One of the worst disasters in our nation's history recently occurred in Joplin, MO. What happened there is sadly no longer receiving media attention. Of course, the people and pets of Joplin still need help. I caught up with Karen Aquino, Executive Director of the Joplin Humane Society. She tells me about how the community is holding up, and about an amazing six-figure gift from the ASPCA.

Every radio show should feature Tick Talk -- Dr. Ruth MacPete loves talking ticks. There's a new test to diagnose tick disease (an important tool since many symptoms of tick disease are vague, like "just seeming sad"), and also tips on avoiding those suckers sticking it to your dogs in the first place. More Tick Talk at www.dogsandticks.com.

More people are hitting the road with Fido and Fuffy than ever. That's fine -- but the pets need to wear the proper ID's (including being microchipped). An astounding number of pets are lost when the family is traveling, but not recovered because no one knows who they belong to. Also, Dr. Bernadine Cruz says, you may be going to a place where ticks are more of an issue than where you live -- so now tick protection is needed; or going to a place where the canine influenza virus is common, so a vaccine is suggested. See your veterinarian before you hit the road.

In our promised, "Ask The Vet" segment, from the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Tracey Hlede and Dr. Shannon Greeley of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Foundation offer answers to your questions. You can always email your curious pet queries, steve@petworldradio.net.

June 17, 2011

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