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Pets and Airport Security.

Do NOT send your pet through the X-ray at airport security! 

Follow Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines:

1. Take your pet out of the travel carrier just before screening. 

2. Send the empty carrier through the X-ray unit on the conveyer belt. 

3. Carry your pet or lead them through the walk-through metal detector on a leash. 

4. Once through, a TSA officer will swab your hands to check for any trace of explosives. 

5. After the screening is complete, return your pet to the travel carrier. If your pet is skittish and you’re worried about escape, ask the TSA officer about a private screening room for a more secure process.

Why do dogs eat poop?

Why dogs eat poop may be a bit of a mystery to many if not all, we have some insight that may help you understand a little bit more behind this habit.

Poop eating is known as coprophagia, and is a common canine indiscretion. From droppings in the backyard, the cat’s litter box, or their own poop, this behavior can be quite concerning to most pet owners. 

Coprophagia creates a major risk for intestinal parasites and is obviously not pleasant for doggy breath. If it is dramatic enough, poop eating behavior can also cause nutritional deficiencies. 

Common reasons for this ongoing stool / poop eating can include:

  • Nutritional or calorie deficiencies in their day to day diet
  • Intestinal parasites resulting in nutrient malabsorption
  • Enzyme deficiency
  • Disease or medication resulting in increased appetite

Dogs lacking day-to-day stimulation may also turn to poop as a toy. Some dogs even learn the behavior from others.

What to Do if your dog is a Poop Eater

If you have caught your dog eating poop, don’t panic. Other than a good tooth brushing, there isn’t much that you need to do. Routine intestinal parasite screening and parasite prevention should be part of your dog’s regular wellness routine. 

If your pup is a perpetual poop eater, however, we should talk. Please visit your veterinarian to be sure that there are no underlying health issues. Once your veterinarian has ruled out medical causes of coprophagia, you can try the following:

  • Altering the taste of your pet’s stool with a diet change or supplements.
  • Training your pet to wear a basket muzzle safely while outdoors.
  • Changing your poop pick up strategies.
  • Teaching your pooch to “leave it” on command.
  • Enriching your pet’s environment/entertainment/stimulation.

Understanding why dogs eat poop may be a little more complicated than one would think, but there are many ways to evaluate and address it.

Becoming a Veterinarian.

What does it take to become a Veterinarian (DVM) ?

The average veterinarian completes 4+ years of undergraduate education, taking classes such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, math, animal science, and more… just to prepare them for attending veterinary school. In some cases, veterinarians already have a Master’s degree or PhD before they enter veterinary school. 

A 4-year veterinary school education is equal to what medical school students receive – but tailored specifically for a number of animal species. Course subjects include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, pathology, toxicology, biochemistry, surgical techniques, and many more, as well as in-depth courses on specific animal species and body systems. 

Upon graduation from a veterinary school, they receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree. At this point they can pursue a career as a veterinarian. However, a number of veterinarians also seek additional training in the form of an internship (usually one year) and/or residency (approximately 2-3 years) and may become board certified in a specialty area of practice.

As a veterinarian, you must be licensed in each state where you wish to practice medicine. State licensure requires a veterinarian to pass a national examination that tests their veterinary knowledge. Some states also require a veterinarian to pass a state-specific examination, most often to test their knowledge of the state specific laws and regulations.

The path to becoming a veterinarian is extensive, but rest assured the next time you see your veterinarian, you’ll fee comfortable knowing your pet is being cared for by a highly trained professional. If you are interested in becoming a veterinarian, you’ll be rewarded with a fabulous career, just be prepared for the path to get there!

Are you a veterinarian looking for a job? 

Browse the Job Board Network to learn about the industry’s leading opportunities.

Top 5 Veterinary Colleges in the US.

The list was conducted by the QS World University Rankings by Subject. This Top 5 list highlights the best Veterinary Colleges in the US ranked by the research impact of the institutions, employer reputation, and academic reputation.

1. UC DAVIS – COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

The College of Veterinary medicine at the University of California – Davis is rated the best Veterinary School, not only in the United States but on the globe as well. The college is of public type and it was founded in 1948.

UC Davis – CVM offers a couple of degrees, such as DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), M.S. (Master of Science), Ph.D. (Doctoral degree, Doctor of Philosophy), M.P.V.M. (Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine), along with a joint DVM/Ph.D. degree.

Students from the State of California are required to pay an annual tuition of approximately 35.000 $, and for students originating out-of-state, the costs are around 47.000 $. For both domestic and non-domestic students the fees for books, supplies, room, and board come up to 20.000 $ per year.

Each year around 750 new students applies, of which only 19 % get enrolled and become students at the veterinary college.

