What is DM in Dogs ?

DM stands for Degenerative Myelopathy. This is an incurable disease that is often described as chronic, and progressive degeneration. It affects the nerves and spinal cord and cause loss of mobility and numbness in the legs. It is also said to lead to eventual paralysis and has often been compared to the human form of ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease in humans. The disease affects dogs of most breeds and at any age; although, it’s often not diagnosed until the senior years. It may start out as simple mobility issues such as trouble jumping up and down or going for long walks. As it progresses, the dog may have numbness in the legs or lose feeling in the legs especially in the backend. Complete loss of the back legs is also common. Treatment is primarily for keeping the dog comfortable. Talk to your vet Cincinnati OH to learn more.

Choosing Between a Dog Harness or a Collar

To safely walk your dog, you need to use either a harness or a collar latched onto a leash. Think about your dog’s size and temperament when choosing between the two. Use a collar for a medium to large dog who can be rambunctious at times. Never yank on the leash because you could cause damage to your dog’s neck. Larger dogs are better able to handle the pressure of a collar with less risk of injury than a small dog. Large dogs may also be so strong that could get too much leverage while in a harness so you could never stop them. A harness is better suited for small and fragile dogs. Since you can steer your small dog around by the chest, a harness helps to protect his delicate neck. Consider how much control you will need when choosing between a retractable or a fixed-length leash. Learn more from your pet clinic Burlington ON.

Training Your Dog to Sit on Command

Training your dog to sit on command gives you a way to get him under control quickly if needed. And the training process helps you bond with your dog. Start by getting down to your dog’s level and hold a food treat in front of his nose to get his attention. Raise the treat up and over your dog’s head so he needs to lower his rear end to continue following it. Say your dog’s name and the SIT command. Give your dog the treat and lots of praise at the moment his rear end touches the floor. Practice this training for short periods and as he becomes more reliable in obeying the SIT command, increase the time between the command and giving him the treat. Gradually reduce and then eliminate the food treats so your dog will sit on your command and praise alone. Be patient. Learn more from your vet clinic Auburn Hills, MI.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough causes a dog’s voice box and windpipe to become inflamed as a result of a viral or bacterial infection. The problem is highly contagious between dogs. Prominent symptoms include a dry cough that sounds like a honking goose, gagging, nasal discharge, coughing up white foamy phlegm. There are several ways by which dogs can acquire kennel cough--

• Aerosols from infected dogs can be inhaled by susceptible dogs, or it could contaminate objects and surfaces.
• Kennel cough can easily spread in areas that are enclosed, such as in kennels or animal shelters, because of poor air ventilation.
• Direct contact with infected animals is also a viable mode of transmission.

Most dog kennels require a proof of recent vaccination against kennel cough (Bordetella and parainfluenza) before dogs are accepted for boarding. If you are not sure whether your pet’s vaccination is up-to-date, you should call your veterinarian Hyattsville, MD. Or make an appointment at this link: https://metrodcvet.com/

How To Wean Puppies

For the first 4 weeks of life, puppies derive nutrition from their milk of their mother. Thus, during this time, the need for additional food or milk may not be needed especially if the mother is healthy and producing enough milk for all the pups in the litter. However, if the mother dog becomes ill or there is not enough milk produced during this period, or if the mother dog dies and leave her puppies orphaned, providing a commercial milk replacer for puppies may be necessary. 

After the fourth week, the puppies are weaned from their mother’s milk. Weaning should be a gradual process and should take place over a period of several weeks. This will provide adequate time for the drying up of the mother’s milk and for the puppies to learn important behaviors. It is also during this time that mother dogs start to curb undesirable behaviors shown by puppies such as nipping. Puppy food should be gradually introduced when puppies are around 3-4 weeks old. 

Be sure to contact your vet Hyattsville, MD before making any changes in your pet’s diet.

Preventing Your Dog from Begging for Food

Your dog can be really annoying if he begs for food. But it’s not his fault. Your dog will beg because it works. He begs and you give him food. Thus the first big step in preventing your dog from begging is to never give him food when he begs. Ensure that all family members and friends follow this simple rule too. Insist that your dog sit or lie down while you are eating so he is below the table level. You may need to move him to the other side of the room or another place in the house if the whining gets to be too much at first. Consider feeding your dog his food in his own bowl while you eat. This makes it that your dog gets to eat without the begging. Praise your dog any time he gets through mealtime without begging. Learn more from your vets clinic Santa Rosa, CA.

Caring for a cat scratch

If your cat has claws, he’s going to scratch. That’s especially the case if you also have young children. The important thing is to know how to care for a scratch so it doesn’t get infected.

