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Preventive Care & Wellness + English

  • Vaccinations are important to prevent serious illness in dogs. Even dogs that spend all their time indoors should be vaccinated. Some viruses can be carried into your home on inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing. Your veterinarian can help you determine what vaccinations your dog needs to be protected.

  • Cats love to investigate new sights, smells, and tastes. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead them into trouble if they ingest something they shouldn't. While some will pass through the digestive tract, some foreign bodies can cause serious problems.

  • This handout discusses the anatomy of the cat’s ear canal and how to safely clean your cat’s ears to prevent ear infections.

  • This handout discusses the anatomy of the dog’s ear canal and how to safely clean your dog’s ears to prevent ear infections.

  • In some cases, two laid-back adult cats can be easily introduced with minimal drama. In other cases, the introduction does not go as smoothly. Fortunately, you can help increase the likelihood of success by introducing two adult cats slowly and gradually.

  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is also commonly referred to as dry eye. It is an uncommon eye condition in cats. It results from inadequate production of the watery portion of the tear film by the lacrimal gland or the third eyelid gland. Cats with KCS have painful, red, eyes with squinting. Corneal ulcers may also be present. Chronic cases have scarring on the cornea, impairing vision. The prognosis for cats diagnosed with KCS is good with long-term treatment and diligent monitoring.

  • Bringing a kitten into your home can be a magical time as you experience their playful antics and enjoy their cuddles. This handout provides practical guidelines to help provide a safe and enriched environment for your kitten to grow into a healthy, confident adult cat.

  • Play is important. All kittens need the opportunity to play with toys as well as social play. While learning about their environment, kittens can damage valuable objects, including furniture and curtains. Toys and treats can be hidden inside empty boxes and kiddie tunnels to satisfy a kitten’s need to explore. Supervise kittens carefully to prevent damage and to keep them safe.

  • Leg bands are often applied by bird breeders to help identify and track their birds. Leg bands should only be removed if improperly applied, causing problems for the bird, or if you are changing to another or better means of identification as described in this article.

  • Leopard geckos make great pets for children and adults. They do not require elaborate habitats and they have a 10–15-year lifespan with good health care, a clean environment, and proper feeding.