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Canine Cataracts
Cataracts are an eye problem that most people are familiar with but don't really understand. We all know about the cloudiness that creeps into the eyes of our aging dogs, but feel helpless to prevent it. Some dogs may even develop cataracts while they're still fairly young. But are cataracts simply a sign of aging, or are they symptomatic of an underlying problem? In this podcast, Dr. Bill Miller, board certified veterinary ophthalmologist and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, discusses canine cataracts.

Heartworm Disease in Pets
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect dogs and cats of any age or breed in every region of the United States. Fortunately, heartworm disease is also nearly 100 percent preventable. In this podcast, Dr. Sheldon Rubin, past president of the American Heartworm Society, talks about how our pets get heartworms, how they can be treated, and how heartworms can be avoided altogether.

Don't Give Your Dog a Bone
It's an image we're all familiar with: A dog chomping contentedly on a clean, white bone. But in April 2010, the FDA issued a firm warning to dog owners: Bones are unsafe for your dog. In this podcast, Dr. Larry Kornegay, president-elect of the AVMA, talks about why it's a bad idea to give your dog a bone.

Selecting a Pet Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs had a big year in 2009, when they were featured as action heroes in Disney's animated movie G-Force. But will these movie stars make good pets for you and your family? In this podcast, Dr. Adolf Maas, owner of the Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital in Bothell, Wash., talks about guinea pigs as pets.

Scratch and Sniffle
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America nearly 50 million people suffer from allergies. But it's not just humans who have food and seasonal allergies. Our four-footed friends fall victim to allergies more commonly than many people realize. In this podcast, Dr. Karen Kuhl, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at the Midwest Veterinary Dermatology Center in Buffalo Grove, Ill., talks about allergies in pets.

On the Road, With Pets
As any experienced traveler will tell you, traveling by car takes a lot more than a full tank of gas and a good GPS. It requires careful planning, especially when traveling with a pet. In this podcast, Dr. Greg Hammer, a small animal veterinarian in Dover, Del., and past president of the AVMA, offers tips on road tripping with your pets.

Internal Parasites in Horses
Internal parasites are a constant threat to horses and can cause all sorts of respiratory, digestive, and performance problems. But the good news is that they can be effectively treated. By teaming up with a veterinarian, owners can reduce their horse's risk by following regular preventive measures. In this podcast, Dr. Emily Robinson, an equine veterinarian from the Surgi-Care Center for Horses in Brandon, Fla., talks about internal parasites in horses.

Summer Pet Safety Tips
Summer is fast approaching, and while the season provides great opportunities to get out of the house and spend time outdoors, it can also present many dangers to our pets, particularly our dogs. Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a small animal veterinarian in Laguna Beach, Calif., talks about how to keep our pet dogs safe in the summer heat.

Potbellied Pigs
Long a staple of barnyards, pigs are beginning to show up more and more in our backyards. But these porcine pets aren't exactly like the farm animals most of us are familiar with. Potbellied pigs, a breed that originates in Vietnam and is smaller than the standard farm pig in the United States, have been embraced by some as wonderful pets. But are they? In this podcast, Dr. Valarie Tynes, a behavior consultant in Texas, talks about potbellied pigs.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week 2010 (May 16-22)
Last year, nearly 5 million people were bitten by dogs in the United States, and nearly a million people, more than half of them children, require medical attention for dog bites every year. To help educate the public on how best to prevent dog bites, the AVMA is again teaming up with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Postal Service to sponsor the 16th annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week, held this year from May 16-22. In this podcast, Dr. Bonnie Beaver, past president of the AVMA, discusses dog bite prevention strategies.

Lower Urinary Tract Problems in Cats
Lower urinary tract problems are fairly common in cats, and, if not properly addressed, can be life threatening. In this podcast, Dr. Tony Buffington, professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, discusses lower urinary tract problems in cats.

Plague and Our Pets
Say the word plague and most people probably think of the Black Death that decimated medieval Europe. Many would be surprised to hear that this same disease is with us today, around the world and in the United States, and can still pose a threat to us, and possibly our pets as well. In this podcast, Dr. Paul Ettestad, New Mexico state veterinarian, discusses the threat of plague to people and pets.

