There are a lot of things in your home that can be dangerous to your dog. From chocolate in the kitchen to antifreeze in the garage, you would think that your dog would stay away from these dangerous things, but he doesn’t! Why do dogs eat things they shouldn’t?

There are many clues that something is bad for a dog to eat. Unfortunately, some items don’t give away any clues. For example, antifreeze smells pretty good to a dog, and it tastes good too. If your dog ingests antifreeze, you’ll have to head to the clinic right away.

Some dogs eat fast, which means they don’t realize it’s something they shouldn’t be eating until it’s too late. Chocolate isn’t that tasty to a dog, but he may snarf it up before he realizes this.

If your dog eats something he shouldn’t, head to your ... Read more »

Reptiles eat some weird food. You can’t always go to the pet store and bring home a bag. Instead, many reptiles require mealworms, crickets, and even fresh vegetables as part of their diet. Does that mean you can’t buy treats for your reptile?

You can definitely purchase treats for your reptile! Some reptiles really enjoy a varied diet, and it’s healthy for them. For example, an iguana would likely enjoy fresh fruit as part of his diet.

You can purchase treats at the store too. Some pet stores carry small tubs and bags full of chewy fruit treats, which may seem more like a treat to your reptile because they are dried and the sugars are more concentrated.

Just like you would with any treat, it’s important not to give your pet too many. For help finding the right treats for your pet, ... Read more »

Your pet is a part of your family, and you want to help him adjust to any and all changes that occur in his life. This includes seasonal changes, as these can significantly impact your pet’s day to day life.

As the weather gets colder, your pet may need to be brought inside more often to warm up. Keep in mind the temperature, and offer him ways to keep warm. If he must be outside, consider purchasing a jacket and some booties to help keep the cold at bay. You should also be conscious of areas that will be impacted by extreme temperatures, like icy sidewalks, as walking on them can harm your pet’s sensitive paw pads. Also, be mindful of his needs in other areas due to changes, like in his diet and hydration levels. For more information, please contact your local Portland, OR veterinarian.

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Did you know that Saluki dogs are considered to be among the oldest breeds of dogs? Egyptians were known to worship the earliest Salukis; in fact, these affectionate dogs were also called the “royal dogs of Egypt”.

Salukis were eventually bred to hunt rabbits and track gazelles. Thus, they also came to be known as Persian Greyhounds. Their smart attitude and delicate exterior don’t reflect as much about their outstanding hunting skills. They are known for their strength and staying power, important features that permit them to go after prey over any type of terrain.   

As pets, Salukis are well-loved for their placid and friendly attitude. Having been originally bred for an active life, they need daily exercise. Even with domestication, their hunting instincts are still very strong, so small pets and cats are generally not safe around these elegant dogs. Another unique feature of Salukis is their being finicky grooming habits, thus they ha ... Read more »

How often do you walk your dog? Everyone knows that a dog needs to head outside regularly, but how often is enough?

In general, you should plan on heading outside with your dog at least once a day. If you’re really busy and your breed isn’t all that active, you may be able to skip a day or two. Your dog will certainly let you know when he’s feeling a little cooped up!

If you have a very active breed, a daily walk is a must. You may have to consider giving your pet multiple walks each day, or you may have to prolong the one walk you do take to ensure your dog is properly exercised.

Every dog’s exercise needs are different! Wondering how often you should be walking your dog? Click here, or give your veterinary clinic Greensboro, NC a call.

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Are you planning to get a pedigree puppy? Then, make sure you are getting one from a reputable breeder who comes highly recommended and that you have proper documents that specify the breed registration. The breed registration paper is an important document that provides proof of your puppy’s pedigree, which is important to reinforce the seller’s claim.

If the breeder or seller is unable to hand over the breed registration paper of the puppy at the time of sale or payment because it hasn’t arrived yet, it is a good idea to wait for this important document to arrive before handing over the payment. The transaction is not complete if the document is not handed to the new owner. In case the owner says that the papers are still with the breed’s Kennel Club or breed registry, you can always call their office to confirm the information.

For additional information ask your Lansing, MI veterinarian regarding impor ... Read more »

Skin itching in cats and dogs is not only caused by external parasites, such as ticks, fleas, or mites, but also by bacteria, yeast or fungi. Ringworm is a common skin problem affecting many cats and dogs. It is caused by fungi and is highly infectious. In fact, it is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans.

Chronic infections of the outer ear are often caused by yeast. Moist conditions in the ear provide an ideal environment for the growth and multiplication of yeast. These organisms are also common contaminants of skin surfaces that are already inflamed or infected.

The skin can harbor a lot of bacteria all the time without causing any infection. However, when the immune system is compromised, the bacteria can easily multiply and create infection. Any skin problem or irritation should be brought to the attention of your Lansing, MI vet. Learn more here.

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Guinea pigs need similar care to other small animals but there are a few special considerations to keep your pig happy and healthy. Guinea pigs need lots of room so look for a large cage for your pig. Guinea pigs are especially wary of predators so don’t allow dogs or cats to threaten or stare down your pig. This could be very stressful. Include foods in your pig’s diet that high in vitamin C since your pig cannot manufacture his own. Without vitamin C, your pig could get quite sick and die. Guinea pigs are fairly large but can be injured very easily if handled improperly or dropped. Learn to pick up your pig while supporting both ends and hold him close to your body so he doesn’t fall. Pigs are also highly social so play with your pig frequently. Contact your San Antonio, TX vet to learn more.

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Your pet mouse can be a fun pet. They are intelligent and can be taught to do a number of tricks such as standing up to beg for food, hop through a hoop, push a small ball with his nose, among others. The technique is relatively simple. You need to lure your mouse toward the desired behavior with a food treat. Oat cereal rings work well for training. Reward your mouse as he gets close to the desired behavior and over time require him to be more and more precise with the trick. Small steps work best. Introduce a command word to get your mouse started but always have the food reward available. Keep training sessions fun and short – no more than a half hour at a time. If your mouse seems distracted, stop and start again another day. Be patient and never punish your mouse. Contact your Cedar Park, TX vet to learn more.

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Your cat means the world to you, and you enjoy seeing her day be brightened by offering a few treats. You know that she loves milk, but you’ve heard this isn’t a good snack for her. Is this true?

Many people offer their cats milk and milk products, but these individuals aren’t likely aware of the fact that most adult cats are lactose intolerant. This means that their body lacks the enzyme that digests it. When eaten, it can cause stomach aches and digestive issues. Young kittens still produce this enzyme in order to process their mother’s milk, but their body stops once they get a bit older. Since an adult cat can’t tell you if they are uncomfortable after ingesting milk, it should simply be avoided to prevent any issues. For more information, please contact your local Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian.

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