Why You Should Leave Wiggle Room in Your Cat’s Routine

Developing a routine with your cat is part of building a relationship and bond with your cat. You eat meals together, take walks and exercise together, you may even have a little routine that you do before leaving for work. This is great and it helps build stability for your cat. However, sticking to a precise routine and schedule all of the time can also create stress and anxiety. What if you’re sick one morning and you can’t eat together. Will your cat decide not to eat? What if you’re late for work and skip the goodbye routine? Your cat may panic or become anxious. If you don’t arrive home at the same time every day your cat could become upset or even mad and tear stuff up. Leave wiggle room and don’t keep things so set that there’s no room for a detour every now and again. Talk to your veterinarians Plano, TX for more tips.

Should I Cut Back on My Senior’s Cat Food?

If your senior cat sleeps all day and doesn’t move around a lot and she is starting to gain weight and become obese then it’s probably a good time to start reducing her senior cat food and even treats if you’re giving them. However, if your senior cat is still pretty active then she most likely doesn’t need to cut back. She’ll need the suggested serving size to maintain her active and healthy lifestyle. If your cat is underweight or acts hungry even after eating then you may want to increase the amount of food she gets. But, before you do this, give your vet a call and discuss the options over the phone. You may need to schedule an office exam as well. Your cat’s health plays a role in what she eats and how much. Deciding to change food, increase or decrease should be done with the help of your veterinarian Frisco, TX.

Plasticware Can Cause Acne In Cats

Yes, cats can get pimples and acne, too. Affected cats have small blackheads or pimples on their faces and chins. One of the common reasons for cat acne is a reaction to plastic food and water bowls. Cats have a habit of rubbing their faces against their food bowls to mark them. However, some cats are extremely hypersensitive to plastic and develop skin breakouts. For hypersensitive cats, simple contact with their plastic food bowls is also an important predisposing factor of feline acne. Once you notice the breakouts, it is a good idea to switch your pet’s plastic ware to bowls that are made of ceramic, stainless steel, or glass. If your cat has sensitive skin and is prone to acne, the water bowl should be thoroughly washed and cleaned every day.

Bring your pet to your vet clinic Fort Collins, CO for a thorough examination so the appropriate medication can be given.

Are you ready for another pet?

You have always loved caring for a pet, and you’ve had several different companions over the years. However, you’ve only cared for certain types of animals. How can you tell if you are ready to look after another pet?

Looking after a new pet means that you are taking the time to be with a companion and form a close relationship with her. You will need to determine what they need and if you can offer this to them before bringing a new addition home, as they will be your responsibility right from the start. Your little fur ball will require plenty of attention as well, so you will need to take the time to assess your life and figure out what you can handle for pet care. It’s also important to look at what your home can handle too. Your vet Murrieta, CA can help you care for your pet. Visit this site for more information.

Pet care responsibilities

If you have a pet in your life, you have pet care responsibilities to take care of. How can you divide these up among family members?

  

Your pet needs you to make sure you are able to meet her needs by taking the time to evaluate what her needs are. Determine who is best suited to meeting each of them and consider the schedules of your family members as well. This will help you be reasonable about what each personal can handle for care and allow you to really make a difference in your pet’s life one day at a time. It will help make sure nothing is falling through the cracks without it being noticed and it will most likely allow your pet time with each family member to bond. Your local vet clinic Murrieta, CA can offer additional advice. Visit this website .

Why Socialization Is Very Important For Puppies

Socialization is a very important part of the development process of pet dogs. In order to be effective, it should start as early as possible. The experiences that puppies are exposed to during socialization have an important impact on their behavior, temperament, and personality. Positive experiences can go a long way in ensuring that dogs are able to adjust well to various situations and circumstances later in life. Dogs that don’t receive adequate and/or appropriate socialization as puppies are more predisposed to developing undesirable behaviors later in life. Being exposed to various sights and sounds, scents, people, animals, etc. can provide a good foundation for adjustments and adaptations to various situations at anytime during their lifetime. Experts call the period of socialization as a transformational stage and the animal’s experiences during this time can make or break him.

