Cocker Spaniel Personality

 

Well-bred Cockers are sweet, cuddly, affectionate, and love to be included in the activities of the family. They're alert, playful, active, and do well with exercises like hunting and brisk walks. However, they're physically and mentally sensitive. Harsh treatment is highly discouraged as it only leads to snapping and growling. Cocker Spaniels need early training and socialization, but be kind and careful to them.

With that, Cocker Spaniels are prone to temperament and health problems. Before buying a dog of this breed, be sure to carefully cross-check the people or places where you're planning to get your pup. Choose trusted breeders instead of puppy mills, pet shops, and backyard breeders. Aside from doing a health check, reputable breeders consider the dog's temperament, too. Before breeding, they ensure that the parent dogs don't have any genetic disorders that their puppies may be born with.

A sudden change in your pet’s behavior should warrant a visit to your animal hospital New Orleans, LA. 

Cat Flea Elimination Tips

Destroying fleas that have been infesting your pet cat is a process that has multiple stages.  The steps below will inform you how to destroy fleas on your pet cat and rid your environment of them. 

Using anti-flea products that destroy and prevent 

Among the important methods of destroying fleas on your pet cat is to administer anti-flea treatments that are also preventatives, that is, they stop fleas from getting onto your pet.  There are lots of great anti-flea preventatives available commercially that also destroy the live fleas on your pet.  Your veterinarian could suggest specific product brands. 

Exercise caution that you avoid purchasing anti-flea preventatives that are for pet dogs because they are fatal to cats. 

Feline flea baths are generally not recommended.  A majority of cats dislike being bathed.  Also, and this is important to know, flea baths only destroy fleas that are currently infesting your pet cat.  They will not stop fleas from getting on your cat only minutes afterward.

Work with your veterinarian New Orleans, LA in creating a health preventive program that includes your pet's year-round protection against internal and external parasites. Read more here.

Tips For Selecting An Ideal Probiotic For Cats

Prebiotics and probiotics can be found in a lot of pet food products, however, you must check labels for guarantees.  The labels should indicate which strains and species are contained therein so you could research how efficient these strains are.  Avoid probiotic products meant for humans because animals and humans have different gastrointestinal flora. 

Check for the factors below when selecting the ideal probiotic to offer your pet cat: 

Live culture: Whenever you shop for the ideal feline probiotic, think about the ones that contain live bacteria.  Some probiotic products might need refrigeration due to them having live cultures, thus, the proper temperature should be maintained to extend their shelf life. 

High CFU count: Factor in the CFU amounts (colony forming units or bacteria) in the probiotic products.  Having more bacteria is better. 

Multi-strain formulation: Aside from the bacteria quantities contained in the probiotic product, keep in mind that you have no idea what bacteria types would promote optimum gastrointestinal health for your cat.  Having various strains is something beneficial. 

Flavor and taste: Cats are known to be finicky, so you will want to select probiotic products that will appeal to your cat.  Choose a flavor that you know your cat likes to make sure she eats it.  And like your pet’s regular food products, avoid ingredients that can trigger your cat’s allergies.

Consult your veterinarian New Orleans, LA about the best supplement for your pet.

American English Coonhound

 

English Coonhounds originally came from English Foxhounds. These hunting dogs have excellent endurance and speed. They also have a loud voice, barking and baying all the time. Therefore, they aren't a good choice if you have neighbors nearby. Exercises are also a must.

They were once called Virginia Hounds and used to chase down raccoons in the rough terrains of America's colonies. American Coonhounds are incredibly fast and strong.

American Coonhounds are smart, affectionate, easily groomed, and very trainable. But if you're a beginner, beware of their needs— firm and consistent training, as well as lots of physical and mental stimulation, are necessary. Less energetic dogs are great alternatives for people who can't provide frequent walks and playtime. Coonhounds make the best choice for people who have a well-fenced yard, can give them their needed exercise, and are patient enough to train them.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should require a visit to your veterinary hospital New Orleans, LA for proper medical attention. Schedule an appointment today!

Choosing A Cattery: Will Your Cat Be Safe And Secure?

 

Leaving your cat in a boarding cattery is not easy, especially when it is your first time being separated from your beloved feline for a few days or weeks.

Thus, it is recommended to choose a cattery where your cat will feel at home away from home. Do you know the things you should consider? If not, you are in luck because listed below are the basics you need to look for in a cattery: 

●      A good cattery does not mix cats with dogs. So, choose one that has a separate place for kennels or does not allow kennels in the area.

●      A good cattery allows cats to bring in with them their favorite toys and has scratching posts to satisfy your cat’s want to scratch.

●      A good cattery has provisions for high places since cats enjoy climbing and roaming around.

