Improving The Quality Of Life Of Arthritic Dogs

Dogs with painful arthritis have a sad existence. The severe discomfort limits their flexibility and hinders them from engaging in and enjoying routine daily activities. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make your arthritic pet's life more comfortable and easier.

• Heated blankets

Heating pads or blankets relieve aches while encouraging muscle relaxation and stimulating acupuncture sites.

• A comfy bed

There are dog beds made specifically for dogs with arthritis. These comfy beds are designed in a way that makes it simple for dogs with joint problems to climb into and out. Padding is incorporated into the design of these beds providing support and comfort.

• Dog Massage

Regular massage lowers blood pressure, eases aching muscles, reduces tension, and increases blood circulation. Spa treatment sessions are a wonderful way to strengthen your relationship with your pet and examine their body for lumps, bumps, and other anomalies.

• Acupuncture

Acupuncture for animals stimulates the body's natural painkillers and anti-inflammatory compounds to be released.

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

Separation Anxiety In Pets

Dogs are very loyal and loving animals, they adore their pet parents the most and would do anything to keep you beside them all the time. They can be too clingy as well, and when they get attached, they may experience separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is triggered when dogs become sad and frustrated because of separation from their pet parents and caretakers. They may become extremely agitated and would normally show bad behaviors like destruction to get your attention.

Most dogs with separation anxiety will follow you everywhere and you have to train them to get used to being alone at times to prevent this from happening. You may start by creating a safe comfortable space they can stay for their me time. You can also practice him from being separated from you by letting him stay in a separate room. This way, you are training him that it is okay for you to get separated for some time and that you will surely come back for him after.

If you have concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with your veterinary hospital Metairie, LA.

Hygiene Tips For Dog

 Dogs love to explore. They do things they should not and things that sometimes make their fur look dirty. A dog’s fur contributes a lot to his overall condition. It makes a dog adorable. However, when left unattended, it can also make a dog suffer.

The fur of dogs can be home to parasites and harmful microorganisms. This problem can be caused by not grooming the dog, but this can also happen when a dog's bedding is unclean. This issue affects not only the dog but the household as a whole. Remember to wash your pet’s bedding as regularly as how you wash yours.

Another item that can be a home for bacteria is your dog’s bowls. When dogs drink or eat, they become very messy and leave thousands of bacteria in their bowls. When bacteria stay there for too long, they can enter through the dog’s mouth, and the dog eventually develops a disease caused by these bacteria. Children can also be infected, especially when they play with the dog. Imagine the consequences you might suffer if you allow the environment to be unclean.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital Washington DC. Learn more here.

Cat Breed: Selkirk Rex Cat

Popular labeled as cats that are in sheep’s wear is the Selkirk Rex. This breed dons a thick coat that has curls looking woolly. You may wonder how these felines got their curly coats. Thanks to their cousins Devon and Cornish Rexes, these cats have an amazing look you cannot mistake for another breed. In particular, the Selkirk Rex cats came from the lineage of the British Shorthairs and Persian cats with natural genetic development. Thus, they possess such a cuddly and mild disposition. But do not get these felines wrong – they also enjoy a fun time. They are active and playful, with a little combination of silliness and sweetness. 

Though they love human companionship and interaction, the Selkirks do not stay on your lap all day. Instead, they love doing activities with their humans that can stimulate their minds and bodies. Remember, these cats may express their need for play or bonding sessions through their quiet and soft voices. 

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your cat and dog hospital Washington DC.

Is It A Good Idea To Share Your Food With Your Dog?

 

It is a common practice among pet owners to share their table food with their dogs. There are instances when the dog is introduced to “mixed feeding” wherein he is given human food or may also be given dog food.

This habit is not recommended by vets as it imposes a big risk to a dog’s health. Chances of obesity, and developing other health issues such as fatty liver disease, heart problems, and digestive issues are high. Also, since most human food is high in sugar and preservatives, your dog is at risk of getting diabetes.

The best thing to do if you are unsure of what to feed your dog is to consult a vet. Your vet Washington DC will guide you and will provide recommendations as to the best meal plan for your dog. A vet may also provide a feeding schedule that you can follow to establish a healthy eating pattern for your dog.

