WGN Radio Petcast, Dr. Alexis Newman of CVMA; Chicken Jerky; AVMA Convention Reports


September 1, 2012 • • • • • • •

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Here’s the most recent – action packed – WGN Petcast. Click HERE to LISTEN (may take a few moments to load)

Dr. Alexis Newman is the President of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, a resource for all Chicago area pet owners. She also works in emergency medicine, an important topic. How do you know when it really is an emergency? Dr. Newman and I have been wanting to do this ‘get together’ for a long time.

Information about Big Night, a benefit for Chicago Animal Care and Control at the Chicago Cultural Center (Washington and Michigan Ave.) on Sept. 19. Jessie Campbell from the Voice on NBC will perform.

I’ve been writing about the real potential danger of chicken jerky treats made in China. Raymond Parker’s dog allegedly died as a result of eating these treats – which is why I’ve strongly advised against buying them.

In addition, here are several reports from the Convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association, which was held in San Diego:

  • Dr. Ron DeHaven, American Veterinary Medical Association CEO discusses his real concerns about preventive illnesses in our pets, which seems to be on the rise. He also discusses communication between all of you and the veterinarian, and there might be a widening gap. He also talks a bit about the history of AVMA Conventions, the next one will be in Chicago.
  • Dr. Karen Felsted reveals initial results of the AVMA Pet Demographic Sourcebook, a census for pet ownership. There are lots of surprises.
  • Dr. Karyl Hurley represents the International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations – in other words all those scientists who have figured out that pets are really good for us. Pets are social capital, where there are many pets, there’s less crime (Hint: Mayor Emanuel).
  • Dr. Ilona Rodan, past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and talks about what Cat Friendly Practices are, and how to get those cats to the veterinarian in the first place. It IS possible!
  • Dr. Debra Horwitz notes we live in a nation of aging pets, and as our pets age – because they are living longer, we are actually seeing feline and canine versions of Alzheimer’s. She offers some tips on what to watch out for.
  • Dr. Karen Watts says though it is getting cooler out, mosquitoes are still out there – and protecting your dog or cat from heartworm disease can save your pets life. Heartworm is hard to treat (and expensive to treat) in dogs. In cats, there is no treatment. It’s all about prevention.