Finish your snack before reading this column. And take a deep cleansing breath. Maybe even two. We’re going to talk about anal glands. These small glands are one of the main reasons for “scooting,” that scourge of carpet owners everywhere. The fact is, dogs and cats scoot on their rears in an effort to solve
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Animal claws (nails) are made of a tough protein called keratin. Claws help animals and birds catch prey, dig holes, andclimb or perch in trees, and are also used for defense. But injury or neglect of pets’ nails can lead to problems. When nails grow too long, they can push the toes into abnormal positions
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Without protection from rain, snow, cold and wind, pets left outside can suffer physically and emotionally and, in extreme cases, develop hypothermia. Hypothermia develops when the pet loses body heat faster than it can be replaced. Subnormal body temperature, decreased heart and respiratory rates, collapse, coma, and even death can result from hypothermia. Just like
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Allergies are states of hypersensitivity, where the body’s immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance. They can be set off by insect bites, pollen, mold spores, mites, fabric, food and much more. Just as with people, allergies can wreak havoc on your pet’s skin, health and happy disposition. Fleas are a common cause. Their
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By Dr. Marv Ordway The western rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in our area that can inflict a painful and rarely fatal bite. In the foothills, rattlesnakes come out of dormancy in March when the temperature is above 70 degrees. They breed within a few weeks. Rattlesnakes hatch inside the mother snake in the
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Just like people, animals suffer aches, pains and strains that make them uncomfortable but may not require emergency care. Dogs may tumble off rocks while hiking, get kicked by deer, or commit dietary indiscretions with foul consequences. Cats can also fall, get stung by bees, or experience diarrhea after indiscriminate dining. If the animal is
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With many health problems affecting dogs and cats, it may be safe to wait a day or two before scheduling a visit to your veterinarian. Eye problems are a different story. With these, the watchwords are prevention and quick intervention, because things can go terribly wrong in a hurry. The signs can be obvious. Generally,
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Can you imagine being lost and unable to find your family? Sadly, pets are lost more often than you might expect, with tragic consequences. Unexpected events can separate even the most faithful dogs and cats from their loving homes. If your pet is missing, act immediately. Check with neighbors. Ask permission to look in all
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Euthanasia is the final act of kindness when a pet is suffering from an incurable disease or severe, irreparable injury. Less frequently, a pet is euthanized due to aggressive or unacceptable behavior. In all cases, it is the veterinarian’s responsibility to painlessly and peacefully ease the pet into death. The timing of euthanasia is one
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Heartworm is a common parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes and poses a major threat to your family pets. An ounce of prevention in this case is worth more than a pound of cure – it can save your dog’s or cat’s life. Mosquitoes become infected by ingesting baby heartworms – called microfilaria – drawn
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