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Pet Health Articles

Preventive Care & Wellness

  • Cats like to graze on grass, and eating grass, in moderation, benefits even well-fed cats. Grass provides roughage that aids digestion and elimination. Cats that eat grass routinely may have more regular gastrointestinal tracts, fewer hair balls, and less constipation.

  • Although he is devoted to his family – especially to children – the Pyr likes his own space; if you want a Velcro dog, this breed is not for you. That said, the Pyr has much to offer the right individual or family: a calm, sedate demeanor, devotion to the household and its inhabitants, and a willingness to protect all concerned.

  • The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a big sweetie-pie; despite his large size, he likes to cuddle with his people and may even think that he's a lap dog.

  • A well-groomed cat is a sign of overall good health, and regular grooming can help you notice problems early on. Some cats will need different levels of grooming care than others, depending on coat/hair type, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. This handout outlines best practices for grooming your cat.

  • Grooming your dog can be a fun chore or a challenging one for many people. Depending on coat/hair type, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors, some dogs will need different levels of grooming care than others. A well-groomed dog is a sign of overall good health.

  • Guinea pigs are herbivores (plant eaters), and hay is the most important part of their diet. Guinea pigs must have vitamin C in their diet to avoid scurvy, which can be provided through their pelleted food and vegetables. This handout discusses common questions about feeding your guinea pig.

  • Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria, plaque, tartar, decomposing food particles, or death of tissue. Treatment of halitosis in cats involves eliminating the cause(s). The teeth need to be thoroughly cleaned and polished under general anesthesia. Teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease or tooth resorption need to be extracted. Reducing the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and resulting halitosis can be achieved by using VOHC-accepted products.

  • Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Once halitosis occurs, professional veterinary oral prevention, assessment, and treatment is needed. Teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease need to be extracted. Reducing the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and resulting halitosis can be achieved by using VOHC-accepted products.

  • Halloween can be fun for the whole family, but it can also be a scary or dangerous time for pets. Costumes, candy, and noises can cause problems such as stress, poisoning, and anxiety. Keep them in mind when planning your holiday and talk to your veterinarian if you need help with anxiety issues.

  • Hand-raised babies usually make better pets, as they have been completely socialized with humans. Hand-feeding is a job best left for the experienced bird breeder or aviculturist. If you are considering hand-feeding a baby bird, you should contact your local bird breeder or avian veterinarian for help. This article provides general guidelines and best practices.