Latest news with #pethealth
CBS News
4 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
South Florida animal shelters encouraging pet adoption as illnesses infecting cats, dogs spreads
Pet parents: listen up! If you have a cat or dog, you may want to be vigilant about different illnesses going around South Florida. One disease is impacting dogs in Miami-Dade County, while the other is infecting cats in Broward County, as South Florida animal shelters deal with overcrowding. At Broward County's animal shelter, they are navigating a cat virus called panleukopenia. The virus causes lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting, and can be especially dangerous for kittens. "The virus is prevalent in the spring, contagious and resistant to disinfectants," said Broward shelter veterinarian Antonella Guerra. The affected cats are isolated, and for now, the Broward shelter is not taking in stray cats, but the shelter is open for business, and they are encouraging people to adopt cats and dogs. George Pacheco and his son are looking to adopt a pet from the Broward County Animal Shelter "You are saving an animal who needs a home," Pacheco said. In the Broward animal care field, services manager Philip Goen told CBS News Miami if you have a cat, try to keep them inside. "As far as putting food and water out, if it's not known to you, I wouldn't start that practice," he said. At Miami-Dade's animal shelter, it is the dogs that have Chief Vet Maria Serrano's attention. With over 500 dogs up for adoption — twice the capacity — she's dealing with a "strep zoo" outbreak, a bacteria affecting the respiratory tract that can lead to pneumonia. "Luckily, we have treated the entire shelter with antibiotics and we are doing deep cleaning," she said. The affected sick dogs are isolated, and Miami-Dade is discouraging people from turning in stray animals and encouraging them to open their hearts and homes. "We need people to adopt," Serrano said. "Overcrowding is the root of all disease."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
MYOS PET and Leading Veterinarian Urge Action as Weather Extremes Impact Senior Pet Muscle Health
CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With climate changes becoming more severe, veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation expert Dr. Kelly Fishman, DVM, CVA, CCRT, warns that summer heat waves and winter freezes are silently accelerating muscle loss in senior pets. But, MYOS PET, a science-based muscle health brand, is helping veterinarians address the issue with nutrition-based solutions like Fortetropin®. 'Just like humans, dogs and cats naturally lose muscle mass as they age,' said Fishman, founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists and veterinary advisory board member at MYOS PET. 'But aging isn't the only cause—extended periods of inactivity, especially when pets are kept indoors due to extreme heat or cold, can also accelerate muscle loss.' To help prevent weather-related muscle loss and take proactive steps to support muscle health year-round, Fishman encourages pet parents to adjust exercise routines based on seasonal conditions. During hot summer months, dogs should be walked in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler. Choosing shaded, grassy areas can help reduce overheating and protect sensitive paw pads. On especially hot days, low-impact activities like swimming in a pool or creating an indoor obstacle course can keep pets moving without risking heat stress. In colder months, Fishman says preparing your dog's body for movement is important. Gentle spine stretching before going outside can help warm up muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Creating a winter-friendly exercise plan using resistance bands or core-strengthening exercises on stability balls helps improve balance and maintain muscle health in all seasons, Fishman recommends incorporating MYOS PET into treatment plans for aging and recovering pets. MYOS PET contains Fortetropin, a natural bioactive compound derived from fertilized raw egg yolk that has been shown to support muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle loss.'I recommend MYOS PET with Fortetropin for many of the dogs I rehab and I use it on my own senior cat to improve his energy and mobility,' said Fishman. 'Fortetropin is one of the few tools we have that's backed by credible research and helps preserve muscle through every season.' In studies, Fortetropin has demonstrated benefits for both dogs and cats, including increased lean muscle mass and improved recovery after orthopedic surgery, without adverse side effects. It is increasingly being used by veterinarians to support long-term mobility in senior, post-surgical, and sedentary pets. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science involving working dogs found that a rigorous endurance training program, including treadmill running and obstacle courses, conducted during the winter and spring months not only enhanced the dogs' athletic performance, but also improved their ability to tolerate heat in the summer. Researchers observed that the trained dogs developed a kind of internal 'thermostat,' enabling their bodies to activate cooling mechanisms, such as panting, more efficiently and at lower temperatures. This helped keep them cooler and reduced the risk of heat-related stress during warmer conditions. Fishman says the findings suggest that staying active does more than just build muscle and strength, it can also condition a dog's body to better regulate temperature, ultimately improving performance and safety during periods of extreme heat. For more information on maintaining your pet's muscle health year-round visit Photos accompanying this announcement are available at CONTACT: Media Contact: Amy Summers 212-757-3419 | amy@ Pitch Publicity®Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NaturVet appoints Erik Thomas as Chief Operations Officer
