Amy Shojai's Blog, page 22
August 4, 2023
The Holistic Cat Conference – REPLAY August 5 & 6, this Weekend Only
The Holistic Cat Conference – REPLAY August 5 & 6, this Weekend Only
Many of y'all know I wrote a book about holistic pet care and interviewed nearly 70 veterinarians while researching the material. Boy, did I learn a lot--and changed my mind about many things! These veterinarians also shared how holistic care had changed the way they practice vet care.
So I want you to meet a friend of mine, veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet, an advocate for cats and holistic care. He notes that forty years ago, veterinarians typically promoted dry kibble as the best cat food. And, we vaccinated every year. My, how times change!
"Now, we know better. But, there are many other things we need to look at and change our thinking on," he says. So he created The Holistic Cat Conference. He asked me to speak (SQUEE!) and hosts a REPLAY August 5 & 6, this Weekend Only...
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
August 2, 2023
Why Does My Dog Eat Cat Poop? Stop Litter Box Grazing
Why Does My Dog Eat Cat Poop? Stop Litter Box Grazing
Do you often ask, Why does my dog eat poop? This disgusting habit drives humans nuts, and even cats get upset with dogs eating cat poop. So when you ask, How can I stop my dog from eating poop?" you'll find the answers here.
Puppy antics delight most new owners, but dogs eating poop prompts anything but smiles. My own darling Magic indulged when he turned six months old. He’d make a beeline to visit his horse buddy next door and find the nifty treats she left on the ground. Or he'd sniff out "bunny eggs" and indulge! After these nasty snacks Magic always tried to kiss everybody on the lips, yuck! Thank doG, he finally outgrew the behavior...
But many dogs indulge, and when access to the cat box provides yummy opportunities, pet lovers need answers. Urk! That's why I'm offering some insight into the behavior...and thrilled to review The Door Buddy to give pet parents some help.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
Why Does My Dog Eat Poop? Stop Litter Box Grazing
Why Does My Dog Eat Poop? Stop Litter Box Grazing
Do you often ask, Why does my dog eat poop? This disgusting habit drives humans nuts, and even cats get upset with dogs eating cat poop. So when you ask, How can I stop my dog from eating poop?" you'll find the answers here.
Puppy antics delight most new owners, but dogs eating poop prompts anything but smiles. My own darling Magic indulged when he turned six months old. He’d make a beeline to visit his horse buddy next door and find the nifty treats she left on the ground. Or he'd sniff out "bunny eggs" and indulge! After these nasty snacks Magic always tried to kiss everybody on the lips, yuck! Thank doG, he finally outgrew the behavior...
But many dogs indulge, and when access to the cat box provides yummy opportunities, pet lovers need answers. Urk! That's why I'm offering some insight into the behavior...and thrilled to review The Door Buddy to give pet parents some help.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
July 29, 2023
2023 American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Conference: Early Bird Registration Now Available
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), holds its annual conference (which doubles as the 7th World Feline Veterinary Conference) October 12-15, 2023 in Memphis, TN. The event features both in-person and virtual sessions focussed on The Ins and Outs of Feline Nutrition and Gastroenterology.
Last year, I attended the *virtual* AAFP sessions and came away with new, great insight helpful to me as a cat lover and behavior consultant (although I'm NOT a veterinarian). Veterinary professionals and others can learn and earn continuing education hours. I particularly liked having access to the digital proceedings, because often you can't attend everything because of conflicts. I'm pleased to see AAFP again offers this opportunity.
If you have a special interest in cat care and/or know a veterinarian who would benefit, read on! And share this information with those who need it.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
July 27, 2023
9 Bucket List Activities to Do With Your Aging Pet
9 Bucket List Activities to Do With Your Aging Pet
I adore the golden oldie pets. My Seren-Kitty lived to nearly 22 years old, my first shepherd made it to just over 13 years old, and Magical-Dawg lived large and loud until 11 years old. Seren just wouldn't give up, despite her arthritic clawed paws click-click-clicking as she tottered along. When Karma arrived, he acted like the fountain of youth and gave her a boost.
Eight-month-old Karma-Kat showed up (Magic rescued him!), making his birthday in June 2013. Oh, how can my kitty-boy have become 10 years old? He no longer leaps from a standing start onto the countertops. He sleeps more, and plays less. But Karma still gives his dog brother Shadow fun games of chase and tag and usually wins. He has a wellness check scheduled this week and, I hope, will again get a great report.
Anyway, I don't want to wait to start a bucket list for Karma-Kat. We're having fun now...and what about you and your furry wonders? Here are some fun ideas!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
July 20, 2023
FIP Cyprus Outbreak: The Experts Share Insights (an UPDATE!)
FIP Cyprus Outbreak: The Experts Share Insights (an UPDATE!)
