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.

Basic Health & Care Tips To Keep Your Cat Healthy

Here are tips on keeping your cat healthy:

●Regular Grooming - Combing goes a long way because that long or short fur needs much care!  Assist your cat in brushing the fallen and dead hair away from her coat so she wouldn't have to swallow or choke on them while self-grooming. Note that this is the perfect opportunity to assess bodily changes. Be mindful of the bumps, lumps, or spots the vet can overlook. 

●Get her used to a scratching post - If you still get that little scratches from here and there, a scratch post may lessen the furniture damage. This will help your cat’s muscles and claws to remain in condition. Appropriate surfaces like sisal, carpet, or cardboard can be beneficial in removing old layers of your cat’s claws.

Your veterinarian Plano, TX is a valuable resource regarding issues affecting your pet’s health and well-being.

Dog Paw Care

You may think that your dog's paws are extra strong and tough, with the way your dog jump, run and walk on a rough floor seems like their paws don't get hurt or injured. But these are not true, dog's paws are delicate and vulnerable, which requires pampering the most.

You can start taking care of your dog's paws by giving them a regular massage. Also, make sure they get thoroughly clean mostly when your dog comes home from a walk. Keep in mind that debris and other things small rocks or a stick can get stuck in their paws which could lead to injury. So it is better to check their paws daily.

Keeping your pet's paws cared for mostly during summer and winter also helps your dog. Bringing them outside for a walk during extremely cold or hot weather can affect their paws. Make sure you wrap your dog's paws properly before going out to avoid blisters or frostbite.

Any sign of an illness exhibited by your pet should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian Plano, TX.

Why Grooming Your Cat Is Important

 

Cats love to groom themselves. These species possess such instinctive behavior to clean themselves given their supple and flexible bodies. Thus, many people around the world have decided to get cats for pets because they are generally tidy pets. 

And do you know that grooming presents numerous benefits to felines? Yes, the list of grooming advantages is long. So, better encourage your pet cat to undertake it. Here are some uses of grooming for felines:

• Smoothens the coat for body insulation
• Removes loose hair
• Controls body heat or temperature through the spread of saliva
• Stimulates the glands to waterproof the coat
• Spreads sebum throughout the skin and produces vitamin D
• Scatters the scent of the cat throughout the body
• Eliminates parasites or pests
• Establishes strong relationship among cats when they groom together

Here are more advantages of grooming among felines regardless of the fur coat they possess:

• Advances muscle tone
• Shines the coat by stimulating the skin and producing oils
• Prevents the formation of hairballs
• Serves as an opportunity to check the coat and skin of the cat for the existence of ear mites, fleas, ticks, or bumps
• Strengthens the bond between you and your cat

Any skin and/or hair coat issue exhibited by your pet should warrant an appointment with your pet clinic 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. 

Some Well-Loved Fluffy Dog Breeds: Poodles and Chow Chow

Poodles and Chow-Chows are well-loved for their fluffy appearance. Here are some facts about them:

Poodles

Poodles are one of the dogs that you frequently see in households. They are friendly, intelligent, cheerful, and fluffy. Aside from that, they're also low-allergen, which means that their furs are less likely to cause you allergy. Therefore, Poodles are perfect family dogs.

However, Poodles are prone to hair matting. So you should brush the Poodle's hair at least once a day. If you fail to avoid matting, you may need to shave the dog's fur.

Chow-Chow

Chow-Chow dogs' shaggy appearance makes them look like teddies. It's because of the rolls of hairs on their faces.

Because of their thick furs, Chow-Chows require intense grooming. You need to brush them twice a week and bathe them once a month. You must also look out for fleas and ticks on their skin.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital Plano, TX. Click here to know more about their services.

How To Tell Whether Your Dog’s Vision Is Failing

 

You might notice that your dog’s vision is getting weaker as he becomes older. Even if this condition is age-related, you can still discuss this with the vet. You’ll never know if the vision problem is due to other health conditions.

Even if the dog can adapt to any vision loss, it will still help if you pay attention to your pet’s condition.

When your pet dog starts to bump into various objects around the house, it is a sign that he cannot see properly. But you should not worry about this problem too much because dogs can adapt to their worsening vision. They can remember where objects and furniture are located so they will not bump onto these the next time.

Your dog will have a problem when you rearrange objects because he will be familiar with the new layout. So it would be better if you maintain the arrangement around the house when your dog has poor vision.

Any sign of an eye or vision problem should warrant a visit to your animal hospital Plano, TX.

Improving The Quality Of Life Of Arthritic Dogs

Dogs suffering from painful arthritis live a miserable life. The intense pain prevents them from performing and enjoying regular daily activities as well as reduces their flexibility. Fortunately, there are ways you can help make life easier and more pleasant for your arthritic pet.

●        Heating Pads -- Heating pads provide relief from aches while promoting relaxation of muscles, and stimulating acupuncture points.

●        Comfortable Bed -- There are doggie beds that are specifically designed for arthritic dogs. These beds are built in such a way that allows dogs with joints pains to get in and out of the bed easily. These beds are also designed with padding for comfort and support.

●        Canine Massage -- Regular massage promotes blood circulation, eases sore muscles, reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure. Massage sessions are also excellent opportunities to bond with your pet, as well as check your pet’s body for bumps, lumps, and other abnormalities.

●        Acupuncture -- Veterinary acupuncture stimulates the release of natural anti-inflammatory substances and natural pain relievers of the body.

Work with your veterinarian Plano, TX in managing your pet’s arthritis and improve the animal’s quality of life.

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.