Latest news with #animalcare
CNN
15 hours ago
- General
- CNN
More people are giving up their pets. Here's what's behind it
In recent months, there has been a surge in the number of people looking to give up their pets, and financial hardship has been one of the main determinants for many. Katy Hansen from Animal Care Centers of New York City shares details.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
More support available for vets facing mounting mental health pressures
Having worked as a vet for five decades, much of it with animals across the remote north of Western Australia, Dave Morrell often finds himself reflecting on his career path. His time as a vet began humbly, living in a caravan with his family, taking consultations at the park's entrance and operating on clients' kitchen tables. But while his dedication to the animals of Broome and the West Kimberley has not faded, the demanding pace and long hours can take a heavy toll. "The other night, I started work at one in the morning and I finished a cattle boat at 7am," he said. "Then I had to drive 400 kilometres and prick test cattle all day. "I was very weary at the end of the day." Dr Morrell said the frustration of not being able to heal every animal had affected him deeply when he was a younger vet. "I broke down in tears a few times, feeling I was inadequate and I couldn't fix everything that was presented to me," he said. Dr Morrell said it was the shattering of romantic "James Herriot notions" upon entering the field, as well as low compensation and general under-appreciation, that vet professionals struggled with most. James Herriot was a British veterinary surgeon best known for writing books about his practice in the Yorkshire Dales, which were adapted for the All Creatures Great and Small television series and film. Research shows veterinarians are four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, and two times more likely than other healthcare professionals. Additional funding is now being allocated to a program aimed at easing the emotional toll of the role. Research commissioned by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) in 2021 found that challenging client interactions, workplace bullying, long hours, and high workloads were among the most common factors contributing to the condition of vet workers' mental health. More than 66 per cent of respondents said they had experienced a mental health condition, compared with 43 per cent of the general population. On the back of the study, the AVA launched a veterinary wellness initiative delivering psychological health and safety awareness training sessions. It was made available to 50 workplaces between September 2023 and December 2024. Kelley Johnson, a former veterinary nurse and now manager of a vet hospital in Melbourne, jumped at the opportunity to participate. She said the program facilitator had asked her colleagues and staff members questions, and their answers were submitted anonymously before being displayed for all to see. "I suppose I thought there were a lot of areas where I felt we were doing really well as employers and managers, and we found that we weren't. "We discovered that there was conflict that we weren't aware of. There were people that were feeling less than psychologically safe." AVA vice-president Diana Barker said the pilot version of the program had received "a massive amount" of positive feedback. The AVA has now been awarded a grant of nearly $190,000 from the non-profit Zoetis Foundation to expand its program. "This will allow us to expand our Cultivating Safe Teams program, so we intend to make this program available to every single individual veterinary team member in Australia, either online or face-to-face," Dr Barker said. The grant funds will also be used to develop a program called CST ACTION, intended to help workplaces implement strategies to ensure working as a veterinary professional does not negatively affect mental health. Dr Morrell said he was happy to hear that help was being provided. "It's good to see that they're aware of the issue and addressing it, and I hope the people who are in a bad way take advantage of it," he said. The AVA is planning a second veterinary wellness study for later this year.
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Stolen tortoise's owner 'worried sick'
A 35-year-old tortoise has been stolen, sparking a police Police said the pet was taken on 21 July after someone broke into an outbuilding in the Hassocks area. The owner, who has lived with the tortoise its whole life, is "devastated that their beloved pet has been taken," the force said."She rarely eats of her own accord, only really the food that is offered by the owner and has set routines," a police spokesperson said. The tortoise - which Sussex Police did not name - was described by officers as being about 6in (15cm) across and weighing around 6.5lbs (3kg). Its owner is "worried sick about what is happening to her," the police spokesperson says. "Tortoises are not the easiest of animals to look after and require knowledgeable care to remain healthy and happy."The tortoise's house was also stolen, according to Sussex Police. The force has urged people to share the story among family and friends, and to contact them if they have information about the theft.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Myerscough College to close 'unique' campus building
A Lancashire college has confirmed plans to close one of its College said it had made the decision to shut its site at Witton Park in Blackburn at the end of July following a period of move has been condemned by the University and College Union (UCU) which said staff were "angry and devastated" by the decision, pointing out how it offered "unique" classes in animal care subjects.A college representative said both Myerscough and Blackburn with Darwen Council "remain committed to supporting resident learners affected through the transition". Founded in 1894 as the Lancashire County Institute of Agriculture, Myerscough College is one of the oldest further education institutions in the UCU said 12 permanent staff and several more on temporary contracts were at risk of redundancy unless they accept alternative jobs at the college's main campus in Bilsborrow, Preston. 'Transition plan' General secretary Jo Grady claimed the college had "rejected all the suggestions UCU made that would have enabled this much-loved centre to remain open".The college said it had explored all viable options."Our shared priority remains to minimise any disruption to their learning while seeking opportunities to support and enrich their overall experience," it said in a said a "transition plan" was in progress to ensure students can continue their studies either at the college's main campus or, depending on individual preferences, at another suitable location."We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated and passionate staff based at the Witton centre," it added."Throughout the consultation process, it has been abundantly clear how much the site means to students, staff, and the wider community." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
