Dog Breed: Norwegian Elkhound

What do you know of Norwegian Elkhounds? Are you familiar with this dog breed? If not, get to know these dogs because they’re delightful like the other dog breeds you already know.

Norwegian Elkhounds come with a wolf appearance – coupled with an amazing sense of humor. They’re protective, energetic, and brave – making them a perfect watchdog for households. They’re also devoted and loyal, assuring you that you have a friend and a protector at home. 

These pups are affectionate. They’ll make you feel better when you’re feeling down by plopping their heads on your lap. If you’re inexperienced in handling dogs, don’t worry. These pups aren’t hard to handle. They can also do well in homes with limited spaces because they’re adaptable. Just ensure to satisfy the needs of these dogs for various physical activities. And they do shed. If you’re okay with all of these things, then don’t think twice about bringing home a Norwegian Elkhound.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your veterinary hospital Marietta, GA.

How To Stop A Dog From Jumping On Strangers

It is not a pleasant behavior to randomly jump in strangers. However, some dogs don't think this way. If your dog is one of them, these tips will help you stop him from doing it again:

• If he engages in this behavior to greet others, teach him other actions that will replace jumping as a greeting gesture. When he follows your instruction, don't forget to reward him. 

• Teach your dog to be calm in front of strangers. Before greeting them, he must be in a stagnant position first.

• Ignore his jumping behavior. If you continue doing this, it will give home the idea that you dislike this behavior. Eventually, he will stop since he does not benefit from it. Moreover, you don't give him attention when he performs this stunt. 

• Leash him. A leash will give you complete control over your dog's actions. Thus, he can't jump on people if you don't allow him to while on a leash. 

• Ask for help. When you can no longer manage your dog's jumping habits, seek backup. A professional behaviorist or trainer will be of great help in this situation. 

If you have any concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with an animal hospital Marietta, GA. Set an appointment here: smyrnaveterinary.com.

Grooming Needs Of Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds are simple to groom, with the exception of washing the ears and facial folds and cleaning off the saliva they end up leaving behind. Their thin hair coat is water- and dirt-resistant. They rarely require bathing (unless they decided to roll in something extremely stinky), and all that is required to maintain the condition of their coats is a thorough cleaning with a scrubbing brush, a rough rag, or a hound mitten. All year long, Basset Hounds shed, however, if you groom them once a week, this should not be a concern.

The large, dragging ears of the Basset Hound can become exceedingly filthy. Since air doesn't flow effectively through the inner ear, ear infections are another problem. Your Basset Hound's huge paws should be examined for blisters between both toes. The inner part of a Basset Hound’s ears should be cleaned with a solution suggested by your veterinarian usually once per week. You should also clean the exterior of his ears to get rid of any debris, clear out the wrinkles on his face with a moist towel, and completely dry them.

Any skin and/or hair coat issue exhibited by your pet should warrant an appointment with your pet clinic in Marietta, GA.

Buying Doggie Clothes: How To Choose The Right Size?

Getting the proper body measurements of your dog can ensure the right fit when shopping for clothing. Dogs may wriggle a lot or get excited while getting their measurements, so it is best to have a helper around to keep them calm. You can also have some treats ready to keep the dog in place while measuring its body. 

Jackets, coats, and some jumpers usually use the length of the dog's back for sizing. Determine your dog's length by measuring from the bottom of the neck up to the tail base, where the jackets or coats usually end. Measure the chest size by snuggly wrapping the tape around your dog's chest at its widest width. Make sure not to wrap the measuring tape too tightly. You can get your dog's neck size by following the same procedure above, measuring around the collar area of the neck.

Take your pet to your local animal hospital Marietta, GA for regular health and dental checks. 

Can Probiotics Be Given To Cats?

It has been established that giving your cat food or supplements enriched with probiotics can help boost and strengthen your cat's digestive system. Cats who are given probiotics in their diets are known to have regular bowel movements, healthier skin, stable metabolism, and are less susceptible to diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive issues.

However, you must know that the digestive system of a cat is totally different than that of a human, or other pets. For this reason, you must not give your cat food or supplements that are not intended for a cat. Consult your vet before giving your cat any probiotic food or drinks to make sure you are giving her the right amount and the right type of probiotics.

Probiotics come in different forms and types and you must be careful in choosing which one to give your cat.

Do consult your veterinarian Marietta, GA before starting your pet on any supplement.

Obesity Is An Important Reason To Change Your Pet’s Food

 

Obesity is not only an issue among people. It is also a problem in pets. There are some breeds of dogs or cats that are prone to this issue because of their activity level, health status, lifestyle, and age. The nutritional needs of pets vary significantly. As a fur parent, you must ensure that your beloved pets get the necessary nutrition they need – not insufficient but not over or too much. 

Understand that when your pet has shown signs of obesity or being overweight, you must gradually start adopting a new diet. Why is this? Know that obesity in pets may lead to serious health problems and may negatively affect the quality of their lives. You wouldn’t want that, would you? 

Talk to your vet for recommended meal plans to help your pet return to normal weight. Some reasons why pets gain weight too much include Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism.  

Work with your veterinarian Marietta, GA in creating a weight loss program for your pet.

Dealing With Separation Anxiety In Dogs

One that can undoubtedly pique your dog's interest at any moment is a treat dispenser, which you can manage remotely via a mobile app. The app makes it possible to release a pre-loaded goodie. Call your dog's name and entice it to approach the dispenser, then watch your pet enjoy the goodie while taking a shareable wide-angle shot.

Turn on the TV audio. 

Dogs find human voices comforting. Before you leave the house, turn on the TV or radio. Consider tuning in to channels, such as talk broadcasts or classical music channels with no annoying advertisements or loud sounds that would shock your dog. If you plan to arrive home late in the evening, turn on a light or turn on the TV.

Visit a pet daycare.

If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, leaving it in daycare could be an option. Visit and check how a facility treats the dogs and see if the facility looks and smells clean. Your dog needs to have room to rest, play, and access water and supervision while socializing with other dogs. The major disadvantage is the fee.

A sudden change in your pet’s behavior should warrant a call to your animal clinic Marietta, GA. Click here to set an appointment. 

Useful Tips When Choosing A Veterinarian

 

Before deciding on an animal clinic, you might want to drop by for a visit and ask questions to the staff. You will want a veterinary staff that is able to help you through instances where you have a sick or healthy pet. This will probably be down to how well they communicate with you being a pet owner. If you do not feel that the clinic convinced you they are an ideal fit, then continue searching.

Lastly, and probably quite important, the veterinarian that you select has to be someone that your animal companion feels comfortable being with. There are pets that might not like visiting the vet ever, but if your selected clinic has a staff that goes the extra mile in trying to calm down your pet, it will help minimize stressful situations. Another thing is that if your pet sees the vet often, it is possible they will be more comfortable there, which is another reason check-ups are not to be missed.

Consult your vet Marietta, GA about the best way to protect your pet from various health issues. Visit this site for additional details.

Main Reason Why Your Cat Has Urinary Obstructions In Autumn

 

Cats can develop feline urethral obstruction or FUO. This health condition refers to small stones (or uroliths) blocking the urine’s passage from the urinary bladder to the urethra. The cat cannot pee when the urinary bladder is blocked. A cat suffering from FUO should be brought to the vet immediately to prevent dire consequences. Male cats are more likely to develop FUO, especially during autumn. According to experts, cats tend to drink more water in summer because it’s hot. But they no longer drink as much in the next season, autumn, because the weather is much colder. When there is not enough liquid in the cat’s body, urine becomes more concentrated. When this happens, cells, mucus, and protein are likely to develop in the body. These will eventually harden to create a blockage in the urinary tract.

But keep in mind that FUO is likely to occur any time of the year. So if you notice that your kitty’s elimination habit has changed, you should bring her to your pet clinic Marietta GA immediately.