Help Your Cat Live All 9 Lives
In 2006, owners took their dogs to veterinarians more than twice as often as cats. To address this discrepancy in care, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) released their Feline Life Stage Guidelines. These guidelines provide health care recommendations specific to the various life stages of cats and offer strategies to help veterinarians address common stressors and work more successfully with anxious cats. In this podcast, Dr. Jane Brunt, past president of the AAFP and executive director of the CATalyst Council, talks about these new guidelines and the importance of bringing your cat to the veterinarian ... even when she doesn't appear to be sick.

National Service Dog Eye Exam Event
Besides serving as our loyal companions, dogs perform a number of other tasks as well, including bomb detection, search and rescue operations, and guiding the visually impaired. To help give back to these dogs that give so much to us, the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists—or ACVO—will be offering free vision screenings to service dogs during the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event, which has expanded this year to include the entire month of May. In this podcast, Dr. Brady Beale, a veterinary ophthalmologist at the Veterinary Referral Center in Malvern, Pa.. talks about the event and the importance of veterinary eye exams.

Lawn and Garden Care and Pet Safety
Many of us are aware of the household hazards that can threaten our pets, and work to keep our homes safe for them, but what about outside the home ... can the things we do to grow healthy lawns and gardens be harmful, even fatal, to our pets? In this podcast, Dr. Tina Wismer, senior director of veterinary outreach and education for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, discusses lawn and garden care and pet safety

How to Select a Dog Groomer
Our dogs may be loyal companions, but we sometimes test their patience when we ask them to sit still for a bath or a nail trim. Some people leave this work to the experts—dog groomers that perform these services for a living. But what do dog owners need to know before taking their dogs to a groomer? Dr. Derrick Landini, owner and founder of the Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic in Chicago, offers tips on selecting a dog groomer

Veterinary Technicians
Our pets receive excellent medical care in the United States, not only from veterinarians but from the entire veterinary medical team. In this podcast, Josh Clark, a member of the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, talks about the integral role veterinary technicians play in the health of pets and all animals that receive veterinary care.

Cat Fight!
A recent survey found that 80 percent of household cats hiss at each other, and even more will swat their paws. These complaints of feline aggression, and others, are on the rise and may be a result of the "potato-chip" syndrome – cat owners that just can't stop at one. Cats are social animals, but people forget that they also need their space. Multiple cat households don't always allow for adequate distancing during a conflict. In this podcast, Dr. Jacqueline Neilson, owner of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Ore., offers tips on how to limit aggression between household cats.

Handling an Injured Pet
If your pet is injured, it's probably in a lot of pain, and scared and confused too. And that means it could unintentionally scratch or bite. In this podcast, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald from Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, Colo., and a featured veterinarian in Animal Planet's television series E-Vet Interns, offers tips on how to care for an injured pet, without causing further injury.

Nothing to Sneeze At
Upper respiratory infections in cats are similar to colds in humans, and while they are often nothing to worry about, they can have serious consequences, particularly in shelters, where they are among the top reasons why shelter cats are put down. In this podcast, Dr. Kate Hurley, director of the Koret Shelter Medicine Program at the University of California-Davis, talks about feline upper respiratory infections and her current research on the subject.

Claw and Order
Destructive behavior, such as scratching furniture, is one of the leading reasons people give up on pet cats. Declawing is one method of addressing the problem, but what if you don't want to declaw your cat, or live in an area that doesn't allow the procedure? Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a veterinary behaviorist and past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, offers tips on how to keep your kitty's claws from ripping up your furniture.

Selecting a Pet Reptile
When selecting a pet for your family, reptiles are often overlooked, but they are fascinating creatures and include some of the most ancient species on Earth. Pet reptiles are also a great alternative to cats and dogs because they require less daily care and exercise. Before choosing a reptile, people must take many things into consideration, including how the pet can fit within their lifestyle and whether or not a pet reptile is an affordable option. Dr. Adolf Maas, owner of the Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital in Bothell, Wash., talks about selecting a pet reptile.

Selecting a Pet Rabbit
Clean, affectionate, and sociable, rabbits can make excellent house pets, but selecting a rabbit takes a lot of time and consideration. Some important things to think about include the rabbit's breed, your lifestyle and what owning a rabbit will cost. Potential owners must also educate themselves about the care, housing, feeding, and socialization needs of a pet rabbit. In this podcast, Dr. Cathy Johnson-Delaney, president of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, talks about selecting a pet rabbit.

