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As New World screwworm returns to the headlines, many pet owners are hearing the name for the first time and wondering whether they should be concerned.

We spoke wiith Dr. Sheldon Rubin, a longtime Chicago veterinarian, former president of the Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, former president of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association and former president of the American Heartworm Society. Dr. Rubin built one of Chicago’s largest veterinary practices, helped establish one of the region’s largest veterinary emergency and specialty hospitals and educated pet owners through national media appearances, including on the Oprah Winfrey show during her years in Chicago.

When talking about the New World Screwworm, Dr. Rubin wants people to understand what the parasite is, where it’s currently found and why good veterinary care remains the best way to protect pets. He is not trying to frighten them.

“I don’t want to put out some kind of red flag,” said Dr. Rubin. “But I do want people to understand what we’re dealing with.”

What Makes Screwworm Different?

Despite its name, New World Screwworm isn’t actually a worm. It’s the larval stage of a fly that’s slightly larger than a common housefly, with bright orange eyes and a metallic blue-green body.

The real danger begins when a female fly finds an open wound on an animal. That wound can be something obvious, like a recent surgical incision, or as small as a tick bite or irritated skin caused by allergies. The fly lays hundreds of eggs around the wound. Within a few days, those eggs hatch into larvae.

Unlike most fly larvae, which feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae burrow into healthy tissue.

“They begin to burrow like a screw into live tissue - not dead tissue, live tissue,” Dr. Rubin explains. “That’s what makes these so unique.”

As the larvae tunnel deeper, they continue feeding, causing severe tissue damage if they aren’t treated promptly.

Should Pet Owners Be Concerned

Although screwworm has generated national attention, Dr. Rubin says it’s important to keep the current situation in perspective. At the time of our conversation in August 2026, confirmed U.S. cases were concentrated along the Texas-Mexico border, with one reported case in New Mexico. The parasite is also been present in Mexico, Central America and South America.

For pet owners in much of the country, the immediate risk remains low.

“It’s unlikely at this point that we would even have to worry about this up here in the Chicago area,” Dr. Rubin says.

The greatest concern is for livestock producers and for people traveling with pets into affected areas. Dogs recovering from surgery, pets with untreated wounds or animals with skin conditions may be more vulnerable if exposed to the flies.

The good news is that screwworm is treatable when caught early.

“If a wound is found on them, it can be treated,” Dr. Rubin says. “It doesn’t mean it’s the end of the life for the animal.”

Dr. Rubin also wants pet owners to know that screwworm isn’t something pets spread to one another.

“Screwworm is not infectious between animal to animal, or animal to person,” he explains. “These animals only get infected by the adult female fly laying eggs on a wound.”

Prevention Starts With Good Veterinary Care

One of the reasons Dr. Rubin isn’t overly alarmed is that prevention is already part of good veterinary medicine.

Several monthly parasite preventives offer protection against screwworm larvae while also protecting pets against much more common threats like fleas, ticks and heartworm disease.

“This year so far has been a major tick year,” Dr. Rubin says.

He notes that veterinarians are seeing more tick-borne disease than ever before, even in urban areas where dogs may never leave the city. Heartworm also remains a significant concern across much of the country.

“Heartworm is easy to prevent and very difficult to cure,” Dr. Rubin says.

Rather than focusing only on the newest parasite making headlines, Dr. Rubin encourages pet owners to think about year-round parasite prevention as part of their pet’s overall healthcare.

Your Veterinarian Is Your Best Resource

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rubin repeatedly returned to one simple message: every pet is different, and every prevention plan should be based on that individual animal’s age, health, lifestyle, living situation and travel habits.

“I think the bottom line here is we should be taking our pets to the veterinarian at least once a year,” Dr. Rubin says. “And if your pet is older, it should go twice a year.”

Routine wellness visits give veterinarians the opportunity to recommend the right parasite prevention, identify health concerns early and answer questions before small problems become larger ones.

As Dr. Rubin puts it, “I always say your veterinarian is your pet’s second-best friend.”

