Weekly News Roundup 6/16 – 6/23

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Cases of leptospirosis on the rise in Arizona

In the past year, more than 70 dogs have been diagnosed with leptospirosis, mostly from the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas. However, reports of cases have also been reported in Gilbert, Tempe, Litchfield Park, Fountain Hills and Avondale. Many of the cases came from stays in boarding and daycare facilities. Jeff Jenkins, DVM, owner of the AAHA-accredited Ahwatukee Animal Care Hospital and Pet Resort advised people traveling “to the southeast or northeast U.S. or Texas get their dogs vaccinated” for leptospirosis.

Dog treats recalled for Salmonella risk

The company Loving Pets is voluntarily recalling a number of pet treats that could be contaminated with Salmonella. The possible contamination was due to a single finished ingredient and discovered by the internal quality assurance team. The items being recalled include Loving Pets Barksters, Loving Pets Puffsters Snack Chips, and Whole Hearted puff treats. For information about the lots affected, see the statement on the FDA website or call 866-599-PETS (7387).

New technology could help dogs call 911

Researchers from Georgia Tech’s animal-computer interaction lab are developing and testing dog-friendly touchscreens that will allow dogs to call for help if their owner has an emergency. If the person can’t reach the phone, the can instruct their dog to “get help” and the dog can use the touchscreen to press three buttons. The touchscreen itself can be programmed to call a family member, doctor, or 911. It would have a recorded audio message that would relay that the person needs help.

Take Your Dog to Work day is June 23

Take Your Dog to Work day is Friday, June 23. While this might not be make a difference for veterinary practices, bringing pets to work does provide notable benefits for employees and employers. Allowing dogs in the office can make it easier to recruit and retain employees and ensure that those employees get moving and talk to their coworkers.

Relax and look at some pictures of cute dogs

Had a stressful week? Check out the Instagram account thedogist. You can spend as much time as you need looking at portraits of all sorts of dogs to relax at the end of a busy day. Don’t have an Instagram account? Don’t worry. There’s also a website.

Photo credit: © iStock/carenas1

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