Interesting Clumber Spaniels

Clumber Spaniels have an energy that isn't likely to expire within a day— they work non-stop. Although this dog is not a water retriever, their heavy coats make them nevertheless an excellent swimmer. Duck dog Clumbers can, in fact, easily break the cold while hunting their prey. Although they have a medium size, Clumbers are the heaviest among the spaniel dogs. Aside from moving through the underbrush, their long bodies can also effortlessly reach the counters. Their amber eyes, medium-length white coats (with orange or lemon marks), and amber eyes, Clumber Spaniels distinguish the Clumber Spaniels.

Clumbers are calm, gentle, and sweet. They love to be with their people and get attached to the whole family, although they usually form a special bond with one person. Also called the "Retired Gentleman's  Spaniel," Clumbers make excellent first-time pups— and that's thanks to their easygoing disposition.

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at your local animal hospital Washington DC. 

Will Akitas Do Well As Backyard Dogs?

 

Although Akitas are generally reserved in public, these highly social dogs also need a lot of time from the family. They make excellent, loyal companions, and it isn't also advised to get them to live in the backyard. Getting them to live outside and refraining them from having a family take away this breed's essence. Lonely Akitas are prone to aggressiveness.

Akitas aren't great for first-timers, lapdog lovers, or owners who aren't willing to take charge. But if you're the type to invest a lot of effort and time to research and train dogs, you'll get rewarded with an intelligent and loyal Akita companion.

When teaching a young Akita or reorienting an adult one to socialize, it's best to expose him to friendly people more often to alleviate their wariness. However, these dogs will stay as they are— dignified and serious animals who aren't for plain fun.

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at your professional animal hospital Washington DC. 

Pain Can Cause Behavior Changes In Cats

 

A lot of cats develop osteoarthritis and experience pain that makes them stop practicing self-grooming properly.  As a result of this, these cats start developing mats on the fur over the body parts in pain.  Then there are also some cats in pain eventually causing skin trauma on sore spots by over-grooming.

These cats who feel pain might become withdrawn and refuse to interact with their human companions, might engage less with their environments, and start hiding.  They might also drink and eat less.  Sleeping patterns could change, with some sleeping less and some sleeping more.  These cats might start sleeping in odd positions or in unusual areas.   There are even cats in pain who develop potty issues since it becomes challenging to get in the litter box and out.   They might also have a hard time squatting, thus, might pee over the litter box walls.

Any of these or perhaps even all of the above changes might tell you that your cat is experiencing pain and needs to be checked by your veterinarian.  The sooner the pain is identified and managed, the better your pet’s quality of living will become.  You, your family, and your cat can then go back to your usual daily routine.

If you have concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with your veterinary hospital Washington DC.

Safety Guidelines When Traveling With Your Pet dog

 

Should you wish to bring your pooch on a road trip, you will need to prepare thoroughly, and be mindful of the details.  The following are notable considerations, ensuring the safety of you and your pet when inside a vehicle:

●Having your pet in a carrier or a crate is the pinnacle of all safety precautions.  Regardless if this is a short trip, perhaps over to the vet, or the groomer, having your pet inside the crate means that he will not bother the driver or any other passenger in the vehicle.  Be sure that your pet’s crate has ample space for him to lie down, stand up, and turn around.  This is why crate training is essential to pets while still young.

●If a crate is unavailable, or perhaps you do not want to constrain your pet, keep him in the back seat, 

restrained with his harness, to a seat belt buckle.

●Some dogs are scared to ride in cars.  If your dog is one of them, take baby steps and have him experience short rides in the beginning.  Try to make each car ride a positive experience.

For more details regarding road safety tips with your pet, check with your vet Washington DC for more helpful information.

Sharing your life with a feline friend

 

You have a wonderful feline friend in your life now and you want to make sure you are able to better grasp her needs in order to understand what will work when you are looking after her. How can you share your life with her?

Your pet wants you to make sure you are taking the time to think about her ideal living situation so you can give her a way to better grasp how you can go about your life with her by your side. This means making sure you are able to offer her lots of attention, plenty of space to enjoy herself in, and the ideal supplies to help her meet her needs. Taking all of this into account can help her to feel at home in your care and give you a chance to lead a harmonious life side by side. Your local vets Washington DC can offer additional advice. Visit website https://metrodcvet.com/ for more information.

