Wednesday 15 January 2020

Arthritis versus Osteoarthritis in Cats


Cats will most likely experience some type of arthritis in their lifetime. If they don’t develop it at a young age then you may not see it until their senior years. Arthritis and Osteoarthritis are different types of joint related illnesses that may develop. Another term for Osteoarthritis is Degenerative Joint Disease otherwise known as DJD. So what’s the difference between these illnesses? Arthritis may develop at various ages. It often shows up in cats that have trouble walking or getting up and down. Your cat may also lose balance and coordination. This is because arthritis causes inflammation around the joints. Osteoarthritis or DJD is more severe as it involves the breakdown of the cartilage around the joints. Causes for the two illnesses can include anything from genetic history to obesity or trauma/injuries. The conditions need to be diagnosed by a veterinarian professional. Call your vet Sarasota, FL to schedule an exam today.

Bunny Choke



Did you know that rabbits love to eat their hay throughout the day? Rabbits need to eat throughout the day to keep them healthy and happy. Eating carrots is also good for them as the crunchiness helps naturally keep their teeth sawed down. Sometimes, however, you may find that your rabbit eats too fast and can cough or choke on it. Rabbits often choke more on their food than other animals. Signs of choking may include coughing, heaving or hacking sounds. Your rabbit may also appear to be struggling. Call your vet immediately. Your vet may advise you to use the bunny version of the Heimlich maneuver. The maneuver involves holding your bunny on your arm, securing his head, applying pressure with your other hand to his back, lifting him head level and bringing him down quickly. This movement uses force of gravity to remove the blockage. For more tips, call your animal hospital Dahlonega, GA.

Creating a home your dog can be comfortable in


Your dog is going to become a part of your family and you are eager to spend time with her as often as you can. How can you make sure she is comfortable in your home in order to make the most of your time together?

Your dog needs to feel safe and secure in your home in order to be relaxed there. This means that she will need you to take the time to think about her needs so you can make sure she can meet some of them on her own and that you will be able to help with the rest. Think about what you can do to help her relax in your home and help her understand that she is a part of the household now. Your local vets Bend, OR can help you care for the pets in your home. More information here: https://westsidepethospitalbend.com/

Tuesday 14 January 2020

Choosing a name for your dog


You have a new dog in your life and you want to help establish her as a member of your family. What should you consider when choosing her name?

Naming a pet can be an incredibly personal decision and you want her name to reflect who she is. This means that understanding her personality may help, but taking into account the household’s preferences can also help you choose the ideal name. Keep in mind that you will be repeating this name often, and sometimes calling to your pet loudly to get her attention when she is a bit away from you. This means that you want it to be easily identified by your pet as being associated with her and you don’t want it to confuse others when you are calling to her outside. Your local veterinarian Bend, OR can offer additional advice.

What's the difference between a hamster and a gerbil?


You have been looking into your pocket pet options and you can’t wait to choose a new addition for your home. This makes you wonder – what’s the difference between a hamster and a gerbil?

While it can be easy for people who have never spent time with these furry creatures to mistake one for the other, there are actually some pretty large differences between them. Hamsters are more solitary creatures and stick to a strictly nocturnal schedule, while gerbils tend to be a bit friendlier and will be awake at more traditional times of the day. Gerbils are also smaller than hamsters and will have a long mouse-like tail that a hamster simply won’t have. Hamsters will be a bit boxier in appearance in comparison to a gerbil’s more rounded features. For additional information, please talk to your local veterinarians Bend, OR.