News

A change in product packaging is often cause for checking the label and formulation. This week, I discovered changes with both a Vitamin B supplement and our regular gastrointestinal dog food. With two vastly different experiences from the companies involved. Read labels (because your dog can't).

Got a border collie? Researchers have used open access data sets to find a genetic link to the herding behaviours and cognition that make them great. The research team identified more than eight genes strongly associated with cognition. One of the standouts was EPHB1, a gene involved in spatial memory. Several variants of EPHB1 appeared across herding breed genomes, suggesting that this gene may support the array of complex motor patterns and decision-making skills essential for herding - like stalking, chasing and grab-biting.

Osteoarthritis is a common diagnosis and one of the newest medications in the arsenal to fight pain is Beransa (Librela in the USA). This blog post contains updates about possible adverse effects and lawsuits underway in Australia and the USA. Medications have both potential risk and benefits - be sure you understand your dog's medication recommendations.

The doggy quote of the month is from celebrated author, Mark Twain

Does getting a dog make you more active? One of the most difficult parts of research in this topic is obtaining data on how active people are before they get a dog. These researchers teamed up with a local rescue group to measure impacts on foster carers who had not previously had a dog as a companion.

Raising a furry companion like a cat or dog can bring you the same psychological benefits as getting married or earning an extra £70,000 a year, says this study from Kent University

In the April edition of NZ Dog World, I visit Gentle Waters pet cremation to discuss the benefits of water cremation vs traditional heat cremation. Respect is shown to the family and animal from the moment the dog is transferred to the cremation team, as it should be when a beloved family member has passed away.

The quote of the month is from Stephen Colbert, about his regular segment, Rescue Dog Rescue.

Loneliness is considered as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and may be a greater public health threat than obesity. I liked this article because it also provides definitions of emotional support dogs vs therapy dog vs service dog.

In the March edition of NZ Dog World, I profile the towns in the USA that elect a dog as mayor. Wouldn't that make the local body elections more interesting?