Diabetes is an endocrine (glandular) disorder in which animals either do not produce insulin or are unable to respond to its effects. As a result, there is too much sugar in the bloodstream, which can damage the kidneys, eyes, skin, and cardiovascular and nervous systems.
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As summertime approaches and people begin to think about bringing color back to their lawns, I find myself reminding clients, “When landscaping your yard, please remember that animals are sensitive to topical parasiticides and weed killers.” Then, they always follow up with the question about what kinds of pet-friendly sprays they can put on their yard to keep away weeds, fleas, ticks and other pests.
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Are you certain that your dog is protected from heartworm this season?
Although heartworm prevention techniques, including mosquito avoidance and drugs that kill heartworm larvae, have been recommended for years, the number of dogs diagnosed with heartworm continues to increase. One factor that contributes to the persistence of this preventable disease is “prophylactic failure,” which means that animals develop the disease even though they received a prophylactic drug to prevent heartworm for at least 1 year or season.
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Most people know that wild animals can give rabies to people, but what they may not realize is that pets like cats, dogs and birds can pass diseases to people. That may sound scary, but prevention isn’t all that hard. Here’s what to know about keeping pets and people safe from each other.
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When it comes to your pet’s food, you spend a lot of time and energy making sure that your pet has a healthy diet. You consider all of the brands, compare labels, debate moist-versus-dry, and consult your veterinarian.
But pets do not live by food alone. An ever-present bowl of clean water may be the most important part of your pet’s diet.
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More than 85% of dogs over 4 years of age have evidence of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammation of the supporting structures surrounding the teeth and is the main cause of early tooth loss.
Toy breeds are at higher risk for periodontal disease because of tooth crowding in the mouth.
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A favorite summer pastime for many of us is relaxing by a pool or a lake while unwinding from the day or — better yet — even spending the whole day poolside blissfully relaxed. If your dog is in tow, however, it is essential to stay alert.
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Rabies is a serious illness caused by a virus that attacks the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). All warm-blooded animals, including wild animals, dogs, cats and humans, are susceptible to it. The disease usually spreads through saliva, for example, when an infected animal bites or scratches another animal or human. With kids out of school for the summer and more time spent outdoors, families should educate themselves about rabies and caution their children about the possibility of exposure.
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Beware: Though a flea is puny, its effects on pets and people can be mighty. Learn more about their bad habits and health consequences--and why you should talk to your veterinarian about keeping your pet flea-free all year long.
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Pets need professional dental exams and cleanings in order to avoid painful tooth decay and other, related health problems such as heart, lung, and kidney disease. Brushing your pet’s teeth is essential, but it isn’t enough. Although a basic oral examination can be done on patients that are awake, an anesthetic is required in order to provide a thorough dental cleaning.
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Fleas are mean, lean, biting machines. A close-up look at these tiny parasites shows just how well built they are for this job and why they are so hard to banish from your pet and your home.
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Traditionally, vaccination during pregnancy has not been recommended, due largely to the potential that some vaccines can cause fetal damage or death when administered to dogs that are pregnant. Although the preferred recommendation is to avoid vaccinating during pregnancy, there are situations where the risk of maternal, fetal and neonatal infection with a potentially life-threatening virus must be weighed against the risk of vaccination, if the immunity of the dog is unknown.
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