Pros And Cons Of Adopting A Tibetan Mastiff

 

In getting a pet, owners always consider the pros and cons of the specific breed they plan to get. As for the Tibetan Mastiff, here are some pros and cons for you to think about.

Pros:

·   Home security – Tibetan Mastiffs have a history of being guard dogs and protectors. If you are worried about possible attackers and robbers while you’re not at home, trust that this breed will give its best to protect your home at all costs.

·   Socializes with children well – If you have children at home, this breed is perfect for them to play with. It will help if you ensure that your pet is well-trained to interact with kids and that your kids know how to handle dogs properly. Once they get to know one another, they can be best friends!

·   Have a quiet personality – Adults often want a calm environment. Luckily, this breed is quiet during the day unless something bothers it.

Cons:

·   Needs adequate living space – Tibetan Mastiffs are unsuitable for living in small spaces. They prefer large areas to play and explore.

·   Grooming needs – They are one of the many dog breeds that requires time and effort in grooming.

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at pet clinic Virginia Beach, VA. 

Dalmatians: Highlights Of The Breed

Aside from frequent brushing, daily exercise is essential to prevent your Dalmatian from getting bored and becoming destructive. Be sure to train them for proper manners, too. Although they can be stubborn, firmness and consistency may help in managing your dog. Don't forget early socialization— exposure to children and other pets.

Dalmatians shouldn't be alone for too long— include them in all your activities and let them sleep with the family. If you have small children, beware of the possibility that Dalmatians will knock them down.

Disney's "101 Dalmatians" undeniably increased the breed's popularity. Unfortunately, it posed higher cases of irresponsible breeding practices— putting their temperament and health at risk. Prospective owners should be careful in finding a puppy. Refrain from buying from pet shops, puppy mills, and irresponsible breeders, and instead, transact only with reputable breeders. Aside from sound temperaments, responsible breeding also ensures safety from genetic disorders. For more information about Dalmatians, visit your local animal hospital Virginia Beach VA.

Gross! My rabbit is eating his own poop. How do I make him stop?

 

Coprophagy is a normal process in a rabbit's digestive cycle. Rabbits excrete poop in two forms. One form is comparatively hard, dry, and compact which you usually can see in the litter boxes. The second type is called cecotrope. Cecotropes are more like a cluster of grapes i.e: relatively soft and pungent. 

Now it is pretty normal if your rabbit eats up cecotropes as there are some important nutrients to reuptake with coprophagy. You don't need to be worried about this behavior of your bunny and you need to discourage it. 

Point to be noted: It is important to know that if your rabbit has a poopy butt (a messy behind) it is not normal. 

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

Amazing Facts About The Nose Of Dogs

 

Dogs are famous for having a stronger sense of smell as compared to humans.  Although their brain is much smaller than ours, however, they contain 30 to 50 times more scent receptors in their nasal cavity and 3 times bigger olfactory bulbs in their brain. As a result, the dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 stronger than humans.

If you are petting a dog, you should keep in mind that strong scents like deodorants and air fresheners can irritate your dog. You should try to use such scents when you are away from your pet.

The ability and strength to smell vary between different dog breeds. It means all dogs are not equally sensitive when it comes to the sense of smell. For instance, a Dachshund has 150 million while a Bloodhound has 300 (means the double number) olfactory receptors. 

Your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.

Achieve Better Results With Portion Control In Pet Cats

 

Numerous studies have shown that a controlled feeding habit is more suitable for our domesticated cats. After all, their lives are nothing like their ancestors'. The latter had to go to great lengths to secure food. They needed all the protein they could get. Our cats, on the other hand, enjoy a more peaceful existence.

If we gave them unlimited access to food, they would only gain weight that would be difficult to remove. A diet that consists only of your pet's favorites would encourage a cat to eat more than what's necessary. But if you give your animal scheduled meals containing a good balance of nutrients, the feline is more likely to stay fit.

The relaxed nature of life with a good caretaker means they don't need to conserve their strength to look for food. A sedentary life combined with excessive food intake would do more harm than good. It's true enough for us humans, and we're so much bigger than they are.