National Pet Dental Health Month 2010
February marks the 16th anniversary of National Pet Dental Health Month. Far from just a cosmetic issue, bad breath and yellow teeth can be a sign of serious disease in our pets, which may affect their kidneys, livers, and hearts. Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets, and 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. Dr. Linda DeBowes, veterinarian at Shoreline Veterinary Dental Clinic in Seattle, talks about the importance of dental health for our pets.

Behavioral Enrichment for Pet Birds
Pet birds are extraordinary and marvelous creatures that enrich the lives of their owners. However, without the proper environmental conditions, birds can experience an increase in aggression, social avoidance, and self-inflicted injuries. It's important for owners to create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere that will allow pet birds to express their natural behaviors in a healthy way. Dr. Lynne Seibert, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist from Suwanee, Ga., talks about the importance of behavioral enrichment for pet birds.

Active Cats at Night
It's not an uncommon problem among cat owners: Just as you're settling into sleep you're awoken by the thundering of cat paws racing around the house, jumping over furniture or batting at toys. Or, less subtle cats might spend the night meowing on your bed, nipping at your toes, or walking on your face. Dr. Jane Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council and past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, offers tips on how to keep our otherwise nocturnal cats on the day shift.

Ain't Too Proud to Beg
Food and family are two very important components of all of our lives, and that certainly goes for our pets as well. It's no wonder that they're so eager to join us when we gather around the table for dinner. And it's hard to say no to those wide eyes or persistent paws encouraging us to share from our plates. But this behavior can quickly turn from endearing to annoying, and once established, it can be hard to stop. Animal behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin talks about how we may inadvertently train our pets to beg for food ... and how we can get them to stop.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips
The holiday season is upon us, and while we humans revel in the food, decorations, and celebrations of the season, they can be very frightening, if not downright dangerous, for our pets. In this podcast, Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a small animal veterinarian in Laguna Woods, Calif., discusses ways to ensure your pet's health and safety during the holidays.

Kiss a Frog? Veterinarians Warn Against It
In the movies, kissing a frog can result in a prince. But, as the disclaimer often says, "Do not try this at home." Frogs, like all amphibians, can be a source of Salmonella infections in people. The same is true for reptiles, like turtles or snakes. Instead of a prince, improper handling of amphibians and reptiles – and that includes kissing a frog – can result in a nasty illness. Dr. Mark Mitchell, associate professor of zoological medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, talks about amphibians, reptiles, and Salmonella.

Equine Dentistry
We know that proper dental care is important for our health, and we've explained on a previous episode of Animal Tracks how important it is for our dogs and cats as well. But did you know that dental care is an integral part of the health of horses? In this podcast, Dr. B.A. Rucker, an equine veterinarian who specializes in dentistry and a member of the board of directors for the American Association of Equine Practitioners, discusses equine dentistry.

Thinking Outside the (Litter) Box
While cats are the most popular pet in the United States, their biggest behavioral problem, house soiling, is very unpopular with their owners. Studies report that house soiling is the leading cause of relinquishment of cats to shelters. Understanding the underlying motivation for house soiling is critical in creating a targeted treatment plan and helping owners becoming more tolerant and understanding of their pets behavior. Dr. Jacqueline Neilson, owner of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Ore., talks about ways to eliminate feline house soiling.

Kick the Habit, for You and Your Pets
Since 1977, the American Cancer Society has marked the third Thursday of November as the Great American Smokeout. Smokers are encouraged to go all day without lighting up, in the hopes that this will help them to quit for good. While this has obvious health benefits for the people who smoke, it also can improve the health of their pets. Dr. John Reif, professor and head of the Department of Environmental Health at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, talks about the health risks of tobacco smoke to pets

Managing Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, non-infectious, progressive disorder affecting the joints of both younger and older dogs and cats. But the clinical signs, including reluctance to perform tasks or activities, are similar regardless of the pet's age. If left untreated, osteoarthritis can produce an irritable, reclusive, and uncomfortable pet, so it's important for owners to be aware of its signs, as well as ways to prevent it—or, at least, minimize their pet's risk--and treat their beloved pets if they do develop the disorder. Dr. William Fortney, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, talks about managing arthritis in dogs and cats.

