Choosing A Bed For A Dog With Arthritis

Pet dogs that suffer from arthritis could have problems sleeping.  Having your pet sleep on a proper bed could significantly ease their discomfort.  Some commercially available doggie beds are specifically designed for the accommodation of arthritic dogs and those with joint issues, offering them a good night’s sleep.

Before selecting a bed where your arthritic pet could sleep, ensure that you measure your dog as he lies down with his legs extended.  Take measurements around your dog and then add five inches around.  This extra space accommodates your dog comfortably without cramping him.  There must be ample space for the dog to completely turn around without falling off.  If the bed is too small, it could just exacerbate your pet’s joint pains.

Arthritic dogs could benefit from special orthopedic beds with specialized foam that lines the bottom.  This forms an ideal support structure for your pet’s body.  Orthopedic doggie beds have lining and padding on every side that cushions your pet’s body if he does move around while sleeping.

Your vet Lewisville, TX is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior. Click here to know more.

Does My Dog Need A Hypoallergenic Diet?

 

Dog allergies reveal in various and distinct forms. The most frequent manifestations are itchy skin (which may lead to fur loss), respiratory problems, and digestive issues.  There are numerous causes of allergies found in dogs.

Some canines are sensitive to grass, insects, and foods. It depends on their breed. When your canine has food allergies, then the best way to fight that is to give them hypoallergenic dog food. This food type has ingredients that will not cause allergies which will alleviate the symptoms they're experiencing.

A hypoallergenic dog diet is composed of high-quality proteins that aren't recognized as antigens. It is commonly grain-free, gluten-free, or contains limited ingredients.  This food type is clear of dairy, beef, gluten, wheat, and grain.

Finding the best food for your dog with food sensitivities is an overwhelming challenge. With various hypoallergenic diet options, you can find one that would be most suitable for your pet.

A sudden change in your pet's appetite and/or eating habits should warrant a visit to your animal hospital Lewisville, TX.  Schedule an appointment today!

Different Types of Pointer Dogs

Pointers are a dog breed group renowned for their abilities in hunting birds.  There is research indicating that the line started in Spain 5 centuries ago.  But there are experts who believe that pointer dogs began over five hundred years ago in the central part of France.  Then there is other historical information that suggests these pointer dogs were discovered less than five hundred years ago in England.  Nevertheless, these days, there are thirty-eight identified breeds of bird dogs.  Other than the well-known German pointer dogs that come in three types (long-haired, wirehaired, and short-haired), below are some more popular pointers:

• Slovakian wirehaired pointers
• Portuguese pointers
• Old Danish pointers (Denmark)
• Majorcan pointers (Spain, Balearic Islands, Majorca)
• Burgos pointers (Spanish)

The above are just some of the thirty-eight pointer dog types.  These dogs are characterized by their hunting abilities and pointing stance (which gives them their name).  But pointer dogs could have different markings and different games that they are best suited for fetching.  For instance, the German pointer dog is ideal for hunting waterfowl and the specialty of Portuguese pointers is partridges.

Your veterinarian Lewisville, TX is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs. Click here to know more.

Keeping Essentials Oils Away from Pet Cats

Humans use essential oils because of their aromatherapy effects. However, you should keep essential oils away from your pet cat as they cause poisoning. The liver of cats lacks certain enzymes that can break down essential oil components. Thus, if your cat inhales or ingests essential oils, the effects can be fatal. Kittens, senior cats, and those with liver and respiratory illnesses are most vulnerable to essential oil poisoning. Always keep essential oils secure inside a cabinet. Counters and tables are not ideal spots to place reed diffusers, and liquid potpourri pots as cats love to jump to and from high spaces. If you will be using a room spray, ensure that your cat is not around to prevent inhalation or licking of airborne particles that may get in contact with its fur. If you apply essential oils to your skin, do not let your cat stay beside you to prevent any contact.  

Any sign of illness displayed by your pet should prompt a visit to your animal hospital Lewisville, TX.

What Does a Cat’s Purr Mean?

 

There’s not really a specific answer to this question. A cat’s purr can mean a lot of things depending on the cat’s attitude, health, etc. Sometimes a purring cat could be a sign of happiness while at other times it could be a sign of sadness or pain. Kittens purr before they even learn to open their eyes. This could be a sign that purring is not exactly a sign of contentment, but a natural occurrence for cats at various emotional stages. Experts note that cats often purr if they are injured, while giving birth, and even when dying. Purring can be a sign of friendship or a sign of loneliness. When you approach a cat, do so with caution. Speak to the cat softly and offer a hand for inspection. If the cat is purring, take note of surroundings and watch the cat carefully to make sure she is not injured. Learn more from your vets Lewisville, TX. If the cat approaches and rubs herself along your hand encouraging you to stroke her and pet her then her purring may then be of contentment.

Dog house basics

 

Sharing your life with a canine companion means that you get to take the time to enjoy plenty of new items coming into your home. While a dog house may stay in the yard, it is still a new addition for your little fur ball to enjoy.

In order to choose a dog house for your pet to make the most of, you will need to think about what you can do to give her everything that will meet her needs in this space. She will utilize her dog house to enjoy a space of her own in the great outdoors and this will mean making sure you are able to make it comfortable for her to do so. Your pet will need you to think about a potential option’s ability to keep her out of the elements and give her enough space to move about as well. For additional information, please contact your local vet clinic Lewisville, TX.

Why Do Dogs Lick People ?

There’s nothing like a big wet kiss from your favorite canine companion. To us as people a simple lick of the tongue may feel like a sweet hello or greeting from our dog. But what does it really mean? Why do dogs lick people? There are a few reasons. One of the main reasons a canine will lick a person is to show affection or to saw ‘hello’ especially after not being with the person for a long period of time. Dogs may also lick humans because dogs recognize that they are inferior to humans. Dogs in the wild will lick their superior. Then there are those dogs that lick for attention or because they want to play. If a dog is excessively licking then there may be another reason such as illness or behavior. In these situations you should contact your reputed animal hospital Lewisville TX.

Dogs and Allergies

Dogs can get allergies and go through seasonal allergies just like people. Typical allergy seasons run around early spring into summer and late summer into early fall. A dog’s allergies will increase as the allergens in the air increase (i.e. pollen). Your dog may show signs of allergies by sneezing, scratching at his nose, wheezing, scratching at his eyes, or having watery eyes constantly. You should contact your vet and schedule a checkup. Allergies can affect dogs of all ages no matter the breed, age or sex. Most dogs won’t show signs of allergies to around six months of age, although this isn’t true for all dogs. In addition to the usual signs of allergies, your dog may also have digestive issues or vomiting and diarrhea. Always have your veterinarian Lewisville TX check your dog out to find the root of the cause so the right treatment can be prescribed.