Dogs occasionally develop a red eye. The redness may be in the white of the eye, in the clear part of the eye called the cornea, or within the eyeball. There are many causes of a red eye, but all ocular diseases should always be considered an urgent matter, and be checked immediately by a veterinarian. Evaluation A
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Evaluation and Diagnosis of a Red Eye in Dogs
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
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Ear Problems for Pets
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Symptoms of ear disease are shaking the head, scratching at the ears, discharge from the ear canal, odor from the ear, or redness of the ear flap or entrance to the ear canal. Your pet may be tilting their head to one side although it's important to point out that there are causes for this other than
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Dog Allergies and Lesion Locations
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Dogs are taken to the veterinarian for skin problems more than any other reason. Most often they are itchy and that itchiness is typically due to allergies. The text of canine and feline dermatological diseases is large because there are hundreds of skin diseases, however, it can help to start with some
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Canine Lyme Disease
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
There are several options for protecting dogs against canine Lyme disease. One option is vaccination, which may be the best choice for pets who live in an endemic area. Annual vaccination is an affordable means of protecting pets against this disease, which can have serious health implications. Some
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Canine Juvenile Orthopedic Diseases
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Puppies are happy and full of energy, running, wrestling, and playing so much that we often wish we had that much energy! But when that puppy is not happy, when it is lethargic and limping, then a visit to the veterinarian is in order. There are several orthopedic diseases that affect young dogs. Osteochondrosis
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Canine Hip Dysplasia: Causes & Treatment
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Canine hip dysplasia is the abnormal formation of the hip joint and one of the leading causes of rear leg lameness in dogs. Hip dysplasia is most prevalent in larger breed dogs, especially German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Saint Bernards and Rottweilers. On the other hand, hip dysplasia
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Cancer in Pocket Pets
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
A tumor (also known as neoplasm) is an abnormal growth of cells; this growth may be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not spread throughout the body and often have a limited impact on a pet’s overall health. Malignant tumors can develop in one location, such as a hormone-producing gland,
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Addison's Disease in Dogs
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Addison's disease is an endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands, near the kidneys, fail to produce enough hormones. This disease is relatively uncommon (approximately one case per 3000 dogs) but it is more common in dogs than humans. It is very rare in cats. The common symptoms of Addison's are
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Acute Kidney Injury in Dogs
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Leptospirosis is a bacterial, worldwide disease that can also affect humans. Dogs are usually exposed by contact with the urine of affected animals, often wildlife, or by drinking contaminated water. There is a vaccine that can protect dogs from four strains of Lepto. Antifreeze toxicity is another
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Acupuncture as Pain Management for Pets
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
If your pet is suffering from pain or another illness but not responding to traditional veterinary care, veterinary acupuncture may be an effective treatment option. Veterinary acupuncture is very similar to the type of acupuncture used to treat humans. Long, thin needles are inserted at specific pressure
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How to Prevent Motion Sickness in Pets
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
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Ticks
Category: Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
Ticks are the small wingless external parasites, living by hematophagy on the blood of mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that are often found in freshly mown grass, where they will rest themselves at the tip of a blade so as to attach themselves
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Liver Shunt
Category: Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
A liver shunt is also named a PSS, portosystemic shunt, portacaval shunt or portosystemic vascular anomaly. This abnormality occurs when a pet's venous blood from the intestine bypasses the liver. In the normal pet, blood vessels pick up nutrients from ingested material in the intestine and carry it
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Stem Cell Relief
Category: Video Newsroom, Technology and Science
More than 15 million dogs in North America suffer some form of degenerative joint disease, better known as arthritis. Unfortunately, many dog owners are unaware of the pain their pet is experiencing, chalking up the slow movement to the effects of "old age." Some dogs may receive daily doses of
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Overweight Pets
Category: Video Newsroom, Health Topics
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 43% of all dogs and 53% of all cats are classified as overweight. What's worse is that an additional 10% of all dogs and 19% of all cats are considered obese! Therefore, more than half of our dogs and cats are overweight or obese. So, should
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Pain Management in Pets
Category: Video Newsroom, Health Topics
Arthritis and chronic pain are not purely human conditions. Dogs and cats feel pain too and arthritis causes long term pain that can affect your their behavior and activity level. Modern veterinary diagnostics and therapies can offer some hope. Pain has many causes. When it happens to your pet friends,
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Red Eared Sliders
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Turtles
Red eared sliders are semi aquatic turtles that are very commonly kept as pets. Unfortunately, lack of understanding what they require means that many red eared sliders have died from improper care. While they are not overly demanding as pets, many unsuspecting owners have been told that it was fine
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Blue Tongued Skinks
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Lizards
Blue tongued skinks are quite and gentle, and quite easily tamed and handled. It is reported that even wild blue tongued skinks will sometimes allow themselves to be picked up without a struggle. Popular as pets, blue tongued skinks or "skinks" are moderately sized lizards native to Australia. They live
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Canaries
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Birds
The Canary species is called Serinus canaria and is actually a member of the finch family, native to the Canary Islands. The wild canary is greenish yellow over most of their body with yellow underparts. The domestic canary comes in an array of bright colors and can live up to 10 years. Male canaries
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Lovebirds
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Birds
Lovebirds are very social and form deep bonds with their owners. If you are short on time to spend with your lovebird, then it is best to get him or her a companion. There are several species of lovebirds, such as the genus Agapornis. But the most commonly found species in the pet trade include peach
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African Grey Parrots
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Birds
There are two subspecies of African grey parrot commonly found in the pet trade - the Congo African grey (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) and the Timneh African grey (Psittacus erithacus timneh). The Congo African grey is slightly larger than the Timneh, and has bright red tail feathers. The Timneh's
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Bearded Dragons
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Lizards
Bearded dragons are generally docile, and their aggressive displays are rarely seen in captivity. It is reported that even wild bearded dragons will sometimes allow themselves to be picked up without a struggle. Popular as pets, bearded dragons or "beardies" are moderately sized lizards native to Australia.
