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Weight-loss programs are not easy, especially when an overweight animal cannot exercise. Veterinary therapeutic diets, automatic feeders, food puzzles, and animal rehabilitation therapy are tools that should be considered for every pet's weight loss program. Pet parents who are motivated to help their overweight dog or cat lose weight should work closely with their veterinary healthcare team to address concerns and discuss ideas for the pet's home environment. The most successful pet owners recruit family and/or friends to support their plans. Patience and persistence are often needed because weight loss doesn't happen quickly.
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A wellness examination includes a complete physical examination and discussion about your dog's daily habits and nutrition. Depending on your dog's age, these visits may be recommended annually or more frequently. Lab work such as blood tests, urinalysis, and fecal tests are often recommended to screen for underlying disease. Radiographs of your dog's chest, abdomen, or joints may also be suggested. Prepare for your dog's wellness examination by knowing what food he eats and how much, any supplements or medications he is taking and if anyone in your household has noticed changes or has concerns.
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Regular wellness exams and laboratory testing are designed to detect hidden disease in dogs, allowing for earlier intervention to correct or manage the disease. Typical testing in young or middle-aged dogs include complete blood count, biochemistry panel, urinalysis, and thyroid testing. These tests can be done in conjunction with your dog’s annual visit to your veterinarian.
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Regular wellness exams and laboratory testing are designed to detect hidden disease in senior dogs, allowing earlier intervention to manage or slow the progress of the disease. Typical testing in senior and geriatric dogs includes complete blood count (CBC) that assesses the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets; a biochemistry panel that provides information about the organs, electrolytes, blood sugar, and proteins; urinalysis that assesses kidney function and can identify inflammation or infection in the urinary tract; and a thyroid test to screen for hypothyroidism.
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Compounded medications are not approved by federal authorities. They are medications that have been altered to provide more accurate dosing or easier administration. They have not been tested for safety, stability, potency, or efficacy.
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Cancer is the result of genetic damage to cells. While some breeds may be more predisposed to certain forms of cancer, age-related changes and environmental factors are also often at fault. Some tests can be performed to determine the type of cancer present. Treatment options are available but do not necessarily cure cancer.
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Palatability refers to how good a pet food or treat tastes, and it is based on the preferences of a dog or cat. Palatability is a combination of how a product smells, tastes, and feels. Pet food companies spend a lot of time and money studying how to improve the palatability of their products. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about the "how", "what", and "why" of making pet foods as tasty as they can be.
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Dogs can have misalignment of the teeth much like people. In people, orthodontic care can be used to perfect a pleasing smile or create a functional bite. In dogs, the goal is to make the mouth functional and pain free. Often this involves moving teeth, reducing the height of teeth, or extracting teeth.
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Most dog owners would agree that our canine friends are doggone cute. Some of their expressions and actions simply amplify their “cuteness.” But are they born with the innate “cuteness”, or do they learn how to be cute? This article discusses some of the reasons for these cute expressions and behaviors.
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Wheat gluten + monosodium glutamate (brand name For-Bid) is a food additive commonly used to deter coprophagy (eating stool). Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects have not been reported. Do not use concurrently with steroids. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary clinic.
