Does your dog sniff everything?

Your canine companion tends to sniff everything she comes into contact with. Why is this a behavior she enjoys taking part in?

Your pet has a lot of natural instincts left over from her wild ancestors and she also goes throughout the world a bit differently than you do. She tends to rely more heavily on her sense of smell as it offers her a lot of information about the world around her that she wouldn’t otherwise get. Her instincts also encourage her to explore her surrounding thoroughly, so she likely does this at every opportunity. Sniffing is a part of this as it can help her find new things in her environment, track down what she’s looking for, and learn about something new. Your local animal hospital Thorold, ON can help you care for your pet. Visit this site for more information.

Choosing a food for your dog

Your dog needs to eat a healthy food in order to stay fit and strong, and you want to make sure you are able to offer her something she will look forward to munching on. How can you make sure you are choosing the ideal option for your canine companion?

Your little fur ball needs to be able to count on you to offer her a food that will keep her strong and healthy, so you will need to discuss how to do this with her veterinarian. You will likely be seeking out a food that has whole food ingredients and meets the needs of her age, breed, and overall health. It’s also important to take her personal preferences into account to ensure your little fur ball will actually eat the food you put in front of her at mealtime. For additional information, please contact your local pet clinic North Suffolk, VA.

Managing a Dog that Hates the Rain

Some dogs love being outside, regardless of the weather. However, if your dog hates the rain, he may resist going outside. Your dog will sense rain coming hours before it starts so he may become suspicious if you try to take him out ahead of a storm. If he hates getting wet, he will become anxious and fearful. This is a problem since your dog will need to go outside to urinate and defecate. He might have an accident in the house as he resists going out. Accompany your dog outside and stay with him for comfort and to keep him company. A short walk can make rainy days more fun. You can use an umbrella or a doggy raincoat to keep your dog from getting wet. Praise your dog and reward him whenever he does his business out in the rain. Towel off your dog when you go back inside.  Contact your veterinarian Chico, CA.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats String

Cats can develop a condition called pica which is characterized by eating non-edible things. The behavior can be triggered by a variety of reasons such as boredom, stress, or it can be an attention-seeking behavior. It can also be a play behavior or the cat simply finds the object tasty or smelling good.

When a cat eats a string or any similar to it, it is referred to as a linear foreign body. In most cases, the cat passes the string with the feces within 10-24 hours. However, there are instances when the string bunches up and binds as a result of the muscular contractions (called peristalsis) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This can eventually lead to the intestines becoming blocked, pulled, or torn.

A cat that has ingested string that gets stuck in the GIT may exhibit the following symptoms:

l  Vomiting which can increase a cat’s risk to dehydration

l  Decreased or loss of appetite

l  Straining in an attempt to defecate or the cat may have diarrhea

l  Pain in the abdomen or belly

l  Depression or lethargy

l  Fever

If you saw your cat eating string, call your animal hospital Marion, IA to find out what course of action your should take.

Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

Long nails prevent your dog from getting a good grip on surfaces he walks and runs on. These nails can also get caught and cause pain or damage your dog’s toes. They could also cause twisting of the toes and result in difficulty walking. Thus you need to trim your dog’s nails regularly. Handle your dog’s feet so he becomes accustomed to your touch. When you are ready to trim his nails, act efficiently. Grasp your dog’s foot and trim the nails a little at a time while avoiding the quick. The quick is the nerve and blood supply to the nail that will hurt and bleed if nicked. Continue trimming nail by nail as long as your dog doesn’t resist. If he pulls away and tries to scamper off, just try another time. Eventually you’ll trim all the nails. For more information, contact your reputed pet clinic Murrieta, CA.

Keeping Your Cat Off the Kitchen Counters

Your cat’s habit of walking around up on your kitchen counters can be annoying and unsanitary especially when you are preparing food. Understand that she likes the counters because she gets food and she can peruse her territory from a high vantage point. To keep your cat off the kitchen counters, never feed her when up there. Ensure that all family members follow this rule. If she jumps up on the counter, remove her and place her on a safe surface. Don’t yell or punish her or roughly push your cat off the counter. Cover the counters with aluminum foil strips or double-sided tape when not in use. These materials feel weird to your cat’s feet and will discourage her from going up there. Give your cat an alternate perch such as a shelf or windowsill so she has a place to watch the hubbub of your household in safety. For more information, contact your

Is Flaxseed Good For Cats?

Flaxseed contains substantial amounts of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3. It is derived from flax plants which have been used in the past to make yarn and other textile products. Today, flax can be found in many food items, supplements, and pet food products. Flaxseed offers several benefits to cats but the most important include boosting the immune system, improving the overall health of the digestive tract, and keeps the skin and hair coat shiny and healthy. These benefits can all be attributed to omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are known to be powerful immune boosters. EFAs also play an important role in the integrity and function of the heart and nervous system. With its anti-inflammatory properties, flaxseed is great for cats with joint problems. It also helps reduce pain and discomfort significantly. Cats with kidney problems also benefit from EFAs in flaxseed by counteracting the action of triglycerides that are produced in ill cats. Also, flaxseed has natural fibers that help promote optimum function of the cat’s digestive system.

It is recommended that you consult with your animal hospital Bee Cave TX before starting your cat on any supplement.