FCVC Blog - We Talk Pets
Keeping pet owners in the know
Is Black Dog Syndrome A Real Thing?
Yes, it is a real thing, unfortunately. FCVC hopes you are NOT afraid of black dogs (or black cats!). As you read this article and watch the video below, you will find that there is a real bias against black coated pets, known as Black Dog Syndrome (BDS).
However, we believe informed pet parents can make a difference when it comes to making their next choice of a pet. On this Oct 1st, which is also National Black Dog Day, we would ask you to please consider: 1) an older shelter or rescue pet and 2) take a look at a black coated pet first.
Canine First Aid Kit Essentials
In our experience of 20+ years, FCVC knows an emergency can happen any time. It can catch you off-guard and be a tremendous upset. We want you to be prepared for that emergency moment.
Deafness in Dogs – What You Need To Know
In thinking about Deaf Pet Awareness this week, FCVC hopes that if you have a new puppy that you don’t have any issues. But you might be interested in checking out your new family pet for the signs of deafness in this article from our friends at Petbusiness.com
Is There a Future With No Rabies? World Rabies Day 2018
FCVC knows that in the United States, rabies is not the threat that it is in the rest of the world. But we can help keep the rabies threat from re-occurring and we can help eliminate it in the rest of the world. Being informed about rabies is an excellent start. We support World Rabies Day 2018 and we bring you this educational article on the subject of rabies from our friends at EndRabiesNow.org:
Still Special – Whether Deaf or Blind or…
FCVC wanted to share this story from Theurerkopf’s Tails (a Blog for Passionate Pet People) that touched our hearts today. We hope you will find it simply wonderful in that these basically unwanted pets found a forever home. You may be moved to look at these special animals in a totally new light:
Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet 4 Love
Full Circle Veterinary Care loves all the pets that come through our doors and we know that pet parents do their best to provide great homes for their pet family. Unfortunately, lots of circumstances can conspire to put many pets into rescues and shelters. The sad part is that it could be more than two years before a pet finds a home – that’s more than 730 days!
Deaf Dogs May Amaze You
Bringing awareness to Adopting a Less Adoptable pet this week also overlaps those dogs in Deaf Dog Awareness Week. We bring you an article and video pinpointing why deaf dogs “rock” from our friends at BravoTV and Deaf Dogs Rock:
Awareness: Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week
FCVC loves all animals and especially the ones we hold dear – like our rescue donkeys Delilah and Ernesto. There are so many “less adoptable” pets that are not perfect, but love their pet owners every bit as much – given the chance. You can help us raise awareness by helping others to see that the “not so perfect” pets are worth giving a home. Our awareness article today comes from our friends at Positively:
Celebrate National Dog Week 2018 – Sept 23rd thru 29th
FCVC hopes to bring awareness for this week long National Dog Week celebration as a way to celebrate every dog, not just those with a pedigree. This article from our friends at TheDogDaily gives 7 tips on how to celebrate your dog(s) this week:
Held the last week of September, National Dog Week dates back to the late 1920s or early 1930s, although it is unclear exactly when and where it began. One account attributes National Dog Week to a group of dog fanciers who wanted to promote better care of the animals.
Millennials Love Their Pets – 73% Have a Pet
FCVC recognizes that every generation loves their pets and we are happy that the millennials find that enjoying life with a pet is very important. This article from our friends at Petful highlights how much millennials have incorporated pets into their lives:
Keeping pets safe and enjoying pet-friendly neighborhoods and lifestyles are important to this generation.
8 Dog Car Safety Mistakes You Can Help Your Pet Avoid
Keeping everyone safe when traveling in the car is a high priority, and especially when traveling with your pet friends. This article from PetMD highlights eight dog car safety mistakes that you easily avoid with a little preparation and forethought:
For many dog owners with a quick errand to run, it may seem like a no-brainer: Bring the pup along. Whether they’re sticking their head out the window to get a whiff of fresh air, or simply sitting and watching the new sights go by, many dogs love car rides.
Study Says: Almost Half of Pet Parents Do Not Have Car Safety Gear for Dogs
FCVC believes when it comes to traveling in a car with your dog, safety should be paramount for you both. However, a recent study from Volvo Car USA found some surprising statistics.
According to the report (which partnered with Harris Poll), an estimated 97 percent of dog owners drive with their pet in the car, but only 48 percent have safety gear for their four-legged companion.
Gabby the Lab Fetches Golf Balls
This is just a fun story! Fetch, Gabby!
From our friends at PetMd.com:
At the Mt. Ogden Golf Course in Ogden, Ohio, an unlikely duo is helping to retrieve lost golf balls from all over the course.
