Things To Do When Adopting A Cat

 

The first 30 days of your newly adopted cat are very important for her. It is the time when she settles and makes herself get used to and be comfortable with her new family. These first 4 weeks are the days when you should establish your bond and create routines. 

The first thing you need to do is to let her settle in. She will need some time to adjust and absorb her new surroundings. Let the change sink in and allow her to grasp her feelings. Allow her to approach you on her terms, this can make her feel a sense of control and freedom.

Before bringing her home, make sure that her space is already set up. Make sure that her beddings, litter box, food, and water bowl are all prepared and placed in their respective areas. This makes her establish her new space in your home.

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at your vet clinic Marietta, GA.

Ensuring A Pet-Safe Home For The Holidays

 

The holidays are truly the time to go all out in terms of decorating the house. But do remember that these decorations are also possible hazards for your pet cat.

Some people like using flowers as decorations. But if you are a pet owner, it might be better to use artificial flowers rather than natural ones—they have strong scents and may cause complications once consumed by your cat. Some of these flowers that you need to avoid are lilies and amaryllis bulbs. Aside from the floral scents, liquid potpourri is also toxic to cats. Pine needles, European mistletoe, and other plants with similar compositions should also be kept away from your cat. All of these may lead to oral irritation or drooling once eaten, or worse, gastrointestinal problems.

Cats often climb high places, even Christmas trees during the holidays. It would be better to tie Christmas trees to the ceiling or wall to avoid them falling or breaking the ornaments on them. But when using any type of string, even ribbons or tinsel, make sure that your pet won't be able to swallow them to avoid obstruction. Candles are also not a good option for your climber cat as they might knock these down and start a fire. 

When opening presents, hide the batteries from your pet; these are also toxic materials that shouldn't be easily accessible to animals. Make sure to keep any materials that you think might cause harm to your pet.

Your veterinarian Marietta, GA can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet. Learn more here.

What To Consider When Choosing A Litter Box

 

In choosing the perfect litter box for your cat, you must consider something that she will be comfortable with,  her preference, and how she is trained in using one. You have to analyze your cat's needs so you can potty train her. Ideally, cats prefer a clean, spacious, and uncovered litter box. 

You may try and test your cat’s preference because it is important to make her comfortable using the sandbox. You can test it by giving different options or locations. Some suggest that the litter box must not be scented as cats want stinky boxes.

Placing the box in the right place can also help her get comfortable when using it. You can set up the litter box in an area of the house that is free of clutter, loud noises, or distractions. When it's time for a pee or poop break, cats prefer some quiet and privacy.

Persistent litter box issues should warrant an appointment with your nearest veterinary hospital Marietta, GA to make sure that your pet’s behavior is not caused by an underlying health issue.

Training Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppies

 

A puppy chessies' exercise needs are special. Keep these tips in mind:

●9 weeks-4 months old

1-2 times a week of pup kindergarten classes are essential for exercise, socialization, and training. Don't forget 15-20 minutes of playtime in your yard, both in the daytime and nighttime. You may also play fetch with them or provide access to swimming through your kiddie pool.

●4-6 months old

Obedience classes every week, plus half-mile walks every day, are essential. Playtime outdoors should be maintained, too.

●6 months and above

Fetching games (with a Frisbee or ball) for about 40 minutes is essential— ensure cool weather. Retain their half-mile walks, too.

Teaching them to swim— given favorable weather— is necessary. Upon reaching one year, you may now take your Chessie to jog, but don't exceed a mile distance and let them take a couple of breaks on the way. You may increase their jogging distance as they mature. This way, you'll be able to protect your dog's developing joints and bones.

Your veterinarian Marietta, GA is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior. Click here.

Behavior Problems And Stress Could Cause Cats To Overgroom

 

Overgrooming typically is brought about by a deeper medical issue, usually linked to itching or perhaps pain.  Some cats have certain behaviors or are stressed so much that they might groom themselves excessively.  Cat owners who think that their cat might be overgrooming might want to change their cat’s environment as well as take them to the veterinary clinic for checkups.  Be sure that your cat has enough enrichment such as playtime with you, access to windows, and toys, as well as spots where she can escape and relax by herself. 

Hair loss might be counteracted depending on what caused it.  Sphynx cats cannot suddenly grow hair, however, fur could grow again after resolving a ringworm infection.  

Even though the difference between feline alopecia and normal shedding might be hard to spot at times, diligent monitoring coupled with prompt care could help you keep your pet cat as healthy, happy, and as fluffy as she can be.

