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• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications That Can be Safe for Dogs

  Some over-the-counter medications can be used in a pinch for short-term treatment of common ailments in dogs. Consult with your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter medication to determine the correct dose and ensure that they will not interact with other medications your dog is taking. Some medications are toxic. If the condition you are treating does not respond to treatment contact your veterinarian.

• Overweight, Obesity, and Pain in Cats: Overview

  Obesity is the most common problem in cats in North America and leads to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Reducing inflammation and pain can help an overweight cat to regain activity, which in turn can lead to more appropriate weight loss. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when cat owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and improving movement or activity.

• Overweight, Obesity, and Pain in Cats: Prevention and Action Plans

  Obesity is a very common problem in cats due to too many calories in and not enough calories burned. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation in the body, worsening osteoarthritis. To prevent your cat from becoming obese, speak to your veterinarian about appropriate food for your cat's particular life stage. Including exercise in your cat's daily routine can help prevent or reverse obesity. Be aware or your cat's body condition and keep track of her weight.

• Overweight, Obesity, and Pain in Dogs: Overview

  Obesity is the most common problem in dogs in North America and leads to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Reducing inflammation and pain can help an overweight dog to regain activity, which in turn can lead to more appropriate weight loss. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when dog owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and exercise.

• Overweight, Obesity, and Pain in Dogs: Prevention and Action Plans

  Obesity is a very common problem in dogs due to too many calories in and not enough calories burned. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation in the body, worsening osteoarthritis. To prevent your dog from becoming obese, speak to your veterinarian about appropriate food for your dog's particular life stage. Increasing your dog's daily exercise can help prevent or reverse obesity. Be aware or your dog's body condition and keep track of his weight.

• Owning a Ferret

  Ferrets are generally good-natured, inquisitive, playful animals that enjoy the company of humans. They can make great pets! This handout provides some basic facts about ferrets and what you need to know about keeping one as a pet.

• Owning a Pet Gerbil

  Gerbils generally make good family pets but should never be left unsupervised with small children. If well-socialized from a young age and treated gently, they can be wonderful pets. The incisors (front teeth) of all rodents grow continuously throughout the animal's life. Gerbils do not require vaccines, but they should have annual examinations.

• Owning a Pet Hamster

  If well socialized from a young age and treated gently, hamsters are generally slow moving, reasonably easy to handle, and affectionate. Hamsters make good family pets but should never be left unsupervised with small children. Hamsters should have annual physical examinations and fecal tests for intestinal parasites.

• Owning a Pet Rat

  Rats are extremely intelligent, inquisitive, interactive, and social. If well socialized from a young age and treated gently, they are easy to handle, affectionate, and rarely bite unless provoked. Rats generally make good family pets but should never be left unsupervised with small children. Rats live about 2 to 3 years. The incisors (front teeth) of all rodents grow continuously throughout the pet's life. Rats should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year and twice a year as they get older.

• Owning a Pet Snake

  Several species of snakes are commonly kept as pets, including king snakes, rat snakes, garter snakes, corn snakes, various pythons, and various boa constrictors. Young, captive-raised animals make the best pets. This handout discusses key features of snakes and how to choose a snake as a pet. Within one week of your purchase, your snake should be examined by a qualified reptile veterinarian.