raw meat hygienically in the kitchen and wash the surface, your hands, and all utensils thoroughly afterwards

• Use feeding bowls that will only be used for this purpose

• Remove the bowls as soon as possible (but within half an hour) to prevent too much bacterial multiplication and wash these thoroughly with hot water.

The full study has been published in the journal Vet Record.

New research from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance shows half of pet parents (50 percent) are planning to spend up to $75 on their furry companions this holiday season.

Nearly half of those respondents (45 percent) said they plan to spoil their pet with toys and treats, but giving too many cookies and snacks could be unhealthy for your pet in the long-run.

In an interview with ConsumerAffairs, Natasha Ashton, co-CEO of Petplan insurance, explained that many gifts and gadgets can actually help make your furry friend healthier.

“We know that over 95 percent of pet parents consider their pet a part of the family. So it's only natural for us to want to give back to them, especially since our pets unselfishly love us year round,” she said.

Holiday gifts for pets

Here are a few pet gifts that can help boost the health of your four-legged companion:

• For the mind. Toys can help keep your pet’s mind healthy and sharp. To engage all the senses during playtime, choose playthings in varying shapes, sizes, textures, and even scents. Puzzle toys and puzzle feeders make pets problem-solve for food, which satisfies their natural-born need to hunt, says Ashton.

• For the body. Making sure your pet gets sufficient exercise is critical, and many gadgets can help you stay on top of your pet’s daily activity requirements. Ideas include a hands-free jogging leash or bike leash, a dog or cat obstacle course to help your pet get exercise at home when it’s cold outside, a FitBark activity tracker to monitor your dog's everyday activity, and a cat tree for cats to climb.

• For the home. “A pet’s environment is just as important to his health as diet and exercise,” Ashton said. To keep pets from inhaling off-gassed chemicals while they sleep, give the gift of a nontoxic bed made with natural fibers. Aromatherapy diffusers can also benefit pets’ well-being, whether the oils are pheromone-based or in soothing scents like cedarwood, chamomile, or lavender.

Tips to save

With holiday spending expected to reach record highs this year, you may be keeping a close eye on your budget. Fortunately, a few shopping strategies can help you cut costs while shopping for Fido or Fluffy.

“Price matching is huge – stores like Petco and PetSmart price match if you find a lower price through a competitor. This tip can carry you through the holiday season to get you the best deal,” George Bousis, founder and CEO of savings app Raise, told ConsumerAffairs.

Following pet stores socially and signing up to receive emails for exclusive coupons and sales can also help you save, he noted.

Several price monitoring digital tools can also help you save. An app called Earny monitors for price drops at retailers (including pet stores). If the price drops on an item you already purchased, Earny’s bot contacts the company to get your money back.

Toolbars like Honey can also automatically apply eligible coupon codes when shopping online, which can save you money when shopping at a favorite pet retailer.

Following reports of 68 pet illnesses and 15 deaths caused by bone treats, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) is warning pet owners that bones can pose serious health risks to dogs.

While you may be aware that it’s not safe to give your dog a real bone (a pork or poultry bone, for instance), even store bought bone treats can be dangerous for dogs to chew on, the FDA says.

The agency said it received reports of moldy-looking treats and bone treats that splintered when chewed by the dog. A variety of bone treats -- including treats described as “Ham Bones,” “Pork Femur Bones,” “Rib Bones,” and “Smokey Knuckle Bones” -- were listed in the reports.

Potential risks

Unlike many butcher-type bones, “bone treats” are processed and packaged for sale as dog treats. Before hitting store shelves, the products may be dried through smoking or baking, and they may contain ingredients such as preservatives, seasonings, and smoke flavorings.

However, bone treats can cause potentially serious health consequences in dogs, including blockage in the digestive tract, choking, lacerations in the mouth or on the tonsils, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding from the rectum.

“Giving your dog a bone treat might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death for your pet,” said Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA.

A fully cooked large beef long bone comes with less risk, but your dog should be supervised and the bone taken away once it fragments,” Dr. Sarah Nold, staff veterinarian at Trupanion, added in an interview with ConsumerAffairs.

Keeping your dog safe

While pet experts don’t recommend stuffing your pet’s stocking with bone treats, there are other toys and treats that are safe for dogs to chew on; some even have the added benefit of helping with dental health, Nold explained. She recommends knowing what what kind of chewer your dog is before buying toys.

“If you know they rip apart stuffed toys, stay away from those so that your dog doesn’t ingest any stuffing,” she told ConsumerAffairs. “Toys made of harder material, like rubber, are great for dogs that like to chew.”

“These toys are less likely to break apart and splinter, making it easier for your pet to chew safely for a longer time. Small pieces should still ideally be taken away from your dog, unless it is a treat that is highly digestible.”

Another option, she says, is giving your dog a toy that allows you to hide an edible dog treat inside. To keep your pet from fracturing their teeth, make sure chews are soft enough to indent with your thumbnail.

For safety’s sake, always supervise your pet with any chew toy or treat. Additionally, be careful when throwing away bones -- especially if you’ve got a dog who might be tempted to nose through the trash can when you’re not looking. Pets who sneak bones from the trash could be put at risk.

Most pet owners have likely experienced some sort of clash between their furry family member and holiday decor, but some decorations deserve extra care for the safety of your pet(s).

Your Christmas tree, winter holiday plants, and festive decor can all pose potential health hazards to curious pets, so it’s imperative to know where seasonal household dangers may be found. 

With this information, you can take steps to keep your pet from getting sick or injured. 

Pet-proof your tree 

Your Christmas tree and the fragile ornaments that adorn it can be tempting to pets–especially those with a penchant for chewing dangling objects. 

Here are a few ways to keep pets safe around Christmas trees: 

• Secure your tree properly. To keep your tree from toppling over and injuring your cat or dog, secure it with additional hardware or put up a gate. 
• Hang fragile ornaments up high. Use fragile ornaments on shelves or mantles, or hang them near the top of the tree. Ingesting broken ornaments can lead to lacerations or intestinal blockages in pets.
• Avoid edible ornaments. Strings of popcorn, holly berries, and other edible ornaments can look like enticing treats to pets, but eating edible decor could cause your pet to choke or become ill. 
• Keep pets out of tree water. If you have a real tree, keep in mind that Christmas tree water can harbor tree sap (as well as bacteria and fertilizers) that can cause a pet who drinks it to become sick. To keep pets out of tree water, try covering the dish with plastic or foil.
• Skip the tinsel. Sparkly tinsel can look irresistible to playful kitties, but can be harmful if ingested. Cats who accidentally swallow tinsel can suffer from an obstructed digestive tract, dehydration, or severe vomiting, according to the ASPCA.

Avoid dangerous decor

While the soft glow of candles may help keep holiday spirits bright, they can cause burns to pets or start a fire. Remember to keep candles high up on a shelf or only light them while you are in the room.  

Pet owners should also be sure to watch pets around certain winter holiday plants. Poinsettia, holly berries, pine tree needles, and lilies can be toxic to pets if ingested and should be displayed in a spot that’s inaccessible to pets.  

Communicate with your holiday visitors to ensure they don’t sneak your pet any alcohol or snacks that could cause them distress. Be sure overnight guests lock up medications and personal products. 

To keep mischievous pets from getting into decor or presents while you are out of the house, consider using a crate or restricting their roaming space. 

“Giving your animal a space to themselves away from the unfamiliar can provide them with a sense of safety,” Rob Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Healthy Paws pet insurance, told ConsumerAffairs. 

“If possible, choose a room your pet spends time in already, such as a bedroom where they sleep. Check in on your animal every hour or so, giving them a treat or affection. Make sure to let your dog out per your usual schedule."

While it’s important to pay close attention to your dog’s overall health year-round, a few extra precautions are necessary during the winter months. 

Frostbite and hypothermia, cold-weather damage to paws, and excess weight gain are just a few ways harsh winter weather can cause moderate to severe problems for a dog’s health and well-being.

To keep your pet from packing on pounds or suffering other winter-related health complications, it’s critical to stay on track with their nutritional needs and maintain physical activity. Here are a few things you can do to keep your pooch safe, healthy, and warm during the colder months. 

