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When traveling, you may need to board your pet at a kennel or veterinary clinic. Ask for references to find a boarding facility and visit it before having your pet stay there. A short stay before a longer trip can help your pet to settle in more easily. Be sure to leave emergency contact details for you and your veterinarian.
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Hospitals providing curbside care have restructured their practice to avoid the need for clients to enter the lobby and exam rooms. This measure was designed to promote physical (social) distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it may be used in other situations. This handout discusses the benefits and best practices of curbside care.
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Dogs have an uncanny ability to process human language using both the left and right sides of the brain. Dogs can build a significant vocabulary. Much like a human infant, dogs recognize intonation and body language to interpret a word’s meaning. Combining vocabulary with perception of tone and body language enhances a dog’s ability to communicate with humans.
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There are a variety of frogs kept as pets. Most frogs should not be handled frequently, as their skin is delicate. This handout summarizes the variety of sizes and colors of various pet frogs, as well as cage and cleaning requirements.
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Genetic (DNA) testing is readily available, whether you are using it for fun to find out what breeds your pet is made up of or if you are looking into possible medical conditions. DNA samples can be collected either from a cheek swab or a blood draw. Knowing which breeds your pet is made up of can help you and your veterinarian prevent or prepare for health issues in the future.
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Supportive braces can help dogs with many orthopedic conditions, including skeletal deformities, carpal hyperextension, and cruciate ligament disease. It is important to have any brace properly fitted to avoid complications. Braces are not considered equivalent to surgery for cruciate ligament disease.
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Human personal care products are usually not meant for pets. Commonly used human shampoos, conditioners, medical ointments, and even toothpaste can cause uncomfortable side effects for our pets. Some ingredients in human care products may be toxic. It’s best to gather information about what to share and what not to share with your pet. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
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Canine agility training provides exercise and mental stimulation for both handler and dog. Older agility dogs also benefit from strengthening the bond with their owners, socializing with other dogs, and fulfilling natural hunting instincts. A physical exam and veterinary consultation before starting a new exercise regimen is advised.
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The two groups of spiders responsible for most medically significant spider bites include the widow spiders (Latrodectus spp., including the black widow spider) and the recluse spiders (Loxosceles spp., including the brown recluse). The clinical signs and treatment of black widow and brown recluse spider bites vary significantly due to differences in their venom.
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Complete and accurate medical records are like a medical diary for your pet. The ability to review your pet’s medical history before the first appointment will allow your new veterinarian to provide exceptional care that is tailored and timely. You can request that your previous veterinary clinic send your pet's records to your new veterinarian.
