Educational Articles
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Gastrostomy tubes are placed through the skin of the abdomen into the stomach to enable long-term nutrition in dogs that either refuse to eat or are unable to chew and swallow food. A special liquid diet or homemade mixture liquefied with water will be recommended by your veterinarian. Step-by-step instructions are provided. The decision to remove the tube will be determined by your veterinarian.
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There are many breeds of miniature pigs, including the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, Julianas, and KuneKunes. Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs typically live for 14-21 years. Mini-pigs should never be left alone unsupervised with even the friendliest dogs and cats. Mini-pigs are very smart and can be trained to walk on a leash/harness and to sit, stay, come, and retrieve objects.
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Genetic (DNA) testing is readily available, whether you are using it for fun to find out what breeds your pet is made up of or if you are looking into possible medical conditions. DNA samples can be collected either from a cheek swab or a blood draw. Knowing which breeds your pet is made up of can help you and your veterinarian prevent or prepare for health issues in the future.
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When you bring a new puppy into your home, there is inevitably a period of adjustment. The adjustment will be easier if you plan how you will meet the puppy's needs and provide a positive experience, safe socialization, supervision, and structure. Puppies can be exhausting at times, but raising a puppy is intensely rewarding.
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Certain medical conditions require drugs that are available only in an injectable format. In many cases, cat owners can administer these medications at home. Most cats do not mind routine injections that are given in the subcutaneous tissue. This handout provides step-by-step instructions for giving an injection. Dispose of used needles and syringes properly.
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Certain medical conditions require drugs that are available only in an injectable format. In many cases, dog owners can administer these medications at home. Most dogs do not mind routine injections that are given in the subcutaneous tissue. This handout provides step-by-step instructions for giving an injection. Dispose of used needles and syringes properly.
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The easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. In some cases, this is not possible, and you will have to administer the medication directly into the cat's mouth using a syringe. Before starting, make sure you prepare the syringe with the correct amount of medication. If the medication was refrigerated, you may want to warm it up by holding the syringe tightly in your hand for a minute or two. It may be helpful to have someone assist you the first few times you administer the medication. Try wrapping your cat in a blanket or towel with only its head exposed. Detailed directions for administering the medication are provided in this handout. Make sure you give your cat plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a special treat after giving the medication.
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The easiest way to give your dog liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. In some cases, this is not possible, and you will have to administer the medication directly into your dog's mouth using a syringe. Before starting, make sure you prepare the syringe with the correct amount of medication. If the medication was refrigerated, you may want to warm it up by holding the syringe tightly in your hand for a minute or two. It may be helpful to have someone assist you the first few times you administer the medication. Detailed directions for administering the medication are provided in this handout. Be sure to offer your dog lots of praise and offer a treat or extra playtime after giving the medication.
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Giving pills to cats can be a challenge, even for the most experienced veterinarian! The easiest way to give your cat a pill is to hide the pill in food. Some cats will always find the pill and spit it out, so you may need to administer it directly into your cat's mouth. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to do this, along with some other options if it is still too difficult.
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Giving pills to dogs can be a challenge, even for the most experienced veterinarian! The easiest way to give your dog a pill is to hide the pill in food. Some dogs will always find the pill and spit it out, so you may need to administer it directly into your dog's mouth. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to doing this at home.