Puppy Training Tips

You have a new puppy! Congratulations! Baby Fido will be a ball of endless joy and energy. However, at some point, you'll want to start teaching him good puppy manners. This will make for a happy family. And the sooner he learns the rules, the easier it will be for him to adapt to his new home. Here, a vet offers advice on how to train your new puppy. 

Home Training

For the first few weeks, be sure to notice when your little guy needs to go out and do his "business". Sniffing is always a good sign that it's time to take your dog outside. Be sure to give him plenty of praise and treats as soon as he's done. 

The "Come" Command

You want little Fido to see that coming to you is a good thing. To do this, say "come" in a cheerful tone and reward him with his favorite treat when he succeeds. 

Biting

Naughty pups can be cute, but you'll want to teach your puppy that painful pinching is not okay. The best way to do this is to respond to full bites with a loud "ouch!" then turn your back for about 10 seconds. Since puppies crave love and attention, taking your attention away when they bite sends a powerful message. 

For more puppy training tips, feel free to call us, your veterinarian Anderson, IN, anytime!

Bernedoodles

 

The smart, loyal, and gentle Bernedoodle get their best characteristics from their parents— Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs. Bernedoodles— or Bernese Mountain Poos— aren't made for dog shows. Instead, these dogs excel at being affectionate companions for active dog parents and children.

These companion dogs got their intelligence from Poodles and their goofiness and charm from Bernese Mountain dogs. Bernedoodles thrive best with their family— including the kids. In addition to that, these dogs are eager to play and cuddle with people.

This breed is relatively new, so it's really difficult to make accurate predictions about them yet. Some may have more similarities with Poodles, while others may be more similar to Bernese dogs. Overall, Bernedoodle enthusiasts love the breed's fun, loving, and intelligent nature. Most of them are also hypoallergenic, making this breed a perfect fit for people with allergies.

If you have concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with your veterinary clinic Anderson, IN.

How To Introduce Puzzle Feeders To Your Cat

 

Puzzle feeders are a great way to keep your cat stimulated mentally and physically. Consider this device when you keep your cat indoors most of the time. Your cat needs several activities that can help her exercise her body and mind.

If you have started using a puzzle feeder, continue doing it. Observe if your cat is enjoying the use of such a device. When your feline has shown proficiency in using it with no indications of frustration, anxiety, or stress, try increasing the level of difficulty of the device. How? You may start using puzzle feeders with smaller or fewer holes, with opaque shapes, or with harder manipulation techniques.

Experts recommend trying several types or designs of puzzle feeders so your cat will remain excited and eager to try new strategies. Your cat may also have a preference, so be observant of her behavior. Remember that using this mealtime technique can ensure your cat’s happier and healthier life.

Your veterinarian Anderson, IN is a valuable source of information about your pet's diet and nutritional needs.

Is There A Breed Of Domestic Cat That Doesn’t Hunt?

 

Do you know that cats love to hunt? Oh, yes these animals do because they are considered predators. Cats have this instinctive behavior to go after other smaller animals or hunt things or living beings that they can smell.

So, do not get surprised when once in a while, you see your beloved feline looking for something or going after a rat inside your home. Experts explain that hunting is a normal behavior cats do, and this has something to do with their being a meat-eater.

If you have an indoor cat, provide her with outlets for her hunting behavior. You may give her toys or a play area where she can look for her favorite things. When your cat becomes older, this behavior slowly diminishes because she tends to become less physically active.

It pays to know how and why your cat behaves in certain ways so you can adjust your home or your lifestyle accordingly.

A sudden change in your pet’s behavior should warrant a visit to your animal hospital Anderson, IN. Visit their website to know more about their services.

How to Keep Your Cat’s Hairballs to a Minimum

Most of our cats swallow their own hair while grooming themselves. This hair clumps together in the gut, forming a hairball that your pet regurgitates eventually. Have you ever wished there were ways you could make this happen less frequently? You’re in luck!

The first step is to brush your cat’s coat regularly. This traps loose fur in the brush, causing your cat to swallow less and therefore produce less hairballs. The second tip is to feed your cat a high-quality diet. Since your cat’s nutrition has so much to do with a quality coat of fur, it directly impacts how much your pet sheds. Your cat’s diet might need an upgrade if she's producing a lot of hairballs, and dietary supplements can also be very helpful.

Want more tips on your cat’s diet and hairball production? Contact your veterinarian Anderson, IN for help. We’re always here for you and your pet!

