Cats and Gum Disease

Did you know that gum disease can happen in cats just like it does in people, dogs and other animals? Cats can get gum disease from tartar and plaque buildup on their teeth. It’s important for your cat to have its teeth cleaned either by you on a weekly routine or by a professional veterinarian at least every six to twelve months. If you brush at home, use a vet approved toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also use teeth wipes which are designed to allow you to simply wipe down the teeth. These wipes can be found in pet stores and online. You can also use a piece of cloth or gauze to wipe down the teeth. One of the first signs of gum disease like gingivitis is extreme bad breath or halitosis. If your cat has bad breath that isn’t getting better, please call your veterinary clinic Mt. Airy MD.

Keeping your chickens safe

You have some feathery friends in your life and you want to make sure you are able to look after them in a way that will keep them out of harm’s way. How can you keep your chickens safe?

Your chickens may not be aware of the dangers that exist in your backyard, so it’s important that you take the time to prevent them from coming into contact with them. This will mean keeping an eye on them to ensure their needs are being met. It will also mean removing hazards from the areas they spend time in and offering them a chicken coop in order to shield them from predators and the elements. Be sure to evaluate their care often so you can make changes as needed to keep them as safe as they can be. For additional information, please contact your local veterinarians Mt. Airy, MD.

Positive Reinforcement Tips For Cat Training

Training methods that use positive reinforcement have been shown to achieve the desired results within a shorter length of time. In fact, many professional trainers use positive reinforcement for dog training and getting rid of undesirable habits and behaviors. Cats undergo basic training programs as early as possible. The promise of treats and the desire to please their humans help them sail through training. For positive reinforcement to be effective, the reward, such as a treat, lavish praise, etc. should be given immediately after the desired behavior is displayed by the cat. This is the best way to tell your kitty that you are pleased with his progress. When training pets, there is no place for punishment or any form of negative reinforcement because it is counterproductive and will only confuse the animal. Don’t hesitate to discuss your pet’s training needs on your next visit to your vet clinic Mt. Airy, MD.

Campylobacter Infections in Dogs and Cats

Campylobacter infections can occur not only in cats, dogs, and humans but also in other warm-blooded animals. The primary avenue by which the infection is transmitted to susceptible animals is through ingestion of meat and meat products that have been contaminated and/or uncooked. Directed contact with contaminated fecal materials is also an important mode of infection. Pets that are placed on a raw diet program can have higher risks of acquiring the infection.

The number of cases of Campylobacter infections tends to be higher in puppies and kittens that are under 6 months old. Infected pets suffer diarrhea which is brought about by the action of the toxin produced by the causative agent. Other signs include vomiting, fever, and sudden loss of appetite.

Fortunately, you can protect your pet from Campylobacter infections by several ways. These include giving only premium quality diet and/or cooked food, storing pet food at an appropriate temperature to avoid spoilage, not giving raw or unpasteurized milk to your pet, and avoid mixing raw meat with other foods.

You should call your veterinary clinic Mt. Airy, MD if your pet’s diarrhea has been going on for a day, more so if it is accompanied by other signs of infection.