Enchanting Facts About Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas belong to the most miniature dog breeds, and they got their name from a state in Mexico – Chihuahua. It turns out that this particular dog breed has a few intriguing facts. 

Chihuahuas rank among the dog types with the most extended lifespan. Its lifespan typically lasts between fifteen and twenty years. 

In the US, chihuahuas are included in the most famous dog breeds list. According to registration data from the Kennel Club, the Chihuahua has been among the top most famous breeds for the past ten years. The Chihuahua is liked for its size, besides its large eyes and upright ears.

These little dogs are so small and lightweight that they are frequently carried in handbags. A specific height is not mentioned in the standards. The AKC standards state that a Chihuahua dog's body weight should not exceed six pounds. These dogs' shoulder height typically measures 6-9 inches tall.

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital Tampa, FL

Will Labrador Retrievers Make Excellent Watchdogs ?

Labrador Retrievers are hyperactive, lively dogs, but they tend to slow down as they mature. But overall, they are generally active throughout their lifespan. These dogs can certainly make a way to escape, but you can easily prevent this with the perfect motivation— a treat, perhaps. Nevertheless, you may want to ensure that your dog has a microchip and identification tag.

If there is something Labrador Retrievers will not excel at, that's probably being a watchdog. As a matter of fact, some Lab owners may say their dogs are too helpful and sweet that when an intruder gets in the house, there is no doubt they will happily lead them to where the goods are stored.

Nevertheless, these dogs have surely proven their versatility and usefulness throughout their long history. They served as fishermen's companions, show dogs, working dogs, and field retrievers. And, of course, the one role they consistently excel at is being a friend and companion.

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

Does A Pet Ferret Need A Microchip?

Ferrets run a great risk of escaping, so it's just wise to use a microchip for them. With this, you may find them easily if he ever gets lost. Microchips are not required to have on your ferret, but it's a helpful tool for humane societies or pet rescuers to get in touch with you ASAP if they happen to find your pet. You may talk to the vet if you want to ask some questions or address concerns regarding microchipping pets.

Vet care is essential to all pets, including ferrets. Look for vets who are well-experienced with small animals, and be sure to get your pet checked annually. Ferrets are highly prone to heartworm and will require preventative care against fleas. If you're not planning to breed your ferret, it will be best to neuter/spay your pet to help them become less aggressive. Spaying/neutering also helps in reducing musky odor and alleviating stress that females experience when they're in heat.

If you have questions and/or concerns about microchips for pet identification, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet Tampa, FL. 

Feeding The American Water Spaniel

 

Your dog's age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism tells how much he eats. Like people, dogs' needed amounts of food are unique from each other. Active dogs will most likely need more food than less active ones. The food's quality is also a factor— better-quality foods can nourish the dog better in minimal amounts.

To maintain good shape, give a measured meal two times a day. This method works better than leaving the food available all day. To determine if your pet’s overweight,  use the hands-on and eye test which is described as follows:

●Look down at your dog; see if a "waist" is visible.

●Put your hands on your dog's back, placing your thumbs along his spine and spreading the other fingers downward. See if you can feel the ribs without pressing too hard and seeing the ribs.

●If you don't see the "waist" and feel the ribs, it's best to cut down on food and level up the exercise.

Know more about your pet’s nutritional needs during your pet’s health and wellness visits to your animal clinic Tampa, FL.

Anxiety And Boredom Could Be The Cause Of Paw Chewing In Dogs

 

You may be surprised to learn, but it is true: when your dog becomes anxious or bored, he may exhibit paw chewing, licking, and biting behavior. Yes, you have read that right. Dogs do not only demonstrate this behavior when they feel pain and discomfort or when they feel like cleaning themselves.

Experts explain that dogs bite or lick their nails and paws to soothe themselves when feeling excessively anxious. Doing these things help the species distract themselves and forget about their 

uncomfortable feeling. Dogs who are anxious normally chew and lick their front paws.

Bored dogs also find relief by chewing and biting their paws. Doing this helps them do something more “worthwhile.”

If you want your dog to avoid this behavior for the said reasons, consider doing the following:

• Increase playtime with your dog
• Incorporate training sessions to stimulate your dog’s mental skills
• Give food puzzles and chew toys

If you have concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with your animal clinic Tampa, FL.

Tips To Help Your Cat Become Less Skittish

 

You might be inclined to just allow your skittish pet cat to wander around the home wherever she wants.  But this might be overwhelming for her.  The best thing you can do is to foster a small safe area for her.  The area must not have spots that your cat can use to hide, since it will just teach her to run and hide whenever she feels scared.  Given enough time, you could try introducing yourself to your pet.  Do this gradually so she does not become upset.  As a start, try sitting inside the same area as the cat but do not touch her.

