Does My Dog Need A Sweater?

The answer to this question is “it depends”. Not all dogs need to wear sweaters. Canine breeds with long thick hair coats can do well without sweaters even during winter. But the so-called hairless breeds and breeds with very short or single-layered coats, such as miniature pinschers, chihuahuas, or greyhounds among others tend to be more vulnerable to colder conditions. This is also true among senior dogs or those with shaved or bald spots, and those with hair coat issues. When exposed to cold temperature, these dogs can suffer from hypothermia, which can fatal. These dogs will benefit from extra insulation to keep them warm. Some dogs may even need to wear winter boots.

Here are some tips to remember when selecting a sweater for your dog:

l  Choose a style and fit that will stay in place without restricting the dog’s movement. It should not fall forward or hang low. It must be snug but not tight. An ideal fit is when you are able to easily slip your hand under the dog’s sweater.

l  Steer clear of designs with metal pieces that your dog can chew off and possibly choke on. Your dog can become entangled on loose threads.

l  Let your pet get familiar with the smell and texture of the sweater before putting it on him.

l  When putting on the sweater, always do it gently and be quick to reward cooperative behavior.

l  If your dog resists, don’t force the sweater on. Instead, let him rest and calm down before trying again later.

l  Your pet will benefit from regular wellness checks and dental visits at a vet clinic Carrollton, GA.

Can Cats See in the Dark?

 Have you ever wondered how well your cat can see in the dark? Cats tend to be out a lot more at night. Can they see better at night than the day? What’s up with their night vision? Well, cats can see much better in the dark than people. While dogs can see five times better in the dark than people. It is said that cats can see six times better in the dark than people. How is this possible?  They eyes are simply designed differently. A cat’s retina is much more complex than a person’s. The layers of tissue at the back of the cat’s eyes contain photoreceptors called cones and rods. The concentration of rod receptors is high while the concentration of cone receptors is low. This allows cats to see more light but less color. Learn more here or talk with your local vet clinic Roanoke, VA.

Teaching your dog new skills

Your dog is an excellent companion and you know that teaching her some new skills could help you understand her a bit better. How can you get started with this?

Your little fur ball needs you to be able to think about all the different training methods that are out there in order to match one up to your own training capabilities as well as your pet’s preferences. You want her to be motivated to learn new things and to have some fun while doing so. This means that you will need to find ways that will interest her so you can offer her new and different ways to go about each day. Start with skills that will help her stay safe and then you can branch out to other topics. Your local vet clinic Oconomowoc, WI can help you care for the pets in your home.

Bonding with a hedgehog

 

You are going to be bringing a hedgehog into your family soon and you want to make sure you are ready to form a close relationship with your new addition. How can you bond with a pet like this?

As with most pets, your consistent care will help her learn to trust you. The time you spend with her will help her get used to you as well, so make a point to be by her side often. Hedgehogs don’t see very well, so you will need to try and keep your scent consistent when you interact with your new addition so she will be aware of the fact that you are by her side regularly. This can be done by maintaining the use of the same soap and other personal products, or using unscented items so she can grasp your natural scent. Your local veterinarian Matthews, NC can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.

Sourcing supplies for your exotic pet

 

Caring for an exotic pet means that you are taking the time to figure out what you can do to offer her everything she needs in a reasonable manner. What steps should you take in order to make this happen?

Determine what your pet will need for supplies and then head to your local pet stores to see what they carry. If they are missing something you need to purchase regularly, you can ask if they can begin to carry the item or if they can order it for you. You can also determine which items you can order online and have them shipped to your front door. If you are having trouble finding something, ask your pet’s veterinarian for suggestions a he may know of other places in your neck of the woods. Your local  professional vet Thorold, ON can help you offer your pet a wonderful place to call home.

What Can Dog DNA Test Kits Be Used For?

In the past, DNA testing was used only sparingly and for a significant purpose. But now, you can easily buy a dog DNA test over-the-counter in pet supply stores. The results of the test can tell a fascinating story about the origins of your pet and a whole lot more important information. Some of the important reasons a dog DNA analysis may be indicated include:

Plain curiosity

If you are curious about your dog’s genetic ancestry, the test can do an excellent job. If you have a mutt, the results can show you which breeds your pet is made of.

Breed-specific legislation

Some areas have breed-specific legislation, the DNA test could prove to be extremely useful in verifying the genetic makeup of a mutt. This will come in handy for pet shelters and pet owners alike especially when a dog appears like a banned breed.

Assessing health risks

Results of dog DNA tests provide valuable health information which is particularly important for breeders and veterinarians.

If you want to have a DNA test done on your pet, you should talk to your veterinarians Marietta, GA so you will be able to maximize the results.

Catnip Toys For Cats

Catnip toys hold a distinct appeal for many cats. They can spend hours playing and enjoying these toys because aside from the physical and mental stimulation, they also get a different high from being exposed to the nepetalactone oils in catnip.

To preserve the novelty of your pet’s toys, be sure to rotate them often. Here’s one great tip for storing cat toys in between play sessions -- place them in an airtight bin that contains loose catnip so they will remain fresh and fragrant.

You can also use catnip spray to quickly freshen up an older cat toy, but take note that not all of these catnip spray products are effective. When buying one, check out the list of ingredients and choose one that contains high concentrations of nepetalactone oil.

Your veterinarian McHenry, IL is a valuable source of information when it comes to your pet’s health and behavior.