Be sure to bookmark our pet care blog—your go-to source for expert tips, insightful advice, and more! Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or welcoming a new companion into your home, we’re here to provide guidance on everything from health and wellness to training and daily care. Our goal? To help you keep your furry, feathered, or scaly friend happy, healthy, and thriving.
For even more in-depth pet care insights, head on over to The Conscious Vet to explore Dr. Magnuson’s personal blog!
What are the most dangerous items in my house for my pets?
Question: What are the most dangerous items in my house for my pets? Answer: Your house is filled with many lurking dangers. Most are those that can be eaten by your...
Do I need pet insurance for my pet?
Absolutely! I compare pet insurance to car insurance…they are very much the same in concept. Your car insurance does not cover your routine oil change and maintenance but it does...
What does it mean to have a Standard of Care?
It means the hospital is responsible to provide a level of care that meets or exceeds a standard established by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA.) AAHA is the only...
Does my pet really need a dental cleaning?
Yes, your pet does, at least once a year. Your dog or cat NEVER brushes their teeth (unless you do brush your pet's teeth, and if you do, hats off...
Pet Obesity is an Epidemic!
It is estimated that over 54% of dogs and cats are overweight or obese. That is truly frightening when you think about that, over half of our pets are at...
What did my chicken eat?!!!
Have you ever wondered what your chickens are eating when they are free ranging? Well, they eat anything they can find. Yes, normally they eat bugs, seeds and some plants...
Your Pet Could Be Hurting, and You May Not Even Know It…
Your Pet Could Be Hurting & You May Not Even Know It... We love our pets and the number one question I get from owners is “Do...
Your Pet and Preventatives
Why is heartworm prevention so important? Heartworm disease in dogs, cats and ferrets is very serious business. It is so much easier (and cheaper) to prevent heartworm disease than it...
Lasers and Pets!
The latest and greatest pain relief for pets are LASERS! Class IV Therapy Lasers reduce pain and inflammation caused by a variety of issues. Lasers are used to treat arthritis, hot...
Avian Bornavirus (ABV) and PDD in Pet Birds
What Is Avian Bornavirus? Avian Bornavirus (ABV) is a group of RNA viruses that can infect many bird species, especially parrots and other psittacines. ABV has been identified worldwide and...
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Poultry
– 2025 Update – Bird flu (influenza A) is a contagious respiratory disease of birds. It spreads in bird secretions and contaminated dust. There is no at‑home treatment; suspected cases...
Avian Wing Trims
Wing trims are a management tool, not a default. The goal is controlled glide (no gain in altitude) while preserving balance, confidence, and the ability to land safely. Over‑trimming causes...
Bringing Your Pet Bird to the Veterinary Hospital
We follow AAHA standards that prioritize patient safety, gentle handling, and minimizing stress. Birds are especially sensitive to handling, temperature changes, and unfamiliar environments. With the right preparation, you can...
Brumation in Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are native to the arid regions of Australia. In the wild, they experience seasonal changes in temperature and daylight. One normal response to these changes is...
Bumblefoot (Pododermatitis) in Birds
Bumblefoot is a pressure and infection problem of the feet. It starts with skin damage from improper perches, poor footing, excess weight, or inactivity and can progress to deep infection...
Chicken Lice Treatment and Home Care Guide
Your chicken has been diagnosed with lice, a common external parasite in backyard poultry. The good news is that lice are treatable and most birds recover quickly once treatment begins. ...
Common Causes of Soft-Shelled Eggs in Chickens
What They Mean and What You Can Do Finding a soft-shelled or shell-less egg can be alarming, but in many cases the cause is manageable. Eggshell quality depends on nutrition,...
Dental Disease in Rabbits
Dental disease is one of the most common medical problems in rabbits and is now recognized as the underlying cause of many other serious conditions. Understanding rabbit dental health is...
Egg Yolk Peritonitis in Chickens
What Is Egg Yolk Peritonitis? Egg yolk peritonitis (EYP) is a common and potentially serious condition in laying hens. It occurs when egg yolk material ends up inside the abdominal...
Feather Destructive Behavior (Feather Picking)
Feather picking is a sign, not a diagnosis. Medical problems, pain, hormones, environment, and behavior can all contribute—often more than one at the same time. Early work-up + a structured...
Ferret Adrenal Disease
What is Adrenal Disease Ferret adrenal disease, also called hyperadrenocorticism, is one of the most common medical conditions affecting pet ferrets. In the United States, up to 70 percent of...
Heartworm Disease in Ferrets
What is Heartworm Disease? Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes. It affects dogs, cats, ferrets, and wildlife. Although less common in ferrets than...
Ferret Insulinoma
What is Insulinoma? Insulinoma is one of the most common diseases of middle-aged to older ferrets. It is caused by an abnormal growth (tumor) of the pancreas, specifically the insulin-producing...
Vaccines and Vaccine Reactions in Ferrets
Why Vaccines Matter in Ferrets Vaccination is a critical part of preventive care for ferrets. Two viral diseases—canine distemper and rabies—are both fatal, and one of them poses a direct...
Giving Medication to Rabbits
Your veterinarian or a veterinary technician will usually demonstrate how to give oral medications, apply eye or ear treatments, or syringe feed your rabbit. However, many rabbits that are calm...
Head Tilt in Rabbits
Head tilt in rabbits, also called torticollis or wry neck, is a sign of vestibular disease. The vestibular system is the part of the nervous system responsible for balance and...
Heavy Metal Poisoning in Backyard Chickens
Heavy metal poisoning is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition in backyard chickens. Chickens are naturally curious foragers that scratch and peck at the ground all day, making them more...
Ileus (Gastrointestinal Stasis) in Rabbits
Ileus, also called gastrointestinal (GI) stasis, is one of the most common and serious medical problems seen in pet rabbits. Under normal conditions, coordinated muscle contractions move food through the...
Managing Reproductive Behaviors in Pet Birds
Egg laying is normal in female birds, but chronic laying is not. It raises the risk of egg binding, egg yolk peritonitis, cloacal prolapse, hypocalcemia, and pathologic fractures. The fix...
Marek’s Disease in Chickens
Marek’s is a highly contagious herpesvirus of chickens that spreads in feather dander and dust. Vaccination at hatch and strict biosecurity are the only effective prevention tools. There is no...
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects both domestic and wild rabbits. It is caused by Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). The...
Abscesses in Rabbits
Abscesses are a common and often challenging medical problem in rabbits. They differ significantly from abscesses in dogs and cats and require specialized treatment. This handout explains why abscesses occur,...
Bladder Sludge in Rabbits
Bladder sludge is a fairly common condition that can affect rabbits of any age or breed. While it is often manageable, it can be difficult to cure completely and may...
Scaly Leg Mite in Chickens
What Is Scaly Leg Mite? Scaly leg mite (Knemidocoptes) is a microscopic parasite that burrows underneath the scales of a chicken’s legs and feet. As the mites tunnel and reproduce,...
State Laboratory and NPIP Resources for Poultry Owners
Early testing and proper reporting protect your flock, neighboring flocks, and public health. The resources below help you find trusted testing laboratories, state poultry officials, and disease control programs quickly...