After allowing some time, try moving a bit closer to the cat.  This lets her see that you are not a threat.  Allow the cat to sniff you but still without touching her.  Doing so tells your cat that you are safe to be with.  If your pet starts rubbing her body or head against your hand, pet her slowly.  These are just a few things that you could do should your cat become skittish.  Try to start work with your pet cat today to help her feel less fearful.

Your veterinarian Tampa, FL is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior.

Can Chinchillas and Cats Get Along Together ?

 

Some pets may coexist together at home under certain conditions. If you already have a pet cat but is considering getting a chin, you should think about your cat's personality first. Chinchillas will get along well with cats that have a laid-back personality. 

If your cat still has strong hunting instincts, it will regard the chin as possible prey. Still, if the chinchilla is inside a cage, a resolved cat may harass it by extending its paws through the bars or simply looking at it. Because chinchillas are rodents, your cat may regard your new pet as fair game.

A cat with a more laid-back personality might not even notice your chinchilla. Having a calm cat nearby will assist the chin in adjusting to its new surroundings without becoming agitated. 

Close attention is essential when you have recently taken a chinchilla home. Always closely observe your cat and see how it reacts to the arrival of a new companion.

Your animal hospital Tampa FL is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior.

Reasons Why Russian Blue Cats Are Amazing Pets

 

If you have decided to bring home Russian blue cats, you are making a great decision. They can be a fantastic addition to the family. They are easy to love and never fail to show their love back too.

Russian blue cats are the perfect cats to get if you have a hectic lifestyle. They would not need that much attention and are completely fine with being by themselves all day. Just ensure that they have plenty of toys that could entertain them.

As much as they love playing alone, they also enjoy having playmates. That is why Russian blue cats love a house with children. They can match their curiosity and playfulness.

In terms of grooming, they also don’t need that much effort, especially if you keep a good hygiene routine for them. They shed minimally, so brushing them regularly at least once a week is enough. Again, this is perfect for busy people.

Consult your vet Tampa, FL about the best ways to protect your pet from important health issues.

My Burmese Swallowed a Penny

Contact your vet right away if you think your Burmese or other feline breed has swallowed a penny or other change. Swallowing a penny is not only a choking hazard, but it can also be toxic and potentially fatal. Prior to 1982 the penny was made completely of copper, which is not extremely harmful if swallowed. However, after 1982 the government called for the penny to be made of zinc, which is cheaper. Only the outer coating of the penny is copper. Once swallowed the copper quickly washes away exposing your Burmese to zinc, which is toxic to most felines. Toxic poisoning through zinc may induce symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, blood in urine, yellow mucous, liver and kidney failure and anemia. If your Burmese swallows a penny call your vet immediately. X-rays may be taken to identify the zinc and remove it as quickly as possible. Learn more here or call your animal hospital Tampa FL.

How To Manage Your Pet’s Phobias

 

The end goal of pet phobia management is to train your pet dog or cat that fear triggers can be linked with positive experiences too, like positive reinforcement forms or pet treats.  Mostly, cases like these tend to be tricky to implement, and owners must be prepared to manage the issue with heaps of patience and determination.

When managing fearful behaviors, you, as the pet owner, must keep in mind to avoid rewarding or reinforcing any anxiety or fear displays by comforting your pet, or petting them, or giving them a treat.

The initial step in managing your pet’s fearful behavior is looking out for the factors that trigger or stimulate the fear response each time you notice it.  When that trigger is identified, do your best to not encounter that stimulus.  Next, take the necessary steps in desensitizing your pet, teaching the animal to be more calm and relaxed when the trigger is encountered.  This is a protracted learning process and it needs to be systematic and slow until the preferred results are attained.

Work with your vet Tampa, FL in helping your pet overcome any phobias that he may have. Click here to learn more.

Can Ferrets Be Housed With Other Pets?

 

Yes, a pet ferret is able to coexist with an additional ferret, or even perhaps two, in one cage, but if you have another kind of pet, try to think and consider things first.  As they are naturally predatory animals in their wild habitats, ferrets kept as pets will still keep their predatory instincts strongly coursing through their veins.

If a pet ferret is kept with a smaller animal, your ferret may think of the other animal as fair game.  Instances of young kittens and various other smaller pets getting killed by the pet ferrets do exist.