Sink, Float, or Swim: Battling Buoyancy Disorder in Pet Fish
Silent and nearly maintenance free, pet fish are often considered to be a tranquil home companion. But many fish owners may not be aware of a serious but common ailment that fish experience called swim bladder disease, also known as buoyancy disorder. In this podcast, Dr. Brian Palmeiro, with the Veterinary Referral Center in Malvern, Pa, discusses buoyancy disorders in pet fish

Halloween Pet Safety Tips
Halloween is here again, and with it comes a unique set of thrills and chills for pets and their owners. Dr. Kim May, assistant director of professional and public affairs at the American Veterinary Medical Association, discusses ways to ensure your pet's health and safety during this holiday season.

Canine Fear Aggression
Dogs often act aggressively towards people that are unfamiliar to them. Many times this behavior is incorrectly attributed to dominance rather than fear because they elicit the same response – barking, growling and biting. It is important for owners to recognize the difference so they are best able to manage aggression within their pet. Dr. Barbara Sherman, professor of veterinary behavior at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, talks about how to recognize and address canine fear aggression.

National Veterinary Technicians Week
Our pets receive excellent medical care in the United States, not only from veterinarians but from the entire veterinary medical team. An integral component of this team is the veterinary technician. To celebrate and promote the role of veterinary technicians, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, or NAVTA, has proclaimed the third week of October as National Veterinary Technicians Week. Cherylann Gieseke, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, discusses National Veterinary Technicians Week

What to Do if Your Pet Is Poisoned
If you've been listening to these podcasts, you know that we've talked about household hazards that could potentially poison your pet. We're sure you do your best to keep them where your pets can't get into them, but do you know what you'd do if your pet still managed to be exposed to something poisonous? How you react could save your pet's life. Dr. Steven Hansen, senior vice president at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, talks about what to do if your pet is poisoned.

Rabies
September 28 marks the third annual World Rabies Day, an international event created to help raise rabies awareness and save lives. Despite major efforts to eradicate the virus, rabies remains a major concern worldwide, killing more than 55,000 people every year. In the United States one to two people die annually from the virus, and in 2007 more than 7,000 U.S. cases of animal rabies were reported. Dr. Benjamin Sun, Chair of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Rabies Compendium Committee, talks about rabies.

Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors in Pets
Abnormal repetitive behaviors in our pets—such as tail or shadow chasing—are some of the most complex and least understood of the behavior problems affecting dogs and cats. Dr. Valarie Tynes, a veterinarian with Premier Veterinary Behavior Consulting in Fort Worth, Texas, talks about why these behaviors develop, and what can be done to stop them.

Proper Puppy Socialization
Most of us are familiar with the threat that diseases, such as canine parvovirus, pose to puppies. But perhaps an even greater threat is improper socialization. According to a report published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 40 percent of the millions of dogs relinquished to shelters each year are surrendered because of unacceptable behaviors. In addition, countless healthy dogs are put down every year because of behavior problems that, according to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Lynn Sueda, could be prevented through early-age intervention and treatment.

Canine Influenza
In early 2004, greyhounds at Florida racetracks began getting sick with an unusual illness, which testing later revealed to be a new form of influenza normally found in horses. This new canine influenza quickly spread out of the racetrack and shelter settings of Florida to infect nearly 100 percent of dogs exposed to it in several states across the country. While it mostly causes mild symptoms, if any, it can cause severe illness ... even death. Dr. Cynda Crawford, a veterinary immunologist at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and part of the group that originally identified the virus, discusses canine influenza.

Getting Active With Your Pet
Celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson discusses why he has joined the fight against pet obesity, and offers tips on how pets and their owners can get and stay fit together.

(Over) Treating Our Pets
Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald explains how too many treats might be piling the pounds on America's pets.

Obesity: It's More Than a Cosmetic Issue
In this podcast, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald explains how a few extra pounds can lead to big problems for our pets.

Is Your Pet Pudgy?
Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald instructs pet owners on how to tell if their dogs or cats are overweight.

Pet Fish Surgery
As fish become more popular as pets, the demand for veterinarians to look after their health also increases. Whether you've got a guppie or a koi, any fish owner who develops a strong bond with their fish wants access to the best health care they can find. As the field of aquatic veterinary medicine expands, so do the medical options available for sick or injured fish. One of these options, explains Dr. Craig Adams, a mixed-animal veterinarian and owner of Aquatic Veterinary Services in western Washington, is surgery.