Make sure you clean the wound right away. Cat claws can be dirty. They dig around in a litter box, after all!

Once cleaned, put some antibacterial ointment on the scratch. Not only will it help heal the scratch, it can also minimize pain.

If the scratch is in a convenient area, you can put on a bandage. However, a bandage may not be an option if the scratch is on the face, of if there are multiple scratches in a small area.

If the scratch is deep, you should visit a doctor. You should also schedule an appointment with a vet Anderson, IN. They can provide you with advice on how to prevent scratches in the future.

How to Register Your Cat with the CFA

Do you own a purebred cat? If so, you may want to register him with the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) which is one of the world’s largest cat registries of pedigreed cats. You can start the process by logging on to the CFA’s website or calling them directly. Follow the instructions online. You may also want to register yourself as a member of the CFA. This will give you even more access to resources for cat owners. In addition, if you want to show your cat in a CFA sanctioned show then you will need to be a member and have your cat registered. For registration of your cat you will need to have paperwork showing your cat’s pedigree. This should have been given to you at the time of purchase. If your cat has been adopted then you may need to do a little digging and enlist the help of your pet clinic Webster, NY to track down paperwork. Visit this website for more details.

Can Cats Travel by Train?

More and more trains are allowing pets to travel. While they are becoming more open to pet travel they still have different requirements that must be met prior to boarding. The best way to prepare for a train trip with your cat is to call the train line ahead of time and speak with a representative about requirements for travel. You need to know if your cat will be required to stay in a carrier the entire time. Ask if there are specifications for the size of the carrier and if there is a weight limit for the cat and carrier separate or together. If your trip requires you to change trains, make sure the connecting train also allows cats to travel. Most importantly, make sure your cat can travel by train and won’t get motion sickness. Or at least contact your animal hospital Webster, NY and request medication to carry in case your cat does get sick on the train.

Natural Ways to Treat Arthritis in Cats

If your cat has developed arthritis then he may be showing signs of immobility in the backend. He could move slower when getting up and down or start to have difficulties getting in and out of the litter box. Arthritis causes inflammation to the joints. It often occurs as a cat ages, but it can also occur when a cat is younger. Most treatment plans include NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, if you don’t want to give medication, talk with your vet or a homeopathic vet about herbal and supplemental options. Some veterinarians will suggest adding supplement such as Glucosamine, Omega Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, Selenium, and MSM to the diet to decrease inflammation. Herbal based medications may also be prescribed. You will need to be the judge of whether your cat is showing signs of improvement or not on these alternative treatments. Remember to always consult with your pet clinic Rochester, NY before giving meds to your cat.

Learn more here: https://rochestercatvet.com/

Cats and Pregnancy

Do you have a pregnant cat living in your home or at least frequenting your home for morning and evening meals? If so, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do for the cat to help with the pregnancy. Thoughts like how long will the pregnancy last and what to do during the birth are probably swirling around in your mind. If this is the case, please call your vet. Your vet can tell you that cats of a gestation period of about 60 to 70 days. A blood test or urinary sample cannot tell if a cat is pregnant. Your vet will need to ‘palpitate’ the cat’s abdomen to feel for kittens. (Please do not do this on your own.) Cats don’t need prenatal care, but you will want to make sure the mother to be is eating and drinking plenty. Click here for more information or call your pet clinic Rochester, NY.

A Hamster’s Sleep Schedule

Looking for a great pet for your child? A hamster is one of the best starter pets because they don’t take a lot of care and they don’t usually live past 3 or 4 years. There’s a long term commitment and yet it’s shorter than other pets. Before buying, though, make sure you realize that hamsters are nocturnal creatures. This means that the hamster will be sleeping during the day and staying active at night. Not a big deal unless the hamster is waking you up at 3 a.m. because he’s having a blast on his exercise wheel. For this reason, make sure you place the hamster’s cage in an area that won’t disturb your children’s sleep or your sleep. Understanding your hamster’s sleep schedule is important. You don’t want to keep him up during the day, but you should wake him up for some one on one bonding time. Learn more here or call your veterinarians Crown Point, IN.

Taking Small Dogs for a Walk

If you own a small dog (i.e. a Yorkie) then you should keep in mind that a small dog may need to walk a small distance. Sure, the little Yorkie may have a lot of energy, but that doesn’t mean he can go as far as your Pomeranian. Remember, small dogs are taking numerous tiny steps to keep up with your human pace and your Pomeranian’s pace. The distance may be .5 miles for you and your Pomeranian, but it could feel like 1 mile for your Yorkie. If you have a small dog and a large dog, consider walking them on a short walk together and then take your small dogs back inside. You can take your large dog back out for a longer walk. You can also take several short walks a day instead of one big long one. For more tips, call your vets Cameron Park, CA.

