We've all heard the saying "Dogs have cleaner mouths than people." But do they? Today we shine some light on this often quoted but hugely misunderstood statement.

Do dogs actually have cleaner mouths than people? by Laura French

The short answer: No. Both humans and dogs have plenty of oral bacteria. Dogs may have more, given their tendency to snack on road kill and raid the cat litter box. An article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) reports that “More than 64 species of bacteria may be found in the mouths of dogs,” including staph, strep, and e-coli.  read more »

This blog is for you horse people (and other animal lovers). The tragic death of Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby prompts the question: Are we pushing race horses too hard?

Horse crazy, or money crazy? by Kelli Ohrtman

Last week’s Kentucky Derby, host to the second-highest attendance in history, brought new scrutiny to “the sport of kings.” A fantastic win by Big Brown was made melancholy by Eight Belles’ tragic end. Vets, veterans and fans of the sport remain shocked—-no one has seen anything like what happened to Eight Belles. Or, if they have, it has never happened with so many eyes watching.  read more »

Josephine Marcotty, a Star Tribune cohort, discusses in her Body Talk blog the Minnesota Legislature's decision to legally allow dogs at outdoor restaurants.

She points out that in Europe, dogs are often allowed inside restaurants and other places that sell food. So why the difference in the United States? In search of an answer, Marcotty called the University of Minnesota, the Department of Health and Dr. Joni Scheftel, our state veterinarian. Come to find out, it's not so much a health concern that has kept dogs out of Minnesota restaurants as it is our inability to control them and the high prevalence of dog bites.  read more »

I was at the dog park this weekend and came across a guy with an amazing tattoo of a dog on his calf. I asked him about it and he shared with me that his dog recently died and to memorialize the dog he got a life-like tattoo of him. The love he shared with his dog was evident.

When I've lost animals in the past, it feels as if a part of me has died as well. Eventually, loving memories replace grief. But I never forget them and cherish the fond memories.

I already have a tattoo in the middle of my back. It is a large oak tree. For me, it stands for strength. To reach for the sky, but keep grounded. It reminds me to change and bend when necessary—-but remain upright and continue to grow.  read more »

Last year, when pit bulls were seized from the dog fighting facility bankrolled by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick — the media couldn't get enough of the story. Now that the dust has settled and Vick is serving time, I want to know: What happened to those dogs? Where are they today? And what is the plan for them?

Kelli Ohrtman, today's guest blogger and regular contributor to Star Tribune Pet Central, is in a prime position to answer those questions. Kelli works at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah—where 22 of the Vick dogs were placed.

In addition to her article that runs in Saturday's paper, Kelli's accompanying blog and photo gallery provide an insider's perspective on everyday life for the Vick dogs. Kelli will provide regular updates for us as she chronicles the triumphs and setbacks on the Vick dogs' journeys to become just regular dogs.

Vick Dogs: Learning About Life by Kelli Ohrtman  read more »

I came across this new pet gadget and thought it was worth sharing with you. I often wonder just how much Dakota barks at the front window when Brian and I aren't home. Or how long she tries to break into the kitchen cupboards in her desperate search for food.  read more »

Occasionally, I like to do things because they're fun or silly. Like skipping with my four-year-old nephew. I feel silly, but it's fun. Too often we adults forget how important it is to play.

In that vein, we've started a new mini-series of online only factoids that explore the curiosities of pet lore. This week writer Laura French investigates Cat Scratch Fever to uncover its meaning (besides a 70s song that has an unfortunate tendency to get stuck in your head.)  read more »

As many of you know a bill to allow dogs at sidewalk cafes was introduced to the house and senate this session.

A proponent for the bill contacted me to say the bill is in danger of not passing. As far as I know, the Health Department is not raising objections, only some of the politicians.  read more »