Selecting a Dog Trainer
Dogs aren't born programmed to sit, stay, or heel, but they are born ready to learn, and a good trainer can be an invaluable asset in helping your puppy become a well-behaved dog. In this podcast, certified animal behaviorist Dr. Suzanne Hetts discusses what you should look for when selecting a dog trainer.

Exercising With Your Pet
Recent reports indicate that 25 to 40 percent of dogs are overweight or obese, and obesity is now the most common nutritional disease in human beings and dogs. So what's to be done? For many the answer may be as simple as a leash and good pair of walking shoes. Dr. Heidi Hulon, a small animal veterinarian with the Buckner Animal Clinic in Buckner, Ky., talks about how pets can help motivate exercise and physical activity to benefit both humans and their pets.

A hard pill to swallow? Not necessarily.
In our latest podcast, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald offers advice on how to give pills to cats.

Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips
With the Fourth of July fast approaching, many of us are making plans to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Many of those plans will include, at some point or another, oohing and ahhing over fireworks. While entertaining to us humans, fireworks can be a traumatic surprise for our pets. Dr. Bonnie Beaver, past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, offers tips on how to keep pets safe and secure on the Fourth of July.

What to Do if Your Pet Is Sprayed by a Skunk
We humans know better than to cross paths with skunks, but our pets might not know just how bad an idea it is to pick a fight with-or even just investigate-a skunk. Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald from Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, Colorado, and a featured veterinarian in Animal Planet's television series E-Vet Interns, talks about what to do if your pet is sprayed by a skunk.

Caring for Your Senior Cat
Earlier this month, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) issued an updated version of its Senior Care Guidelines for cats. Like many animals, cats are masters at hiding signs of illness, so as they age it's imperative that pet owners know how to recognize illness in their cats and work with their veterinarians to ensure a high quality of care and a high quality of life. Dr. Gerard Beekman, a veterinarian with Coastal Cats Feline Health Care in Maine and co-author of the AAFP Senior Care Guidelines, offers tips on caring for an older cat.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Most of us think of mosquitoes as a nuisance, but they can also be a serious threat to our health. West Nile Virus is probably the most well-known mosquito-borne disease in the United States, but there are several others, including our subject of today's podcast, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Dr. Donald Hoenig, the state veterinarian of Maine, discusses the dangers of EEE, for horses and people.

MRSA and Pets
Most of us are aware of the dangers of the drug-resistant pathogen MRSA, particularly in health care settings such as hospitals. But as Kristy Bradley, Public Health Veterinarian and Epidemiologist for the State of Oklahoma, explains, MRSA is an emerging threat for our pets as well.

Summer Pet Safety Tips
Summer is fast approaching, and while the season provides great opportunities to get out of the house and spend time outdoors, it can also present many dangers to our pets, particularly our dogs. Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a small animal veterinarian in Laguna Beach, Calif., and member of the AVMA Council on Communications, talks about how to keep our pet dogs safe in the summer heat.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week 2009 (May 17-23)
To help educate the public on how best to prevent dog bites, the American Veterinary Medical Association is again teaming up with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Postal Service to sponsor the 15th annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week, held this year from May 17-23. In this podcast, Dr. Bonnie Beaver, past president of the AVMA, discusses dog bite prevention strategies.

Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect dogs and cats of any age or breed in every region of the United States. Fortunately, heartworm disease is also nearly 100 percent preventable. Dr. Sheldon Rubin, president of the American Heartworm Society, talks about how our pets get heartworms, how they can be treated, and how heartworms can be avoided altogether.

National Service Dog Eye Exam Event
Besides serving as our loyal companions, dogs perform a number of other tasks as well, including bomb detection, search and rescue operations, and guiding the visually impaired. To help give back to these dogs that give so much to us, the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) will be offering free vision screenings to service dogs during the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event, held the week of May 3. Dr. Bill Miller, a diplomate of the ACVO and founder of the National Service Dog Eye Exam Event, talks about the event and the importance of veterinary eye exams.

Military Working Dogs
In October, a new $15 million hospital for military veterans opened at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. What sets this hospital apart is not the state-of-the-art medical equipment, but the fact that its patients are of the 4-legged variety. Dr. Bob Vogelsang, director of military working dog veterinary services at Lackland Air Force Base calls the hospital the "Walter Reed of the veterinary world." In the latest AVMA Animal Tracks podcast, Dr. Vogelsang talks about military working dogs and the new hospital.

