Is Honey Safe For Dogs?

 

Honey, if given in moderation, can be safe for dogs. Raw honey gives antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, which help in healing wounds. In fact, vets recommend clinical-grade honey to heal injuries/wounds faster. Furthermore, an extensive study compares Manuka with clinical-grade honey to treat dog wounds and infections. Honey also helps with hot spots and dry skin.

Topical applications are also made, but your dog would need to endure it in the meantime and not lick the honey in his body. There are also other anecdotal benefits of honey to dogs' health. For one, it's said to help control seasonal allergies and soothe sore throats, among many others. In addition to that, some vets have been using honey to help with kennel cough. Despite these things mentioned, remember to talk to a veterinarian Roanoke, VA first before deciding to try a medical plan to treat a sore throat or make your dog immune to pollen.

Are You Bothered By Your Cat’s Spraying Habits?

 

Spraying is something you should expect from your cat, as it is the animal's way of laying claim to the spaces that it shares with you. But while the idea of your pet marking its territory is endearing, the resulting smell is not. Who wants to use furniture that smells like cat urine?

It's part of a cat's instinct, but that doesn't mean you can't shape your animal's behavior. Having a good grasp of your cat's personality will allow you to discourage and encourage certain acts. You can also use medicines prescribed by the vet if applicable.

Identify what's making your cat engage in this behavior. Spraying is common among male cats that are yet to undergo neutering surgery. If your cat had already gone through the knife, there must be an external factor triggering the spraying habit. It could be another animal.

You can also restrict that cat's movement by placing it in a room large enough that it can still have enough exercise. If you're planning to get a new pet, don't force the two to mingle on the first day. Your cat being territorial will intensify its desire to mark every inch of your house with its urine.

If your pet’s spray marking behavior bothers you, it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian Roanoke, VA about it.

Tips To Keep Your Cat’s Mouth Clean

Various simple options exist for maintaining the oral health of your pet cat. But if your pet cat is resisting your efforts, you could always set an appointment with your veterinarian for your pet's yearly professional cleaning. Periodontal disease develops gradually below gum lines even if the teeth seem clean and white. This condition can be identified and prevented by having dental cleanings at the vet, so schedule these regularly. Dental cleaning is performed while the pet is under a general anesthetic. This allows your vet the opportunity to remove calculus and plaque. Your vet will also polish your pet’s teeth and will perform a thorough oral checkup that will include inspections below the gumline. This also offers your vet the opportunity to clean your pet’s gums, removing bacteria. Your vet might also conduct other procedures like x-rays to properly diagnose dental problems. Remember that elderly cats might require more frequent teeth cleaning.

Make an appointment at your animal hospital Roanoke, VA for your pet’s health and dental checks.

Ways To Protect Your Things From Your Cat’s Claws

Scratching is an instinctive behavior in cats which means it cannot be prevented unless they are declawed which would be extremely painful for your kitty and a very inhumane act. 

There are several reasons why cats engage in scratching. One of which is that it helps remove old nails when scratching on a rough surface, allowing new ones to grow. Aside from that, scratching allows them to leave or mark their distinct smell on surfaces and objects because of the scent gland found on the pads of their paws.

Luckily, scratching can be addressed by setting up and encouraging them to use a scratching post. Other than that strategy, you can opt to cover the claws of your cat with nail caps, using a no-scratch product and spraying it onto surfaces and objects that you do not want your cat to scratch, and covering surfaces with adhesive tape since cats dislikes the feel of it on their paws. 

Consult your veterinarian Roanoke, VA if there are issues that will arise regarding your pet’s behavior.

What to Know About the American Bobtail

 

Looking for a loving feline companion? If so, you may want to check out the American Bobtail. This breed is known for its unique bobbed tail that occurs naturally. The tail is usually between one and four inches in length. It is a genetic mutation and is not docked as in other breeds or in dogs. The American Bobtail is also known for its loyal, loving, and playful personality. It is unique in that it is the only domesticated cat not to have any set pattern, coat length or color. The American Bobtail can literally come in any shape or size. These particular cats have a lifespan ranging between 15 and 20 years. They are adaptable to just about any type of environment and are a fairly healthy breed. If this sounds like the cat for you, consult with your vets Roanoke VA for more information.

Disaster Preparedness Guidelines for Pet Owners

 

Disasters and emergencies are inevitable occurrences. They are unexpected and happen in many forms. Some of these unforeseen situations may require us to leave our home for a brief period and sometimes to evacuate permanently. Each event may call for specific and immediate actions to take to keep you and your pets safe. The best thing to do is to prepare your pets and yourself if these situations may happen. Here are some guidelines to prepare you for disasters and emergencies and to keep you and your pets safe.

●       Arrange a shelter for your pet. In the event of an evacuation, your pet must also have a shelter to go to. Never leave your pets behind. Always keep in mind, if it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet as well. They can be trapped or can wander and can put their lives in danger. Not all evacuation centers accept animals so it is needed to arrange for shelter beforehand where your pet can be safe until the disaster has passed and it’s safe to return home.