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Dogs Going Green
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Green Do's & Don'ts Do use all-natural yarn when knitting your doggie a sweater. Do frequent your nearby dog park for a free afternoon of outdoor fun. Don't forget to bring along your recyclable, eco-friendly doggie waste bags. Don't think
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Declawing Alternatives for Cats
Category: Newsletter Library, Cats
Cat declawing is possibly one of the most controversial of all animal surgeries. Cats scratch to mark territory and to keep their claws in top condition, but the scratching behavior can challenge the bond between a cat and his owner. Felines, especially young cats, often play rough and scratch their
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Dogs and Kids
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
The image of your child and dog as inseparable, best friends is a great one that we'd all love to be reality. With the right awareness, our children and pets CAN have the wonderful relationships we hope for. Here are some tips that all families with children and dogs will want to know.
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Basic Dog Training
Category: Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Although there are various techniques used to train dogs, the basics of any training regime are consistency and plenty of exercise. Discipline and affection are also key to a well-trained dog. Dogs need a leader - they feel more confident with a leader. If their owner is not the leader, they will take
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Dog Bite Prevention
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
DID YOU KNOW? About 1 million people a year require medical attention as a result of dog bites. **2 Dog Bite Prevention week is held during the third week in May each year. Neutering dogs has been proven to prevent dog bites. Neutered dogs are not as aggressive as other dogs. An estimated
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Deciding to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Category: Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
Spaying and neutering your pet is a common practice in the United States. With so many animals in the United States (and around the world) nÂeeding homes, spaying or neutering your pet is the responsible way to help end pet homelessness. Spaying and neutering (also referred to as "sterilizing" or
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De-Skunking Your Dog
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
De-Skunk Your House Now that you have gotten the smell off of your dog, you will need to get the smell out of your house. The same solution that is described above works both for dogs and for items around your house such as carpets, couches, etc. However, the peroxide in the solution can
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Canine Environmental Enrichment
Category: Newsletter Library, Newsletter Archive, Fun with Pets
Does your dog like to bark, dig and chew everything in his line of sight? Before you panic and head straight for doggy boot camp, the solution may be simpler than you think. Just as humans do, dogs get bored. Unlike humans, however, dogs have fewer means of passing the time. Instead, bored dogs can develop
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Assisting Anxious Pets
Category: Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Pet anxiety can be a huge problem for pets and their families. Being home alone for several hours a day while their humans are at school or work can cause separation anxiety. Thunderstorms and fireworks can also really panic pets. Some pets are so anxious that any new situation (car trips, moving, unexpected
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Does Your Young Dog or Puppy Have Pain or Lameness?
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Young puppies are expected to be full of life and energy. They are enthusiastic about playtime, walks and exercise. Puppies will often follow you wherever you go, can disrupt your nap or quiet time in their excitement to show you something new, and be always ready for playtime and fun. When puppies and
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A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog
Category: Newsletter Library, Newsletter Archive, Fun with Pets
No species on earth varies as much as the domestic dog. Dogs can weigh two pounds or two hundred pounds. We have developed different breeds of dogs to fit all kinds of different occupations. Some dogs such as retrievers are bred to return things to us. Herding breeds such as border collies have been
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A Moving Experience
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Did You Know? Fish are the only pets that require no certificates or permits of any sort when they are relocated from one state to another. The more exotic the pet, the more complex the regulations are surrounding its entry into a new state of residence. Moving, whether across the street or
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Does Your Family Have a Dog Theft Prevention Strategy?
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Finding Lost Pets Losing a pet can be a heartbreaking experience that devastates entire families. Keep medical history and information about medical conditions with you at all times, always have current photos of your pet and be able to describe coat color/markings.
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