Keeping the Risk in Perspective

For most pet owners, New World Screwworm is something to be aware of - not something to fear.

Scientists are once again using the same sterile-fly program that successfully eliminated the parasite from the United States decades ago, and veterinarians continue to monitor new cases closely.

In the meantime, the advice for pet owners hasn’t changed. Keep wounds clean, use veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention, schedule regular wellness visits and talk with your veterinarian before traveling to areas where screwworm is present.

As Dr. Rubin reminds pet owners, “If you have a pet, you have a responsibility for that pet.”

Whether the concern is screwworm, ticks, heartworm or another parasite, that responsibility begins with prevention and a trusted veterinary team.

For more information on the New World Screwworm, visit:

www.Screwworm.org

www.USDA.gov

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“The heavy smoke from wildfires is problematic for all animals, but especially young, elderly, or health compromised animals,” said Dr. Klein. “Brachycephalic dog breeds such as bulldogs, Shih Tzus and Pomeranians as well as flat-nosed cats such as Perians are most effected by poor air quality.”

Health Risks for Pets

According to Dr. Klein, pets are sensitive to smoke and poor air quality, which can negatively impact their heath. The heavy smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

Animals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, young puppies or kittens, and senior pets are particularly vulnerable. Pet birds are extremely sensitive to smoke.

Brachycephalic or short-nosed breeds are especially at risk. This includes dog breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, shih tzus and others. It also includes short-muzzled cats such as Persians and Orientals

Symptoms include:

· Coughing

· Gagging

· Watery or red eyes

· Difficulty breathing

Protective Measures

• - Keep pets indoors as much as possible, closing windows and doors to limit smoke infiltration

• - Limit outdoor activity to brief bathroom breaks

• - Avoid exercising your pet – certainly don’t engage in activities that increase the heart rate

• - Use indoor air purifiers or high-efficiency HVAC filters to maintain cleaner indoor air

• - Provide fresh water and a cool environment to reduce stress and dehydration

• - Watch for symptoms such as:

  • - Coughing

  • - Rapid breathing

  • - Nasal discharge

  • - Eye irritation – pawing at eyes

  • - Fatigue, disorientation, stumbling

Contact your veterinarian if symptoms appear.

BE PREPARED

If you are in an area that is at risk for wildfires or other natural disasters, make sure you have a pet evacuation kit prepared. This should include your pet’s:

· Food

· Water

· Medications

· A toy or other comfort item

As always, make sure your pet has proper identification:

· A collar tag with the pet’s name, your address and phone number

· A microchip inserted by your veterinarian

· Keep your contact information up-to-date with the microchip company

For additional news for dogs and the people who love them, check out our website, www.CoreysCanineCorner.com

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The good news? Many parasite-related illnesses are preventable with routine veterinary care and year-round prevention.

Heartworm Disease: One Bite Can Be Enough

Just one bite from an infected mosquito WILL giver your dog, cat or ferret heartworm disease. Because mosquitoes are so common, even dogs that spend most of their time indoors can be at risk. Global warming and micro-climates extend the risk period to beyond the usual summer months. So it’s best to provide year-round protection for your pet.

Heartworm disease can cause serious damage to the heart, lungs and blood vessels. Treatment is often lengthy, costly and can be especially hard on your pet.

The best protection is prevention.

Heartworm prevention is:

● Safe and effective

● Easy to administer

● Much less expensive than treatment

● Recommended year-round for most dogs

Today, prescription heartworm prevention can be administered monthly by pet owners. Dogs can now receive an annual injection to prevent heartworm disease. Talk with your veterinarian about the prevention plan that’s right for your pet.

Fleas & Ticks Are More Than a Nuisance

Most pet owners recognize fleas and ticks as unwanted pests, but these parasites can also carry diseases that affect both animals and humans.

Potential concerns include:

● Skin irritation and allergic reactions

● Blood loss from heavy infestations

● Flea and tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tapeworm and more

● Parasites that can be brought into your home

Because fleas and ticks can be active throughout much of the year, consistent prevention is often the best defense.

