Articles
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Dexmedetomidine is a sedative and tranquilizer used in the treatment of fear and anxiety in dogs (Sileo) and as a sedative and pain medication in both dogs and cats (Dexdomitor). It is also used off label (extra label) as a pre-anesthetic or tranquilizer in exotic pets.
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Behavior problems in pets can be due to physical illnesses, behavioral illnesses, or both. In addition, some behaviors that you find undesirable are perfectly normal for a dog. It is always important to identify and treat underlying medical physical conditions once they have been identified. In most cases, physical and behavioral conditions must be treated simultaneously.
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Dogs exhibit many normal behaviors that can seem unruly. Some dogs are overly active and never seem to settle. Attempts to stop disruptive, normal behaviors using corrections are not typically successful. This handout outlines more effective strategies, including teaching replacement behaviors.
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Dogs have the same five senses that humans have: the ability to see, hear, smell, feel, and taste. Some of these canine senses are very acute and function at a high level. Some people think that dogs have a sixth sense, but this presumption may be based on how well dogs use and integrate their other five senses. There is no scientific evidence that dogs have a sixth sense, but there are anecdotal reports demonstrating how perceptive they are.
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Just like people, your dog can mourn when there has been a loss in their world, and the symptoms are similar. There are ways that you can help, with some guidance from your veterinarian or a behaviorist if needed.
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When choosing a behavior professional to add to your dog's healthcare team, it is helpful to understand what professionals are available, what they do, and how they can help you and your dog. This handout outlines the various roles and specializations of behavior professionals and how to choose, and how to know what is best for your pet.
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Dogs love their owners unconditionally and science has proven as much. Their senses of smell and hearing are intensely tied to their recognition of their family members.
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Training your dog in advance for travel is the ideal situation. Positive reinforcement training can be used to help dogs relax so that they can travel calmly and safely. Medications can be helpful for dogs who become physically ill or experience anxiety when traveling.
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Ear and body handling are essential skills for every dog. Teaching trust and comfort for ear handling is best done before an infection occurs. Training for ear handling should be done when the ears are not painful. Using sedation and anesthesia is always a good idea for painful ears.
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The terms alpha and dominant are often misused when it comes to dog behavior. When dogs exhibit undesirable behaviors, including aggression, they are not attempting to become "alpha". Using confrontational training techniques to subdue a dog and reduce its status can cause physical and emotional damage to dogs and their people.