Because your pet can’t choose the best pet food, it’s up to you to make the right choices in pet nutrition. It is essential that you take the time to learn about what’s available in pet nutrition for this member of your family. Even if you aren’t a vet tech, you can choose pet food like one. There is plenty of good information online to help you out. Here are 25 Q&A sites that can help you learn more about pet food:

Food for Specific Pets

From bird food to cat food to ferret food, you can find what you are looking for on these web sites. These sites will help you figure out what is the best nutritional course of action for your pet.Give your pet the right start with guidance from these informative web sites.

1. Pet Food: Learn about the regulation of pet food, as well as how it is labeled. The FDA provides plenty of reliable answers to questions you have about food for your pets. Authoritative and interesting.
2. The Pet Food List: Great site for answering questions about various pet food brands. You can get information on cats and dogs, as well as information on pet food for exotic pets. Great information, including news on pet food recalls.
3. The Dog Food Project: Compares different types of dog food, and answers questions about various options. A great resource for understanding nutrition for your dog.
4. Dog Food Analysis: Great Q&A site that reviews different dog food options. Answers questions about formulas in various dog food brands. A helpful resource for the dog lover.
5. The Pet Food Report: You can learn all about pet food for dogs and cats. A great resource that also includes information homemade pet food.
6. Truth About Pet Food: Great site aimed at helping consumers find safe pet food for cats and dogs. Get the information you need for providing your furry friends with the right nutrition. Includes reviews, and news, about pet food.
7. Cat Food: Full Report: This great resource from Consumer Search offers answers to questions about cat food. Learn how to choose cat food, and learn more about dry and canned food, as well as diet options for cats.
8. The Feed Room: If you have questions about feeding your pet horse, this web site has answers. Learn about pet food for horses, and the best way to ensure proper nutrition for your horse.
9. National Alternative Pet Association: Find out about nutrition for your exotic pet. This site includes answers to questions on various aspects of caring for “alternative” pets, including how to properly feed them.

Pet Food Ingredients: All Natural Pet Food vs. Other Pet Food Options

Many pet foods feature a number of questionable preservatives and ingredients. If you are interested in providing as natural a diet as possible, you can consider all natural options. You can also look at these Q&A web sites for information on the benefits of natural pet food options, as well as ingredient information for your pet food options.

10. The Honest Kitchen: Information about all natural pet food. You can learn more about dehydrated pet food designed to retain natural nutrients.
11. Pet Food Ingredients Revealed: This report from Natural News offers information about what’s really in pet food. Learn about pet food ingredients, including the most common ingredients, and see which pet foods are healthiest.
12. What’s Really in Pet Food: Born Free provides this resource that can help you pinpoint different ingredients. Find out what you’re really feeding your pets. A great overview of what you will find in pet food.
13. Petfood Ingredients: Find out about natural ingredients in pet food, and how to choose the right food for your pet. A great resource aimed especially at dog food, and answer questions about pet food ingredients.
14. Pet Food Ingredients Wizard: Find out more about what is in your pet’s food. Look for natural ingredients, or rule out foods with too many unnatural ingredients. This site aims to answer questions about pet food for dogs, cats and ferrets.
15. Petfood Industry: Get the inside scoop on the pet food industry, learn about ingredients and find out more about pet nutrition. A helpful site that can answer many of your questions about pet food.
16. Precious Pets: Learn how to find better, all natural pet food for your animals. A great site that answers questions about keeping your pet healthy, and offering insights into better pet food options.
17. Ingredient Glossary: Pet Food Ratings offers this helpful glossary of ingredients. Find out what’s in your pet food — and what it can do for your pet.
18. All Natural Pet Food Directory: Answers questions about where you can find all natural and organic pet food.

Vegetarian and Organic Pet Food Options

If you want your pet to be a vegetarian, or if you want to make sure that your pet is getting only the best in organic nutrition, you can check out these web sites. Find out more about helping your pet live the same sustainable lifestyle that you enjoy.

19. Vegan Pets: Vegan Peace offers a look at ways that you can provide good nutrition for your pet –while living a vegan lifestyle.
20. VeganCats: This site can also answer questions about vegan dog food. Plenty of information on what’s available for vegan pets.
21. Veg Dogs & Cats: Get answers to your questions about how you can encourage veg practices for your pets.
22. Top Five Benefits of Natural Organic Pet Food for Your Dog: Organic Authority answers questions you have about organic pet food.
23. Organic Pet Food: Find out more about what’s in pet food, and learn more about organic pet food for better health and nutrition.
24. Our Happy Cat: Includes information about organic cat food, and its benefits.
25. Healthy Pet Food Guide: Reviews and information about organic pet food.