President Obama Introduces Canine in Chief
Last week, President Obama announced the latest addition to the White House: Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog. Dr. Bonnie Beaver, past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, offers tips for any potential dog owner on selecting a puppy and introducing it to a new home.

Ticks and Our Pets
Our pets may be cute, but some of the critters they attract can be downright nasty ... not to mention dangerous. One such critter is the tick, a blood-sucking parasite that can turn a simple walk through nature into the start of a serious illness. Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a small animal veterinarian in Laguna Beach, California, and member of the AVMA Council on Communications, discusses the risks that ticks pose and how to remove ticks from our pets.

My Dog (or Cat) Has Fleas?
External parasites are often a fact of life for our pets, and the parasite most associated with our cats and dogs is the flea. Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a small animal veterinarian in Laguna Beach, California, and member of the AVMA Council on Communications, talks about fleas, how to treat a flea infestation, and how to avoid fleas altogether.

Fat: The Largest Organ
Usually considered as energy storage or thermal insulation, fat is actually an active organ. It sends out signals affecting everything from our brain, liver, and muscles to immune system, and it's similar in our pets. Thomas Gibson, assistant professor of small animal surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College at Guelph, talks about fat as the largest organ in people and pets.

Preparing for Disasters, With Pets in Mind
Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism ... no matter where one lives, no one is immune from a potential natural or man-made disaster disrupting our lives. Most of us have probably given very little thought to what we might do if displaced by a disaster, and even less to what we would do with our pets. Dr. Heather Case, coordinator of emergency preparedness and response with the American Veterinary Medical Association, talks about incorporating pets into a disaster preparedness plan

Storm Phobias in Pets
This week marks the beginning of spring. While the warmer weather will allow pet owners across the country to venture outside more with their four-legged friends, it will also bring thunderstorms, which can be frightening for our pets. Dr. Terry Curtis, a clinical behaviorist at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, discusses ways to treat storm phobias in our pets.

House call veterinarians
In veterinary medicine, the house call is making a comeback. Dr. John De Jong, owner of the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic, discusses the growing popularity of veterinary house calls.

Salmonella and Pets
Earlier this year, peanuts from a Georgia processing plant were identified as the source of Salmonella-related illnesses across the country. While the initial focus was on human illness and food products, pet food quickly became an area of concern as well. But just because the source has been identified and products pulled from the shelves doesn't mean pet owners should forget about the dangers of Salmonella infections in their pets or themselves, says Dr. Kim May, assistant director of professional and public affairs at the AVMA.

Selecting a Horse
Horses have always been popular working animals in the United States, although the combustion engine and other modern forms of "horse power" have in many instances replaced them in our streets and fields. But today, horses are more popular than ever before, with American Veterinary Medical Association survey data showing we owned more than 7 million horses in 2006, nearly double the amount from 1996. Dr. Lydia Gray, an equine veterinarian from Elburn, Ill., and member of the AVMA Council on Communications, talks about horses and offers advice on how to determine if a horse is right for you.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month
February marks the 15th anniversary of National Pet Dental Health Month. Far from just a cosmetic issue, bad breath and yellow teeth can be a sign of serious disease in our pets, which may affect their kidneys, livers, and hearts. Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets, and 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. Dr. Linda DeBowes, veterinarian at Shoreline Veterinary Dental Clinic in Seattle, talks about the importance of dental health for our pets.

Valentine's Day Safety Tips for Pet Owners
A perfect Valentine's Day might include presents, flowers, chocolate, a glass of wine in front of the fire or in a candlelit room with a loved one. But all the components of a perfect Valentine's Day for humans can be a nightmare for our beloved pets. Dr. Sharon Gwaltney, Vice President and medical director of the Animal Poison Control Center at the ASPCA, offers advice on how to ensure a happy and healthy Valentine's Day for our little loved ones.

Weight Loss Tips for Cats
Many of our fluffy, furry cats, like humans, are gaining a lot of extra pounds these days. And housecats are more of a challenge than dogs in that it's not as easy to exercise with them. But just like with us, it's important that we help them keep their weight under control and put them on a diet if possible. Eric Kancar, licensed veterinary technician and patient care director at Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center in Orchard Park, N.Y., discusses ways to help our pet cats lose weight.

