Can Your Pet Make You Sick?
We know that pets are more than just companion animals—they are family. We let them sleep in our beds, share our meals from time to time, and lick our faces clean. But love isn’t the only thing going on between people and pets. Humans can contract many illnesses—called zoonotic diseases—from animals, even our furry family members. Thankfully, simple precautions like education, good hygiene, and appropriate veterinary care can greatly reduce your risk.
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Diagnosing and Treating Your Pet Alone: The Dangers of the Internet
The internet is an amazing resource, one that has completely transformed our lives. It answers an infinite amount of questions for us, as the press of a button, anywhere we are at anytime.
The problem is, maybe we have too many answers, and from some unreliable sources to boot. If you were to Google “sick pet symptoms”, you would have 1.36 million results at your fingertips in 0.67 seconds. So where do you even begin?
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Cancer and Pets: How Can We Prevent It?
While there is far more research performed for the benefit of humans than for pets, we know that much of the initial research into human disease and pharmaceuticals is performed using animals; therefore, we learn about them as a side effect.
In the veterinary field, many of the therapeutics we use to treat disease come from human medicine, at least initially. The treatment of cancer is no exception, and in fact, some cancer treatments derived from human medicine have worked well for animals. Others, however, have not.
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Bringing Home Puppy: What's Next?
There are fewer things in life sweeter than a new puppy. The soft fur, big paws and sweet breath…there’s nothing better!
But what do you do after you’ve picked out the name, purchased the supplies, puppy-proofed the house and brought home your bundle of joy? In honor of National Puppy Day on March 23, we’ve compiled a health care guide just for new puppies and the parents who love them.
Preventative Care
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Ask Vickie: Keep Pet Dentistry Costs Down!
Have a question about your pet's oral health, like which oral health products are better for your pet, or how often you should brush your pet's teeth? Ask Vickie! Vickie Byard, CVT, VTS (Dentistry), CVJ will be answering some of your most pressing pet oral health questions on this monthly blog segment: Ask Vickie!
Want to submit a question to Ask Vickie?
Email your question to socialmedia@rauanimalhospital.com. Make sure the subject line is...you guessed it ⎯ Ask Vickie!
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The Five Most Frequently Asked Dog Questions — Answered
Why is my dog so itchy?
Itchiness is often the result of a flea bite. The best defense is to keep your pet on a year-round product to prevent and treat flea infestations. Some dogs may also have atopy, which is inhalant, and/or a contact allergy. Dogs can be allergic to one or many of the things that humans are allergic to, such as molds and pollens. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the environmental conditions and the response from the dog. Your dog may also develop secondary skin infections that require medication.
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Training Basics: Starting the New Year on the Right Paw
It’s a new year — a time when so many of us make resolutions only to modify or forget them completely within a day or two. This year, I would like to ask you to make a resolution that you will stay true to and fulfill not just for the next 12 months, but always: Train your dog!
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Pet Meds: Avoiding an Adverse Reaction
Just like humans, pets can experience adverse reactions to medications, vaccines and even seemingly benign topical substances, such as shampoo or ear cleaner. Do you know what to do if your pet has one?
Know the signs.
Symptoms of a drug reaction are often wide-ranging, as they depend on both the type of medication and the individual pet. Responses may vary from mild lethargy or nausea to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
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