Cold Weather Care For Pets

The winter season could become enjoyable months for you and your pets because heat-related problems, as well as insect issues, are fewer.  There is also snow that your pet can play in and try to eat if you live in the mountainous or northern areas.  But do exercise caution during these winter months even if summer months seem to be more prolific in terms of problems.

You probably make specialized arrangements for your pet for the summer season when the temperature can go up to 90 or 100-degree heat levels.  The winter season also requires you to take measures and adjust your living conditions for colder temperatures.  It is always better to be safe and keep your pet inside the home when winter comes.  However, with specialized housing and preparation, breeds with thick fur trained for cold-weather endurance like Saint Bernards, Alaskan Malamutes, or Siberian Huskies could be comfortable in colder temperatures so long as you do not leave them outdoors in sub-zero temperatures for extended periods.

If your pet is showing signs of hypothermia, contact your animal hospital Columbia MD immediately.

Winter Care Tips For Dogs

It is most appropriate to keep dogs home during the grueling winter months. However, there are instances when your pet has to go out, even for a short period. Below are some suggestions for keeping your canine companion healthy, safe, and happy while at the same time enjoying the great outdoors during winter.

A comprehensive physical examination of your dog with your veterinarian can aid in the identification of any illnesses that can worsen due to the cold weather. If necessary, your veterinarian may prescribe drugs to ease discomfort. Do not hesitate on inquiring with your veterinarian about any health concerns or problems with your pet.

Canines with weakened immune systems, such as pups and senior dogs, are especially vulnerable to the cold. Avoid trimming your dog's fur during winter, as this will make your pet more sensitive to hypothermia. Short-haired dogs, in particular, should wear a dog sweater on cold winter days to keep them warm.

If your pet is showing signs of hypothermia, contact your animal hospital Columbia MD immediately.

Tips on Choosing the Right Bed for Your Cat

It is the cat’s natural instinct to prefer resting or sleeping in raised places. To give them that comfort, you can shop for an elevated bed. If the budget is a little tight, you may just use any type of them and place them in a raised place. Check that the surface is not unstable to ensure safety for your pets.

Despite that natural characteristic to seek high places to rest, other cats also prefer staying close to the ground. You can get a hammock bed for them, which securely suspends and supports the sleeping cat.

Cats are territorial animals, so make sure that their beds are free from the smell that is unfamiliar to them. Shopping at some online stores like Petique, Inc. will guarantee that the beds are free from scents of other shoppers and handlers.

Your animal hospital Columbia MD is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs.

Can Chocolate Kill Dogs ?

Some dogs, especially big ones, can consume chocolate before it can be dangerous for them. However, consuming chocolate can still cause damage even to the largest breed.

Poisoning brought about by chocolate can affect the kidneys, central nervous system, and heart. The seriousness of the effects is case to case basis for it may only cause diarrhea to some dogs while other dogs have a chance of ending up with really severe long-term effects like seizures and problems in the cardiovascular system.

Because it’s impossible to know the volume of chocolate your dog has consumed and the strength of the cocoa it has, it is important to bring your dog right away to the veterinarian if you think that has consumed any chocolate.

Below are the symptoms of poisoning caused by chocolates in dogs:

If large amounts of theobromine were eaten by your dog, he will have a high chance of experiencing an irregular heartbeat, seizures, muscle tremors in the face, and in worst cases, heart attack or internal bleeding can likely occur. If you’re not sure whether your dog is in distress caused by theobromine poisoning, you should be watchful of severe hyperactivity for it can be the initial sign for it. Other signs that you may observe from your dog are trembling, nervousness, excitement, and restlessness.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should require a visit to your animal hospital Columbia MD for proper medical attention.

Lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog

Did you know that the Bernese Mountain Dog is of the large dog breeds and is a member of the Greater Swiss Mountain dog breeds? Due to his size, the Bernese faces a variety of health concerns. Most Bernese Mountain dogs live around 8 years depending on their health. If you’re looking to bring a Bernese into your family then you should check with a local breeder in order to find a puppy that is free of more serious genetic health condition such as Osteochondritis. Many Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to developing Osteochondritis, which is a severe condition that causes cartilage around the joints to completely deteriorate. This can cause permanent lameness, arthritis and pain. Other health concerns include hip dysplasia, arthritis, canine bloat and various cancers. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help in making your decision to adopt. For more information consult your animal hospital Columbia MD.

Rabbit Breeds That A Beginner Can Easily Keep

 

Some rabbit breeds thrive best when an expert pet owner is raising them. But don’t fret, if you are a beginner. There are other rabbit breeds that you can easily raise. The New Zealand rabbit has the right size and weight. This rabbit is also used in laboratories, for tests and research. And just so you know, this breed is from California despite its name.

The Mini Plush Lop rabbit also makes a great pet not only because of its size but also because of its temperament. This rabbit is affectionate towards its owners, making it an ideal companion. However, the Mini Plush Lop can be fragile and it needs to be handled carefully. The Dutch Rabbit will make a good starter pet for children. It is quite small and lightweight. This rabbit has large and pointy ears that the kids will find appealing. And true to its name, the Dutch Rabbit originated from Holland.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should prompt a visit to your animal hospital Columbia, MD.

How to Diagnose Bloat in Dogs Like Labradoodles

 

Did you know that canine bloat can affect a variety of dog breeds including the Labradoodle? This serious disease occurs when abnormal amounts of gas, food or fluid builds-up in the stomach causing it to expand. Expansion of the stomach can apply pressure to surrounding organs and prevent blood flow to the heart and other areas. Your vet will most likely make a diagnosis of bloat by reviewing symptoms and conducting a physical exam. Symptoms may include unsuccessful attempts to vomit, anxiety, restlessness, hunched up appearance, no normal digestive sounds in the stomach, bloated or tight abdomen, whining, pacing, drooling, unsuccessful attempts to poop, heavy breathing, etc. In some cases the pressure causes the stomach to twist requiring surgery to untwist it. Surgery; however, is not usually an option as survival rates are incredibly low. Consult with your animal hospital Columbia MD to learn more about this disease in order to recognize it sooner if it should happen to your canine companion.

Does Your Cat Love Scratching The Furniture

You may experience your cat often scratching your curtains, beddings, walls, and furniture, to name a few home items.  If this happens a lot, talk to your veterinarian or your local pet supply store personnel for advice on how to control this behavior so that it does not get worse.  One thing you may want to remember is that cats by nature want to scratch things like wood.  Cats do it to sharpen their claws, as a way to deal with boredom, or just as an energy release.  Keeping this information in mind, you may want to go ahead and try trimming your cat’s claws and perhaps even mix up her normal routine to find more entertainment and play or exercise to release excess energy.  Doing so may help reduce your cat’s inadvertent scratching.  Should it still fail, try offering your cat more toys as well as procuring one or more scratching posts.  These may occupy her time, giving her some other object to scratch instead of your items.  If there was an unusually large change in your cat’s routine recently, also try bringing back some activities that she is familiar with to ease the transition.

Make an appointment with your animal hospital Columbia MD if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior.

Some Do’s And Don’ts When Sharing Food With Your Dog

 

Although giving human food or table leftovers to dogs are frowned upon by some, some leftovers are healthy and safe to share with your fur buddy.

A major cause of obesity in dogs is feeding them with human food, which is a serious concern. Any excess food will naturally mean gaining a few more calories to your dog’s ration. If you choose to give your dog human food that is high in calories, fats, and sugars, the risk of obesity to your dog will surely increase. So always keep in mind that the key is moderation to what your dog eats.

Puppies have a greater risk of becoming obese. However, giving human food in small amounts that are found to be healthy may stop your dog from gaining weight at a high rate.

To ensure that your dog is having the right prescription of exercise needed to stay in optimal condition, talk to your animal hospital Columbia MD.