Exercising With Your Pet
Recent reports indicate that 25 to 40 percent of dogs are overweight or obese, and obesity is now the most common nutritional disease in human beings and dogs. So what's to be done? For many the answer may be as simple as a leash and good pair of walking shoes. Dr. Heidi Hulon, a small animal veterinarian with the Buckner Animal Clinic in Buckner, Ky., talks about how pets can help motivate exercise and physical activity to benefit both humans and their pets.

Cancer in Pets
Cancer is the leading cause of death in older pets, accounting for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Dr. Sandy Willis discusses cancer in pets, including its warning signs and treatment options.

Surprising Health Risks of Pet Obesity
There are many problems that can occur with overweight cats and dogs such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. But there are also many other health risks that pet owners don't always associate with weight issues. Dr. Davinne Glenn discusses some of these surprising signs.

Aggression Between Family Dogs
Owning more than one dog can double the fun of pet ownership and can be beneficial to the wellness of the dogs, especially if their owners are gone for most of the day at work. But what happens if the dogs don't get along? Dr. Marsha Reich, from Maryland-Virginia Veterinary Behavioral Consulting, discusses what causes family dogs to fight and offers tips for preventing inter-dog aggression.

The Importance of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
In the United States, we face a critical overpopulation problem of dogs and cats, which results in millions of dogs and cats being euthanized every year. The solution to this problem, many feel, is relatively simple: Have pets surgically sterilized. Not only will this prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens, it may also enhance your pet's health and quality of life. Dr. Sandy Willis talks about the importance of spaying or neutring your pet.

Fat Facts: Overweight Pets
Having fluffy or fat pets may seem cute, but too many of our furry companions are overweight, just like us. And just like people, if our pets become too fat they could develop a host of very serious health problems. Dr. Tony Buffington, professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, talks about the health risks of obesity in pets.

Birds as Pets
While cats and dogs are by far the most popular pets in the United States, for millions of Americans, mans best friend is feathered, not furry. Dr. Larry Nemetz, an avian veterinarian and founder of the BIRD Clinic in Orange, Calif., talks about birds as pets.

Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease in dogs. Dr. David Koncal, a veterinarian from the Northfield Veterinary Clinic in Northfield, Ohio, talks about the signs and symptoms of canine distemper, as well as how it can be prevented.

Using Medication to Address Behavioral Problems in Pets
Behavior problems in pets can lead to a very unhappy household, and even the relinquishment of the pet to a shelter. Behavioral problems can be managed in a number of different ways, one of which is through the use of medication.Dr. Sharon Crowell-Davis, professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine talks about the use of psychoactive medications for behavioral problems.

Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus, a potentially fatal disease discovered in 1978, is one of the most threatening viruses for dogs, especially puppies. Dr. Sandy Willis discusses the signs and symptoms of canine parvovirus, as well as how it can be treated and prevented.

Feline Hypertension
Cats, like their owners, can suffer from high blood pressure. Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a small animal veterinarian in Laguna Beach, Calif., talks about high blood pressure in cats, also known as feline hypertension.

Arthritis and Pets
Arthritis in pets, like humans, is very common, especially as our pets age. In fact, osteoarthritis affects almost half of all of U.S. pets. Dr. Craig Prior, with Murphy Road Animal Hospital in Nashville, talks about arthritis in pets, including causes and treatment options.

The Perils of Pudgy Pets
Dr. Rick Marrinson of Orlando, Fla., discusses the growing problem of pet obesity and the real medical problems that go with it, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Every pound of extra weight an animal puts on requires a mile of extra blood vessels, putting a strain on the body. Veterinarians can help pet owners conduct a safe and effective weight loss program for their pets.

Aquatic Veterinary Medicine
Fish have always been a popular choice of pet. They're relatively easy to care for, soothing to watch in their tanks, and they never leave a surprise for you at the foot of your bed. More veterinarians than ever before are treating not just valuable koi, but also goldfish won at county fairs. Dr. Helen Roberts, a practicing veterinarian in Orchard Park, N.Y., and vice chair of the AVMA's Aquatic Veterinarian Medical Committee, talks about aquatic veterinary medicine.

Behavioral Preventative Health Programs for Pets
Behavior problems in pets can be a serious health problem, often leading to relinquishment and euthanasia at a shelter, or a diminished quality of life with frustrated owners. Dr. Laurie Bergman, a member of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, encourages owners to address this problem through a behavioral preventative health program.

