Does A Boxer Dog Fit In Your Family?

 

The long-ago forerunners of the boxer breed stretch as far back as about 2500 BC.  But the boxer dogs found during the 1800s in Germany are the dogs recognized in our recent history.  This breed was the descendant of the “bull biter” or Bullenbeisser, a bigger form of the boxer we see these days.  That Bullenbeisser was utilized as a hunter of a bigger game like bison, wild boar, and yes, bears.

To have a boxer as your friend means that you are willing to allow some silliness.  Boxers like leaping onto their human companions, therefore, the “down” command is one of the most important commands your boxer puppy must learn during his initial training.  Boxer dogs are bred for agility and speed.  They also require different activities to occupy the animal’s mental faculties.  Boxers are extremely protective dogs meant for guarding, and they need additional training to channel this protective nature.  Small children and perhaps even frail adults might become overwhelmed by this breed, so remember this when you are deciding if the boxer will be an ideal pet for your home.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and dental checks at your vet clinic Anderson, IN.

Benefits Of In-Home Pet Care

Most pet owners do not like the fact that they will have to leave their dog or cat in a boarding kennel when taking a vacation.  It is fortunate, however, that pet care in-home is an option.  This arrangement means that a pet sitter that you trust accompanies your pet in your home, making most pet owners a lot more comfortable.  Pet care in-home has benefits that include:

●Your pets are in surroundings that are familiar and already established territories.  Therefore, your pets maintain their confidence and comfort levels.

●Pet sitters offer personalized attention to your pet, in contrast to the staff busy with all these different pets in boarding kennels.

●Pet sitters will most likely have schedules that are flexible enough to meet your and your pet’s specific needs.  You may also be able to set schedules on how long and how often sitting will be.  There are even pet sitters that might agree to stay overnight.

●A pet sitter might even perform extra daily tasks for you like watering your plants, bringing in your mail, or feeding your fish, among others.

You can check with your veterinarian McHenry, IL for recommendations on reputable and reliable pet sitters within your general area.

Itching And Scratching In Pet Rabbits

Pet rabbits must not be scratching themselves too much.  Should your pet seem to scratch and itch excessively, there may be an underlying problem that requires attention.  Allergies, mites, or other different issues may cause pet rabbits to scratch and itch, and fortunately, most of these can be treated.

Pruritus is the term for scratching and itching.  In rabbits, it could be because of an infection, allergies, dry skin, or parasites.  Whatever the cause, it is vital to address it as soon as possible for your pet rabbit’s wellbeing and health.

Fur Mites

●Microscopic mites called Cheyletiella parasitivorax live on your rabbit’s fur.  These parasitic mites suck the blood by biting your rabbit when feeding, causing your pet to scratch and itch.

Lice

●Perhaps lice may not be as common when compared to other parasites, but they can and do infect rabbits.  Lice are species-specific, therefore, the lice in pet rabbits cannot be transmitted to non-rabbit pets and humans.

Fleas

●Most people seem to think that pet rabbits cannot get fleas.  However, any furry pet can harbor fleas.  Like the above-mentioned fur mites, fleas are parasites that suck the host’s blood, their bite causing your rabbit to scratch and itch.

Talk to your vet Bourne, MA about the best way to protect your pet from fleas and other parasites.

Are Chihuahuas An Aggressive Dog Breed?

 

It is sad to note that Chihuahuas have been thought of as being aggressive breed.  But this is only due to Chihuahuas are very protective of their human companions and themselves, leading to a strong guardian behavior.  The breed is prone to snapping and barking at anything that they perceive to be threatening, whether that be another person or dog.

This often leads to issues when in dog parks, especially because of the Chihuahua’s brave nature.  A Chihuahua will not hesitate in fending off even a much bigger dog.  Even when playing, a Chihuahua is highly likely to get injured because he will not realize his own stature, and the larger dog may not be aware of how fragile the breed is.

