Feeding Pet Tortoises

 

The nutritional and dietary needs of tortoises usually are varied between the different species. If your tortoise belongs to the bigger species, remember that they need a much larger food volume intake daily. This is again, one essential reason why a potential tortoise (or any pet) owner must do research properly. Be responsible and learn all that you can regarding the pet you are thinking of getting so that the animal’s needs will be fully met.

As opposed to popular belief, tortoises are omnivores and not really vegetarians. This means that their food is composed of both plant and meat components. But tortoises can seem to flourish even with just vegetarian diets, as long as all the important nutritional requirements are present.

There are quite a number of commercially available tortoise diets, and a lot will claim that they are nutritionally complete. But this is really not true. Tortoises graze, they enjoy eating grass and weeds, and fruits, however, are not options found in their habitats naturally, therefore must not be provided to tortoises kept as pets. Your vet Scottsdale, AZ can elaborate further on your tortoise’s dietary needs and how you can go about fulfilling them properly. Visit this site for more details.

Why Catnips Are Good For Cats

 

Cats can have varied responses to catnip. There are some cats, right after encountering catnip, that exhibit weird behaviors, yet there are others that just slack off. Then there could also be some cats that do not have reactions to catnip. Actually, catnip does not affect around a third of cats.

Most of the very young kittens are not affected by catnip, but at around three to six months of age, you can start to have an idea which cats react highly to catnip, and which ones do not. Also, cats in their golden years do not seem to react to catnip as well.

It is fortunate that cats do not get addicted to catnip. One positive catnip effect is that it changes a cat’s mood. It might also be quite fun to see your cat do her catnip antic performance after encountering the herb or having a chew on some catnip leaves.

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, contact your pet clinic Scottsdale, AZ.

Two Sure-fire Ways To Keep Your Dog Happy

 

If you have been taking care of dogs for a long time, chances are you might not be able to provide the things that make them happy. Experts identified two ways to keep your dog happy and contented:

• Keep your dog motivated. Dogs are intelligent creatures and they like to have mental stimulation and regular motivation. You can do this by bringing him to new places to see. He should also be taught to search for treats around the house. Getting their favorite treat is a nice enough reward.

• Provide your dog with a balanced diet. Give your dog nutritious food to keep him from becoming overweight or obese. Dogs with excess weight are prone to developing arthritis, heart diseases, diabetes, and even cancer. They can also get complications in the liver and kidney if they carry too much weight. So give your dog the proper meal they deserve. There are premium-quality pet foods available in the market.

Bring your pet to your animal hospital Norwalk, CA for regular health and dental checks.

NSAID Toxicity in Cats and Dogs

 

Have you ever heard of NSAIDs? Even if you haven’t, you might have them in your home right now. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are common painkillers. Unfortunately, they can harm pets easily!

NSAIDs work by inhibiting COX enzymes, which cause pain in the body as a response to a stimulus, like an injury. When an NSAID inhibits COX enzymes, the person (or pet) feels less pain. But when too many COX enzymes are inhibited, side effects start to occur. Damage to the stomach lining and interference with kidney function are just two examples. If a pet gets their paws on a whole bottle of NSAIDs, serious health trouble can result. That’s why it’s so important to keep any and all medications out of your pet’s reach—store them in closed cabinets or containers where your animal friend can’t reach. And dose and administer your pet’s medications with extreme caution.

Call your vet Savannah, GA for more information.

Cocoa Mulch Can Be Harmful To Dogs

 

If your dog spends much of his hours outdoors, try to be more proactive in his protection from possible hazards that he could come across while frolicking or playing around. There are quite a high number of cases where pet dogs are brought into the animal clinic for some substance that they have swallowed from the lawn or garden. Prior to allowing your dog his time outside, make sure to check that your lawn and garden have been rendered safe for your pet. One sign of a common danger for dogs that are found in the garden is cocoa mulch.

Yes, cocoa mulch very much is a benefit for the soil, however, it is also toxic to canines. The shells of the cocoa bean as well as some other compounds that make the mulch can make your dog very ill if swallowed, much like if he consumed chocolate. It is unfortunate that dogs seem attracted to the cocoa mulch as it does smell like chocolate. Swallowing the cocoa mulch can bring about gastrointestinal irritation, heart rate increase, vomiting, weakness, muscle tremors, and even death. Fortunately, cocoa mulch has much safer alternatives for your garden. Mulch that is based on hemlock bark, pine, or cedar is a good example, as does dirt or stones.

