Dogs Are Affectionate Creatures

Dogs have several ways of showing their affection to their humans. Certain body language can reveal a lot about what they are feeling at the moment. When their humans arrive home, they wag their tails to show their happiness. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety may seem to hyperactive and boisterous when their owner arrives.

Have you noticed your canine buddy giving you ‘puppy dog eyes’? This is like a sustained gaze which actually shows attachment, just like how a mother dog gazes at her puppies.

Most dogs look forward to cuddling moments with their owners. Being social beings, they derive ultimate pleasure in spending time and interacting with their owners.

Aside from socialization, bringing your pet to your animal hospital Lafayette, LA for regular checkups will ensure that your puppy will grow up healthy and well-behaved. 

Choosing a bed for your cat

You have a cat at home who needs you to consider her comfort in addition to meeting her needs. Choosing a bed for her will help you off her both a place to get some rest as well as relax for a while. How can you determine which options she would benefit from?

Your cat needs you to think about what a bed can offer her that other spaces in your home can’t. This will likely be a spot she can always count on being available to her and the ideal cushion density to help her sleep while being properly supported. This means you’re your little fur ball will need an appropriately sized bed to allow her to rest however she chooses and it should be rather simple for you to keep clean for her as well. Your local vet Bolingbrook, IL can help you better understand your pet.

Heartworms and Your Dog

Your dog can be infested with heartworms through the bite of a mosquito. These mosquitoes can transmit the heartworm larvae from an infected dog to your dog. Once the larvae is in your dog’s bloodstream, they mature into adult worms that can clog your dog’s heart, lungs and blood vessels. This causes circulatory and respiratory issues and if untreated, these conditions will kill your dog. Treatment is expensive and may require surgery. And treatment doesn’t guarantee your dog will get back to good health. Fortunately, there are medications you can give your dog monthly to prevent him from getting infected with heartworms. Give your dog these medications all year round since just a few days of warm weather can cause mosquitoes to become active. Your dog will need periodic blood tests to ensure that no heartworm larvae has slipped through to infect your dog. For more information, contact your veterinarian White Rock, TX.

Preparing Your Cat for a Snow Storm

It’s the winter season and that means snow showers and possible snow storms. While you hit the grocery store to stock up on storm supplies for yourself, be sure to pick up extra supplies for your cat as well. For instance, buy extra cat litter, food, water bottles and treats for your cat in case you can get to the store after the storm hits. Put together an emergency kit for your cat that includes an extra collar, a leash (even if you don’t normally use one for your cat), toys, blankets or bedding, and a copy of your cats vaccination records. If your cat likes to be outside, make sure you give him extra time to roam before the storm hits. Bring him back inside long before the storm even begins to avoid him getting lost. Consult with your veterinarian Lakeville, MN for additional suggestions.

What to Do if Your Dog Escapes

The first thing to do if your dog escapes the house is to remain calm. Go in the direction you saw your dog escape and start looking for him. If you didn’t see your dog get out of the house, check the house first. Outside, check immediately within a 1 mile or 1 and a half kilometer radius around your home. Talk to your neighbors and post flyers immediately. Flyers should include a current photo of your dog, a description of your dog, and a phone number to reach you that way if someone spots your dog they know who to call. Notify area shelters, veterinarians, human societies, police and fire stations, etc. When you go out to search make sure you take a collar, leash, treats and water. Ask fellow searchers not to chase the dog but to call you and report the dog’s location. Talk with your veterinarian London, ON for more tips.

Abscess In Dogs And Cats

Wounds that become infected and given no proper treatment can worsen and form an abscess as bacteria continue to multiply and invade the skin tissues. An abscess can develop in any part of the body where injuries or wounds have been infected by bacteria. The most common bacteria that is present in many skin infection are Pasteurella multocida and Staphylococcus sp. These bacteria can be eliminated with common antibacterial ointments. However, these bacteria are capable of penetrating the deeper layers of the skin if the wound remains untreated. An abscess is formed in response to the invasion of the bacteria. In order to determine what type of bacteria is present, your veterinarian Carolina Forest, SC will take a swab of the infected area and have it cultured in the laboratory. The result of the test will serve as a guide to selecting an appropriate treatment regimen. 

