Articles
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This handout discusses the anatomy of the dog’s ear canal and how to safely clean your dog’s ears to prevent ear infections.
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Dogs can have hearing loss due to increasing age or chronic ear infections, or they may be born with a defect. Deafness in dogs can present some challenges, but overall they can have healthy, normal lives. Training is still possible by making some modifications and incorporating hand signals. It is important to take their deafness into account when considering their safety and ensure that they are never off leash on or near a street.
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It can be a challenge to prevent rebound weight gain once a pet has lost some weight. Sticking to a specific number of calories, weighing food portions, and helping your pet stay physically active are a few recommendations. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about how to help a pet during the maintenance phase (after the weight has been lost).
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Microchips contain a unique identification number, and they are inserted with a needle under the skin between a pet's shoulder blades. The number is registered to your name, so if your dog gets lost, the number connects your dog to you. Microchips provide reliable, permanent identification for your pet.
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Motion sickness in dogs is a common problem. It is more common in younger dogs than in adults. Many adult dogs become anxious or nauseous during travel due to a lack of conditioning and the overwhelming, unusual stimuli associated with moving inside a vehicle. Signs your dog may be experiencing motion sickness may include whining, drooling and smacking lips, pacing, vomiting or diarrhea, and lethargy or inactivity. The best way to ease your dog’s travel anxiety is by taking several short trips before embarking on a long haul. If your dog seems to need more help to stay calm during travel, speak to your veterinarian about anti-nausea medication, anti-anxiety medications, as well as natural calming agents such as pheromones.
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Most dogs seem to take moving in stride, if they are with are with their familiar social group. Try to anticipate changes in the dog’s routine and introduce the changes prior to the move. Familiarize your dog with any novel noises that might be associated with the new home. If there will be new pets or people in the new home, arrange introductions ahead of time in a neutral location. When you arrive at your new home, give your dog plenty of time to adjust before trying to leave him alone.
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Many herding dog breeds (most commonly collies and Australian shepherds) have a mutation at the ABCB1 (or MDR1) gene that makes them more sensitive to the negative effects of certain medications. A similar ABCB1 mutation can occur in cats, although it is believed to be much less common. This handout explains how this mutation works and how to know if your pet is affected.
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Neutering and castration are the common terms used to describe the surgical procedure during which both testicles are removed to sterilize a male dog. The consensus at this time is that neutering will increase the lifespan of a dog. It is also a vital step in reducing the overpopulation of dogs and the crowding of shelters. This operation requires general anesthesia and complications are rare. A rest period of 5–10 days is needed for recovery after surgery.
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A nutraceutical is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and medical benefits. Specific nutraceuticals are commonly used in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs. Because nutraceuticals are not subjected to the same testing and regulation as pharmaceuticals, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before giving any to your dog.
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This handout summarizes the strong link between good nutrition and healthy skin and fur. Issues dealing with skin are a very common reason for visits to the vet, and the role of diet and supplementation in treating these conditions are highlighted.