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
September 15th is a busy day as Puppy Mill Awareness Day, Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day and Responsible Dog Ownership Day.
Each year, the AKC invites its more than 5,000 affiliated dog clubs, along with other pet-related organizations, to host Responsible Dog Ownership Days to help educate the public in their communities about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets.
Puppy Mill Awareness Day – You Make A Difference
September 15th is Puppy Mill Awareness Day.
FCVC stands in support for those who advocate not purchasing pets from the puppy mill industry. Very often the living conditions in puppy mills are deplorable. A much better option is to buy from a reputable rescue or shelter facility. There are several links at the end of this article for finding a pet through shelters or rescues. We bring this article to you from our friends at AwarenessDay.org:
Pet Birth Defect Awareness – Pets Living Life with Birth Defects
FCVC knows that not all pets are created perfectly. Some come into this world with birth defects that could have been prevented had safer breeding practices been used. However, many pets with birth defects can lead happy normal lives. In an effort to raise awareness about pet birth defects that are “common, costly and critical” on Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day, this Saturday, Sept 15th, we bring you this article with eight inspiring dog stories from our friends at Rover.com:
4 Steps For Pets Disaster Preparedness
We have been hearing of hurricanes in the Tropical Storm pattern this year (Florence is looming off the Carolina coast), but floods, tornadoes and fires can happen any time. This month is also National Disaster Preparedness Month. There is no better time than now to think about what reaction you would have if an emergency is occurring and you only have minutes to leave your home.
The question is “What are you prepared to take with you?” People often think of their family (yes, first!), then documents, treasures and pictures. Often, what gets forgotten are the pets needs – special foods, medications, grooming brushes and toys. This article from our friends at the AKC gives you a quick rundown on what to gather in a kit for a dog (but for cats as well!) to be prepared on an instant’s notice:
Dog Years to Human Years – It’s NOT 7 to 1
What we used to think we knew about how dogs age is not really how it works. Common knowledge is not always correct and in this instance is off by a bit. So if you want to know the real age of your dog versus human years – there is a little more math involved. (Or, you can look at the handy chart below which has it figured out for you). We bring you how the American Kennel Club says it should be done:
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month
September is quite the month! We have already talked about Happy Cats, Guide and Service Dogs and Pet Insurance as celebrated month events. There are still a couple to go. This article focuses on Animal Pain Awareness Month. Our pets are not so communicative about telling us when they hurt. FCVC would like to do its part in raising the awareness of pain our pet friends can suffer, that you might otherwise not see. Our friends at the IVAPM have materials especially for this month:
Hug Your Hound Day – Sept 9th
It’s a day of love and remembrance for our pet friends. In addition to National Pet Memorial Day today, we can also celebrate National Hug Your Hound Day.
National Hug Your Hound Day was created by Ami Moore, author and Canine Behaviorist. Her desire is to make America more “pup friendly”, as it is in Europe.
Remembering Our Pets – Past and Present
Join us as we celebrate National Pet Memorial Day on September 9, 2018 honoring our pets both past and present. Held each year on the second Sunday in September, this prestigious event was established more than 40 years ago by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories in recognition of the important role that our beloved pets play in our lives.
National Pet Memorial Day Sept 9th
FCVC recognizes that all too often our pets lives seem so brief. They give us so much love and then, one day, they are gone. Remembering your pet friends after they depart is one way to honor them. As a precursor to the National Pet Memorial Day this Sunday, September 9th we thought we would share these thoughts from Dog.com on ways to appreciate and honor them:
National Guide/Service Dog Month
In some instances, dogs are not only valuable family members, but life-saving aides. Working dogs can be found in military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, but also in hospitals, schools and citizens’ homes as service and therapy dogs. There are several important differences between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs, but all have important jobs that save lives.
Happy Labor Day!
As Full Circle Vet Care celebrates Labor Day with you – we wish you safe travels in all your adventures!
12 Common Dog Breeds & Their Health Issues
Often pet parents choose a particular breed for a pet because someone in the family, or perhaps friends, have had one before. Sometimes pets are chosen just because the puppy was sooooo cute! However, as animals age and problems for the breed become an issue, the pet parents may wish they had made a little more informed decision. Arming yourself with information about your specific breed will help you to understand what is going on when the issues arise – and spot early symptoms, when it is the best time to take your pet to the vet.
Celebrating National Holistic Pet Day
FCVC celebrates the National Holistic Pet Day with the knowledge that what we do is in keeping with the tenets of treating the whole animal.
