How Well Do Dogs Cope with Air Travel? An Owner-Reported Survey Study.

It is estimated that 2 million domestic animals travel on commercial flights every year in the US alone and that dogs make up 58% of pets travelling worldwide. There has been little research on the welfare effects of air travel on dogs. The purpose of this owner-reported study was to understand how well dogs cope with and recover from air travel from a physical, mental, and emotional health perspective.

Human-directed aggression and pica in a 1-year-old cat, which worsened following international relocation.

Case Summary: A 14-month-old female spayed Arabian Mau cat was presented for preparation for international air travel and relocation. It was also showing aggressive behaviours towards its owners and visitors to the home, with daily episodes of jumping at, scratching and biting the owners' hands and legs. In addition, the cat was chewing on and ingesting wool and fabric items.

Animal Welfare Worldwide, the Opinion of Practicing Veterinarians.

The objective of this study was to investigate the animal welfare issues considered the most important by companion animal veterinarians worldwide. For this purpose, a global survey of several potential animal welfare issues was distributed via SurveyMonkey® in multiple languages. The distribution of survey responses differed by region.

Appendix: Drug dosage chart.

For many medications, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in pets have not been established and even where studies have been done, there is widespread species and individual variation. Practitioners should start with the lower end of the dose range and titrate up to maximum doses where there is insufficient therapeutic effect and no adverse effects or contraindications. Complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, and urinalysis should be performed before initiating the use of any medication, especially with off-label medications.

Veterinary attitudes towards pre-pubertal gonadectomy of cats: a comparison of samples from New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Aim: To compare the attitudes and practices of a sample of veterinarians in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) towards pre-pubertal gonadectomy of cats.

Methods: Respondents' demographics were gathered using an electronic questionnaire distributed via professional veterinary associations in the target countries, as were minimum age at gonadectomy and typical age of puberty. Desirability of prepubertal gonadectomy was gauged using three response categories ('yes', 'no' or 'sometimes'), respondents were then able to justify the response given.

AAFP and ISFM feline-friendly handling guidelines.

Background: The number of pet cats is increasing in most countries, often outnumbering pet dogs, yet cats receive less veterinary care than their canine counterparts.(1) Clients state the difficulty of getting the cat into a carrier at home, driving to the clinic, and dealing with the fearful cat at the veterinary clinic as reasons for fewer visits.(2) Educating and preparing the client and the veterinary team with regard to respectful feline handling is necessary in order to avoid stress and accomplish the goal of good health care.

Preventing behavior problems in puppies and kittens.

There are many common issues that owners find problematic with their puppy's or kitten's behavior, such as eliminating in inappropriate locations, chewing, mouthing, growling, and biting. Many of these issues can be prevented or managed by helping owners understand normal canine and feline behavior and by teaching the puppy and kitten socially acceptable behaviors. The focus always should be on rewarding acceptable behaviors rather than punishing unacceptable ones.

Use of clomipramine in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety and noise phobia in dogs: a preliminary, clinical study.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a treatment protocol for obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety and noise phobia in dogs.

Design: A study was undertaken to assess clinical responses in 24 dogs diagnosed with one or more of three behavioural disorders stated above to a treatment regimen that included clomipramine and behaviour modification.

Procedure: A detailed behavioural and clinical history was obtained for each dog.

Use of clomipramine in the treatment of anxiety-related and obsessive-compulsive disorders in cats.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a treatment protocol for anxiety-related and obsessive-compulsive disorders in cats.

Design: A study was undertaken to assess the clinical response in cats diagnosed with anxiety-related or obsessive-compulsive disorders to a treatment regimen that included clomipramine and behaviour modification.

Procedure: The study group of 11 cats was acquired through referral.

Puppy socialization classes.

Setting up a puppy training program is one of the most important services veterinarians can offer. Puppy socialization classes aim not only to socialize the puppies so that they learn to interact well with children, adults, and other dogs, but also to teach basic obedience exercises. The classes build a strong bond between puppy, owner, and veterinary clinic.