The admission requirements for the college are personal statements, transcripts, interviews with the applicant’s, three letters of evaluation, graduate record examinations (GRE) with a minimum 324 average score, grade point average (GPA) with a minimum 3.70 average score, and experience in the fields of veterinary medicine, animals and biomedicine.

Prerequisite course for enrollment is General and Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

The performance rate of the post-graduates at the UC Davis – College of Veterinary Medicine is astonishing 96 %, which is a clear fact of the quality of schooling here.

2. CORNELL UNIVERSITY – COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

The Cornell University is a private institution, founded in 1871 in Ithaca (NY). By the criteria, its the second best veterinary college in the United States. Future graduates and postgraduates can acquire one of the three offered singular DVM, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and two joint DVM/Ph.D. and DVM/MPH degrees.

In-state students pay annual tuition of around 32.000 $ and students out of the state pay 16.000 $ more. The cost for room and board are equal and come up to 8.600 $, and an added 1.000 $ are required for books and supplies.

Besides 3 letters of evaluation, and experience in animal, biomedical and veterinary field, personal statement and transcript, the applicants need to have a minimum average GRE of 276 and GPA of 3.80. Both international and transfer students can apply for enrollment.

Pre-requisite courses and subjects include Organic and General Chemistry, English Composition, Biochemistry, General Biology, and Physics.

Even though the College is ranked second best in the world, the average pass rate for the license exam is 100% successful, more than UC Davis.

3. TEXAS A & M – COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

The College of Veterinary Medicine at the Texas A & M University finds its pace at the top 3 colleges. The program initialized in 1916 and the college is public.

The degrees offered at Texas A & M – College of Veterinary Medicine are DVM, M.S. and Ph.D., and the DVM/MBA degree. Different than the previous listed is the Veterinary Technician Joint Degree. More about the difference read at Veterinary Doctor vs. Veterinary Technician article.

The tuition fees are a bit less than the other colleges and come up with 20.000 $ for in-state and 31.000 $ for out-of-state students. Room and board utilities, along with books and supplies cost around 12.000 $ annually.

The enrollment rate is 28.7% and the total of enrolled students is 146 per year.

As usual, the admission requirements involve three letters of evaluation, minimum average GRE of 312, experience in the fields of interest, interviews and personal statements.

Besides the usual ones (chemistry, physics, biology, English composition, humanities etc…), The Texas A & M – College of Veterinary Medicine requires prerequisite 3 semester hours of Math.

The pass rate for license exam is 98%.

4. COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY – COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

The College is a public institution and was found in 1870 and takes the fourth place on the top 10 list. While being the fourth in the USA, it’s position on the top-of-the-world list is 13th.

Available degrees at the college are DVM, M.S., and Ph.D., moreover the joint degrees DVM/MPH, DVM/MBA and DVM/Ph.D.

Again, it’s more affordable than the top 2, with an annual tuition of 11.500 $ for in-state and 25.000 $ for out-of-state students. The students need to pay around 700 $ annually for books and supplies and 9.600 $ for room and board.

The rate of enrollment is as low as 8.9 %, with only 138 students being accepted.

The minimum average GPA required is 3.60 and the minimum average GRE is 310. Other admission requirements are 1 letter of evaluation, transcripts, and a bachelor’s degree.

The prerequisite courses are identical to the ones at the Texas A & M’s College.

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University has a lower exam pass rate of 85%.

5. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

The College of Veterinary Medicine at The University of Minnesota TC represents a public institution founded in 1947. On the world rankings of best Vet Med Schools, it takes the 13th place.

There are four degrees offered at the college: DVM, M.S., Ph.D., and DVM/Ph.D.

It is one on the costly colleges with an annual tuition of 33.800 $ for in-state and 58.300 $ for out-of-state students. Additional fees include 11.000 $ for room and board and 2.000 $ for books and supplies.

The number of enrolled students per year is 102 at a rate of 11.2%.

Along with transcripts and 3 letters of recommendation, the applicants need to have a minimum average GPA of 3.70 and minimum average GRE of 310.

Required prerequisite courses include English Composition, General and Organic Chemistry with Lab, Physics, Biochemistry, General Biology, Math, Humanities and Social Sciences.

The performance rate on the veterinary licensing exam is 95% for students coming from the institution.

Bettas Need More than a Bowl.

More than a Fish!

Known for their bright, beautiful coloration and elaborate fin displays, betta fish are a common household pet. These little beauties require specific care to ensure that they stay happy and healthy. 

Housing Your Betta

The first thing to consider for a betta fish is its environment.

