Helping Your Cat Have A Positive Transition After The Pandemic

Many of us experienced depression when the lockdowns happened during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. But we weren't the only ones whose lives changed. Our cats had to make adjustments, too.

Now that governments are lifting the restrictions one by one, people are also going back to their old habits of leaving their homes in the morning and coming home hours later. The thing is, our pets have become used to us staying at home most of the time. And suddenly, they have to be alone in the house for hours at a time.

Before nationwide quarantines became a thing, our pets had a certain level of understanding regarding our daily schedule. But then, remote working became the new normal for us, and they grew accustomed to the extra attention we were suddenly able to give them. The adjustment wasn't too hard for them because it was a welcome change.

But you disappearing for hours each day is not a welcome change. Your cat may interpret it as abandonment which can lead to restlessness. But there's a way to remedy this. If your boss has informed you that they will start requiring your physical presence at work two weeks from now, start training your cat.

Leave your cat for one hour on the first day. Make that two hours on the second day, add another on the next, and so on, until your cat stops caring where you go. If that doesn't address its separation anxiety, nothing will.

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

Adopting A Husky: Understanding The Husky Personality

Now that you've decided to rescue a husky dog, there are a few things you should know about their behavior and how you should interact with them. Huskies are naturally packing dogs.

Same as their untamed forefathers. You must be their recognized pack leader, or dominant, as their owner. You will win their respect and affection by fulfilling this position in their life.

Being the "leader" of your husky involves not surrendering to their demands. Or giving in to their sad expressions when they seek a special reward.

When dealing with your husky dog, you should be stern and persistent, not a bad guy. If the husky dog recognizes you as the "keeper of the food," it will compel them to behave a bit better.

Husky dogs are naturally active and eager to play. Before you decide whether or not to adopt the dog, you first consider the size of your yard.

Huskies can grow bored and restless if they do not get enough physical activity. It might lead to their being destructive. The dog will dig up flower beds and chew on items they shouldn't have within the house. These are two of their most known harmful habits. However, with the proper training, a husky dog may dig just in specified areas of the yard.

Any concern you may have about your pet's health and/or behavior should warrant an appointment with your animal hospital Portland, OR.

Keeping Your Dog’s Claws Well-Trimmed

Dogs spending most of their time inside the house should get regular nail clipping sessions to prevent the nails from becoming excessively long, curled, and uncomfortable. Long claws will also result in "quick", a nail portion that contains nerves and blood vessels. When cutting your dog's nails, accidentally striking the quick can cause bleeding and pain. The majority of dogs dislike getting their claws clipped. It is best to start trimming your dog's feet while young to accustom it to the procedure. Some dogs will willingly sit while you cut their nails. However, you may need to tie up dogs that will resist. You may have observed that a claw is growing further up, which is known as a "declaw." It resembles the thumb located on both legs. When dewclaws are malformed or interfere with the dog's everyday activity, a veterinarian might surgically remove them. Long dewclaws may readily become entangled and inflict severe injuries. Dewclaws that are still attached should be part of your dog's regular nail-cutting regimen. 

Any skin and/or hair coat issue exhibited by your pet should warrant an appointment with your animal hospital Portland OR.

Anesthesia And Your Pet

If your pet needs to have a medical procedure wherein general anesthesia is required, there are some things that you may want to know about anesthetics, indications, and the side effects that could possibly happen.  For medical veterinary procedures, general anesthesia is normally indicated under the following conditions:

●If the patient needs a procedure that will be painful.

●If the patient is required to lay perfectly still while the procedure is ongoing.

●If the patient’s airway needs to be protected.

●If the procedure happens over a length of time where there is a possibility of complication occurrence.

●if regional anesthetic, local anesthetic, or sedation would not be the appropriate choice for the procedure

●In controlling severe and extreme seizures

Anesthesia has possible side effects that include hypothermia, reduced blood pressure, drug reactions, heart arrhythmia, and/or respiratory depression.

Your animal hospital Portland OR should be able to provide you the information you need and address your concerns and questions regarding general anesthesia.

Three Important Reasons To Bring Your Cat To The Vet

 

You will need to bring your cat to the vet plenty of times throughout your pet’s entire lifetime. Your vet needs to see your pet cat for wellness checkups, vaccination, deworming, and to address illness. Among the many reasons for regular visits to the vet are dental problems and ear infections. 

