Tips For Choosing The Right Clothes For Your Dog

 

To ensure that your pet dog’s new threads fit properly, a measuring tape should be used to take some simple measurements.  Should you have an overly excited or very wriggly pet, you might want to ask someone else to help you and use your pet’s favorite treats so that you can have your pet behave as you measure him.

Most jumpers, coats, and jackets use a pet’s back length for measurements.  To find this, just measure the length from the base of your dog’s neck, around the collar, up to the tail’s base where his coat should end.  To find the chest measurement for your dog, gently circle the measuring tape around the part of his chest that is the widest.  The measuring tape should not be too tight, but just snug.  For neck measurements, use the same technique, but around your pet’s neck where his collar would typically be.

Your veterinarian Ellicott City, MD can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.

Protecting A Stray Cat From The Freezing Cold

 

Harsh weather makes stray cats suffer. Several stray cats die of cold and hunger due to the lack of sufficient food and a proper place to shelter them during the winter. As a cat lover, you may want to protect stray cats during this time of the year. Well, you can install a cat door in your house's garage. Be sure to consider some essential tips before doing that.

In setting up a cat door, ensure that your garage is cat-proof, meaning it's free from toxic substances that may harm cats. Remove any traces of antifreeze and such chemicals that other felines may ingest. Lastly, keep your lawn materials and garden products in a locked cabinet.

Also, consider the possible ways through which other animals may sneak into your house. Some small dogs or raccoons may get inside and stay because of the cats' food.

Signs of hypothermia exhibited by a cat should warrant an immediate visit to the nearest animal hospital Ellicott City MD.

How Healthy Is Your Cat’s Fur Coat ?

The fur of your cat fur can tell you about the status of their health. A coat that is shiny with clear skin can be indicative of a cat that is healthy. On the other hand, a coat that is greasy, with bald patches and skin that is dry can be a sign of problems in health.

Cats are fond of cleaning themselves. Cats use the rough texture of their tongue to lick certain parts of their fur. Despite that, it is still important that you provide your cat with a groom as well.

Grooming will depend on the breed of your cat for a cat breed that has long hair like the Norwegian Forest is required to be groomed daily to make sure that their fur doesn’t get tangled. This breed of cat also sheds regularly which means that your house will be full of cat hair.

Cat breeds that have short hair, like Domestic Shorthair, only need grooming once a week. They also don’t shed as much compared to their longhaired counterparts.

Any problem affecting your pet's skin and/or hair coat should require a visit to your pet clinic Ellicott City MD.

Your Cat’s Litter Box Issues

A cat’s litter box can have an impact on the cat’s potty habits and behavior. Cat owners have to be meticulous about the overall design and specification of the litter box. Its shape, size, and depth can affect how cats act towards it and practice their potty habits. Cats tend to avoid litter boxes with a cover or lid on them where they could feel trapped and held captive as they take a dump. Another issue you may encounter especially if you have a relatively fat cat is that the litter box with a cover might be a tad bit small for it. Cats suffering from medical conditions and old age can have a more difficult time with an inappropriately-sized litter box. Those with arthritis already have limitations with their movements and can have a tough time entering and exiting their litter boxes. For these reasons, you should purchase a litter box that can surely fit your cat and accommodate its movement inside the litter box at the same time.     

Contact your local animal hospital or your pet’s veterinarians Ellicott City, MD if you need more information and help regarding your pet’s potty problems and habits.

Creating a space for your cat to play

Your cat needs to play on a daily basis in order to stay mentally stimulated and physically active. How can you create a space for her to do this?

Your pet needs you to take the time to think about your living space and offer her an area where she can safely play. This should be away from hazards and have enough space for her to run around and enjoy herself. She will likely want to mimic hunting activities, like chasing after and pouncing on toys, so make sure she is able to do this within the space you choose. This should be a comfortable area where she can enjoy time with family members as well. Offer her plenty of toys to utilize here to help keep her entertained. For additional information, please contact your local pet clinic Ellicott City, MD.

