Pet Health Articles
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Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, better known as heartworm. Dogs become infected when they are bitten by an infected mosquito carrying immature heartworms. Heartworm disease often causes little or no illness in its early stages. Annual testing allows detection before serious heart or lung damage develops.
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Treatment usually includes two types of medication: one to kill the heartworm larvae (microfilariae) and one to kill adult heartworms, along with strict exercise restriction during recovery. Many dogs will also be treated with antibiotics to combat potential infection with bacteria. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate treatment approach
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Heat stroke is another term for hyperthermia. Dogs suffering from heatstroke can have varied signs, from high respiratory rate to coma, depending on their temperature. Dogs cannot control their body temperature by sweating, as humans do; panting is their primary way of regulating body temperature.
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Common conditions of pet hedgehogs include internal and external parasites, ringworm, cancer, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disease, and obesity. Signs of illness or disease are often vague and non-specific, such as lack of appetite and lethargy. Therefore, any deviation from your hedgehog’s normal habits should be cause for concern and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
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Hedgehogs can have several unique problems, including cancer, dental disease, obesity, and foreign bodies. It is important for an owner to understand what these problems are so veterinary care can be provided to their hedgehog when needed and in a timely manner.
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The African pygmy hedgehog is an omnivore. In the wild, these hedgehogs eat a diverse selection of insects as well as some plant material and sometimes small or baby mammals like pinkie mice. Hedgehogs have a propensity for obesity if their food intake is not monitored or controlled. This handout provides the information needed to feed your hedgehog a balanced and healthy diet.
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Hedgehogs are active animals and require lots of room to move around and exercise. They are very good climbers, so they need an enclosure they cannot escape. Other factors include temperature control, a respite from bright light, and appropriate bedding and toys that are safe for this unique pet.
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Hedgehogs can make interesting, somewhat challenging, yet fun and enjoyable pets. The four-toed, or African pygmy, hedgehog is the species commonly kept as a pet. They are nocturnal mammals whose entire backs are blanketed with spines like a porcupine. They like to stay active and are skilled at climbing, digging, and even swimming.
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A place of height is a place of dominance for many birds. It can be a territorial claim and position of control. Unless trained properly, birds placed on high locations like the shoulders or on top of their cages are more likely to try and "run the show." This handout outlines how to avoid these problems.
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Phobias related to thunderstorms and fireworks cause dogs to suffer, and they can increase in intensity over time. Behavior modification combined with medication can be used to reduce a dog's level of fear. This handout provides some helpful information for immediate treatment of firework and thunderstorm phobias.