AZ Central has published an article discussing a possible cancer vaccine for dogs. If this is successful, humans could be next. Now wouldn’t that be the best medical news we’ve heard in years?

A study has launched to test whether a vaccine developed by Arizona State University scientists could actually prevent cancer in dogs. 

The study began in early May, more than a decade after Stephen Johnston, an ASU scientist and professor in the School of Life Sciences, began work on the vaccine. 

“About 12 years ago, I decided I wanted to invent something important in cancer,” Johnston said. “That’s when we came up with this idea of a vaccine to prevent cancer because that would be the ultimate invention.”

The initial plan was to try to vaccinate humans, but it was challenging to get people on board with the idea and to secure enough funding.

Then someone suggested Johnston test the vaccine on dogs.

“I thought, ‘Wow I should’ve thought of that earlier,'” he said.

The study, which will include more than 800 dogs, is the largest clinical trial that’s been conducted for canine cancer, according to an ASU press release. It was made possible by a $6 million grant from the Open Philanthropy Project.

How the study works

Before participating in the trial, each dog is tested to ensure they are healthy and cancer-free. More than 800 dogs, ages of 6 to 10, are randomly assigned to a control group or a placebo group.

Half of the dogs will receive the vaccine, while the other half gets the mock version. Neither the doctor administering the vaccine nor the dog’s owner will know which version the dog receives.

Each dog receives four shots over the first four weeks. After that, they will have a checkup every six months to monitor their progress.

Scientists will study whether dogs who received the vaccine have fewer tumors than those who got the placebo.

Hundreds of dogs with cancer were screened ahead of the study. Researchers used those screenings to target the vaccine toward eight major cancers found in dogs.

The anticancer vaccine, developed by Johnston and his team at ASU, targets a group of proteins found on the surface of cancer cells. By injecting these proteins with a substance that produces an immune response into healthy patients, they are “boosting the immune response before they would get the tumor,” Johnston said.

Researchers are testing the dogs at three remote participating sites: the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University and the University of California-Davis.

Two or three dogs will be vaccinated each day through the first part of the trial. The study could last up to five years, but it could also end much sooner if results are promising. 

“If it looks like the vaccine is working quite well, then we won’t continue the study,” Johnston said.

‘Accessible to anyone in the world’

Johnston said his team’s work contrasts that of other cancer researchers whose vaccines might only be economically viable for wealthier countries.

Remember your pets count!

We’re in the middle of a 60s and 70s weekend. Join us for all of your Summer songs and great memories on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

It is possible to finally get rids of those annoying ticks on your pet and in your home. Did you know that just a few drops of flea and tick products can keep you and your pet free from fleas for months? New Flea and tick products require only a few drops on the back of your pets neck only once a month!  Dr Allen Paul, who is  a vet at the University of Illinois says that these products are the best way to prevent fleas and ticks. He says that they last long, are easy to apply and eliminate the need to clean up your pets environment. They are also cheaper because you treat the pet not your home.  If you notice that your pet is constantly scratching, there’s a good possibility that he has fleas.  Check out the flea and tick sprays and products that are on the market. The quicker you eliminate his discomfort, the better!

Remember, your pets count!

It’s a 60s and 70s weekend on Edgewater Gold Radio—-Join us for all of your favorites this weekend and don’t forget about our disco show tonight at 7PM EDT we call it Dance Fever 54. Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

Ticks present a unique problem for people who make their home in a wooded area. The issue is further compounded for pet owners. By their very nature, dogs are curious animals that seek to explore the territory around their home. In some cases this can mean picking up a few unwanted passengers. The best way to circumvent this problem is to invest in plenty of flea and tick spray.

In the event that you forget to take precautionary measures, it may become necessary to remove a wood tick from your dog’s skin. Although the process is never pleasant, it’s relatively straightforward. Begin my donning a pair of rubber gloves and taking out a pair of tweezers. Wrap the tweezers around the tick’s head and pull firmly in a straight-out motion. Do not make a twisting motion, or the tick’s head may remain lodged in the skin.

Remember, your pets count!