CNET
11-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
The Heat Can Be Dangerous for Your Pets. Here's What Veterinarians Recommend to Keep Them Safe
We are officially experiencing a heat wave across the country and humans aren't the only ones who should be careful during scorching temperatures. Our pets also need a little TLC to keep the dangers of high temperatures at bay. Our pets can also experience heat-related illnesses, including heat strokes and dehydration, as well as paw pad burns. As pet parents, there are steps we can take to protect them from potential heat hazards to ensure they have a happy and healthy summer. Pet heat-related illnesses Rising temperatures can pose significant risks to pets. Understanding the signs and symptoms of common heat-related illnesses is crucial to preventing complications. Heat stroke in pets It's important to note that animals can't cool down by sweating like we (humans) do. Although they do have their own ways of cooling themselves, like panting, it can be harder for them to regulate their body temperature in high heat. Heat strokes occur when our pet's body temperature rises to a dangerous level, and they can't cool down. This can cause organ damage or even be life-threatening. Heat stroke in pets symptoms: Drooling Excessive panting Red gums Increased heart rate Vomiting Weakness Seizures (in severe cases) What to do if your pet has a heat stroke: Take your pet to a cool, shaded area Give them cold water to drink Help them cool down with a fan or put a cool, wet towel over them Call your vet to advise on the next stepsPaw pad burns Hot sidewalks, pavement and sand can cause burns on your pet's paw pads. If you want to check if the ground is too hot for your pet, you can follow the seven-second rule by pressing your hand against the pavement or asphalt for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet. According to Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian in Whitehouse, Texas, "Asphalt can become significantly hotter than the surrounding air temperature. On a sunny day, asphalt can reach temperatures up to 104 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit." She recommends avoiding walking on asphalt when the ambient temperature is above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If you must take your pet outside when it's hot, it is best to walk in grassy areas or wear protective booties. Paw pad burn symptoms: Blisters on their paws Missing skin on their paw pads Redness Limping Refusing to walk Discolored pads Excessive licking of paws How to treat your pet's paw pad burn: Disinfect your pet's paw pads with water and antibacterial soap Soak paws in clean, cool water Bandage your pet's paws to prevent licking and infections Call your vet to assess the seriousness of the burns Dehydration in pets Like us, pets can become dehydrated in hot weather if they don't drink enough water while engaging in activities. Dehydration occurs when your pet loses more water and electrolytes than it takes in. Drinking plenty of water ensures your pet can cool down when their body temperature rises. If you plan to take your pet out for the day, bring an extra water bottle and a drinking bowl. If you plan to leave your pet at home while you're out, be sure they have enough water until you return. Dehydration symptoms in pets: Difficulty breathing Muscle tremors Excessive panting Lethargy Vomiting or diarrhea Dry nose Sunken eyes (in severe dehydration) Collapse or shock (in severe dehydration) What to do if your pet is dehydrated If your pet presents symptoms of severe dehydration, call your vet immediately. Offer small amounts of water with ice. Drinking too much water can cause them to vomit, worsening dehydration. Tips to keep your pet safe in the heat Keeping our furry friends safe during the warmer months is crucial for their health. Here are a few expert tips for pet owners to keep their pets cool and comfortable all summer. Never leave your pet alone inside a parked car Not only is leaving your pet alone in your car illegal in some states, but doing so can result in permanent organ damage or even death. I know what you're thinking, "I'll just leave the air conditioning on." Not so fast. It's not just the heat from outside that can affect your pet. Your pet's body temperature can also rise due to stress, and excessive panting can worsen the rising body temperature. Always supervise your pet when around large bodies of waterEven if your pet is a good swimmer, use a life vest for pets when on a boat, paddle-boarding and kayaking. If you plan on taking your pet to the pool, bring fresh water for them and be sure they don't drink the pool water. Provide shade and water when outside When engaging in outdoor activities with your pet, be sure to research if there are any trees in the surrounding area to provide plenty of airflow and shade for your pet to cool down. A dog house is not ideal since the air doesn't flow properly inside and it can make the heat feel worse for them. Use sunscreen for pets Amazon Bodhi Dog Sunscreen for pets Moisturizer that protects your pet's skin and coat from harmful UV rays. Recommended for pets with thin, white or light-colored hair $17 at Amazon According to Dr. Ochoa, just like humans, animals can also get sunburned; "especially those with light-colored or thin fur." To prevent sunburns on your pet, you can apply pet-friendly sunscreen to the areas that are most exposed to the sun, like the nose and ears. You can also use protective paw creams that act as barriers between your pet's paws and the pavement. Limit exercise and physical activities on hot days It's best to look at the weather report during the hot months to keep your pet safe when exercising them. If it will be particularly hot, it's best to take them out during the early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler. If you must take your dog outside during the day, try to walk them on grass and give them lots of fresh, cool water. Amazon MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle Portable water dispenser for pets. It's leak-proof and easy to use, making it great for outdoor activities. $17 at Amazon Be mindful of the humidity As if the heat weren't enough to wreak havoc on your pet's health, the humidity can worsen it. Your pet's panting is their way of removing excess moisture from their lungs to cool down. When there's high humidity, it makes it harder for them to cool down as fast. If it's hot and humid, give them frozen treats or cold water, or even take a portable fan with you to keep them from overheating. Bridget Davey/CNET Don't shave your pet It may seem counterintuitive to not shave your pet's fur coat during the summer, but its fur plays an important role in keeping the pet cool. The undercoat layer of your pet's hair helps regulate their body temperature during the heat. Cutting or shaving your pet's hair can impede their ability to cool down when needed.
