Can Dogs And Cats Be Allergic To Poison Ivy?

The hypersensitive reaction that is triggered when people are exposed to poison ivy is caused by the Urushiol, an oily substance that is present in the plant. Fortunately, dogs and cats are not allergic to Urushiol thus they don’t develop any rashes even if they rolled in it. They may also be protected from the effects of the allergen by their hair coats. The bad news is, uroshiol can stick to their hair coats and this means they can carry the substance inside the home and spread it on surfaces, objects, and even people. Because it is oily, it can exist in the surroundings for quite some time. If your pet was exposed to poison ivy, be sure to bathe him before allowing him inside the home. Remember to wear gloves to avoid getting into contact with the substance.

If your pet appears to be engaged in persistent scratching, a visit to your vet clinic Tipp City, OH should be made sooner rather than later. 

Is It A Good Idea To Adopt A Pet During The Holidays?

There is a right time to adopt a pets and this is not during the holidays when everyone is busy and in a rush for last minute shopping, parties, travel, etc. There is so much noise and house guests come and go. If you choose to adopt a pet during the holidays, you will hardly have enough time to help your new pet through the transition period. Training a new pet will also need a substantial amount of time and effort. It is best to forego bringing home a new pet until after the holidays when everything is back to normal and you have enough time to devote to a newly adopted pet.

Unfortunately, there are people who give away pets as gifts. But experts frown upon this practice. The decision to have a new pet should be deliberated on carefully so every member of the family can pitch in and help make the new pet’s transition period a positive experience for everyone in the household.

Your new pet needs to be taken to your veterinary clinic Teller County, CO for a wellness check and to have his vaccinations updated. 

Positive Reinforcement Tips For Cat Training

Training methods that use positive reinforcement have been shown to achieve the desired results within a shorter length of time. In fact, many professional trainers use positive reinforcement for dog training and getting rid of undesirable habits and behaviors. Cats undergo basic training programs as early as possible. The promise of treats and the desire to please their humans help them sail through training. For positive reinforcement to be effective, the reward, such as a treat, lavish praise, etc. should be given immediately after the desired behavior is displayed by the cat. This is the best way to tell your kitty that you are pleased with his progress. When training pets, there is no place for punishment or any form of negative reinforcement because it is counterproductive and will only confuse the animal. Don’t hesitate to discuss your pet’s training needs on your next visit to your vet clinic Mt. Airy, MD.

Microchips For Exotic Pets

The use of microchips for pet identification not only for cats and dogs. In fact, these are now used for many species of animals. Exotic pets have now become a lucrative business resulting in rampant theft of these pets. If you a pet bird, hedgehog, or reptile, having it microchipped is one of the best decisions you can make for your pet. If ever it is stolen, you have a better chance of getting reunited with your pet. The grain-size microchip is inserted under the animal’s skin in a quick and relatively painless procedure. If you are buying pet insurance, having a microchip on your pet can spell a big difference because insurers assume that there is a lesser probability that they will receive a claim on a pet that has been fitted with a microchip. You should talk to your veterinarians Glen Ellyn, IL if you have any questions and/or concerns about microchips in pets. 

Understanding Your Finicky Cat

Some cats are finicky when eating while others gobble down their food quickly. Your finicky cat probably has a distinct preference for either wet meat or dry cat food. She may ignore her food bowl if you give her the wrong one. You may be tempted to feed your cat yummy treats all day but then she may resist eating her nutritionally complete cat food. To work with your finicky cat, cut out the treats. Consider feeding her several small meals over time. Put the food away after about 15 minutes even if your cat hasn’t finished eating. Canned meat could go bad if it is out too long and dry food could get stale. Your cat may prefer room temperature food so consider warming it up if it has been kept cold. Be patient and creative in working with your finicky cat. Ensure you rule out any medical issues. For more information, contact your veterinarian Farmers Branch, TX.

If Your Dog Is So Hyper That You Can't Brush Him

Some dogs are lazy. That makes them exceptionally easy to brush! Unfortunately, not all dogs are that way. Some are so hyper that they won’t sit still long enough to be groomed. What can you do if your dog is so hyper that he doesn’t want to be brushed?

If your dog is prone to bouts of energetic behavior, you have to let him burn off that energy first. Take him outside for a walk or play with him in the backyard. If you can burn off some of that energy, he’ll be more likely to put up with being brushed.

You can also try going after your pooch when he’s sleeping. If he’s already at rest, he’ll be more likely to put up with your brush.

Of course, you could have a groomer do all the hard work for you! For a grooming recommendation, call your vet Portland, OR.

Treating a Feline Tail Injury

Cats get a lot of use out of their tail. Not only is it a great way for them to communicate with you and other animals, it can provide them with balance. Imagine what life must be like for a cat with an injured tail! Here are a few tips for treating your poor feline friend.

Your first stop should be your vet’s office. You have to determine if your cat’s tail was dislocated or broken. They can provide you with x-rays, and they can provide you with medication. They may recommend an amputation if the injury is very severe.

Follow their directions when your cat is healing. Chances are, you’ll be asked to let your cat rest as much as possible. Provide him with plenty of water and positive attention.

To learn more about how to treat your cat’s tail injury, speak with your veterinarian Portland, OR.