Helpful Resources

Keeping pets cool is not just kind; it’s crucial. • When the temperature rises, all pets are at risk for heat stroke. • Some pets are particularly susceptible. Brachycephalic breeds—those with a “pushed-in” appearance—are inefficient ...

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New imported distemper strain in dogs • In early October of 2018, a 12-week old “Sheltie” arrived from Korea. Approximately 12 days later, the dog began showing a cough and lethargy with blood work indicating “anemia.” About 10 days ...

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ONE OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS TO VETERINARIANS • One of the most common questions veterinarians hear each week is, “When should I spay or neuter my dog or cat?” With so much conflicting advice from friends, breeders, and the Internet, it ...

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Rabbit Neutering Neutering is also referred to as orchidectomy or castration. It is a surgical procedure in which the testes (and associated tissues) are removed in order to sterilize, or render infertile, a male animal. There are many behavioral ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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® ...

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