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Preventive Care & Wellness + English

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The uropygial gland (preening gland or oil gland) is a normal part of most birds' anatomy. The gland produces an oil that a bird transfers its feathers to help coat and protect them. Vitamin A deficiency, infections, and tumors may affect the uropygial gland.

  • Every dog has wants and needs, including social interaction, physical exercise, intellectual exercise, and time to rest. When their needs are met predictably and enrichment is consistently available, dogs experience less stress and frustration and may be less likely to develop problematic behaviors.

  • Predictability and trust are important foundations for training your dog. Learning what your dog finds rewarding and strategically providing rewards at the right time will promote the desired behavior to happen more often.

  • Vaccine failures are rare, but they can occur. In addition, vaccines are not always 100% effective. This article outlines five primary reasons why a vaccine may not work.

  • Vaccine failures are rare, but they can occur. In addition, vaccines are not always 100% effective. This article outlines six primary reasons why a vaccine may not work.

  • Vaccines are necessary to reduce illnesses in cats caused by infectious diseases. They work by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and fight a particular microorganism such as a virus or bacteria. The vaccine helps the body prevent infection or lessen the severity of the infection, and promotes rapid recovery.

  • Vaccines are necessary to reduce illnesses in dogs caused by infectious diseases. They work by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and fight a particular microorganism such as a virus or bacteria. The vaccine helps the body prevent infection or lessen the severity of the infection, and promotes rapid recovery.

  • Just like other pets, mini-pigs should have a complete veterinary check-up after they are acquired and then annually after that. Your pig may need to be sedated for examination. Your veterinarian will determine the vaccines that are advisable for your pig, based on your pig's potential exposure to pathogens, breeding status, and geographic location. An analysis of your pig's feces should be performed annually to check for gastrointestinal parasites. Pet pigs should be screened for mites through a skin scraping. Veterinarians also will often help pig owners with hoof care and tusk trimming. Neutering of males and spaying of females is recommended for all pigs.