The weekend is here! That means that best of the 60s and 70s and Edgewater Gold Radio‘s 60s and 70s weekend. Saturday and Sunday! The best variety of oldies are on Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

The hot, humid weather is here to stay for awhile. Our best friends feel the heat and humidity just like we do. Get into a habit of walking your pet at the cooler times of the day even if you don’t do this now. The earlier and later you walk him, the better. Walk your dog as early as possible and again just before or after sunset. Leave the shortest walk for the middle of the day.

This is better for both you and your best friend. Make sure your dog always has plenty of water at all times. If you water your lawn and you have a fenced in yard, give your dog a little spray while you’re watering. He will love it and it will cool him down!

Keep your pets safe during the hot, Summer months.

Remember, your pets count!

Keep the oldies flowing all day! Edgewater Gold Radio your Summer oldies station! Just Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

When you take a walk on the sand in your bare feet, and feel like you’re walking in a frying pan, you’ll do anything to stop the sting. You probably jog into the cool water. Often, dog owners neglect this basic dog care issue, protecting their paws in the summer. There are many times that you may want to take your dog for a walk on the beach but the hot sand can not only cause him pain but can burn and damage his paws. If you’re walking your dog in a rocky area, you should also protect your dogs paws by using a protective boot. Your dogs paws could suffer from cuts and abrasions . The pavement could become very hot.  There are dog boots that are available to use that are invisible. They will protect against bruises, blisters, cracking and abrasions. Take care of your dogs paw during the hot summer months!

Remember, your pets count!

Edgewater Gold Radio is your Summer radio station! The best variety of oldies plus all of your Summer favorites. Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our app or the many apps list Tunein, Live 365, Radio.not Etc. You can also listen directly from our website:

Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

Tylenol is extremely toxic to cats and can kill them quickly even if it’s given in small doses. You should never give your pets any medication without the advice of your vet. Acetaminophen  is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It’s an over the counter fever reducer and pain reliever. Cats lack an enzyme in their body that a metabolizes acetaminophen. Therefore this leads to severe damage to your cats red blood cells, liver and kidneys. Dogs also do not metabolize this drug as well as people and only your vet can recommend the dosage to give a dog. Never do it yourself!  Dogs can die of an overdose as well. The side effects of Tylenol in a cat can range from vomiting and diarrhea to severe anemia and liver failure.  A muddy brown color to your cat or dogs gums can indicate the effect of Tylenol. Poor oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells can cause this. Liver damage can result in jaundice and a yellowish tinge to the mucus membranes of the skin.

Never leave Tylenol in a pets reach. A little precaution is worth a lot.

Remember, your pets count!

The best variety of oldies all the time are always playing on Edgewater Gold Radio-—your Summer station at the Delaware beaches. Just ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

If you’re considering taking your pet to doggie day care, it’s important to ask questions before making a commitment. Intermountain Pet Hospital has put together some questions that you should ask.

7 Questions You Should Ask a Doggy Day Care Center

You’ll want to know that the facility you choose keeps your pup healthy, monitors their guests’ behavior, and interacts with your dog. Of course, as with any situation, there’s no guarantee that even the best case scenario won’t have some drawbacks, such as picking up a bug like kennel cough or a mild GI issue. However, the best places will require vaccinations and proof of updated vet care for all dogs, minimizing your risk and ensuring the worst you’ll come home with is the equivalent of a doggy head cold.

Before you put your dog in daycare, here’s what you should ask.

1. Are dogs grouped based on size or age? If you have a particularly young, small, or elderly dog, you may be concerned about their safety with more active dogs. On the other hand, you could be the owner who knows your puppy loves everyone and will jump and wrestle with anyone. Ask about how dogs are grouped and make sure to voice your concerns and see how they can accommodate your dog.
2. How many staff members are there? How many dogs? You’ll want to be sure that your dog isn’t neglected in a facility that doesn’t have enough employees to keep up with demand.
3. Will my dog be able to play outside as well as have access to indoor shelter? Many owners prefer a facility that lets their furry friend get some fresh air during the day. At the same time, cold temperatures and inclement weather mean that your dog should also have access to warm indoor shelter.
4. Do you have a temperament test for admittance? Some pet owners want to be sure that every dog admitted to the daycare has basic temperament and training requirements.
5. What vaccinations do you require? This question can help you eliminate day care centers that don’t require vaccinations, which could put your dog at risk for dangerous illnesses that can be avoided, or at the very least minimized.
6. What training do staff members complete? The right training and certifications can ensure that daycare employees can de-escalate dog tiffs, keep your dog safe, and even teach your pup valuable lessons.
7. Can I take a tour? A tour of the dog care center can give you a clear picture of whether it’s a good fit for you or not.