1. Angie’s List: Use this linked page to find a city near you and to read about all the vets listed in or near that city. Angie’s List has reliable reviews on veterinarians across the U.S. Register to get the full listing and read real customer ratings and reviews.
2. Best Veterinarian Review: This website is devoted to veterinarian reviews. They think veterinarian reviews from actual clients (and their pets) are the best way to see what a vet office is really like before visiting.
3. Better Business Bureau Accredited Business Directory — Veterinarians: This Accredited Business Directory is a listing of BBB Accredited veterinarians in Wisconsin, who have all agreed to a set of high standards in their business practices. If you live in another state, simply search for “BBB Business Review Veterinarians” and the name of your state.
4. Book of Doctors — Veterinarian: This doctor directory lists veterinarians nationwide and displays information such as address, phone number, accepted insurance plans, office hours, education, parking type, doctor’s hobbies, awards, etc.
5. California Veterinary Medical Board: The mission of the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) is to protect consumers and animals through development and maintenance of professional standards, licensing of veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and premises, and diligent enforcement of the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.
6. Dexknows Veterinarians: Find vets by state and by metro areas in this vast search engine and rating machine. Dexknows is run by a NYSE company that offers marketing solutions to companies and local businesses.
7. Find a Veterinarian: Whether you have a cat, dog, bird, reptile, horse or other type of pet, this site contains a comprehensive directory of qualified veterinarian clinics throughout the U.S.
8. Insider Pages Veterinarians: This link leads to the Key West, Florida, page, where you can find vets in that region and their reviews. Use the search engine at the top of the page to change the location to your area.
9. Pet Services Review: Pet Services Review is a comprehensive assembly of consumer reviews on thousands of pet related businesses within more than three dozen different industries; the list exclusively targets businesses and services in Chicago and its outlying suburbs within a 30 mile radius.
10. PETCO.com Ratings and Reviews: PETCO offers a format where readers can make reviews about everything from vets to food to bedding. The cat and dog reviews receive the most attention, with over 29,000 reviews for dogs and over 12,000 reviews for cats.
11. Precious Pet Vets: This site covers it all, along with ratings and reviews from everything from pet arts and crafts to day care and from service dogs to — you guessed it — veterinarians. You also can search by location.
12. Rate and Review Your Bird’s Veterinarian: This About.com site asks if you are satisfied with your bird’s veterinarian. Whether you love your avian vet or not, you can voice your opinion by using the form to share your experience with other bird owners.
13. Rate it all Veterinarian: RateItAll is the fun and social way to find and share reviews about anything. Find a vet by Zip Code, rate vets and read reviews from around the country. You can rate reviews and share your findings on Facebook or Twitter.
14. Search for a Veterinarian: Use the search box to find a vet by city and Zip Code. Add a review or read the reviews already posted.
15. USA Veterinarians: Business listings are reviewed by professional editors, and many of the businesses listed include opening times, payment methods, maps and directions, website links, photos, reviews and coupons. Their editorial team makes great efforts to evaluate the existence and accuracy of each company profile and reviews.
16. Viewpoints Veterinarian Reviews: Some of these reviews have nothing to do with vets, but they do have a lot to do with veterinarians and their careers. For instance, one of the first reviews is about the game, “The Imaginative Child Let’s Play Veterinarian!” But, if you’re seeking a specific veterinarian, you’ll need to do a page search for your state or specific location.
17. Vet Ratingz: Learn more about your vet through the forum, and check out the top rated vets across the country. This site was created to help consumers find the best veterinarians by sharing information and ratings, and to give people a “scorecard” on how they are doing.
18. Vet Reviews Online: VetReviews Online is here to help you choose the ideal vet for you and your pet. They try to make the site personal and truly care about what you, as a pet owner, want in a vet. You must register before you can use the site or read the reviews. This site also has a Facebook page.
19. Veterinarian Pages: Veterinarian Pages is a resource that allows you to find information about veterinarians in your area. Consumers can locate veterinary based practices, search directories, research services, obtain maps and directions, and much more.
20. Veterinarian Review: Review your pet’s doctor and learn from other pet owners about their vets. These folks are trying to pull together as much vet related information as possible, and they hope that you will get something helpful from your visit.
21. Veterinarian Reviews Now: You can learn both about us and about vets in your neck of the woods here. We are a online resource for finding great veterinarian reviews from people with pets who have gone to visit them. Learn about a great doctors office where your pet will be well cared-for.
22. Veterinarians: Veterinarians.com enables you to find Veterinarians in your area. Start your search by entering a zip code, then read or write reviews about local vets. You also can request a consultation and get contacted by a veterinarian.
23. Yelp! Veterinarians: This link leads to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, vets, but all you need to do is find the same topic in your city or region to learn about local vets and see their ratings. This site covers major metropolitan areas, so smaller towns may not be included in this database.
24. ZipperPages Veterinarians: Drill down through this database to find vets by state and then by city. Many have not yet been rated or reviewed. This site provides information, reviews and ratings, maps and driving directions for thousands of vets nationwide.
25. ZooToo: At Zootoo, you can check out the cutest photo galleries and videos from pet lovers like you, have fun with quizzes and games, and get valuable information about your pet’s health and care.

Keeping your pet healthy is essential for their well-being. Vet bills can add up quickly, so it’s important to watch your pet’s health and keep a log if their eating habits or behavior begin to change. For young pets, pet health insurance can usually be purchased that will make vet visits less costly as the pet grows into adulthood. For those searching for quick remedies or tips on how to feed your pet properly, these pet health blogs and websites will offer free help. Remember if any problem persists for a few weeks, it’s best to visit the vet to be certain the problem isn’t a symptom of a serious illness.

