Yes, your dog can eat apples as a snack and in moderation. However, make sure your dog does not eat the seeds. Seeds of apples and another fruit contain cyanide which is toxic especially for dogs. Don’t feed your dog a whole apple. Instead, cut it up into pieces and definitely remove the core and seeds. If your dog is older or small then you should also consider peeling the apple as well. Make sure you wash the apple or wipe it off before feeding it to your dog. This will remove any type of pesticide residue. Feed your dog small bites to prevent choking. Make sure he chews it before feeding another bite. Always feed apples in moderation. Too many apples can cause constipation or diarrhea depending on your dog. Talk with your Tampa, FL veterinary clinic for more details about feeding your dog apples and other fruit.

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Do you own a rabbit? Have you wondered if he would enjoy a toy to play with? Check out the rabbit aisle at your local pet store or talk with your vet to find out if there are toys available for rabbits. A quick search on the Internet will reveal that rabbits do like to play with toys. They like to be entertained and to move about. Treats that hang from the top or side of a rabbit’s cage is a great way to have your rabbit work for his food. They can play and snack at the same time. Outside of the cage, rabbits like to play with the basics like cardboard boxes and paper bags. Rabbits love to crawl and chew cardboard and paper. They love to burrow too. Shredded paper is great for burrowing. For more ideas, give your Tampa, FL veterinary clinic a call.

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There are a lot of dog toys to choose from at local pet stores. The variety of toys available for large dogs is quite large making it easier to choose a toy. What you need to look out for, however, are toys that are too small. Your dog may love playing fetch with a tennis ball or a ball similar in size. Pet stores will most likely carry these balls in small, medium and large to fit dogs of all sizes. Make sure you get the largest one for your large dog. A small ball could get stuck in your pup’s mouth or throat. Large rubber tire toys are popular as are larger tough material animals and plushy toys. These work for large dogs just make sure there are no hard parts like marble eyes as these could be chewed off and choked on. For more tips, talk with your Tampa, FL veterinary clinic.

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For most dog owners, it is important for them that their puppy should know how to control its bowel movements and where it is appropriate to poo or pee. In order to deliver the message loud and clear, you need to put your dog on a leash when you want him to go outside and attend to the call of nature. There are dog owners who make the mistake of ordering their dogs to go outside and finish eliminating but came back in and continued pooping. The puppy failed to understand what his owner wishes him to do.

With a leash, you can take him outside when you see him starting to pee or poop inside the house. Once outside, you can guide him to his designated “comfort room” so he can continue eliminating. A leash can help you control his movements and you can only be the one w ... Read more »

Does your Bolognese or other breed of canine companion have gingivitis? If so, talk with your vet to learn ways that you can treat the gingivitis and take extra care to prevent it from reoccurring. One of the most effective forms of treatment is a professional dental exam and dental cleaning. Your vet can take this time to sedate your dog and scrape excess plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. He can also pull any decayed teeth at this time. Follow up care and management may then include brushing your dog’s teeth with a vet approved toothbrush and toothpaste on a daily basis. You should also implement a dental chew into your dog’s diet to help breakdown tartar and plaque. Feeding your dog a crunchy food can also help breakdown food excess and keep the teeth clean and fresh. For more tips on management of your pup’s teeth, give your Westminster, MD veterinary clinic a call. Learn more here.

Like people, dogs can develop all kinds of lumps and bumps on the skin for numerous reasons. For instance, some dogs like the Cocker Spaniel are prone to cysts that fill with dead skin cells due to blocked pores. Basset Hounds are another breed prone to developing lumps and bumps. Not all lumps and bumps are cancerous. But all lumps and bumps should be checked by a vet before you decide not to worry over them. Contact your vet to schedule an exam if you find a new lump or bump on your dog. After it’s checked by a vet, you should watch the area to make sure the lump doesn’t grow or change. It may not be anything now, but it could develop into something. Early detection is key in protecting your dog’s health. Never assume a lump or bump is fine. Take the cautious approach and check with your vet Westminster, MD.

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There are groups of dog welfare advocates who protest against crate training. They said that it is a form of solitary confinement which is against dog wellbeing.  However, if you choose to look deeper and understand the importance and benefits associated with crate training a dog, you will surely think otherwise.

By creating the proper environment coupled with suitable and adequate training, your puppy will view the crate as a haven rather than a foreign and hostile place where he feels alone and unsafe.

The basis of crate training is a dog’s instinct in the wild to look for places where they can feel secure and protected from the extremes of the environment. In the wild, the place that they select often becomes their home. By properly harnessing this instinct using the appropriate techniques, yo ... Read more »

The Burmese cat originated in the Far East. From there the first Burmese cat was introduced to the West in 1930. The cat’s name was Wong Mau. This cat is the ancestor to both the Burmese and European Burmese cat. The cat was bred with the Siamese cat which began the breed. Through time, the European Burmese and Burmese became very distinct. The European Burmese is an elegantly built cat with slightly rounded eyes that have a top line, slight curve and slant towards the nose. The Burmese has small and compact features with primarily rounded eyes. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized the Burmese in 1936 but suspended the breed in 1947 because breeders were still breeding with the Siamese. Registering resumed in 1953. IN the UK the Siamese was bred to the British Shorthair which created the Foreign or European Burmese that we know of today. Call your pet clinic Westminster, MD to learn more.

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Although Neosporosis infections in older dogs are quite rare, those which are affected show generalized involvement of the central nervous system. Some may also develop blindness and behavioral changes. When the paralysis finally reaches the muscles which are involved in respiration, it will eventually lead to death. Diagnosis will involve a thorough physical examination and complete history. Your vet may also recommend several important diagnostic tests that will include a complete blood profile, a complete blood count, and a chemical blood profile. Urinalysis and fecalysis may also be recommended.  For positive cases, fecalysis may reveal the presence of oocyts. Since the nervous system is involved, your vet may also recommend an analysis of your dog’s cerebrospinal fluid in order to assess the extent and severity of the involvement of the nervous sys ... Read more »

How you vaccine your horse, when you vaccines your horse, and what vaccines you give your horse are usually up to you as the owner. There are a set of vaccines that are recommended by vets as well as different vaccines that are recommended based on the area in which you live. The core vaccines for horses include the Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis vaccine, Rabies vaccines, Tetanus, and the West Nile virus vaccines. Other vaccinations that are often recommended depending on location include FluRhino, Strangles, Potmac Horse Fever, and Rotavirus A. Some veterinarians also give Lyme vaccines especially to horses living in the North Eastern parts of the U.S. due to the elevated tic population in that area. If you’re not sure which vaccines your horse has had or what vaccines your horse needs, contact your Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian. Your vet can bring your horse up to date on vaccines and set a vaccination schedule. Click this website ... Read more »