Why Your Dog Should Be Groomed

No matter what breed of dog you own it’s important to keep him groomed on a routine basis. For some dogs like the Labrador retriever, a trim is not needed very often because the coat hair is short. Even though the dog doesn’t need a trim he still needs to be groomed. By groomed we mean brushed, bathed, brushed some more, nails clipped, teeth brushed, etc. Grooming your dog doesn’t just make him look good but it also makes him feel good and it benefits his overall health. Brushing the coat of a dog (whether long or short-haired) keeps dirt and small insects at bay and reveals any hiding fleas or ticks. Brushing your dog’s teeth keeps his teeth and gums fresh and clean and reduces the chances of gingivitis. Keeping the nails trimmed keeps your dog’s feet comfortable. Grooming is important whether you’re showing or just staying home. Call your veterinarian Helotes, TX to learn more.

Cleaning Your Chinchilla

Wild chinchillas live in the desert. Thus your chinchilla might be very frightened if you try to submerge him in water to give him a bath. He would prefer a dust bath instead. You can obtain chinchilla sand from a reputable pet supply store. This sand is coarse enough that it doesn’t create dust that can lead to respiratory problems. Purchase a chinchilla dust bath or use a shallow plastic container. Pour a few inches of chinchilla sand in the container. Place it in your chinchilla’s enclosure so he can jump in and roll around. Remove the dust bath after about fifteen minutes. Otherwise your chinchilla may use it as a litter box. Keep on trying and eventually your chinchilla will learn to use and enjoy the dust bath. Allow your chinchilla to use the dust bath several times a week to keep him clean and shiny. For more information, contact your animal hospital Bourne, MA.

Changing Up Your Dog’s Food

Is your dog refusing to eat his food? Is he getting sick from it or is he just walking away? If he’s getting sick from it then you should call your vet and schedule a checkup. Your dog may be developing an allergy to the food or there could be another illness developing that needs your vet’s attention. If your dog simply doesn’t like the food then try him on a new flavor or a new brand.  Your vet can help you pick the best food for your pup. When you switch make sure you do so slowly. Mix some of the old food with the new food and then serve it. After two or three days you should be able to switch your dog completely to the new food. If this doesn’t work then you may want to consider adding a topper to the food to entire your dog to eat it. Consult with your vet clinic Teller County, CO for more tips.

Ensuring Your Guinea Pig Gets Enough Exercise

To keep your guinea pig’s bones and muscles healthy and prevent obesity, he needs to exercise. He spends most of his time in his enclosure so give him fun and active things to play with there. Your guinea pig may enjoy playing with balls and other toys. And climbing apparatus encourage movement. Plan for exercise and socialization time outside the enclosure daily. Use this time constructively so your guinea pig participates in active play and exploration. He will have fun running through PVC or cardboard tunnels and ramps get him climbing. Your guinea pig will enjoy climbing over and on you. Be careful that he doesn’t fall off you. Supervise your guinea pig whenever he is outside his enclosure. Keep small children and pets from injuring him. Protect him from hazards such as falls, electrocution from electric cords, and choking or poisoning from eating unsafe things. For more information, contact your animal hospital Seminole, FL.

What to think about before bringing your feathery friend out of her cage

You have a bird in your life who you love interacting with and you want to keep her close as often as you can. This makes you wonder – what should you think about before bringing her out of her cage?

Your bird needs you to put her safety first and take the time to ready your surroundings for her presence. Make sure any doors or windows are closed and that you have made a point to block off any other areas that she could sneak into. Remove any hazardous items from her reach and make sure she has plenty of toys and activities at her disposal to help keep her busy. You should also make sure you are ready to supervise her when you bring her out and that others in your home are aware of her presence. Your local vet Folsom, CA can offer additional suggestions.

Possible Causes Of Vomiting In Dogs

Vomiting in dogs is caused by a lot of issues. While some cases resolve on their own without medical intervention, there are vomiting issues that need prompt veterinary attention.  Here are some common causes of vomiting in dogs:

• Food allergy and food intolerance are two distinct issues that can be important causes of vomiting in dogs. Food allergies occur when the dog’s immune system responds to a specific ingredient in pet food. Although food intolerance tends to have similar symptoms with food allergies, the adverse reaction does not involve the immune system.

• Bilious Vomiting Syndrome (BVS) –Have you noticed your dog vomiting a yellow-green color that does not contain any undigested food? This could be due to BVS. It appears that dogs react negatively to the bile in their stomach, especially when the stomach is empty. The problem may also be caused by stomach upset caused by reflux from the intestines. The issue is usually observed before the dog has eaten anything in the morning or evening.

Sudden changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior should warrant an appointment with your animal hospital New Orleans, LA.

Why Dental Health Is Important In Pets

Tooth and gum problems are among the top health issues that affect cats and dogs. Pet owners play an important role in their pet’s healthcare and one of its important components is dental health. You should make a habit of checking your pet’s mouth regularly to spot any sign of a problem that needs to be brought to the attention of your veterinarian. Your pet can also benefit from a regular home dental regimen that includes daily tooth cleaning with a tooth brush or dental wipes.

When a cat or dog is suffering from a periodontal problem, bacteria in the mouth can enter the blood circulation when they chew. This can lead to a condition called bacteremia, which can be life-threatening as it has been identified as an important predisposing factor to bacterial endocarditis, a serious disease affecting the heart valves. Bacteria in the blood can also have an adverse effect on major organs of the body with the highest flow of blood, such as the kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and liver.   

Your pet will benefit from regular dental checks at a vet clinic New Orleans, LA.