Winter health tips

Prevent problems. Preventative care can help you stay ahead of any health problems that could crop up during the winter months. Take your pet to the vet before winter weather sets in to work on setting winter weight and health care goals, as well as obtain recommendations for how to reach them. 

Maintain physical activity. Exercise is an essential part of your dog’s mental and physical well-being – colder temperatures don’t have to put a halt on physical activity. Indoor exercise is one way to help your pet stay warm while meeting physical activity requirements. You can get your pet moving indoors by racing him up the stairs, setting up an obstacle course, or playing a game of indoor fetch. 

Keep them warm. Remember that if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Let pets come inside when it’s cold. Additionally, keep your dog comfortable and warm at night by setting up a warm place to sleep. A pet bed with a blanket or pillow will suffice, as long as it’s off the floor and away from drafts. 

Prevent winter weight gain. Just like humans, pets can be prone to living a more sedentary life during the winter months. Keep your pet’s winter activity level in mind when considering how many calories your pet needs. Additionally, avoid giving your dog holiday table scraps or letting him indulge in too many treats. 

Keep pets hydrated. Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in winter as in summer. Be sure to provide a bowl of fresh water for your dog if they’ll be outside. To prevent your pup’s tongue from getting stuck to the bowl, use plastic instead of metal dishes.

Take care of paws. Cracked pads are common in pets during the winter months, and salt used to de-ice sidewalks can also cause issues. Keep your pets paws healthy by wiping down or washing their feet after a walk. If you notice discomfort, consider using dog booties or applying petroleum jelly to your pet’s paws before venturing out for a winter walk.  

Reduce baths. Baths can strip your dog’s skin of important essential oils, so fully bathe your pooch as little as possible during cold weather. If a bath is necessary, use a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse. To freshen your pet without using water, consider using dry shampoo.

As Autumn moves in, that big leaf pile may look like lots of fun, but pet owners should take care to avoid letting their dogs dive into one that’s been sitting awhile. Leaf piles can harbor mold, ticks, and other fall irritants that can adversely affect dogs' health.

For some dogs, damp leaf piles -- which often contain mold and bacteria -- can be a source of an allergic reaction. To tell if your dog is bothered by leaf mold, veterinary experts recommend keeping an eye out for sniffling, sneezing, and other symptoms of a mold allergy.

“Mold-allergic dogs sneeze frequently, and they may develop a cough or have watery eyes,” say the experts at VetInfo.com. “Other dog-specific signs of a mold allergy include recurring ear infections and licking, scratching, and biting at their skin because it becomes itchy.”

Allergy-inducing mold spores are less of a concern for freshly raked piles, but old leaf piles are the perfect environment for spores and bacteria to breed, experts say.

Sticks and ticks

In addition to mold, leaf piles may conceal sticks and branches. Pointy pieces raked up with leaves can cut or wound pets and lead to costly vet bills, according to the experts at pet insurance company Petplan.

“While it is a rare occurrence, getting impaled by a sharp stick can (and does) happen, whether while jumping in a leaf pile, running through the woods, or playing a rousing game of fetch,” says Petplan, adding that puncture wounds stemming from stick impalement cost an average of $646 to treat.

Leaf piles that have been sitting for a few days may also contain snakes, ticks, and other bugs. The older the pile of leaves, the higher the risk that it has become home to these creatures.

Poison plants

Additionally, red maple leaves, wild mushrooms, and fallen chestnuts (or “conkers”) pose a health hazard to dogs. The leaves of red maple trees can impair red blood cell function in dogs, while conkers -- which contain a poison called aesculin -- can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Signs of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, excessive drooling, and lack of coordination. Call your vet immediately if your dog has any of these symptoms after ingesting an unknown plant.

While indoors is the safest place for your pet to be during yard work, the experts at Petplan say there is likely no harm in letting your pooch play in freshly raked piles of leaves that have been checked for sticks.

Puppies sold at Petland, a national pet store chain, have been traced as the likely source of an infection outbreak in seven states.

Between September 2016 and August 2017, Campylobacter infections have been reported in Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The infection, which can spread to people from puppies and dogs, has sickened 39 people. Twelve people affected were employees, and 27 people affected had either purchased a puppy at Petland, visited a Petland, or live in a home with a puppy purchased at Petland. Nine have been hospitalized.

Signs and symptoms

"Evidence suggests that puppies sold through Petland are a likely source of this outbreak," the CDC said in a statement. "Petland is cooperating with public health and animal health officials to address this outbreak."

People with the Campylobacter infection might show no signs of illness or might have diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, abdominal pain, or a fever within two to five days of exposure.

The symptoms lasts about a week without treatment, but health officials say the illness can be life-threatening for people with weakened immune systems, such as young children, older adults, and pregnant women.

Preventing infection

According to the Washington Post, Campylobacter infections are most often caused by eating raw or undercooked proteins, but they can also be spread through contact with dog feces.

Because infected dogs don’t always show symptoms of illness, it’s vital that consumers take precautions when around dogs. “Regardless of where they came from, any puppy and dog” can carry the germ, the CDC stated.

To reduce your risk of catching the infection, the CDC recommends washing your hands thoroughly after touching dogs, their poop, or their food. Additionally, pick up and dispose of dog poop -- especially in areas where children might play. Take your dog to the vet right away if you notice any signs of illness.

Choosing a dog

Adopting a dog from a local animal shelter has numerous benefits, but if you choose to go another route, the CDC advises that you follow these steps when picking a pup: 

• Choose a dog that is bright, alert and playful.
• Look for a shiny, soft coat that doesn't have any feces on it.
• Take your new puppy or dog to the vet for a check-up within a few days of their adoption.

Pet ownership can get expensive, especially if your beloved companion suddenly comes down with an illness.

The costs associated with providing proper veterinary care when medical issues arise can be sky-high, but just as eating right and exercising can help you stay healthy, so can scheduling routine wellness exams for your pet.

Providing preventive care through annual wellness visits won’t only help to stave off medical bills, it’ll give you peace of mind in knowing that your four-legged family member isn’t being burdened by a painful ailment.

"The cornerstone of good veterinary care has always been catching diseases early,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, chief veterinary officer for Nationwide. “I strongly recommend that pet owners schedule routine wellness examinations with their local veterinarian."

Preventive care measures

"Being proactive is in your pet's best interest," MicConnell added. But in order to provide preventive care, it’s important to know which conditions most commonly plague dogs and cats.

To clue pet parents in, pet health insurance provider Nationwide recently sorted through its database of more than 600,000 insured pets to provide a cost analysis of the five most common preventable ailments.

The following cat and dog conditions can be avoided through preventive veterinary care, says Nationwide.

• Dental diseases. Cavities, tooth infections, and other dental diseases cost an average of $390 per pet to treat, but only $180 to prevent. Brushing your pet’s teeth can help keep dental diseases at bay, but the most effective preventative treatment for dental disease is having your pet’s teeth cleaned annually by a veterinary professional.
• External parasites. Tick-transmitted lyme disease and allergic dermatitis caused by fleas can cost around $250 to treat, but just $121 to prevent. Nationwide suggests using preventative flea and tick medications, keeping your home free of fleas and ticks, and checking your pet for fleas and ticks after outdoor activities.
• Internal parasites. Heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and Giardia cost roughly $200 to treat, but only $35 to prevent. Similar to external parasites, preventing internal parasites can be achieved by keeping your pet and home flea-free. Additionally, annual fecal exams and preventive medications can reduce your pet’s risk of being affected by a parasitic infection.
• Infectious diseases. Parvovirus, Lyme disease, and feline leukemia virus can incur costs of over $800, but preventive vaccination against these diseases costs less than $100 per pet. Your pet’s exposure risk (whether they are an outdoor cat, if you live in an area with a large population of ticks, etc) can help your veterinarian determine which vaccines to recommend.
• Reproductive organ diseases. If your pet’s reproductive organs become infected or inflamed, it can cost up to $600 to treat. But preventing reproductive organ diseases costs roughly half that amount and can be achieved by spaying or neutering your pet.
• Respiratory infections. Treating canine kennel cough or feline upper respiratory virus costs almost $200, but preventing respiratory infections with a Bordatella vaccination costs only around $25 per pet.

Taking your pooch to a dog-friendly beach can be a great way to beat the summer heat and enjoy a little quality time with your furry sidekick. But seaside fun in the sun can also pose potential health threats to your dog.

Before bringing your pet on vacation, it’s critical to take safety precautions. The pet experts at Petplan insurance say they see claims soar from summer days at the beach from dog-related health problems such as dehydration and blocked bowels.

To minimize your pet’s risk of getting hurt or sick, it's important to know the dangers of sun, sand, and salt water, says Petplan’s staff veterinarian Rebecca Jackson.

Beach dangers to pets

Here are a few dangers to steer clear of while at the beach with your pup.

• Sand. While you can't avoid sand, you can keep a close eye on your dog to make sure he doesn’t eat too much of it while digging. A little sand won’t do any harm if ingested, but large quantities can collect in the intestines or bowels causing a blockage, the vets at Petplan explain.
• Salt water. The ocean may look like a giant water dish in the eyes of your dog, but drinking salt water can be dangerous to pets. The most common side effect is diarrhea, but if they lap up too much, salt toxicity can become an issue. To keep your dog hydrated, bring along a collapsible water dish and fresh water.
• Heat. Heat stroke is one of the most common and most dangerous threats to beach-going pets, according to Petplan. It can take hold of a pet in as little as 15 minutes, and it can be fatal. To keep your pet safe, avoid bringing them to the beach during the hottest part of the day and be sure to provide ample amounts of both water and shade while there.
• The sun. Humans aren’t the only ones at risk for sunburn. Dogs -- especially those with white or light-colored fur -- can also get sunburned. You can protect your pet’s skin by applying a pet-formulated sunscreen to the bridge of the nose, ear tips, abdomen, and inner legs. Additionally, be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for shady naps.
• Strong currents. Even dogs that are pro swimmers should be monitored closely, as they can be pulled under by strong tides and currents. If they inhale water while struggling, dry drowning can occur hours or even days later. To keep your pet’s lungs fluid-free, bring a pet lifejacket to help keep their head above water.

‘Sit’ and ‘stay’ are typically among the first tricks to be added to a dog’s repertoire, but our canine companions are often eager to teach us how to do just the opposite. A pup’s prescription for a happier day? Get out and get active.

Embarking on even a brief jaunt with Fido may add years to your life, a new study suggests. Researchers say older adults who regularly walk at a moderate pace with their dog may be poised to live longer.

Dog-owning seniors walked an average of 22 minutes and 2,760 steps more than seniors without a dog, a recent study found. Those extra minutes may be enough to meet recommendations for physical activity set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dog owners less sedentary

"For good health WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week,” said lead researcher Dr. Philippa Dall. “Over the course of a week this additional 20 minutes walking each day may in itself be sufficient to meet these guidelines.”

To find out whether dog ownership had the potential to improve the health of older adults, researchers monitored the activity levels of 86 adults aged 65 and older. Half of the participants were dog owners, the other half were not.

The findings represented “a meaningful improvement in physical activity achieved through dog walking,” said Dall.

"This study indicates that dog ownership may play an important role in walking among older adults,” said the study’s co-author, Nancy Gee. “We found an objective method to monitor activity worked very well and recommend that future research in this field also include dog ownership and dog walking as important variables to consider."

Better quality of life

Dogs might help motivate seniors to be more active, the researchers concluded, which could in turn reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancers, and depression. 

"Ultimately, our research will provide insights into how pet ownership may help older people achieve higher levels of physical activity or maintain their physical activity levels for a longer period of time, which could improve their prospects for a better quality of life, improved or maintained cognition, and perhaps, even overall longevity," Gee said.

The study is published in the journal BMC Public Health.

Animals can succumb to intense summer heat just like humans, but owners often miss the warning signs because they don't know what to look for. Pet insurers say treating a dog for heatstroke is among the most expensive pet injuries. Nationwide said its average claim for canine heatstroke last year was over $700.

Healthy Paws, another pet insurer, said its biggest heat-related claim last summer was $3,800 for a Labradoodle that required several days in a pet hospital. To avoid this injury, the company offers up five rules.

Protecting your dog from the heat

The first is a no-brainer; never leave your dog in the car unattended. K9 Rescue says that even on a pleasant 75 degree day, it will take only 10 minutes to reach 100 degrees inside the car.

Outdoor dogs are most at risk, since they spend most of their time outside when it's hot. They need a place that shelters them from direct sunlight and a place to cool off. A small child's wading pool, filled with water, can give a dog a nice break from the heat. Also make sure they always have plenty of fresh water to drink.

Some breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, may be more susceptible to the heat. Healthy Paws says one French bulldog it covered had a heatstroke last summer that cost $2,100 to treat.

Keep your dog off hot cement. If the pavement feels too hot when you touch it with your hands, it's going to be too hot for your dog's paws.

Finally, Healthy Paws urges dog owners to be aware of the symptoms of a heatstroke. They include heavier than normal panting, vomiting, and even seizures. There's also a good chance a dog having a heatstroke will simply collapse.

When any of these symptoms appear, get your pet to a vet as soon as possible.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning pet owners that some commercial dog foods may contain livestock gullets -- throat parts from livestock -- that contain thyroid tissue and hormones, which could make dogs sick.

Eating the thyroid tissue could cause hyperthyroidism, a disease that is normally rare in dogs and is usuaully triggered by thyroid cancer. The source of thyroid hormones is likely from the use of gullets from which the thyroid glands were not completely removed before adding to pet food or treats, the FDA said.

The FDA said a recent investigation found hyperthyroidism in three dogs but no signs of thyroid cancer. Interviews with the dogs’ owners revealed that all three dogs had been fed BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe, Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs and/or Wellness 95% Beef Topper for Dogs.

Investigators said the three dogs recovered when they were switched to a different food and their thyroid levels returned to normal.

Both WellPet (the maker of Wellness) and Blue Buffalo (the maker of Blue Wilderness) initiated voluntary recalls of select lots of the affected products on March 17, 2017, after being told of the FDA's findings. 

Blue Buffalo has long been the target of consumer complaints alleging that its products made dogs sick. In 2016, the company agreed to pay $32 million to settle a group of class action lawsuits from pet owners. Blue Buffalo denied any wrongdoing and said health problems encountered by consumers' pets may have been caused by supplier misconduct.

In 2013, the company was at the center of an investigation into unexplained pet illnesses and deaths. The FDA said it had no evidence that Blue Buffalo was at fault but expressed concern about repeated recalls and incidents with pet food and jerky treats in general

What to do

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, hyperactivity, elevated heart rate, rapid and/or labored breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Continued exposure to excess thyroid hormones can cause damage to the heart and, in some cases, death.

"If your dog has eaten either of these foods and is showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, discontinue feeding of these foods and consult your veterinarian, making sure to provide your dog’s dietary history, including what the dog has been eating, how much, and for how long," the FDA advised.

How do you know if the pet food you're using contains livestock gullets? The FDA advises you ask the manufacturer. 

At the time of the 2013 illnesses, veterinarian Joe Bartges offered tips to pet owners worried about food safety.

Being alert to signs of illness is the first line of defense, he said. If your dog or cat becomes ill, switching to boiled chicken and white rice may solve the problem, but if it doesn't, it's important to get the animal to a veterinarian quickly. Kidney failure and other diseases that bedevil pets can progress rapidly and early treatment is vital.

Here are some other tips from Bartges and colleagues:

• Do not allow pets access to garbage or carrion
• Cover and refrigerate unused portions of wet food
• Do not feed foods that have a suspicious appearance or odor
• Use stainless steel bowls and utensils and clean them
• Store dry foods in a cool dry location free of pests.

Also, pet owners who suspect a problem with the food should save the package and a small sample of the food in question. Be sure to contact the manufacturer and file a report with the FDA as well. 

Bones can provide mental stimulation, prevent boredom, and satisfy your pup’s innate urge to chew. But not all bones may be safe for your four-legged pal.

Cooked, smoked, and dehydrated bones are brittle and may splinter, which could cause an internal injury to your pet, the FDA warns. Cooked bones can also cause dental issues, including cracked or fractured teeth.

Raw bones, on the other hand, can be a healthy and safe part of your dog’s diet. Beyond scraping away plaque and removing trapped food particles from the teeth, raw bones can provide a calcium phosphate boost to your pooch. Recreational chewing can also give your dog’s jaw muscles a workout.

But while they may be less dangerous than cooked bones, raw bones still come with a few risks. To make sure your pet stays safe while enjoying their treat, pet owners should be sure to follow certain guidelines. 

Raw bone guidelines

There are two types of raw bones you can give your pet: edible and recreational. Edible bones are hollow, non-weight-bearing bones of birds which provide calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals.

Recreational bones are marrow-filled beef, bison femur, or hip bones which should only be gnawed on -- not chewed or swallowed. This type of bone isn’t especially nutrient dense, but does provide mental stimulation and oral health benefits.

Before offering your pooch a bone, remember to heed the following advice:

• Supervise your pet. Make sure they don’t “bite off more than they can chew,” so to speak, by checking on your pet periodically as he or she is chewing. Watch to ensure that they don't choke or swallow it, and remove the bone if it gets small enough to swallow.
• Separate animals. Even the closest of canine pals can become territorial over bones. If you have more than one dog, separate them before offering a bone.
• Choose a size-appropriate bone. Because bones that are too small can be choking hazards, make sure to choose a bone that matches your dog’s size. Bones should be larger than the length of the muzzle, so as to be impossible to swallow whole.
• Choose the right time. Give your pet a bone only after they have had a full meal so they’re not hungry and tempted to swallow it.
• Be mindful of dental issues. Don’t offer a bone to a dog that has had dental work or crowns.
• Consider a softer alternative. For older dogs or dogs that have had dental work, consider bringing home a dental dog bone that is softer and easier to chew.

Chances are, you brush your teeth every day in an effort to keep cavities and other dental problems at bay. But many pet owners neglect to put the same amount of care into maintaining the health of their pet’s pearly whites.

Like humans, pets are susceptible to cavities. If left untreated, poor dental hygiene can lead to kidney, liver, and heart complications, or even diabetes. 

Unfortunately, dental health conditions like these are far too common among pets. Most dogs and cats develop periodontal disease by age three, according to the experts at pet insurance company Trupanion.

Some of the symptoms of this chronic, irreversible condition include swollen gums, increased drooling, whining while eating, loss of appetite, weight loss, bleeding, and loose or discolored teeth. But regular teeth-brushing can help to prevent the onset of such problems.  

Brushing tips

To prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, veterinarians recommend brushing your pet's teeth several times a week. Not sure how to go about cleaning your pup's teeth? Dr. Katy Burr, on-staff veterinarian at Trupanion, has a few tips.

• Buy pet-specific toothpaste. Since human toothpaste can upset pets’ stomachs, look for toothpaste specially formulated to be safe for pets.
• Use a toothbrush or gauze. To brush your pet’s teeth, brush in a circular motion using a toothbrush or gauze wrapped around your finger. To keep the toothpaste from falling off when you start brushing, try smearing a small amount on your pet’s teeth and then brushing.
• Make it a daily routine. Burr recommends brushing your pet’s teeth at least twice a week, ideally at the same time each day. Having a daily routine will make training easier.
• Use chew toys. The gum massage that occurs when your pet gnaws on a nylon or rubber chew toy can help to remove tartar.

Monthly exams

Burr also recommends that pet owners perform a monthly examination of their pet’s mouth. Things to look for include bad breath, cysts or tumors, missing or loose teeth, redness, inflammation, and too much moisture or drool.

Additionally, pet parents should make sure to get their pet’s mouth checked out by their veterinarian at each visit. Some vet offices even offer tooth and gum cleanings and mouth care services.

Pets are big business. As evidence, candy- and pet-food-maker Mars Inc. is paying $9.1 billion to buy VCA Inc., the animal hospital chain that runs general and specialty care veterinary centers around the country.

"VCA is a leader across pet health care and the opportunity we see together — for pets, pet owners, veterinarians and other pet care providers — is tremendous," Mars CEO Grant Reid said in a statement.

VCA will continue to operate under its own brand as a division within Mars Petcare, the announcement from the companies said. McLean, Va.-based Mars has operated Mars Petcare for more than 80 years under the Banfield, BluePearl and Pet Partners brands.

"Together with VCA, these businesses will provide an unprecedented level of access to high quality veterinary care for pets, from wellness and prevention to primary, emergency and specialty care," the announcement said.

Mars Petcare also makes Royal Canin, Pedigree and Whiskas brand pet foods and has a growing business in pet DNA testing through the Wisdom Panel. It also owns pet technology provider Whistle.

Since its founding in 1986, VCA has grown from one facility in Los Angeles to nearly 800 animal hospitals with 60 diagnostic laboratories throughout the United States and Canada.

Eukanuba may be very healthful dog food but can it really help your dog live 30 percent longer than dogs fed with other brands? That's what Eukanuba manufacturer Mars Petcare U.S. claimed in some of its advertising.

The Federal Trade Commission took issue with the claims back in August 2016 and recently approved a final order that bars Mars from making similar claims in future ads unless it has scientific evidence to back up its assertions.

According to the FTC’s complaint, the company claimed in ads, but could not prove, that a 10-year study found that dogs fed Eukanuba could extend their expected lifespan by 30 percent or more. The Commission charged that the longevity claims were false or unsubstantiated and that the claim that longevity was proven through scientific evidence was false.

The final order bars Mars Petcare is barred from engaging in similar deceptive acts or practices in the future. The order prohibits the company from making any misleading or unsubstantiated claims that its Eukanuba-brand pet food or any other pet food will enable any dogs to extend their lifespan by 30 percent or more or live exceptionally long lives.

It also prohibits the company from making misleading or unsubstantiated claims regarding the health benefits of any pet food, and requires it to have competent and reliable scientific evidence to back up any such claims.

Finally, the proposed order prohibits Mars Petcare, when advertising any pet food, from misrepresenting the existence, results, conclusions, or interpretations of any study, or falsely stating that the health benefits claimed are scientifically proven.

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be sure to keep the safety of your pets in mind. While certain plants help to add a festive touch to your home’s interior, some seasonal favorites can be toxic to dogs and cats.

If a curious pet ingests a poisonous holiday plant, it can lead to vomiting and other adverse health effects. And this series of events is not uncommon during the holidays. Last year, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance processed more stomach-related claims than any other.

Which plants are toxic?

As a means of adorning your home in natural sources of holiday colors and scents, holiday plants can’t be beat. However, pet owners should keep certain live plants on shelves or in places that are inaccessible to pets.

Here are the winter holiday plants that are poisonous to pets:

• Poinsettias. These popular plants have a sap that can cause vomiting and will irritate an animal’s mouth and stomach.
• Holly berries. Both the berries and the leaves that ensconce them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, and depression.
• Mistletoe. Mistletoe is known to be extremely toxic to pets. Pets who have ingested mistletoe should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.
• Pine tree needles. Pine tree needles can be toxic and cause irritation of a pet’s mouth.
• Lily. This plant is deadly to cats. Any animal that has swallowed any part of a lily should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.  

Safety tips

You can also try restricting your pet's roaming space while you’re out. By blocking off rooms with potentially dangerous plants or holiday decor, you can reduce your pet's risk of getting into trouble.

Halloween is full of both tricks and treats, but pet parents should be careful not to let their pets accidentally scarf down too much of the latter. In the blink of an eye, chocolate candy intended to end up in pumpkin-shaped buckets may end up in your pup’s tummy.

The pet insurance experts at Trupanion see a 71% increase in chocolate toxicity during Halloween compared to the previous six months of the year. Chocolate-related health issues can cost pet owners between $240 to $1,200 per claim.

To keep pets safe and avoid incurring such costs, pet owners should keep chocolate and other Halloween candy out of paw’s reach. Additionally, pet parents should be careful not to let their pets fall victim to other Halloween hazards.

Halloween pet safety

Will your pet be staying home with you while you pass out treats? Avoid a Halloween scare by following these tips for keeping pets safe and happy.

• Choose a safe costume. According to the National Retail Federation, 16% of pet owners will dress their pet in a costume this Halloween. If your pet will have a costume, make sure it’s safe, comfortable, and nonrestrictive. You should be able to slip two fingers around the neck and arms, just like a collar.
• Avoid dangerous decor. From faux spider webs to festive orange string lights, Halloween often involves a fair amount of decorating. But according to Dr. Sarah Nold, Trupanion’s on-staff veterinarian, items such as maize, candy wrappers, paper decorations, and other fall decor can be dangerous if consumed.
• Make sure pets have ID. Whether your dog will be accompanying the kids to go trick-or-treating or staying home with you, it’s important to make sure dogs have their identification on them. Proper identification is crucial in the event that they get separated from you or dart out when the doorbell rings.
• Keep pets calm. Not every dog enjoys Halloween. The increased household activity and doorbell-ringing may put some dogs on edge. If your dog is prone to becoming anxious, consider putting them in another room with a new treat or toy during trick-or-treating hours. Turn on a TV or music to muffle the sound of trick-or-treaters.
• Stock up on dog treats. Your dog isn’t the only one who may be tempted by human treats on Halloween. Other dogs may also be wishing they could have a treat -- especially those who have been loyally tagging along with the kids all evening. Keep dog treats at the ready for trick-or-treaters who come with a dog.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, dog meat is an effective treatment for disease and impotence in men – eating it also dispels ghosts, according to tradition. 

The world’s largest dog meat festival takes place in China on June 22nd. But now the organizers of the Yulin dog and cat meat festival have been targeted by a petition on Change.org to ban the festival and discourage the practice of eating dog meat. It's estimated that 10,000 dogs are slaughtered each year.

The petition was launched here in the U.S. by Duo Duo, an animal protection group. The petition accompanied a YouTube video that has been viewed more than 130,000 times, but they won’t be watching it in China because Youtube is blocked there.

Outside China, social media has exploded with the idea of stopping the dog meat festival. Over a quarter of a million tweets have been posted using the hashtag #StopYulin2015.

Local authorities said the festival was banned last year. The local government in Yulin, which is in central China, said they banned the decades-old local tradition after two million furious campaigners in China called for an end to the bloody practice. That does not appear to be true, however, as there are photographs that prove the festival did go on last year.

Still wearing collars

An undercover investigation has found as many as 10,000 helpless animals -- many of them still wearing collars indicating they were stolen or strayed from loving homes. The Humane Society International said its investigation found dogs that were subject to violent deaths by impalement and being skinned alive. They found cats that were stuffed in cages so tight they couldn’t breathe.

“Mass dog slaughter is still going on at Yulin despite the local authorities trying to give the impression that's it's ended. The Yulin government has declared the "festival" will not happen, but this is mere semantics and thousands of dogs will still die for their meat whether it's called a festival or not,” the Humane Society's Peter Li said. 

Vendors in Yulin say they only sell "edible dogs" that are bred like other livestock.

The head of Yulin's Food and Drug Administration said the government does not endorse the festival and that it will not be taking place ​this year. Again this is what was said last year.

Not everyone is opposed to eating dog meat. In June 2014, the Global Time​s reported that a Sina News survey of over 50,000 people showed that 60 per cent of respondents do not agree with the protests.

Carol came into the pharmacy with a prescription for her beloved dog Mandy, a border collie. “The vet said she has Lyme disease caused by a tick bite,” said Carol. “Do you think she will be better with these pills?”

The prescription was for doxycycline, an antibiotic used to treat infections like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever – bacterial diseases that both wild and domesticated animals – and well as humans – pick up in fields, woods, and even lawns from ticks that are infected with the causative bacterium.

The bad news for Carol was that, because her dog does not have health insurance, the medication would cost a bundle. “What happens if I do not treat her for this condition?” she asked the pharmacist.

The pharmacist explained that many dogs with Lyme disease have recurrent weakness of the limbs due to joint inflammation. Others may develop sporadic lameness, hobbling on one leg for a few days and then favoring either the same leg or the other leg a week or so later. One or more joints may be swollen and warm; a pain response is elicited by gently feeling the joint. These symptoms usually respond favorably to antibiotic treatment.

Lyme disease can also result in an inflammation of the heart tissue, causing palpitations, slowing of the heart, breathlessness, throbbing in the neck, dizziness or faintness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing when lying down or sleeping. 

Kidney problems

In time, some dogs may also develop kidney problems. If left untreated, these kidney problems may lead to an inflammation of the parts of the kidney that filter the blood, a condition called glomuleronephritis.

Eventually, total kidney failure sets in and the dog begins to show signs like vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, increased urination and thirst, fluid buildup in both the abdomen and in the tissues, especially the legs and under the skin.

At this point, the prognosis is poor. The pharmacist added, “Compared to the cost of an antibiotic while the dog is still healthy, when the organs begin to fail because the pet was not treated, the costs of saving the animal can increase 10 to 50 times more.”

Shop around

Why does doxycycline – or any other previously cheap, old-time generic – cost so much now? The world of drug pricing is shadowy. Manufacturers can charge outrageous prices based on supply and demand.

As the incidence of Lyme disease rises, so does the cost of the drug that will treat it. In turn, pharmacies can rake in tremendous profits by passing along marked-up meds to patients without the slightest explanation. It’s called the “take it or leave it” philosophy. Amoxicillin, another antibiotic, is still reasonably priced and can be given to the dog on a 2 to 4 week course. Consult with your vet.

The pharmacist gave Carol a reasonable price on the doxycycline for Mandy. She was lucky because the pharmacy she uses is an independent store which has some wiggle room when it comes to setting prices. Chain pharmacies can charge many times more for the same medication.

Advice: look around online for more affordable doxycycline. Google “Lyme disease dogs doxycycline.” From whichever company you decide to purchase the drug, you will be asked for a prescription from your veterinarian or they can call your vet directly and receive a verbal order.

Vaccine available

As for a vaccine for this heartbreaking disease, you and your vet will have to decide whether your dog warrants a shot, since there are side effects associated with the vaccine as well.

The recombinant type of Lyme disease vaccine appears to be the safest at this time. However, having your dog vaccinated for Lyme disease should not be reflexive. The dog’s age, home environment, other medical conditions, and other animals in the vicinity should also be considered.

Many flea and tick applications – now generic – can be found at pet centers; these must be applied on a monthly basis to stop the bugs from latching on to your pet. Be an advocate for your pets’ health.

Cats can be your best friend, and they can own that title that dogs have held for so long. But if you want them to remain your best friend and live a long healthy life then there are a few things you might want to think about doing, otherwise you are the one responsible for their demise.

Every cat no matter how independent they may be needs an ID tag. If they are stuck in a neighbor's tree how will the fire department know who to bring them home to? (There are still fire departments that will rescue a cat.)

Tags are really backup for a microchip. An immediate ID is important but tags can fall off and a microchip is a permanent solution. Vets can do this and different rescue groups will do it, even pet fairs usually have someone on hand to microchip.

Free-range parenting has gotten a lot of press these days and you know the question of whether to let your cat roam the neighborhood is right along those same lines.

Is it safe? Some indoor/outdoor cats live long healthy lives, but tons don't. They meet their fate through car accidents, animal attacks, and malicious humans, not to mention the possible exposure to many infectious diseases. You can build a screened-in area where your cat gets the benefits of being outside with the sun and fresh air while staying safe from the predatory environment.

Say what you will but secondhand smoke kills and it can kill your cat. Your cat has teeny tiny lungs, so while you are huffing and puffing and blowing all that smoke, your cat is choking and just trying to breathe. Lung problems and cancer occur more often in cats that are around smoke.

Deadly trash

Your trash can kill your cat. A cat that has access to trash cans can get string wrapped around its neck and swallow things that are deadly. Make sure your trash cans are covered.

Vaccinations are the one thing that will not only protect your cat but also prevent it from transmitting diseases back and forth with other cats. Feline leukemia is preventable yet it is a common issue.

Breast cancer in cats is another disease that can usually be prevented. Cats that are not spayed are at higher risk for mammary tumors (breast cancer) as well as a potentially fatal uterine infection called pyometra.

Males that aren't neutered are more likely to fight and escape the house to roam, which makes them more susceptible to getting hit by a car or attacked by another animal.

Prevention means you stop something before it happens and taking your cat to a vet offers you the opportunity to have your cat checked for any ailments before they get to a stage where they aren't treatable.

You can see how easy it is to kill your cat, or in reality how easy it is to keep them alive for a very long time by taking all the precautions necessary and being proactive in their care.

Just like their owners, dogs and cats are living longer than ever and running up some pretty big medical bills in the process. While most humans are covered by some kind of health insurance, many pets are not -- and this can present a big problem when illness or injury strikes.

The same modern diagnostic and treatment procedures used on pet owners -- x-rays, MRIs, chemotherapy and microsurgery -- are now available for dogs, cats and other companion animals, but a major illness can run up a $10,000 bill. 

And, unlike humans, animals have no guaranteed rights. A hospital can't turn away emergencies but animal hospitals can and do. Not only that, but many animal hospitals demand payment upfront, so if your pet gets sick or injured, it means you will either have to cough up a working credit card or quite a lot of cash to get any help. That's not easy and pet owners all too often wind up spending the month's rent money on their sick pet.

Courting disaster

Looked at strictly from a financial standpoint, having an uninsured pet is a financial disaster just waiting to happen. Unless you are wealthy enough to self-insure, having insurance that will at least pay some of the cost of a major illness or accident is essential.

While dogs, cats, humans and other mammals are basically the same inside, the similarities end when it comes to insurance. Leaving aside deductibles and other details, human insurance generally covers everything that can happen to us -- illness, accident and some preventive care.

Pet insurance, on the other hand, is generally broken into three categories:

• preventive;
• accident; and
• comprehensive.

It just so happens that this is also how costs tend to run. Preventive insurance, covering vaccinations and so forth, is the cheapest. Accident insurance covers injuries caused by accidents and is generally mid-range in terms of price. Comprehensive covers everything -- from ear infections to cancer -- and, not surprisingly, is the most expensive.

Older dogs and cats are, of course, more likely to get sick and therefore comprehensive insurance is much more expensive and may even be unavailable for them. Also, purebred animals are more likely to have genetic conditions that predispose them to certain illnesses so comprehensive insurance for them may also be more expensive.

How to prepare

So here's the question every pet owner needs to ask him- or herself: how can I best prepare for a serious accident or illness affecting my pet?

The idea behind insurance is that it helps pay for things you could not otherwise afford. Homeowners insurance pays off when your house burns down. Good thing too, as most of us couldn't afford to rebuild our home from scratch. Cell phone insurance pays off if your iPhone falls in front of a bus.

Which one can you do without?

That's right -- you can do without cell phone insurance but you can't do without homeowners insurance. You can always scrape together enough money for a new cell phone but not for a new house.

Same thing with pets: you don't really need insurance for preventive care because it only amounts to a few hundred dollars a year. Unless you're wealthy, you do need insurance that covers serious illness or injury, even if you have to accept a high deductible to make it affordable.

Let's say your dog comes down with cancer and the treatment is expected to cost $8,000. A policy with a $250 deductible might cost you several hundred dollars a year but it could save you thousands -- and it might also save your pet's life. (Obviously, you need to have the insurance before your pet gets sick. The insurance company won't issue a policy on a burning house and it won't knowingly insure a sick pet either). 

Grim option

After all, when a pet becomes seriously ill, if you can't afford to pay thousands of dollars for treatment, the only humane option is to keep the poor creature as comfortable as possible as it nears the Rainbow Bridge -- hospice care, in other words.

This may also be the only realistic option with an older animal that no longer qualifies for comprehensive insurance but, hey, we all die and if it happens after a long life of gnawing on bones, chasing balls and sitting in laps, it's not so bad.

So for all those reasons, having insurance on your pet is just another cost of being human in the 21st century. It's not really optional.

Which plan is best? Well, taking into account all the things we talked about above, it's the one that provides the best and most affordable coverage for your specific animal at its current stage of life. The plan that's best today may not be best five years from now, so an annual review is highly recommended.

There are many pet insurers out there and they all have their fans and their detractors. Check our site for consumer comments on specific companies but keep in mind that some of those who complain about their plan may be guilty of not picking the right plan or simply not taking the time to understand exactly what is covered. If you buy preventive care it won't cover cancer. 

VPI

Like their parent company, Nationwide Insurance, VPI says it's on your side. It makes it easy to calculate a quote for your pet online. I put in the stats for my dog, Tater, who is 12, and found that -- again, like humans -- full private health coverage is not available for the senior set (and there's no Medicare for dogs, yet). I could pick up an emergency care plan for $8.55 a month that covers only injuries, but none of those pesky age-related ailments. 

Our cat, Lucy, is another story. She's only 2 years old so VPI is on our side bigtime, offering major medical comprehensive with a $250 deductible for $16.95 a month -- $200 a year, in round numbers. You can add a wellness plan to that, covering vaccinations, flea and heartworm treatment and other preventive measures for anywhere from $19 to $29 a month.

VPI plans are widely accepted around the country and are recommended by many veterinarians. Not all consumers are pleased, as the reviews on our site indicate. One thing that comes through loud and clear reading through the consumer postings is that it's vital to keep your plan up to date and to know what is covered and what isn't. 

ASPCA

You might say this is the AARP of pet insurance. ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is a charity not an insurance company. So, just as AARP chose UnitedHealth and other companies to issue its various insurance packages, ASPCA chose Hartville Pet Insurance, itself part of a larger conglomerate.

That being said, the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance site does a pretty good job of describing the various plans available and takes a very complete medical history of your pet in its online application process. It would be reasonable to think that this results in a premium that accurately reflects your pet's health status, which could save your money if your pet's outlook is good and cost you money it it's not so good.

Keep in mind that, just as with humans, pet insurance companies don't pay for treating pre-existing conditions. It's always possible to argue about this so it's wise to err on the side of complete honesty when filling out applications. Anything that can be used against you will be, by any insurance company. 

24PetWatch

24PetWatch takes insurance one step beyond -- offering microchips and pet recovery assistance if your four-legged friend goes missing. It offers comprehensive insurance covering dogs up to a coverage limit of $20,000. Various deductibles are available; there is a 20% co-pay -- meaning the insurance pays 80% of covered expenses and you pay the rest.

24PetWatch also offers such extras as trip cancellation coverage, kennel and boarding reimbursement and even a $1,000 accidental death benefit.

Whether it takes a step beyond the ordinary in processing claims may be an issue, according to the reviews submitted to us by policyholders. 

The company is part of Praetorian Insurance Company, which in turn is a division of Australia's QBE Insurance Group, one of the world's largest international insurers and reinsurers.

AKC Pet Insurance

As the name implies, this company is affiliated with AKC, the American Kennel Club, and is often recommended by breeders. It offers the usual range of policies and explains them in very clear and easily understood terms on its website.

Unlike some other insurers, AKC offers coverage that specifically covers inherited and congenital conditions and their secondary complications, as well as arthritis and diabetes. This can be a big plus if your canine pal is a purebred, since all those years of selective breeding can result in a higher incidence of genetic issues.

AKC gets more than its share of positive reviews from our readers. That, plus its plans that accommodate purebreds, certainly make it worth a look if you're in the market for a policy.

Petplan

We were a little surprised when we got around to looking at Petplan. As we plugged in the information for our 12-year-old pug, Tater, we expected to see the usual results -- accident and preventive coverage only. But Petplan actually came up with three comprehensive coverage plans. Admittedly, they cost in the neighborhood of $200 a month with annual coverage ranging from $10,000 to $22,000.

Considering that we spent close to $10,000 on the final illness of Tater's pal, Chester (as recounted in a story earlier this year), this would seem to be a bargain, although it would take some research to ensure that Tater would be covered for his pre-existing conditions. Basically, being an old pug is a pretty serious pre-existing condition all by itself.

It's hard to find critics of Petplan, which by the way is officially AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group. There are very few consumer comments, good or bad, on the web. The scattered complaints we found had to do with high premiums and unexpectedly high increases in those premiums each year.

One pet owner who moved from California to Virginia found it odd that her premium nearly doubled. She's not alone. Many California refugees are shocked to learn that the tough consumer protections in their former home don't apply in reddish-tinged states like Virginia, which sometimes seem bent on penalizing anyone who dares live there. 

