Why You Shouldn’t Shave Your Dog During Summer

 

Shaving is not recommended for dogs especially those with double-coats. The outer layer of their hair coat is composed of long hairs that protect them from the elements. Underneath the outer layer is a soft undercoat that keeps the dog warm and dry, A dog’s undercoat can grow very thick during winter, especially in dogs that are exposed to snow or ice. During summer, the soft undercoat is shed off, but the outer coat remains in place to protect the dog from sunburn and to provide insulation against the heat. Air circulation through the guard hairs is also enhanced which can keep the skin cool. Double-layered hair coats only grow to a certain length, unlike dogs with single-layered coats whose hair just keeps on growing.

When a dog with a double hair coat is shaved, it can ruin the hair coat. It can result in changes to the coat texture. Also, if you’re shaving your dog to keep him cool during the summer, it won’t serve the purpose. Shaving off the guard hairs and the undercoat can increase your dog’s risk of getting sunburned.

Signs of skin or hair coat problems should be brought to the attention of your vet clinic Sarasota FL.

Mange in Cattle

 

Mange, also known as allergic dermatitis, is a condition wherein cattle are infected by nasty parasites called mites. Mites are nasty and pesky parasites that thrive on the skin layers of cattle and other animals. Cattle can acquire mites by having some direct contact with an animal that has been infected by mites. Once the mites “have landed” in a cattle’s skin, it can stay there for approximately two weeks and this is the time when they can wreak havoc by creating an infection.

When cattle are infested by mites, you would notice the cattle have irritation as well as intense itching. 

These reactions by cattle can lead to it having inflammation, raw skin, as well as sores. As time goes by, there can be skin scabs, crusts, as well as exudates. If this infestation is left unchecked and uncontrolled, the mange infestation can eventually bring about skin thickening and have a huge negative impact on the cattle’s quality of life.

Any problems affecting the skin of cattle should be checked out by a veterinary clinic Dahlonega GA.

Rainy Day Dog Walking Essentials

Regular leash walks are excellent opportunities to gain physical and mental stimulation for your dog. But what happens if the weather is not so perfect for walks, and the rain is falling? Some canine breeds still enjoy the outdoors even when it’s raining and they get wet. But some aren’t so keen about getting wet. But still, there is a need to go outdoors to go potty. To make outdoor excursions less stressful during rainy days, here are some tips to make your pup ‘rain-ready’.

• Buy a doggie raincoat or rain gear that will fit your pet comfortably without restricting his movements. The waterproof material will keep your pet warm and well-protected from the elements.
• There are special types of leashes that come with a doggie umbrella attached near the base. This is for dogs that hate the feel of a raincoat against their skin and hair coat or feel their movement being restricted.
• There are also rain boots for dogs to keep their paws warm and protect them from the elements. For more slippery areas, there are rubber socks with more grippy bottoms.

 If you have concerns about your pet’s health and/or behavior, call your animal hospital Middletown DE.

Myth-Busting: Myths About Hamsters

Although hamsters are among the most popular pets around, there are still myths that make the rounds of pet owners and those that are planning to bring home a pair or two. Here are the most common myths about hamsters:

Myth #1 - Hamsters can be housed in small cages because they are small. 

No, even with their small size, hamsters won’t thrive in small cages. They need enough space to engage in natural behaviors, such as burrowing and roaming around. Also, it has been observed that hamsters living spacious cages tend to be more docile. The minimum space requirement for dwarf hamsters is 70 cm by 40 cm, while for Syrian hamsters, it’s 80 cm by 50 cm. 

Myth #2 - A hamster should be housed with another hamster so they could keep each other company.

Nope! Hamsters are solitary creatures. They are very territorial and could be very aggressive and fight it out with another hamster. Housing hamsters together can be very stressful for them. 

Myth #3 - Scented litter can be used as bedding for hamsters

Hamsters are very sensitive to strong scent, thus you should only use unscented bedding. Steer clear of pine or cedar bedding materials because they contain a substance that can cause adverse reactions, such as respiratory issues in hamsters.

Your veterinarian Middletown DE is a valuable source of information about your pet’s needs. 

Health Checks For Pet Cats

 

Regular health checks are important for cats. It’s one of the best ways to take a proactive approach to your pet’s health and well-being. 

Kittens from reputable breeders have received their first dose of vaccinations when they arrive in their new homes. It will be the responsibility of the new owner to get copies of the kitten’s vaccination certificates from the breeder or previous owner and making sure that the kitten’s vaccinations are up-to-date by taking the kitten to the vet on the specified dates for booster shots. A visit to the vet clinic for a new kitten wellness check should also be included in the ‘to-do’ list of new kitten owners. The purpose of this initial visit is to make sure everything is fine with the new kitten. Be sure to bring your kitten’s vaccination and health records so they could be filed at the clinic’s database. The information in these records is very important for your pet’s medical history documentation. It is also a good idea to make a list of questions or concerns about your pet that you could share with your veterinarian London ON during your pet’s wellness check.

When Is The Best Time To Spay Or Neuter Rabbits?

 

Experts recommend spaying (females) or neutering (males) rabbits shortly after they become sexually mature. Depending on the rabbit’s breed, sexual maturity can occur between 4-6 months of age. Giant rabbit breeds, however, could possibly undergo sexual maturity when they’re about 9 months of age. 

Fixing rabbits that are younger than 4 months old is not recommended because their reproductive organs are still underdeveloped which can make surgery more difficult. The male’s testicles might not have descended yet into the scrotal sac. 

How is sexual maturity in rabbits determined? In males, the testicles should already be present in the scrotal sac. In females, a swollen vulva may be noticed. Sexually mature rabbits also display changes in behavior such as urine spraying and increased displays of aggressive behavior. 

If you have questions and/or concerns about spaying and neutering of rabbits, consult your vets Anderson IN.

Caring for your first pet

 

You have wanted to add a new addition to your family for a while now, but you knew you had to wait until the time was right. You think it’s finally time to bring a pet home, and you are getting ready to do so. What should you know about caring for your very first furry companion?

It’s important to prepare for your pet’s arrival so you can focus on her right from the start. This prevents running around at the last minute to try and find the pet supplies she needs. Be sure to take the time to determine what her needs will be, gain any skills you will need to care for her, and set up your home so it’s a comfortable place for her to spend her time. Your local veterinarians Marion, IA area can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.