●      A good cattery comes with a routine schedule to keep your cat busy and feel secure.

Your veterinarian New Orleans, LA is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs.

Anal Sac In Cats

Cats possess anal glands, also known as the anal sac, which is a pair of pouches found on the sides of the anus right by the opening. On the walls of the anal sac are sebaceous glands that produce fluid with a strong scent stored within the sac and is released into the anal passage through a small duct. During a bowel movement, pressure is placed on the anal sac by the waste material causing a small quantity of fluid to be excreted, producing that distinct odor in feces.

The fluid excreted from the anal sac has a distinct scent that is different for each feline, allowing them to use it as a territorial marker. This helps them ward off enemies or warn other beings of their authority.

When your kitty has shown to be dragging her behind on the ground or constantly licking her behind, consider asking your veterinarian New Orleans, LA about it to address the situation. Visit their site to know more.

Use Topical Drops To Get Rid Of Fleas In Cats

 

Using topical drops on your pet cat is an effective way to get rid of fleas that affect your cat.  It is also the easiest method.

Topical drops work efficiently. You put some liquid on the cat’s skin, then the sebaceous gland absorbs the medication. It is best to aim for the base of the cat’s neck.  The glands distribute the ingredients all over the body. Since the glands release the oil in the epidermis, the active ingredients in the topical drop are released all over the body.

Eventually, the active ingredient will proceed to the nervous system to disable the capability to feed. Without food, fleas will die.

Topical drops are beneficial because it is non-intrusive. You only need to apply the product in between the shoulder blades, and it will slowly spread throughout and kill fleas.

Cats are more sensitive than dogs to certain ingredients in flea medications. Consult your vet New Orleans, LA about the best flea product that is safe and effective for your pet.

3 Ways To Prevent Flea Infestation

 

It is a serious concern when your pet cat has a flea infestation. Fortunately, you can try some flea-prevention methods so you don't have to worry about it.

These are our suggestions:

• Get your cat to stay indoors. Admit it, fleas are abundant outdoors. If your cat is out, you worry that she will pick up fleas somewhere. When she is indoors, you’ll know that she is safe from fleas. 
• Use flea prevention products like Bravecto. Similar products can eliminate fleas, and even prevent the pests from multiplying.  You can choose from topical or chewable options so you won't have any difficulty in administering to your cat. To help pet owners even further, you can get shampoo and flea collars to reduce fleas in your pet.
• You can ask the animal hospital New Orleans LA for ways on how to prevent flea infestation. They can suggest effective flea control products for your pet’s use.

Dealing With Dog Shedding

Dogs shed their coats throughout the year. But most shedding occurs when the seasons change from spring to summer. This is the time when dogs lose the hair coat used during winter. 

To facilitate an orderly shedding of hair coat, you can use a de-shedding tool. This tool will also ensure that your dog's grooming needs are met. 

To manage the loose hairs during dog shedding, do the following:

● Brush hair regularly so you can rid of the loose hairs before these falls in your furniture. Use appropriate combs and brushes to keep the dog’s coat shiny and soft. 

● Feed premium dog food to your pet. A high-quality meal gives the essential nutrients that your dog needs. Nutritious meals also keep the hair coat lustrous.

● Give food rich with essential fatty acids to keep the dog’s coat and skin healthy.

Excessive shedding should prompt a visit to your animal hospital New Orleans LA.

Cats without Tails

Did you know that some cats are born without tails? While some owners may have their cats tails purposely docked (which can be a questionable practice), other cats are naturally born without their tails or with bobbed tails. One of the tailless breeds is the Manx. This cat originated of the coast of English in area called the Isle of Man. The Manx has a dominate tailless gene but can actually be born with a long tail, short tail, stubby tail or no tail at all. A litter of Manx kittens can include all tail types. Other tailless or bobbed tail breeds include the Japanese Bobtail and the American Bobtail. These breeds tend to carry a genetic mutation that causes the cat to be born with a bobbed or stubby tail or in some cases no tail at all. For more details, give your vet clinic New Orleans, LA a call.

Registering Your Dog Locally

Did you know that depending on where you live and what area or state/province/county/city/town, etc. you’re in that you may need to register your dog locally? Your vet should know the requirements for your area and be able to provide you with paperwork or direct you where to go to obtain paperwork to register your dog. Most towns will have you register your dog with the town clerk. This usually involves some type of fee along with proof of the dog’s vaccinations and especially rabies vaccination. In return, you may receive a collar tag or paperwork verifying your dog has been registered. Some towns have registration due annual and charge late fees for registrations or renewals that aren’t submitted in time. Some owners can be fined if their dogs aren’t registered. Again, your veterinary clinic New Orleans, LA should know most of these details so give them a call.