Educational Articles
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Teaching a dog to come when called is perhaps the most important behavior we ever teach. You can train a reliable recall using positive reinforcement and it can be incorporated into daily play time. Puppies should be set up to succeed by having training challenges, such as distractions, added gradually. Until a recall is reliable, puppies should be held on leash when they are not in a secure, fenced area.
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Tramadol is a synthetic opioid given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or compounded liquid, and is used off label to treat pain. Common side effects include sedation, gastrointestinal upset, or agitation. It should not be used in pets that are hypersensitive to opioids, and should be used cautiously in geriatric, sick, or pets with seizures. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Transdermal means the application of a medicine or drug through the skin, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Relatively few drugs are currently available for transdermal application. The biggest risk with a transdermal medication is that it could be insufficiently absorbed, resulting in inadequate drug levels and treatment. The inside of the outer ear flap (not inside the ear canal) is an excellent area to apply transdermal medications. After you have administered the medication, try to distract your pet from scratching or rubbing the ear for a few minutes by feeding your pet, taking your pet for a walk, or playing together immediately afterward. If your pet is prescribed a transdermal medication patch, your veterinarian will often shave an area to affix the patch.
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Transmissible venereal tumors (TVTs), often found in genital areas, are spread through contact with other dogs, most often sexual contact. The tumors are usually cauliflower-like in appearance. Diagnosis and treatment is discussed.
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Traveling with your pet can be fun and safe if you plan in advance by finding a pet-friendly hotel. Knowing what you want in a hotel and what the hotel wants from you can simplify the process. And preparing in advance with your pet in mind can make the trip more enjoyable for you and your furry travel companion.
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Travoprost ophthalmic is a topical medication used to reduce intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) in dogs with glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension (high fluid pressure in the eye). This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine. Travoprost ophthalmic comes in liquid drop suspension form.
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Trazodone oral tablets are commonly used off label to treat short-term anxieties or as an adjunctive treatment for behavioral disorders in dogs and cats. Side effects may include sedation, behavior changes, vomiting, and priapism. Patients with heart, kidney, or liver disease or closed angle glaucoma should use this medication with caution.
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It can take a week to a year to introduce or reintroduce cats—you cannot rush the process. The cats must remain separated unless supervised. If there is steady progress but still specific contexts in which aggression continues, you likely need to consult a behavior professional who can recommend other strategies. Alternatively, the cats may need always to be supervised or separated to prevent conflict at high-risk times.
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Treatment of thunderstorm phobias and fear of noises such as fireworks usually begins with a behavior modification technique known as systematic desensitization and counterconditioning. Many dogs also benefit from anxiolytic medication.
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Your cat has allergies. These instructions have been provided by your veterinary healthcare team to help you treat your cat for her specific allergy. The instructions that relate to your cat are checked.