Much of the breed’s undesirable behavior could be avoided by socializing and training your pet early.  This teaches the puppy to be more confident and appropriately behave when among others and helps him feel more secure and safe.  In addition, a breeder has to look at temperament the same way he would check the animal’s physical traits to make sure that future progeny are friendly and confident pets.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s behavior, don’t hesitate to contact your animal hospital Covington, GA.

Changes To Do Around The House When You Have A Senior Pet

 

As your dog grows older, you need to make changes in the house. By doing these changes, you will support your dog who is no longer as agile.

Here are some changes you can do:

• Add carpets or rugs around the house. If your dog has arthritis, he will have a hard time walking on the floor or moving around the furniture. The additional carpet will soften the surface that your dog walks on.

• Put ramps in the stairs to prevent your dog from climbing. His joints might prevent him from going up the stairs.

• Place food, water bowls, and bed in more accessible areas. Your dog shouldn't have to walk far just to eat or drink. Also, your dog doesn’t have to exert too much effort before he can sleep.

• Ensure that your dog has a comfortable resting spot. The bed should be soft and easy to climb in. you can also get a heated bed to help your dog be comfortable when it is cold outside.

Your senior pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your veterinary clinic Roanoke, VA.

Orange Is Good For Dogs?

 

You might be wondering if you should give your furry friend a slice of orange. After all, oranges are sweet and nutritious. What are a few pieces now and then, right?

Experts say that you can give some orange slices to your doggie. But you should regulate the amount that you serve. Since oranges are acidic, your dog should not eat a lot of them. Otherwise, your dog could have diarrhea due to over-acidity.

Oranges are a good source of potassium, folate, thiamine, and vitamin C. If you serve this fruit to your doggie, then you are providing him with a nutritious treat.

Oranges have low sodium and do not harm the dog. But on the other hand, oranges have high sugar content. Too much sugar is bad for your dog. This means that if your dog is diabetic, you should not give him oranges.

You can also serve other orange varieties like Mandarin orange, tangerine, and clementines. Mandarins do not contain any toxic materials that might harm your dog. However, Mandarin orange contains sugar that might give tummy ache to your dog later on.

Your pet’s diet and nutritional needs are among the important concerns that you should discuss with your vet Tampa, FL during your pet’s regular wellness checks.

Some Teacup Piglet Facts They Are Not Telling You

 

One of the more popular household pets nowadays is teacup piglets. What is not to love about these adorable, intelligent, and sensitive little creatures? Seeing them doing all sorts of cute little things on social media, you might probably want to have one for your own. But behind the craze of owning a teacup piglet, what people do not see in those cute

online videos they have probably watched on repeat for the nth time already, are some facts that would make you think twice about getting your darling teacup piglet.

Teacup piglets will not stay in their cute and tiny size forever. They are just like other normal pigs but were deliberately malnourished to remain smaller than the average pigs, making them more vulnerable to specific health issues requiring the careful attention of veterinarians. They could weigh around 100 to 200 lbs. As adorable as they are, they are certainly heavier and massive than a teacup.

Contact your veterinarian Tampa, FL if you have any questions and/or concerns about your pet’s health and/or behavior.

Only Feed Your Dogs Plain Carrots

 

Yes, carrots are a healthy treat that you can feed your pet dogs, but they must still be offered in moderation.  Do not add any spices, sugar or salt, since they can be hazardous to your dog.  Cutting up carrots in small bite-sized slices can be good for digestion and also prevent choking.  Keep in mind that a dog’s gastrointestinal tract is not quite as efficient with carrot digestion, and so you might see undigested carrot pieces in your pet’s stool.

Carrots are an ideal food for puppies too, but in moderation.  You can offer teething puppies frozen carrots as well.  Having your puppy munch on a frozen carrot can alleviate discomfort and pain experienced with new teeth growth.  Carrots also promote dental health.  Having your dog munch on carrot slices provides him with some mechanical scraping action at the same time prevents the accumulation of tartar and plaque.

