Pet Health News Round Up, April 17, 2025

by Jon Scaccia April 17, 2025

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600 kinds of dogs? Pet illustrator Lili Chin aims to capture them all in whimsical drawings

Lili Chin’s journey into understanding and illustrating dog behavior began after her Boston terrier’s aggressive incident, leading her to collaborate with animal behaviorists and create accessible resources for pet owners, such as her popular books “Doggie Language” and “Kitty Language.” Her latest work, “Dogs of the World,” ambitiously catalogs over 600 dog breeds with engaging illustrations, providing pet enthusiasts and prospective pet parents with valuable insights into dog behavior and characteristics, while highlighting the importance of positive training methods and debunking myths about canine behavior.

Dog trainer Will Atherton says three breeds are ‘amazing’ for families

Canine expert Will Atherton recommends the English Mastiff, Golden Retriever, and Labrador as top family-friendly dog breeds due to their gentle, affectionate, and playful nature, making them suitable companions for children. However, he advises that prospective pet owners should conduct their own research to ensure these breeds align with their family’s lifestyle and needs, as individual experiences and opinions on suitability can vary widely.

Pet dog snatched by Hamas in Oct. 7 attacks miraculously found by Israeli troops in Gaza: ‘Miracle from heaven’

After being abducted alongside her human family by Hamas, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Billy was miraculously reunited with her owner, Rachel Dancyg, thanks to an Israel Defense Forces soldier who rescued her in Gaza. The emotional reunion highlights the importance of microchipping pets for identification purposes and offers hope and solace amidst tragic loss, as the family continues to cope with the devastating impact of the kidnappings and murders of Dancyg’s ex-husband and brother.

Review: Bird Buddy Pro

Smart bird feeders often require additional subscription fees for full functionality, such as saving photos and videos, which can be a surprise for pet owners looking to simply capture their feathered visitors. Despite this cost aspect, Bird Buddy’s Pro model stands out with its robust design, comprehensive app features, and optional solar roof, although owners might experience some limitations in capturing every bird visit, indicating room for improvement in sensor accuracy.

Vet shares advice about common disease that’s deadly to cats – three warning signs

Dr. Amir Anwary, a veterinarian, has highlighted the critical need for cat owners to recognize early signs of kidney disease, a common and potentially fatal condition in cats, particularly as they age. Key symptoms to watch for include increased drinking and urination, significant weight loss, and a decline in appetite, and immediate veterinary consultation is advised to prevent severe kidney damage and improve outcomes.

Veterinarian of 30 years Writes Love Letters That Offer Comfort and Healing to Grieving Pet Owners

Christin Finn, DVM, has released a book titled “Love Letters from The Circle of Life with Animals,” offering solace to pet owners by sharing heartfelt stories that highlight the enduring love and beauty found in the grief of losing a pet. The book seeks to comfort readers by emphasizing the meaningful bonds and hidden gifts that pets leave behind, helping owners find gratitude in the cycle of life and death.