Norwegian Elkhounds Love The Snow

 Have you met dogs that love snow as much as most kids do? If not, you haven’t met Norwegian Elkhounds. These dogs are originally developed to hunt. In previous years, they were trained to help human hunters to catch wolves, bears, and moose. But today, these dogs enjoy themselves by being family pet dogs. 

Though they no longer hunt, these dogs retained their activeness and love for the wild. Norwegian Elkhounds love playing in the snow, and they’re at their happiest when they get to enjoy various outdoor adventures.

You should also enjoy the same if you get a Norwegian Elkhound. These pups aren’t the kind that’d love being couch potatoes – lying on the sofa with you all day. Expect these dogs to run nonstop when he gets to go outside. Your commands or calls are pointless because they won’t follow or answer them – not until they’re tired and ready for some rest.  

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

Confident Fox Terriers

Developed to become great hunting dogs are Fox Terriers. As their name implies, these dogs were used to bring out foxes from their hiding places. Though some dogs are still used for their traditional roles, most have been transformed into elegant show dogs and trusty family companions. 

Being hunters or sporting dogs, Fox Terriers are energetic, strong, and bold. These characteristics help the breed becomes good family watchdogs. They will bark and alert you should they see something suspicious in their territory. But be wary because these pups do not appreciate being alone in the yard for a long time. 

Fox Terriers are playful and can do well around children when trained. They are loyal to their humans, who satisfy and fulfil their needs. If properly cared for, these dogs can weigh between 15 and 20 pounds and live into their teenage years.  

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital New Orleans, LA. Make an appointment today.

Probiotics For Dogs

Probiotics are made up of beneficial microbes that are alive, which when regularly taken in, can help conserve a positive surrounding in the intestinal tract. These probiotics are vital for the function and overall health of the digestive tract. In human beings, if you have any issues with your intestines, probiotics are commonly and highly recommended. It’s the same case with our dogs. There is a disturbance in the equilibrium of bad and good microbes that are found in the intestines when your dog has been exposed to certain stressors or if he is experiencing an illness. If this disturbance continues, in time, it will lead to bad breath, too much gassiness or flatulence, cramping in the stomach, and diarrhea.

Below are the microbial species that are commonly present in probiotics:

 

 

• Bifidobacterium breve 

• Bifidobacterium lactis 

• Enterococcus faecium

• Lactobacillus casei

• Lactobacillus plantarum

• Lactobacillus accidophilus

Below are some forms of Probiotics that are generally available:

• kefir 

• yogurt 

• dog food

• chews

• powdered 

• fermented products

• capsules

Probiotics versus Prebiotics

Nutrients that promote and nourish the growth of microorganisms that are already found in your dog’s colon are called Prebiotics. They are formulas that are plant-based and have been described by the Officials of the American Association Feed Control as "direct-fed microbials". Prebiotic sources that are best for your furry family member are dandelion, burdock root, chlorella, apples, and mushrooms.

Your pet’s diet is one of the important concerns that you should discuss with your vet New Orleans LA during your pet’s wellness checks.

Use Topical Drops To Get Rid Of Fleas In Cats

 

Using topical drops on your pet cat is an effective way to get rid of fleas that affect your cat.  It is also the easiest method.

Topical drops work efficiently. You put some liquid on the cat’s skin, then the sebaceous gland absorbs the medication. It is best to aim for the base of the cat’s neck.  The glands distribute the ingredients all over the body. Since the glands release the oil in the epidermis, the active ingredients in the topical drop are released all over the body.

Eventually, the active ingredient will proceed to the nervous system to disable the capability to feed. Without food, fleas will die.

Topical drops are beneficial because it is non-intrusive. You only need to apply the product in between the shoulder blades, and it will slowly spread throughout and kill fleas.

Cats are more sensitive than dogs to certain ingredients in flea medications. Consult your vet New Orleans, LA about the best flea product that is safe and effective for your pet.

Hypothyroidism in Dogs Like the Bassett Hound

 

Are you familiar with hypothyroidism? It is a common illness that can occur in canines. The condition may be referred to as Thyroid Hormone Deficiency as well. This condition generally occurs when there is a low production and release of the T4 and T3 hormones in the dog’s thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing the hormones, which are needed for your Basset Hound’s body to maintain a normal metabolism. When these hormones are missing, your dog may develop hypothyroidism, which can cause symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, excessive shedding, poor hair growth, mental dullness, skin infections, intolerance to cold, tilting of the head to one side and even seizures or infertility. The disease is believed to affect mainly medium to large breed dogs between the ages of 4 and 10 years. Learn more from your animal hospital New Orleans LA.

3 Ways To Prevent Flea Infestation

 

It is a serious concern when your pet cat has a flea infestation. Fortunately, you can try some flea-prevention methods so you don't have to worry about it.

These are our suggestions:

• Get your cat to stay indoors. Admit it, fleas are abundant outdoors. If your cat is out, you worry that she will pick up fleas somewhere. When she is indoors, you’ll know that she is safe from fleas. 
• Use flea prevention products like Bravecto. Similar products can eliminate fleas, and even prevent the pests from multiplying.  You can choose from topical or chewable options so you won't have any difficulty in administering to your cat. To help pet owners even further, you can get shampoo and flea collars to reduce fleas in your pet.
• You can ask the animal hospital New Orleans LA for ways on how to prevent flea infestation. They can suggest effective flea control products for your pet’s use.

