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Preventive Care & Wellness + English

  • 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.

  • The Harrier is a typical scent hound: born with a love of the hunt and the desire to follow his nose wherever it leads. But he's more than that when he's given the chance. He's a mild-mannered sort, tolerant and good with children.

  • Who could resist that fuzzy face? The Havanese is a delightful companion for all ages. They have plenty of stamina to keep up with the most energetic child. Bichon-type dogs often perform in circuses and happily show off tricks for their families and other spectators.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Just like humans, dogs derive health benefits from regular exercise. An important aspect of facilitating, enhancing, lengthening, and strengthening our relationships with our canine companions is to keep them strong and fit through physical activity.

  • A pet hedgehog’s diet should mainly consist of high-quality hedgehog food mixed with high-quality, low-fat cat food. The diet may be supplemented with certain insects, fruits, and vegetables, which are listed in this handout. Foods that should be avoided are also listed. Hedgehogs have a propensity for obesity if their food intake is not monitored or controlled.