Don’t Overlook Internal Parasites

Internal parasites such as hookworms and roundworms are especially common in puppies, but dogs of any age can be affected.

Signs may include:

● Digestive upset

● Weight loss

● Poor growth in young pets

● General illness or discomfort

Some intestinal parasites can also pose health risks to people, making prevention important for the entire household.

Prevention Is Easier Than Treatment

Parasites are a common part of life for pets, but serious complications don’t have to be.

A few simple preventive measures can help protect your dog from illnesses that are often difficult, expensive or stressful to treat later on.

To help keep your pet healthy year-round:

● Stay current on heartworm prevention

● Use veterinarian-recommended flea and tick control

● Schedule routine wellness exams

● Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for parasite testing and prevention

Talk With Your Veterinarian

Every dog has different risks based on age, lifestyle, location and overall health. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best parasite prevention plan for your pet.

A little prevention today can go a long way toward keeping your dog healthy, comfortable and protected for years to come

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If your pet needs over-the-counter products - buy them now before they sell out. If your pet requires medication, make an appointment with your veterinarian now before they completely book-up.

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There’s a reason dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” Nothing beats an enthusiastically wagging tail and yaps of joy when you walk in the door – whether you’ve been gone five minutes or five days. And, it’s great to have a beloved furry companion at your side when you’re out for a walk on a warm summer day, or suffering through one of the worst days of your life. No matter what the circumstances, your dog will be there for you.

It’s easy to think about the sweet smell of puppy paws, and licks and tricks and all the good that goes with having a dog. But according to the ASPCA, each year, more than 3.1 million dogs end up in shelters. Only 2 million of them are adopted. According to Animal Shelters Count, in 2024, more than 334,000 dogs were euthanized.

Among the top reasons dog owners give for surrendering their dogs to a shelter and an
uncertain future are:
- Not having enough time for a dog
- Cost
- Behavior issues
- Health of the dog

“Getting a dog, or any other pet, is a commitment for the life of the animal,” said Jerry Klein, DVM. “Once you make that commitment, it is your responsibility to resolve any problems that may arise and make you doubt your ability to continue with ownership of the dog. It’s important that dog owners adopt that mindset when considering whether or not to add a dog into their family.”

As we all know, dogs, like their human counterparts, vary greatly. Traits, including coat, personality, exercise requirements and size can be vastly different from dog to dog. “The dog you think you want may NOT actually be compatible with your lifestyle, budget, time constraints, etc. It’s important to be clear on whether or not a dog will fit with your lifestyle,’ said Dr. Klein.”

Click here to learn more from Dr. Klein about responsible pet ownership.

CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE ACQUIRING A DOG:

SHOULD I GET A DOG?
Dogs take time, money and energy to develop a happy, healthy, lifelong relationship with you and your family. If you have a busy schedule due to work, family, hobbies or other commitments, a dog may not be a good idea at this time. Really consider whether or not you have one-to-three hours a day for feeding, grooming, walks, play, training and cleaning up after a dog. That’s every single day, not just a few times a week. Therefore, the decision to bring a dog into your family should NOT be taken without thorough consideration.

IS MY HOME APPROPRIATE FOR A DOG? IF SO, WHAT KIND?
While most living environments are compatible with a dog, not every living environment is compatible with every dog. If you live in a multi-unit building with neighbors nearby that come and go frequently, a dog that is vocal and has a natural tendency to act as a watch dog is probably NOT a good choice. Dogs that need lots of exercise – such as working breeds – may be well-suited to farm life or homes with acres of land and active families if the dog can be included in their activities. Small dogs may not be the best choice for homes with small children as the dog can be more easily injured by rambunctious play, but can be ideal for apartment dwellers. A non-shedding dog may be a better companion for someone who prefers a meticulously kept home than a dog that sheds heavily. There are lots of issues to consider.