You can also cook carrots before feeding them to your dog.  They will like this vegetable cooked as well, so long as spices, sugar, or salt are not added while cooking. 

Your pet’s diet is one of the important concerns that you should discuss with your pet clinic Ashburn VA during your pet’s wellness checks.

Two Cat Breeds That Tend To Live Longer Than Most

Some cats have a life expectancy of 15 years. But there is no guarantee that your cat will live this long. After all, the environment and the cat’s health determine how long she will live.

But if you pick a cat with a longer lifespan, then you will have a bigger chance of taking care of your cat for a long time. 

The Siamese cat is tall and has distinct marks on her back. She is very social and can be vocal from time to time. However, a Siamese cat tends to have dental and respiratory. These are the only reported medical conditions that a Siamese cat might have. Otherwise, there should not be any other complications. Expect a Siamese cat to live from 12 to 20 years.

A Burmese cat is a healthy breed. She is known to be playful, sociable, and adventurous. This breed has a history of cranial deformities or glaucoma. A Burmese cat can live from 16 to 18 years old.

Your veterinarian Leesburg VA is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs.

Give Plain Carrots To Dogs

 

Your dog would love to taste different treats now and then. Carrots would be a good idea to give in moderation. Carrots make a healthy snack. It is best to give it plain or without any seasoning. Additives could harm your pet so be mindful of what you give. Be sure to cut the carrot in small size so your dog will be able to eat properly. Help your dog digesting the carrot by cutting the vegetable into small size. Don't be alarmed if you see remnants of carrots in your dog's stool, he probably was not able to chew it well.

A puppy will also benefit from eating carrots, especially the frozen kind. Giving a sliced, frozen carrot can help in relieving the pain brought about by teething. Chewing on carrots will also help in scraping any particle on the dog's teeth. Of course, you can also give cooked carrot slices to your puppy. Don’t add any spices when cooking. Cut up the vegetable in small sizes before serving.

If you have any questions about your pet’s diet and/or nutritional needs, consult your veterinarian Oshawa, ON. 

Is Salmon Good For Dogs?

 

If you want to improve your dog’s palate, you can serve him some salmon.  Even if your dog has allergies, giving salmon won’t be a problem. A serving of salmon gives your dog some omega fatty acids that will help in improving the skin and hair coat.

You can find canned salmons in the store. And it is safe to feed this type, as long as you choose the water-based. Don’t buy canned salmon with brine or oil because the salt content might harm your dog. You may or may not remove salmon bones because it is soft enough. You are welcome to debone salmon, just to be safe.

But don't serve salmon skin because it has a high-fat content. Although the salmon skin won’t harm your dog, you might want to watch out if he will develop adverse reactions later on. Don’t worry if your dog ate some, just be on the lookout for a few days to see how your dog reacts.

If you have concerns about your pet’s diet, contact your animal hospital Marion, IA area.

How To Make Carrots Appealing To Dogs

 

You are probably aware of the health benefits of carrots. This vegetable has beta-carotene and Vitamin A. These nutrients are essential in preventing free radicals from affecting the body.

The good news is that you can give carrots to your dog. The best way to serve it is by cooking and shredding to make it easier to eat. Cooking softens the carrot, and your dog will chew it easier. You can also make carrot juice to give to your pet. It is also a good idea to prepare several batches for your dog’s consumption. An old reliable juicer can do the job, so you don’t have to buy commercial juice. On the other hand, a raw carrot slice can also be given to your pet dog. You should cut the carrot in small size to prevent choking. And keep in mind that carrots should also be given in moderation.

If you have questions and/or concerns about your pet’s diet and nutritional needs, consult with your veterinarian Louisville, CO.

