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• Grooming and Coat Care for Your Dog

  Grooming your dog can be a fun chore or a challenging one for many people. Depending on coat/hair type, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors, some dogs will need different levels of grooming care than others. A well-groomed dog is a sign of overall good health.

• Halitosis in Cats

  Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria, plaque, tartar, decomposing food particles, or death of tissue. Treatment of halitosis in cats involves eliminating the cause(s). The teeth need to be thoroughly cleaned and polished under general anesthesia. Teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease or tooth resorption need to be extracted. Reducing the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and resulting halitosis can be achieved by using VOHC-accepted products.

• Halitosis in Dogs

  Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Once halitosis occurs, professional veterinary oral prevention, assessment, and treatment is needed. Teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease need to be extracted. Reducing the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and resulting halitosis can be achieved by using VOHC-accepted products.

• Halloween Safety for Pets

  Halloween can be fun for the whole family including pets but it can also be a scary or dangerous time for pets. Costumes, candy, and noises can cause multiple problems such as stress, poisoning, and anxiety that may cause them to run away or react aggressively. Keep them in mind when planning your holiday and talk to your veterinarian if you need help with anxiety issues.

• Hand-Feeding Baby Birds

  Hand-raised babies usually make better pets, as they have been completely socialized with humans. Hand-feeding is a job best left for the experienced bird breeder or aviculturist. If you are considering hand-feeding a baby bird, you should contact your local bird breeder or avian veterinarian for help. This article provides general guidelines and best practices.

• Head Halter Training for Dogs

  Head halters can provide better control and safety for some dogs. A proper fit with gentle leash handling and positive reinforcement training is required to make a head halter successful. Some dogs may find the head halters aversive, which means it is not the right tool for them.

• Health Problems in Guinea Pigs

  Guinea pigs can be hardy and easy to care for when provided an appropriate environment for their unique needs. Like all animals, guinea pigs are susceptible to certain problems and diseases. This handout outlines the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for some of the more common health problems of guinea pigs.

• Health Problems in Rodents

  Rodents commonly develop certain health problems, including rabies (unlikely in pet rodents housed inside), hair barbering, foot necrosis, vitamin C deficiency, heat stroke, antibiotic toxicity, chromodacryorrhea, diarrhea, bone fractures, bacterial skin infections (dermatitis), and seizures.

• Health Registries for Pets

  This handout outlines the various health registries in existence that strive to improve the health of dogs and cats. Included in this list are the Canine Health Information Center, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Companion Animal Eye Registry, Animal Registry of Certified Health, and the Cat Phenotype and Health Information Registry. Also discussed are canine breed-specific registries, along with the National Pet Microchip Registration.

• Healthcare for Pet and Backyard Chickens

  Chickens are fun, playful, friendly small pets, and they can be very enjoyable both in an outdoor or indoor environment. Like all small pets, chickens require the proper diet, protection from predators, and room to move around. This handout discusses general housing, nutrition, and health care for chickens.