Pet Columns

gray parrot eating a carrot

Many pet birds are parrot species: macaws, amazon parrots, cockatoos, lovebirds, cockatiels, parakeets, and more. In the wild, these birds eat a variety of plants and seeds. But what’s the best diet for the parrot…
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[hot weather dog]

Avoid Hot Weather Hazards for Dogs

July 02, 2018

Dehydration, Heatstroke Are Preventable Ironically, the dog days of summer—the hottest time of the year—are not always good for dogs. Dr. Jennifer Reinhart, a specialist in veterinary internal medicine at the University of Illinois Veterinary…
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[horse cough]

My Horse Has a Cough. Now What?

May 20, 2018

Many Conditions Make a Horse Cough As a horse owner, you would not hesitate to seek veterinary care if your horse shows signs of lameness, colic, choke, or other immediate dangers. But what do you…
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[Kristen Keller and Leo]

Keep Teflon, Avocado, Lead, and Zinc Away From Pet Birds

May 07, 2018

These items are toxic to birds Bird owners, beware ! Three common household toxins—TeflonTM, avocado, and heavy metals—present deadly dangers to your feathered friends, according to Dr. Krista Keller, a veterinary specialist in zoological medicine….
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[horse teeth]

Horses Need to See the Dentist Too

April 21, 2018

A horse’s teeth should be examined every 6 months Just like cats and dogs, horses need oral examinations from veterinarians. The health of a horse’s mouth greatly impacts its well-being, behavior, and performance. Dr. Dennis…
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[radiograph of a dog with a bullet in its shoulder]

Veterinary Forensics: When Crimes Involve Animals

April 16, 2018

Veterinary forensics is a growing field A forensic pathologist is a physician who specializes in determining the time, manner, and cause of death. Dr. Adam Stern, a board-certified pathologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary…
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