Your pet’s diet is one of the important concerns that you should discuss with your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA during your pet’s wellness checks.

Regular Play Sessions Will Make Your Cat Active And Happy

 

Cats flourish by playing regularly. Aside from providing mental and physical stimulation, it also engages them in instinctive behaviors. An easy way to do this is to get another feline of the same age, sex, and activity level as your cat’s playmate. But if you can't afford to take in another pet, there's still a way to compensate for your cat's needs. You can be her playmate instead. Just be sure that you schedule at least twice or thrice a day of playtimes.

Cats like to keep everything in a routine. Therefore, it won't be a good idea to change their playtime. You may spend 10 to 20 minutes; it depends on your cat's level of activity. You may use interactive toys to simulate the predatory moves of your feline. You only need to tie a feather or toy at the end of a rod you use in fishing.

Your vets Virginia Beach VA is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior.

Which Hedgehogs Make Ideal Pets?

 

Hedgehogs are simple to take care of because these pets are relatively low-maintenance.  These animal companions are also quite fascinating and make for unique pets.  Hedgehog Central says that there are fourteen hedgehog species, but only certain ones make ideal pets.  There are some species that grow large.  European hedgehogs, for instance, could reach 1-foot long.  Hedgehogs can be found around the Western European region and even the wild ones are quite friendly.  But these species are not domesticated, thus are not to be kept as animal companions.

African Pygmy Hedgehogs are the most favored species kept as pets.  These are also known as four-toed or white-bellied hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).  This species usually measures 5 - 8 inches and weighs ½ - 1-¼ lbs.

Other species of hedgehogs that have been domesticated as pets are the Egyptian long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus auritus) and the Indian long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus collaris).

Your nearest animal hospital Virginia Beach VA can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.

Some Good Habits To Teach Your Pet

A well-behaved pet is manageable to take care of and handle. You can use various scenarios to train a pet to respond to "come" or "go" commands.

Come 

Call your pet by its name before getting its food at dinner time. With enough repetition, it will come to think that hearing its name indicates it should rush over to you. Call your pet's name and offer it a treat such as a piece of fish or meat. Repeat. You may also do the same training with your pet dog.

Go 

Most cats know what they have to do next when inside a clean litter box. Take a kitten's paw and gently rub the litter with it. If instinct does not take over, confine it to a small place with the box until it utilizes it. Clean, then repeat. In the case of dogs, timing is critical when you train your pet how to use the crate. Remember to enthusiastically praise and give a reward to a displayed positive behavior.

A sudden change in your pet’s behavior should warrant a visit to your animal hospital Virginia Beach, VA. Visit their website to know more about their services.

What Is A Bonded Pair Of Cats ?

Some cats share the same house for many years, peacefully coexist, and inseparably bonded pairings. They must know when it is okay to rescue two cats from one household separately and when they must be adopted together.

Separating a mated pair is quite stressful for the cat. The two cats will be unhappy with the loss of the company of each other. It will lead to depression and may exhibit behavioral problems.

Though they have to wait for a place, shelters need to adopt mated cats together.

When can cats become bonded?

When cats are young, they form strong ties with each other. Acknowledged pairs are more likely to create this close bond. They will argue like any other family, but they are attached and protective of each other.

 

This type of relationship can exist between two kittens acquired from different breeds. They'll establish a connection as strong as any biological pair. They may meow at each other initially. But this will not last long when they are young.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your pet hospital Virginia Beach, VA. Click here to know more about their services.

Thunder and Cats Like the Siberian Cat

If your Siberian cat is anxious and scared during things like thunder storms or lightning storms then then you may want to talk to your vet about ways to keep her calm. While most cats appear to be brave and independent on a daily basis, there are still times when they get scared just like dogs and people. A common fear for cats is the sound of thunder and even bright flashing lightning. Your Siberian may meow excessively, pace, or hide during a storm. If she does this, do not pick her up or cuddle her. Your vet may suggest that this action will encourage your Siberian’s anxiety instead of helping to calm her. Instead, reward her calm behavior with little treats or snacks on a routine basis. When a storm hits, talk to your Siberian in a soothing tone and then reward her for calming down. Click here for more details from your vets Virginia Beach, VA.

