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.

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.

Can I Keep A Cat On Vegetarian Diet?

 

Have you always been on a vegetarian diet? If this is the case, you may also want to get a pet with whom you can share such a meal option. Now, be informed that cats should not be included in your option. This species cannot thrive and sustain itself by feeding only on green, leafy vegetables. 

Understand that felines are obligate carnivores. What does this mean? This case implies that cats need to consume meat to be healthy and support their bodily functions throughout their lifetime. Do not even think about trying to introduce your cat to a vegetarian diet because it can harm her and put her at great risk.

Cats are not born to consume only veggies. Thus, the bodies of these animals are used to and need the nutrients present in meat for them to survive. But, if you will still push through with having a vegetarian pet, go get a rabbit instead of a cat.

Know more about your pet’s nutritional needs during your pet’s health and wellness visits to your animal clinic Anderson, IN.

Keeping Your Cat Indoors

 

Did you know that one of the best things you can do for your feline buddy is to ground her? Cats are curious and playful, and they do like going outside and enjoying fresh air. However, your pet faces some very serious threats in the great outdoors. Cars, weather, chemicals, and wild animals are some of the biggest risks. Kitties that are allowed out are also at greater risk of being hurt, lost, or even killed. They are also more susceptible to parasites. 

One thing that is very important is making sure that your home is fun and exciting for your pet. Set out lots of toys and cat furniture for your kitty to explore and play with. You may also want to get some pet-safe plants, to give your furry little friend a taste of the outdoors. You can find many safe ones listed on the ASPCA website.

Make sure to bring your kitty to your animal hospital Anderson, IN regularly for exams and wellness care! 

Caring for Senior Pets

 

Aging is a natural part of life. At some point, our pets will reach senior status. Love, care, and attention will benefit our pets as they age. As pet owners, we are responsible for ensuring our senior pets live healthy and enjoyable lives during their last few years.

Senior pets require additional veterinary appointments to detect health issues early and treat them before significant problems make treatment more difficult.

Vaccinations and parasite prevention are musts for senior pets. Veterinarians require these as the immune systems of senior pets begin to weaken.

Regular exercise also assists senior pets in maintaining their appropriate weight while also improving their general health. You can speak with your veterinarian about a recommended exercise program based on your pet’s health and limits.

You may also do modifications at home as some senior pets have mobility issues, such as making food and water containers more accessible and placing non-slip floor mats.

Your the pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your veterinary clinic Anderson, IN. Click here to know more about their services. 

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.

What is a Reeve’s Turtle ?

Are you looking for a pet turtle? How about the Reeve’s turtle? This turtle also goes by the name of Chinese Pond turtle. The Reeve’s turtle originated in central and eastern China as well as North and South Korea, Taiwan and Japan. These turtles thrive in habitats like lakes, ponds or small streams. They love slow moving water that has a close bottom full of soft dirt and a lot of vegetation and plenty of places to bask in the sun along the river’s banks. The Reeve’s turtle may also be found  in swamps, marshes and rice paddy fields. This type of turtle can grow to be as large as 9 inches, but most grow no larger than 6 inches in length. This type of turtle can also be kept an in inside tank or outside pond. The average lifespan of a “pet” Reeve’s turtle is 10 to 15 years. Contact your veterinarians Anderson IN to know more.