How Separation Anxiety Can Affect Your Dog

 

Dogs react strongly when they are separated from their humans or other household pets. When they experience separation anxiety, they can exhibit destructive behavior. This is particularly seen in dogs that have stayed in a rescue shelter. They follow their new owner everywhere. And if the owner needs to leave the house, the dog becomes anxious. He might start barking, or trash the house, or becoming destructive as a way to cope with the separation anxiety. Unfortunately, you will only make matters worse if you punish your dog for being destructive.

It might help if you can control the factors leading to separation anxiety. These are some factors to take note of: change in the family's routine that leaves the dog alone at the house for a long time, moving in a different house, dog spending time away from home, loss of another family member.

Help your dog cope with these changes so he won't engage in destructive behavior. Consult with a veterinarian White Rock TX, or a certified animal behaviorist to know more about counter conditioning and desensitization techniques.

Why Your Feline Friend Kneads

You’ve probably seen your cat knead before. It’s when Fluffy presses her front paws into an object in an alternating fashion, usually before curling up for a nap. Have you ever wondered why your cat displays this behavior? 

There are actually a few possibilities. Napping preparation is one—experts believe that your cat’s wild ancestors kneaded hard dirt or grass surfaces in the field to soften them up for their litters. This instinct could have been passed down to your domesticated pet. 

Additionally, a cat’s paws contain scent glands and scent is released into the object that Fluffy kneads. In this way, she may be marking the object as her own, whether it’s a blanket or your leg! 

Whatever the reason for kneading is, it’s perfectly normal behavior for your pet. Would you like to learn more about your cat’s unique behavior and personality traits? Consult with your veterinarian White Rock, TX today.

Signs of Heartworms in Boxers

 

Do you own a dog like the Boxer? If so, have you heard of heartworm disease and the dangers it can cause for your dog? Heartworm disease is caused by a foot-long worm that can invade the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of your dog. This can cause lung disease and heart failure. Damages can last long after the heartworms have been killed off by medication. Symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs may include a persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may not be present. The longer the infection persists; however, the more evident the symptoms will be. Experts say that active dogs, dogs heavily infected, and dogs with other health problems will show “pronounced” clinical signs including a swollen belly signaling heart failure. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms call your veterinarians in White Rock, TX right away.

Nutritional Supplements for your Dog

There are different types of nutritional supplements for dogs. One example is FortiFlora, which is a probiotic produced by Purina, the same company that makes dog and cat food. If your dog has been recommended probiotics then talk to your vet about FortiFlora or something similar. This particular brand is very simple to give to your dog. One kind comes in little packets that are slightly larger than a condiment. You can sprinkle the probiotic on your dog’s food, which is one of the easiest ways to administer it. Probiotics can help dogs with liver health, intestinal health and balance, management of diarrhea related to diet, and it can promote a healthy immune system. For dogs, it can also help reduce gas. Nutritional supplements should always be given under a vet’s supervision. Do not feed your dog probiotics or supplements intended for people. Click to learn more or call your vet White Rock, TX.

Caring for a kitten

You have decided to bring a new kitten into your life and you want to make sure you are ready to care for your new addition. What should you know about looking after a kitten?

It’s important to be aware of your pet’s needs before she comes into your home. This will help you prepare for her arrival. You will need to gather supplies to meet her needs and you may also need to learn some new skills as well. A kitten will need daily attention and plenty of supervision. This means that you will need to have lots of time open in your schedule to be with your new pet and make a point to get to know her so you can tailor the care you are offering to her personal preferences. For additional information, please contact your local vets White Rock, TX.

Heartworms and Your Dog

Your dog can be infested with heartworms through the bite of a mosquito. These mosquitoes can transmit the heartworm larvae from an infected dog to your dog. Once the larvae is in your dog’s bloodstream, they mature into adult worms that can clog your dog’s heart, lungs and blood vessels. This causes circulatory and respiratory issues and if untreated, these conditions will kill your dog. Treatment is expensive and may require surgery. And treatment doesn’t guarantee your dog will get back to good health. Fortunately, there are medications you can give your dog monthly to prevent him from getting infected with heartworms. Give your dog these medications all year round since just a few days of warm weather can cause mosquitoes to become active. Your dog will need periodic blood tests to ensure that no heartworm larvae has slipped through to infect your dog. For more information, contact your veterinarian White Rock, TX.

What to Do About a Cat That Meows in the Middle of the Night

It can be a wonderful feeling to snuggle up with your kitty as you’re ready to doze off for the night. Unfortunately, that peaceful atmosphere is likely to come to an end in the middle of the night when your furry friend decides he wants to yowl at the top of his lungs!

Cat’s don’t sleep all night long like we do. Instead, they tend to be active at dusk and dawn. Unfortunately, that may leave your feline friend prone to yowling at the top of his lungs at four in the morning.

To stop it, try spending more time with your kitty in the evening. Play with him until he’s tuckered out, and he’ll be more likely to rest quietly all night long.

If you really want to stop your cat from disturbing you in the middle of the night, shut the door! You can also ask your vet White Rock, TX to provide you with more tips.