Check with your pet clinic Fort Collins, CO for more valuable information about pet health and behavior.

How to determine what to feed your hamster

You have a hamster at home and you want to help her stay as healthy as she can possibly be. How can you determine what to feed her to help make this happen?

Your pet needs you to take the time to assess her nutritional needs. This means taking a look at the various nutrients that are required to help sustain her and help her thrive in your care. You will then need to match these nutrients up to food that she can eat to get them, keeping in mind what options are safe for her to consume as well as what her preferences are. Her veterinarian can help you determine the ideal diet for her, so be sure to check with him before offering your pet something new. Your local Sugar Land, TX veterinarian can help you care for your pet. Learn more here.

What should you feed a pet who is a herbivore?

There are a lot of different pets out there and you know that each of them will be a bit different from the next. How can you tell what you should be feeding to a herbivore?

If your pet is a known herbivore, this can substantially narrow down your food options. This means that your companion’s diet is made up of plant material and you will be avoiding animal proteins. However, there are a large variety of herbivores out there, so it’s important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian to determine what your companion really needs to get the nutrients she requires to stay healthy. Be mindful of portion sizes as well, as how much you feed your pet can be just as important as what you are feeding her. Your local Sugar Land, TX vet clinic can offer additional advice.

Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs

Did you know that some of the larger breeds dogs (i.e. the Golden and the German Shepherd) can develop muscle related illnesses as they age? A common illness is known as DM or Degenerative Myelopathy. This is an incurable disease that affects the nerve and spinal cord and eventually causes loss of movement and a loss of feeling or numbness in the legs. Some have compared it to ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. DM in dogs can be fatal, chronic, progressive and (as the name suggests) degenerative with an ultimate ending of paralysis. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s mobility and look out for signs like trouble moving, getting up and down, taking stairs, or even the lack of want to move. The disease often occurs later in life. With no treatment available, your veterinarians Westminster, MD may prescribe medication to keep your dog comfortable.

Fly Control for Horses

Flies can be pests. They not only bother people and pets, but they also bother livestock including horses, cows, donkeys, alpacas and more. If you own a horse then it’s very important to make sure you have adequate fly spray for your horse. Before shopping for spray, talk to your vet to find out if he has any specific recommendations. If you’re looking for all natural, check your grain store and livestock stores and check online at horse outlet stores and horse suppliers. Most horses will do well with a regular spray that is water and sweat resistant and has a lifespan of about 14 days. This means you don’t have to spray it on every day as it won’t wear off or wash off. Look for sprays that treat gnats, stable flies, mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks. These will be the best bet for an all around fly spray. Ask your veterinarian Mt. Airy, MD for help as well.

Did You Know? The American Bobtail

Bet you didn’t know that the American Bobtail is a favorite pet among long distance travelers and even long distance truck drivers. That’s right, this cat loves car rides and loves to travel. If you spend a lot of time on the road for work or fun and you want to add a feline friend to the mix then check into the American Bobtail. The key, of course, is to introduce him to the road at a young age. But even if you don’t, this breed takes to new things pretty well. The American Bobtail also enjoys a nice day at home and going nowhere. They get along well with people of all ages and love to hang out with fellow felines and canine companions. The bobtail is playful, affectionate, and loves to be part of the crowd or on his own. They breed is easy going. Talk to your veterinary clinic Riverbend, ON to learn more.

Can Diabetes Occur in American Bobtails?

Sadly, feline diabetes doesn’t really care what kind of cat you are or how many lives you have left. Feline diabetes can affect cats of all ages and all breeds including the American Bobtail. The diabetes disease can happen in cats when their body isn’t producing the right amount of insulin. Insulin is a hormone in the body that’s used to regulate the body’s energy levels, blood sugar levels, etc. When insulin isn’t produced, the glucose is no longer regulated correctly through the bloodstream and into the cells of the body. When this happens the body breaks down fat and proteins instead. Cats with diabetes may lose weight suddenly, stop drinking, drink more, become lethargic, etc. If you are concerned with your cat getting diabetes, make an appointment with your veterinarians London, ON. Your vet will most likely run a urinalysis and run blood work to determine a cause and provide treatment.

