Helpful Resources

WHY CATS KNEAD The kneading behavior begins early in life, while kittens are nursing. As kittens knead their mother’s mammary glands, oxytocin is released, causing milk to flow. Animal experts believe other reasons cats knead might include: •

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Bird care • Cage o The cage must be big enough for your bird to stretch his/her wings (parrot-type birds) and fly (finch-type birds) o The cage must be made from nontoxic (nonpoisonous) material (e.g., Zinc, even powder-coated can f

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Upstate Veterinary Specialties take on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy • Recent evidence has led the US FDA to announce that diets including legumes, lentils, peas and potatoes as main ingredients may be linked to the development of dilated

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Vaccination is one of the easiest and most important ways to protect your dog’s health. Yet in this age of “overvaccination” scares and “Dr. Google,” some pet owners are hesitant to vaccinate their dogs—even when it’s in their best intere

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POCKET PETS The most popular pocket pets are guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters. Hedgehogs, chinchillas, and sugar gliders are also popular, though they require more specialized care and are illegal to own in some states, so check with y

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Bird care • Cage o The cage must be big enough for your bird to stretch his/her wings (parrot-type birds) and fly (finch-type birds) o The cage must be made from nontoxic (nonpoisonous) material (e.g., Zinc, even powder-coated can flake) o The c

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Did you know pet rabbits should be kept indoors to protect against predators, and that rabbits don’t like to be alone? Find out what other facts and responsibilities you should know to take good care of your pet rabbit. Supplies Needed �

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Kitties and Pet Carriers • Many cats don’t get the regular veterinary care they need, due to the amount of stress caused by trying to get them to the veterinary hospital. • Trips to the veterinarian should not be the only time your furry fr

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Winter – Snow, Ice, and Rock Salt/Ice Melt Regular Rock Salt/Ice Melt is sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and/or calcium carbonate and calcium magnesium acetate in various mixes. These salts when mixed wit

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New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet(s) Goals aren’t just for humans! • Measure your pets’ food~~every time. o Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake and pour that into a bowl, usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain.

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PET EMERGENCIES • It is essential to develop an emergency plan ahead of time, when your brain is not in fight or flight mode. • Have the contact information for the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. If that clinic is not open 24 hours a day,

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To vaccinate or not to vaccinate • Vaccines are an emotional issue, among pet owners. While the science of pet vaccines is always a work in progress, there are some undeniable facts. • Animal vaccines help to control disease,

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PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS? • Their eyes melt your heart. A puppy makes the perfect gift--right? WRONG! • Christmas is one of the worst times to get a puppy and shelters experience buyer's remorse. • Reputable breeders won't have puppies a

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The J.M. Smucker Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lots of 9Lives® Protein Plus® Wet, Canned Cat Food Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1) The J.M. Smucker Company today announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of9Lives® Prot

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IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL ANESTHESIA • Cleaning your pet’s teeth without general anesthesia is considered unacceptable and below accepted standards of care. • The pain and stress a pet faces during a non-anesthetic dental cleaning is considered cru

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POCKET PETS~~DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST. The most popular pocket pets are guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters. Hedgehogs, chinchillas, and sugar gliders are also popular. Before you invest your time and money, ask yourself the following ques

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