Blog Posts by Webvet

By WebVet.com

A Manhattan pet owner is going to court, claiming that her dog is more like a child than property.

After paying $1,600 for her Brussels Griffon Umka, Elena Zakharova discovered that the pooch needed thousands of dollars worth of surgery. She is now suing the pet store, alleging that they failed to provide information about the puppy's breeder -- or mention that the dog likely came from a puppy mill.

The lawsuit contends that Umka should be recognized as a living being instead of property, as she is currently considered under state law. Zakharova is requesting "humanity for Umka in that she be considered a living soul that feels pain, and that her pain and suffering is recognized by this state and considered as damages to her."

Animal-rights lawyer Susan Chana Lask reasoned, "How can we value her pain and suffering? So let's compare it to a 7-year-old child that slipped and fell."

WebVet: The Poop on Puppy Mills

What do you think: Is this Zakharova fighting the good

By WebVet.com

2120081211140252saddog If you're using the new year to kick start a diet and get in shape -- don't forget your pets! The fourth annual Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study found approximately 53% of cats and 55% of dogs were overweight or obese.

Let's lower those numbers in 2012!

For Dogs:

Diet

Just as it is for you, so it goes for your dog: The first step to losing weight involves a balanced and healthy diet. Chicago veterinarian Dr. Tony Kremer noted, "It's amazing how many people think their dog isn't eating enough, and yet so many dogs are overweight."

The problem starts, he said, when pet owners -- fueled by either a sense of duty or guilt in leaving pets home alone -- want to do something nice for them. So they give them a tasty (translation: high-fat and high-salt) treat.

Instead, Kremer recommends finding another way to respond to a dog's perceived need for attention. "Usually, it just wants positive reinforcement,'' he said.

By WebVet.com

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Preparing your pet for harsh winter weather is crucial. Catie Blouin had her young son Nathan strapped beside her in the family's minivan as they drove to his elementary school on a November morning. "Cars were honking at me," Blouin said. "I noticed them pointing at something and eventually pulled over." Initial inspection of the vehicle proved unremarkable until a shrill "meow" brought her attention to the car's roof. There, shaking and still, sat Laguna, the family's tabby cat.

As an outdoor cat in California, Laguna was hesitant adjusting to complete enclosure following the family's recent move to Kansas. The Blouins installed a cat door on their garage, content that Laguna had indoor shelter if he didn't return before dark. Like many cats, Laguna sought warmth on a recently driven car, which taught Blouin and her son a valuable lesson: Bang loudly on your car before turning on the ignition.

WebVet: Preparing your pet for winter

Outdoor dangers

By WebVet.com

2120080603145810kitteninboxGrowing up with a cat as a child may protect you against future allergies. In a new study, Italian scientists found that people who are raised with cats are less likely to develop a cat allergy at any point in their lives.

Dr. Andy Nish of the Allergy and Asthma Care Center, extolled the benefits of childhood cat ownership, telling Reuters Health, "We thought that having a cat in early childhood may be protective against the development of cat allergy in childhood, but this study seems to indicate that that protection extends into adulthood."

However, the study noted that people with existing allergies or asthma who adopt a cat for the first time as adults are more likely to develop an allergy to the animal -- but only if they let it into the bedroom.

Dr. Nish -- who was not involved in the study -- said of the findings, "Keeping the cat out of the bedroom is a step I have always advised. It is remarkable that none who did not allow the cat in the bedroom became

By WebVet.com

There was a lot of doggie drama in Hollywood over Christmas weekend. While some celebs experienced elation after expanding the family with four-legged friends, it was largely an emotional time for the stars who dealt with pet loss and custody issues.

Hugh Hefner Battles Ex For Custody of Dog

Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris are battling for custody of their Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Although Hef previously said that Harris let him keep the puppy after they called off their engagement, he recently admitted that the issue isn't settled.

Hef told People magazine last week, "We both love the puppy. I told her if she wants to keep the ring and the Bentley, then maybe I can keep the puppy. I [hope] we will work it out."

WebVet: Pet custody battles: Who gets the Chihuahua?

Osbourne Family Dog Dies on Christmas

The Osbourne family had a difficult holiday. Daughter Kelly tweeted on Christmas, "Today is a sad day in the Osbourne family house hold we lost R dog martin of 14

By WebVet.com

Forget Michelle. President Obama's holiday shopping buddy is the family dog, Bo.

The Commander-in-Chief apparently isn't worried about surprising the Portuguese Water Dog on Christmas morning, as he took the first dog to PetSmart on Wednesday to pick up some stocking stuffers. Obama bought two items totaling $41 for Bo, including a large dog bone.

Bo didn't pay much attention to the flood of paparazzi capturing the outing, but a small brown standard poodle named Cinnamon caught his eye. The President commented on the (maybe too) friendly encounter, warning his pooch, "Bo, don't get too personal here."

What Is Proper Etiquette When Shopping With Your Pet?

If, like the President, you plan to take your dog shopping with you, make sure he or she is well-trained before you consider going near a store. Just because a store allows pets, doesn't mean all should enter. Consider your dog's behavior, health and personality before taking him or her on even the shortest of

By WebVet.com

2120080605122644pamperedpugThe New York Times recently devoted its Real Estate section to the plight of city dwellers with dogs. In addition to the high costs that come with maintaining a healthy canine in an urban environment, city folks' loyalty and love for their dogs also means dealing with strict limitations on where they're welcome to live.

Breed matters

"Perhaps the only real challenge is finding rental housing that will allow a dog over 25 pounds...and finding affordable housing where you can have big dogs is even tougher," said Scott Burgess of Brooklyn, N.Y. Burgess and his girlfriend, Rose, own two greyhounds-Nike, who is 65 pounds, and Parker, who weighs in at 72. The apartment the four of them share is small by most standards - around 500 square feet. Yet Nike and Parker don't suffer because their owners understand the particular needs of their breed.

"Greyhounds are bred to be sprinters and not endurance runners," Burgess said. "One short walk (20 minutes) and one