Choosing a brush for your cat

You have a cat in your life who loves being able to spend her time in your care. This means taking the time to meet her needs so she can stay content in this space. This makes you wonder – what should you consider when choosing a brush for her so you can get the job done right?

Your pet needs to be able to understand the fact that there are a ton of different brushes out there but only a few will be ideal for her. Consider her fur type and preferences when looking at your options. You can narrow them down further by considering your own likes and dislikes when it comes to how the brushes feel in your hand and how they perform. Your local veterinarian Newmarket, ON can help you care for your pet. Learn more here.

Is your cat uncomfortable around guests?

You have a feline friend in your life and you want to make sure you are able to offer her a home she can be comfortable in. However, your little fur ball seems to disappear when you have guests over. How can you help her during these times?

Your pet needs you to understand that there are some times when she is feeling unsure of herself, and being in new situations and around new people can impact her sense of security. You can help her with this by making her feel at ease in your home and by encouraging your guests to interact with your pet in a way she will be comfortable with. This may mean having them give her some space until she is ready to interact with them. Your local Newmarket, ON vet clinic can help you better understand what your pet needs from you.

Dangers Of Second-Hand Smoke For Pets

Second-hand smoke refers to smoke that smokers’ exhales into the air which can then be inhaled by everyone around, including pets. On the other hand, third-hand smoke is the residue that sticks to fur, skin, clothing, etc. The smoke residues remain long after the air has been cleared of smoke. Both secondhand and third-hand smoke are referred to as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).

Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of developing malignant lymphoma in cats that are exposed to ETS. The risk was 2.5 times higher in cats living in households with ETS exposure compared to cats living in smoke-free households. The risk relatively increases with the length of exposure to ETS. There is also strong evidence that suggests a strong link between the occurrence of oral cancers in cats and exposure to third-hand smoke. Cats can get smoke residue that have attached to their skin which damages their oral tissues eventually leading to oral cancer.

Sudden changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior should warrant an appointment with your veterinary clinic Cherry Hill, NJ. 

Dog Park Etiquette

A day at the dog park is always something to look forward to for pet owners and their canine buddies. In order to fully enjoy the adventure, pet owners and their pets must observe proper etiquette at the park. Being on your best behavior is very important to ensure the safety of all. Dog parks are often off-leash environments and being able to run and romp around freely can pose potential safety hazards. Dog fights can occur thus it is always important that pet owners should keep a close eye on their dogs as well as other dogs that their pets are playing with. Be quick to remove your dog from any situation that can possibly turn into a dog fight.

Don’t let your dog stray too far from you. When they’re off their leash, dogs can explore the park to their heart’s content and may be exposed to potential threats that can cause illness or injury. They can also get lost!

Be sure to ask your vet Louisville, CO if your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date before bringing your pet to the dog park.

Housing Pet Tarantulas

The ideal enclosure of a pet tarantula is small, only a little bit bigger than the one that you have. A small enclosure is cozy and makes the tarantula feel more secure. On the other hand, spacious enclosures make them more vulnerable. If you are using a fish tank for your pet tarantula, make sure there is adequate ventilation and humidity inside the enclosure. And the lid must be securely fastened to prevent your pet from escaping. Since tarantulas have the habit of burrowing, encourage the habit by placing several inches of peat moss or potting medium on the base of the tank. The basal layer of substrate also helps maintain ideal humidity inside the enclosure. Another way to preserve humidity levels inside the enclosure is to place a bowl of water in the tank. Misting can also be done once or twice a week or as the need arises.

Your veterinarian North Phoenix, AZ is a valuable source of information when it comes to your pet’s health and needs.

The Australian Cattle Dog

If you are seeking a highly active dogs that enjoys an outdoors and on the go lifestyle then check out the Australian Cattle dog. This breed originated in Australia in the 1800s. The breed is actually a cross between the Blue Merle Collie and the Australian Dingo. The breeds were crossed in an effort to create a dog that could drive cattle and other livestock across open plains, rocky terrain, and long distances at a time. The Australian Cattle dog can do all of that. In addition, the dog is highly intelligent, athletic, and extremely devoted to his job and loyal to his family. This particular breed does well at adapting to various environments which is also a plus. The Australian Cattle dog should get about 2 to 3 hours of exercise or activity a day to help keep in shape and burn off energy. Give your vet clinic London, ON a call to learn more.

