There are thousands of pet parents out there who are frustrated in finding a solution to their pet’s digestive or skin conditions. They’ve switched food, researched extensively, and administered prescribed medications or supplements. And while many dogs and cats will positively respond to changes in diet or treatments, other pets experience only minor improvement (if at all) or their symptoms recur. A key factor that may impact how a pet responds to treatment may reside in the status of their gut microbiome. For those frustrated pet parents, there is a growing body of research evidence that fecal transplants can help improve several different gastrointestinal disorders (as well as many other conditions) by changing the gut microbiome. Here we answer some common questions about fecal transplants and what options are available for your cat or dog.
Are you interested in helping animals in need, but don’t know where to begin? Keep reading to learn about some of the paw-esome organizations we supported in 2019 and other Bay Area groups who are making a big difference. We’d love to mention every single rescue and shelter on this list, but that would be one long list. Just because you don’t see them here, doesn’t mean they aren’t awesome. We encourage you to look up your local rescues and shelters to find out how you can get involved.
My name is Hahnbee Choi, and I am 16 years old. I am the youngest Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist certified by Dogs Naturally University (DNU). With my 5-year-old female German Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix, I have an Instagram and blog centered on raw feeding. One of my many goals is to spread knowledge and continue to learn everything and anything about balanced raw dog food. I hope I never come off as a “know-it-all” because all I do know is that I have so much more to learn about raw feeding, canine nutrition, and well … life itself!
November is National Pet Diabetes Month and we’re bringing awareness to this disease that affects roughly one out of every 230 cats and one out of every 310 dogs (according to published studies). Many pet parents are surprised to learn that cats and dogs can get diabetes, which is similar to diabetes in humans. There are many great resources available to you to learn about diabetes in pets, and this article is a great place to start.
One of the greatest influences on your dog’s health is made up of something you can’t even see. That’s right - the trillions of tiny bacteria, fungi and viruses that live inside the intestines of your dog make up its ‘gut microbiome’ and play an essential role in your dog’s health. These bacteria do so much more than break down food; they also contribute directly to your dogs mental health, metabolism, brain health, and immune system. Your dog’s gut bacterial community is an active system that changes in response to many factors in your dog’s day to day life. Learn how the choices you make about your dog’s diet, health, and environment are connected to your dog’s gut bacteria and ways you can promote your dog’s gut health.
In a city animal shelter, shy or fearful cats are often considered “unadoptable” and are at high risk for euthanasia, but Oakland nonprofit Cat Town gives these vulnerable shelter cats a second chance. By transforming cat rescue in the San Francisco Bay Area community, this unique organization aims to lower euthanasia rates nationwide. AnimalBiome is excited to support Cat Town’s work by covering all adoption fees for the month of September. Find out what makes Cat Town different from other rescue organizations. And then stop in and see for yourself: if you take home a new feline friend this month, your adoption fee is waived!
Hurricane Katrina struck the coasts of Louisiana and Florida on August 29, 2005, causing catastrophic damage as well as the deaths of 1,800 people and about 150,000 pets. But because of the public outcry over these losses, the storm also led to important initiatives to keep dogs and cats (as well as people) safer in future emergencies. On the 14th anniversary of Katrina, we look back at how that storm changed the rules regarding pets in natural disasters, and we offer some tips for keeping your pets safe in case of a hurricane or other weather emergency.
Many dogs develop chronic dermatitis skin conditions associated with inflammation that are often itchy and painful and may reflect an underlying allergy. Skin barrier weakness is often associated with these conditions, which makes your dog’s skin more vulnerable to behaviors like scratching and chewing. As a result these skin conditions are difficult to treat and unfortunately can end up in cycles of relapse. In this article we’ll explore possible root causes of persistent itchy and painful skin experienced by many dogs, and potential treatments to target a possible culprit — the gut microbiome.
Frightening as it might be to imagine a fire in your home or neighborhood, it’s even more painful to think of your dog or cat being injured or lost in a fire. But you can help keep your pet safe by being prepared. In honor of Pet Fire Safety Day (July 15), here are five simple steps you can take right now.
Even the bravest of pets can be frightened by fireworks displays on the Fourth of July. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help comfort your dog or cat and ease the anxiety caused by fireworks and neighborhood celebrations. Check out these great tips to help your furry loved one cope during Independence Day.
