How to Dress your Cat for a Walk in the Snow

Does your cat like to go on walks? If so, make sure you dress her appropriately for a walk in the snow. First, you and your cat should both wear some type of reflective or bright clothing and gear so that you don’t blend in with the snow. If it’s snowing you may want your cat to wear a rain coat to protect against the wet snow. If the snow is soft you will most likely have no problem walking in it. For icy pathways though your cat may need paw protectors to give her traction on the ice and to protect her paws from any chemicals used on the sidewalks to treat the ice. If it’s super cold your cat may need a blanket. Maine Coon’s are pretty well covered in their own fur but a Siamese may be cold because of her thin coat. For more tips and suggestions, give your veterinarians Hyattsville, MD a call.

Things to Ask Your Vet at Your Cat’s Checkup

It’s important to make the most of your cat’s annual vet visits. The time is all yours so take advantage of it and run things by your vet that you’re unsure about when it comes to your cat’s health and habits. For instance, ask your vet if your cat’s weight is good or if it’s over or under what it should be. Tell your vet what you feed your cat (food and snacks) and ask if there’s something you should do different. Tell your vet how much and how often you feed your cat. If your cat has any peculiar habits that he’s just started (i.e. missing the litter box occasionally) tell your vet. This is also a good time to make sure your cat is drinking enough water and getting enough exercise. There’s not a wrong question you can ask your veterinarians Las Vegas, NV so any concerns you have about your cat voice them at your appointment.

Pros And Cons Of Giant Dog Breeds

Many dogs that are classified as giant breeds weigh over 100 pounds. Despite their sizes, these dogs are gentle and very loyal. Some of these dogs make ideal pets for families with kids. They can also be easy to train and won’t need as much physical activity because their energy levels are not very high. But having a giant dog breed in the home means there should be enough space for everyone and everything in the household. It will also mean a bigger budget for food, pet supplies like crate, collar, leash, food and water bowls, etc. If your pet has large jowls, you should be prepared to deal with copious amounts of drool. Many of these dogs are also prone to various congenital diseases that can affect major organs of the body. Compared to most dogs, these gentle giants have shorter lifespans. The average lifespan of most dogs is 12-15 years while it’s only 6-10 years for the giant breeds.

Take your pet to your veterinarians Marietta, GA for regular wellness checks to ensure his health and well-being.   

Health tips For Cats - How to Keep Your Senior Cat Healthy into Old Age

Cats that remain healthy and active during their growing up and adult years tend to have a better quality of life during their senior years. However there are also other factors that can influence the longevity of cats including heredity, breed, and the care and attention they received from their owners. Here are ways to take a proactive approach to your cat’s health and well-being:

l  Read up about your cat’s breed so you will have an idea about potential risk factors associated with their health.

l  Never compromise your pet’s health when it comes to meeting his dietary needs. Always give a lifestage-appropriate premium quality pet food.

l  Check your cat regularly for fleas, ticks, mites, bumps, lumps, injuries, etc. and bring them to the attention of your veterinarian.

l  Provide adequate opportunities for physical and mental stimulation.

l  Don’t skip or keep on postponing your pet’s wellness checks and dental visits to your veterinary clinic Pickerington, OH. 

Can Dogs And Cats Be Allergic To Poison Ivy?

The hypersensitive reaction that is triggered when people are exposed to poison ivy is caused by the Urushiol, an oily substance that is present in the plant. Fortunately, dogs and cats are not allergic to Urushiol thus they don’t develop any rashes even if they rolled in it. They may also be protected from the effects of the allergen by their hair coats. The bad news is, uroshiol can stick to their hair coats and this means they can carry the substance inside the home and spread it on surfaces, objects, and even people. Because it is oily, it can exist in the surroundings for quite some time. If your pet was exposed to poison ivy, be sure to bathe him before allowing him inside the home. Remember to wear gloves to avoid getting into contact with the substance.

If your pet appears to be engaged in persistent scratching, a visit to your vet clinic Tipp City, OH should be made sooner rather than later. 

Is It A Good Idea To Adopt A Pet During The Holidays?

There is a right time to adopt a pets and this is not during the holidays when everyone is busy and in a rush for last minute shopping, parties, travel, etc. There is so much noise and house guests come and go. If you choose to adopt a pet during the holidays, you will hardly have enough time to help your new pet through the transition period. Training a new pet will also need a substantial amount of time and effort. It is best to forego bringing home a new pet until after the holidays when everything is back to normal and you have enough time to devote to a newly adopted pet.

Unfortunately, there are people who give away pets as gifts. But experts frown upon this practice. The decision to have a new pet should be deliberated on carefully so every member of the family can pitch in and help make the new pet’s transition period a positive experience for everyone in the household.

Your new pet needs to be taken to your veterinary clinic Teller County, CO for a wellness check and to have his vaccinations updated. 

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.