Which one is best?

There's really no simple answer to that question. We've covered only a few companies here. There is plenty of information floating around out there, much of it of dubious value. The more research you do, the better. 

As the former Californian mentioned above will now tell you, insurance premiums, coverage and regulation vary widely from one state to another. Some states regulate insurance companies closely, others basically sit back and let the good times roll. 

Beyond geographic considerations, rates vary for different breeds, different ages and your pet's overall condition at the time you apply. You also want to be sure that your vet is onboard with your choice, assuming you are happy with your vet and want to stay with her or him. 

After talking to your vet, reviewing online comments and filling out applications at a number of sites, you should eventually come up with a couple of options that seem to fit your needs. Remember that no plan will cover every eventuality and it's not likely that any affordable plan will pay 100% of every vet bill. 

Also, be prepared for hassles in getting reimbursed. Insurance companies are not charities and they put everyone through the ringer before releasing any money. 

Life's not fair and the world's not perfect but a good pet insurance plan can smooth out some of the rough spots.

What do 1,000 yellow-bellied sliders and Mississippi map turtles have to do with public health? They can make people very sick.

Strictly Reptiles Inc., a wildlife dealer in Hollywood, Fla., sold 1,000 baby yellow-bellied sliders and Mississippi map turtles to a souvenir shop in Panama City, Fla., violating a Food and Drug Administration ban on small pet turtles designed to protect the public from the disease-causing bacteria Salmonella, the agency says.

Turtles often carry Salmonella on their outer skin and shell surfaces, and people can get Salmonella infection by coming in contact with turtles or their habitats.

"The illegal sale of these pet turtles put one of our most vulnerable populations -- children -- at risk for becoming very sick," said Philip Walsky, assistant special agent in charge in FDA's the Office of Criminal Investigations headquarters office.

Salmonella infection can cause illness

All reptiles (turtles, lizards, snakes) and amphibians (frogs, salamanders) are commonly contaminated with Salmonella. The bacteria do not make these animals sick, but they can make people ill and even be life-threatening to children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Small pet turtles are of particular concern because children are more prone to handling the turtles without washing their hands afterwards, and even putting the turtles in their mouths.

In 1975, FDA banned the sale of small pet turtles -- those with shells less than four inches long. Infectious disease specialists estimate that banning small turtles prevents 100,000 Salmonella infections in children each year in the United States. The ban excludes small turtles when they are used for educational, exhibitional, or scientific purposes -- not as pets.

Despite the ban several widespread outbreaks of Salmonella infection related to undersized turtles have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recent years.

In 2007, two teenaged girls in South Carolina became very ill with bloody diarrhea, cramps, fever, and vomiting after they swam in an unchlorinated, in-ground pool where the family's pet turtles had also been allowed to swim.

The same strain of Salmonella found in the teenaged girls was also found in 101 other people in 32 states who were reported ill between early May 2007 and mid-January 2008, according to CDC. When 80 of these people were questioned, 47 of them confirmed that they had been exposed to a turtle during the seven days before they got sick.

In February 2007, the tragic death of a four-week-old baby in Florida was linked to Salmonella from a small pet turtle.

Criminal conviction

The owner of Strictly Reptiles admitted to OCI agents that he intentionally did not ask customers their purpose for purchasing the turtles in order not to lose sales.

On March 3, 2008, Strictly Reptiles sold about 1,000 undersized turtles to a souvenir business for $2.75 to $3.00 each. The souvenir business, in turn, sold the undersized turtles for $14.99 each.

At sentencing, the court ordered a criminal fine of $5,000, the forfeiture of more than 6,300 turtles, and two years' probation that allows federal agents to inspect sales records of all Strictly Reptiles' live turtles.

The court further ordered Strictly Reptiles to obtain a signed document from every buyer of undersized turtles that indicates the buyer is aware of the legal restrictions placed on the sale, or holding for sale, of these turtles.

Tips for Consumers

• Don't buy small turtles for pets or as gifts.

• If your family is expecting a child, remove any pet turtle (or other reptile or amphibian) from the home before the infant arrives.

• Keep turtles out of homes with children under five years old, elderly people, or others with weakened immune systems.

• Do not allow turtles to roam freely through the house, especially in food preparation areas.

• Do not clean turtle tanks or other supplies in the kitchen sink. Use bleach to disinfect a tub or other place where turtle habitats are cleaned.

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching a turtle, its food or housing, or anything else that comes in contact with a turtle or its habitat.

• Be aware that Salmonella infection can be caused by contact with turtles in petting zoos, parks, child day care facilities, or other locations.

• Watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and headache. Call your doctor if you or your family have any of these symptoms.

Dog owner Rachel G. says her healthy five-year-old Miniature Pomeranian, Foxy, suddenly died in July. "I was devastated," says the Jacksonville, North Carolina, woman. "She was in good health."

Rachel says Foxy's health problems started after she cleaned her linoleum floors with some Swiffer Sweeper Wet Cloths. She didn't initially connect her dog's illness to the floor cleaner, however.

"I cleaned the floors with the wet cloths and Foxy got sick the next morning," Rachel recalls. "She had gotten into the trash and I thought that's what made her sick. But she got better and I used the Swiffer cloths a few days later."

A short time later, Foxy became gravely ill.

"I got into the shower, came out, and Foxy was dead," Rachel says. "I had only used that product twice in my house. I used it a second time, not knowing anything was wrong, and my dog died 15 minutes later."

Rachel rushed Foxy to her veterinarian's office and learned some shocking news.

"They asked me what happened and I told them I didn't know. Then they asked me if I had a Swiffer. They said this product is sweet to animals and attracts them to lick the floors or their paws after they walk on the wet floors. They said there is a toxic ingredient in the product that can cause animals' deaths."

Rachel regrets buying the floor cleaner. "My dog, who was my baby, died for no good reason."

ConsumerAffairs.com contacted Rachel's veterinarian, Dr. Dave Altman of Jacksonville, North Carolina. He did not return our call.

We also contacted Dr. Steven Hansen, a veterinary toxicologist who runs the Animal Poison Control Center for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). "This case is highly unlikely related to a floor cleaner," he told us. "We are not aware of any such documented cases."

ConsumerAffairs.com also called Procter & Gamble, which makes the Swiffer Sweeper Wet Cloths. Spokesman Jay Benton said he'd never heard of any problems with this product. "This is actually the first time I've heard this story associated with the wet cloths."

Benton, however, said false rumors have circulated about pet illnesses and deaths linked to the Swiffer Wet Jet products. According to those rumors, those products may contain ingredients that are toxin to children and pets.

"The truth is, all Swiffer products are safe to use around children and pets when used according to directionsa fact confirmed by independent scientists, veterinarians, and the ASPCA," the company said.

ConsumerAffairs.com learned the ASPCA investigated the rumors and confirmed the allegations were unfounded.

Veterinarians with the organization said the ingredients in the Swiffer Wet Jet cleaner -- water (90-100%), propylene glycol n-propyl ether or propylene glycol n-butyl ether, and isopropyl alcohol (1-4%) -- did not pose a health risk to pets.

"These ingredients are safe to use around pets when used according to label directions and would not cause liver damage at product concentrations," ASPCA wrote shortly after the rumors surfaced a few years ago.

Nonetheless, Benton said he would forward Rachel's concerns to the company's research and development team. "Thanks for bringing this to our attention," he said.

Back in North Carolina, Rachel still wants to warn other pet owners about this potential health risk. "I don't want this to happen to anyone else," she says. "I was devastated when this happened and did not think I was doing anything wrong."

She added: "The only warning they (Swiffer) have on the label is to keep out of reach of children and pets in case of accidental ingestion, just the same as any other household product you may buy. They need to have a warning that is more effective in educating consumers."

To learn more about household products that are potentially dangerous to pets, consumers can contact the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or visit its Web site at www.aspca.org/apcc.

More about pets ...

However, a dog is not a "product" and professionals agree that buying a dog online is irresponsible, dangerous and contributes to the problem known as, "puppy mills."

Puppy mills are breeders who produce mass litters of puppies, often in filthy and abusive conditions. The mass production and, often, incest yields disease and a host of other genetic health concerns.

