Library
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It is a myth that dogs need to chew bones. While dogs want to chew, and most would love to chew on bones, bones are dangerous and can cause serious injuries. This handout outlines the top reasons bones are bad, and what your dog should chew instead.
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Cats will always lick, but it is sometimes embarrassing when they lick their private parts. Licking after eliminating is normal; however, if your cat licks more frequently, or you notice other signs such as discharge; swollen or red penis, vulva, or anus; pustules; discoloration of the skin; or if your cat strains to urinate, see your veterinarian for help. Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your cat's discomfort.
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A cat's ability to smell is far more advanced than ours. Cats use their keen sense of smell, along with a visual assessment, to provide vital information about a new feline acquaintance. The way cats sniff rear ends can establish which of two cats is dominant and set the foundation of their relationship.
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Cat ancestors turned around before bedtime for their health or protection. These innate habits remain to this day, but if your cat seems to be doing it excessively, it could be a sign of underlying medical problems, such as arthritis or neurological disorders. Contact your veterinarian if your cat appears to have difficulty settling down.
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Whiskers are more than just facial enhancements: they are finely tuned sensory equipment that guide a cat through daily activities. These specialized hairs aid vision and help a cat navigate the environment by providing additional sensory input, much like antennae on insects.
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Burying of toys or food items by dogs goes back thousands of years as a means of preserving food and storing valuable or scarce food resources. Dogs today do it out of ancestral habit and as a means of resource protection. If you notice that your dog seems to be digging compulsively, contact your veterinarian.
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Noses vary in size and shape in the canine world, but regardless of how they look, they are important to survival — and wet noses work better than dry noses for a few reasons, outlined in this handout.
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Whiskers are more than just facial enhancements: they are finely tuned sensory equipment that guide a dog through daily activities. These specialized hairs aid vision and help a cat navigate the environment by providing additional sensory input, much like antennae on insects.
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Like many canine behaviors, howling has ancestral roots. Whether it is occasional, constant, mournful, or exuberant, howling is part of normal canine communication. Depending on the situation, a howl can take on different meanings.
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Running a veterinary clinic has a lot of overhead and behind the scenes cost that many pet owners aren't aware of. Human healthcare is far more expensive and less efficient than you realize. Plan ahead and take preventive steps to help reduce treating costly problems.