Blog
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Can dogs have an overactive thyroid?
Like other animals, dogs can have thyroid problems. In some breeds these conditions are more common, but this is not a rule; both pedigree and mixed-breed dogs can be affected. The thyroid gland plays a very important role in the body. Among other things, it regulates metabolic processes, which means it controls growth, development and the function of many organs. It is also responsible for maintaining a stable body temperature and affects mood and general well-being.
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What is a dental cleaning for dogs?
Tartar is a build-up of bacteria that causes pain, gum inflammation and tooth loss. We explain why dogs and cats need a professional dental cleaning, how the procedure is carried out under anaesthesia at Zviropolis, and how to look after your pet once its teeth have been cleaned.
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How to keep your dog safe on New Year’s Eve
First of all, dogs do not understand what is going on, and fear is the first reaction in a moment like this. It is natural for animals to sense danger and want to hide. People understand the situation; they know when the fireworks are likely to start and when they will end. Unfortunately, there is no way to explain this to an animal.
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What diet is right for a dog with digestive problems?
A properly chosen diet should match the patient's nutritional needs, taking into account the particular veterinary problem, the dog's age and any concurrent conditions.
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What happens at a dermatology appointment?
In veterinary medicine, a dermatologist is a vet who specialises in skin diseases in animals. This field requires extensive knowledge of laboratory tests and how to interpret them, because the dermatologist often carries out additional tests, such as cytology, in person.
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How to prepare your pet for an X-ray
How to prepare your pet properly for an X-ray? As with other diagnostic tests, your pet needs to be prepared for an X-ray in advance. At Zviropolis we take X-rays only under sedation, so the patient must be fasted for around 8-10 hours before the appointment. Please take away water 2 hours before you arrive at the clinic.
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What does a dog’s vaccination schedule look like?
When does a dog get its first vaccination? A dog's vaccination schedule depends on factors such as its age, whether its history and previous vaccinations are known, its current state of health and past illnesses. The schedule starts no earlier than when the puppy is 8 weeks old. The course consists of a vaccine against infectious diseases, which has to be repeated twice, and one rabies vaccination. There must be an appropriate gap between these so that the body can respond properly to the vaccine.
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How to prepare your pet for surgery
Does your pet need a pre-operative appointment? For the surgeon, this appointment is a chance to examine the patient clinically and take a look at the problem itself, for example the teeth before a dental procedure or a tumour that is to be removed.
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What is the difference between castration and sterilisation?
What is the difference between castration and sterilisation? When we talk about a procedure intended to cause permanent infertility, it has become customary to speak of castration for males and sterilisation for females, yet these are two completely different procedures.
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Why is my cat overweight?
Cats put on too much weight when their diet, or the amount they eat, is not matched to how much they move. When a cat takes in a lot of calories and moves little, the excess is stored as body fat. Indoor cats, and cats that spend most of the day alone in a flat or house, are more prone to obesity. Another cause can be a hormonal imbalance.
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Why do dogs howl?
Howling is a long, drawn-out sound of varying pitch that a dog makes. It is a form of communication with other members of the species, inherited from wolves. The way a dog howls, and how often, depends on its emotions.
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What is epilepsy in dogs and cats, and how do you cope with it?
What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a fairly common neurological condition that affects both dogs and cats. Abnormal electrical activity in the brain triggers a seizure. Seizures vary in severity but usually produce similar signs. Animals of any breed, age or size can develop the condition. Bear in mind that it is incurable.
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