If your dog shows symptoms of toxicity, visit this site, or take him to the veterinary hospital Chesapeake, VA immediately.

Leptospirosis Prevention and Treatment In Pets

 

Considering that leptospirosis is an infection that is zoonotic, it is advisable to take additional precautions in safeguarding you and your pet from being infected. Aggressive early treatment is necessary to have an improved outcome and also to avoid critical impairment to the kidneys or liver. Treatment procedures normally include antibiotic administration and supportive attention and care.

Currently, there are vaccines available to protect dogs effectively. But for optimal protection, it must be administered yearly. The once-a-year booster shot is definitely advised for pet dogs that live in riskier areas. If you know about possible infection sources, it can help in reducing your pet’s odds of infection and exposure. If your pet dog has already contracted leptospirosis, the following safety measures must be observed in order to safeguard the entire home, human and pets included, from being infected as well:

• Administer antibiotics based only on the prescribed dosage as provided by your vet.

• Should the infected dog urinate inside the house, avoid touching the urine. When cleaning the area, wear gloves and use a disinfectant to destroy any pathogen that may exist.

• Make sure that your dog urinates far from any water sources or any water that pools in your yard or lawn. The same goes for other places that are frequented by other animals and people.

• Make sure that you wash thoroughly your hands using water and soap after cleaning up pee or handling your dog.

For any concerns and/or questions you may have regarding leptospirosis in dogs, contact your vet San Diego, CA.

Why is My Dog Eating Grass?

 

Have you ever seen your dog eat grass? It’s a relatively common behavior amongst our canine friends. The question is, what possesses dogs to do this? And is it safe?

There are a variety of theories as to why dogs eat grass, although no one knows for sure. Many believe that dogs do it to make themselves vomit, perhaps to alleviate a gassy or upset stomach. It’s also possible that your dog simply likes the texture of grass and is trying to add a little roughage to their diet. Also, there could be medical reasons for grass-eating behavior. Pica is a condition in which dogs crave and ingest non-food items. It’s also possible for a dog suffering from a nutritional deficiency to eat grass in an attempt to add missing nutrients to their diet.

If your dog’s grass eating won’t stop, it’s time to call the vet. Contact your vet clinic Tipp City, OH right away.

Basset Hounds and Their Dense Bone Structure

 

Did you know that the Basset hound is one of six recognized Basset breeds in France? The breed was first developed in France as a hunting dog. One of the most recognized features of the Basset is his small stature, short and stubby legs, long ears, long muzzle and his overall sturdy and stocky build. The Basset has very dense bones. It is said if you place a Basset in deep water he will simply sink like a rock. The Basset’s bones are so heavy that at 14 inches tall, he can easily weigh as much as a 22 inch tall Labrador. Because of this unique structure, the Basset is prone to a few health conditions specifically related to stature. For instance, his front legs are so farm his back legs that the bone structure in the middle receives little support creating significant back problems for some Bassets. Click to learn more from your vets Louisville, CO.

Petting-Induced Aggression In Cats

 

Cats tend to be very sensitive creatures.  Yes, they like cuddling with their owners, but they can only tolerate a specific level of tactile stimulation.  Too much stimulation can incite aggression, and this is something cat owners have to be aware of.  Your cat could like being cuddled and being pet for now, but after reaching her max tolerance, you will see signs before ultimately swipes or nips at your fingers.  Therefore, if you wish to cuddle with your kitty cat, be conscious and alert for specific changes in her body language, like ears flickering, tail lashing, skin twitching, a low growling sound, and ears laid flat upon her head.  Your cat could also change her position with no warning, stop purring, or perhaps even glare at you.  If you see any of these signs, stop petting her and move back slowly.

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior and/or health, make an appointment with your animal clinic Washington DC.

Dog Flu

Dog flu, or canine influenza, is an illness brought about by a virus of the influenza A-type.  It is a highly transmissible illness and dogs have a high probability of getting infected through direct contact with an infected dog.  There are other transmission vectors like exposure to surfaces and objects that are contaminated, secretions from the nose that get released when infected dogs cough, bark, or sneeze, and by persons who have had contact with a dog that is infected, and then moves over to a dog that is uninfected without taking steps to sanitize.

