"After cats and dogs, rabbits are the species most often surrendered to animal shelters," advises the Humane Society of the Unite States. "Most rabbits lose their homes because of "people reasons," such as a move or the owner's inability or unwillingness to care for the animal, not because the rabbit
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Cats and dogs are amazing pets to have, but you may be considering something a little more...exotic. Exotic pets may not be as popular as other animals that you are used to seeing as part of a family’s household, but they can be just as fun, rewarding, and easy to form bonds with!
Birds, for example, are highly intelligent animals that can be taught to or vocalize. Turtles, if provided the proper habitat and dietary requirements, can be another great addition to your home with their unique personalities. Reptiles are quiet, low-maintenance, scaly friends that can also offer you companionship without all the hassle. Read more below to discover what type of care each of these animals needs and if they’re right for you.
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Ready for a Rabbit? Think Again!
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
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Recognizing Illnesses
Category: Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Only a healthy pet is a happy companion. Assuring your pet's daily well-being requires regular care and close attention to any hint of ill health. The American Veterinary Medical Association therefore suggests that you consult your veterinarian if your pet shows any of the following signs: * Abnormal
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Red Eared Sliders
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Turtles
Red eared sliders are semi aquatic turtles that are very commonly kept as pets. Unfortunately, lack of understanding what they require means that many red eared sliders have died from improper care. While they are not overly demanding as pets, many unsuspecting owners have been told that it was fine
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Reducing the Spread of Disease When You Have Multiple Pets
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Do your pets do everything together, including sharing illnesses? These tips will help reduce the transmission of viruses and diseases.
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Rescue Agency
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Finding Your Pet
Rescuing an animal is a wonderful option for some families. Animals find their way into rescue agencies for a variety of reasons. Some may have been accidentally lost or abandoned. Others may have been given up due to their owners' illness, death, or other change in circumstance. You may not be able
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Rescue Dogs
Category: Newsletter Library, Newsletter Archive, Unbelievable Pets
Among the many heroes in the days and weeks following September 11 were search and rescue dogs. These dogs and their handlers were brought in from all over the country to help at the New York and Washington, D.C. disaster sites. Many people are not aware that the handlers of these dogs are not always
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Ringworm in Cats and Dogs
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Ringworm is not actually caused by a worm, but rather by a fungus that infects the outer layer of skin and hair. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from pets to humans, or people to pets. There are numerous species of ringworm. It is most commonly recognized in cats (often kittens)
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Roundworms
Category: Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
There are many types of roundworms, but some of the most common are intestinal parasites of dogs, cats, and raccoons. Puppies are frequently born with roundworms, and kittens can be infected via the mother's milk or feces. Adult roundworms are ivory colored, four to six inches long, and round (not flat
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Safety Guidelines for Pet Costumes
Category: Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Do you know how to keep your pet safe when wearing a costume?
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Salamanders
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Amphibians
Salamanders make great pets. They’re ideal for apartment residents because they’re quiet. They don’t take up a lot of room because they’re small. They don’t need a background to run around like a dog. They don’t require a lot of personal attention, so they’re also perfect for busy working
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Salmonella
Category: Pet Health, Diseases and Viruses
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause disease in humans, dogs, cats, and other animals. It can cause a variety of symptoms, commonly vomiting and/or diarrhea, but also severe infections and septicemia. It can also cause abscesses, meningitis, bone infections, and abortion. Salmonella is found worldwide
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Saving On Pet Costs Doesn't Mean Reducing Care
Category: Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
Having a pet can cost owners hard earned money. There are food costs, recreation or pet-sitting costs, grooming fees and veterinary visits. When you want to save on the dollars you spend keeping your family's pets healthy and well remember that reducing their care is not the first choice to make.
