March 29, 2012
Nail-biting, gum smacking, knuckle popping - they can be
irritating habits people have. Even birds display their share
of odd behaviors.
Feather plucking is a common habit among parrot-type birds, says
Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, a veterinarian with the Winnie Carter
Wildlife Center at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine
and Biomedi... (Read More)
March 22, 2012
Severe weather can be a troubling event, especially when there
are animals whose welfare and comfort is of concern as well. Small
pets can usually take cover with their owners, but what precautions
can an owner take for larger animals such as horses?
"The first step in protecting your horses and other livestock
from severe weather is to realize what the s... (Read More)
March 14, 2012
It is never desirable to leave a pet at home alone, but when it
is necessary, it is nice to know the pet will be entertained. But
the price of entertainment can be high when the pet is left with
inappropriate toys; some toys may cause choking or even require
surgery to eliminate the problem.
Buying safe toys for your pet is a must in order to keep them
safe fr... (Read More)
March 08, 2012
For many FFA and 4-H youth and their animals, it's showtime.
Now is the time of year when many young adults are showing off
such livestock as cattle, sheep, swine, and goats at fairs and
competitions all over the country. Dr. Floron Faries,
professor and extension veterinarian, Texas AgriLife Extension
Service, Texas A&M System, has some advice for yo... (Read More)
March 01, 2012
Like people, dogs are susceptible to the negative effects of
aging on the mind and body. Canine cognitive dysfunction or "doggie
dementia" is a disorder similar to dementia in people.
"Signs for canine cognitive dysfunction include problems with
learning, housetraining, awareness of surroundings, and problems
with the wake/sleep cycle," said Dr. Joseph Man... (Read More)
February 23, 2012
A tummy ache is never fun for people, but it can be life
threatening for your pet.
"It's not uncommon for most animals to have upset stomachs and
vomit from time to time, but there's usually a simple reason," says
Dr. Deb Zoran, associate professor at the Texas A&M College of
Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Vomiting may be caused by a hair... (Read More)