Skip to main content

Educational Articles

Content Library

  • Cockatiels make excellent first birds for families. Larger than budgies and smaller than larger parrots, these entertaining birds are easy to maintain and provide endless hours of entertainment and companionship. They are beautiful flyers and enjoy lots of activity and play. Cockatiels love to chew, so providing bird-safe toys will distract them from unwanted destructive chewing. They may be adopted from shelters or purchased from a pet store or a reputable breeder. They require annual, routine veterinary health check-ups to help prevent disease and help maintain a long-lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird.

  • Cockatoos are a suitable family pet for families with adult children. Their jumpy nature and strong bite make them inappropriate for families with young children. These birds are high maintenance both physically and emotionally, as they demand a lot of attention and a great deal of time outside their cages. Without adequate attention, cockatoos sometimes become excessively boisterous and are potentially destructive. Cockatoos need to chew, so provide a continuous supply of non-toxic wood or cardboard bird-safe toys. Cockatoos may be adopted from shelters or purchased from pet stores or reputable breeders. They require annual, routine veterinary health check-ups to help prevent disease.

  • Cocker Spaniels, as one of the most popular breeds, suffered a bad reputation for a few years because of poor breeding practices by some eager for a dollar, but these dogs are now safely secure as a treasured family pet once again. Their cheerful "ready-to-go-when-you-are" demeanor makes them great companions.

  • Codeine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat mild to moderate pain, cough, and occasionally diarrhea. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other opioids, in pets with inflammatory bowel disease, or in pets that have ingested a toxic substance. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Coenzyme Q-10 is an over the counter supplement given by mouth and is used off label to treat heart, nerve, or inflammatory conditions in dogs and cats. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and have not been documented. Use cautiously in pregnant or nursing pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Lameness in Dogs

    Si un perro no puede moverse de forma normal se dice que está cojo. Las causas de cojera más habituales son el dolor en una articulación o en sus estructuras de soporte o bien la inestabilidad de una articulación.

  • Colchicine is given by mouth and is used off label to primarily treat amyloidosis and Shar-Pei fever. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are not well documented and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, skin rash, incoordination, severe tiredness, weakness, infections, bleeding, or bruising. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with severe kidney, gastrointestinal, or heart disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • The term colic simply means abdominal pain. There are many causes of colic and symptoms range from very mild to violent.

  • Colitis simply refers to inflammation of the large intestine or colon. Signs include frequent, small volumes of semi-formed to liquid feces, straining, and small amounts of bright red blood. The causes of colitis include stress, infections, and parasites, trauma, allergic colitis, and primary inflammatory bowel disease. The diagnosis of colitis is based on your pet's clinical signs and history, microscopic evaluation of the feces, rectal examination, cytology, and blood tests. The specific cause of colitis will dictate the appropriate treatment. For most dogs diagnosed with colitis, the prognosis is excellent for a speedy recovery.

  • Choosing the right collar or harness for a dog requires understanding how each device works and what is best for the dog and the owner. Correct selection, fit, and use are crucial for any training tool's success.