Riding with Your Snake in the Car

If you’re planning to travel and you will be taking your snake with you, here are a few traveling tips that may be of some help. First, make sure your snake is traveling in a cage or habitat that is car safe. Don’t transport in your large glass tank. Find a smaller tank for reptiles that travel. Your local pet store should have some of these in stock. Make sure the tank is secured tightly so your snake cannot get out. Secure the tank so that it can’t slip or move should you stop abruptly or take a sharp turn. In addition, make sure you keep your snake in the back snake so he won’t be a distraction. The backseat also provides more protection for your snake than being in the front seat. If you plan to travel far, make sure you bring extra bedding, food, water, etc. For more tips, call your veterinarian Covington, GA.

Ear Trauma In Chinchillas

Chinchillas have very delicate ears that is why they are prone to ear injuries brought about by fighting with other animals or being exposed to weather extremes (extremely hot or cold). Deep cuts or wounds should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian because it can easily pave the way for infection caused by bacteria or virus. Pet owners should suspect ear trauma when the ear is red and swollen and there are deep cuts or bite marks present. The affected ear may also be excreting some fluid discharge. When chinchillas are exposed to extreme temperatures, you may see a line that separates the normal tissue from the damaged part. The ears may appear black or discolored and skin may slough off. After a complete examination and determining the cause of the injury, your veterinarian may apply antiseptic solutions and an antibiotic ointment on the wound. Dressing will prevent infection and help promote healing. A severely damaged ear may have to be removed, depending on the assessment of your veterinarians Fox Lake, IL. 

Corneal Ulcers In Dogs And Cats

Corneal ulcers or irritation of the cornea is technically called keratitis (ulcerative keratitis). The problem is characterized by irritation or infection in the cornea or the outer surface of the eye. Common irritants include bacteria and viruses, dust particles, or the animal’s own hair. Corneal ulcers are non-healing sores that develop in the cornea. Simple eye irritation can develop to become a corneal ulcer if proper treatment is not given immediately. Corneal ulcers that are not treated can progress to blindness. Corneal irritation can be painful and uncomfortable. With proper treatment, a simple irritation of the cornea can heal within a week’s time. When a foreign body enters the eye, there is a consequent increase in tear production, a defense mechanism of the body to flush out the irritant. The animal may also rub at the eyes increasing the risk for inflammation. If you notice any problem with your pet’s eyes, a visit to your vet clinic Temecula, CA should be made immediately to prevent serious complications from developing. 

Asthma In Cats

Feline asthma is a chronic condition affecting the bronchial airways of cats. The primary culprit is exposure to specific allergens that cause inflammation in the airways and lungs. The disease process is slow but progressive. While it is difficult to treat, the symptoms can be controlled with medications. Some potential allergens that can trigger asthma in cats include cigarette smoke, pollens, strong-smelling cleaner or perfumes, air freshener, dusty cat litter, and molds to name a few. Cats that harbor heartworms also have a higher risk of manifesting chronic asthma symptoms. While mild cases of asthma in cats are usually self-limiting and characterized only by coughing, more serious cases can cause difficulty breathing as cats find it difficult to get oxygen throughout the body. Affected cats can suffer fainting spells and collapse. This is brought about by the severe inflammation and narrowing of the smaller airways of the lungs. If your cat is prone to bouts of asthma attacks, be sure to follow the instructions of your veterinarians Ellicott City, MD regarding the dosage and frequency of medications to prevent potential complications.

Symptoms of Addison’s Disease In Dogs And Cats

Addison’s disease is an endocrine disorder characterized by a deficiency of the adrenal hormones cortisol and/or aldosterone associated with faulty signals from the pituitary gland to the adrenal glands or by a problem in the adrenal glands. Deficiencies of cortisol and aldosterone can cause abnormal levels of sodium and potassium in the body. One important concern of Addison’s disease in cats and dogs is that it can be difficult to diagnose. Some breeds of dogs like rottweilers, standard poodles, great Danes, wheaten terriers, west highland white terriers, and Portuguese water dogs tend to have higher incidence of Addison’s disease. The adrenal hormones are important in maintaining optimum kidney filtration, normal blood pressure, and support good heart health among others. Affected pets will vomit and become weak. There is abnormal beating of the heart, trembling, and dehydration. Without proper treatment, a dog or cat with Addison’s disease can may die. There are several tests that your veterinarians Hendersonville, NC can perform to confirm the presence of Addison’s disease. 

