Irish Wolfhounds Around Children And Other Pets

You may define Irish Wolfhounds as gentle gigantic dogs. Yes, they’re gentle despite their size. Many households have adored the charming disposition and calm demeanor of these dogs. Over the years, many families have decided to bring home an Irish Wolfhound because of their loving and affectionate nature. They love human companionship – making them fascinating family companions. 

But what about children? Are these dogs nice to them as well? Records show that they’re nice with kids. But because of their size, Irish Wolfhounds are not ideal for the younger ones. These dogs may accidentally knock infants down and hurt them. That’s why experts advise having this dog breed if you only have older children. 

In having pet dogs, always be a responsible parent (for both parties). Supervise your dog and kids’ interactions all the time to avoid injuries or accidents. Also, teach your little ones how to behave properly around dogs. 

If you have any concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with an animal hospital Plano, TX.

Care Tips For Norfolk Terriers

 

Norfolk Terriers are easy to take care of and do well in apartments due to their small size. They love to bark, though. At least 20-30 minutes of vigorous outdoor walks/playtime every day (or 10-15 minutes twice a day). These intelligent pups love to learn, but their natural independence and stubbornness mean challenging training sessions. Consistent and positive training goes a long way in getting them to obey you.

It's necessary to teach them to come when they're called-- in case they accidentally come unleashed. Yelling or using physical force should be avoided; else, these sensitive dogs will become agitated/fearful. As terriers, they bark. Although they're not too noisy, it's best to teach them the "quiet" command. As with most earth dogs, Norfolk Terriers also love to dig, which may not be as easy to reduce as their barking behavior.

Your vet  Plano, TX is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and well-being.

Can Whisker Fatigue In Cats Be Prevented?

Have you heard of whisker stress or fatigue? This condition brings an uneasy feeling to your cat that will display a few behavioral changes, like reduced appetite. Understand that whiskers are sensitive organs of cats. These strands of hair located at your cat’s face serve as antennae through which she can receive and send signals to her fellow felines. These signals are connected with your cat’s brain and nervous systems. So imagine a situation in which your cat obtains too many pieces of information at one time.

This situation results in information overload, leading to your cat’s stressed situation. In addition, your cat may feel uncomfortable when her whiskers are constantly hit by something or someone. One case in point is when your beloved pet drinks from her bowl with a shallow or narrow opening. Your cat may develop whisker fatigue from this scenario.

Experts have developed a list of things you can do to help your cat prevent whisker stress or fatigue. Take a look at the items below:

● Replace your cat’s water and food bowls. Experts recommend the use of bowls with wide openings

or those with a flat surface (e.g., paper plates).

● You may use an automatic freshwater source. An example of this is a water fountain especially made for cats.

● Do not trim your cat’s whiskers.

Your vet clinic Plano TX can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.

Causes Of Bloat In Dogs

While experts are yet to determine the definite cause of bloat in dogs, pet owners and vets alike have some observations as to what could trigger this medical condition in dogs. Since this is a serious and potentially fatal condition, pet owners like you should be aware of the common reasons that may cause bloat in your dog.

It has also been said that a big risk factor for bloat in dogs is their breed. Dog breeds of the larger size have wider, and deeper chests, making them more vulnerable to this condition.

Some of the dog breeds are the following:

●St. Bernard

●Standard poodle

●Rottweiler

●Weimaraner

●Irish Setter

●Gordon Setter

According to experts, the risk of developing bloat also depends on the dog’s age and physical activity. In most cases, older dogs are no longer capable of doing vigorous exercises which may cause issues in their digestion.

If your pet is showing any signs of bloat, bring your pet to the nearest animal hospital Plano, TX. 

How Long Does a Dog Grooming Appointment Usually Take?

 

How long your dog’s grooming session would be dependent on the kind of grooming he will be getting.  Did you schedule a simple bath with blow-dry, full grooming, or partial grooming?  This would also be dependent on your dog’s fur length, breed, and fur type. 

Baths that include a blow-dry typically take 1 - 2 hours for Labrador Retrievers.  Small dogs that have single-layer hair coats like Boston Terriers will take less time.  Because of a Corgi’s thick double-layer coat, grooming them might take the same length of time as Labradors would.  Breeds that have thick hair coats like the Newfoundland breed might need three-hour-long sessions.  This allows for ample time to thoroughly dry and then brush out their hair coats. 

If you are to include haircuts, appointments might take 1.5 to 4 hours.  Should your pet dog need plenty of scissors work or has a matted hair fur coat, it might take an even longer time.  Groomers might allot additional time for mobility-impaired or elderly dogs so that they can be allowed breaks from having to stand up in grooming areas.

Any problem affecting your pet's skin and/or hair coat should require a visit to your animal hospital Frisco, TX. 

Which Leash Is The Ideal One For Your Pet Dog ?