Vomiting In Cats And Dogs

While mild and isolated cases of vomiting are not really much of a concern, severe or persistent bouts of vomiting need to be checked out by a veterinarian. There is a very long list of potential causes of vomiting. On top of the list are a dietary indiscretion, sudden changes in the diet, heavy parasite load, poisoning, a side effect to medication, infections, food intolerance, and a whole lot of other issues. Because there are so many potential reasons, a visit to your vet clinic is highly recommended, especially in serious cases. But if your pet appears active and alert with only occasion vomiting, the problem may resolve on its own but be sure to monitor your pet closely. After each vomiting episode, offer water in small amounts frequently to encourage your pet to drink. Food is best withheld for several hours after an episode. When there are vomiting and diarrhea, veterinary attention should be sought immediately because the animal may be at risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Certain health issues may cause chronic vomiting and a visit to your veterinarians Ellicott City, MD can help identify the underlying cause so the appropriate treatment can be given.

Can Diatomaceous Earth Be Used For Flea Control

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a traditional way of controlling insects including fleas and mites. It is made up of a type of algae called diatoms that have been fossilized. Diatoms have cell walls that is made up of silica which has a glass-like property, thus giving the cell walls glass-sharp edges. The edges can pierce the hard outer shell (also called exoskeleton) of insects, thereby killing them.

Diatomaceous earth is safe for use around pets and people. It is often spread on any surface, even carpets and pet bedding. However, there is a need to vacuum the area daily to remove DE and the dead fleas. The downsides of using DE include being messy and it can also irritate eyes and throat. It is also less effective in environments that are wet and humid .Putting on a mask before spreading the DE on the floor or any surface can help prevent the problem. It’s a good idea to consult your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD regarding flea or tick preventatives that can be used safely on your pet.

Ear Infections In Cats

Ear infection in cats is often accompanied by pain. Without prompt veterinary intervention, it can damage the ear canal. Fortunately, ear infection is not as common in cats as it is in dogs. Some of the important predisposing factors of ear infections in cats include allergies, ear mites, abnormal growth, and abscess in the ear canal. Ear mites are very contagious and commonly found in kittens, although cats of any age can be infected. Ear infection should be suspected in cats when they exhibit the following symptoms:

l  There is a dark discharge or crusty debris that can be seen in the ear canal opening.

l  The cat scratches at his ears persistently often causing injury

l  Massaging the base of the cat’s ears tend to cause pain and discomfort. A wet sound may be heard when the ears are massage.

l  Lack of coordination in body movements

l  The cat’s head appear to tilt

l  They size of the pupils are uneven

 After a thorough examination and perhaps some tests, your veterinarians Ellicott City, MD may prescribe antibiotic ointments or drops for the ear, and oral antibiotics. Surgery may be needed for cats suffering from recurrent ear infections or those that don’t respond well to prescribed medication.  

Preparing for a new pet

You have wanted to bring a new pet into your home for a while now and you want to make sure you are ready for your new addition to come into your family. What can you do to prepare?

Your pet will need to be able to have her needs met right away in her new living environment, so make a point to be there for her. You can prepare to do this by being aware of her needs and then making a point to be there to meet them as they become apparent. Preparing to do this will involve gathering any information and supplies needed for your new addition as well as making sure your home has been thoroughly pet-proofed. This will help you be ready for her immediately and allow you to get an idea of what pet care will look like in your home ahead of time. For more information, please contact your local vet clinic Ellicott City, MD.

Tips to Get the Most out of Your Catio

Your cat is sure to love his new catio, no matter how you design it! However, there are some things you can do to help your feline friend get the most out of his new space.

First, make sure there are plenty of places for your cat to lounge. Most felines like to be up high, especially when they’re outside. Window shelves and chairs are a good start, but you should also consider putting a cat tree in the catio.

Your cat can’t go out and play in the grass, but there’s no reason why you can’t bring a little greenery to him! Place potted plants that are safe for felines in the catio space. Not only will it make it more beautiful, your cat will love munching on the greenery!

For more catio tips, click here, or call your veterinarian Ellicott City, MD.