The American Heartworm Society strongly urges pet owners to continue year-round heartworm prevention medication for their pets. It's important not to cut back on preventatives as failing to administer them could cause harm to pets, and could actually increase the financial burden if heartworm disease treatment is needed. The warning comes as this year's increase in precipitation, widespread flooding across the country and surge of hurricanes has greatly increased the mosquito population.

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The Humane Society of the United States has teamed up with various Minnesota law enforcement agencies to combat cockfighting and dogfighting. At a press conference held today at the state Capitol, representatives from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, Minnesota Police & Peace Officers Association and Minnesota Animal Control Association joined to announce that The Humane Society of the United States is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person(s) involved in illegal animal fighting.

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The message is clear ? Vaccinate your pets against rabies. That?s the word from Bonnie Lilley, DVM, Chief Veterinarian for Pima County. Within the past week, near the Pima and Cochise County lines, a domestic dog tested positive for rabies; while close to Catalina, a fox was found to be rabid.

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Dr. James Cook, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), says he has a very unhappy holiday tradition -- treating pets that have become sick due to holiday excesses.

"From Thanksgiving through Christmas and into New Years, we'll see it every year at my practice, and, unfortunately, some of them can't be saved," Dr. Cook explains. "People want to involve their pets in the holiday celebrations, but people need to focus on keeping their pets healthy. That's the best gift."

Here are the AVMA's top ten holiday health tips:

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The world is dancing in the street at the election of Barack Obama. His every word is news and everyone wants to know what he will do next. During his victory speech he announced he will be getting a new family dog for the white house and animal lovers everywhere are weighing in on the best Hypoallergenic Dog for the first family. The blogosphere is buzzing with names, breeds and advice for this major decision.

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