Intelligent German Pinschers

German Pinschers are intelligent and fast learners, thriving in any training level and competition. These dogs like to challenge themselves and their owners, and even though they can do well in apartments, this isn't the best place for them. Ideally, these dogs should be able to exercise in a well-fenced yard— without disregard, of course, for the possibility that they'll escape. Their strong instinct to chase animals, especially those they find interesting.

With that, training is a must and should start while they're still young. Fortunately, their intelligence makes the job easy. However, these dogs aren't the type to please you, so consistency and firmness are the keys to successful training sessions. Consistent rules and positive reinforcement is essential to enable you to handle these dogs strong temperaments. Make sure they understand that you're in charge; otherwise, they'll be the ones to take over.

If you have concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with your animal hospital Chesapeake, VA.

Planning Your Guinea Pig’s Daily Routine

 

Cavies are nocturnal, so they're generally active during the night. Consider this fact in planning your daily routine. If you're not a night owl, give your Guinea pig special attention during early mornings when he's still active. Make this your bonding, grooming, and playtime. It's best to give your cavy's breakfast during early mornings. Include lots of hays, especially if you're going to be away for the day. After eating, your cavy will likely nap, so keep the house quiet.

Guinea pigs sleep all day, waking up only for some snacks. He'll be ready to play in the evening, so it's also the perfect time to feed him again. Take him out of his cage to exercise and interact with you. It's okay if you can't make a cavy-perfect schedule at first. It'll surely take time before you get used to it.

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital Chesapeake, VA. 

Will Yorkshire Terriers Make Ideal Family Pets?

 

One of the popular lap dogs around the world is the Yorkshire Terrier. Who could resist cuddling these adorable pooches? Their majestic fur coat and tiny bone structure make them part of happy homes and loved by many.

Yorkies may come in miniature sizes, but it does not make their needs any less important. Consider the following facts about this breed before adopting one:

Yorkies need regular exercise - This activity will give your pups good overall health and even prolong their lifespan. So, what exercises can they do?

Daily walks

Simple games like fetch or running around

Puppy training classes

These activities can give your Yorkies wonderful opportunities to improve their socialization skills and stay fit and healthy. So, do not let them idle and do nothing. Though Yorkies are small, they still need exercise to be always in good condition.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your veterinary hospital Chesapeake, VA. Click here to know more about their services. 

Tips For A Hassle-Free Move With Your Cat

Moving with your pet cat by land with a car

If your mode of transportation is by car, try not to offer your cat a hearty meal before the trip.  All your cat needs is a light meal for her breakfast just so her tummy gets settled until you get to stop over for the evening.  Utilize the car’s seat belt for securing the kitty carrier just in case you make sudden turns or stops.  Most cats should be fine for about 6 hours or less without their litter boxes.  For longer trips, bring one of those disposable litter boxes that can be used in hotels or inside the car.

Staying in hotels with your pet cat

If the travel is cross-country, locate a pet-friendly hotel before leaving so that your pet and you could rest properly.  Before letting your cat out of the carrier in the hotel room, check for any hiding spots where your pet can hide, such as open vents.

Travels with more than one cat

You can use the same things that were mentioned for one cat and they will work if you have more than one cat.  If your pet cats are friends, then you can place them inside a bigger carrier, perhaps even comforting each other.  Should each cat prefer her own space, then use separate carriers.

Make sure your pet’s health records are up to date before your day of the move. If you’re not sure, call your animal hospital Chesapeake VA.

Some Of The Best Cat Breeds to Bring Home

If you’re considering bringing home a feline friend, you need to consider many things. You have to check the environmental setup of your homes and the needs of each breed. You need to know what cat personality would best suit yours, too. Here are some of the best cats for indoor living:

Persian cats

Persian cats are one of the friendliest cats. They have a unique round face and long hair coat. This breed is easygoing and sociable. They enjoy spending time with their favorite humans. They are calm and relaxed and get excited every time you come home from a day out. If you have a small home or are living in an apartment, the Persian cats could be the best for you. 

