In South Korea, the world’s first cloned dog, an Afghan hound will become a father next month in the first breeding of cloned canines. Snuppy, the cloned father successfully impregnated two cloned females of the same breed through artificial insemination. The puppies are expected to be born between May 16 and 20.
If the births take place, it will mark the first time that cloned dogs have reproduced successfully.
‘Rollover Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treats’ have been recalled in Canada because it may contain salmonella bacteria.
The treats were sold in 50-gram packages across the country and pose a risk of infection to people handling them, or to those in contact with pets who have eaten them.
Anyone who purchased the dog treats should throw them out immediately.
The Chinese, who are known to eat dogs have started keeping dogs as pets. Cute, small pedigree dogs are favored as pets whereas large, mixed breeds are more likely to be used as ingredients in stew.
Read more about it here…
More and more dogs are being treated for human health problems like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression - and they’re taking human drugs like doggie Prozac.
Veterinarians believe animals are developing the conditions as they struggle to adapt to a the life of a human being that involves a lifestyle of less exercise, less company and smaller living spaces.
Read more of the story here…
Authorities in Indian-Administered Kashmir’s main city have canceled plans to poison nearly 100,000 stray dogs as part of an anti-rabies program, an official said Friday after protests from animal rights groups. Instead they will try to sterilize them.
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India has the world’s highest rabies fatality rate and has long struggled to control its millions of stray dogs. So officials in Indian-Kashmir have poisoned hundreds of dogs with the goal of killing all 100,000 strays in the region’s main city — saying the animals pose a risk to humans and make urban life unbearable.
About 500 dogs have been poisoned so far.
Animal rights activists are vowing to stop the killing but the government says they will continue on.
Read the rest of the story here…
Bob Barker, the former host of “The Price Is Right” & animal rights advocate has finally gotten his way. Last year he tried to get a state bill passed that would make it mandatory to have your pet spay or neutered to reduce the unwanted pet popolation. It was defeated. But today, he has been vindicated - sort of.
The new law, to take effect today in the city of Los Angeles makes it a crime not to spay or neuter your pet by 4 months of age. Only licensed breeders, service dogs, show dogs, dogs used for law enforcement & a few other categories are exempt. The first offense carries a $100 fine & gets progressively higher each subsequent offense. Bob now has to fight to get other cities in California to take up the cause.
A firm in South Korea, RNL Bio is going to clone an American woman’s dead pitbull named Booger - for $50,000. Since this is the first cloning, the California woman will get a $100,000 discount (from the normal price of $150,000.) The cloning will be done at Seoul National University. This is the first commercial cloning of a pet. (A non-commercial cloning was done of an Afghan dog, Snuppy, in 2005.)
Booger’s owner saved tissue from his ear and the cells are being implanted into 8 female dogs.
Many Westerners are willing to clone their pets even at the high price.
SNU researchers expect to receive orders for specialist dogs such as drug and bomb sniffer dogs. As a matter of fact, last summer they signed an initial deal with the customs service to clone drug-sniffing dogs. They hope that the capacity will be increased in the hope that 100 “companion dogs” can be cloned from next year, and eventually 500 dogs annually. Could people be far off?
With the dramatic change in temperature in the Winter, we have to deal with our dogs differently. If you live in an area where there’s lots of snow, you’ll want to keep your dog inside most of the time - & break out those doggie sweaters & booties!
Here are some more tips & a video too. Winterizing Your Dog
“If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise.” ~ Unknown
Canine obesity is a growing problem. Recent studies show that 25 to 40 percent of dogs in the U.S. – approximately 17 million – are overweight or obese and potentially facing serious health problems. Canine obesity can worsen the signs associated with pre-existing diseases such as high blood pressure, hormone disorders and joint disease (just like in humans). Many owners may not be aware that their own dogs are at risk. To help owners determine whether their own dog is at its ideal weight and understand the health implications of canine obesity, thousands of veterinarians across the country have teamed up to participate in the first-ever National Canine Weight Check.
During the month of February, pet owners are invited to bring their dogs to participating veterinary practices for free weight assessments.
Dog owners can log on to www.StopCanineObesity.com to find a local veterinarian participating in the National Canine Weight Check and find out the specific dates and times that free weight checks are being offered.
The National Canine Weight Check is a public service supported by the American Kennel Club Humane Fund and veterinarians across the country, through a sponsorship by Pfizer Animal Health.
Watch this video on the dangers of dog obesity…