Top Pet Health and Safety Blogs and Websites

1. Pets WebMD Pets get their very own WebMD to help you diagnose common pet illnesses and give you the basics on how to care for your pet. There’s also an extensive section over puppy training.
2. Pet Health 101 At this site you can check out the pet health diagram to see the condition of your dog or cat. There’s also an active message board and tips on dealing with heartworms, epilepsy, diabetes and other pet illnesses.
3. Pet Health At this pet health blog, you’ll find help for caring for the usual suspects like cats and dogs. There’s also posts over caring for fish, hamsters and snakes. If your family has a wild bunch of animals, this is the blog for pet health tips.
4. Pet Finder – Pet Health We love this site because it’s packed with health information on all of the pet food that’s out there. Remember that buzzwords like “all-natural” and “eco-friendly” are just that and doesn’t ensure a product is healthy for your pet’s digestive system.
5. Healthy Pet This site has information over accessing dog behavior and has referrals for finding a quality vet in your area. It’s important to do your research when finding a vet, especially if your pet is young and you think you’ll be a client for a long time.
6. MSNBC Pet Health This blog of MSNBC discusses pet topics of every variety. It serves as a feed of sorts for posts around the web with pet health in mind. Read up on organic pet food products and how to cook green for your pet at home.
7. Pawn Nation This site has pet product reviews, pet news and section over dogs and cats. Dog owners will appreciate the hefty section over canine health, including how to care for your dog’s teeth and gums between vet check-ups.
8. Veterinary Partner At this blog you can find health information on dogs and cats, plus reptiles and horses. It’s an informative site with insight on complex diseases that are only vaguely touched on by other pet health blogs.

Natural and Organic Pet Care Blogs and Websites

9. Natural Pet Care If your focus is eco-safe pet care, this is the site for you. This pet health blog has tips for natural remedies and pre-cautions that every pet owner should take when shopping for products for their pet.
10. Home Vet This vet sticks to the facts of caring green for your pet. This blog has an active forum for those learning about homemade organic pet food and treating simple illnesses with home remedies.
11. Natural Wonder Pets This pet blog is devoted to natural health. When it comes to your dog’s teeth or cat diabetes, this site believes that going green is the best route for your animal’s well being.
12. Precious Pets This blog has articles over probiotics and how they affect a pet’s digestive tract, plus tips on how to feed your pet quality holistic food on a budget. Remember that the pet food industry is not regulated by the FDA, which results in low quality ingredients in a lot of mainstream pet food brands.
13. Pet Care Naturally This doctor is dedicated to caring for your pets naturally and regularly posts articles about caring for your animal’s joints, digestive system and vision. This is a must-read blog for those looking to learn the basics of homeopathic methods for pet health.
14. BarfWorld Blog This is a fantastic pet health blog that covers all natural pet care, from food to medicine. This blog is updated often and focuses on your pet’s dietary health, including homemade recipes you can whip up for Fido in your kitchen.
15. Pet Grub This blog offers free all natural pet recipes to owners. The recipes are easy to follow and it’s clear the blogger has a genuine passion for animal health and believes the knowledge of natural pet food should be shared with pet owners to improve an animal’s health.

Pet Health Forums and Message Boards

Join the conversation with other animal lovers at these forums and message boards that focus on pet health.

16. Pet Health Forums This site has forums for discussing your cats and dogs, but also a section over hamsters, gerbils and rabbits. There’s also a fun area where members post pictures of their pets.
17. Pet Lovers This forum is a must for bird owners due to the sizable section over caring for them. At this site you’ll also find sections over rodents, cats, dogs and even farm animals.
18. MedHelp – Animal Health At this site, members post questions about their pet’s health and others answer based on experience. We aren’t suggesting you take serious medical advice from others on the Internet, but it does help give you direction on questions to ask your vet when you take your pet in.
19. Pet Discussion It’s everything from horses to wild animals at this site. This message board also has a forum for grieving when a pet passes away, which can be difficult for those who’ve had a pet for decades.
20. Web MD – Pet Health Exchanges The difference between this site and other pet health message boards is questions are answered by a licensed vet. The answers are fairly brief, but give readers direction on how to treat their pet or what to approach their own vet with when taking their pet in.

Caring for your pet is a big responsibility. Going green ensures you’re aware of the ingredients in your pet’s food, which is usually easier for them to process and digest. Read all natural pet health forums for tips on holistic medicine and keep your pet’s health in mind when reading the ingredients of anything your animal consumes. Make friends on pet health message boards to see the tried and true methods of those who love animals as much as you do.

If still in doubt, check out the below 25 amazing veterinarian breakthroughs. From items straight out of an episode from Star Trek to the latest in Eastern medicine for Western pets, there are loads of well-known and lesser-known entries.

Amazing General Veterinarian Breakthroughs in the Last 10 Years

From surgeries to the latest advancements in therapies, the below have it all.

