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  • Whipworms are intestinal parasites that can cause severe irritation to the intestines. Whipworm infection rarely affects cats. Large infestations of whipworm can cause watery diarrhea, weight loss, and general debilitation. Smaller infestations are likely to be asymptomatic.

  • Whipworms are intestinal parasites that can cause severe irritation to the intestines. Of all the intestinal parasites found in dogs, whipworms cause the most disease. Whipworm infection can cause bloody diarrhea, weight loss, changes in electrolyte concentrations, and general debilitation. Smaller infestations may be asymptomatic.

  • The terms 'whistler' and 'roarer' are used to describe horses that make an abnormal respiratory noise during exercise. The noise is heard during inspiration (i.e., breathing in) and may be anything from a high pitched soft whistle to a harsh 'roar'.

  • White willow bark is a supplement made from the bark of the white willow tree (Salix alba). The active ingredient in white willow bark is salicin, which is similar to the active ingredient in aspirin. It is most often used in cats and dogs to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and to treat fever.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.