Risks are always involved if you decide to keep another pet species with a pet ferret in one enclosure.  If the ferret and the other pet are sized around the same, the threat could be somewhat reduced.  Introducing a pet ferret to a different pet species is quite the challenge and very close supervision is a must.

Your vet Tampa, FL can provide you with more information regarding ferret pet care.

Brushing Long-Haired Dogs

 

Brushing your dog’s coat is one way to bond with your pet. Brushing helps in natural oil production, making the coat shiny and smooth. How often you should brush your pet’s hair depends on its coat type. Short-coated dogs usually need brushing once a week. An essential tool in brushing your pet’s hair is an appropriate pet brush or comb. For dogs with a long and silky coat, brush it daily using a slicker brush to remove the tangles followed by a bristle brush. For dog breeds with hair that extends to the feet, such as the Afghan Hound, trimming the hair around the feet is necessary. Dogs that have long hair are prone to matting. In some instances, using a slicker brush will not do. You may clip the hair for heavily matted fur, but with extra caution not to cut the skin.

Skin and/or hair coat problems in dogs warrant a visit to a vet clinic Tampa FL.

Can You Give Rawhide Treats To Dogs ?

 

Rawhide is a type of treat that comes from the inner layer of a cow or horse hides. A lot of dog owners give such treats to their pups to help with their teething or keep them busy. Chewing is just a natural thing for dogs and rawhide can give them something “real” to chew on rather than your socks, furniture, or electric cords. One great benefit of chewing is that there is enough pressure that can be applied to their teeth and gums, which can remove tartar or plaques. You should be careful in giving them rawhide with large pieces because it could cause vomiting or diarrhea; smaller pieces are better but they should be large enough to avoid swallowing the whole thing. Digestion of this takes time and can cause discomfort therefore it is best to take it away from them when it gets small enough to be swallowed.

Your veterinarian Tampa, FL is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and well-being.

What to look for in a cat collar

Your cat needs a collar in order to safely let others know she has a place to call home. This means that it is an essential pet supply item that should be with her at all times. What should you look for when seeking out a collar for her?

Your pet needs you to take the time to think about what you can do to offer her a comfortable way to carry around her identification tags. This will mean seeking out a collar that allows her to move about freely, enjoy her time without worrying about the weight of her collar, and forget she’s even wearing it because it fits so well. Look for something durable that will work with her lifestyle to get the best results for your little fur ball. For additional information, please contact your local vet Tampa FL.

Your dog’s favorite toys

As a dog owner, you’ve probably noticed that some toys see a lot of use while others simply get tossed off to the side. Why do some toys become fast favorites and others don’t?

Your dog likes to play with items that allow him to have some fun while also making the most of his time in your care. This means that he may want to get some exercise, socialize, and engage with his environment while utilizing a toy. The items that become favorites are likely easy to use, and simple for him to bring into activities. Your pet will likely enjoy options that let him use his instincts when playing with them as well as those that are a convenient size and shape for him to carry around and enjoy. For more information, please contact your local animal hospital Tampa, FL.

Are You Guilty Of Staring Into Your Dog’s Eyes And Other Mistakes Pet Owners Make?

Many dog owners are guilty of unintentionally committing mistakes against their pets which can be attribute to their lack of knowledge about canine behavior. Perhaps you are guilty of two of these mistakes:

Staring at your dog

Dogs hate being stared at. In dog language, staring at another dog is perceived as a challenge. Dominant dogs tend to stare down other dogs into submission. Submissive dogs always look away when they are stared at by another dog to avoid any fights. When you stare at your dog, he “thinks” it is rude, more so if you are close to his face. 

Punishing your dog with crate time

During crate-training, dogs are taught to view the crate as a place to rest and seek refuge in. It is their personal space. Thus, punishing your dog by locking him up in his crate should never be done. Punishing your pooch with crate time can only change his perception of the crate, making him reluctant to spend time in it.

Any sudden change in your pet’s health and/or behavior should warrant a visit to your animal hospital Tampa, FL. 

What to feed a pet mouse

You have decided to add a little furry friend to your household and you want to be there to offer her what she needs to be healthy. What should you feed your mouse?

There are a lot of food options on the market when it comes to pocket pets, but every pet will need their own specific diet in order to thrive. Your mouse will need you to offer her a variety of food options, ranging from commercially made mouse food to fresh produce. Look for high-quality options that will give your pet a nutrient-dense diet. High-protein treats may also be offered from time to time. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian in order to determine the ideal options and appropriate portions of each item to keep your pet as healthy as she can be. Your local veterinarian Tampa, FL can offer additional guidance.