1. Stem Cell Therapy
   Not just a point of conversation and debate for human medicine, it is available in veterinary medicine as well. Its goal is to stimulate and activate dormant stem cells ensuring maximum uptake achieving best possible results. It is offered by many practices, including Medivet, which has loads to say about it on their site.
2. Cancer Vaccine
   In this aspect, veterinary medicine seems leaps ahead of human. This vaccine is intended for melanoma, or a type of skin cancer. Since dogs spend most of their time exposed to the sun without any kind of sunscreen, they can be susceptible to melanoma. The blogger at What Would a Dog Do has more.
3. The Anti Vaccine Movement
   Not just for parents, pet owners have now become more wary of vaccines and the adverse reactions they can have on pets. In order to better understand vaccines, veterinarian T.J. Dunn shares his decades of experience on administering hundreds of thousands of vaccines. He also includes a few true life examples of what an adverse reaction to a vaccine can be.
4. Laparoscopy
   If your pet had a problem the vet couldn’t readily diagnose, an invasive and dangerous exploratory surgery was often recommended. With this veterinary breakthrough, the procedure can be done laparoscopically, as often done on humans. This involves only a small cut and the insertion of a small camera.
5. Laser Surgery
   Not just for corrective eye surgery in humans anymore. Concentrated light sources can be used in spays and neuters, declaws, ear surgery, and many more. Dr. Larry includes other benefits of laser surgery.
6. Companion Laser Therapy
   But wait, there’s more! The Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital has implemented this kind of technology with impressive results. Their laser therapy can be used for pain relief, wound healing, ear infections, hot spots, arthritis, and other common conditions. Check out the video with more.
7. Breed Test
   Are you in doubt of what breed your dog is? Perhaps you wonder if your pooch is a purebred or even what kind of mix they are? For only $69.99 you can have this breeding test done at Wisdom Panel on your dog to determine once and for all what their breed is.
8. Animal Acupuncture
   Because Asian medicine isn’t just for people, there is also acupuncture for pets. The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture says that acupuncture can treat ailments ranging from hip dysplasia to chronic degenerative joint disease. It has become ever increasing in the vet world and many are learning how to practice it themselves.
9. Why They Die
   As unfortunate as it is, every pet dies from something. However, with this new study conducted at the University of Georgia, it is now possible to predict the most likely cause of death for your pet and be prepared for it. They list the most common causes of death, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, by breed it is most common in as a cause of death.
10. MRI
    In another not just for humans entry, magnetic resonance imagery has come to the veterinary medicine. Making a debut at Cornell University in 2004, the first patient was a Persian cat. The imagery technology shows more resilient, detailed images than other similar technology.

Amazing Veterinarian Medicine Breakthroughs in the Last 10 Years

With a prescription for everything in humans from high cholesterol to bad mood, veterinary medicine has kept up.

11. Pet Supplements
    Multi-vitamins, supplements, and such are no longer just for humans. According to Nutraceutical’s World, pet supplements account for half of U.S. animal nutrition sales and grew more than seven percent to $1.4 billion in 2008, adding $98 million in new sales. Most of these sales happen in pet specialty shops, with the rest in vet’s offices, health food stores, and others.
12. Probiotics
    We’ve all seen the yogurt ads where probiotics were shown to naturally help the digestive process. However, the average pet owner just can’t crack open a carton of yogurt and feed it to their pets. No worries, the probiotic industry has many options for pets, and you can read more here.
13. Palladia
    Did you know that over one million dogs per year are diagnosed with cancer? For some of those, treatment can come in the new form of this drug. This drug is used to treat mass cell tumors and works by blocking the activity of key receptors important in the development of blood vessels that supply tumors, as well as receptors vital for tumor survival.
14. Ketoprofen
    The drug ketoprofen represents a breakthrough in veterinary medicine for extra-fast treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation. It can be injected after farrowing as a prophylactic against farrowing fever and MMA complex disease. The blogger at Vetsweb has more.
15. Benadryl
    You take it for allergies, but how safe is it to give to pets? Janet Tobiassen Crosby of About.com answers the question from a vet’s point of view on how this drug can help under the right conditions. Of course, speak to your own vet before haphazardly giving an animal a people drug.
16. Bayer for Pets
    At some time or another, we have all taken a product from Bayer for a number of reasons. Most famous for aspirin, they also have many products available for pets. This particular new release is an antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial infection in dogs and cats.
17. Herbal Therapy
    With humans doing everything from chugging wheat grass juice to popping Ginkgo biloba, it is only natural that pet medicine would follow. The folks at Mountain Rose Herbs share why herbal supplements can be important to animals health, as well as which herbs are best for what. Choose from glycerine liquid extracts to a detox blend.
18. Nutraceuticals
    As any owner with older pets can tell you, arthritis is often a problem. With this veterinary breakthrough, arthritis can be a very treatable problem. A Nutraceutical represents compounds found in food and herbs that may have a profoundly beneficial impact on the health of the body and include items such as glucosamine.
19. Dental Vaccine
    If your dog is one of the breeds that is more prone to dental disease, you may have been offered a dental vaccine for them. Although a veterinary breakthrough, this blogger hesitated before shelling out the dough for this particular vaccine and shares reasons why.
20. Rattlesnake Vaccine
    Do you live in area populated by rattlesnakes? Then maybe this is a vaccine you should consider for your pet. Just as their bites can be deadly to humans, rattlesnakes can also be deadly to animals. A veterinarian discusses more with a local news station in Arizona.

Other Amazing Veterinarian Breakthroughs in the Last 10 Years

These veterinary breakthroughs have a category all their own.

