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Preventive Care & Wellness

  • Applying eye ointments to your dog's eye(s) can be a challenging or easy task. The proper administration of eye medications is essential for your dog’s prompt recovery. It is important to use the medication as directed for the full duration and contact your veterinarian if you have problems. The tips and instructions in this handout may make administering your dog’s eye ointment easier.

  • Applying topical medications to your pet can sometimes be a challenge. Creams, ointments, and lotions are for external use only. It is important to prevent your cat from licking and swallowing any of these external preparations as they may contain ingredients that could be harmful if swallowed. Most topical preparations work better if they are gently massaged in for a few moments after application. It is always a good idea to get someone to help hold your cat, especially when applying medications on a sensitive or painful area. If you still have trouble keeping your pet from licking the medication, please contact your veterinarian to get your cat fitted for an Elizabethan collar.

  • Applying topical medications to your pet can be a challenge. Ointments, creams, and lotions are for external use only. It is important to prevent your dog from licking and swallowing any of these external preparations as they may contain ingredients that could be harmful if swallowed. If you find it difficult to prevent your pet from licking the medication, contact your veterinarian to have them fitted for an Elizabethan collar.

  • Osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting bones and joints in many older dogs. Medications, physical therapy, nutrition, and surgery may all be considered to help alleviate the pain.

  • The axolotl is an amphibian that spends its entire life in the water. It is a type of salamander, but it has some fish-like features, including visible external gills and a paddle-like tail that it keeps its entire life. This handout summarizes housing, food, health guidelines for your pet axolotl.

  • Bathing is very important for the proper maintenance of feathers. The dry air in our homes created by central heating and air conditioning is not conducive to the maintenance of healthy feathers and skin, so pet birds should be encouraged to bathe at least three to four times a week. This handout provides helpful tips and safety precautions for bathing your bird.

  • Overgrown nails may can become get caught or trapped on toys or parts of the cage and cause tearing/bleeding, creating a severely painful event. Toenail trimming may be done at home, but only when taught by an experienced bird breeder/owner or avian veterinarian. Beaks should not be trimmed regularly unless performed by an avian veterinarian.

  • If they are well looked after, including proper diet and husbandry, bearded dragons are reasonably hardy animals. Common health conditions of pet bearded dragons include CANV, atadenovirus, metabolic bone disease, parasites, infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), and respiratory infections. Any change from normal is cause for concern and should be immediately evaluated by your veterinarian.

  • Bearded dragons are susceptible to several health problems; understanding them will help you prevent them from occurring in your pet and know when to seek veterinary attention. Problems described in this handout include salmonellosis, avascular necrosis, tail rot, abscesses, and dystocia (egg binging).

  • Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means they eat both plant and animal-based foods, including insects. A bearded dragon's diet should generally be 50% plant-based and 50% animal-based, although it varies depending on their age. This handout provides the information needed to feed your sugar glider a balanced and healthy diet.