Articles
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The relationship between people and their dogs is an unconditional bond where dogs understand more about us than previously thought. They know how to read our feelings and respond appropriately to either help us or celebrate with us. A combination of visual, auditory, and even scent cues help them put together a full picture of our current emotional state.
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Periodontal disease is the most common problem affecting dogs of all age groups. The importance of daily dental home care cannot be overemphasized. Nutrition can contribute to preventing periodontal disease and gingivitis.
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This article reviews the advantages and limitations of the different food forms available for dogs, including dry, canned, and semi-moist foods. Dry food, or kibble, is easy to portion control and can be fed in puzzle toys. Canned food is a good option but more expensive than kibble and does not last as long once opened. Semi-moist foods are generally not recommended as the main diet due to their high sugar and sodium content, as well as difficulty with portioning. Feeding a combination of canned and dry daily is an option and can help with acceptance of a variety of textures later in life.
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E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices used to create and inhale an aerosol composed of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. If a companion animal ingests an e-liquid, signs of nicotine poisoning occur rapidly. The nicotine associated with e-cigarettes, even without tobacco, poses a serious health threat to dogs and cats.
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Ear cleansing/drying products are used over-the-counter to treat and prevent ear infections in many species of pets. They come as a liquid solution that is used topically within the ear canal and are typically used in the ears after debris and wax have been removed using a cerumenolytic cleanser.
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Echinococcosis refers to being infected with a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus and is primarily a parasite of coyotes and foxes. Infected dogs are usually asymptomatic, but in both dogs and humans the parasite can cause large cysts to form within the lungs and liver. E.multilocularis is treated with praziquantel and in most cases the prognosis is good.
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An ectopic ureter is an anatomical defect that is present at birth in some dogs. In a dog with ectopic ureters, the ureters do not attach to their normal location in the bladder. Dogs with ectopic ureters may dribble urine or be prone to frequent bladder infections. Signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.
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Enilconazole is a topical wash/dip used to treat dermatophytosis (ring worm) in dogs and sometimes in cats. Side effects are uncommon as it is relatively well-tolerated, but in cats may include drooling, vomiting, lack of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, and elevated liver enzymes. Do not use in cats unless directed by your veterinarian. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Many veterinarians, including nutritionists and behaviorists, believe it is important for dogs and cats to express their natural foraging and hunting behaviors. For pets living indoors, this can be difficult, and the lack of this stimulation can sometimes lead to behavior problems. Enriching a pet's environment with food toys and puzzles at mealtimes can fulfill the need to forage. The use of toys, puzzles and other novel methods of food delivery can also be effective ways to increase daily movement in overweight or inactive pets.
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Enrofloxacin otic is applied topically and is labeled to treat ear infections in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat ear infections in cats. Give as directed. Side effects are rare but may include temporary hearing loss or skin reactions. Do not use with pets allergic to quinolones or sulfonamides, with young animals, or with those with central nervous system disorders. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