21. Who’s the Baby Daddy?
    Not just the stuff of daytime talk shows, paternity testing has now come to pets. The University of Partsmouth in the U.K is on the verge of launching a service that offers just that, a paternity test for dogs. Along with other DNA testing, dog owners can now test their dogs DNA to complete a paternity test as well as genetic tests that look for recessive genes that can lead to canine illnesses in certain breeds.
22. Prosthetics
    Who says you have to shoot a horse if it loses its leg? With the concept of prosthetics, or artificial limbs, coming to veterinary medicine, it can result in a meaningful and active life for pets who lose a limb. Although walking on three legs can seem easy, it can actually be very difficult and made all the more easier with a prosthetic.
23. Aromatherapy
    With a pet’s heightened sense of smell, aromatherapy makes more sense for them than it does for us. According to Holistic Health News, essential oils also serve many practical functions such as boosting your pet’s immune system, fighting off bacteria and viruses, preventing the growth of yeasts and molds, and repelling insects. It also doesn’t hurt against offensive odors caused the pet itself.
24. Fracture Detection
    Catastrophic bone failure led to the death of three high profile thoroughbreds in 2006. With this technology being developed at Purdue University, these microcracks in bones could be detected earlier, leading to treatment coming sooner. The technology works by recording acoustics similar to the ones used to measure earthquakes.
25. Dog Whispering
    With a popular television show of similar name, this is one of the most well-known veterinary breakthroughs. It is a specialized way of training dogs that involves communicating with them on their level and taking on a pack mentality. Mike of K91 Training discusses more on what it is and how he does it.
]]> http://www.vettech.org/25-amazing-veterinarian-breakthroughs-in-the-last-10-years/feed 0 http://www.vettech.org/25-diy-tips-and-products-to-improve-the-health-of-your-pets-teeth http://www.vettech.org/25-diy-tips-and-products-to-improve-the-health-of-your-pets-teeth#comments Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:28:09 +0000 admin http://www.vettech.org/?p=158 According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have periodontal, or gum, disease by the age of three. Worse yet, these dental diseases can lead to far more serious health conditions. In fact, pets that have proper dental health can live two to five years longer.

With statistics so high and the very life of your pet at stake, the good news is that pet dental health can be done at home. To help out, we have gathered the below 25 DIY tips and products to improve the health of your pet’s teeth.

DIY Tips to Improve the Health of Your Pet’s Teeth

Get tips from many dental experts on how to maintain your pet’s teeth.

1. Veterinary Q & A: Dental Care for Pets
   If you’re a while in between vet visits, click here for the next best thing. Janet Tobiassen Crosby is a vet and pet expert for About.com. In a companion piece to a further guide for pet dental health, she discusses many common questions and answers such as how a healthy mouth can lead to a happier life.
2. 10 Tips for Better Dental Health in Dogs
   Although the ASPCA is known for animal activism, they also chime in on pet health. In this guide from an actual member of the ASPCA, there are loads of tips every pet owner should read. They include the breath test, signs of oral disease, and what tooth decay can really mean.
3. Pet Dental Health
   Watch as Dr. Sheldon Rubin gives easy instructions on how to teach a dog and even a cat to get into their daily brushing habits. He also describes healthy treats and explains the true risks of periodontal disease in pets. Be sure not to miss the AVMA Animal Tracks Podcast with more.
4. Pet Dental Health Month
   Also known as February, it doesn’t have to be this month to take notice of your pet’s teeth. “The Reno Gazette-Journal” recently printed this article from vet April Jones of the local animal care center. She discussed the dangers of periodontal disease, which breeds are more susceptible, and more.



5. Pet Dental Health
   Michelle Day is the Newark Animal Welfare Examiner. In an entry for Pet Dental Health Month, she reminds owners why and how to practice good oral care for pets. It includes a link for how to brush teeth, links to vets, and even her own blog.
6. How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
   Similar to the above, Susan Lee is the Pet Care Examiner in Rockford. In the article, she discusses the best practices for brushing a dog’s teeth. There are also many useful links for owners living in the Illinois area.
7. How to Brush a Cat’s Teeth
   Don’t let the dogs have all the fun. Dr. Greg McDonald gives a quick video entry for eHow. Recommendations for which toothpaste, tools, and techniques for cat teeth brushing are shared.
8. Cats Dental Care 101
   Franny Syufy is the cat expert for About.com. With loads of entries on cats from behavior to health, she offers this extensive guide for the health of cat’s teeth. They include a dental care plan, how to examine teeth and gums, and even loads of product reviews.
9. Dental Care Tips for Cats
   Charles Simmins of Helium shares tips for cat care and health. In this article, he discusses gum disease, food , and more. You can also get related articles and videos.




DIY Products to Improve the Health of Your Pet’s Teeth

10. 9 Tips and Tools for Home Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
    Dr. Janet returns with a vet’s picks for how to care for a dog or cat’s teeth. They include what to ask your vet, appropriate toothpastes, and even toys that can help.
11. VOHC
    The Veterinary Oral Health Council is a sort of American Dental Association for pets. With a similar labeling system, simply look for the VOHC logo to see if the product has been approved. They also have loads of articles on dental health for pets.



12. How to Pick a Dog’s Toothbrush
    Click here to get the four features every dog toothbrush should have from Vetinfo. They include size, length, bristles, and toothpaste. There are also many related entries.
13. Can Dogs Share Toothbrushes?
    Although a disgusting habit among people, is it okay to let the dogs slide on this one? Eric Barchas runs The Vetblog and gives his expert opinion on the question. The short answer is no, along with an explanation.
14. How to Select the Right Cat Toothbrush
    Stop here to get a useful guide from Pet Product Advisor. They discuss the desirable features, as well as what to stay away from. There is also a guide for how to brush.
15. Introducing Your Pet to Toothpaste
    Just like kids, pets may not always enjoy brushing their teeth. In addition to having to hold still, the taste of toothpaste can be different and scary to them. Stop here for a guide from the Richmond SPCA for how to introduce your pet to toothpaste.
16. Insider’s Guide to Pet Mouthwash
    Pet Place has over 15,000 veterinarian approved articles. In this one, the product of mouthwash for dogs is discussed. You can also send in your very own questions to Dr. Jon or get loads of other pet health articles.