National Holistic Pet Day was started by Coleen Paige from the Animal Miracle Foundation to encourage owners to look at all issues that could impact on the welfare of their pet.
Preparing Your Pooch For Winter Weather
The nights are getting cooler as the temps slide down the scale to winter weather. Now is the time to consider your pets needs for dealing with winter temps. This article from our friends at PetsWebMD.com gives you the reminder run-down:
When the temperatures drop, dogs need special care to stay healthy, safe, and warm. Whether your pup spends lots of time outdoors or goes out for a couple of quick walks, he needs your help to avoid cold-weather health hazards. Keep a few basic tips in mind this winter.
Recalls: Cat Food List 2018
In the spirit of equal time, since we posted the 2018 dog food recalls yesterday, we thought we would post the 2018 cat food recalls, too.
It is, thankfully, a short list.
Recalls – Dog Food List 2018
It is easy to let many recall notices go by in passing. We may think, “I should check that out,” but activities get in the way and time goes by and we just let it go.
What you may not realize is how many of them there are in a year. However, if it doesn’t impact your brand, you may never know. But you might want to check and see if your pet food brand was on this list so far this year.
Recall: Rad Cat Raw Diet Cat Food – ALL TYPES
On August 9th, we posted an article about a recall of the Rad Cat Raw Diet Cat Food that just had two types involved. There is now an FDA update that covers all the types of this line of food – issued August 21, 2018.
In an expansion of previous recalls, now the entire product lineup shipped out within a 15-month period — all recipes, all sizes — has been recalled.
For Pets Who Are Allergic To Fleas
Fleas are one of the most misery-making pests you can run into. If your cat or dog is allergic to them that can be even worse. In this article from our friends at WebMD.com we see how to spot FAD and get treatment. Working with your veterinarian is a key step:
Fleabites make most pets itch. But some dogs and cats are allergic to the pests. Your doctor may call this flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or fleabite hypersensitivity. If your pet has a flea allergy, “even one or two fleabites can make your pet miserable,” says Carol Osborne, a veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center in Chagrin Falls, OH.
The Real Meaning of “Dog Days of Summer”
Curiosity about the real meaning behind the phrase “the dog days of summer” took us to this interesting article from our friends at the Mother Nature Network:
The dog days of summer are known for being among the hottest of the season. Such days conjure up listless floating in the pool, scrambling to find shade and, of course, dogs panting even though they haven’t been running around. It’s too hot for running, after all.
Despite the phrase’s association with heat-struck canines, it has nothing to do with them. Well, it has nothing to do with earthbound dogs anyway.
National Black Cat Appreciation Day
While we realize National Black Cat Appreciation Day was yesterday, we just wanted to share a this fun article on black cats we found at Romper.com:
All cat lovers know that their pets are special, but people lucky enough to share their home with black cats have special reason to rejoice this week. Friday, Aug. 17, is Black Cat Appreciation Day, according to the ASPCA. (My own midnight-black kitty would argue that she should be appreciated every day.) And really, it’s about time black cats got their due after having gotten such a bad rap over the years.
A Universal Microchip Lookup Registry
In advance of National Check the Chip Day tomorrow, August 15th, we thought we would pass on information about a universal microchip lookup tool at http://www.petmicrochiplookup.org/ sponsored by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
How Smart is Your Kitty?
Something to get your week going – an interesting comparison of cats, dogs and humans. Did you know your cat can manipulate you with it’s meow’s?
Is Your Dog Not Eating?
FCVC knows it can be disconcerting when your dog does not want to eat. This article from our friends at PetsWebMD.com pinpoints some of the possible causes and solutions to try before the last resort of going to the vet.
Whether you’ve had pet dogs for years or you’ve just adopted your first puppy, it can be very distressing when your dog won’t eat. There are a variety of reasons for loss of appetite in dogs. It’s important to determine the cause in order to design the best treatment plan.
Pampering Your Pet on a Budget
As a follow-up to Spoil Your Dog Day and National Lazy Day on the subject of pampering our pets – we ran across this article from our friends at PetSafe. Marketing research specialist Jessica wrote:
My dog, Emmitt, had his 2nd birthday last week. I guess in dog years that means he’s a teenager. Since last week was Emmitt’s birthday, I decided I’d share some fun and unique ways to pamper your pet(s) that we did in my household!
Recall: Radagast Pet Food – 3 Lots of Rad Cat Raw Food and…
Radagast Pet Food, Inc. of Portland, OR is recalling three lots of Rad Cat Raw Diet Free-Range Chicken Recipe because testing results indicate they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Company is also recalling one lot of Rad Cat Raw Diet Pasture-Raised Venison Recipe because testing results indicate it has the potential to be contaminated with Shiga Toxin producing E. coli O121.