Any problem affecting your pet's skin and/or hair coat should require a visit to your pet hospital Marietta, GA. Read more here.

Tips To Prevent Excessive Chewing In Dogs

Chewing is an instinct of your dog. You should keep in mind that trying to reshape this habit is a bumpy road that requires resilience to achieve success. Here are some useful tips you can use to prevent your dog from excessive chewing.

Never scold your dog for his annoying chewing habit. Deal with the undesirable behavior with patience and love. Your pet should adore you for your kindness and tolerance: it’s only this way that he will follow your instructions.

Channel your dog's extra energy into something more fun than chewing. Keep him distracted with a playful environment. Give him toys and mind-simulating games so that he is left with no time to chew.

Dog-proof every area in your living room/garden where your dog can go wandering around. The rest of the time, keep a close eye on what catches your dog’s chewing fancy.

You can always take help from an expert dog trainer. They will recommend different techniques to prevent your dog from chewing.

Make an appointment with your veterinary hospital Marietta, GA if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior.

When Should Your Cat See A Veterinarian ?

 

Having a feline friend requires a lot of care and responsibilities. One of which is to take your pet to the veterinary clinic regularly for vaccine updates and check-ups. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to know when and how often you should take your cat to the veterinarian. Here are some suggestions on when and how to identify the timing of her visits. 

Taking your pet to the veterinary clinic regularly is necessary for continued care and allows the veterinarian to identify conditions of early-onset, preventing medical issues in the future. Oftentimes, the veterinarian will recommend schedules of visits which are usually done once or twice every year, depending on what your furry friend needs. Aside from that, there might also be instances that would warrant a visit to the veterinarian such as when care needed by your pet is beyond your capabilities, requiring professional attention. Some of these situations include getting sick, injured, and other circumstances that deviate from your daily care regimen.

Make an appointment at your veterinary hospital Marietta, GA for your pet’s health and dental checks.

Which Is Better For My Cat? Wet Or Dry Pet Food ?

The two basic types of cat food are dry and wet food. A common type of cat dry food is kibble, while wet foods are those that are usually canned. 

From there, your choice of cat food can be more specified. There are some cat foods that are organic. This is usually the preferred type since you need to give your cats the best food there is. Organic cat food is made of natural ingredients, making it a healthier option.

The basic ingredients for cat foods are meat, chicken, and fish. These are all good sources of animal protein for cats. Remember that there are also plant-based proteins, but cats don’t usually do well with them.

An excessive amount of carbohydrates is detrimental to your cat’s health. So when you choose wet food, check that it has a minimal amount of fillers.

 A sudden change in your pet's appetite and/or eating habits should prompt a visit to your veterinarians Marietta GA.

Fertilizer Poisoning In Dogs

 

Dogs can get poisoned when they get in contact with fertilizers. The effect of fertilizer poisoning varies from mild up to severe. The length of contact with the fertilizer and the manner of poisoning will determine if there will be complications afterward. Some of the complications from the fertilizer could be a stomach ache, severe poisoning, and oral burns.

If the dog accidentally consumed poisonous items, they have eaten something toxic. Compounds found in the fertilizer like phosphorus, nitrogen, and iron are harmful when the dog eats a lot.

Fertilizers are indeed helpful in improving plants. But they can be harmful when the pets consume them or when they get in contact with the skin or mucous membranes. In some instances, the additional ingredients in the fertilizers are more harmful than the fertilizer itself.

Aside from breathing difficulties and vomiting, ingesting fertilizers can lead to skin burns and gastrointestinal ulceration.

If your dog has eaten any type of fertilizer, you should call your animal hospital Marietta, GA so you will be instructed on what to do.

 

Set an appointment here: https://smyrnaveterinary.com/

How To Manage A Dog’s Destructive Behavior

 

Some pet owners have to deal with their dog's destructive behavior at one point or another. When they play too much or chew on objects around the house, they could end up destroying stuff like the carpet, furniture, shoes, and clothes.

Dogs chew as a way to alleviate pain, anxiety, and stress that they feel dogs engage in destructive behavior when they are teething, bored, scared, seeks attention, and suffering from a health condition.

Pet owners should provide physical and mental stimulation to the dog to keep him from doing any destructive behavior and feeling isolated.

Teething dogs should also get chew toys to prevent them from chewing inappropriate objects.

