Earbuds to Beat Depression?

Finnish researchers are theorizing that seasonal depression can be overcome by beaming light into the brain via earbuds.  Although the product is still in trials, it could be an effective treatment available on the market at some point.  Read the story here.

Clearing Up Confusion About Mercury

New studies are attempting to clarify which fish are harmful to eat due to high mercury content, what the sources of mercury are, and call for federal guideline reform.  Read the story here, and be sure to check out Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch for seafood purchasing suggestions and sustainable recipes.

Good News for Pet Parrots

Important story for parrot lovers:  Researchers have found the cause of a parrot wasting disease that has befuddled veterinarians for thirty years.  Read about the breakthrough here.

Frog Skin vs. Germs

Scientists have been developing a weapon to combat antibiotic-resistant germs for years now, but a recent breakthrough shows that the key might lay in an unusual natural source:  secretions from frog skins.  Get the full story here.

Family Dogs Mean More Active Children

Having a dog can increase a child’s activity rates and decrease the odds of childhood obesity, according to recent studies.  Furthermore, a canine companion can mean “11 minutes less (562 altogether) in sedentary behaviour each day [and] 360 more steps”.  Read about how these small steps make the difference here.

YMCA to Offer Workouts with Your Dog

The Power of Pets program is coming soon to select cities in the US, and will encourage people and their pets to benefit from physical activity through walking challenges, obstacle courses, and ‘doga’ (that’s yoga with your pet pooch).  Gear up for it by checking out our Pets and Steps program!

Autism Helpers on Four Feet

Specially trained service dogs have been shown to help autistic children with anxiety, social skills, and coping with stress.  A new study finds that canine companions can significantly reduce the hormones produced by stress in these children, and promises future developments in autism therapy.  Read about it here.

Beet Juice for the Brain

Even if you find it unpalatable, you may want to consider gviing beet juice a try: new research finds that it gives aging brains a boost by increasing blood flow to it.  This may hold future promise in combating dementia.  Read about it at Science Daily.

Cold Weather Protection for Pets

Onyx keeps warm in an Oregon winter.

Pets, especially those not accustomed to cold weather, can become ill quickly. To keep them safe here are a couple of tips that Onyx and I (and our friends from Dove Lewis) suggest:
• Keep your pet indoors or in covered shelter, with plenty of food and water. Blankets or thick towels, even an old quilt will give your animal something to snuggle in against the cold. If you cannot bring your animal inside, check on him or her regularly.
• Chemicals that melt snow are hazardous when ingested. Don’t allow your animals to lick them on your walks, and be sure to clean pets’ feet when they come inside to prevent their licking off any toxic residue.
• Pets left in the car on cold winter days is not a great idea. Small dogs and all shorthaired dogs need a blanket or coat if they will be in a cold car for any length of time.
• Pets at home indoors with the heat turned off should be fine so long as they have a bed or a blanket to lie on. The floor is colder when the temperatures outside dip low.
• Animals are less thirsty in cold weather, so make sure your pet is drinking and your pet’s water supply does not freeze.
• .Body temperatures plummet when pets are wet. If your pet runs through a puddle, get them out, dry them off, and get them indoors as soon as possible.
• Very young, very old, and sick animals need special attention during the cold. Their immune systems can’t handle the weather as well as other pets.
If your pet shivers, seems slow or wobbly or has pale gums contact your veterinarian immediately as these are signs of hypothermia.

 

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“Find It”  A Game of Mental Exercise

“Find it” is a game that makes use of your dog’s most extraordinary sense—smell. Sense of smell is used by working dogs to find contraband and to search for disaster victims. You can teach your companion dog to use her nose to find treats and other objects using those same techniques, giving her work to do in your home.

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