 

Dental Care For Pets

 

A regular visit to the veterinarian is beneficial for the dental health of your pets. These visits can help maintain their gums, mouth, and teeth and prevent dental problems. Owners must start implementing a good home dental regimen while their pets are still young so they will grow accustomed to the routine. Aside from regular tooth brushing and checking your pet’s mouth, there are also special dental treats that can help prevent problems associated with plaque and tartar buildup. Kibbles can also help promote dental health compared to canned or wet pet food.

Some pets hate toothbrushing but this is not an excuse to neglect their dental health. There are special dental rinses and additives, special teeth wipes, and other special accessories that can be used to address the dental needs of pets.

 Any sign of a tooth or gum problem should require a visit to your animal hospital Marietta, GA.

 More tips can be found at your Smyrna Animal Hospital Marietta, GA.

Pet Medication Side Effects

 

Just like humans, pet animals are also at risk of adverse drug reactions. Medications aim to cure an illness or alleviate a health condition. However, it is a fact that drugs can cause undesirable side effects. Among the common possible reactions to pets include allergies, infections, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, weakness, and internal organ damage. Thus, pet owners need to inform their veterinarians about their pet’s medical history, such as previous illnesses and hospitalizations. Information on drugs or supplements the pet is consuming would be helpful as well before the veterinarian prescribes any new medications. It is necessary that pet owners not use the same medicines for several pets, as each pet has different body conditions. Pet owners should also ensure to give the pet the right dose. A veterinarian Marietta, GA should see the pet for diagnosis once an owner considers the pet displays signs of adverse reaction to a new medication. Visit this website for more information.

Dealing With Arthritis in Cats

 

Are you aware that many adult or senior cats get arthritis sooner or later in their life? In many cases, it is difficult to diagnose arthritis in adult or senior cats because symptoms of degenerative diseases such as arthritis tend to be hard to detect.

Moreover, cats are really good at hiding problems they experience within their bodies. Cats often hide these issues because they are being careful of possible predators. Cats inherently hide any sign of discomfort as well as pain because predators could easily detect or take advantage of these signs. 

If your beloved furry feline friend is finding it hard or painful to move around the house, you should take a serious look at him. A senior or adult cat with arthritis would avoid walking too much or jumping around the house as much as he used to. If he is having a hard time reaching certain parts of his body, he might appear poorly groomed compared to before.

Work closely with your skilled veterinarians Marietta GA in managing your pet’s arthritis symptoms and help improve the animal’s quality of life.

Help Your Obese Cat Shed Off Weight

Obesity in cats is a serious health matter, that is why owners should be alarmed and remedy this condition as soon as it is detected. Everyone in the family must pitch in to help your pet cat in shedding off the excess weight. Consider monitoring your pet’s diet – what type of food is she eating? How much is she eating? How frequently does she eat? A great way to track your pet cat’s weight loss progress is to make a weekly log of her weight – this way you can readjust your efforts for better results. While everyone should have time to interact and help your pet move and be active, it’s advised that only one person should be tasked to feed the cat. However, if this is not feasible, make sure that anyone who will be feeding your pet knows when and how much cat food should be given. Be sure to consult with your vet clinic Marietta GA before making any changes to your pet’s diet.

Dental X-Rays For Pets

Pet health procedures have now become more advanced and sophisticated, and dental procedures are no exception. Dental x-rays are now important tools in diagnosing and treating tooth and gum problems in cats and dogs. Dental problems can be quite deceiving. You may think that there is nothing wrong with your pet’s mouth because you can’t find anything wrong about the animal’s gumline. However, there are a lot of things that can go wrong underneath the gumline. Dental x-rays are also excellent in checking resorptive lesions which is very common dental problem in cats. Tooth and gum problems bring pain and discomfort to affected pets. Regular tooth brushing, early detection and medical intervention are very important to prevent pets from suffering. You should be more sensitive to your pet’s health and behavior. Any change, even though how subtle it may be, should be brought to the attention of your veterinarians Marietta, GA so your pet can be examined thoroughly and may need to undergo several tests. Proper diagnosis is necessary so the appropriate treatment can be given ASAP.