On June 10, 2023, veterinary researchers posted an ALERT to the British Veterinary Association publication VET RECORD: Cyprus FIP outbreak is ‘very alarming’
The outbreak began in January 2023 in the capital city of Nicosia, with increasing numbers of cases reported in the districts of Larnaca, Limassol and Famagousta. “Within 12 weeks the number of PCR-confirmed FIP cases increased more than 20-fold compared to the previous year,” says the Vet Record report.
An outbreak of FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) means devastating disease and usually death to companion cats as well as feral or community cats. Testing complicates matters—there is no single definitive test—and only recently have effective anti-viral treatments become available. But these treatments take up to 12 weeks, costs a lot, and the drugs are not FDA approved for veterinary use, and therefore difficult to get.
While Cyprus seems a world away to those of us in the United States, we know from recent experience that diseases may rapidly spread. The news led to media inquiries resulting in scary, confusing, and even contradictory reports in the press. So I reached out to the vets on the ground and experts who know--and here's what they had to say. Dr. Danielle Gunn-Moore weighs in!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
FIP Cyprus Outbreak: The Experts Share Insights
FIP Cyprus Outbreak: The Experts Share Insights
On June 10, 2023, veterinary researchers posted an ALERT to the British Veterinary Association publication VET RECORD: Cyprus FIP outbreak is ‘very alarming’
The outbreak began in January 2023 in the capital city of Nicosia, with increasing numbers of cases reported in the districts of Larnaca, Limassol and Famagousta. “Within 12 weeks the number of PCR-confirmed FIP cases increased more than 20-fold compared to the previous year,” says the Vet Record report.
An outbreak of FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) means devastating disease and usually death to companion cats as well as feral or community cats. Testing complicates matters—there is no single definitive test—and only recently have effective anti-viral treatments become available. But these treatments take up to 12 weeks, costs a lot, and the drugs are not FDA approved for veterinary use, and therefore difficult to get.
While Cyprus seems a world away to those of us in the United States, we know from recent experience that diseases may rapidly spread. The news led to media inquiries resulting in scary, confusing, and even contradictory reports in the press. So I reached out to the vets on the ground and experts who know--and here's what they had to say.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
July 18, 2023
A Magical Ear Ache: Treating Dog Ear Infection
A Magical Ear Ache: Treating Dog Ear Infection
A couple of years ago, Bravo-Dawg began scratching his ear, and yelping if bumped on that side—even tilting his head that direction. I suspected he had a painful dog ear infection. Magic had his share of ear infections, so I knew this was something that needed veterinary care sooner rather than later.
Dogs (and cats) are prone to ear infections because of the conformation of the ear itself. Human ear canals are straight, unlike the L-shaped pet’s ear canal. Debris and moisture can become trapped in the foot of that L, creating a perfect percolating environment for nasty agents to set up housekeeping. Some dogs invite you to rub their itchy ears with moans and groans.
Dog ear infections just like canine hot spots, also often develop because of allergies. If your dog has seasonal allergies, you'll need to be extra vigilant. When dogs enjoy hot water games like hose tag, getting water inside the ears can predispose to earache and dog ear infection. Here's how to deal with achy ears...
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
July 15, 2023
Amy Shojai receives AVMA Steve Dale Excellence in Veterinary Media Award
Amy Shojai receives AVMA Steve Dale Excellence in Veterinary Media Award
Today I received the AVMA Steve Dale Excellence in Veterinary Media Award. My friend and colleague of (mumble-mumble) years received the inaugural award last year, and it's extra special to be honored as the second recipient and recognized with an award named for Steve Dale.
Throughout the years, veterinarians generously shared their knowledge, from my hometown vets loaning me copies of JAVMA and answering countless questions, to researchers picking up the phone and sharing their passion--so that I could share with readers. I am honored and humbled to receive this award because it validates my body of work and shines a light on what I do to help cats and dogs. But I'm also thrilled because it celebrates my HEROES--veterinarians who shared their passion with me over the years.
I call myself the accidental writer--yet here I am, 35+ books and thousands of articles later because I followed my passion and received help along the way--from my furry muses, as well as the two-legged muses from the AVMA. For those reading this post, please never ever hesitate to ask for help--or to pay that help forward to lift others up.
In my world, ultimately, it's not me as much as the pets who benefit. And after all, that's why I -- and what veterinarians -- do what we do.
Read more here...
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
July 12, 2023
Dog Hot Spots & Home Remedies
Dog hot spots often happen during both the spring and fall shedding season and are the bane of many dogs' existence. Some develop hot spots all year long, especially those with very thick, wooly coats. Have your dogs ever suffered from hot spots?
Fortunately, hot spots are not a problem for cats. Kitties, though, do have their own issues with shedding and hairballs. Bathing cats can help with that.
When dog hot spots are a chronic problem, it can be aggravating and frustrating for pet owners. And painful for the dog! While severe problems need veterinary attention, home remedies for dog hot spots often help enormously. Here's what you need to know.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