How many treats should you offer your dog each day?

You want to make sure you are helping your dog form healthy habits. To do this, you will need to be mindful of what you offer her, like when it’s time for a treat. How many treats should you be giving your pet on a daily basis?

The number of treats you give your pet will depend on your dog’s individual needs and the treats you are offering. It will also be influenced by what your pet has eaten that day and how you are utilizing the treats you have on hand. For example, if you are offering treats that are supplementing her diet, you may want to make sure you give her enough to equal the serving her veterinarian has recommended while treats that are just for something fun to munch on would likely be utilized a bit more sparingly. Your veterinarian Savannah, GA can help you care for your pet. Learn more click here. https://westchathamvet.com/

Demodectic Mange in Dogs

Demodectic mange is an itchy skin condition that is caused by mites living in the hair follicles of pets. Most healthy pets are carriers of Demodex mites as the mites usually transfer from the mother dogs to their litter shortly after birth. Symptoms are seen when the animal’s immune system is compromised, thus failing to keep the population of mites under control. As the mites increase in number, the dog suffers from intense itching. As the dog keeps on scratching all over his body, raw areas of skin will soon become infected with bacteria. Secondary bacterial infection can lead to areas of irritated skin that are oozing with pus. Soon hairs fall out, leaving the infected areas bald, reddish, and weepy. Without prompt and proper intervention, the affected skin can become leathery in appearance and texture. If you notice your pet itching all over, you should make an appointment with your animal hospital Broken Arrow OK sooner rather than later. 

Keeping your dog’s paws in top shape

You have a dog in your life who is always moving throughout your household. This means that his paws get quite a workout and you want to help him keep them in good working order. How can you help your pet’s paws stay in top shape?

While they may be able to put up with a lot, your pet’s paw pads are actually rather sensitive and will therefore require a bit of care to stay healthy. This means that you will need to help your pet prevent issues by keeping him away from rough terrain, areas that experience extreme temperatures, and other hazards. It also means tending to them as they need attention to ensure you are offering him the care he needs. For more information on caring for a pet like this, please contact your local vet clinic Murietta, CA.

How to Teach Your Cat to Sit

Some cats love to learn tricks and can be taught tricks quite easily. For instance, the Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Bengal, Savannah, and Siamese are just a few of the top breeds that learn tricks really well. If you own one of these breeds or even a different breed, you can try and teach him the most basic trick or command such as learning to sit. Start by verbally telling your cat to sit. At the same time, apply slight pressure to the backend until she sits. You may also want to point to the back end when you say sit. Reward your cat with a treat immediately when she sits. Practice this again and again several times a day until your cat is able to sit on verbal command alone. If you need further assistance or training tips, give your veterinarian Folsom, CA a call.

Managing a Dominant Dog

Dominant behavior in dogs is pretty obvious. You may see growling and biting, but your dominant dog may act pushy and stubborn. He may bark or to suit his needs and insist on attention from you. Your dominant dog may drag you by the leash on walks. And your dominant dog resists training. Each dog has a distinct personality, but your dog needs to look to you to be the boss. Insist that he obeys all your training commands and train him with confidence. Deterrents and redirection work well to train your dog on what he isn’t supposed to do. Your dog may challenge your authority, but your training must remain consistent. Insist that rules are meant to be followed. Love your dog, be patient and treat him with kindness while establishing your role as leader. For more information, contact your vet clinic Matthews, NC.

Why You Should Spay/Neuter Your Dog

Spaying or neutering your dog reduces unwanted litters of puppies. However, there are other benefits. You can expect less territorial marking if your dog is sterilized. Your dog will also have less urges to wander off looking for mates. Sterilization will help your dog become more calm and dedicated to you and your family so he won’t want to be somewhere else. Your dog may be less active after spaying or neutering so there may be some weight gain. A little extra exercise can control this sedentary-based weight gain. You can expect a decreased risk of certain cancers if your dog is spayed or neutered such as uterine and breast cancer in females and prostate cancer in males. Spaying and neutering is a surgical procedure done under anesthesia. There is always some risk with surgery but the long-term benefits of sterilization far outweigh them. For more information, contact your veterinarian Norwalk, CA.