Ways to Treat Burns in Cats Like the Persians

 

There are different ways that your Persian or another feline may end up burning her paw or another part of her body. For instance, some cats living in warm temperatures can burn the pads on the bottom of their paws simply by walking on hot pavement or other hot surfaces. Cats like the Persian cat are also known for jumping on countertops and even stovetops and other hot surfaces in the home. If this happens and your cat burns her paws, call your vet to find out how to treat the paws or to schedule an immediate appointment. Signs of burns include red paws, blisters, overly thick skin, and even bleeding. If your Persian is limping, refusing to walk, or appears to be in pain this could also be a sign of burns or another injury to the paws. Consult with your veterinarian Anderson, IN for additional information.

Why Dogs Consume Grass

 

You might have noticed that your dog eats the grass on your lawn from time to time. You'll know that he ate grass because he vomits it afterward or his fecal matter is mixed with undigested grass. Several experts tried to study why this behavior occurs. Here are some theories that the experts presented:

●       Eating grass helps the dog to get rid of any irritation that he feels

●       Consuming grass is the dog’s way to get additional nutrients. But you can help your dog with this concern by giving him a premium quality diet that is appropriate for his age

●       Eating grass could be an inherited trait from their ancestors. Wild dogs used to eat plants

●       Adding grasses to their diet provides additional fiber to the body. the fiber helps in successfully eliminating wastes in the body, including intestinal parasites

●       Eating grass stimulates dopamine, a hormone responsible for feeling good. When dogs feed on grass, they are like the giant pandas that derive enjoyment from the plant.

However, you should bring your doggie to the vet if you notice that he vomits more frequently. Whether it is from eating too much grass, bringing your doggie to your vet veterinarian Anderson, IN is a must.

Hair Coat Health In Cats Is Influenced By Diet

 

There are a lot of aspects that can have an effect on the appearance and the health of your cat’s fur.  Among them are the cat’s immediate environment, her genes, and her diet.  In the wintertime, a cat will grow their coats thick in order to shield them from the low temperatures.  Then as the weather gets warmer over spring and over summer, your cat will begin to shed off that thick coat, resulting in a lot of cat hair getting on your furniture, carpets, and other items in the house.

As opposed to losing hair, shedding is more on the physiological side of body processes.  It is the cat’s body that dictates how thick to grow their hair during winter and shedding to keep her body cool in the warmer summer months.

A fat-rich diet will benefit your cat in growing a healthy coat of hair.  Fats, as opposed to carbohydrates, provides a higher concentration of energy sources for use of the body.  Fats will also enhance the utilization and the absorption of vitamins K, E, D, and A which are soluble in fat.  This in turn enhances the production of the essential fatty acids essential to maintaining hair and skin health.

Before offering supplements to your pet, or changing the nutritional fat content in her food, be sure to talk to your veterinarian Anderson, IN regarding the matter.

Safety Tips To Observe At The Dog Park

 

Dogs of all ages, sizes, and personalities converge in the dog park, thus, there is always the possibility of displays of aggressive behavior. Here are safety tips to remember when bringing your dog to the dog park:

• Bring only healthy dogs. Be sure that your pet dog is vaccinated before you bring him anywhere or even at the dog park. 

• Make sure to read and follow the rules of your local dog park, some parks do not permit puppies below 4 months.

• Do not bring a female dog to a park when she is in heat. This will attract male dogs especially the unneutered ones. Keep an eye on your pet male dog that is still unneutered.

• Dress down your dog. I know you want to dress your dog especially when going out, but I advise you to not do that when you are bringing him to a park. To prevent snagging onto branches, fences, or to other dogs, remove any of your dog’s gear, harness, or dog clothes. But make sure to leave on his collar and ID tag.

• Do not bring his toys and also your kid/s. Bringing his toys might attract other dogs to get it, and they get jealous if others touch his belongings.  If it’s the other way around, take your pet to another part of the park. Do not bring kids along. Dogs might get enthusiastic and could knock down your kids. Some dogs are child-friendly but it’s best to keep your kids at a safe distance from unfamiliar pets.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and dental checks at your vet clinic Anderson IN.

Keeping Your Cat Indoors

Do you keep your cat indoors? If so, you're definitely making the right move. Kitties that are allowed to wander can face some serious dangers, such as cars, traffic, weather, and other cats. They’re also more likely to get lost or injured, or to pick up dangerous parasites.

Keeping your feline pal indoors is also good for other animals. Cats kill billions of small animals every year. This is becoming an increasing concern, as many fragile wildlife populations are threatened or endangered.