Give It Your Best Shot
FCVC is concerned not only for the well-being of the pets brought in for our care, but also for the well-being of our pet owners. We highlight National Immunization Awareness Month, because staying protected against serious illnesses can be a matter of just taking your shots. It’s a great time to make sure your pets are vaccinated, too. Not sure if your pets’ shot records are up-to-date? We can help you with that. Give us a call at 970-587-5140.
Work Like A Dog Day
Today is…
Work Like a Dog Day
The English language is often confusing. Take, for instance, two common idioms we use in our everyday lives: “It’s a dog’s life” and “Work like a dog.”
30 Fun Dog Facts
We did not want to leave out our canine pet friends from the fun fact fest. So we have this list of dog facts for you today:
Did You Know…
1. A dog’s nose print is as unique as a human fingerprint.
2. Basenji dogs don’t bark. They yodel.
42 Feline Friday Fun Facts
We thought we would trot out some fun feline facts to start off your weekend with a few smiles – whether you have a kindle or a clowder. (Hint – a kindle is not related to Amazon…)
Did you know…
In many parts of the world, black cats are considered to be good luck!
Moggy is the British slang term for a domestic cat that does not have a pedigree.
Cats sleep for about 2/3 of their lives. When your cat is 12 years old, it will have been awake for only 4 years of its life!
Cats today live about twice as long as they did 50 years ago.
Cats have 4 rows of whiskers. They can move the top 2 rows independently of the bottom 2 rows.
Old Wives Tale Put To Rest: Cats and Babies
Today, shelters are still visited by tearful mothers-to-be with cats in tow, having made their appointments after well-meaning relatives or old-school obstetricians have convinced them that keeping a cat risks the health and well-being of their unborn child. Don’t succumb to these old wives’ tales. Knowing the facts will help provide ways to safeguard both fetus and feline.
Happy DOGust 1st
Happy DOGust 1st!
Today may be the first of August, but it’s also what many animal lovers around the country call “DOGust 1st,” an event North Shore Animal League America says is “the universal birthday for all shelter and rescue dogs since most often their actual dates of birth are unknown.” We celebrate the 10th anniversary of this tradition started in 2008.
FDA Alert – Canine Heart Disease From Dog Food
On July 12, the FDA announced that dog owners should be aware of a connection between food their animals are eating and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). These reports are unusual because DCM is occurring in breeds not typically genetically prone to the disease. The diets in the cases reported to the FDA frequently list “potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, other “pulses” (seeds of legumes), and their protein, starch and fiber derivatives early in the ingredient list, indicating that they are main ingredients”.
Clear the Shelters Event 08.18.18
FCVC loves supporting those opportunities to bring animals out of shelters into loving homes. In advance of tomorrow’s “National Mutt Day” (aka Mixed Breeds Day) event, we thought we would share an upcoming event closer to home.
The Larimer Humane Society will be having their “Clear the Shelters” day on August 18, 2018, from 9am-5pm.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It ? Part 3
In this post we want to look at two more Pet Insurers – Healthy Paws and Figo. Along with Trupanion (in our previous post), these insurers get high marks in their industry. We wanted to know if there is a big difference in price and if there are any “Gotchas!” In other words, are you going to get your money’s worth?
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? Part 2
What is Credit Card Care vs Insurance?
Users of everyday credit cards will recognized that they are used for expenses that occur as they happen. Insurance is pre-paid (usually a monthly payment) against a point in time when the need occurs.
CareCredit is a health financing credit card which you apply for and is subject to approval. Their veterinary option says:
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? – Part 1
This is a subject that can rile up passions on both sides – for or against. There are people who say that it is the best way to provide the best possible care for your pet – without going into major debt. Like a life vest, you can consider it to be a preventive measure.
Then there are those people who say use a credit card and insurance is not worth the expense. This is a topic that you will need to individually decide about for you and your pets. We are try to help this discussion along with a series to provide some facts about insurance providers and what they do cover when it comes to expenses.
The Secret Life of Your Outdoor Cat
Have you ever wondered how far your cat wanders when they go outside? What adventures they encounter? It might be farther and scarier than you think! This research done by the University of Illinois casts some light on your pet’s trails.
Researchers (and some cat-owners) wanted to know: What do feral and free-roaming house cats do when they’re out of sight? A two-year study offers a first look at the daily lives of these feline paupers and princes, whose territories overlap on the urban, suburban, rural and agricultural edges of many towns.