Four Common Health Issues of Gerbils

 

Gerbils are healthy animals. They are also easy to maintain. But they do encounter health issues at some point. Here are some of them:

●       A gerbil’s tail may break off when it is improperly handled.

●       A gerbil can get injured when it falls from a high spot. Its bones may break from the fall.

●       Gerbils can get heat stress or heat stroke. When they are under immense heat, they can become lethargic, might experience trembling. They may even die from too much heat. To prevent heatstroke and heat stress from happening, make sure that the enclosure is well-ventilated.

●       A gerbil may have convulsions if it is shocked or dropped roughly.

●       These are some of the health issues that need to be addressed immediately. Don't let complications develop because it can end in something fatal.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should prompt a call to your veterinarian Virginia Beach VA.

Keeping your hamster’s cage clean

 

You have a hamster in your life who needs to be able to comfortably spend time in her enclosure. How can you keep this space clean for her?

Your pet will need you to take the time to think about your hamster’s daily activities so you can determine what areas of her enclosure are likely to need the most attention. You will need to check it over daily so you can spot clean as needed, but she will also need you to completely empty her enclosure from time to time in order to clean and sanitize it. This also gives you the opportunity to add in new pet supplies, like fresh bedding, so she can relax knowing that she can lead a healthy lifestyle in your care. For additional information on looking after your pet, please contact your local vet clinic Virginia Beach VA.

Depression in Guinea Pigs

Do you think only humans can get depressed? Pets and animals can get depression too. Pets like guinea pigs can get scared or very nervous particularly if put them in an unfamiliar place or subject them to interact with people or those other than their owner. Because many guinea pigs are aloof or seem detached, a lot of people think those cute cavies are really a solitary kind of animals.

The truth is, guinea pigs love company. They naturally live in colonies in their natural environment and are highly social. Guinea pigs tend to form excellent bonds with other cavies in their colony or enclosure. The social nature of guinea pigs is one reason why you should keep two or more cavies so they can have better interaction as well as physical and mental stimulation. If having two or more guinea pigs is not within your budget, you can keep one but be sure to interact with him on a regular basis.

A sudden change in your pet’s health and/or behavior should require an appointment with your animal hospital Virginia Beach, VA sooner rather than later. Learn more here.

Health Issues In Pugs

Pugs have their share of health problems brought about the shape of their heads. These adorable dogs are brachycephalic, which means their heads and nose are short.  This anatomical defect, although normal for the breed, can give rise to respiratory problems. The reduced skull length and their compressed faces cause soft tissues to obstruct the pug’s airways making it difficult for them to breathe. They are also prone to reverse sneezing when fluids and debris accumulate in their narrow air passages. 

Pugs are also prone to a collapsed trachea. Affected pugs already have the defect when born. The defective cartilage in the trachea (windpipe) collapses which can cause breathing difficulties. 

Another cause of breathing problems in pugs is stenotic nares. It occurs because of the narrow nasal passages, making it harder for a pug to breathe normally. This causes them to breathe through the mouth. 

All these breathing issues make pugs less tolerant to heat and physical activity. If signs of respiratory difficulties persist, contact your vet Virginia Beach VA immediately. 

Where to place your pocket pet’s enclosure

Your pocket pet depends on you for a lot and you want to make sure you are giving her exactly what is needed to help her make the most of her time in your care. This will mean making sure she not only has a nice enclosure to call her own, but also that she is able to enjoy it in a safe area. 

To determine where to put your pet’s enclosure, you will need to think about where she will be able to stay safe and comfortable. This means keeping her out of high traffic areas where she will get bumped into frequently as well as areas where the temperature changes regularly, like near air vents or frequently opened doors. This should also be in a place where she is able to get away from other pets and unsupervised children. Your local trustworthy veterinary clinic Virginia Beach VA can help you better understand what your pet needs from you.