Dogs and Baby Gates

Did you know you don’t need to have a baby or toddlers to own and use a baby gate? That’s right, baby gates are great training tools when caring for pets especially dogs. Before you bring your new puppy or adult canine home, you may want to invest in a few baby gates. You can use the gates to block off rooms that you don’t want your dog in without having to shut the door (if there are doors). For puppies, you may need to use a baby gate to keep your puppy in a safe area when you’re busy working around the house. For instance, the kitchen or bathroom is often suggested as the flooring is almost always some type of tile or hardwood floor. Accidents are easy to clean here. Creating a safe room with toys and things that your puppy can play with is also a good idea. Click to learn more from your vets Lakeville, MN.

Japanese Bobtail Cat

The Japanese Bobtail is said to be a sacred cat of Japan. Why? In the 1600s a royal decree was issued to release the cats ad set them free. This mass release was an effort to kill the rodents and save the prized silk work and it worked. The silk industry was saved and from then on the cat was thought to be sacred and in some circles even worshiped. To Japanese Bobtail is a small, playful cat that loves to play fetch and enjoys “talking” and even “singing”. His name comes from the small bobbed tail that resembles the cotton tail of a small rabbit. The tail is often curly. Unlike the American Bobtail, the Japanese Bobtail is never completely without a tail. The Japanese Bobtail has all of its tail vertebrates, they’re just incredibly small. Learn more here or call your pet clinic Lakeville MN.

Caring for your cat’s coat

Your cat’s coat is what helps keep her skin safe from the elements and you want to make sure you are able to help keep her fur in great condition. How can you do this?

Your pet needs you to take the time to think about what care her coat needs, what she is able to offer it, and what part you will play in its upkeep. This means that you will need to take the time to see what areas your pet is grooming well and what she has trouble getting to. Bring home a brush that is made for your pet’s fur type so you can tend to her needs efficiently. Be sure to pay particular attention to areas that are prone to tangling or tend to pick up debris throughout the day. For additional information, please contact your local vets Lakeville, MN.

Why Obese Cats Should Lose Weight

Did you know that the number of cats that are classified as overweight or obese is continuously growing, so much so that experts declare it as an epidemic? Indeed, obesity is one of the top nutritional health problems faced by the feline population. There are several predisposing factors which have been implicated in pet obesity. These include

improper feeding practices, including feeding kitten food to adult cats, or vice versa. Each lifestage has a specific nutritional need, thus ensuring that your pet receives a lifestage-appropriate diet is of utmost importance. Kittens and growing cats need more protein and calories because they are still growing and their needs for energy is higher than the other lifestages. On the other hand, mature cats lead a more sedentary life and will require fewer calories. Another important predisposing factor of obesity in cats is the so-called free-grazing, when pet owners continue to top up their pet’s food throughout the day, so there will be food to eat anytime your pet wants to eat.

Bring your pet to your animal hospital Lakeville, MN for a regular wellness check. 

Positive Reinforcement During Training

Dogs will work hard for a reward-a treat, a favorite toy, playtime, cuddles, and lavish praise. If you using treats for your training your pet, you should keep these important pointers in mind:

l  The treat must be your pet’s favorite so it would be enticing and irresistible for him. You may have to try out several types of treats to see which works best for your pet.

l  For training, choose bite-sized treatsand these should be quite soft so it will be easier for him to swallow and get his attention back to you. Don’t choose a treat that he has to chew for several minutes for this can interrupt the training process.

l  Use several of his favorite treats. Dogs love variety and can get bored with they are given the same treat.

l  When giving a treat, always accompany it with lots of praise using a happy voice.

Don’t hesitate to call your vet Lakeville, MN if there are sudden changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior. 

Persistent Barking In Dogs - Why You Should Ignore The Behavior

Excessive and persistent barking in dogs can be an attention-seeking behavior. Dogs that engage in this bad habit are often ‘rewarded’ by their owners with some attention. Realizing that they could get their owners’ attention by behaving this way, they will continue engaging in this annoying habit. If you share the same problem with many pet owners out there, you may be guilty of reinforcing your pet’s behavior. Looking his way or shouting at your pooch to stop are ‘rewards’ to your pet’s barking. You should be consistent about not giving any attention to your errant pet - don’t talk, touch, or even glance at his direction. If he keeps still and quiet even for just a very short time, be quick to reward him with a treat.

Consult with your Burnsville Parkway hospital Lakeville, MN if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior.