Educational Articles
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Bearded dragons have specific environmental requirements to thrive as our pets. This handout outlines their housing needs, including enclosure size, appropriate bedding, preferred accessories, and necessary lighting and temperature control.
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Bearded dragons are well-known small to medium-sized lizards. They are currently considered one of the most popular pet lizards for all ages. Owners often refer to their pets as 'beardies'. This handout explains how they differ from other pets and provides tips for selecting a healthy beardie to keep as your pet.
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Bearded dragons are susceptible to several health problems; understanding them will help you prevent them from occurring in your pet and know when to seek veterinary attention. Problems described in this handout include salmonellosis, avascular necrosis, tail rot, abscesses, and dystocia (egg binging).
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There is a wide range of non-pharmaceutical products designed to improve a pet's behavior. There is little oversight for many of these products which means that any given product may not work for your pet. Ask your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter product for your pet. The label “natural” does not guarantee a product is safe to use in dogs and cats.
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Behavioral problems can develop for many reasons. Genetics and the environment both contribute to behavior. When problematic behaviors arise, particularly if they develop suddenly or occur in older pets, it is important to screen for underlying medical conditions. The behavioral history provides valuable information to assist in determining the root cause for any behavioral concern.
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Many behaviors are normal but problematic for a particular person or household. Some behaviors are not normal and may be unsafe for the pet or for others. The first step is to ask your veterinarian to examine your pet for signs of physical illness. Then, a behavior consultation can be scheduled to assess the behavior and design an appropriate treatment strategy.
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Behavioral treatment plans almost always include behavior medication. Many dogs and cats can also benefit from medication that helps them learn more efficiently. When pets are very anxious, they may not be able to learn well. Drugs can help speed up the learning process. Many safe medications are available and fortunately, side effects are not common. It is important to have a behavioral and physical health assessment before giving medication.
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Several products are available to help with behavior management in cats. Various products promote play and exercise, provide cognitive stimulation, allow safe outdoor exploration, and assist with anxiety or undesirable behavior (as part of your veterinarian's treatment program for these problems).
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There are numerous products on the market that have been designed to help prevent undesirable behavior in dogs. Leashes, harnesses, and head halters are needed to keep pets under control, especially when outdoors.
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Foraging toys are designed to provide mental and physical exercise and enjoyment by simulating hunting and seeking for food. Both dogs and cats are natural hunters and scavengers. They benefit from exercising this part of their brain on a regular basis. Providing enrichment in the form of foraging toys can decrease boredom, improve enjoyment, and encourage dogs and cats to engage in species-specific behaviors in a desirable way.