Skip to main content

Library

  • Heartworm treatment involves several components to combat potential bacterial infection, kill heartworm larvae (microfilaria), kill adult heartworms, and then test to confirm successful treatment. Complete rest for a dog undergoing treatment is essential.

  • Heat stroke is another term for hyperthermia. Dogs suffering from heatstroke can have varied signs, from high respiratory rate to coma, depending on their temperature. Dogs cannot control their body temperature by sweating, as humans do; panting is their primary way of regulating body temperature.

  • Common conditions of pet hedgehogs include internal and external parasites, ringworm, cancer, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disease, and obesity. Signs of illness or disease are often vague and non-specific, such as lack of appetite and lethargy. Therefore, any deviation from your hedgehog’s normal habits should be cause for concern and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

  • A pet hedgehog’s diet should mainly consist of high-quality hedgehog food mixed with high-quality, low-fat cat food. The diet may be supplemented with certain insects, fruits, and vegetables, which are listed in this handout. Foods that should be avoided are also listed. Hedgehogs have a propensity for obesity if their food intake is not monitored or controlled.

  • Hedgehogs are active animals and require lots of room to move around and exercise. They are also very good climbers, so it is important to choose an enclosure that your hedgehog cannot escape from. Other factors include temperature control, a respite from bright light, and appropriate bedding and toys that are safe for this unique pet.

  • Hedgehogs can make interesting, somewhat challenging, yet fun and enjoyable pets. They are nocturnal mammals whose entire backs are blanketed with spines like a porcupine. They like to stay active and are skilled at climbing, digging, and even swimming. As with any pet, hedgehogs require a high-quality diet and routine veterinary care.

  • Hedgehogs can have several unique problems, including cancer, dental disease, obesity, and foreign bodies. It is important for an owner to understand what these problems are so veterinary care can be provided to their hedgehog when needed and in a timely manner.

  • A place of height is a place of dominance for many birds. It can be a territorial claim and position of control. Unless trained properly, birds placed on high locations like the shoulders or on top of their cages are more likely to try and "run the show." This handout outlines how to avoid these problems.

  • Phobias related to thunderstorms and fireworks cause dogs to suffer and often increase in intensity over time. Behavior modification combined with medication can be used to reduce a dog's level of fear. This handout aims to provide you with some helpful information for immediate treatment of firework and thunderstorm phobias.

  • Your older cat requires more care and attention to make sure they have the best quality of life. If they have certain medical conditions, that will factor into what they can do and how often they may need to see your family veterinarian. It's important to spend time with your cat to keep their stress low and monitor for changes.