Ragdoll cats

Ragdoll cats have a medium-length, silky hair coat. They usually have light-colored bodies and darker-colored faces, ears, tails, and legs. They are laidback cats but never fail to show their love for their families. Many believe that they are the perfect companion cats. They love interacting with humans and are friendly to other animals, too. They are generally docile, which means that it’s your task to keep them engaged more in physical activities.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital Chesapeake VA.

Schiff-Sherrington Posture in Manx Cats

Like any other animal, feline breeds like Manx cats develop age-related conditions concerning their mobility as their age progresses. Some of these conditions include arthritis-like degenerative joint disease (DJD), and a more uncommonly heard of condition which is the Schiff-Sherrington syndrome. 

If you have observed that your cat is having difficulties with movement, be quick to contact your veterinarian as it would be best for your cat to be assessed and examined to pinpoint the cause of such immobility. Mobility issues do not always mean that your Manx cat is suffering from Schiff-Sherrington syndrome, however, it could be a symptom.

Schiff-Sherrington is a condition that develops as a result of spinal cord injury wherein the spinal cord is transected or severed due to a lesion on the feline’s low back area. A lesion forms when there has been previous trauma on the area of the spine or occurrence of intervertebral disk conditions which is deemed to be a more common cause. If this is present, they might exhibit symptoms like inability to walk or stand, unusual or unsteady gait, front limbs are rigid in extension, and the possibility of having paralyzed rear limbs.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should require a visit to your veterinary hospital Chesapeake, VA for proper medical attention.

Hedgehogs in a Multi-Pet Household

 

Thanks to their stronger protective system, hedgehogs in multi-pet households may be able to defend themselves from other pets. On the other hand, the behavior and qualities of the other pets in the house can have an impact on their safety. Any interactions between your hedgehog and other pets in the house should be carefully observed at all times.

Hedgehogs in captivity seem to get along well with other pets in general. Hedgehog quills quickly teach felines to mind their business. The majority of dogs are aware of the spiky armor and seek to prevent it. Despite the stinging quills, huge prey-driven canines lurk nearby, ready to damage a hedgehog with hard tackles.

Ferrets might try to eat a hedgehog at first, but they will easily learn to appreciate the quills. But even though visits with other pets can be exasperating for your pet hedgehog, hence keep an eye out for indicators of stress, which includes defecating or urinating in fear. Whenever this occurs, limit the hedgehog's interactions with other animals.

Your veterinarian Chesapeake, VA is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior. Make an appointment today!

What to Do If Your Teddy Guinea Pig Is Acting Odd

If your Teddy guinea pig acting abnormally then you should give your vet a call to schedule an appointment. Behavior changes can often signal an illness. It’s important to handle and monitor your guinea pig in order to get to know him and recognize his behaviors. If your cavy is generally happy, alert and “talkative,” but then all of a sudden isn’t acting so perky then it could be a sign he is getting sick. It’s important to keep an eye on his food and water intake as well. If you think your Teddy guinea pig is getting sick, check his cage for poop and wet spots. Note all of your findings and report them to your vet when you go in for your appointment. Other things to look out for include wheezing, watery eyes, loss of balance, loss of hair, loss of appetite, etc. Consult with your animal hospital Chesapeake VA to learn more about treatments.

How To Care for Balinese Cats

Balinese cats are known to be very active, intelligent, affectionate, and very social. Most Balinese have a medium build. Since they are very active, you can find them playing most of the time, and are curious about everything around them. So, it is a must that you provide a Balinese with toys, scratching posts, and other enrichment ideas to keep it entertained and stimulated. 

You can easily train a Balinese cat. Always use positive reinforcement so you can train your cat successfully. And did you know that aside from her grace and intelligence, a Balinese cat is also goofy? You will surely laugh at her funny antics.

Balinese cats like to have company. They will feel sad and distressed when left alone for long periods.  They can also show destructive behavior to show their distress. Your Balinese cat can easily get along with other children and pets in the household as long as you introduce them properly. With these traits, a Balinese cat can make a good family pet. 

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