Pet Health Articles
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Some over-the-counter human medications can be used for common ailments in dogs, but you must consult your veterinarian before using them to determine the correct dose and to ensure they will not interact with other medications your dog is taking. Some medications are toxic. If the condition you are treating does not respond to treatment, contact your veterinarian.
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Obesity is the most common problem in cats in North America. The negative effects of obesity are far-reaching because it contributes to other diseases and shortens cats’ lives. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when dog owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and activity levels.
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Obesity is a common problem in cats. It results from too many calories being eaten and not enough calories being burned. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation in the body, worsening osteoarthritis and joint disease. To prevent your cat from becoming obese, speak to your veterinarian about your cat’s calorie needs and an appropriate food for your cat's life stage. Increasing your cat's daily activity can help prevent or reverse obesity. Be aware of your cat's body condition and keep track of her weight.
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Obesity is the most common problem in dogs in North America. The negative effects of obesity are far-reaching because it contributes to other diseases and shortens dogs’ lives. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when dog owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and exercise.
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Obesity is a common problem in dogs and results from too many calories being eaten and not enough calories being burned. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation in the body, worsening osteoarthritis and joint disease. To prevent your dog from becoming obese, speak to your veterinarian about your dog's calorie needs and an appropriate food for your dog's life stage.
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Gerbils generally make good family pets but should never be left unsupervised with small children. If well-socialized from a young age and treated gently, they can be wonderful pets. The incisors (front teeth) of all rodents grow continuously throughout the animal's life. Gerbils do not require vaccines, but they should have annual examinations.
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If well socialized from a young age and treated gently, hamsters are generally slow moving, reasonably easy to handle, and affectionate. Hamsters make good family pets but should never be left unsupervised with small children. Hamsters should have annual physical examinations and fecal tests for intestinal parasites.
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Rats are extremely intelligent, inquisitive, interactive, and social. If well socialized from a young age and treated gently, they are easy to handle, affectionate, and rarely bite unless provoked. Rats generally make good family pets but should never be left unsupervised with small children. Rats live about 2 to 3 years. The incisors (front teeth) of all rodents grow continuously throughout the pet's life. Rats should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year and twice a year as they get older.
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Several species of snakes are commonly kept as pets, including king snakes, rat snakes, garter snakes, corn snakes, various pythons, and various boa constrictors. Young, captive-raised animals make the best pets. This handout discusses key features of snakes and how to choose a snake as a pet. Within one week of your purchase, your snake should be examined by a qualified reptile veterinarian.
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Pet rodents, sometimes also referred to as pocket pets are very popular pets. Hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils, and guinea pigs are the most common rodents kept as pets. They make good first pets for young children and as a rule require minimal care.