While dogs can’t tell you exactly what they’re feeling, they can still show behaviors similar to human depression. If your vet has ruled out other health conditions, you might have a case of doggie depression on your hands. What should you do? Before you blame your dog’s behavior on depression, its vet will need to do a full checkup to rule out any other health issues that could be bringing your dog down, like pain or a thyroid problem. For instance, look for these 11 symptoms of dog arthritis. If everything else checks out, your vet will likely recommend giving your dog more exercise, a healthier diet, and extra attention to lift your pet’s spirits. As a last-ditch effort, a vet might prescribe one of the same depression medications humans would use, such as Prozac or Zoloft. “We don’t want all our dogs walking around on Zoloft if we don’t have to, and oftentimes we don’t need to,” says Dr. Nelson. “But if giving that little something to take the edge off helps them live a more comfortable life, there’s no shame in that game.” To read more on this story, click here:10 Silent Signs Your Dog is Depressed
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting pet owners and veterinarians that some flea and tick medications can cause adverse reactions in dogs and cats. Some animals receiving drugs in the isooxazoline class have experienced adverse events such as muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures, according to the FDA. The medicine includes Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica. Another product in this class is Credelio, which recently received FDA approval. The FDA says these products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations. To read more on this story, click here: FDA Warns Common Flea and Tick Meds Linked to Neurological Problems in Dogs and Cats
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Puppy poop gave 118 people diarrhea in a recent outbreak caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Nobody died, but 26 people were hospitalized. And if the pet industry doesn’t change its puppy-peddling ways, these outbreaks could continue. The CDC was first clued into the outbreak in August 2017, when the Florida Department of Health reported that six people had been infected with a type of bacteria that causes fevers, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. By February 2018, the CDC discovered that more than 118 people in 18 states had been infected with the same thing: a bacteria called Campylobacter that’s usually linked to eating raw chicken or food contaminated by chicken juices. To read more on this, click here:Puppies Spread Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria In Recent Diarrhea Outbreak
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Chance is more than just a beloved family pet. He’s a specially trained service dog for nine-year-old Ashton, who has autism. Ashton has a tendency to run away from a situation when he’s feeling overwhelmed, which puts him at risk of getting lost. But 100-pound Chance has been trained to stop Ashton from running and keep him safe. But Chance can’t do his job if he’s the one who’s gone missing. Chance went missing on September 11, and Ashton’s mother, Debi Zamora, is desperate for anyone with any information to come forward—no questions asked. The family was in the process of moving to new neighborhood in Clarksville, Tennessee, and someone left the fence open at their new home. To read more on this story, click here:Chance The Service Dog Kept Boy With Autism Safe, Until Dog Suspiciously Disappeared.
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A zookeeper was killed this morning in the alligator enclosure of the Naples Zoo, while he was attempting to sexually assault a 12-foot long reptile. According to Captain Henri White, spokesman of the Naples Police Department, 24-year old Jimmy Olsen was engaged in full sexual intercourse with one of the younger reptiles, when he was surprised by one of the larger animals which attacked from behind. The young man was caught by the throat by the alligator who dragged him underwater and drowned him. Jimmy Olsen’s death took place around 6:00 AM this morning, but his disappearance was noticed only an hour later by other employees. They finally discovered his dismembered body floating in the pool of the alligator enclosure around 8:30. “The images captured by the security cameras show that Mr. Olsen had clearly placed himself in a very vulnerable position,” Captain White told reporters. “He had his pants around his knees and was lying down on top of one the animals, with his back to the others. The poor guy didn’t stand a chance! We can see him being dragged into the water, then he disappears from sight. He was probably dead within thirty seconds of the attack.” To read more on this story, click here:Florida: Zoo Employee Killed While Attempting to Rape an Alligator
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A couple of scientists have taken MDMA out of the clubs and into the aquarium by giving ecstasy to octopuses. Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, has been studying the effects of MDMA for “a long time,” she told NPR. In the process, she says she and her colleagues “have worked out a lot of neural mechanisms that enable MDMA to have these really, really profound pro-social effects.” Humans and octopuses both have a gene for a protein that binds serotonin to brain cells. Since MDMA also targets this protein, Dölen wanted to see how the drug would affect the octopus, a notoriously shy, solitary animal. She wasn’t sure how it would go since octopus brains are built completely different from humans. “It’s organized much more like a snail’s brain than ours,” Dölen told The Atlantic. She wondered, then, if that would mean the octopus would respond unpredictably to being dosed with Molly. To read more on this story, click here:Scientists Give Ecstasy To Octopuses And Are Astounded By What Happened Next
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Chile's annual military parade took place on Thursday, capturing the crowd's attention with adorable golden retriever puppies. Indeed, a row of golden retriever puppies, tucked into neon green bags and carried by the country's national police force canine unit, became a highlight of the parade. A line of adult retrievers wearing boots followed suit. The Great Military Parade in Santiago was held in honor of Chile's 208th Independence Day anniversary and featured more than 9,500 troops. It had millions of viewers nationwide, The Evening Standard reported.
Homeowners in southeastern North Carolina, especially those living in low-lying areas, may be faced with additional insect problems if their property has been flooded. Severe summer thunderstorms and excessive rainfall from hurricanes and tropical depressions often create flooding conditions that create ideal environments for certain insects. The following problems are those most often encountered. MOSQUITOES Residents can expect to encounter more severe mosquito problems about 7 to 10 days following flooding conditions. The Asian tiger mosquito is the major species encountered, since they take advantage of opportunities to breed in standing and stagnating water that has been trapped in poorly drained, low-lying areas; ditches that are clogged with silt and debris; clogged rain gutters; and carelessly discarded containers. Although spraying with an insecticide may give temporary relief, homeowners should first consider a little "R&R": To read more on this story, click here:Insect Problems Following Flooding Conditions
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