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Educational Articles

Dogs + Pet Services

  • Gingival hyperplasia is the abnormal growth of excessive gum tissue. The gums may appear reddened or inflamed and may become so enlarged that it is difficult to visualize the teeth. In some cases, gingival hyperplasia may be localized to specific areas and its appearance may mimic the appearance of a mass or tumor. Gingival hyperplasia is most commonly treated with the surgical removal of the excessive proliferative tissue, referred to as gingivoplasty. Although it results in a significant improvement in clinical signs, gingivoplasty does not typically cure the condition.

  • The easiest way to give your dog liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. In some cases, this is not possible, and you will have to administer the medication directly into your dog's mouth using a syringe. Before starting, make sure you prepare the syringe with the correct amount of medication. If the medication was refrigerated, you may want to warm it up by holding the syringe tightly in your hand for a minute or two. It may be helpful to have someone assist you the first few times you administer the medication. Detailed directions for administering the medication are provided in this handout. Be sure to offer your dog lots of praise and offer a treat or extra playtime after giving the medication.

  • Giving pills to dogs can be a challenge, even for the most experienced veterinarian! The easiest way to give your dog a pill is to hide the pill in food. Some dogs will always find the pill and spit it out, so you may need to administer it directly into your dog's mouth. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to doing this at home.

  • This handout describes the benefits of performing examinations at home between regularly scheduled veterinary visits. It outlines the different parts of the body to examine, how to examine and what to look for as abnormals.

  • Curious, courageous, and calm (for a terrier), the happy-go-lucky attitude and gentle nature of the Glen of Imaal Terrier help him adjust to just about any living situation, as long as he can spend time at your side every day.

  • Globoid-cell leukodystrophy, also called Krabbe disease or lysosomal storage disease, is a rare disease caused by a mutation in a dog’s DNA. It results in abnormal processing and storage of an enzyme critical for producing myelin, the substance that coats and protects the nerves throughout the brain and spinal cord. Clinical signs emerge at an early age, including tremors, muscle weakness, and loss of control of the limbs. Most dogs must be euthanized due to their neuromuscular decline about two to six months after the onset of clinical signs.

  • This handout discusses glomerulonephritis in dogs, a form of kidney disease that implies inflammation within the glomeruli (filtration units) found within the kidneys. Topics covered are the potential causes for the condition, the diagnostic methods used to determine the presence and extent of the condition, and potential treatment options for the disease.

  • The Golden's gentle face and alluring charisma is an invitation to play. If you're reading a book, you're liable to find a paw in your lap, followed by another, then your face covered with kisses.

  • Devotees of the Gordon Setter say that they're highly intelligent and that they're as good at being faithful companions as they are at finding birds for the hunter. Plenty of daily, regular exercise brings out the best in this sweet-natured (but sometimes bossy) dog, and keeps him from becoming too rowdy.

  • The eye-catching Great Dane, called the "Apollo of Dogdom," is the tallest of all dogs. The sleek, proud appearance of this breed gives these dogs a look of majesty. Do not expect puppies to have the grace or wisdom of an adult, even though they can stand up to lick you in the face.