DO I HAVE THE TIME REQUIRED EACH AND EVERY DAY TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE CARE FOR A DOG?
Dogs take time and that time commitment is especially heavy for puppies. Each and every day, dogs need:
- Fresh water several times each day
- Fresh food – for puppies, three times daily. For older dogs, once or twice each day.
- Opportunities to go outside to urinate and defecate. The frequency can vary significantly by the age, size and health of the dog, but generally, your dog will need to be given the opportunity to relieve themselves at least four times a day.
- Exercise – dogs are intelligent creatures and need physical and mental exercise each day. This includes play, walks, training, etc. and should be done every day.

DO I HAVE THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES NEEDED TO SUPPORT A DOG?
Dogs cost money – far beyond the initial costs associated with adoption or purchase from a responsible breeder. Dog owners should budget for:

- Food
- Bedding
- Collars, leashes, microchip
- Clothing such as coats, sweaters, boots as needed
- Annual or semi-annual wellness care veterinary check-ups
- Vaccines
- Parasite prevention
- Dental care
- Emergency or serious illness
- Medical insurance if appropriate for your situation
- Toys and treats

According to information from the American Pet Products Association, dog owners can expect costs of nearly $1,500/year. No doubt, many of us would find that number to be low if we have dogs that need regular grooming, encounter an emergency or develop an ongoing illness.

WHAT ABOUT PET INSURANCE?
It’s important that dog owners make certain they have the financial resources to care for their dog – both with regular preventative care, but also in the case of illness or in an emergency. Dog owners generally have three choices they should consider regarding costs:
- Absorb the costs of regular preventative care as well as unexpected care for an emergency or serious illness as part of their normal budget.
- Put away money into a separate, untouched account to save for a time (maybe
years down the road, but maybe next month) the pet might need emergency or illness
care.
- Purchase pet insurance that works well with their financial situation. Some plans can help cover preventative care, others may only cover emergency care or care related to a serious illness.

If you decide that pet insurance is right for you, figure out what is the best plan BEFORE selecting the pet. Talk with other pet owners to learn of their experience. Ask your veterinarian about plans they might recommend. And purchase the plan as soon as you bring the dog into your family. Waiting can result in higher costs and exclusions to care.

WHAT TYPE OF DOG BEST SUITS ME, MY LIFESTYLE, MY LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND MY FAMILY?

“A great way to determine which breed meets your needs is to do your research on breed characteristics, personalities and traits,” said Dr. Klein. “The American Kennel Club and the individual breed clubs provide a wealth of information about the 200 breeds of dogs they recognize. The AKC website is also a great place to find information about responsible breeders and connect with breed clubs to learn more. Some breed clubs even have a rescue component that helps find forever homes for their breed when necessary.”

Learn about the expected size of the dog and other physical characteristics. Understand the dog’s likely personality traits – recognizing that this is just a guideline as individual dogs can vary in personality despite being the same breed. Understand their requirements for physical and mental stimulation. Breeds such as the Border Collie are widely recognized to be smart and hard working. This breed generally will be happiest with regular mental and physical exercise and will be the best possible companion when you and your family offer both for the dog.

WHERE WILL I GET MY DOG?
There are lots of options for finding a dog to bring into your family. The most important criteria is that you work with individuals or organizations that put the welfare of the dog first. We recommend finding a RESPONSIBLE breeder; a RESPONSIBLE breed rescue organization; or a well-known, RESPONSIBLE rescue organization. Each of these should work with you to make certain you understand the characteristics of the dog you are buying/adopting and are able to provide appropriate care for the dog. They should also be able to point you to additional information or answer questions if you have any challenges related to the animal.

AM I WILLING TO TRAIN MY DOG AND TAKE STEPS TO KEEP IT SAFE?
The human/dog relationship works best when dogs understand the expectations of their humans. This is accomplished with consistent, positive training. It’s critical that dogs be trained to sit, lay down and return to their owners when called – for their safety and for the safety of others. It’s also important that dog owners not assume their dog will always respond accordingly and take steps to maintain responsible control of their dog whenever they are out in public.