Other DIY Tips and Products to Improve the Health of Your Pet’s Teeth

17. Dental Disease in Cats and Dogs
    The Paw Blog has loads of entries for pet owners from list of smartest breeds to medications. In this entry, they discuss the importance of oral health. Factors that can contribute to the development of disease and signs of it are included.



18. The Pete and Gigi Show
    Visit here for the official site of Pet Dental. In this special movie, a cartoon dog and cat explain to kids the importance of dental health. Tips, activities, and more can be found on the site.
19. Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat
    The goal of WebMD is to give everyone better information for better health. With the pet in mind as well, they have this 25 piece slideshow of foods dogs should never have. Also a good read for cat and other pet owners.
20. Make Your Own Pet Toothpaste
    Why go up and down the aisles when you can make your own pet toothpaste? Carol Alexander, the New York Pets Alternative Health Examiner, shows you how. Two different recipes are shared.
21. Why Care?
    If the above aren’t convincing enough, click here. It is an entry from Holistic Health News as to why pet health matters. The statistics, tips, and more are shared.
22. Preventing Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats
    Dr. Dym has over ten years of practicing veterinary medicine. In his blog for Pet Meds, he chimes in on how to prevent gum disease in pets. Useful product reviews and related articles are also shared.
23. Floss
    “The world of dentistry online” is featured here. With a special section for pet’s health, you can also get tips for brushing and other forms of dental care. They even have special sections on halitosis, orthodontics, and anesthesia with the pet in mind.
24. Safe Alternative Cleansers
    Because cats and dogs can lick up cleaners, especially ones that smell good, stop here. It is a guide from Dogs and Other Companions. It shows how to make your own pet friendly household cleaners that are safe for all kinds of dogs and cats.
25. Pet Product Review
    These bloggers take on a variety of pet products for review. Choose on everything from accessories to treats. You can even submit a product review request.

And the above is only the beginning. Before making any drastic changes to your pet’s health or following any of the advice on the above 25 DIY tips and products to improve the health of your pet’s teeth, please consult your veterinarian. For more approved tips, you can visit the official site of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

]]> http://www.vettech.org/25-diy-tips-and-products-to-improve-the-health-of-your-pets-teeth/feed 0 http://www.vettech.org/keeping-your-kitties-healthy-the-top-40-cat-care-blogs http://www.vettech.org/keeping-your-kitties-healthy-the-top-40-cat-care-blogs#comments Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:24:16 +0000 admin http://www.vettech.org/?p=133 Cat lovers unite! It seems that in the world of cats, a cat owner’s affinity for their own cat trumps that of the love for their own child. While that may be a stretch of the truth, cat care can be very basic, but also very crucial. After carefully researching all of the cat blogs out there, we have narrowed down the list to the Top 40 Cat Care Blogs for your viewing pleasure. This detailed list provides regular maintenance tips, expert’s opinions, vets’ recommendations, and so forth. Check out this list to make sure you are on top of all of your cat’s needs! Remember, they love you just as much as you love them!




Expert’s Opinion

1. 4 Your Cat’s Health – 4 Your Cat’s Health is a super blog that allows guest bloggers to give their thoughts and remedies on all things cat-care related. This blog chooses well-rounded authors, so these tips are sure to be trusted.
2. Pet Care Education - Pet Care Education is, surprisingly, a very educational site. Teaching cat lovers/owners anything from grooming to nutrition, this is your one stop for any cat care query.
3. Cat Care HQ – The Cat Care Headquarters is your one stop shop for anything cat and cat-care related. These bloggers want the best for you cat’s well being, and have this site ready to answer any cat questions you may have.
4. VetMed AH Blog – Vet Med Animal Hospital is a great sire for vets to visit and share their experiences, advice, and current events knowledge in all things vet related. This particular site locally owned and operated out of Mount Juliet, TN. Check out this site if you need to ask or share any cat care questions!
5. Cat Care Professionals – This cat care veterinary service out of Lake Osweg of gives great advice on how to take your cat for the first time. All cat lovers and owners have to do it at some point, and this is an informative site that will instruct you the best way to do so!
6. Cat Care – Cat Care is a compilation of cat care articles and blogs. With this list of guiding resources, you’re sure to have your questions answered promptly.



7. Cat Care Guides – Cat Care Guides is gives you exceptional advice, straight from the experts. From a training section to video demonstrations, this site has your back!
8. Cat Care Clinic – The Cat Care Clinic’s blog gives extremely useful tips and advice straight from the experts at the clinic. Discussing various cases and illness prevention tactics, this clinic will meet your cat’s medical and home care needs.
9. Animal Planet – The Discovery Channel needs no introduction, but their Housecat Housecall section is superb! This site has many videos from this TV program where sickly cats are visited in their homes. There is much to learn from these videos, as the experts on these segments are at the top.
10. Bright Hub – Bright Hub, for bright minds, has a special cat section in which they have provided their readers with special guest posts about cat care and feeding. This public forum attracts sound, intelligent bloggers, so these posts are certainly worth a look if you are interested in cat care.
11. The Vet Blog – The Vet Blog is a direct source when you need an animal expert’s advice. Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM, is an avid poster that knows many animals, but his cat posts will surely be of help. Check it out!
12. Cat Fact Files – The Cat Fact Files help every day cat lovers gain “expert advice” on all matters of health, from common ailments and serious diseases to vaccinations and basic first aid. If you are looking for the expert’s opinion, give this site a look!




