News

Assistance dogs may be refused entry to hospitals on the basis of hygiene concerns. Research by Utrecht University now shows that the paws of assistance dogs are cleaner than the shoe soles of their users.

The German Shepherd appears in more movies than any other breed - and other movie trivia, too.

On 27 December 2021, my greyhound Izzy passed away after entering end-stage kidney failure. This post reviews her incredible life where she achieved much as a pet. Izzy taught countless owners and dogs in my massage workshops and oversaw the key years of the business' growth. I miss her greatly.

Dr Jessica Hudspeth is pictured in this month's quote of the month as she waits respectfully while a family says goodbye to their pet. It takes a special kind of vet to work in hospice and euthanasia services - for which we should all be grateful!

Researchers say the study’s results could support the promotion of contact between older adults and household pets

Researchers in Japan have been studying the allergens behind dog allergies in people. This work may eventually lead to a vaccine, enabling previously allergic people to have dogs as part of their lives.

Researchers in the team took saliva samples from 14 dog owners for a week to see whether it was better to walk alone or with a pet.

In my December column in NZ Dog World, I interview the lady vets behind Our Pet's Goodbye, which operates a home euthanasia service in Christchurch. Home euthanasia has been chosen numerous times by my clients when it is time to assist their dog to peacefully pass, but may vet clinics now struggle to offer a home service.

Dog breeds are often recognized for distinctive traits — the short legs of a dachshund, wrinkled face of a pug, spotted coat of a Dalmatian. Unfortunately, the genetics that give various breeds their particular attributes are often the result of inbreeding. This is research from UC Davis.

The quote of the month is from the Greek philosopher, Diogenes. Check it out!