Educational Articles
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Secondhand smoke is not just detrimental to people, but also our pets and animal friends. In fact, they are likely more sensitive due to their enhanced smell and different anatomy and physiology. Cancer risks are significantly higher in pets and should be a motivation to help you quit smoking.
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Dental X-rays in cats are similar to those taken in humans. In many cases, intraoral (within the mouth) dental X-rays are necessary to identify and treat dental problems in your cat. Nearly two-thirds of each tooth is located under the gum line. Your cat will need to be anesthetized to accurately place the X-ray sensor and perform a thorough oral assessment, treatment, and prevention procedures.
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Dental X-rays in dogs are similar to those taken in humans. In many cases, intraoral (within the mouth) dental X-rays are necessary to identify and treat dental problems in your dog. Nearly two-thirds of each tooth is located under the gum line. Your dog will need to be anesthetized to accurately place the X-ray sensor and perform a thorough oral assessment, treatment, and prevention procedures.
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Complete and accurate medical records are like a medical diary for your pet. The ability to review your pet’s medical history before the first appointment will allow your new veterinarian to provide exceptional care that is tailored and timely. You can request that your previous veterinary clinic send your pet's records to your new veterinarian.
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A lustrous coat signals vitality and can indicate the health status of a pet. Nothing affects the condition of your pet's coat more than his food. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals play an essential part in caring for your pet's skin and coat. The key to a healthy coat begins with your pet’s diet. If you are concerned about how your dog or cat's coat looks, ask your veterinarian if an underlying nutritional or medical condition is to blame.
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Electronic pet doors with microchip sensors can make life easier for pet owners and their pets by giving the pet freedom to enter and exit the home without disturbing the owner. However, there are things to consider before installing one. The location, size, and type of door should be carefully considered in relation to the pet and the outside environment. Following a few guidelines will make it simpler to choose and install the best door.
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Keeping a dog appropriately confined keeps him safe by preventing mishaps associated with free roaming. Fenced-in dogs are less likely to be hit by vehicles, have fewer aggressive interactions with other dogs, have decreased exposure to contagious diseases, and are less available to pet thieves. There are advantages and disadvantages to electric fences and the choice of fencing is one that takes research and careful consideration.
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Therapeutic ultrasound a treatment method that applies thermal, mechanical, and chemical effects to tissues to improve healing. It can be used to increase the stretch in fibrous tissues (such as tendons), which can help increase range of motion around a joint. Therapeutic ultrasound can also be used to soften and break down scar tissue that is interfering with movement. By deep heating the tissues, therapeutic ultrasound increases blood flow to the inflamed areas, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Therapeutic ultrasound can also decrease pain and muscle spasms, as well as speed up wound healing.
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Helping your pet lose weight may be challenging at first, but with a little patience and persistence, you can be successful. Research has shown that small amounts of weight loss help improve the quality of life for overweight pets: they feel better, move easier, play more often, and live healthier lives. This handout focuses on commonly asked questions and tips for owners to help their overweight pet successfully achieve some weight loss.
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There are approximately 35 (or more) species of toucans and toucanets, including the smaller, slender aracari. Their most outstanding feature is the large, elongated, hollow beak that varies in coloration from black to multicolored. Hand-raised babies that are well-socialized make charming, affectionate pets, whereas wild toucans are very challenging to tame. They require a large horizontal cage with lots of perches, as they are very active, curious, and enjoy hopping from perch to perch. However, they can be aggressive with other birds and are known to occasionally kill and eat smaller species, such as canaries and finches. Toucans and toucanets require regular, routine veterinary health check-ups.