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.

Loss Of Appetite In Senior Dogs -- What To Do?

 

As a dog lover, you would surely like to give your dog all the time, care, and attention that he deserves. This is especially true if you have a senior dog, as his needs may differ from that of the younger ones.

Because senior dogs are more prone to illnesses and diseases, they may also experience major changes in how they do things, how they behave, including their lifestyle. One of the first things that change as your dog ages is his feeding style. You may notice that his appetite may change and he may not enjoy eating the way he used to.

If you notice changes in your dog's appetite, make sure to bring him to the vet for proper evaluation. His loss of appetite may be triggered by other medical issues that must be uncovered and treated immediately.

A sudden change in your pet's appetite and/or eating habits should warrant a visit to your pet clinic Tampa, FL.

A Broken Leg In Pet Rabbits

Broken legs or fractures that cause sudden difficulty in walking or jumping are recurring problems in rabbits.  This disease can have multiple origins that depend on the symptoms you rabbit it showing.  If you notice that your pet suddenly lacks balance, loss of bowel control, and is showing signs of pain and trembling mostly on their leg part, this may be a sign of leg injury. 

Some of the possible reasons your rabbit got a leg injury is when they jump or move too much, since rabbits' legs are fragile, they can easily break their legs with sudden movement. Other reasons may include aging, arthritis, and infection. 

Nevertheless. it is best to consult your vet whenever you notice some changes in your rabbit's movement. Treatments may vary depending on the condition and the cause of the injury while the prospect of recovery depends on the damage or illness of your pet and if there are underlying conditions that need to be treated as well. 

Any sign of a potential health issue exhibited by your pet should require a visit to your veterinary hospital Tampa, FL for proper medical attention.

The Australian Cattle Dog: Interesting Facts About The Breed

 

Australian Cattle Dogs have a very active mind and body. A regular job or stimulation is, therefore, necessary to keep them occupied, tired, and near any trouble. These dogs also have biting tendencies, which is a dangerous behavior, as we all know. Luckily it can be addressed with socialization and training.

Since they are "shadow dogs," this breed tends to get very devoted to their person. They don't like it when they get separated from their owner. The most effective way to help these dogs to become friendly around children and other animals is to raise them together from childhood/puppyhood.

To ensure you'll get only the best, healthy pooch, refrain from buying from irresponsible breeders, pet shops, and pet mills. Instead, find a trustworthy breeder from which you are sure that their dogs don't carry bad temperaments and genetic disorders that may get passed on to the next generation.

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

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.

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.

Identifying The Cause Of Your Dog’s Anxiety

Among the three causes of separation anxiety found below, each cause affects the severity of the manifestations, however, they achieve similar results.

●      The first cause to be discussed is that the dog has possibly never been alone for a time before. This cause will most assuredly rise when the 'stay at home' arrangement from the pandemic will cease, and pet owners will have to return to work again. Several puppies raised during the pandemic have been accustomed to having someone around with them 24/7 - meaning they could never get used to being left alone. 

●      The second cause is frequently related to dogs who have traumatic experiences in the absence of their owner. Abandonment and robberies at night are the most prevalent causes of this type of anxiety, typically observed in dogs from animal shelters.

●      The third cause involves a dog's whole breed, disposition, and personality. There are some dogs who are more susceptible to anxiety than other dogs.

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

Caring for a Newborn Kitty

When a kitten is born, the primary concerns are bedding and feeding. Kittens are blind when they are born, and it is not until they are seven to fourteen days of age that they begin to open their eyes. They should have comfortable bedding made of soft fleece blankets. Place their bed in a safe and undisturbed place with fewer people traffic. Kittens feed on their mother’s milk. However, if the mother cat cannot nurse, you need to bottle-feed your pets with milk specially formulated for the newborn kittens. You may get a recommendation from your veterinarian on the most suitable milk brand. When bottle-feeding, give the bottle while lying on their side as if they feed on their mother. Do not bottle-feed a kitty on its back to avoid choking. Kittens wean from their mother at around eight weeks of age, at which you may already give your pet solid kitten food placed in a shallow bowl.

 

For more details your vet Tampa, FL is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and well-being.

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.

Heat And Spaying In Cats

 

At around six months old, female cats reach puberty, a period in which they can be “in heat” or ready to mate. Because of the hormonal changes that occur during the fertile period, a female cat in heat exhibits affectionate behavior, meows excessively, and grooms herself more often. The female cat also strongly desires to escape the house, especially if there are potential male suitors outside. A female cat can be in heat for several days within a year. Some pet owners have their female cats undergo spaying to prevent getting pregnant. Spaying is a surgical procedure that entirely removes the ovaries and uterus of a female cat. Should you decide to spay your cat, discuss this carefully with your pet clinic Tampa FL If spaying is not an option for you, ensure that all potential escape routes inside the house are closed, and try to distract your cat by keeping her busy with toys, games, and a lot of interactions.

Canine Diabetes

 

Did you know that canine diabetes can affect a large number of dog breeds? What is canine diabetes? In general, canine diabetes occurs when there isn’t enough insulin in a dog’s body causing the body to break down fat and protein reserves as energy alternatives. As a result the dog may start to lose weight and develop high levels of sugar in the bloodstream. Like humans, dogs produce insulin in the pancreas and release it into the cells in response to digested proteins turning it into glucose in the bloodstream. When there is a lack of insulin or the body doesn’t know what to do with the insulin then the glucose remains in the bloodstream. Dogs that have diabetes will most likely be extremely thirsty and urinate frequently. Call your veterinarian Tampa, FL if your dog is showing signs of diabetes. Your vet will be able to run tests and let you know if your dog is diabetic or not.

Is your canine companion with you all the time?

You have a dog in your life who loves to spend time by your side. In fact, she is often right by your side. Why is this?

Your little fur ball needs to be able to enjoy her time in your care and she genuinely loves your company. She also depends on you for care and she understands that you are the person who looks after her. Staying by your side is not only to her benefit, but it also helps her feel at ease because of this. Your pet is a curious creature and needs to be able to check out new activities, and she knows that she’s more likely to do so when she is with you since the action in your home tends to follow you around. Your local pet clinic Tampa, FL can offer additional suggestions Or make an appointment here: https://baycrestanimalclinic.com/.

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.