Veteran leader with deep operational expertise to enhance efficiency and support strategic growth for the leading pet supplement brand TEMECULA, Calif., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- NaturVet, a trusted pioneer in the pet health and wellness industry for over 30 years, proudly announces the addition of Erik Thomas as Chief Operations Officer (COO). With more than 25 years of experience leading organizations in the manufacturing, aerospace and industrial sectors, Thomas brings a strong background in driving operational excellence, building dynamic teams and guiding businesses through growth and transformation. "Erik's focus on cultivating high-performing cultures and optimizing processes aligns perfectly with NaturVet's ambitions as we enter our next chapter. His leadership and operational acumen make him a valuable addition to our executive team," said Geoff Granger, CEO, NaturVet. Thomas began his career as a Senior Project Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace Inc. before founding Consolidated Turbine Support Inc. in 2002. Under his leadership, the company grew to four locations across the U.S. and Europe, culminating in a successful sale in 2013. He went on to establish Turbine Tooling Solutions LLC, developing patented technologies that continue to impact the gas turbine industry today. More recently, Thomas launched Aerospace Advisors Inc., where he advised companies on lean transformation strategies to enhance competitiveness and scalability. "It's very exciting for me to join NaturVet during such an important phase of growth," said Thomas. "I look forward to supporting the team by enhancing operational strength and fostering a culture where every individual is empowered to succeed." A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Thomas has led over 3,000 hours of training in Lean practices, leadership development and operational efficiency. Fluent in French and Spanish, his global perspective and collaborative leadership style are shaped by extensive international experience. Based in San Diego, he enjoys an active lifestyle filled with surfing, sailing, skiing and mountain biking. To learn more about NaturVet, visit Media Contact Olivia Nott, NaturVet, 916-285-9835, naturvet@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NaturVet Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNA
6 days ago
- Health
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - The Wellness Hour - Understanding neutering for pets
Neutering is a significant milestone in a pet's life, marking their transition into adulthood and influencing their health and behaviour. Yet, it remains a topic full of myths and concerns; from timing and risks to behavioural effects. Cheryl Goh learns what to expect before, during, and after the procedure from Dr Teo Boon Han, Veterinarian at Canopy Vets and he's also President, Singapore Veterinary Association and Qiai Chong, Chief Animal Behaviourist at Pet Coach SG.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Death of at least one dog prompts warning about toxic algae in B.C. lake
A veterinary clinic in the B.C. Interior shared this image of blue green algae after a dog died from suspected exposure in July of 2025. (Credit: Facebook/kelownablackmountainvet) The B.C. SPCA is out with a warning for pet owners after 'at least one' dog's death and multiple canine illnesses linked to toxic blue-green algae in a lake in B.C.'s Interior. The animal welfare organization posted an alert to social media Wednesday saying one fatality has been confirmed this month in a pet that came into contact with toxic cyanobacteria, in Nicola Lake. 'These harmful algae blooms can produce toxins that are extremely dangerous to pets. Even a quick swim or lick of contaminated water can cause serious illness,' the B.C. SPCA's post said. 'Before letting your dog swim or drink from lakes, ponds, or streams, check for posted advisories and avoid any water that looks discoloured, scummy, or has a strange smell.' An alert from the province's chief veterinarian also notes there have been two suspected cases of poisoning reported this July in pets after swimming in Nicola Lake. The potentially deadly blooms are most common in stagnant freshwater bodies like lakes and ponds. However, they can also develop in faster-moving rivers and streams, and sometimes in places like fountains or birdbaths, according to the alert. Signs cyanobacteria may be present include: 'discoloured water, ranging from green, to blue, red, purple or brown; unusual water surface textures that resemble paint or streaks, pea-soup, foam, scum, grass clippings, clumps or mats; and the presence of dead wild birds or fish.' But the notice also notes the blooms are not always visible and the presence of toxins can't always be determined just by looking at the water. 'Blooms are not always obvious, and you can't tell whether a bloom is toxic by looking at it. If you suspect there is a bloom you should assume toxins may be present,' the advisory continues. 'Toxins can also persist after a bloom has dissipated or moved, so if there has been a recent bloom in the area, you should use caution before entering the water, even if the bloom is no longer visible.' The blooms are also toxic to humans, but pets are particularly vulnerable to serious illness and fatal poisoning due to the amount of water they ingest while swimming or playing. BC Parks has an advisory posted for Nicola Lake, saying 'a number' of algae blooms have been reported, and urging people to keep their pets out of the water. More information on the toxic algae and is available online.