Smaller puppy mills are not as easily defined. "Backyard breeders" can be reputable and humane, though many are not. Either way, the greedy practice of churning out puppies as though they were inanimate objects is detrimental to the purity of the breeds, to the mother dog, who is forced to bear litters over and over again and to the new owners, who often within weeks of a purchase have a dead dog.

Pet stores have typically been the most notorious venders of puppy mill puppies. However, to increase profits, puppy mills have turned to the Internet to hasten sales to unscrupulous buyers.

Many people who have paid these charges have found that the dog is sick on arrival or does not portray the normal characteristics of the breed. Frequently the dogs arrive with an often-deadly intestinal disease known as Parvo, a highly contagious disease that spreads rapidly in the cramped and dirty quarters of pet stores and kennels.

"I was sent a very sick Blenheim puppy," wrote Anne of Rye Brook, N.Y. "Two days after I received him, he was vomiting blood and blood (was) in his stool. I rushed him to the emergency vet and was told he was extremely sick with Parvo. The doctor and my vet said he was definitely sick before he was sent to me."

Guarantee or not, consumers will usually be hard pressed to get any sort of a refund from a backyard breeder, hundreds or thousands of miles across the country, even if they ship the dead or dying dog back.

"I immediately called the breeders hysterical and told them how sick he was," Anne continued. "Their response was to send him back and (they would) give me a new puppy. The puppy would have never been able to survive the plane ride and my son and I were completely attached to him anyway. He was hospitalized for over a week with IVs. He was very sick and I asked the breeder to reimburse me for the price of the puppy. They declined and refused to answer my phone calls or e-mails. My vet bills came to over $2000."

"The fact that you don't know who you're dealing with, you can't see the (puppy's) environment, you don't know the puppy's parents, makes buying a dog online dangerous," said Daisy Okas, American Kennel Club (AKC) spokeswoman.

Kenna Hoyser, an AKC-certified breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds for 27 years, decried the growing crisis of online puppy mills

Quick and Easy

"The creation of an attractive web page with cute pictures of puppies is easy and inexpensive," Hoyser wrote in an e-mail to ConsumerAffairs.com. "The use of the Internet to shop, get information and all other kinds of contact is growing exponentially."

"The majority of these 'Puppy Mill Pages' will tell you virtually nothing about what you should know about the background of the puppy you will probably pay a lot for and will have responsibility for for many years. Sometimes they will not even tell you where they are located. But they will give you their E-mail address and from there it takes very little to acquire a puppy. Basically cash," she said.

"Within most breeds dedicated fans work hard to place dogs that have, for one reason or another, lost their home," Hoyser continued. "That is called 'Rescue.' Recently those of us involved in the rescue of the Norwegian Elkhounds have seen an alarming trend. An Elkhound needing rescue used to be rare and more often than not we were able to locate its responsible breeder and by their code of ethics they would take the dog back. Now we are seeing an increase in rescue Elkhounds that we know, without a doubt, have come from the Internet puppy mills."

Okas suggests only buying dogs that have official AKC registration papers, including the official seal and the words, "American Kennel Club" and health records. The AKC does thousands of DNA tests and kennel visits each year. There are about 20 companies, similar to the AKC, that have strikingly similar names and logos. Okas said the AKC has the strictest regulations for puppy breeding.

A Guarantee of What?

However, be forewarned: "papers" and "guarantees" do not mean much for the welfare of the dogs. Many states now have strict puppy lemon laws but, in most cases, these will not apply to dogs purchased over the Internet from a breeder in another state.

Federal protections are also meaningless. Animals that were bred under USDA guidelines might have been caged like prisoners. According to USDA standards, a dog can spend the duration of its life in a cage that is just a few inches larger than the dog.

An AKC-registered puppy guarantees almost nothing other than the breed of the dog and some feel the AKC contributes to puppy mills.

"AKC registration really means nothing," said Laura Johnson, director of the Beagle Rescue, Education, and Welfare (BREW).

Although the AKC has the strictest guidelines in America, Johnson said they're still flimsy. They simply insure the pedigree, or verify that the dog is purebred. There are no health or breeding practice guarantees. Although the AKC has 15 kennel inspectors, they only visit breeders who register seven or more litters per year -- basically exempting backyard breeders.

Johnson pointed out that at about $15 per dog, the AKC makes a lot of money from breeders -- including those some would consider puppy mills -- who register with the AKC.

Petland pet stores are notorious for among animal rights activists, who can often be found picketing local stores. There are about 10 tragic Petland puppy stories in the ConsumerAffairs.com database.

We recently visited the Fairfax, Va. Petland store.

"Take me home today!" read signs pasted to the cramped, looking-glass cages. Most of the puppies were spry but one foot-and-a-half-long German Shephard lay shaking on the floor of its cage.

Judith Lee, an 18-year-old Petland employee said anyone with enough money can take a dog home.

Almost all of the dogs at Petland were AKC registered.

Okas said the AKC feels that "buying from a hobby breeder is the ideal way to go yet we don't tell people not to buy from Pet stores."

"We are aware that AKC-registered dogs are sold at pet shops and feel that our inspection program is an important factor in raising the standards of any dog registered with us," she said.

Dogs Online

As far as the online puppy sites go, it's a similar story.

PuppyFind.com, a website that appears to be the Ebay of dog sales, might be termed the Big Dog of online puppy sales. For every breed and mixed breed there are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of puppies for sale. Almost all say they are registered with AKC.

PuppyFind.Com did not respond to requests for comment.

Although there are plenty of success stories and happy customers who have purchased dogs online, usually at a greatly discounted price, almost all professionals agree that buying a dog online is irresponsible and contributes to puppy mills of various forms.

"People think they're helping the puppy by rescuing it from reckless breeders," Johnson said. "But what they are really doing is perpetuating the female (mother) to a life of hell and torment."

Johnson, Hoyser and Okas all suggest that if a person wants a purebred puppy, they should buy one from a responsible, hobby breeder who is looking for a good home for the puppy rather than a quick dollar.

A good breeder will ensure a dog's future home is safe and caring before accepting cash and mailing the dog off to an unknown address. "If you're buying it the same way you're buying a toaster, I'd steer clear," Okas said.

Jeff Klagner sells about 15 puppies per year on PuppyFind.com. "I talk to the customer before shipping the dog. (I) make sure they have a yard and what not," Klagner said. "It's kinda hard to verify though."

A future dog owner should browse theAKC website and should read the AKC's "How to find a responsible breeder" and "What puppy buyers need to know."

Someone seeking a particular pure-bred dog can browse the AKC's list of 154 breeder referral contacts.

Buying a puppy from a caring breeder can be costly. However, according to the AKC website, "This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment."

A less costly purebred option for future dog owners is breed rescue groups. Beagles from BREW cost $200, have all their shots and have been well cared for, Johnson said.

However, any good rescue organization is not just looking for a place to dump its homeless dogs.

Johnson said BREW has a 30-40 percent denial rate: "We don't provide the family with a safety net," she said. "We provide the Beagle with one."

The same is true for humane shelters.

Although specific application requirements vary from shelter to shelter, Jim Monsma, spokesman for the Washington (D.C.) Humane Society said they do house visits and background checks on hopeful dog adopters.

Like rescues, Monsma said shelters make great pet options from an ethical standpoint: "These dogs need homes," he said.

Adopting a dog from many shelters often means saving an animal's life. Although the DC shelter does not have to euthanize animals for space reasons, many rural shelters, such as the Danville Area Humane Society (DAHS) in Virginia, are faced with that dilemma.

The DAHS takes in about 5,500 cats and dogs per year of which about 85 percent are euthanized, DAHS executive director Paulette Dean said.

"I find it appalling that breeders are breeding all these designer dogs while we're putting to sleep all those same types of dogs of all ages," Dean said.

A dog from the Danville shelter costs $65, is spayed and neutered, has a whole host of medical treatments and is tested for temperament. "We lose money on each adoption," Dean said.

Most of the dogs on PuppyFind.com cost about a minimum of $500 and many are over $2000, not including the often exorbitant cost of shipping.

"Before deciding to get a dog, do your homework," Hoyser wrote.