●       Inquire in your community animal facility if they offer emergency shelter or foster care for pets.

●       Determine what hotels or inns in nearby towns or cities will accept pets.

●       Ask your relatives or friends out of your area of disaster if they can accept and care for your pet for a while.

You can also ask your veterinarian Roanoke, VA for recommended lodging kennels and shelters in your area.

Does your cat need a place to scratch?

Your cat needs to be able to scratch on a regular basis in order to keep her claws in good shape. You know this, so you want to offer her a place to do so. How can you choose the best option to help her meet her needs?

Your little fur ball needs to be able to find a place to scratch when she needs it, so you will likely be on the lookout for something that will fit nicely into the living areas she spends her time and in places that will be easy for her to get to. Think about her personal preferences and make a point to help her meet them by looking for a material she will find appealing with accessories that will add to the appeal of the item you bring home. Your local pet clinic Roanoke, VA can offer additional suggestions or click here to learn more.

The Health of a FeLV Positive Cat Like the Bengal

Has your Bengal cat or other breed cat tested positive for FeLV? If so, make sure you talk to your vet in depth to learn and understand the affects of the disease and the health risks that your cat may be faced with due to being FeLV positive. FeLV stands for Feline Leukemia Virus. An FeLV positive cat most likely has a compromised immune system making him more likely to contract other diseases and illnesses. The FeLV virus is capable of spreading through mucus, blood, saliva, and even through mutual grooming or fighting. Due to this, your FeLV positive cat could be at risk of spreading the disease. Keep FeLV positive cats away from healthy cats to prevent the virus from spreading. You should also keep them separate to prevent your healthy cats from giving your FeLV positive cat an illness from the outside. Talk to your pet clinic Roanoke VA to learn more.

Preparing Your Cat for a Show

Are you prepping your cat to show for the first time? It can be a little nerve racking to try and figure out how to enter a show and prepare for a show much less actually show up on show day and be where you’re supposed to be at the right time and place. Here are some tips for showing: First, consider enlisting the help of fellow cat owners and show competitors. You can learn a lot from one another and help each other out when it comes to last minute preparations. Talk with CFA members to find out about requirements and regulations. For instance, your cat will need a decorated carrier with show curtains, etc. Do you have these parts of the showcase ready? If not, talk to one of the CFA members or judges ahead of time. Do your best to prep for the show and to be on time. For assistance with paperwork, give your animal hospital Roanoke, VA a call. 

Degenerative Join Disease in Cats

Having problems getting in and out of the litter box or going up and down the stairs can be a common occurrence for older cats or cats that have had past injuries and still favor the healed leg. Arthritis is the common cause for joint pain and inflammation which can slow your cat down. However, if your cat is young and has not had previous injury but is all the sudden having mobility problems then you may want to give your vet a call. There could be a number of reasons for this, but you want to make sure it’s not anything serious like Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD. This is also known as Osteoarthritis and it is a long-term disease that causes the cartilage around the joints to slowly deteriorate. Your veterinarian Roanoke, VA can help examine your cat and find a diagnosis and treatment solution.

Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone To Joint Problems?

Most experts believe that a dog’s size and weight is an important predisposing factor of joint problems. The bigger and heavier a dog is, the higher chances it will have of developing joint problems. However, there are certain joint problems that are specific for certain breeds of dogs. Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to elbow dysplasia, while Rottweilers suffer from more knee and ankle problems. Newfoundland’s have also been shown to have the highest number of cases of cruciate ligament problems of all canine breeds. Breeding for specific traits has also paved the way for more undesirable traits, such as joint and bone problems. Joint problems can be treated in two ways -- surgical and non-surgical treatments. The surgical route may range from a simple arthroscopic cleaning to total replacement of the joint. Non-surgical treatment involves management of the dog’s weight and body condition as well as medications. You should work closely with your veterinarians Roanoke, VA in managing your pet’s joint problems. 

Playtime and your feline friend

Your cat is a big part of your life and you love her dearly. How can you make sure playtime is a fun experience for her?

Your pet may want to have some fun at various times throughout the day, so make sure you have some toys out for her to entertain herself with. Try to sync up your time with her to one of the times when she feels like being active. This will help you two naturally begin to interact. A lot of the activities your pet enjoys will mimic hunting and involve her natural instincts, so take the time to bring these into your playtime as often as you can. Try to give her your whole focus while interacting so you can both engage in the activity. For additional information, please contact your local vet Roanoke, VA.

How pet ownership can change your life?

You have always liked the idea of sharing your home with a furry friend, but you’ve mostly thought about how much of a difference you could make in the life of an animal in need. Are there ways you will benefit from pet ownership as well?

Your pet will need you to be there for her day in and day out, but she will also be there for you during these times as well. Your pet will be able to tell how you are feeling, and since she shares your living space with you, she will likely be right by your side during good times and times you’d rather not have to go through. She will love you through all these circumstances, and you will always be able to count on her presence. For more information, please contact your local Salem, VA veterinarian.