Choosing a Pet for Your Family
If a child is growing up in a house without a pet, chances are it won't be long before he or she begins asking (or begging) for an animal companion. Dr. Bonnie Beaver, past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, discusses the factors parents should consider when bringing a pet into a house with children.

Canine Aggression Toward Children
Every year, approximately 800,000 people in the United States are bitten by dogs, half of them children. Dr. Ilana Reisner, assistant professor of behavioral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, discusses why children are so disproportionately the victims of dog bites, and how adults can help protect their children through training and education.

Pets and Stress
Humans don't have a monopoly on stress. Our pets can be affected by stress, too. A new house, time spent in a kennel, and trips to the veterinarian are just some ways our pets can become stressed. But whatever the cause, stress can be reduced by incorporating behavioral enrichment into our pets' lives, says Dr. Melissa Bain, a professor in the Companion Animal Behavior Program at the University of California-Davis College of Veterinary Medicine.

Understanding Pet Food Labels
Shopping for pet food can be a daunting task. Walking down the pet food aisle at the grocery store can leave one overwhelmed by the sheer number of boxes, bags, and cans vying for your attention. Sally Perea, a board certified veterinary nutritionist with Davis Veterinary Medical Consulting in Davis, Calif., discusses how pet food is regulated in the United States and offers tips to help pet owners better digest the information on pet food labels.

Hospice Care for Pets
The human-animal bond has never been stronger. Pet owners increasingly demand the best for their pets, whether it be food, toys, comfort, or medical care. One area seeing a rise in demand is end-of-life care, with hospice facilities springing up to address the needs of companion animals facing terminal illnesses. Dr. Tami Shearer, founder of the Pet Hospice and Education Center in Columbus, Ohio discusses the growing trend of pet hospice care in the United States.

Animal Acupuncture
Pets are more important to us than ever before, and perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than in the medical care we demand for our animals. But besides the latest advances in high-tech veterinary health care, there has also been a strong movement among pet owners to provide medical care that dates back thousands of years: acupuncture. Dr. Narda Robinson, a professor at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, talks about how acupuncture is being used to treat pain in our pets.

Rats as Pets
When it comes to choosing a pet, a rat probably isn't high on most people's lists. In fact, rats are probably more often identified as vermin than companion animals. But a growing number of people are choosing rats as pets, and find the much-maligned rodents to be affectionate and intelligent companions. Dr. Javier Nevarez, assistant professor of zoological medicine at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, discusses why a rat makes a surprisingly good choice for a pet.

Caring for Your Geriatric Dog
As a result of new surgical techniques and medications, advances in the control of infectious disease, and changing attitudes toward our pets, dogs are living longer than ever, presenting a new challenge to many pet owners: how best to care for senior or geriatric dogs. Dr. William Fortney, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, discusses how pet owners can keep their geriatric dogs happy and healthy.

Dental Care for Young Pets
The human-animal bond has never been stronger. Pet owners increasingly demand the best for their pets, whether it be food, toys, comfort, or medical care. One area of a pet's health that has long been overlooked is dental care. Not only can overlooked oral hygiene cause unpleasant breath, it can lead to serious disease, even death. Dr Jan Bellows, a board-certified veterinary dentist with All Pets Dental in Westin, Fla., discusses the importance of dental care in young pets.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Sometimes referred to as feline AIDS, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (F.I.V.) was first discovered in cats in 1986 and today affects approximately 1 percent to 3 percent of cats in the United States. Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a small animal veterinarian in Laguna Beach, Calif., talks with Animal Tracks about F.I.V.

Common Household Poisons for Pets
More U.S. households own pets than ever before. And while our houses can provide wonder shelter and comfort to our pets, they can also present some significant hazards. Dr. Steven Hansen, senior vice president at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, discusses common household poisons that could endanger your pet.

Tips on Selecting a Pet Ferret
Ferrets have a loyal following among wide sections of the American public, with associations, magazines, and, increasingly, veterinarians dedicated to this curious critter. Dr. Connie Orcutt, exotic pet specialist at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, discusses why ferrets make good pets, as well as tips for potential ferret owners.

Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips
The sensory extravaganza of Fourth of July fireworks can be a nightmare of loud, unpredictable sounds and flashes of light for our pets, who are best left safe at home with plenty of water, soothing background noise and, if necessary, appropriate anxiety medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Dr. Bonnie Beaver, past president of the AVMA, discusses how to keep your pets safe and comfortable on Independence Day.