 

Below are several things to keep in mind when selecting leashes for your pet dog.  Also mentioned are ways of taking care of your leash so that your pet is comfortable and safe when on it.

Ensure that the clip you use is strong enough considering your dog’s strength and size if he was to pull you using his full strength.  It should not be possible for your dog to break free.

Always have a spare leash available just in case your regular leash becomes damaged, gets lost, or breaks.

Keep the leashes clean.  If any of them gets wet, hang these up to dry and do not just put them inside a drawer.  Keeping them dry means you can use them longer.

Be sure to regularly check your leashes for any apparent damage.  Ensure that your clip is secure as well.  If you see any signs of weakness, tearing, and fraying, replace the leash.

Using carabiners on the leash handles makes tethering your pet dog an easy task.  Simply loop the leash handle around a post or pole, using the carabiner to affix the leash onto itself.  This technique is simpler and easier than using knots.  Also, it is highly unlikely for your dog to break free or slip out of it unlike with knots.

Make sure that your pet’s preventatives and vaccines are up to date before taking your dog on outdoor excursions. If you’re not sure, you can call your animal hospital Plano TX for information.

Toy Poodles Are The Ultimate Divas

As the tiniest and most admired poodle breed, toy poodles are commonly recognized as dog divas. However, they are brilliant and affectionate canines, similar to the larger poodle breeds.

Thesetoy poodles were specifically bred to do hunting duties in the eighteenth century. Breeders around this era were able to bring down the size of a standard poodle astonishingly. 

Grooming a poodle's coat may seem difficult and impossible to do, but it's feasible. Their coats aren't fur, but it's hair - meaning it's softer than fur and can grow very long if left alone.

Poodles occasionally shed hair, but because of the hair growth that results in tighter curls, most of the poodle's hair coat does not fall. Based on the experts' recommendations, grooming a poodle should occur at least on average every three to six weeks.

Take your pet to your animal hospital Plano TX for regular health and dental checks.

Why Playtime Is Important For Kitties

Cats have very sensitive senses. Any changes in their environment or routine can easily affect the cat’s mood.  Fortunately, you can help your kitty to relax.

Playing with your cat daily is a great way to relieve your kitty from stressors. You only need to devote 10 to 15 minutes at least twice a day to interact with your pet. Near the end of your play session, tone down your activities so your cat will know that playtime is almost over.  You give a treat or a small meal to end play sessions. 

Don’t give all of the toys to your kitty. Rotate the toys to use so that everything seems new all the time. This trick also retains your pet’s interest because the toys keep changing. Remember to put the toy away after each play session.

Ask your animal hospital Plano TX for more information on how to care for your cat.

Can Cats Like the Persian Be Impregnated by Multiple Males

Have you heard of the cat rumor circulating that one cat can get pregnant by multiple cats? Contrary to popular belief, this is actually true. Cats like the Persian cat can be impregnated by more than one cat. This may help explain the variety of colors and markings that kittens in the same litter have. Persians and other cats continue their heat cycle even if they are pregnant. Multiple eggs can be released over the course of a cat’s cycle which can last from three to twenty days. Having multiple “fathers” so to speak is known as superfecundity. Some cats come into heat between their third and sixth week of pregnancy. Although extremely rare, some cats can carry fetuses of different ages from different mating times (in different heat cycles) through a process known as superfetation. Call your animal hospital Plano TX to learn more about superfecundity.

Why Your Cat Needs A Microchip

Cats are such curious creatures and it is this streak of inquisitiveness that cause them to end up wandering away from home and getting lost. Pet theft is also a major problem particularly with cats that belong to rare or expensive breeds. Many cats also end up lost after moving house or traveling. There are also cats that love visiting various households where other cats are present. Sometimes, they end up being ‘adopted’ by the family which can add to the confusion. This is also what can happens to stray cats, when they are adopted into homes or caught by authorities.

With a microchip, a cat can be returned to its owner. This is also a method that can be used to prove ownership in case of disputes. Tags and collars are not reliable as a method of pet identification because they can easily get lost or replaced.                                                                                                               

If you have questions and/or concerns about microchips in pets, do speak with your skilled veterinarians Plano TX.

Caring For Your Dog’s Teeth

Dental care is very critical for dogs. Any dental problem does not stay within the mouth. It can have serious health implications when pathogens from the mouth enter the bloodstream and reach other organs of the body and causing illness. There are several ways to take care of your dog’s teeth. These include:

Tooth-brushing -- Any pet dog should get used to having their teeth brushed regularly. The routine should be introduced as early as possible. 

Dental treats and chews -- These are formulated to help remove plaque while being chewed. But always remember to give in moderation as they can be high in calories. 

Oral gels -- They contain ingredients that neutralize the plaque and bad breath. The gel is applied between dog’s teeth and cheek daily. 

