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• Home Repairs and Pet Safety

  Home renovation can be arduous for every member of the household. Awareness of possible construction site problems will help homeowners avoid pet-related issues. A little planning can make the renovation process run more smoothly everyone.

• Homecare for Paralyzed Pets

  Taking care of a paralyzed pet comes with many challenges. This handout reviews the needs of a paralyzed pet and how an owner can help them at home.

• How Do I Know if My Dog is in Pain?

  Since dogs are living longer and longer, they are also experiencing the deterioration and debilitation that goes along with aging. This includes the development of osteoarthritis. No one is in a better position to identify the subtle changes in behavior that may signal pain than human family members. You may observe changes in the following: vocalization, daily activities, daily habits, facial expressions, or posture. Your dog may show uncharacteristic behavior to other pets or family members. If you notice any of these changes, contact your veterinarian.

• How Dogs Use Smell to Perceive the World

  Dogs use their noses infinitely more than humans to get around in the world and gather information. With specialized olfactory organs that detect pheromones, dogs' sense of smell is thousands of times better than humans.

• How Old is Old? Comparing Dog Age to Human Age

  The old theory that one dog year is seven human years does not hold true due to a variety of factors including breed and size of the dog. This handout discusses emotional aging and senior statuses for different breeds of dogs.

• How to Bathe Dogs with Medicated Shampoo

  Medicated shampoos may be prescribed for a variety of skin conditions. These baths should be performed in a comfortably warm area, using lukewarm water. Medicated shampoo should be applied to a clean, wet coat, so start by thoroughly rinsing your dog with lukewarm water. Shampoo should be worked into the coat thoroughly and allowed to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian.

• How to Trim a Dog’s Nails at Home

  Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once a month. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go longer between nail trims. Dogs that are inactive or do not spend any time on hard surfaces may even need nail trims a bit more frequently. This article gives advice on how to safely trim your dog’s nails at home.

• Hunting With Your Dog

  This handout outlines the recommended steps to train and condition your dog for taking your dog hunting. It discusses the two main types of hunting dogs (hounds and gun dogs). Recommendations on what to ask your veterinarian before taking your dog hunting are also included.

• Instructions for Ear Cleaning and Administering Ear Medication in Dogs

  This handout discusses the anatomy of the dog’s ear canal, how to safely clean your dog’s ears to prevent ear infections, and how to apply topical ear medications if needed.

• Maintaining Weight Loss in Dogs and Cats

  Once a pet has lost some weight, the new goal is to make sure that excess weight stays off. Pet parents who partner with their veterinary health care team for support and who focus on changing their behaviors often have the most success. Examples of some changes include using a different food or a different feeding method, focusing more on portion control, and incorporating some movement or activity time into each day. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about how to help a pet during the maintenance phase (after the weight has been lost).