Pet Candy Blog:
Vet-Approved Tips for Happier, Healthier Pets
Pets can help older adults’ health & well-being, but may strain budgets too
Poll of adults over age 50 shows changes since 2018, including more people choosing not to have pets due to financial costs, potentially missing out on benefits
When the Cold Turns Dangerous: Protecting Pets During Extreme Snow Storm
Connecticut is in the midst of a powerful winter storm, with much of the state buried under well over a foot of snow, heavy winds, and bitterly cold temperatures that could linger for days. Officials have declared a state of emergency, imposed travel bans, and urged residents to shelter in place as snowfall rates and single-digit temperatures create harsh conditions.
Your Dog Is Secretly Making Your Neighborhood Friendlier According to New Research
You already know your dog makes your life better. Morning walks feel calmer, bad days feel shorter, and coming home is always a little happier. Now research suggests your dog may also be making your entire neighborhood feel more connected. A new study from Japan found that dog owners tend to feel a stronger sense of community than people without dogs. The surprising part is why. It is not because dog owners have more close friends nearby. Instead, it comes down to the small, familiar connections that happen again and again during everyday routines.
Could Your Cat Be a Therapy Star? New Study Says Some Felines Are Built for Comfort
When most people think of therapy animals, dogs usually steal the spotlight. They visit hospitals, cuddle stressed college students, and brighten long days in care facilities. Cats, on the other hand, are often seen as too independent or aloof for that kind of job. But new research suggests that some cats might actually be perfect for therapy work. A recent study published in the journal Animals found that certain cats share personality traits that make them well suited for animal assisted services. The research was co authored by Washington State University professor Patricia Pendry and researchers in Belgium, where therapy cats are already more common than in the United States. The takeaway for cat owners is simple but exciting. While not every cat would enjoy being a therapy animal, some truly thrive on human interaction and may love offering comfort to others.
The Parasite You Have Never Heard Of Is Getting Closer and There Is Now an FDA Approved Treatment for Dogs
If you have never heard of New World screwworm, you are not alone. But veterinarians and animal health experts have been keeping a close eye on it, and now pet parents have one more reason to feel prepared rather than panicked.
Elanco Animal Health recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given conditional approval to Credelio QuattroTM-CA1 for the treatment of New World screwworm infestations in dogs. This is the first time a companion animal product has received this type of FDA approval specifically for this parasite.
Too Cold to Walk the Dog? Why Indoor Walks Are the Winter Trend You Should Know About
January is Walk Your Dog Month, but for much of the country, it is also the season of frozen sidewalks, brutal wind chills, and sunsets that arrive before most people leave work. For pet parents, that combination can turn a once dependable daily walk into a logistical and safety challenge. For veterinary professionals, it raises an important question: how do we help clients maintain canine physical and mental health when winter weather makes outdoor activity risky?