Coyotes!

Written by Dr. Rachel Francis Coyotes have adapted to rural and suburban encroachment of their habitat, so most people in the United States live near these wild dogs. Coyotes are extremely beneficial for vermin control near our towns and cities, and effectively keep rats and other small animal populations in check. They weigh approximately 40lbs. Often confused for the Red and Grey foxes, Coyotes are the size of border collies, and German Shepherd Dog like

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Disaster Planning for Pets

Disaster Planning for Pets

Pet Disaster Preparedness Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires and even man-made disasters have brought home to us all in recent years that a crisis can happen at any time, in any community. See: https://wareham-ma.villagesoup.com/news/story/home-damaged-animals-rescued-in-pine-street-fire/5820 pet disaster preparedness Just as you can’t leave preparing for your human family members to chance, you need a plan to ensure the safety of your pets. Here are some steps to get you started: Make a plan. Prepare for all

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Pets & Car Sickness

Pets & Car Sickness

A simple car ride with your pet can turn miserable if he suffers from motion sickness. Motion sickness can manifest itself as vocalization drooling, vomitting, and defecation. According to Dr. Andress and Gate City Animal Hospital in Greensboro, N.C. (Veterinary Economics, November 2009) here are a few simple steps you an take to settle your pets’ stomach. Simply withholding food before traveling can eliminate many of the problems, or speak to your veterinarian about anti-motion

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Flying With Your Pet

Flying With Your Pet

Written by Dr. Nicole Cummings A recent study shows that it may be more dangerous for certain breeds of dogs to fly than others. Since May 2005, 122 dog deaths have been reported by US airlines, and 1/2 of these have been brachycephalic breeds (breeds with pushed in faces) such as English Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and American Staffordshire Terriers. In a press release the Deptartment of Transportation advised owners of brachycephalic breeds to consult

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South Coast Today: Some animals more at risk from EEE than others

South Coast Today: Some animals more at risk from EEE than others

Written by ANIKA CLARK Stories of eastern equine encephalitis striking horses and humans aren’t uncommon in Southeastern Massachusetts. But the viral wrath that left a Rhode Island man still in critical condition Tuesday isn’t limited to those with heels and hooves. “Anything that’s not native to the East Coast of the United States probably would be sensitive to it,” said Wayne Andrews, superintendent for the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project. “It’s probably been a major

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Cat Behavior From Wild Ancestors

Cat Behavior From Wild Ancestors

Written by Dr. Nicole Cummings Ever wonder how your docile furry feline could be related to the vicious cats in the wild? A recent genetic analysis done by Carlos Driscoll of the National Cancer Institute in Maryland claims to trace the transformation back to a single wild ancestor about 10,000 years ago, and who still lives in the remote deserts of Israel and Saudi Arabia! Check it out the original article: https://www.livescience.com/animals/070628_cat_family.html Check out also

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Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease

Written by Nicole Cummings, DVM With summer in full swing, I thought Lyme disease would be a great first blog topic. Here at the Marion Animal Hospital, we have seen our fair share of Lyme positive dogs, and even cats! Lyme disease is transmitted through by the Ixodes tick (commonly referred to as the Deer tick). The name deer tick is a misnomer, as this tick is most often in our yard and near our

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House Train in 9 Easy Steps

House Train in 9 Easy Steps

by Dr. Rachel Francis Recognize your dog’s signals, solve housetraining problems, and reward appropriate behaviour in 9 steps. NUMBER ONE! PREVENT inappropriate elimination by CONFINING your dog. Allowing your untrained dog to wander all over the house without supervision is asking for an accident. The goal of confinement is to prevent accidents from happening. Keep your dog in a confined area (CRATES ARE BEST) or on a leash when you cannot observe her constantly. #2.

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Feline Heartworm Disease

Feline Heartworm Disease

Active Image Did you know cats can get heartworm disease, just like dogs? Anywhere mosquitos buzz, heartworms are transmitted, so indoor cats are just as susceptible as outdoor cats. Heartworm disease in cats usually causes death, but other symptoms such asActive Image a chronic cough or ascites (fluid in the abdomen) can occur. Heartworm disease in cats is preventable with a seasonal, monthly preventative such as Interceptor or Revolution. Revolution has the added benefit of

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Pets Keep You Healthy

Pets Keep You Healthy

Dog owners 50 and older see their doctors less often, have fewer illnesses, and recover more quickly when they are sick than is the case with their criitterless counterparts. And the benefits go beyond what you’d expect from the added exercise of regular walks. “The simple act of petting an animal has been shown to lower blood pressure by inducing an instant relaxation response,” says Alan Beck Sc.D., director of the Center for the Human-Animal

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Poison or Not?

Poison or Not?

ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center dispels common misconceptions related to poisons such as Swiffer WetJets, Poinsettias, Macadamia nuts and more…. FALSE: If eaten, poinsettias are deadly. Poinsettia ingestions typically induce only mild to moderate stomach upset. Keeping the plant out of reach to avoid stomach upset is a good idea, but pet owners don’t need to banish poinsettas from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure. FALSE: Swiffer WetJets contain an ingredient similar to

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Choosing a Dog

Choosing a Dog

What Kind of Dog Should I Get? Choosing a dog is a 10-20 year commitment and there are some important things you should consider. In considering the differences among dogs, breeds help us understand the physical and behavioral traits typical of the various types of dogs. Choosing a dog with characteristics suited to your family’s care-taking abilities makes a safer and happier experience for the dog as well as the family. Breeds are so different

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Crate Training

Crate Training

Crate training is an excellent way to teach your dog good behavior, as well as give your dog his own space. Benefits of crate training include: Prevents damage to your furniture and other household valuables while you are away or sleeping Helps you teach your dog proper chewing and elimination (bathroom) behavior Provides security for your dog and safety for young children in your home Easy traveling Improves your relationship with your dog Before you

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