Healthcare Options

13. My Healthy Cat - My Healthy Cat is a magnificent blog that dishes out advice from the owner of a healthy cat! With links provided for every illness and remedy under the sun, you will not be left searching after viewing this site!
14. Holistic Health - Holistic Health has a great post on caring for feline raw skin problems. While this is not a common occurrence in all household cats, this helpful piece will prepare you for caring for your cat if need be.
15. New Cat – New Cat is a simple blog that helps you from day one with your new cat. If you need beginner’s advice from a wise cat owner, this is your site. Bonus: cute pictures and videos!
16. Pet Lvr - Pet Lvr Blog for pet lovers is a set for pet lovers (clearly), but this interesting post stood out. This blog is out to inform the world on pet rescue, health, and training tips, and provides a list of “cat care essentials” for cats of all ages.



17. Catster - Catster is a great resource for anything regarding your Cat’s care. From humorous remedies to behavior and training, this blog will have your cat being all that it can be!
18. The Pets Central – The Pets Central covers many types of pets, but provides a special section on cats. From healthcare options to adopting stray cats, this site has you covered.
19. Kitty News Network – The Kitty News Network will keep you in the loop and on top of all things for cat healthcare. A sect of Catster.com, this Kitty Network, this site tells stories of cat rescues and how beneficial cat healthcare can be.
20. Paw Nation – Paw Nation has an enlightening post about National “Take Your Cat to the Vet Week.” If you didn’t know that this week existed, now you do. Get your cat to the vet (health upkeep should be your number one priority!), and tune into this blog for some other great animal and cat related submissions. Good stuff!
21. Cat Grooming Blog – This illness prevention blog has a great section for guest posts and responses to help other cat owners. This site is full of tips on various grooming topics, so give it a look if you’re interested in grooming.




Cat Lovers

22. Our Happy Cat - “Our Happy Cat Makes a Happy Home” is the tagline of this cutesy blog. Written by Matt and Kate, these bloggers hope to make this the place for all contented cats and owners to meet and greet. A positive and upbeat blog, these advice shedders will have you following their happy ways!
23. Coolest Cat Care – Coolest Cat Care is a great site for all Cat lovers. While any cat blog can talk about their love for cats, this blog will help you keep your cat safe and healthy year round. Check it out for other cat blog recommendations!
24. I Love cats – The Cat care basics post is a simply great piece that literally gives you the basics of caring for a cat. While this blog is extremely helpful for a beginner, this insightful blogger gives great advice regardless of how long you’ve owned a cat. Check it out!
25. Cat Care Blog – Cat Care Blog is written by “bizrite,” a blogger from Yorkshire, UK. Writing about the blogger’s own cat to homeless kitties, this site will have you entertained with the hefty archived section.
26. Homeless Cat Care - Homeless Cat Care is a unique site that is devoted to helping lost and found (or abandoned!) kittens and cats. Started after starting a colony for abandoned cats, this helpful blog will have you headed in the right direction.



27. Catster – Catster is a great resource for anything regarding your Cat’s care. From humorous remedies to behavior and training, this blog will have your cat being all that it can be!
28. The Cat Zine – The Cat Zine is your online feline and cat information and guides. Updated frequently, this all-things-cat- blog has a great section on nursing your sick cat back to health., in “Common Cat Health Problems.”
29. Everyday Health – Everyday Health as a superb top tenner on Common Cat Health Problems (to put your fears at rest!) Check out this post as to avoid future cat problems, or to cure any ailments your cat may already have.
30. The Daily Cat Blog – The Daily Cat Blog is a well-manicured blog that serves as an editorial program, “with a mission to provide cat owners with practical skills and the insights necessary to give one’s cat the most comfortable, long, and happy life possible “ That being said, there is much to learn from this informative and helpful site!
31. The Cat Whiskers – The Cat Whiskers has a special section on cat breeding and keeping your mother cat and new kitties healthy. Find great information on holistic cat rearing as well as 10 steps to settling your kitty into its new home. A must read blog for cat lovers!




Bonus: Cats take the Keyboard: Top 9 Cat Bloggers

32. Daisy The Curly Cat - Daisy the Curly Cat is a famous, world renown cat who will have you in stitches. She is playful and healthy, thanks to her owner! Check out this blog for fun updates!
33. Booger - Booger the cat is an adorable, adventurous cat… who tweets. Adorable photos to browse, and the cutest videos!
34. MIsha – The World According to Misha is a well-manicured and updated blog, written by none other than Misha, Russian Blue Mancat extraordinaire, from Auckland, New Zealand. If you’re curious about his social life, check out his Facebook page!
35. Fat Eric – Fat Eric and Friends is a lovely (now tribute) blog about Eric from London, who died in 2010. While Eric may be gone, his legend lives on through this blog. Check out the archives to reminisce! Such an adorable cat!
36. Mashable - Cats who twitter is, you guessed it, a site where twitter cats can meet and share, beyond 140 characters at time! Remember the days where cats communicated by purring? Check out these tweets for some laughs.