Should You Microchip Your Small Dog?

Microchipping is a new way to ensure that your dog has some sort of ID on him at all times. A microchip can be scanned by a veterinarian or professional at a shelter, vet, and animal control facility. The chip is registered with the owner’s information. The ID comes up and is matched with the owner so that contact can be made and the dog returned. Microchips can be placed inside small or large dogs. It doesn’t matter if your dog is extremely small, the microchip can still work. There may be cases where the vet recommends no chip simply because of the animal’s unique smallness, but this is are. The microchip is inserted with a needle similar to a shot. It goes on the back between the two shoulder blades. Once it’s placed, you will need to write down the ID number and register it with a pet finding company like HomeAgain. Talk to your vet Dallas, GA to learn more.

Looking after an older cat

 

You have a cat in your life who needs your help in order to stay happy and healthy, so you are taking the time to look after her and to help her meet her needs. How can you do this as she enters into her senior years?

You need to take the time to determine how your care must change as your pet gets older. This will mean offering her different ways to meet her needs if the current options are no longer ideal. It will also call for closer attention to be paid to different areas in her life, like her mobility. Her capabilities and preferences are likely to change, so make alterations to your care and interactions as needed. Be sure you address any concerns you have with her veterinarian to ensure she gets the attention she needs. Your local vet Columbia, MD can help you care for your pet. Schedule an appointment today.

What's the Difference between Water Proof, Water Resistant and Water Repellent in Dog Coats

Looking for a rain coat or dog blanket that will keep your dog dry? If so, you should pay attention to the words used to describe the water protection of the blanket. For instance, the popular terms used include water proof, water resistant or water repellent. Contrary to popular belief, there is a big different in what these phrases and the protection it means the blanket provides. For example, water resistant offers the lowest level of protection against water entering through the blanket. Water repellent simply means the blanket repels water, but it does not completely keep it out. Water proof is the highest level of protection against water in that it does not allow water to penetrate the blanket layers. Water proof is what you want if you are looking to keep your dog absolutely dry on your hike, trail walk, or stroll out in the neighborhood. Talk to your vet Wichita, KS to learn more. Click this link and set an appointment: https://rosehillvhc.com/

Fatty Liver Disease in Birds

There are different illnesses that can affect birds. One of those is known as fatty liver disease or Hepatic Lipidosis. This can affect birds like the finch, parrot, lovebird, cockatiel, budgie, and more. It’s important to have your bird checked by a vet every now and again to keep up with the bird’s overall health. You should always notify your vet if your bird is acting strangely especially for a long period of time. Fatty liver disease typically happens when large amounts of fat are deposited in the liver. Your bird may show signs in the form of sudden loss of appetite, lethargy, and depression. Your bird may show no signs other than strange behavior or a disruption in a normal routine. Notify your vets Wichita, KS and have your bird examined if there’s any suspicion of an illness even if it’s not fatty liver disease. For more information, click this website Rose Hill Veterinary Health Center.

How to Find Your Horse’s Blanket Size

It’s a good idea to size up your horse and check your blanket inventory well before the fall and winter months. One of the first steps to ordering a blanket for your horse is knowing what size to order. Here are tips for measuring your horse. First, stand your horse squarely on level ground. Using a fabric tape measure, you will measure from the center of your horse’s chest over the point of the shoulder to the point where you want the blanket to end. You may prefer to measure to the top of the tail if this is where you want the blanket to stop or you may measure just over the top of the tail if you want the tail to be covered. The inch measurement you obtain at the other end of your tape should be your horse’s blanket size. A general horse size is 76 or 78. Ask your veterinary clinic Wichita, KS for assistance.

Dog training options

You have a dog in your life who would benefit from some training and you want to make sure you are there for her in order to give her a chance to learn some new skills. What training options should you be aware of? 

