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Pet Health Articles

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  • This handout discusses how to find reliable information for your pet on the internet. Recommendations are to always seek out trusted sources, such as your own veterinary clinic, veterinary schools, and those sites with content written by veterinarians. Try to avoid sites offering homemade cures, are heavily weighted with opinions, or offer prescription medications without requiring a veterinarian’s prescription.

  • Fine needle aspiration is a useful tool to collect samples for cytology and is often used to diagnose abnormal lumps on your pet's body as well as evaluation of fluid samples and tissue surfaces. It is relatively simple and inexpensive but can provide a lot of information. Depending on results, further tests may be indicated to best help your pet.

  • Despite being loud, alert and agile when on the chase, Lappies are calm, friendly and very submissive with people. Their gentle disposition makes them ideal dogs around small children and the elderly.

  • The Finnish Spitz, the national dog of Finland, loves to bark, and his barking talents are so valued that every year in Finland, officials select a King Barker. Maybe not the breed for peace-and-quiet lovers, the Finkie, as he is known to his friends, is nonetheless a playful and devoted companion.

  • Fipronil is used topically to treat flea, tick, and chewing lice infestations. Side effects are uncommon but may include skin irritation at the application site. Do not use this product on pets less than 8 weeks old, geriatric pets, or sick/weak pets.

  • Firocoxib is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and horses. It may also be used off label to treat a specific type of bladder cancer in dogs. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • The sight of blood is frightening for many people, especially when an injured cat is bleeding. With quick first aid, the situation is not as scary. An injured pet is scared and in pain so be sure to take precautions to avoid being bitten. You may need to use a muzzle or have someone restrain your cat while you provide first aid. Keeping wounds covered with pressure to slow the bleeding is the first step. Minor injuries may be manageable at home, but larger wounds and internal wounds require immediate veterinary care.

  • The sight of blood is frightening for many people, especially when an injured dog is bleeding. With quick first aid, the situation is not as scary. An injured pet is scared and in pain so be sure to take precautions to avoid being bitten. You may need to use a muzzle or have someone restrain your dog while you provide first aid. Keeping wounds covered with pressure to slow the bleeding is the first step. Minor injuries may be manageable at home, but larger wounds and internal bleeding require immediate veterinary care.

  • Broken nails are acute, painful injuries that require first aid, and in some cases, a veterinary visit. Bleeding should initially be controlled with pressure from gauze or a towel, followed by cauterizing powder if needed. Any remaining damaged part needs to be removed, which usually requires veterinary care. Broken nails are best prevented by keeping all nails short through regular trimmings.

  • Broken nails are acute, painful injuries that require first aid, and in some cases, a veterinary visit. Bleeding should initially be controlled with pressure from gauze or a towel, followed by cauterizing powder if needed. Any remaining damaged part needs to be removed, which usually requires veterinary care. Broken nails are best prevented by keeping all nails short through regular trimmings.