Even if you do keep your furry little hunter indoors, she will still need some stimulation. Cats do get bored with nothing to do! Give her lots of toys to play with, as well as access to a window with a view. Daily play sessions will also help keep your pet entertained. 

Your experienced vet Anderson, IN can offer you more information on how to keep your cat healthy and happy.

How Much Water Should My Dog Drink?

It’s very important for our canine friends to stay well-hydrated. Getting plenty of water throughout the day is essential for the proper functioning of various bodily systems, and it helps keep your pet from becoming dehydrated. But how can you know if your dog is getting enough? 

It’s recommended that your dog gets about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. This means that a 10-pound dog should drink around 10 ounces of water every day or a little over one cup. Most dogs will drink their fill if they have access to clean, fresh water throughout the day, so it’s usually not something pet owners need to be concerned about. 

If you think your dog isn’t drinking enough water, however, it’s worth getting a professional opinion. Consult your veterinarian Anderson, IN for help if you think Fido isn’t getting the water he needs. It’s better to play it safe than be sorry.

Weepy Eyes in Cats

 

Did you know that cats can get weepy or watery eyes? If your cat is scratching at her eyes and you notice the eyes are watery, weepy, or have some kind of clear or cloudy mucus draining coming from them then please notify your vet. It may be nothing, but it’s always best to check the eyes since eye infections can get worse if treatment is not applied quickly. Infections in a cat’s eye are not uncommon, but most often require immediate treatment by a veterinarian professional. Infectious agents and viruses are one of the more common causes of eye infections in cats. Allergies, injury, trauma, and every day dust blowing around in the wind can also cause your cat to develop weepy, watery eyes or even mucus discharge. In older cats, eye infections may be the result of an underlying condition such. Click to call with your vets Anderson, IN about appropriate treatment.

Cats Sniffing Cats

 

You may be familiar with dogs sniffing one another to communicate in some form. However, have you ever seen cats sniffing one another? Turns out they do. There are some cats that will sniff another cat to communicate in some form of greeting of friendliness. Cats don’t sniff quite as quickly as dog though. When cats meet one another they tend to hiss and growl at first and then sniff each other’s faces and necks. This is the way they tell each other “hello.” Cats sniff the neck and cheek area because they tend to produce pheromones that signal friendship to other cats. Cats do not typically sniff the other cat’s rear until after they have spent some time around them and are more comfortable. Like dogs, cats are able to tell a lot about the other cat by sniffing his rear end. Learn more from your veterinarian Anderson IN.

Things to Know about the Akita

Are you familiar with the Akita? He’s a strong, tough and athletic dog originated from the Akita prefecture on the island on Honshu in Japan. As with other dogs in this region, the Akita was bred to withstand polar temperatures of crazy levels! The Akita has long legs, strong muscles and easily navigates over steep and snowy terrains. By nature, the Akita is a very protective breed and would do well as a guard dog. However, training is a must as is socialization at an early age. The Akita can be stubborn with an independent streak. Also know that some insurance companies have this breed on the restriction list due to risk of aggressing and biting. As with many dogs, however, training and routine structure can often overcome this temperament. Trained thoroughly, the Akita can be a loyal and loving companion. Talk with your vet clinic Anderson IN to learn more about the Akita.

Does Your Orange Tabby Have Black Spots On His Nose?

Many adult and senior orange tabbies or calico cats have black spots on their lips, nose, and around the eyes. The first few spots tend to appear on the cat’s nose and lips, growing in number, and some increasing in size with time. The average size of the spots is about 1 mm or less but since they are very close together, they create a distinct discolored spot that is hard to miss. The phenomenon is called Lentigo simplex. The good new is, it is completely harmless. They are accompanied by hair loss, redness, and abnormal changes in skin color. The spots are not-elevated, not painful or itchy.

Because of the possibility that a cat can be suffering from a skin condition that needs prompt veterinary attention, so it’s a good idea to have the spots checked out by your veterinarian Anderson, IN. More so, if the spots are elevated, and appears to be reddish and inflamed.

Narrowing down your pet options

You have wanted to bring a pet into your home for a little while now and you have spent a lot of time trying to determine what type of pet will best fit into your lifestyle. How can you narrow down your options?

Your pet needs you to take the time to think about all the people in your home and their pet preferences. Talk about this with them and really try to get an understanding of what they are looking for in a pet. This will help make sure that everyone gets to enjoy time with your new addition. You should then take the time to think about what you can all handle for care and what each person is willing to contribute to keeping your new pet happy and healthy. This will help you narrow down your options to only those that will thrive in your care. For additional information, please contact your local Anderson, IN veterinarian.