Cannabis for pets

By Gary Richter, MS, DVM, Holistic Veterinary Care, Oakland, CA As more and more people discover the benefits of medical cannabis for themselves, many pet owners are wondering if there are similar benefits for their furry family members. As it turns out, the use of cannabis in animals is nothing new. Cannabis has been used in veterinary medicine for nearly as long as humans have used it to treat common health issues. Thousands of years ago, the ancient Greeks used cannabis to treat horses for colic, inflammation, and even to heal battle wounds. More recently, veterinarians have re-discovered the benefits of cannabis to treat medical conditions in pets. Read more.

GGNRA dog-walking saga: The backstory

With Bay Area populations growing and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) lands being ever more heavily used, the National Park Service (NPS) in 2001, under the guise that dogs were harming wildlife and the environment, first moved to severely reduce the areas where four-legged companions would be allowed, both on-leash and off. Existing rules defining dog-friendly trails and beaches had been established in 1979, allowing dogs on approximately 1 percent of the 80,000-acre patchwork of public lands spanning three counties. Various iterations of the proposed GGNRA Dog Management Plan were produced in ensuing years. The final draft would have banned dogs from 90 percent of existing off-leash space, half of on-leash trails and all access in the San Mateo County portions of the GGNRA. Read more.

Ventura – even more ways to help

It feels almost impossible to overstate the amount of love and support the community continues to receive from near and far. In Ventura, businesses, friends and neighbors are all working together to ensure everybody is taken care of and that no one feels alone. Thomas Fire: The best ways to help lists ideas and below are even more. Thank you for everything you're doing to keep #VenturaStrong. Read more.

Where to Cruz with your pup

If you don’t live in Santa Cruz County, you probably know this gorgeous stretch of the California coast for its beaches, its stellar university and the namesake town that proudly embraces its somewhat eccentric reputation. But Santa Cruz County is also known for its mountains, its redwood forests and its wines, particularly the pinot noir and chardonnay that thrive in the fog-kissed climate. Wineries and tasting rooms are sprinkled throughout the county, and dogs get a warm welcome at many of them. Read more.

Nasal discharge and coughing

There are many underlying causes of nasal discharge and coughing in dogs. The cornerstone of treatment is identifying your dog's predisposing factors. Read more.