Keeping your family balanced

You love your family dearly and you want to make sure everyone is able to get what they need to thrive. How can you make sure there is a balance in the household particularly when it comes to caring for your pet?

Looking after a pet means that you are adding a new family member to the mix in order to further enjoy your time together. Your furry friend will need plenty of attention and care each day, just like the rest of your family members. This means that you will all need to come together to discuss what you can do for her to help meet her needs and give her opportunities to enjoy her time to the fullest. This will help to ensure everyone is doing their part to help one another. For additional information, please contact your local pet clinic Washington DC.

Keeping your dog in your backyard

Your dog loves to spend her time in your backyard and you want to make sure you are able to offer her all the space she needs to thrive in your care. How can you keep her within this space?

Your pet doesn’t understand the boundaries of your property and will need to be taught what spaces she is free to roam around in and which she should refrain from doing so within. This means that she will be in need of suitable activities to keep her out of trouble when it comes to spending time in your yard and proper supervision will help her to stay away from areas she shouldn’t be spending time in. Offering her a barrier, like a fence, can also help by keeping her physically contained and offering a visual reminder of her boundaries. Your local veterinary clinic Washington DC can help you care for your pet. Learn more here.

Wheelchairs for Dogs

Did you know that there are wheelchairs and carts made especially for dogs? If your dog is having trouble moving his backend or has lost mobility in the hind quarters, make an appointment to see your vet right away if you haven’t done so already. If your dog has already been diagnosed with a mobility disorder like DMD (Degenerative Myelopathy) or something similar, then you may want to ask your vet about a cart or wheelchair that can help give your dog some mobility back. Dog wheelchairs are more like mobility carts. They are developed by companies such as K9carts.com. Typical carts are standard rear wheel carts that are essentially used like walkers. The cart allows the dog to take his regular stride with the front legs while the cart rolls along carrying the backend. Talk to your vets Washington DC to learn more.

Looking after a new dog

You have a new dog coming into your life and you are eager to get to know her. How can you make a point to meet her needs?

Your little fur ball needs to be able to understand that you are there to help her thrive. This can be communicated to her by your consistent care and loving attention. Looking after her will take a bit of time to get used to, as she will likely be in need of some additional attention until you get the hang of what is required from you. Your pet will need you to learn about her general needs and then take into account her personal preferences as well as what she needs to make the most of her time in your care. For additional information, please contact your local veterinarian Washington DC.

Treating Diabetes In Cats

Cats that are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (insulin diabetes) will have an individual response to therapy. The treatment regimen for diabetes cases in cats is based to a large extent on the severity of the symptoms and whether the cat has other health issues that could complicate the treatment regimen.

Some cats may already be seriously ill when they are first diagnosed, so they will require intensive treatment and hospitalization for several days until the blood sugar levels are regulated and stable.

Oral medication and/or a high-fiber diet may be indicated for cats that are stable when diagnosed with diabetes.

Insulin injections are generally necessary for most cats diagnosed with diabetes to keep their blood glucose well-regulated. There is a need to establish the amount of insulin that will be given based on the cat’s weight and response to treatment.

Work closely with your veterinarian Washington DC in managing your pet’s symptoms.

Mange Mites In Dogs

There are several species of mange mites that infect dogs. Some normally reside in the skin and hair follicles of dogs, while others don’t. When conditions are right, such as the presence of a health issue or a compromised immune system, mites living in the dog’s body can reproduce and multiply causing mild to severe skin infections.

There are 2 types of mange that commonly affects dogs – demodectic mange (Demodex canis) and sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabei). Sarcoptic mange causes canine scabies and is easily transferred between dogs. As for demodectic mange, there are 3 types that have been identified in dogs – the localized form which is confined to a certain spot or two, generalized form which affects a larger part of the dog’s skin, and demodectic pododermatitis which is confined to the foot and is often accompanied by secondary bacterial infections.

Any sign of skin problem should be checked out by a vet Washington DC.