Human parents should also remove potential causes of destructive behavior. This is done by being aware of signs that lead to destructive behavior. For instance, if the dog starts to shiver, it may mean that the dog is feeling scared

You can bring the dog to the vet Marietta, GA to see if there is a medical reason for the dog's destructive behavior.

Travel Tips – Hassle-Free Trips With Your Kitty

 

Road trips, even shorter ones, might frighten your cat and subject her to undue stress. If you do not deal with this, then every trip to your groomers or your vet will become activities that you will not be looking forward to doing.

Your cat may not find being inside a moving vehicle a pleasant experience.  It could be stressful or upsetting for her.  However, there are still trips that you need to take your cat with you.  Having your pet stay inside her crate with some of her favorite toys or blanket could help in calming her down.  So that your cat does not think she has been abandoned, you want to be staying at a spot where she can see you even if she is inside the crate.  While on the move, try sticking your fingers inside the crate so your pet can rub her head on them. You can also try purchasing from pet supply shops some stress relief formulations. Several hours before taking your trip, set aside some time to play and interact with your cat.  Cuddle her and talk to her with a calm and gentle voice.

Call your vet hospital Marietta, GA to make sure that your pet’s preventatives and vaccinations are up to date before taking your pet on trips or outdoor excursions.

More tips can be found at your Smyrna Animal Hospital GA.

When Your Dog Is Bitten By A Snake

 

Sometimes, the effect of snakebites does not show up after a few hours. In general, the victim of a snake bite should be brought to the hospital within 12 hours or 24 hours at most. Some pets might need support and management, but 95% of the cases survive if they get immediate treatment.

Antivenom is the only effective treatment for pit viper bites. Its effect will be felt when it is administered immediately. However, antivenom is expensive. a vial may cost $450 to $ 700 per vial. One vial is sometimes enough to treat venom bites. But the small breed of dogs and cats may sometimes need more than one vial to get better. Some pets overcome snake bites without any antivenom, but its effect cannot be ignored. Antivenom improves the clinical signs of the animal, speeds up the recovery from snake bites, and reduces further complications.

If your pet has been bitten by a snake, take your pet to the nearest animal hospital Marietta, GA immediately.

Treating Gingivitis in Cats Like the Sphynx

Did you know that some research suggests that more than 80 percent of pets three years and older develop some form of gingivitis or gum disease? This makes it even more important for you to check (or have your vet check) your Sphynx cat’s teeth and gums on a routine basis to ensure there is no presence of inflammation or swelling to the gums. Other common signs of gum disease or gingivitis include trouble chewing and eating as well as bad breath. If your Sphynx cat has been diagnosed with gingivitis then your vet may recommend treatment in a variety of ways. First, you should start brushing your cat’s teeth at home on a routine basis. You may also need to schedule a professional teeth cleaning. In addition, your vet may want to remove baby teeth or overcrowded teeth to reduce plaque build-up. If caught early, gingivitis can be reversed. Learn more from your vets Marietta GA.

Dental Care For Pets

 

A regular visit to the veterinarian is beneficial for the dental health of your pets. These visits can help maintain their gums, mouth, and teeth and prevent dental problems. Owners must start implementing a good home dental regimen while their pets are still young so they will grow accustomed to the routine. Aside from regular tooth brushing and checking your pet’s mouth, there are also special dental treats that can help prevent problems associated with plaque and tartar buildup. Kibbles can also help promote dental health compared to canned or wet pet food.

Some pets hate toothbrushing but this is not an excuse to neglect their dental health. There are special dental rinses and additives, special teeth wipes, and other special accessories that can be used to address the dental needs of pets.

 Any sign of a tooth or gum problem should require a visit to your animal hospital Marietta, GA.

 More tips can be found at your Smyrna Animal Hospital Marietta, GA.

4 Ways to Reduce Hairballs in Cats

Your cat’s grooming habit is one reason for the formation of hairballs in the stomach. To help reduce the presence of hairballs, follow these suggestions:

● Remove loose hairs from your cat’s body to prevent these from being ingested

● Use the right grooming tools on your cat

● Give high-fiber cat food

● Keep your cat healthy. Ensuring that your cat is healthy will be beneficial in the long run. Your cat will have healthy skin and a shiny coat, which will eliminate loose hairs.

● Play with your cat often so it will have enough mental and physical motivation. Eventually, it will be fit and will have an ideal weight. In turn, your cat will have more fluid movement and alert.