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Seasonal Allergies Can Make Your Pet Miserable
Category: Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Winter is quickly becoming a distant memory as the days warm up and plants and trees come into bloom. Unfortunately, the change in seasons can cause unpleasant symptoms for pets that suffer from seasonal allergies. Because dogs and cats do not experience the same allergy symptoms as people, you might
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Seasonal Care
Category: Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Heat Stroke Heatstroke may kill or seriously injure your pet—but it can easily be avoided by adhering to the following tips. Never leave pets in cars on warm days. Exercise your pet during the cool part of the day. Look out for rapid breathing, loud panting or staggering; these can be signs of dehydration,
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Secondhand Smoke Affects Pets Too
Category: Newsletter Library, Pet Dangers
The effects of secondhand smoke on people are well-documented. Exposure to tobacco smoke causes a variety of serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not surprisingly, secondhand smoke also increases the risk
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Seizures
Category: Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Seizures are common in dogs, but more unusual in cats. Seizures are just symptoms which can occur with many kinds of diseases. They can happen because of diseases outside the brain or inside the brain. Low blood sugar that can happen with an overdose of insulin or with a tumor of the pancreas can cause
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Selecting a Puppy or Older Dog
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Dogs
Selecting A Puppy A new puppy can be a terrific addition to a family, but with the fun comes responsibility for its care and well-being. Consider and prepare for your puppy's needs before you adopt! Pick a puppy that is active, friendly, and inquisitive. Avoid the one that appears to be afraid of everything
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Senior Pets
Category: Video Newsroom, Health Topics
Pets are living longer thanks to advances in veterinary care, diagnostics, and earlier intervention. But the key to enjoying our "senior" pets lies not only in extending their life span, but in helping them enjoy their later years to the fullest. Like people, dogs and cats are prone to debilitating
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September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?
Category: Newsletter Library
Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better?
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September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs
Category: Newsletter Library
Could core vaccines help your dog avoid serious illness or death?
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Sheep
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Sheep
Sheep are adorable with their naturally wooly coats. With all that wool comes responsibility, though. If you're considering raising sheep, you should know what it entails to take care of them. That way, you're prepared for their arrival and aren't overwhelmed after you adopt them. Housing What type
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Should You Declaw Your Cat?
Category: Newsletter Library, Cats
Do you know what really happens when cats are declawed?
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Should You Leave Your Cat Alone for a Long Weekend?
Category: Newsletter Library
So you have a trip planned for the weekend, but what should you do with your cat? Learn how to best care for your cat while you're away.
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Should Your Dog Wear a Backpack?
Category: Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Thinking about buying a backpack for your dog? Consider these factors before you visit the pet store.
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Should my pet get a summer haircut?
Category: Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Planning a haircut for your pet this summer? That might not be the best idea.
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Signs That Your Cat is Experiencing Pain
Category: Newsletter Library
Do you know when your cat is in pain?
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Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer
Category: Newsletter Library
Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke?
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Six Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool
Category: Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Many areas of the world are seeing record high temperatures, which makes it even more important to ensure that your pets are kept cool. Veterinarians commonly see dogs with heat stroke, but most of these cases could easily have been averted with some easy precautions. The following six tips will help
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Skunks
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Skunks, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals
Home and Veterinary Care for Pet Skunks If you're an adventurous pet owner, you may love exotic animals such as skunks. You'll be happy to learn that skunks can indeed make excellent domestic pets, but only if they receive the proper care to enjoy a happy, healthy life. Your veterinary team can help
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Small Dog Health Problems
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Do you know which health problems are most likely to affect your small dog?
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Snakes
Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Snakes, Choosing Your Pet, Exotics
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, then you might be interested in owning a snake. However, there are a few aspects of owning a snake that you need to be aware of before you make this type of commitment. Here’s what you need to know. What to Know Before Choosing a Pet Snake Before you purchase
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Spring Hazards
Category: Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Everyone looks forward to spring with its fresh air, colorful flowers, and sense of renewal. But there are many hazards associated with this season. We should always be on guard when it comes to our pets and potential dangers. Many areas of the country have a problem with snails; people often put snail
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Staph Infections & Your Pet
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
You may have heard of MRSA infections in people discussed in the media in this last year. Otherwise known as Staph or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, this type of bacteria is resistant to most antibiotics. People infected with this dangerous bacteria can become quite ill or even die if an
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Stem Cell Relief
Category: Video Newsroom, Technology and Science
More than 15 million dogs in North America suffer some form of degenerative joint disease, better known as arthritis. Unfortunately, many dog owners are unaware of the pain their pet is experiencing, chalking up the slow movement to the effects of "old age." Some dogs may receive daily doses of
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Strange Things in Pets' Stomachs
Category: Video Newsroom, Other Interests
Ask your family veterinarian to talk about what he or she has found inside the stomachs of dogs and you will be in for an afternoon of stories. For a variety of reasons, our canine pets seem to enjoy gobbling up the oddest things! Recently, a leading manufacturer of veterinary x-ray products held a contest
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