When in doubt, choose a different facility. You want to be sure that your dog is in responsible hands. A trial run can help you decide between top contenders, and it’s worth your time to observe dogs and staff together for a period of time before making your final choice.

Remember, your pets count!

Turn your oldies on today! Edgewater Gold Radio! We’re your Summer station —The greatest hits of the 50s 60s 70s and 80s! Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen on our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

The time has come when you have to put the dog leash you have hanging in the closet on your little pup.  Your puppy should have gotten used to wearing his collar at this point.  Before attempting to take your pup for a walk, he should be familiar with his leash. The leash should be lightweight. Clip the leash to his collar and let him walk around the house with it.  After your puppy is comfortable dragging the leash around the house, it’s time to pick it up.  Make these training periods are fast and fun for your pup. He must learn that pulling the leash gets him nowhere. If he wants to continue walking, then he must be on your side and on a loose leash. If your puppy sits down while your are walking, don’t yank him forward toward you, gently call him over and reward him when he gets to you. A dog treat would be fine. Start walking again with the puppy at your side. You can train a very young pup to walk on a leash. There should be no pulling by you or the pup. The leash should always be loose and your pup should always be at your side not in the back or front of you.  I think you’re ready to take the little guy for his first walk.

Good luck and remember, your pets count!

The oldies are playing all weekend long!. It’s a 60s and 70s weekend on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio.” or listen on our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

You love to fish and so does your dog. He goes with you on every trip. You’re just getting back to the dock with a good catch of salmon and trout. To reward your dog for being such a good companion, you throw him a fish.  Did you know that you may be killing him with your kindness?  Salmon poisoning disease found primarily in the northern pacific area of the U.S., and the pacific coast of Canada is often fatal for dogs.  The disease is caused when the dog eats raw salmon or trout contaminated with a parasite that contains the infecting organism.  Symptoms usually appear five to seven days later. Look for lack of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea if you suspect that your dog may be infected.  Salmon poisoning disease is curable if caught early and the dog is treated with fluids, antibiotics and anti vomiting medication.  So instead of throwing him a raw fish, buy him a dog toy instead!

Remember, your pets count!

Another weekend and it’s 60s and 70s all weekend long. Beginning tonight at midnight Edgewater Gold Radio plays 60s and 70s all weekend long! Your Summer oldies station. Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website” Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

If you would like to adopt a pet, most pet rescue organizations have required to ensure the safety and well being of the pet. This makes sense, they want to make sure that the pet is adopted into a forever home where it thrives.

Petful.com has put together some of the rules and requirements when adopting a pet.

• If you live in an apartment and work long hours, a rescue will probably balk at giving you a young, active dog but might recommend an older dog or a pair of dogs who won’t mind lazing around all day, provided they have a place to potty.
• If you live in the city or the suburbs and allow your cats to roam outside, a rescue will probably reject you — it has grown increasingly dangerous to allow cats to live outdoors, and the rescue won’t want to take any chances.
• If you have infants or toddlers living with you, a rescue will not let you adopt a dog or cat who responds poorly to roughhousing.
• If you live in a house, the rescue will want to know about the security and height of your fence.
• If you plan to or have a history of performing “cosmetic” surgery on your animals — cropping ears, docking tails, declawing cats — the rescue will reject you outright, just as they will if you have intact animals (except those who are too old or ill to have surgery). If you want a declawed cat, discuss the decision with the rescue or shelter staff. Be open and honest. There may be an already-declawed cat available for adoption.
  

Remember, your pets count!

Turn on your favorite oldies today! Edgewater Gold Radio--your Summer station. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.