Your dog needs you to think about all the different areas of her life that she could learn some new skills in and then to take the time to think about what you can help her with. This will help you better understand what skills she will need to learn as well as which training methods would help her the most. Your goal will be to find a way to motivate your pet by choosing a training method that entices her to tackle new skills, ether by praise, treats, or the immediate feedback of a clicker noise. For more information, please contact your local vets Dahlonega, GA

Click this link for additional details: https://allanimalsvet.com/

How to Treat Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Have you heard of Hypothyroidism? Did you know it can occur in medium to large size dogs between the ages of 4 and 10 years of age? This is the most common type of dog and age that the illness has occurred in, although, it could potentially occur in any size dog of any age. Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce the right T3 and T4 hormones needed to maintain a healthy metabolism. The metabolism starts to slow because of the lack of hormones. Dogs may experience lethargy, weight gain, weakness, hair loss, and mental dullness. Treatment or therapies are often life-long for dogs. The treatments can range from simply medications to actually administering missing hormones synthetically. Some vets have found that symptoms can lessen over time with routine maintenance of medications. For more information, talk to your animal hospital New Orleans, LA. Or visit this link: https://metairievets.com/

Keeping your cat well-fed

You have a cat in your life who not only loves you very much, but also wants to enjoy herself as much as possible. How can you keep her well-fed so this can happen?

Your cat needs you to be aware of the fact that there are a lot of different foods out there and they are each made for a specific cat’s needs. This means that some of them will help your little fur ball stay healthy while others will just fill up her stomach. Seek out a food that will serve her well nutritionally and will also allow you to give her portion sizes that she will find satisfying. This will help her not only get what her body needs from her diet, but also the enjoyment she is looking for. Your local vets Norwalk CA can offer additional advice.

Adopting a Cat

Adopting a cat is a great way to add a new four legged companion to your family. You can ask your vet for recommendations on where to adopt a cat from. For instance, shelters, human societies, rescue leagues, and even pet stores with adoption centers are great places to start your search for a cat. You should also talk to your vet or pet store associate about the basics needed to care for a cat. For instance, think it through what you will need to sacrifice financially to bring the cat home. Think about the idea of vet trips, grooming salon visits, etc. In addition, try and decide what type of cat you want. Do you want one that gets along with children or does that matter? What about cats that are OK with having their claws trimmed? Make sure you ask if there are any issues with the cat before adopting. Your veterinarians Sugar Land, TX can help you further.

Dry or Wet Dog Food for Dogs

Not sure whether to buy dry or wet dog food for your canines? Don’t worry. A lot of dog owners don’t know which one to buy either. Some buy both and mix it together while others buy one or the other. You have to decide what’s best for your dog and what your dog enjoys eating the most. You should also talk to your vet for help in deciding which to feed your pup. For instance, if you have a small dog then you may want to feed primarily wet because of the dog’s teeth size. However, you could also look for a dry grain with small morsels. Large dog breeds do well with crunchy food because of their large, strong teeth. Crunchy or dry food can help break down tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth while wet food can help hydrate your dog. Click for more tips or call your vet clinic Michigan City, IN.

Hypothyroidism in Basset Hounds

Have you heard of people with hypothyroidism? It’s usually associated with weight gain and once diagnosed, medication can help set things straight and bring weight back to a normal level. Did you know this can happen to dogs like the Basset Hound? Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes a deficiency in hormones T4 and T3, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a Thyroid Hormone Deficiency. The lack of hormones T4 and T3 causes the body’s metabolism to go haywire so to speak. If your dog has hypothyroidism then he may shows symptoms like lethargy, weakness, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, excessive shedding, poor hair growth, mental dullness, skin infections, intolerance to cold, tilting of the head to one side and even seizures or infertility. Some cases are seen in medium sized dogs between 4 to 10 years of age although it can happen to any dog no matter the age or breeding. Talk to your veterinarians Downingtown, PA for more information.

The Bearded Collie: A Hollywood Star

Did you know that the Bearded Collie has been a television and movie inspiration for many years? The Bearded Collie was the inspiration behind the lead canine role in ‘The Shaggy Dog’. The Bearded Collie also played the lead role in this film and in the remake. This breed was also known for reoccurring roles on a variety of sitcoms including ‘The Brady Bunch’. In fact, the family’s pet dog was a Bearded Collie named Tiger. The Bearded Collie has always been presented as a big love bug, which is true. The breed is affectionate, loyal, loves to play, and loves to be with his people. They are great companions and do well with most ages. They should be monitored around young children simply because of their size. Consistent training is also recommended. Learn more here or call your vet clinic New Orleans, LA for more information on this breed.

Can My Dog Eat Rawhide?

To ere on the side of caution, you should always talk to your vet before feeding your dog rawhide. For many years, rawhide was a staple among dog treats. However, recent studies have shown that some dogs simply can’t digest rawhide and have faced small to severe medical emergencies because of the rawhide. For instance, some dogs have been known to choke on the rawhide because it simply doesn’t break up completely when chewing. Some dogs have swallowed pieces of rawhide whole because they can’t chew it and it gets stuck in the intestines or other areas of the digestive tract. It’s best not to give your dog rawhide even though some dogs still have no problems with it at all. It’s a matter of chance on whether or not your dog can digest it or not. Don’t risk it. Instead, ask your veterinarian New Orleans, LA about vegetable made rawhide look-a-likes treats.

