Pet Columns

[bearded dragon looks at night sky]

Recent

Lightning Bugs Toxic to Bearded Dragons
August 16, 2022

It’s fun to spend a summer night catching and releasing lightning bugs, right? Well, not if you are a bearded dragon. Dr. Krista Keller, a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine at the University of Illinois…
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Species

[A farrier works on a horse's hoof]

Answers to Horse Hoof Questions

July 18, 2022

Have you ever heard the saying “no hoof, no horse”? Have you ever wondered why horse owners and veterinarians say it? Without healthy feet, horses can’t get around and do their jobs. And when it…
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horse eating grass

Spring Grass and Laminitis in Horses

March 12, 2022

Every year, once winter is over and the snow has receded, the grass starts its yearly explosion of growth. The spring helps bring hay and fresher forage for our horses. However, with the fresh forage…
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Dr. Suma Rao (left) and veterinary student Natalie examine a dog.

Brushing Is Best for Pet Dental Health

January 31, 2022

Every February, the veterinary community celebrates National Pet Dental Health Month. It’s a chance to call attention to the link between your pet’s oral health and its overall health. Did you know that gum disease…
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[red-footed tortoise]

The Tortoise and Its Care

January 11, 2022

If you’ve got the time—and the space—we may have a lifelong animal companion for you: a tortoise. Here with a primer on pet tortoises is Dr. Amanda Wong, a veterinarian completing a three-year residency in…
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[tabby lying in front of holiday lights]

How to Prevent Holiday Mishaps for Pets

December 02, 2021

Make sure your holiday preparations keep pet safety in mind. Dr. Ashley Mitek, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, offers tips to prevent accidents and injuries that could dampen the…
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[dog in vampire cape before full moon]

Prevent Halloween Hazards for Pets

October 26, 2021

Halloween may be the spookiest night of the year, but there’s no reason it needs to be the scariest. The emergency medicine team at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers advice for avoiding…
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[closeup of dog's nose/face]

Coronavirus and Pets: FAQs for Owners

August 30, 2021

These FAQs were last updated on September 28, 2021. The newest additions are at the top of the page and reflect the most recent updates. Do dogs and cats need to be vaccinated for SARS-Cov-2?…
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