Dental diets -- These diets are specially formulated to support dental health. It usually comes with a prescription from a veterinarian. 

Food additives -- These products are added daily to the dog’s food or drinking water to prevent the formation of plaque.    

Bring your pet to your vet Plano TX for regular dental checks.

Do Dogs Have Night Vision ?

Many dogs are well trained to hunt and search in the dark. Many dog also come by it naturally. So how much can dogs really see in the dark? Do they have night vision or not? Here’s your answer. Generally speaking, dogs see much better than people when it comes do dark places. Dogs actually have larger pupils in their eyes so that more light can come through. It is thought that dogs also have a more sensitive retina that adjusts to lower light levels. The main reason dogs see so well is the mirror-like structure in the back of the eye called the tapetum. The tapetum reflects light and helps improve the dog’s night vision. All Of these things work together to enable a dog to see pretty well at night. If you’re wondering how your dog’s eyes are actually doing then please talk with your pet clinic Plano TX, Coit Hedgcoxe Animal Hospital.

Dogs and Dry Skin

Dogs can develop dry skin just like people do. If you notice your dog scratching a lot then you may want to check out his skin. Search for any type of bite or irritation. If you see dry, flaky skin then your dog may have dry skin. It’s a good idea to have your vet check your dog over before determining it’s dry skin though. Sometimes dry skin symptoms can look just like a food allergy symptom. Your vet can help you determine which condition your dog has. Many dry skin conditions are caused by something in the environment, a flea bite, allergies or changes in your dog’s diet. Once your vet determines the cause he can help you treat the condition, but first he may prescribe something to relieve your dog’s itching and irritation. Using a moisturizing dog shampoo can help prevent future breakouts. Talk to your vet Plano TX to learn more.

Administering Pills to your Canine Companion

Getting your canine companion to take a pill can be a lot of work. Some dogs simply don’t want to swallow a pill even if you hide it in a piece of food or in a pill treat pocket. If your pup has to take a pill, ask the vet to show you the best way to administer the pill. There are devices that are like syringes in which you place the pill then place the device in your dogs mouth and pop the pill into the back of the mouth. You can also open your dog’s mouth and place the pill on the tongue. The trick is to gently hold your dog’s mouth shut and give a slight tilt up. Massage the cheeks and even blow gently in the dog’s face to get him to swallow. For more tips, call your Coit Hedgcoxe Animal Hospital.

Finding a Reliable Cat Sitter

If you are going to be gone from home more than a couple of days then you should consider hiring someone to come in and check on your cat. Finding a reliable cat sitter can be difficult if you don’t have a regular sitter on call. Start the search by asking friends, family and fellow cat owners who they use as a pet sitter. Contact your veterinarian, groomer or boarding facility and ask for recommendations or referrals. When contacting the potential candidate, ask for work history and references. Make sure you call the references and ask about the person’s character, disposition and history with animals. Meet the individual outside of the home for an interview. Only bring the person to your home if you’re sure they will do well. Have the individual meet your cat ahead of time too. For more tips, call your veterinarians Plano, TX.

Helping your cat enjoy playtime

You have a cat in your life who you love very much and you want to make sure you are able to offer her the best playtime has to offer. How can you help make this happen?

Your little fur ball needs to be able to enjoy herself when it’s time to play, and she will need the appropriate space in order to do this. Think about what you are able to offer her within your home and make sure she has some toys that will work well within your living space. Offer her different options so she can enjoy herself no matter what mood she’s in, and make a point to offer her lots of companionship during this time as well. This will help encourage her to try new things and allow her to socialize in addition to playing. Your local pet clinic Plano, TX can offer additional advice.

Why your dog needs a walk every day

Your dog loves being able to get out and take a walk with you each and every day. Why is this so important to her?

Your dog needs to be able to enjoy his time in your care and taking a walk is one way he can do this while also meeting his needs. He loves being able to get a change of scenery and to get some fresh air, but walking also gives him a lot of mental stimulations as well. Your pet is able to take note of the subtle differences that you may overlook in the great outdoors. Walking lets him look around, take in the world around him, and gives him an opportunity to get some physical activity in as well so he can keep his body as fit as it can be. Your local veterinary clinic Plano, TX can help you better understand your pet.

Signs your dog may have fleas

You share your life with a furry friend and you want to make sure you are able to care for her to the best of your ability. This means taking the time to determine if and when she needs care for fleas. How can you tell if this is the case?

Your pet may have fleas if you notice that she is visibly uncomfortable. She will likely be very squirmy and have trouble settling down to relax. She may be scratching a lot or rubbing up against things to help get comfortable. You can also check your pet’s skin for signs that fleas have been there. You may find red areas or bumps in addition to flea dirt that is left behind from these little parasites. You may even be able to find the fleas themselves with a flea comb. For additional information, please contact your local vets Plano, TX.