Dental problems. When your cat is experiencing tooth and gum problems, it’s time to see the vet. Or you can also prevent this from happening in the first place by getting regular dental checkups.

Ear infection. Your pet cat could be suffering from an ear infection if she is head-shaking. The ear passages are favorite places for bacteria and fungi to thrive and cause infection. Foreign materials inside the ear may also cause irritation paving the way for infection. When an ear infection is not treated early, it may lead to loss of hearing.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital Portland OR.

Plague In Cats

 

The bacterial species Yersinia pestis has already caused three (3) types of plague in cats. The most recent plague reported took place in the US, in the state of Colorado back in 2017 when a cat got infected by the bacteria. Although a plague can be life-threatening, with prompt treatment, its serious complications can be averted.

Transmission of the plague often occurs through the bite of an infected flea. These infected fleas will usually feed on rodents which serve as reservoirs of the disease. Humans can acquire the bacterial species if bitten by a rodent flea carrying the plague. Another way that humans get infected by the plague bacterium is when handling tissues and body fluids of a plague-infected animal.       

A cat’s predatory habits increase its chances of acquiring the disease. Hunting for its prey in the wilderness places it at risk of contracting the bacterium by feasting on plague-infected animals. Veterinarians advise cat owners to keep their cats indoors to protect them from the plague. Since fleas transmit the plague, establishing a flea preventive program can ensure protection for pet cats all year-round.

Any sign of illness should be brought to the attention of your animal hospital Portland OR.

Should your cat be eating wet or dry food ?

 

Your cat needs to be able to count on you in order to offer her food that will give her a way to stay both healthy and satisfied. How can you tell if this will take the form of a wet or a dry food option?

Your cat needs to be able to enjoy some food whenever she needs to munch on something and you know that your choices will have to match up with her needs. If you have a healthy adult cat, she will be likely to thrive on dry food. If your pet is a kitten, a senior, or for some reason can’t eat or digest dry food, she will likely need a wet food option when mealtimes roll around. If you are unsure of what to offer her, your pet’s veterinarian can help you find the right option. Your local pet clinic Portland OR can offer additional advice.

Day Camp for your Cat

Looking for a place for your cat during the day? Dry a cat daycare or kennel facility. If you’re not sure where to start then give your vet a call and ask for a list of references. Some doggie daycares will accept cats. They often have a small area for cats on the opposite side of the facility away from the canines. Visit the kennel first and take a tour. Have your cat stay for one day or for one night to see how he does. Make sure you check into the extra options for daycare including the cost for group time, special walks, or one on one time. Most places offer one on one time for cats, but may not offer any group time or walks. If you can’t find a place for your cat, ask your Wildwood animal hospital if he is willing to keep your cat.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

Dogs like to dig. In fact, many breeds are just natural at it including Terriers and Dachshunds. Some dogs simply pick up the habit on their own. For instance, a Pomeranian is not known to dig, but if the dog had to forge for food as a stray then digging could be a learned survival skill. Why else to dogs dig? Some dogs simply dig out of boredom. This is generally due to the fact that they aren’t getting enough exercise or interaction with other canines or people. Some dogs will dig to try and escape a yard or enclosed area. They may choose to escape because they’re being held in a strange yard or because they simply want to explore. Digging is a favorite pastime for other dogs. They spend their days digging and hiding their toys, bones, treats, etc. Excessive digging can be a problem, though, and you should notify your vet Portland, OR.

If Your Dog Is So Hyper That You Can't Brush Him

Some dogs are lazy. That makes them exceptionally easy to brush! Unfortunately, not all dogs are that way. Some are so hyper that they won’t sit still long enough to be groomed. What can you do if your dog is so hyper that he doesn’t want to be brushed?

If your dog is prone to bouts of energetic behavior, you have to let him burn off that energy first. Take him outside for a walk or play with him in the backyard. If you can burn off some of that energy, he’ll be more likely to put up with being brushed.

You can also try going after your pooch when he’s sleeping. If he’s already at rest, he’ll be more likely to put up with your brush.

Of course, you could have a groomer do all the hard work for you! For a grooming recommendation, call your vet Portland, OR.