Traveling With A Pet Turtle: What You Need To Know

Going on a trip can be stressful for turtles. But if you need to bring the turtle along with you, it would be good to prepare beforehand. You need to plan ways to help the turtle be comfortable.

You can prepare a plastic box for your turtle. Drill some holes in the box to give ventilation. Then make sure that the lid closes properly so the turtle will not have the chance to escape. You can also add an old towel or shirt to the box as padding. Check that there are no loose loops of thread on the padding that will get caught in the turtle's claws. Even old newspapers will do the trick. But the most important thing to consider is that the turtle should have adequate space in the box.

Some turtles are okay when they are out of the water for some time. But if you are taking the turtle on a long trip, you might want to dampen the padding. Do this so that the box will have moisture to keep the turtle cool. But don't keep it too cold because turtles need to be warm as well. There are turtle breeds, such as the red-eared turtles, that are okay being away from the water for a longer time.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should require an appointment with your veterinary clinic Fort Myers, FL.

Understanding Redirected Aggression In Pet Cats

 

Cats can have a behavior problem known as redirected aggression.  It happens if your cat becomes too agitated or frustrated but she is not able to focus her attack on that thing that made her feel like that.  As her frustration mounts, your cat will become upset, then she will abruptly become aggressive towards some other target.  That target might be a human or another animal.  Take for example when your cat looks outside a window and spies another cat, however, she cannot go outdoors.  Signs that your cat is agitated, include hissing, growling, and various other aggression-related actions.

Should you observe that your cat is close to unleashing an attack towards you, it will be best to stay away from her until she calms down.  Should the aggression be directed towards another pet, try and separate that possible target from the aggressor.  Never attempt to comfort your cat by holding her when she gets this way.  Instead, try and coax her inside a darkened room to aid her in regaining her calm.

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, contact your vet clinic Cherry Hill, NJ.

Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs Like the Irish Setter

 

Different breeds have different health conditions that are commonly associated with them. For instance, some Irish Setters have been known to develop Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).  DM is an incurable disease of the nerves and spinal cord. This disease can lead to the loss of mobility and numbness or loss of feeling in the legs. Some experts have compared it with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease in humans. DM is considered to be a chronic, progressive, degenerative disease that leads to eventual paralysis. Signs or symptoms of the disease usually appear later in life in most Irish Setters and affects the hind limbs causing a decrease in mobility. Although there is no set treatment for this disease, some owners have found various types of physical therapy to help prolong quality of life. If your Irish Setter has been diagnosed with DM, talk with your vet Middletown DE, the Galena Animal Medical Clinic to learn more about treatment options.

Stress-Related Behavior Changes In Pet Cats

Changes in household routines can be a cause for stress in pet cats.  Changes like modifying feeding routines, litter box replacements, the move to another home, or introducing new family members or new pets.  You will start to notice that your cat feels uncomfortable when these sudden changes happen to her surroundings.  This stress can cause behavioral problems like escape attempts, destroying various home items, or refusing to use her litter box.  To avoid having your pet feel anxiety, try to pinpoint what is causing the stress so you can remove it.  If you do need to implement changes like modifications to her food, gradually doing it is better.  But if your pet does persistently exhibit undesirable stress-related behaviors, take her to your vet.  Ask for suggestions in dealing with behavior problems.  Your vet clinic Anderson, IN might also prescribe medication to combat your pet’s anxiety if needed. 

Dog Toy Safety Tips: Toy Parts

 

If you are looking for the appropriate toy for your pet dog, one of your considerations would be to check its material and composition. A safe pet toy should meet your dog’s preference, your criteria as owner, and detachable parts. You don’t want to give toys to your pet that might come apart.

Similarly, you might want to think twice about giving plush toys to your pet dog.  Although plush toys are great for fetching and chasing, this is not a good toy for your pet. This toy is soft, and your dog will have no problem chewing and ingesting the parts when you are not around. You might have to bring the pet to the hospital.

A safer option would be to get rubber toys. A rubber toy is a safer option because it is durable. You will not have to worry about your dog playing with it unsupervised. But don’t forget to account for the size and the dog’s fondness for biting.

Your vet New Orleans LA is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs.

Things To Remember Before Entrusting Your Pet’s Care To A Pet Sitter

 

If you are going on a relatively long vacation and you have plans of hiring a sitter to look after your pet, you should do so way ahead of your planned vacation.  Hiring a sitter to care for your pet is just one of the things that you prepare for because you also have to provide care instructions to the sitter regarding your pet’s food, medication, and various other things the sitter will have to know.  Ensure that you have ample pet supplies to last the entire duration of your trip and let your sitter know where to find them.  Give the sitter the contact information of your vet as well and the closest emergency animal hospital.  Let your trusted neighbor have an extra set of your house keys and inform them that you will have a pet sitter come by.  You will also want to give that neighbor the sitter’s contact information as it may prove useful.  These simple suggestions could help you ease your mind while you are away on vacation.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your vet clinic Dallas, GA. Click here to know more about their services.

Why You Should Not Trim Your Cat's Whiskers

 

One important thing about cats is how sensitive they are. Cats have a tendency to take notice of every detail that the surroundings have to offer. Your cat’s whiskers are what makes them this sensitive. These whiskers play a critical role in your cat’s daily functions, therefore, they should not be trimmed in any way. At the very tip of each whisker is a sensory organ called a proprioceptor. This organ is what helps your cat in her everyday activities. These proprioceptors are sensitive enough to detect any movements in the cat’s immediate environment. Because of these, cats are able to navigate even in unfamiliar locations or in total darkness. Since these organs are highly sensitive, there is the possibility of overstimulation. As your cat’s whiskers come into contact with various things, the proprioceptors at the tips get stimulated to the point that there is an overload of information that gets sent to your pet’s brain, thus possibly resulting in what is called “whisker fatigue.” Knowing a lot of things about your cat allows you to properly care for her.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should require an appointment with your veterinary clinic Westminster, MD.