Making homemade dog treats

Your dog loves treats and you are happy to offer them to her whenever it makes sense to do so. How can you get started making some of these at home? 

Homemade dog treats can be a fun way to show your pet just how much you care, as you can tailor the recipes to her personal preferences. However, it’s important to talk to her veterinarian ahead of time to ensure you are preparing healthy options for your pet that will work well with the rest of her diet. It’s also important to take the time to think about how much she eats so you can prepare an appropriate portion that won’t go to waste and so you have the right ingredients on hand. Your best animal hospital Mesa, AZ can help you care for your pet

Keeping your dog in your backyard

Your dog needs you to think about the ideal ways to keep her safe in your care and a big part of this will likely be trying to keep her within the security of your backyard. How can you keep her within this space?

Your dog needs you to give her reminders as to where your property ends. This will help her stay within its boundaries because she won’t forget where her personal space is. This may be a physical boundary, like a fence, that keeps her inside. It may also be repetition that teaches her to stay in this area and plenty of supervision to ensure she is following your guidelines. Make sure her needs are met and that she has plenty of activities to occupy her time within this area. For additional information, please contact your local vet clinic Marion, IA area

Exercises for Your Pet Bird

Did you know that even your pet bird needs exercise? If your bird is hyper, being rowdy in his cage, squawking for attention, etc. then he may need some quality time with you exercising. That’s right. Birds need to exercise and move about. This can help burn off physical and mental energy. If your bird is droopy or seems depressed, exercise can also help him to be happy as it serves as mental and physical stimulation. Here ways to help your bird exercise. First, wing flapping is a very common form of exercise. Encourage your bird to flap his wings at least five minutes a couple of times a day. You can help encourage him by holding him on your finger or arm and slightly and slowly raising him up and down. The motion will encourage him to flap his wings. For more exercise tips, call your Veterinary Clinic Cherry Hill NJ.

What to Look for When Buying a Bird

If you’re looking to buy a pet bird, be sure to give your vet a call to ask for reference son reputable breeders, stores, or even adoption centers. Whether your buy or adopt, there are a few things you want to check off your list before bringing the bird home. First, decide what type of bird you want. Large, small, a pair or an individual. Second, check out what kind of cage, food, toys, etc. you’ll need on hand before the bird comes home. Last, when you go to see the bird or while you’re shopping around, take notice of the bird’s environment. Is he well kept? Does the bird have any noticeable physical flaws or ailments? Are the feathers healthy and full, if not is there an explanation or treatment going on? Are the birds eyes bright and clear or is their crustiness? Is the bird aggressive or snapping at you? Your Vet London, ON can give you more tips on what to look for.

Choosing toys for your feline friend

You have a cat in your life who loves to play and you want to make sure you are able to offer her everything she needs to make sure she is able to have fun each and every day.

To choose the ideal toys for her, you will need to make sure you are able to offer her a variety of options. This means that you will need to take the time to seek out options that will give her different opportunities. Your little fur ball needs to rest and relax while being mentally stimulated, as well as up and going to get some exercise. She will need to play on her own and with others, so she will need toys that she can use in each scenario as well. Your local Pet Clinic Bucks County PA can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.

Can Guinea Pigs Catch a Cold?

A human cold or flu is caused by a virus. Guinea pigs or cavies can get colds, but theirs is more of a respiratory illness typically caused by bacteria or fungal infections. So your guinea pig can’t catch a cold from you, but he can still get sick. If bacteria of fungal infections develop then your cavy can develop an illness. It’s important to contact y our vet if your guinea pig is sneezing a lot, has watery eyes, or has a discharge from his nose similar to a runny nose. Your guinea pig may show signs of lethargy and loss of appetite or desire for water as well. The sooner you notify your vet and have your guinea pig checked out the better. Some infections can develop into pneumonia, which can be difficult to treat and can lead to severe diarrhea and dehydration. Contact your veterinarians Las Vegas, NV to learn more.

Keeping your gerbil content

 

You have a gerbil in your life who needs your help in order to stay content in your care. How can you help to make this happen?

Your pet needs you to be aware of the fact that there are a lot of different ways for her to spend her time. She will need you to make sure she can meet her needs in efficient ways and she will also be on the lookout for new and different ways to have some fun. Help her understand that she is a part of the family buy making a point to interact with her, which will help her better grasp her place within your household. This will help to show her that she is not only well-cared for, but that her company is also appreciated. Your local best animal hospital Savannah, GA can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.