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Children often have very close relationships with pets, and especially with dogs. Losing a pet dog is inevitable and may be the child's first experience of death, but there are ways for parents and others to help the child cope with it. Start by talking with your child about death truthfully and in an age-appropriate manner. It is important for children to have the chance to say goodbye. Children grieve just as intensely as adults do, but often have different ways of expressing their grief. Each child will grieve their dog in their own unique way and at their own pace. With care and support, your child can grow through the grief and heal.
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Supportive braces can help dogs with many orthopedic conditions, including skeletal deformities, carpal hyperextension, and cruciate ligament disease. It is important to have any brace properly fitted to avoid complications. Braces are not considered equivalent to surgery for cruciate ligament disease.
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Controlled substances are medications or illicit drugs that affect the central nervous system and have the potential for abuse or dependence, both in humans and in animals. These drugs are often needed to manage pain and other conditions in pets and are relatively safe when used appropriately and under the guidance of a veterinarian. Be sure you understand the risks and responsibilities associated with controlled substance use.
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Urine scalding of grass is due to the nitrogen in your dog's urine. Nitrogen is a by-product of protein breakdown and is a normal component of your dog's urine. A bit of nitrogen acts as a food source for plants, such as in fertilizer, but too much will burn the grass. It is not related to the pH of the urine. You can reduce burning by encouraging your dog to drink water to dilute the urine, thereby diluting the nitrogen. It is not recommended to restrict protein from your dog. Watering the grass after your dog urinates or training your dog to urinate in specific locations away from your lawn are the only ways to prevent the problem.