37. Cat Gossip – Cat Gossip is written by the gossip king himself, Vladmir is a Felinotherapist, Fashionista, Philosopher and Mathematician. “Here in Cat Gossip, he presents advice and homilies straight from the moggy’s mouth.” Another humorous cat author worth checking out!
38. Sparkle - Sparkle is a unique cat with style and grace. She keeps an open diary and gives the best cat-to-cat advice. Be sure to check out the designer cat store!
39. My Cat Goma – My Cat Goma is a a cute blog about a Himalayan cat named Goma. Goma wins the award for best photo captions by a landslide! Goma is always up to something, so tune it to check out the latest antics.
40. BloggingCat.com – A cat in Alabama who blogs. With a huge following, and pictures that will have you in stitches, certainly worth your time!
]]> http://www.vettech.org/keeping-your-kitties-healthy-the-top-40-cat-care-blogs/feed 0 http://www.vettech.org/10-dog-foods-that-may-lead-to-cancer http://www.vettech.org/10-dog-foods-that-may-lead-to-cancer#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:44:26 +0000 admin http://www.vettech.org/?p=125 According to Dr. Carol, one out of every five pets is affected with cancer. In fact, she reports on an 80% increase in breast or mammary cancer and a 100% increase in prostate cancer. She attributes this to ineffective cancer treatments and lack of prevention of cancer.

According to Colorado State University, as many as 50% of pets die of cancer, making it a leading cause of pet death. With loads to worry about and treatments being insanely expensive, what can you do now to help prevent cancer in the future? Below, we have gathered ten dog foods that may lead to cancer to keep off of your next shopping trip. Many of these foods have also been known to cause illness in humans and are also a good choice to stay away from in all pet and people foods.



1. Maple Syrup
   Found in only one percent of dog food, this may not be a leading cause of cancer but it does feed cancer according to Natural News. The sugar found in it can also cause weight gain, arthritis, hyperactivity, and others. However, this blog entry does get top spots for being part of “Pet Food Ingredients Revealed!” Other shocking entries and cancer causing agents are revealed. Free to read online, you can check out ingredients listed from best to worst, used with the most frequency, and alphabetically.




2. BHT/BHA and Ethoxyquin
   These are preservatives that are often used in pet foods to preserve fats and stabilize the entire product. Developed in 1950, Ethoxyquin has actually been shown to have similar properties to Agent Orange, a poison used during the Vietnam War. Humans who were working with it in the rubber industry reported a dramatic rise in such diseases as cancerous skin lesions, loss of hair, blindness, leukemia, fetal abnormalities, and chronic diarrhea. In animals, it has been linked to immune deficiency syndrome, spleen, stomach and liver cancer, along with the same diseases in humans.




3. Cancer Tissue
   You read that correctly. According to Precious Pets, animals that have cancer often find themselves becoming part of the pet food industry. With different standards for pet food, many cows, chickens, and other farm animals that are diseased – possibly even with cancer – find themselves becoming part of the pet food chain. Tina Perry has much more on a behind the scenes look at commercial pet food.









4. Genetically Modified Organisms
   Also bad for people, genetically engineered food can be bad for dogs. They are often used to accelerate the growth of many crops, including corn, which can find their way into dog food. It is far more difficult to trace these GMO’s in dog food, but there is this entry from Yesterday and Tomorrow. It lists the dangers of genetic engineering and even lists foods that are good for pets.




5. Aflatoxin
   This substance is so toxic it actually gets recalled, although not in every state. The toxic chemical is a by-product made by certain types of mold. Although it cannot be read off pet foods that include ingredients on the package, ABC does include a list of recalled foods that recently occurred in seventeen states. Brand names included Pet Pride, Old Yeller, and Kroger Value.




6. Blue 1 and Blue 2
   These artificial colorings are used in candy, beverages, and baked goods. They have also been found in pet food and have been known to cause brain tumors in mice, according to Six Wise. You can also view the entire list of 12 dangerous food additives that are bad for both people and pets.




7. Gluten
   Did you know that certain people can be allergic to wheat? Keeping in the tradition of what is bad for people is bad for pets, certain dogs can also be allergic to it, leading to a host of unexplained symptoms. While no link to cancer has been drawn, if your pet is having trouble with their diets, gluten may be the reason. Check out this article from Doctor J, an expert in gluten sensitivity in both people and pets.






8. Glyphosate
   A current popular agricultural pesticide is known as Roundup. One of its active ingredients is glyphosate, which is highly toxic. Dr. Carol is a holistic veterinarian and warns of the dangers of this pesticide in pet and people foods. DNA damage and permanent mutations are a concern of the veterinarian. She also includes loads of cancer preventing tips for animals which include diet, exercise, vaccinations, spaying, and visiting the vet.




9. Fluoride
   That stuff that is supposed to be good for fighting cavities can actually be harmful to pets. The Pet Examiner reported on a study done by the Environmental Working Group on popular dog foods. They found that all the brands of dog food tested all were found to contain bone meal and animal byproducts. It is believed that these ingredients are the source of fluoride contamination. Excessive fluoride can lead to weakened bones and teeth and even cancer.




10. Grains
    The Dog Cancer Diet is a site that specializes in help treating diagnosed pets with the best in nutrition. In this section, they recommend that dogs and pets stay away from grains. They did not evolve on grains – which include rice, wheat, and corn – and should not be treated as such. They recommend that owners look for the primary ingredient to be meat. While grains are allowed, they should be farther down the list.




If looking for more on pets and disease, there is more to be found than the above ten dog foods that may lead to cancer. Another good source of cancer information is the Animal Cancer Center. Part of Colorado State University, they are researching and investigating into cancer in animals. Visit to learn more, get treatment options, and even read information about clinical trials.

If looking to avoid the entire host of pet food perils, there are loads of resources on the internet for making your own. Both Allrecipes and Dogtime include loads of homemade recipes for pets, some of which can actually be made on both the cheap and healthy.

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