Pet Turtles and Eye Infections

Did you know that because of their size, turtles are often seen at a vet’s office for eye related illnesses and injuries? Turtles are low to the ground and almost always on the move even if it’s at a slow pace. This allows for plenty of eye issues to develop. One of those is a bacterial eye infection. Your turtle may appear to have a swollen or irritated eye. The bacterial infection may cause the eye or eyelid to swell up so bad that the turtle is unable to open the eye. Call your vet right away if this happens to your turtle. Your vet will need to examine your turtle to find the cause. In many instances, the infection can be a side effect of another illness or simply the result of debris in the eye. If not treated, however, the infection can travel to the respiratory tract which could be fatal. Talk to your vet clinic Oshawa, ON to learn more click here. https://claringtonvet.ca/

Why Do Some Cats Suck On Wool?

Wool-sucking is a feline behavior that is most often observed in Siamese or Burmese. While the causes have not been fully identified, it is thought to have some genetic basis. One of the possible causes may be suckling deprivation while still a kitten. To compensate for the reduced amount of suckling, cats suck on wool and other inanimate objects. In the wild, it is normal for kittens to suckle milk for 6 months or more, however, in pet cats, kittens are already weaned from their mothers by the time they turn 2 months of age.

The best way to deal with the problem is to apply products with an unpleasant taste or strong-smelling to inanimate objects that your cat likes to suckle. Pet owners have reported success using pepper sauce or strong-smelling perfume. There are also commercial repellants that can be used for the purpose. You can ask your veterinary clinic Matthews, NC about them. Take note that punishment is counterproductive when it comes to correcting the behavior.

Feeding Senior Pets

Dogs are generally considered to be in their senior years when they are about 7-12 years of age. Large canine breeds enter the golden years earlier than smaller breeds of dogs. As for cats, they are considered to be seniors when they are about 10 years of age. Considering that they have entered a new lifestage, there is a need to switch to an appropriate diet to help keep them happy and healthy. Distinct body changes soon take place as they enter their senior years. Their metabolic rate decreases which is due in part to an overall decrease in the lean body mass as their body fat increases. This is one reason why senior pets tend to gain weight even if they are consuming the same quantity of food just a few years back. Your pet’s diet is just one of the important topics that you should discuss with your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD during your pet’s wellness check.

Heartworm Testing In Dogs

Experts recommend heartworm testing for dogs during late spring or early summer. It is during this time of the year when mosquitoes are very active and are able to transmit the organism that causes heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis. There are 3 developmental stages in the lifecycle of heartworms - adults, microfilariae, and larvae. The adults live in the pulmonary artery and the heart while the microfilariae are present in the peripheral blood. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, they can pick up the microfilariae which eventually mature to stage 3 larvae inside the body of the mosquito. This maturation usually takes about 3 weeks during warmer weather. When the infected mosquito feeds on a susceptible dog, it injects the stage 3 larvae. Inside the body of the dog, it will take 6-7 months for the stage 3 larvae to mature into adult worms. Before a dog is placed on heartworm preventatives, they should undergo testing for heartworm. Ask your veterinarians Oconomowoc, WI about the best way to protect your pet against heartworm disease. 

Why your pocket pet needs plenty of exercise

You have a pocket pet in your life and you want her to enjoy herself day in and day out. This makes you want to find ways to help make this happen, and she seems to get excited to move about. Does she really enjoy exercising that much?

Your pocket pet is likely made to move, as her wild counterparts can cover a lot of ground in one day. Most pocket pets will need quite a bit of exercise in order to stay healthy and this means that their bodies will crave movement. You will find that their playtime activities tend to involve exercise as it can feel good to roam about freely. This is why it’s so important for them to get time outside of their enclosures each day as they will need to get moving. Your local McHenry, IL veterinarian can help you care for the pets in your home.