Why your cat needs you to brush her

Your cat likely spends an enormous amount of time grooming herself, so it may come as a surprise to you that she needs a bit of help in order to meet her needs in this area. Why does she need you to brush her?

While your pet may do her best to groom herself, she is likely tending to some areas of her body better than others. Her tongue is also no substitute for a brush, so it’s up to you to thoroughly sort out her fur, particularly in areas she can’t easily get to. This will help to reduce hairballs as you will be removing shed fur before she ingests it when she is grooming herself and it will also allow you to become aware of any other needs she may have since you will be able to check her over regularly. Contact your veterinarians Marietta GA to learn more.

How often should you brush your cat?

Your cat is a wonderful furry friend and you want to make sure you are helping her take care of her coat since you know this is a big job for her. How can you make sure she is brushed when she needs to be?

Your little fur ball has to be able to count on you to look after her in order to give her the care she needs. Spending time with your pet will help you to better understand when her fur becomes tangled, when it becomes dirty, and how much she is tending to it on her own. This will help you better understand the frequency with which she needs your assistance as well as what areas of her coat you should focus on. For additional information on looking after your pet, please contact your local veterinary clinic Marietta GA.

Pros And Cons Of Giant Dog Breeds

Many dogs that are classified as giant breeds weigh over 100 pounds. Despite their sizes, these dogs are gentle and very loyal. Some of these dogs make ideal pets for families with kids. They can also be easy to train and won’t need as much physical activity because their energy levels are not very high. But having a giant dog breed in the home means there should be enough space for everyone and everything in the household. It will also mean a bigger budget for food, pet supplies like crate, collar, leash, food and water bowls, etc. If your pet has large jowls, you should be prepared to deal with copious amounts of drool. Many of these dogs are also prone to various congenital diseases that can affect major organs of the body. Compared to most dogs, these gentle giants have shorter lifespans. The average lifespan of most dogs is 12-15 years while it’s only 6-10 years for the giant breeds.

Take your pet to your veterinarians Marietta, GA for regular wellness checks to ensure his health and well-being.   

Light, Medium and Heavy Blankets for Horses

Fall and winter usually mean the beginning of blanketing season. It’s up to you on whether or not you want to blanket your horse. They technically don’t need blankets. The fur on their backs will naturally thicken as the temperatures drop. It then stands straight up to provide a protective barrier of warmth for the horse. If you blanket your horse, this can cause the hair to stay down and prevent it from thickening on its own. If you choose to blanket you will need to be consistent with it since your horse’s coat will not provide the protection he needs for the winter months. If you do blanket, you can choose from a light, medium or heavy weight. A general rule of thumb to determine which blanket to use is to look at the layers you are wearing (just remember the horse’s coat counts as a layer already). Your veterinarian Marietta, GA can also help.

Fitting Your Cat for a Coat

If your cat is in need of a few winter accessories, decide first if she will be wearing them inside or outside. An outdoor coat should be able to withstand the elements and keep your cat warm and dry. Look for coats that have a snug fit and securely fasten with belts or snaps. Velcro can wear out and not stay attached especially if wet. Find a coat that is water proof or water resistant. An inside lining of fleece is ideal for colder temperatures. To fit your cat for the coat, take your cat’s weight and measure the length across the chest and back. Use the tags on the coat as a guideline for size. Put the coat on your cat. Ensure there is no pinching at the legs or neck. Make sure your cat can move as well. Ask your vets Marietta, GA for a second opinion on fit.

Why your chinchilla loves dust baths

Your chinchilla is a big part of your life and you want to help her have the most amazing life she possibly can. To do this, you need to make an effort to understand her. For example, why does she love dust baths so much?

Your pet can’t take traditional baths where she gets soaped up in a tub of water. Her fur is so dense, that this would make it extremely difficult for her to dry off as it would saturate it completely. Dust baths allow your pet to get cleaned up without the potential risk. This means that your little fur ball can have some fun rolling around in the dust while it soaks up the oils that have accumulated on her skin to give her a nice, clean feeling. For more information, please contact your local vet clinic Marietta, GA.