Tips If You Leave Your Canine Outdoors During the Day

 

Do you let your canine companion stay outside during the day? If so, make sure you leave him in a fenced in area so he can’t access the road or wander off. You may want to check the fence line ever few days for holes or ways of escape. It’s also a good idea to make sure your fence is tall enough for your dog. There no need to put up a fence if he can just jump over it. In addition, make sure your pup has easy access to fresh, clean water and plenty of food. Keep the food and water in an accessible place, yet somewhere out of the way so it won’t attract ants or other animals. Also make sure your dog has access to some type of shelter outside to avoid direct sunlight or rain. If you need additional ideas or tips contact your animal hospital Pembroke Pines FL.

Can Dogs Like the Irish Setter have Chocolate?

 

Whether you own an Irish Setter or another type of canine, you should never give him chocolate. Also be careful not to leave chocolate in a place where your dog can get to it. If your Irish Setter does eat chocolate, call your vet. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include extreme thirst, diarrhea, unusual amounts of energy, pacing, shaking, or seizures. Do not wait for symptoms to appear as they may take six to twelve hours to develop. Be prepared to tell your vet your Irish Setter’s weight, and the amount of chocolate he may have eaten. Small amounts of chocolate may not affect a Pomeranian the way it would an Irish Setter. In less extreme cases, your vet may tell you to give your dog one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide for every twenty pounds he weighs. This will make your dog vomit. Click for more information or call your vets Davie, FL.

Ways to Exercise Your Syrian Hamster

 

Are you looking to buy or adopt a Syrian hamster? Perhaps you already own a hamster and may be wondering how much exercise he requires. Your vet can help you with this. Most hamsters require exercise on a daily basis. You can encourage your Syrian hamster to exercise while in his cage by buying him an exercise wheel. You can also place toys, tunnels and other vet approved items in his cage to encourage him to move around. If you have time, try your hamster in an exercise ball. This will give him the opportunity to explore the world around him from the safety of the exercise ball. Some owners suggest allowing your hamster playtime in the exercise ball or outside of his cage at least three times a week. Try these suggestions to give your vets Louisville, KY a call to learn more.

Why Do Cats Become Overweight?

  

Cats have different metabolism rates, especially if they are active or if they stay indoors. An average cat needs about 20 calories per pound to be considered healthy. On the other hand, an outdoor cat needs 35 calories per pound. If you do a rough estimate, this means that your kitty needs 200 calories every day.

But if your cat is already carrying excess pounds, you should limit the number of calories she consumes in a day. This translates to about 40 calories or less per day. Veterinarians are already concerned about the growing number of obese cats in the household. It can even be considered an epidemic.

An obese cat can develop complications like heart ailment, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, or liver diseases. Your cat might become lazy and lethargic due to the excess weight. And worse, the cat might die early due to complications. You can do something about this condition. Control your pet’s diet, and give her a well-balanced meal.

Do consult your vet Shreveport LA before starting your pet on a weight loss regimen.

Is Homemade Food Appropriate For Cats?

Cats are considered to be true carnivores.  Therefore, their nutritional requirements are specific, meaning that their diet should be meat-based.  If you fail to fulfill your pet cat’s nutritional needs, it could lead to health problems and certain nutrient deficiencies for her.

The increasing recalls of pet food products have prompted cat owners to prepare their pet’s food themselves.  Even though this is made with the pet owner’s best intentions, mistakes are likely to occur with how the food is formulated, most especially if a veterinarian or pet nutritionist is not consulted first.  The different stages of life (senior, adult, kitten) of a cat differ in their nutritional and calorie requirements.  Pet owners may think that the food they made is safe and healthy, but it could have some unintended consequences.

Several of the usual mistakes in cat food formulas made at home are not enough meat used leading to a deficiency in taurine, excessive tuna used leading to joint and bone issues and vitamin-A toxicosis, and excessive raw fish leading to vitamin B1 degradation.

Consult with your animal hospital Bossier City LA regarding your plan on making homemade food for your cat.