Articles
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This article discusses some of the more common household hazards that are toxic to dogs, including foods, medications, plants, and household chemicals. Symptoms depend on the type and quantity of toxin ingested. Early intervention is key to successful treatment.
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Toxoplasma occurs worldwide. However, infection is uncommon in pet cats that do little or no hunting and primarily or exclusively eat commercial cat foods. Despite the high number of cats infected with T. gondii, very few show significant clinical signs. Humans are most commonly infected by eating contaminated food. Most people infected with this organism do not develop clinical disease. However, infection during pregnancy may be transmitted to the fetus and sometimes cause severe damage. Many pet cats will never be exposed to Toxoplasma and, therefore, cannot pass the infection on to humans.
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Birds are highly intelligent animals and toys are important for their mental health, as well as their mental and physical agility. Toys encourage exercise and provide good wear for the beak and nails. Certain toys are ideal while others can be dangerous to your bird.
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Teaching a dog to come when called is perhaps the most important behavior we ever teach. You can train a reliable recall using positive reinforcement and it can be incorporated into daily play time. Puppies should be set up to succeed by having training challenges, such as distractions, added gradually. Until a recall is reliable, puppies should be held on leash when they are not in a secure, fenced area.
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Transdermal medication is medicine that is given through the skin. A drug is placed on top of the skin, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Transdermal medications have many advantages, and the main one is ease of application.
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Most birds tolerate cars and airplanes very well, and some love the excitement of travel; however, some birds may be stressed by travel. It is not safe for your bird to roam freely in the car while you are driving. Airlines vary in their regulations for travel with birds. Tranquilizers or sedatives should not be used during travel due to risk of reaction. Before making any travel plans, contact the consulate or border authorities of the country you are planning to enter to determine the documentation and medical testing your bird needs to travel. Contact the USDA-APHIS office for more information about international travel.
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TTouch is a form of touch therapy devised and popularized by Linda Tellington Jones. TTouch is a simple, light massage technique in which the practitioner uses a clockwise circular motion of the fingers on the skin of the patient.
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Controlled substances are medications or illicit drugs that affect the central nervous system and have the potential for abuse or dependence, both in humans and in animals. These drugs are often needed to manage pain and other conditions in pets and are relatively safe when used appropriately and under the guidance of a veterinarian. Be sure you understand the risks and responsibilities associated with controlled substance use.
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Behaviors that people sometimes consider undesirable are often a cat's natural and evolved behaviors that are essential for their mental and physical health. Rather than trying to stop your cat from engaging in instinctual and naturally rewarding behaviors, provide your cat with substitute behaviors and outlets that satisfy their needs.
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Urine marking and spraying are normal forms of feline communication, but they can also signal stress, frustration, social conflict, or medical problems. This article explains why cats mark, how to distinguish marking from litter box avoidance, and what steps can help reduce or eliminate the behavior.