Educational Articles
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In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in cats and is one of the most common overall. Almost 60% of domestic cats are overweight. Scientific evidence now reveals that fat tissue is biologically active; it secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress on the body's tissues, both of which contribute to many diseases and a decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, low-level inflammatory condition is the new approach.
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In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. Almost 50% of domestic dogs are overweight. Scientific evidence now reveals that fat tissue is biologically active; it secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress on the body's tissues, both of which contribute to many diseases and decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, low-level inflammatory condition is the new approach.
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Some over-the-counter medications can be used in a pinch for short-term treatment of common ailments in dogs. Consult with your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter medication to determine the correct dose and ensure that they will not interact with other medications your dog is taking. Some medications are toxic. If the condition you are treating does not respond to treatment contact your veterinarian.
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Obesity is the most common problem in cats in North America and leads to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Reducing inflammation and pain can help an overweight cat to regain activity, which in turn can lead to more appropriate weight loss. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when cat owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and improving movement or activity.
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Obesity is a very common problem in cats due to too many calories in and not enough calories burned. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation in the body, worsening osteoarthritis. To prevent your cat from becoming obese, speak to your veterinarian about appropriate food for your cat's particular life stage. Including exercise in your cat's daily routine can help prevent or reverse obesity. Be aware or your cat's body condition and keep track of her weight.
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Obesity is the most common problem in dogs in North America and leads to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Reducing inflammation and pain can help an overweight dog to regain activity, which in turn can lead to more appropriate weight loss. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when dog owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and exercise.
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Obesity is a very common problem in dogs due to too many calories in and not enough calories burned. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation in the body, worsening osteoarthritis. To prevent your dog from becoming obese, speak to your veterinarian about appropriate food for your dog's particular life stage. Increasing your dog's daily exercise can help prevent or reverse obesity. Be aware or your dog's body condition and keep track of his weight.
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Ferrets are generally good-natured, inquisitive, playful animals that enjoy the company of humans. They can make great pets! This handout provides some basic facts about ferrets and what you need to know about keeping one as a pet.
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Gerbils generally make good family pets but should never be left unsupervised with small children. If well-socialized from a young age and treated gently, they can be wonderful pets. The incisors (front teeth) of all rodents grow continuously throughout the animal's life. Gerbils do not require vaccines, but they should have annual examinations.
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If well socialized from a young age and treated gently, hamsters are generally slow moving, reasonably easy to handle, and affectionate. Hamsters make good family pets but should never be left unsupervised with small children. Hamsters should have annual physical examinations and fecal tests for intestinal parasites.