Your feline friend’s sleeping habits

You have a cat in your life who enjoys spending time in your home. She can often be found playing nearby, but you catch her napping more than anything. Why does she sleep so much?

Your pet needs to be able to relax in your home and her sleeping habits require her to rest often. She needs a lot of sleep and will take advantage of the calm and peaceful times in your living space. This means that she will also be found napping throughout the day, allowing her to get up and meet her other needs in between sleep sessions. This allows her to also check out what’s going on in your home so she is less likely to miss something interesting that’s going on. Your local veterinarian Sugar Land, TX can help you care for your pet. Learn more here. https://staffordoaksvet.com/

How Much Should You Feed Your Cat Per Day?

Discuss cat food brands and nutrient requirements with your vet before purchasing a cat food. Your vet can direct you to a few name brands and recommend dry or wet food. If you go with dry food look for a food that fits your cat’s age, breed, size and activity levels. For instance, if your Maine Coon is just a kitten you will need to feed a kitten food. If your Bengal is over 6 years old then look for a cat food for seniors. Once you find the food that fits your cat’s age range, look on the back for a chart on feeding. You will need to pick out your cat’s weight and activity level (or weight and size or weight and age). This will tell you how much to feed your cat per day. The serving should be divided if you feed twice a day. Ask your veterinarian Coon Rapids, MN for further assistance.

Your cat’s love of exploration

You have a feline friend sharing your home with you and you are happy to enjoy your time together. This means that you have been able to get to know your pet rather well, but some aspects of her behavior are still a bit mysterious to you. This makes you wonder – why does your pet love to explore so much?

Your pet loves to check out new areas within your home whenever she gets the chance to because it allows her to get some mental stimulation within a comfortable environment. Your pet likes knowing she is safe and secure within your home, but still has an adventurous spirit. She enjoys acting on her curious nature and has fun checking out new and different things within your home. Your local vet clinic Bee Cave TX can help you better understand what your pet needs from you.

Ear Mites in Cats

Did you know that ear mites are responsible for about 50% of ear problems in cats? Yes, these pesky parasites are very contagious, which means they can easily be passed from one cat to the next. Cats with ear mites tend to frequently scratch and shake their heads. There may also be buildup of thick wax and there may be dark debris from the cat’s ears. Cats that are constantly scratching their ears and shaking their heads should be checked out by the veterinarian because without proper intervention, there may be loss of hair and the skin around the ears may become irritated, paving the way for secondary skin infection. Although there are many products that claims it can be used to treat ear mites in cats, it is recommended that you bring your pet to your veterinarian Marietta, GA so a safe and effective medication can be given. Take note that cats can be extremely sensitive to certain medications.    

Cat Coats in the House

Does your cat spend a lot of time outdoors during the colder months? If so, you may have him or her wearing a coat for an extra layer of protection from the elements. Be careful that your cat doesn’t leave the yard wearing the coat. The coat could get stuck or hung up if your cat goes wandering in the woods, etc. When your cat comes indoors you may want to remove the coat. If your home is on the warm and toasty side definitely remove the coat. If you like your home a little cooler or you just warm part of the house then leave the coat on. You can place your hand between your cat’s fur and the coat to see if she’s too warm. Breeds that may need a coat include the Manx, Siamese, the Sphynx, etc. For more tips and suggestions, consult with your veterinarian Crown Point, IN. 

Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone To Joint Problems?

Most experts believe that a dog’s size and weight is an important predisposing factor of joint problems. The bigger and heavier a dog is, the higher chances it will have of developing joint problems. However, there are certain joint problems that are specific for certain breeds of dogs. Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to elbow dysplasia, while Rottweilers suffer from more knee and ankle problems. Newfoundland’s have also been shown to have the highest number of cases of cruciate ligament problems of all canine breeds. Breeding for specific traits has also paved the way for more undesirable traits, such as joint and bone problems. Joint problems can be treated in two ways -- surgical and non-surgical treatments. The surgical route may range from a simple arthroscopic cleaning to total replacement of the joint. Non-surgical treatment involves management of the dog’s weight and body condition as well as medications. You should work closely with your veterinarians Roanoke, VA in managing your pet’s joint problems.