Blog Posts by Webvet

By WebVet.com

A Boston-area pit bull is doing her part to defy stereotypes surrounding the breed. Lilly, an eight-year-old therapy dog, is recovering after getting hit by a train while saving her owner's life.

David Lanteigne, who rescued Lilly three years ago to work with his mother, told WHDH, "(My mom) had fallen on the tracks. And from one of the witnesses said as the train was drawing near, he saw the dog pulling my mom off the track."

Related: 5 Amazing Stories Of Hero Dogs

Although Lilly successfully dragged her master out of harm's way, she was unable to get off the tracks before the train hurtled in their direction. Doctors had to amputate her right front leg and reconstruct her fractured pelvis, but they say she is recovering well and should be back in action soon.

Related: Hero Dog Inspires Shelter To Allow Pets

Lanteigne addressed the misconceptions surrounding pit bulls, explaining, "We found her and we rescued her and you know what? She went out stayed loyal. She's an

By WebVet.com
Cat at nightDo pets have more health care mishaps when the moon is full?

A study at Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science suggests that cats and dogs may get themselves into more medical mischief when the moon is full or near its fullest.

The study found a 28 percent greater likelihood that dogs and a 23 percent greater likelihood that cats be admitted to vet emergency rooms during the 12 days surrounding the full moon.

The types of emergencies experienced by pets included traumas of various kinds, cardiac attacks, toxic episodes and epileptic seizures.

How Does One Become a 'Cat Lady'? | Webvet

"We were surprised by the results," said Dr. Raegan Wells, DVM, the primary author of the study. "We thought we would debunk the whole myth about all the craziness that comes with the full moon, but instead we found out that there might be something to it."

Full moon rising

Wells said the whole thing began after hearing

By WebVet.com
Kissing couple with dogDating a dog owner? Forget Google -- you can do all your scouting just by checking out their pup.

Here's what the dog says about . . .

Him if it's:

• Well groomed: So, too, is the owner. If they're generous about their dogs, they'll likely be the same with their girlfriends.
• Well behaved: He likes order and appreciates good manners - or, could be controlling. This calls for further investigation.
• A pure breed: He knows what he wants and, depending on the breed, may have an eye for the finer things.
• A mutt: He's less interested in outside appearances and cares more about what's in the heart.
• A rescue: He may have a "white night" personality - or be thrifty.
• Tiny: He's either effeminate or very confident.

Related: Is your new partner right for you...and your pet?

Her if it's:

• "Froufrou" (i.e., manicured Maltese or pomeranian): She's high maintenance and prefers the finer things.
• Active (i.e.,

By WebVet.com
Dog on computerDogs already have their own TV channel, they're communicating on Twitter -- so why wouldn't they have their own social network?

A crucial step in canine media integration has been made with the creation of MatchPuppy.com, a new site that finds play dates for dog owners and their pups. Founder Michael Chiang told New York's WPIX that originally the site was intended to create breeding opportunities, but he decided that not all doggy relationships need to be consummated.

He explained, "We realized there was a bigger need in the market, to help dog owners kind of facilitate play dates online."

Registrants provide their location and their dog's breed and age in the hopes of finding a compatible playmate. While some have similar concerns to human online dating, the response has been largely positive -- with owners noting that, "If there's a way for dog owners to interact and maybe set up play dates later, I could definitely see some value in that."

Chiang added that the

By WebVet.com
Who you gonna call?

An animal law attorney? Why would I need one? Well, consider this scenario: You're in the park with your dog. Perhaps on this particular day he's more rambunctious than usual, tugging at his leash and trying to socialize a bit too aggressively with passersby. When someone tries to pet him, he reacts defensively and bites her - and it's more than a little nip. The injured party sues you for significant damages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Whom do you turn to for help?

The circumstances in which you may need legal advice and representation in connection with your pet are not limited to dog bite cases. Pet custody issues in divorces, landlord-tenant disputes involving pets, and veterinary malpractice are examples of other situations in which sound legal advice and representation are crucial. But just how do you go about finding an attorney knowledgeable in the rapidly expanding and ever more complex area of animal law?

Know the resources

By WebVet.com
Couple walking dogsIt may be a little-known fact among singles, but the truth is this: People are more likely to talk to you if you're with a dog than if you're alone. Single dog owners, take note.

Case in point: Deborah Wood was at the grocery store in Portland, Ore., when she noticed that the "scary tattooed" guy in front of her was holding an adorable Pomeranian. Surprising even herself, she asked if she could pet his puppy. Before she knew it, she was cooing the dog, standing as close to him as she would have been if "he were a family member or a boyfriend."

"We have very strict unspoken rules on how physically close we get to one another depending on the relationship," Wood said, adding that, during a typical conversation, people tend to stand about three feet apart. "The moment we add a dog, however, they change."

Related: Dating with your dog: Five places to go

She would know. Wood, a pet columnist for The Oregonian newspaper, has authored 10 books on the subject

By WebVet.com
Do you like what you see?

Whether you're expecting a new baby -- or some guests for dinner -- it is imperative you learn to read your dog's body language so that you can interpret the often subtle signs that mean a dog is unhappy or uncomfortable.

"The better you become at reading your dog's body language, the better you will be at avoiding accidents," said Gina DiNardo Lash, assistant vice president of the American Kennel Club. "My main rule is to never leave a dog alone with an infant or toddler."

Related: Is My Dog Happy? Tips For Understanding Canine Emotion

In the meantime, it is helpful to crate-train your dog if you haven't done so already, Lash said. A crate provides a cozy and secure place for the dog to rest and take a time-out from all the new sights, sounds and smells of the baby. When the dog becomes uncomfortable, it will appreciate having its own special place to recuperate.

Too much of a good thing

Many dogs will tolerate being hugged while giving very

By WebVet.com
Concerned dogMay is Pet Cancer Awareness month. The AKC Canine Health Foundation noted that fifty percent of dogs aged 10 years or older develop cancer at some point during their lives, and are therefore raising money to support canine cancer research.

WebVet is here to help raise awareness of these issues and provide information on different types of cancer and care for pets with cancer.

Here are some important resources:

Cancer in pets

Testicular cancer

Prostate cancer

Liver cancer in dogs and cats

Lung cancer in pets

Caring For Pets With Cancer

Cats and dogs with cancer who are undergoing treatment - whether chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation - are spending more time at home and less time in extended hospital stays thanks to advances in veterinary medicine. This is an emotional blessing for both pet and owner, but it also means that the owner of such a pet must take a more active role as caregiver.

There are some practical steps that you can take at home in order to improve