If you plan on altering your pet’s diet, you should check with your local vet Marietta GA first. If you want to introduce a different exercise program, it is also best to consult your veterinarian beforehand. With proper guidance, you can properly eliminate hairballs in your kitty.

Typical Cat Owner Mistakes to Avoid

 

It takes courage and lifelong commitment to share your home with a pet cat. Like humans, cats have their own basic needs that you need to meet regularly. Cats are indeed independent animals, but they would still benefit and need a cat owner's care and attention. By being aware of the common mistakes that cat owners make, you will be able to avoid them and make your owner-and-cat relationship a lot better.

Declawing

Declawing is not really necessary. Declawing is a painful procedure for cats. You should consider other alternatives to declawing.

Considering a cat as a kind of property

A cat is not a thing or property. Treat it with care and commitment.

Quantity over quality when it comes to cat food choices

Money is hard to come by but you should not skimp on your beloved cat's food. Choose the best high-quality cat food you can afford and find.

Your local pet clinic Marietta GA is a valuable resource about your pet’s health and well-being.

Tips For Preparing Dogs For Colder Weather

 

The winter months can be unforgiving in many parts of the US and Canada. In general, dogs will feel uncomfortable when temperatures dip below 0°C. In this weather, dogs should be confined indoors where it’s warm and just allow them outdoors for some brief exercise and to heed the call of nature. Smaller dogs and those with short hair coats are more vulnerable to the cold compared to larger canine breeds or those with thick hair coats. Senior dogs are also prone to suffer adverse effects compared to younger dogs. Always keep in mind, however, that even with a thick hair coat, a dog’s ears, tail, tails, nose, and paws are very much exposed to the cold. Here are some tips to keep your dog warm and safe this winter. 

● Give your pet a warm, cozy bed. 

● Some breeds, like Chihuahuas and whippets, will benefit from a dog sweater or jacket. 

● Limit your dog’s time outdoors to protect him from frostbite

● After spending time outdoors, protect, and inspect your dog’s paws for signs of frostbite, snow, salts, or antifreeze. 

● Protect your pet against hypothermia

A dog that is showing signs of severe hypothermia will need immediate medical intervention. Bring your pet to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic Marietta GA ASAP.

Factors To Consider When Hiring a Pet Sitter

A professional pet sitter provides a service by taking care of your pet at your own home (he or she comes to your house once or a few times a day (depending on how much time you've agreed upon). In some cases, the professional pet sitter is tasked to stay home and guard and take care of your beloved pet, especially when you are away for a long trip or business travel. This live-in or stay-in option is a better option and is quite popular with many pet owners because it helps reduce the stress experienced by your pet significantly, whenever you are not at home. Bringing your pet to a new location (like pet care or pet boarding facility) is a lot more stressful for your beloved pet, plus it could introduce infection or disease to your pet in such environments. If you plan to be away for two or more days, you should ideally arrange with a professional pet sitter weeks or a month before your departure.

You could also inquire about reliable pet sitters from your professional vet clinic Marietta GA.

Dental X-Rays For Pets

Pet health procedures have now become more advanced and sophisticated, and dental procedures are no exception. Dental x-rays are now important tools in diagnosing and treating tooth and gum problems in cats and dogs. Dental problems can be quite deceiving. You may think that there is nothing wrong with your pet’s mouth because you can’t find anything wrong about the animal’s gumline. However, there are a lot of things that can go wrong underneath the gumline. Dental x-rays are also excellent in checking resorptive lesions which is very common dental problem in cats. Tooth and gum problems bring pain and discomfort to affected pets. Regular tooth brushing, early detection and medical intervention are very important to prevent pets from suffering. You should be more sensitive to your pet’s health and behavior. Any change, even though how subtle it may be, should be brought to the attention of your veterinarians Marietta, GA so your pet can be examined thoroughly and may need to undergo several tests. Proper diagnosis is necessary so the appropriate treatment can be given ASAP.

Feline coat basics

You are going to be a cat owner soon and you are eager to learn all you can about your new addition and feline friends in general. What should you know about their coats in order to help care for them properly?

There are a lot of different types of cats out there and this means that there are a lot of different coat types as well. Cats can range from hairless to longhaired, and this means that some of the different varieties will be more obvious than others. There are fluffy coats and bristly coats and both smooth and curly varieties. To care for your pet’s coat properly, you will need to make sure to understand what type of fur she has and what is needed to keep it in top shape. For more information, please contact your local vet clinic Marietta, GA.