Senior Cats Need More Care And Attention

Your senior cat will inevitably reach his twilight years and with this comes potential challenges throughout its life. During this important period, you must be ready and willing to provide the right attention and care to your beloved furry feline friend. Also, constant visits to your preferred vet for regular or annual checkups must be met during this period in time. Knowing and observing your beloved cat's behavior will also allow you to act and make a robust decision to go bring him to the vet or the nearest animal clinic whenever there is a need to do so. At this stage, whatever grooming you do to your senior cat should be a lot more than just the simple brushing of the hair. You should also look for injuries, bumps, scrapes, or lumps regularly. Do not ever forget to check his gums as well as teeth.

Your senior pet will benefit from more visits to your local animal hospital Jacksonville FL.

Some Reasons Why Dogs Lick Carpets

Does your canine buddy have the odd habit of licking the carpet? Dogs don’t just engage in behaviors out of the blue. An underlying cause is almost always at play. Carpet licking in dogs can be traced back to a variety of causes, but pinpointing the underlying causes is easier said than done. First, you have to rule out the possibility that your pet’s behavior is caused by an underlying health issue. A visit to your vet can help establish whether it’s an illness-related issue or not. If the vet gives your pet a clean bill of health, the next possibility to consider is a behavioral issue. It’s a good idea to record the dog’s behavior so your vet can see more details. Some causes that experts have identified to explain the behavior include nausea and/or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD),  a mouth or throat problem, an abnormal increase in food consumption (polyphagia), neurological problem, anxiety, compulsive disorder, canine cognitive dysfunction, pica, or attention-seeking behavior. 

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, call your vet Jacksonville FL.

Understanding The Denning Instincts Of Dogs

 

In the past, the wild ancestors of today’s pet dogs lived in dens to protect themselves from the elements and potential predators. This instinct to seek a den for rest, comfort, and safety still remain in dogs today. To satisfy this need, you can provide a simple crate that is spacious enough to accommodate your pooch. Early crate training is one of the important regimens that puppies should undergo. Aside from having their own living space, a crate is also a useful tool when you are house training your pet. When your pet is used to being inside the crate, it would be easier to bring him along during road trips or even trips to the vet or the groomer. There are many designs and sizes of crates for dogs. Knowing what your pet needs and the purpose of getting a crate can help you pick the right one for your dog.

Your vet Jacksonville FL is a valuable resource about everything that concerns pets. Visit this website to know more.

Reasons Dogs Stink

 

Bad breath is also a problem in dogs just as much as it is for humans which are a red flag for impending dental problems. If a home dental care is not established, without daily tooth brushing, plaque and tartar can form and harden on the dog’s teeth. The build-up of plaque and tartar promotes the growth of bacteria that produce unpleasant odors, therefore causing bad breath. Dogs would benefit from getting used to a dental routine very early on. The buildup of unwanted substances such as toxins because of a kidney dysfunction could also be the reason behind your dog’s foul-smelling breath. Dogs harboring fungal or bacterial infections in their ears can also produce an offensive odor. Typical symptoms of ear infection that accompany the foul odor include redness and ear discharge.  Fur or hair around the dog’s eyes can sweep bacteria directly into the eye causing an infection that could make the dog experience eye discharge or make it tear up excessively.  

If you’re worried about what’s causing your dog’s foul odor, have a trip to the animal hospital Jacksonville FL to get them checked.

Creating Safe Zones for your Dog

Did you know that creating a safe zone for your dog can help your dog have a sense of ownership in the house while also giving him a safe place to play? Safe zones are great when you need to be in another part of your home, but you don’t want to leave the dog unsupervised or in a crate. You may also need to run quick errands outside of the house and need a safe place for your dog to stay.  To make a safe zone in your home, simply block off a room such as a bathroom, kitchen or laundry area. Do a check of the area and make sure there are no power cords on the floor. Place safety plugs into the electric sockets. Give your dog toys, food, water and a bed. Your trusted veterinarians Jacksonville, FL may recommend securing the doorway with a baby gate instead of shutting the door completely.

Helping your cat feel loved

Your cat is a big part of your life and you want her to feel as comfortable in your home as she possibly can. This means taking the time to think about what you can do to help her feel included and well-cared for.

Your feline friend needs to become a part of your family, so try to involve her in your daily activities. This may be as simple as meeting her needs, adding in some playtime, and then petting her while you relax with her on the couch. You could talk to her while you go about your daily chores and take the time to periodically interact with her throughout the day as well. Your attention and consistent care will help her know that she is valued in your household. Your local pet clinic Jacksonville, FL can offer additional suggestions. Make an appointment today!

Understanding Your Cat’s Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can occur at any age but is more prevalent in older cats. Your cat may have an increased appetite but lose weight with hyperthyroidism. She may be excessively thirsty and have trouble maintaining her body temperature. She may also shed excessively and look unkempt. Most cats with hyperthyroidism will need daily medication to manage this condition. She may be prescribed oral medication or a transdermal cream to rub into the inside of the ear. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after giving your cat her medication since it is easy to dose yourself when handling it. Your cat may need a more extreme treatment if medications don’t work such as surgical removal of the thyroid or radioactive iodine therapy. These treatments are more invasive and can be expensive but may be necessary to ensure your cat has a good quality of life. Contact your vet Jacksonville, FL to learn more.