Training Your Cat For A Walk

 

Walking is a perfect opportunity for your cat to get her regular exercise. While walking is not a typical physical activity for cats, this is surely something she can easily learn and get used to.

Remember that you cannot just force your cat to do this activity. You will have to gradually try this activity

with her, and you must also invest in a leash of good quality. Start walking with your cat for a few minutes, probably just within your backyard. Once she is used to it, you can increase the time you allot for her walking activity, then you can also go outside like to a nearby park to walk with her.

You must also give your cat a nice reward such as a treat or snack to recognize her efforts. This will encourage her to continue this activity in the future.

Call your animal hospital Virginia Beach, VA to make sure that your pet’s preventatives and vaccinations are up to date before taking your pet on outdoor excursions.

Dalmatians: Highlights Of The Breed

Aside from frequent brushing, daily exercise is essential to prevent your Dalmatian from getting bored and becoming destructive. Be sure to train them for proper manners, too. Although they can be stubborn, firmness and consistency may help in managing your dog. Don't forget early socialization— exposure to children and other pets.

Dalmatians shouldn't be alone for too long— include them in all your activities and let them sleep with the family. If you have small children, beware of the possibility that Dalmatians will knock them down.

Disney's "101 Dalmatians" undeniably increased the breed's popularity. Unfortunately, it posed higher cases of irresponsible breeding practices— putting their temperament and health at risk. Prospective owners should be careful in finding a puppy. Refrain from buying from pet shops, puppy mills, and irresponsible breeders, and instead, transact only with reputable breeders. Aside from sound temperaments, responsible breeding also ensures safety from genetic disorders. For more information about Dalmatians, visit your local animal hospital Virginia Beach VA.

Amazing Facts About The Nose Of Dogs

 

Dogs are famous for having a stronger sense of smell as compared to humans.  Although their brain is much smaller than ours, however, they contain 30 to 50 times more scent receptors in their nasal cavity and 3 times bigger olfactory bulbs in their brain. As a result, the dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 stronger than humans.

If you are petting a dog, you should keep in mind that strong scents like deodorants and air fresheners can irritate your dog. You should try to use such scents when you are away from your pet.

The ability and strength to smell vary between different dog breeds. It means all dogs are not equally sensitive when it comes to the sense of smell. For instance, a Dachshund has 150 million while a Bloodhound has 300 (means the double number) olfactory receptors. 

Your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.

Achieve Better Results With Portion Control In Pet Cats

 

Numerous studies have shown that a controlled feeding habit is more suitable for our domesticated cats. After all, their lives are nothing like their ancestors'. The latter had to go to great lengths to secure food. They needed all the protein they could get. Our cats, on the other hand, enjoy a more peaceful existence.

If we gave them unlimited access to food, they would only gain weight that would be difficult to remove. A diet that consists only of your pet's favorites would encourage a cat to eat more than what's necessary. But if you give your animal scheduled meals containing a good balance of nutrients, the feline is more likely to stay fit.

The relaxed nature of life with a good caretaker means they don't need to conserve their strength to look for food. A sedentary life combined with excessive food intake would do more harm than good. It's true enough for us humans, and we're so much bigger than they are.

Your pet’s diet is one of the important concerns that you should discuss with your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA during your pet’s wellness checks.

Regular Play Sessions Will Make Your Cat Active And Happy

 

Cats flourish by playing regularly. Aside from providing mental and physical stimulation, it also engages them in instinctive behaviors. An easy way to do this is to get another feline of the same age, sex, and activity level as your cat’s playmate. But if you can't afford to take in another pet, there's still a way to compensate for your cat's needs. You can be her playmate instead. Just be sure that you schedule at least twice or thrice a day of playtimes.

Cats like to keep everything in a routine. Therefore, it won't be a good idea to change their playtime. You may spend 10 to 20 minutes; it depends on your cat's level of activity. You may use interactive toys to simulate the predatory moves of your feline. You only need to tie a feather or toy at the end of a rod you use in fishing.