WHAT LEGAL ISSUES SHOULD I CONSIDER?
In the United States, EVERY state requires dogs to have an up-to-date rabies vaccine. This is not only for your dog’s protection, but for the protection of people and other animals your dog may encounter. Most municipalities also require that your dog be properly registered.

You will also want to make provisions for what will happen should you become
unable to care for your dog, or should you predecease your dog. Identify someone who will take on the role of Guardian for your dog. Talk with them ahead of time and make certain they are willing and able to provide the level of care you would want for your dog. Also, figure out the financial provisions you will make for their care. Put this information in writing and make certain that your family members who will be responsible for you and your belongings are aware of your plan.

As Dr. Klein says, “Getting a dog is a huge responsibility – one that lasts the life of the pet. But the joy a dog will bring to your life is boundless. Do it right and both you and your dog will have the best life together!”

Corey’s Canine Corner provides news and other information for dogs and the people who love them. Our goal is to make the world a better place for dogs, and for all animals. Corey’s Canine Corner is named after Corey, a pure-bred Tibetan Terrier puppy. His full name was Mon Coeur d’Or – which in French means, My Heart of Gold.

For those not familiar with the breed, Tibetan Terriers are originally from Tibet, but they are not terriers. They are companion animals and part of the AKC’s Non-Sporting Group. They are one of the oldest breeds in existence.

Like many AKC breed clubs, the Tibetan Terrier Club of America has a Breed Rescue component that helps find homes for Tibetan Terriers in need. As a puppy, Corey was part of a large rescue effort by the Tibetan Terrier Health & Welfare Foundation (TTHWF) which is affiliated with the Tibetan Terrier Club of America,

Unfortunately, during his first veterinary exam with the TTHWF, it was discovered that Corey had a serious heart condition. Although the rescue took Corey to a veterinary cardiologist where he underwent a cardiac procedure, the results weren’t as hoped. It was clear that Corey would require a quiet home, extra attention and regular care with a veterinary cardiologist. It also meant his life would likely be short.

Corey’s rescue family was able and happy to provide the care he needed and welcomed this beautiful, joyous puppy into their family. Corey was full of life and full of fun. He lived every moment with joy and through social media, brought that joy to others around the globe.

Despite his serious health problem, Corey loved to play, although for much shorter periods than most puppies. He especially loved to fly off the deck and run around the yard! His antics made him a star on social media as he shared his joy for life with Tibetan Terrier lovers around the globe.

Corey’s new family was well-prepared to take special care of him and be his nurse when needed. They accepted that he would likely have a shorter life than most dogs. Unfortunately, Corey’s health took a turn for the worse much sooner than expected.

Hoping to extend the life of this young, vibrant puppy, Corey’s family made plans for him to have heart surgery at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Unfortunately, he never got to make the trip from the Midwest to Colorado. Corey’s heart gave out and he passed away peacefully with the person he loved most at his side just days before his scheduled surgery. He was just 18 months old.

Corey brought so much joy to his family, and through social media to people around the world. He was a beautiful, joyous, mischievous and special dog. Countless hearts were broken when he passed away.

We didn’t want to forget Corey, so we created Corey’s Canine Corner to help make the world a better place for dogs and the people who love them! We hope you will come along with us for the ride.

Learn more at www.CoreysCanineCorner.com

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We hope this knowledge will help cut through the noise on the internet and provide you with insight that you can trust. We want to help you make the best decisions for your dog’s good health and happiness. However, please note that we do NOT provide medical advice for a specific animal – that’s what your veterinarian is for!

Our goal is simply to educate and inform. We want to share the deep and broad knowledge of Corey’s Community in a fun, friendly and approachable manner that you will enjoy and your dog will benefit from. We hope by doing so, we can make the world a better place for animals - especially dogs - and for the people who love them.

So, join the pack today. Visit often, subscribe and share our information. You’re in for a treat!

Corey’s Canine Corner. Trusted by dog owners. Approved by veterinarians.

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