Why You Should Spay/Neuter Your Dog

Spaying or neutering your dog reduces unwanted litters of puppies. However, there are other benefits. You can expect less territorial marking if your dog is sterilized. Your dog will also have less urges to wander off looking for mates. Sterilization will help your dog become more calm and dedicated to you and your family so he won’t want to be somewhere else. Your dog may be less active after spaying or neutering so there may be some weight gain. A little extra exercise can control this sedentary-based weight gain. You can expect a decreased risk of certain cancers if your dog is spayed or neutered such as uterine and breast cancer in females and prostate cancer in males. Spaying and neutering is a surgical procedure done under anesthesia. There is always some risk with surgery but the long-term benefits of sterilization far outweigh them. For more information, contact your veterinarian Norwalk, CA.

Your feline friend’s sleeping habits

You have a cat in your life who enjoys spending time in your home. She can often be found playing nearby, but you catch her napping more than anything. Why does she sleep so much?

Your pet needs to be able to relax in your home and her sleeping habits require her to rest often. She needs a lot of sleep and will take advantage of the calm and peaceful times in your living space. This means that she will also be found napping throughout the day, allowing her to get up and meet her other needs in between sleep sessions. This allows her to also check out what’s going on in your home so she is less likely to miss something interesting that’s going on. Your local veterinarian Sugar Land, TX can help you care for your pet. Learn more here. https://staffordoaksvet.com/

How Much Should You Feed Your Cat Per Day?

Discuss cat food brands and nutrient requirements with your vet before purchasing a cat food. Your vet can direct you to a few name brands and recommend dry or wet food. If you go with dry food look for a food that fits your cat’s age, breed, size and activity levels. For instance, if your Maine Coon is just a kitten you will need to feed a kitten food. If your Bengal is over 6 years old then look for a cat food for seniors. Once you find the food that fits your cat’s age range, look on the back for a chart on feeding. You will need to pick out your cat’s weight and activity level (or weight and size or weight and age). This will tell you how much to feed your cat per day. The serving should be divided if you feed twice a day. Ask your veterinarian Coon Rapids, MN for further assistance.

Your cat’s love of exploration

You have a feline friend sharing your home with you and you are happy to enjoy your time together. This means that you have been able to get to know your pet rather well, but some aspects of her behavior are still a bit mysterious to you. This makes you wonder – why does your pet love to explore so much?

Your pet loves to check out new areas within your home whenever she gets the chance to because it allows her to get some mental stimulation within a comfortable environment. Your pet likes knowing she is safe and secure within your home, but still has an adventurous spirit. She enjoys acting on her curious nature and has fun checking out new and different things within your home. Your local vet clinic Bee Cave TX can help you better understand what your pet needs from you.

Ear Mites in Cats

Did you know that ear mites are responsible for about 50% of ear problems in cats? Yes, these pesky parasites are very contagious, which means they can easily be passed from one cat to the next. Cats with ear mites tend to frequently scratch and shake their heads. There may also be buildup of thick wax and there may be dark debris from the cat’s ears. Cats that are constantly scratching their ears and shaking their heads should be checked out by the veterinarian because without proper intervention, there may be loss of hair and the skin around the ears may become irritated, paving the way for secondary skin infection. Although there are many products that claims it can be used to treat ear mites in cats, it is recommended that you bring your pet to your veterinarian Marietta, GA so a safe and effective medication can be given. Take note that cats can be extremely sensitive to certain medications.    

Cat Coats in the House

Does your cat spend a lot of time outdoors during the colder months? If so, you may have him or her wearing a coat for an extra layer of protection from the elements. Be careful that your cat doesn’t leave the yard wearing the coat. The coat could get stuck or hung up if your cat goes wandering in the woods, etc. When your cat comes indoors you may want to remove the coat. If your home is on the warm and toasty side definitely remove the coat. If you like your home a little cooler or you just warm part of the house then leave the coat on. You can place your hand between your cat’s fur and the coat to see if she’s too warm. Breeds that may need a coat include the Manx, Siamese, the Sphynx, etc. For more tips and suggestions, consult with your veterinarian Crown Point, IN. 

Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone To Joint Problems?

Most experts believe that a dog’s size and weight is an important predisposing factor of joint problems. The bigger and heavier a dog is, the higher chances it will have of developing joint problems. However, there are certain joint problems that are specific for certain breeds of dogs. Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to elbow dysplasia, while Rottweilers suffer from more knee and ankle problems. Newfoundland’s have also been shown to have the highest number of cases of cruciate ligament problems of all canine breeds. Breeding for specific traits has also paved the way for more undesirable traits, such as joint and bone problems. Joint problems can be treated in two ways -- surgical and non-surgical treatments. The surgical route may range from a simple arthroscopic cleaning to total replacement of the joint. Non-surgical treatment involves management of the dog’s weight and body condition as well as medications. You should work closely with your veterinarians Roanoke, VA in managing your pet’s joint problems.