Dog flu symptoms are very similar to kennel cough (or infectious tracheobronchitis) symptoms.  Afflicted dogs have a cough that is very persistent, and there could be a fever, and thick discharge coming from the nose.  The infected dog could also seem lethargic and have some kind of discharge coming from the eyes.  The illness can have varying degrees of severity ranging from severe to mild.  It is also possible for some infected dogs not to display symptoms of the disease at all, but are very much contagious.

Dog flu patients usually recover after two to three weeks, but then there are some dogs that have resulting secondary infections, leading to pneumonia, thereby exacerbating the seriousness of the issue.  

Consult your vet clinic Washington DC about the best way to protect your pet from dog flu and other important health issues.

Does My Cat Absolutely Require A Booster Vaccination?

 

In your kitten’s first twelve months of being alive, she is to be administered the supposedly called ‘core’ vaccines for her protection against certain contagious illnesses that are critical and fatal. Before, it was thought that the vaccinations administered in that first year should be boosted with annual additional shots to keep the protection active. However, recent study evidence says that not every vaccine needs to get boosted annually. In addition, it cannot be proven that yearly booster shots are a benefit to all cats. To make sure that your pet cat’s protection against a certain illness is still active, your veterinarian could perform tests on her blood, measuring the levels of antibodies (antibody titer), determining if your pet needs a booster shot. One thing about these tests on antibody titer is that they tend to be more costly than the booster shots. It could stress out your pet cat too. Then, there is the possibility that high antibody levels do not necessarily mean that your pet is protected enough if exposed to a more potent mutation of the illness.

Seek the expertise of your vet Columbia, MD should any concerns and/or questions regarding vaccines cross your mind. Click their site and make an appointment.

Possible Causes of Seizures in Golden Hamsters

 

Over the course of its lifetime, some hamsters like the Golden hamster may experience seizure activity. If you own a Golden hamster you may want to talk to your vet about the possibility of seizures. Most hamsters will not present abrupt or strong outward symptoms like convulsions or fits. Instead, you may see your hamster tilting his head, walking in circles, having trouble walking, or falling on his back. If this occurs, call your vet right away. In most cases, a hamster may go into seizures of minor convulsions as a result of diabetes, brain injury, brain defects, poisoning, stroke, or even an inner ear infection. The inner ear, especially, is what helps control your hamster’s balance. If the inner ear is infected you will notice your hamster having extreme difficulty walking around. Click here to contact your animal hospital Marion, IA and learn more about possible seizure causes in hamsters like the Golden hamster.

Things to Know About the American Bobtail

 

The American Bobtail is one of the most domesticated cats. He may look like a cat ready to pounce on his prey, but in reality he’s quite loving, affectionate, and docile. He’s particularly fond of humans and loves to be handled. He also enjoys some independent time as well. Originating in the 1960s the American Bobtail is a fairly new breed that is in high demand. This particular feline is incredible smart and easy to train. His remarkable sense of being part of the human family makes him an excellent companion for people of all ages. The American Bobtail is known for his naturally bobbed tail, which can be anywhere from one to four inches in length. They have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If you are interested in bringing an American Bobtail home to your family, check local shelters or call your vets Mesa, AZ for assistance.

What to Know About the American Bobtail

 

Looking for a loving feline companion? If so, you may want to check out the American Bobtail. This breed is known for its unique bobbed tail that occurs naturally. The tail is usually between one and four inches in length. It is a genetic mutation and is not docked as in other breeds or in dogs. The American Bobtail is also known for its loyal, loving, and playful personality. It is unique in that it is the only domesticated cat not to have any set pattern, coat length or color. The American Bobtail can literally come in any shape or size. These particular cats have a lifespan ranging between 15 and 20 years. They are adaptable to just about any type of environment and are a fairly healthy breed. If this sounds like the cat for you, consult with your vets Roanoke VA for more information.

Heartworm Transmission in Himalayan Cats

 

Heartworm disease in cats is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes. A heartworm in a Himalayan cat is capable of invading the heart, lungs and blood vessels. The disease can cause permanent damage to the lungs and other main organs if it is not caught in the early stages. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquitoes. Adult female heartworms produce baby worms that circulate in the bloodstream. The mosquito picks up these baby worms when it sucks the blood from the infected cat. It takes 10 to 14 days for the baby worms to enter the infective stage. Once the mosquito bites another cat, it deposits the larvae into the cat. It can take 6 months for the babies to mature and they can live two to three years. There is no definite cure for heartworms in felines. Click to learn more or call your pet clinic Middletown, DE.