Your vets Virginia Beach VA is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior.

Which Hedgehogs Make Ideal Pets?

 

Hedgehogs are simple to take care of because these pets are relatively low-maintenance.  These animal companions are also quite fascinating and make for unique pets.  Hedgehog Central says that there are fourteen hedgehog species, but only certain ones make ideal pets.  There are some species that grow large.  European hedgehogs, for instance, could reach 1-foot long.  Hedgehogs can be found around the Western European region and even the wild ones are quite friendly.  But these species are not domesticated, thus are not to be kept as animal companions.

African Pygmy Hedgehogs are the most favored species kept as pets.  These are also known as four-toed or white-bellied hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).  This species usually measures 5 - 8 inches and weighs ½ - 1-¼ lbs.

Other species of hedgehogs that have been domesticated as pets are the Egyptian long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus auritus) and the Indian long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus collaris).

Your nearest animal hospital Virginia Beach VA can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.

Fleas and Your Bassett Hound

If you own a pup like the Basset Hound, then chances are you already know that fleas can be hard to get rid of especially when they start nesting in your home. If your pup is having a flea outbreak and your home is infested, give your vet a call to find out how you can put a stop to the invasion. The first steps you can take right away include vacuuming all carpets and rugs in your home as well as sweeping and mopping hard surfaces and baseboards. Wash all of your Basset’s bedding as well. If bedding cannot be machine washed, throw it in the dryer on high heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Some pet owners have also used dehumidifiers throughout their home since fleas require 50% or more humidity to thrive. In addition, clean any areas outside where your Basset likes to play or sleep. Call your animal hospital Virginia Beach VA for more suggestions.

When Feeding Veggies To Dogs

Canines are true omnivores, therefore, their food can be made up of meat and plant ingredients.  But do note that certain things are toxic or hazardous to dogs.  Below are essential reminders when feeding plant-based food to your pet:

●Green leafy veggies are always a great resource for antioxidants.  But tomatoes must not be offered to canines as they have solanine and other natural toxins harmful to them.

●Carrots must be offered in limited quantities as they are very rich in sugars.

●Onions damage a canine’s red blood cells which could lead to anemia, therefore must not be offered to dogs.

●Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower must be given moderately because, in dogs, they might increase the propensity to develop hypothyroidism.

●Radishes are healthy doggie treats with a crunch.  They are very good sources of potassium, essential vitamins, and folic acid.

For more information on your pet dog’s nutritional requirements, visit your animal hospital Virginia Beach VA.

Types of Outside Blankets for Dachshunds

 

It’s a general rule of thumb that if it’s too cold for you to stay outside then your Dachshund should not be outside either. If your Dachshund has access to an outside porch area during the day, you may want to consider keeping it closed off during the colder winter days and nights. If this is not an option, then you may want to consider purchasing a blanket or coat for your Dachshund to wear while outside for long periods of time. Please note that a coat does not make it OK for a dog to stay outside in below freezing temperatures. A coat; however, can help keep snow from accumulating in the fur as well as provide temporary added warmth while outdoors. Ask your vets Virginia Beach, VA for help determining if and when a blanket is necessary for your Dachshund during the winter months.

Why Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C

Guinea pigs are warm-blooded animals that cannot produce their own vitamin C. Their need for vitamin C is acquired by ingesting foods that are rich in this nutrient such as fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, yogurt that is enriched in vitamin C, and also vitamin C drops that are given to baby guinea pigs. Guinea pigs benefit from the purest and freshest supplies of Vitamin C. Pellets that are given to guinea pigs contain vitamin C, but the exposure of the pellets to the environment and air may depreciate the value of the nutrient in the pellet. Refrain from buying pellets that are placed in bins because there is a high probability of exposure to environmental factors that can have a negative impact on their quality.

A discussion with your vet Virginia Beach, VA regarding the nutritional requirements of your guinea pig is important and must be done regularly.