Admit it! Sometimes you cringe when a dog (or any dog, for that matter) gives you those big, sloppy, wet kisses on your face, don’t you? It’s not that you don’t love us like crazy. You just might find it a little icky from time. My mom and dad call it “getting slimed.”  Well, the next time you get slimed, think about this…

FOX news reports researchers have found that the DNA on my tongue might be the key to new treatments for rare cancers in both humans and dogs.

According to FOX news, “The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), developed the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium, to understand why people and their pets get sick. The study used saliva, blood and tumor samples of dogs volunteered by private pet owners for testing in hopes that by studying canine cancer, oncologists can determine the cause of human cancers.”

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Why Dogs Matter!

“Rare diseases in humans also show up in dogs. By studying the DNA of canines, we expect to more quickly discover the genomic causes of disease and more quickly find ways to better treat dogs, and people,” said Dr. Mark Neff, director of the new TGen-VARI Program for Canine Health and Performance.

The testing, approved by the American Kennel Club and Morris Animal Foundation, will be animal-safe, and funding will be supported by private donors, along with a $4.3 million dollar federal stimulus grant.

They said cancer is the cause of death for nearly 50 percent of all dogs older than 10-years-old. Pretty scary, but I think I speak for all my canine comrades when I say we’re glad we can help change that for the better. Since my mom and dad found out about this, they let me slime them to my heart’s content!

When it’s time to hit the road, be sure that everyone travels safely–including your pet.  Gone are the days when you can just put your dog in the back of a pickup truck and hope for the best.  Having your pet on the inside of the car can pose a problem, as well, if your pet is active and all over the place.  With the speed and distractions most drivers face on the road every day, it behooves everyone to use caution when traveling with pets.  According the the American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 30,000 accidents occur each year as a result of pet distractions. Surprisingly, it’s #3 on the list–right behind using cellphones and eating while driving.  Not only can your dog be a distraction, but in the event of an accident, he might just become a flying object.  No matter how you look at it, everyone’s safer when pets are secure.  Protecting your pooch should be job #1, and it’s a lot easier to do with the help of these gadgets.

Seat belts for Pets:  Specially made dog leashes keep your dog from moving all over the car.  With a universal clip, it easily attaches to the seat belt of your car.

Booster Seats: If you need more than a seatbelt clip or if your dog is smaller, this may be the solution for you.  Working similar to a baby car seat, these canine booster seats elevate your pet to see out of the window and keeps him or her secure with a clip inside the special seat that attaches to the dog’s collar.  Some of them even come with a car seat cover to keep down dog hair for people passengers.

Back Seat Dog Run:  If your dog likes to move around a lot while in the car, this dog run will help him do it securely.  Keeping him in the back seat (and not all over the car), the trolley attaches between the seat belts or to the dry cleaning clips and gives your dog freedom to move back and forth.  You can even open the doors to the car without worrying about your pet escaping.

Most of these items can be purchased separately, but some car manufacturers like Toyota and Honda now offer them as optional add-ons.  Clearly putting them ahead of the pack, it makes you wonder if Sport Utility Vehicles are now becoming Dog Utility Vehicles.  What a welcome addition to the pet world!