Betta fish are often seen living in bowls that are too small to allow for normal swimming and hiding. Ideally, they should ideally be in a 5-gallon glass or plastic tank or larger, not a bowl. Having an environment of this size allows betta fish to exhibit normal activity and have less buildup of toxins in their environment.

Water Quality and Temperature

Water quality is vital to the health of a fish. Toxins can build up over time from urine, feces, and break down of uneaten food in the water.

A filtration system that is low flow is preferred in their tank to keep the environment clean of toxins. A low-flow filter is vital to ensure that the fish’s delicate fins are not injured by the suction of a filter.

The type of water used in the tank matters too. Tap water contains harmful chemicals, such as chlorine and chloramine and sometimes heavy metals. These chemicals can cause immunosuppression or make the fish very sick.

Time to Eat!

Betta fish are carnivores that eat insects and insect larvae. They should be fed a balanced pelleted or flaked food daily.

Just like cats and dogs, betta fish can be overfed, leading to obesity and other health issues.

Do They Get Lonely?

Betta fish are naturally territorial and should not be housed with any other betta fish because they will fight and injure each other, often resulting in death. They are unlikely to get lonely in their tank; however, if they are in a small tank, they may get bored.

Betta Resources

If you have further questions about betta fish, visit Bettafish.org or contact a veterinarian who treats zoological companion animals.

Coronavirus in Horses.

Equine coronavirus infections result in high morbidity and low mortality, meaning many horses may be affected but few will die. Horses generally recover from the infection within three to seven days, but some (very few) will develop complications and deterioration that warrant euthanasia.

Coronavirus infection in horses is very different to COVID-19 in humans. At this time, there is no evidence that domestic animals, including horses, dogs and cats, can spread COVID-19 to humans. For this reason, diagnostic testing of animals for COVID-19 is not recommended, and additionally, we need to save diagnostic test supplies for humans. 

Coronavirus infections are highly contagious and in horses, at risk populations include horses in breeding facilities, ranch work/farming environments, the Midwest, and draft breeds. 

The most common clinical signs of equine coronavirus infections include a decreased appetite, fever (101.5-106.0°F), and lethargy. Other signs include those associated with mild colic (lying down frequently, flank watching) or changes in fecal consistency (soft or watery). A veterinary examination and diagnostic tests such as routine bloodwork (complete blood count and biochemical profile) often reveal abnormalities consistent with dehydration, decreased white blood cell count, and decreased blood protein status. Rarely, horses will display neurological abnormalities such as a wobbly gait (ataxia) or head pressing.

Proactively protecting your horse’s immune system with routine practices will ensure your horse is in peak health and able to better fight infections and perform.

Can Dogs & Cats get Coronavirus?

Can my pet get the COVID-19 virus?

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) mostly spreads from person to person, however it can also spread between people and animals.

COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus. Some cause cold-like illnesses in people, and others cause illness in animals, such as bats. While the specific source of origin isn’t 100% known, the virus that causes COVID-19 is believed to have started in an animal (Bat), spread to humans and then wide-spread between people.

Coronavirus in Dogs and Cats

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a few pets — including cats and dogs — also have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. This happened mostly after the animals were in close contact with people infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Based on the limited available information, the risk of animals spreading the COVID-19 virus to people is considered low, but can happen. Animals don’t appear to play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. There is no evidence that viruses can spread to people or other animals from a pet’s skin, fur or hair.

To protect your pet from the COVID-19 virus, don’t let your dog or cat interact with people or animals outside your household.

  • Avoid dog parks or public places where many people and dogs gather.
  • When walking your dog, make sure your dog wears a leash and keep your dog at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals.
  • Keep cats indoors when possible.

If you become sick with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and have a pet:

  • Isolate yourself from everyone else, including your pet. If possible, have another person in your household care for your pet.
  • Avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding with your pet.
  • If you care for your pet or are around animals while you’re sick, wear a cloth face covering. Wash your hands before and after handling animals and their food, waste and supplies. Also, make sure you clean up after your pet.

If you have COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick, don’t take your pet to the veterinarian yourself. Instead, contact the veterinarian. He or she might offer advice through a virtual visit or make another plan for treating your pet. Testing is only recommended for pets that have symptoms and have been exposed to a person with COVID-19.

If your pet tests positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the same precautions you would if a family member became infected. Aim to isolate your pet in a separate room away from the rest of your family and have your pet stay at home. Wear gloves when you interact with your pet or its food, dishes, waste or bedding. Wash your hands after touching any of your pet’s items. Don’t put a face covering on your pet and don’t wipe your pet with disinfectants, which can be harmful. If your pet develops new symptoms or seems to be getting worse, call the veterinarian.

If you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health and how it can be affected by COVID-19, contact your veterinarian.