Do Cats Like the American Shorthair Need Sunscreen ?

 

Did you know that you should be cautious of the amount of time your cat spends in the sun? Not only can she overheat, but the sun could also damage her skin or cause sunburn. Most cats are pretty smart about staying in the shade when they are warm or feel their skin starting to burn. However, if you’re concerned about your American Shorthair getting sunburn talk to your vet and find out what you can do. American Shorthairs with white ears or white paws are prone to sunburn more than others. Your vet may recommend rubbing cat safe sunscreen or sun-block on these areas of your American Shorthair. Sunscreen may also need to be applied to other shorthair or hairless surface area on your cat. If you’re not sure or you need assistance, call your vets New Orleans, LA for more details. It never hurts to ask.

Dog Wheelchairs and Carts for Dogs Like the Pointer

Large breed of canines like the Pointer and other various canine breeds have been known to develop mobility issues especially in the backend or hind quarters as they age. Talk with your vet to learn about possibly mobility issues that could affect your Pointer. One such disease is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), which can cause the loss of mobility and feeling in the legs. If your pup has been diagnosed with a condition that affects his mobility, ask your vet about a specialized dog cart or wheelchair for your dog. Wheelchairs and carts have been created to give your dog back some of his mobility. For instance, some carts are designed to essentially be used like walkers. The cart allows the dog to take his regular stride with the front legs while the cart rolls along carrying the backend. Consult with your animal hospital New Orleans LA to find out if this might be something for your canine.

Can Cats Be Trained?

 

Clicker training is not only for dogs; it can also be used in cat training. Felines are intelligent and highly trainable, although just like humans and dogs, their level of intelligence can vary. Clicker training is an excellent way to teach new tricks and mentally stimulate your furball. It also encourages initiative and creativity, helping strengthen the bonds you have for each other, and helps boost your pet’s confidence.

There is a popular notion that cats can't be trained, or they may be more difficult to train than dogs. Both of these notions are false. Believing that pet cats develop behavioral problems that can be difficult to solve often equated to feeling that they can’t be trained. Unfortunately, this is one of the reasons why cats are often abandoned, given up, or euthanized.

Clicker training and a variety of other types of training coupled with tons of patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement can bring on positive results in cats. Training may range from positive husbandry (brushing, nail trims, and handling), amazing tricks (high five and rollover), and behaviors of basic foundation (attention and targeting). Replacing and stopping behaviors that are unwanted can be also effective by training.

If you have any concerns or questions about your pet’s health and/or behavior, contact your veterinary clinic New Orleans, LA. Click here to learn more.

Dealing With Dog Shedding

Dogs shed their coats throughout the year. But most shedding occurs when the seasons change from spring to summer. This is the time when dogs lose the hair coat used during winter. 

To facilitate an orderly shedding of hair coat, you can use a de-shedding tool. This tool will also ensure that your dog's grooming needs are met. 

To manage the loose hairs during dog shedding, do the following:

● Brush hair regularly so you can rid of the loose hairs before these falls in your furniture. Use appropriate combs and brushes to keep the dog’s coat shiny and soft. 

● Feed premium dog food to your pet. A high-quality meal gives the essential nutrients that your dog needs. Nutritious meals also keep the hair coat lustrous.

● Give food rich with essential fatty acids to keep the dog’s coat and skin healthy.

Excessive shedding should prompt a visit to your animal hospital New Orleans LA.

Why Dental Health Is Important In Pets

Tooth and gum problems are among the top health issues that affect cats and dogs. Pet owners play an important role in their pet’s healthcare and one of its important components is dental health. You should make a habit of checking your pet’s mouth regularly to spot any sign of a problem that needs to be brought to the attention of your veterinarian. Your pet can also benefit from a regular home dental regimen that includes daily tooth cleaning with a tooth brush or dental wipes.

When a cat or dog is suffering from a periodontal problem, bacteria in the mouth can enter the blood circulation when they chew. This can lead to a condition called bacteremia, which can be life-threatening as it has been identified as an important predisposing factor to bacterial endocarditis, a serious disease affecting the heart valves. Bacteria in the blood can also have an adverse effect on major organs of the body with the highest flow of blood, such as the kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and liver.   

Your pet will benefit from regular dental checks at a vet clinic New Orleans, LA.

Fruits You Should NOT Feed Dogs

There are a variety of fruits that dogs can enjoy during the summer months or any time of the year. Those include fruits like watermelon, pears, and mango. You can a find a complete list online or call your local vet. As with any food, however, there are also plenty of fruits you should not feed your dog. For instance, grapes are the number one ‘no no’ for dogs. Grapes can be toxic to dogs of any breed and age or size. Although these are one of the most common fruits found in the home, they are the most dangerous for canines. Grapes and raisins both can lead to kidney failure and should be avoided. Cherries should also be avoided as they contain cyanide and can poison dogs. If your dog has accidentally gotten into grapes or cherries, please call your veterinary clinic New Orleans, LA immediately for assistance.