Educational Articles
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Bichon Frises are enjoyable playmates for children and companions for the elderly. They are ideal for city living yet are found in just about any lifestyle situation because of their good looks and pleasing personalities.
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Depending on the size and breed of the dog, heats (estrus) can begin as early as four months old and can occur as frequently as every four months. Spaying a dog either through ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy. Spaying also negates false pregnancies and pyometra and reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Drugs that regulate the heat cycle are not approved for use in the US or Canada.
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Some behaviors natural to birds can be problematic for their owners, who often inadvertently reinforce them. The first step is understanding the cause behind your bird's biting or screaming. If your bird is otherwise healthy and his environmental needs are met, positive reinforcement training is the most effective method for managing undesirable behaviors.
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The Black and Tan Coonhound loves to sniff up a trail and go on a hunt, but he's also a mellow fellow content to lounge around the house — as long as he gets out for a good walk or jog every day.
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The Black Russian Terrier is a courageous and confident dog who tends to be aloof with strangers but utterly devoted to his people. To reach his full potential, he needs consistent guidance and direction from his equally confident owner.
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Blood feathers are a normal maturation process for all feathers on birds. When feathers first erupt from the skin they contain blood. Injury to the feather as it grows may cause the blood feather to become broken causing blood loss that at times may require emergency treatment by an avian veterinarian.
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Bloodhounds are gentle and loving, especially with their people, even if they are not exactly paragons of grace and deportment.
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Loveable, goofy and devoted, Bluetick Coonhounds are always game for a walk, chase or romp.
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When traveling, you may need to board your pet at a kennel or veterinary clinic if friends, neighbors, or pet sitters are not an option. Ask for references to find a boarding facility and be sure to visit it before agreeing to have your pet stay there. A short stay before a longer trip can help your pet to settle in more easily. Be sure to leave emergency contact info for you and your veterinarian with the boarding facility.
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Body condition scoring is an effective objective method of determining if a pet is at a healthy weight. There are 2 scoring systems: one out of 5 and the other out of 9. This handout outlines how to body condition score pets and recommends tracking body condition score to keep pets at a healthy weight, an important factor in pets living longer with less health complications.
