Do All Dogs Need A Life Jacket?

 

While all dogs are able to swim, not all dogs are comfortable in the water or are strong swimmers. In these cases, a life jacket can be a useful tool to help keep your dog safe while they are in the water. Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy and support for your dog while they are in the water, and they can be especially helpful for dogs who are prone to fatigue or those who are less confident in the water. In addition to providing safety, life jackets can also be a good way to help your dog stay visible in the water, especially if they are dark-colored or have a thick coat.

That being said, not all dogs need a life jacket. If your dog is a strong swimmer and is comfortable in the water, he may not need a life jacket. However, if you are planning to take your dog boating, paddling, or on other aquatic adventures, it's a good idea to have a life jacket on hand, just in case. It's also a good idea to familiarize your dog with the life jacket before you go on a trip, so they are comfortable wearing it. 

Consult with your vet Des Moines, IA for specific recommendations for your dog's swimming needs.

How to Choose Competitive Show Classes for Your Purebred Canine

 

Before you decide to show your purebred canine, make sure you are signed up and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) association prior to showing. Once you’re registered and you have attended a local show or have taken part in a practice show, you will need to sign up and register for the official show. Confirmation showing is the term used when referring to dog shows. In order to sign up for a class you will need to make sure the breed of your dog is being shown at a particular show. For instance, you will not be able to show a Pomeranian if the show is only open to Husky breeds. Be sure to look for shows that will be open to your dog’s particular breed. If you need additional paperwork or proof of your canine’s purebred status, you should contact your dog’s breeder or call your vets Des Moines, IA.

Is Your Dog Pooping Regularly?

Did you know that your dog should be pooping at least once a day if not more? If your dog isn’t pooping at all for a day or more then you should give your vet a call to talk it over or schedule a checkup for your pup. Depending on the dog’s size, most dogs will go about once a day and maybe even more. Not going can be a sign of constipation. If your vet finds your dog to be constipated then he may prescribe a laxative to help your dog become regular again. Other ways to help your dog get back on track in the pooping department is to feed him a mix of wet and dry food, feed him vet approved vegetables as snacks, and take regular walks. Exercise can help get your dog’s system back on track and running again. Fiber may also be recommended by your vet Des Moines IA.

Head-Pressing In Cats

Does your kitty frequently press his head against objects or against the wall without any obvious reason? Head-pressing in cats is thought to be caused by an abnormality in the nervous system. It can affect cats of any sex, breed, or age. Early detection and veterinary intervention is very important to improve the chances of a better prognosis. Some conditions affecting the nervous system in which head-pressing may be a prominent sign include:

l  Primary or secondary tumor

l  Lead poisoning and other types of toxic reactions

l  Trauma to the head

l  Nervous system infections

l  Prosencephalon disease

l  Metabolic disorders, such as too much sodium (hypernatremia) or too little sodium (hyponatremia) in the blood plasma

Other symptoms that are exhibited by affected cats include seizures, erratic behavior, vision problems, and poor reflexes. Sores may also form on the cats’ paw pads brought about by their constant pacing and circling.

The line of treatment that your veterinary clinic Des Moines, IA will undertake will depend largely on the underlying cause and severity of the problem. 

Fostering a Dog

Before a shelter dog can be adopted he needs to learn to live outside the shelter environment. Thus fostering a dog in your home helps him prepare to go to his forever home. Work with a local animal shelter or rescue group to choose the dog that you can foster the best. Find out about your financial responsibilities and other obligations to your foster dog and the animal shelter.Even though fostering is a temporary situation, consider how this dog will fit into your household. Consider the size, temperament and breed of the foster dog you want to bring home. Consider the needs of your resident pets too. Find out about the foster dog’s behavior issues, fears or special needs. Establish a routine for your foster dog. Spend time on obedience training, exercise and play. Most importantly, be patient and kind to your foster dog. Learn more from your vet clinic Des Moines, IA.