Litter Box Problems -- Have You Just Switched To A New Litter?

Cats, just like humans, also differ in their preferences and tastes. Litter boxes are no exception to that. Switching to a new litter box may affect the behavior of your pet cat. If you notice that your cat steers clear of the new litter box and will not use it, it means that your cat does not like its new litter box. Some cats do their business elsewhere when their old litter boxes are gone. Litter can also come in different scents to which cats may negatively react. Pet parents remedy this problem by using an unscented litter so their cats will use the litter box to do their thing.

Knowing your cat’s preferences may help you in choosing the right type of litter for them. These litters come in an array of selections. There are scented and also unscented types, plant-based litters, recycled paper litters, those that clump and do not clump, and also there are those made from the by-products of wood. It is important to take a gradual approach in replacing your cat’s litter. Gradually adding a new litter while reducing the quantity of the old litter type can help in the transition of litter boxes.

If you have concerns about your pet’s litter box habits, contact your veterinarian Gresham, OR.

Killing Fleas with Sprays and Foggers

 

Fleas are parasites that can irritate both humans and pet animals. They feed on blood, and their bite causes skin irritations such as redness and itchiness. In pet animals, there are various products available in the market to ward off fleas. These include topical and oral medications, soaps and shampoos, flea dips, and flea collars. Failure to treat flea cases will most likely result in flea infestation, which cannot be treated by anti-flea medications and products alone. The most effective way to eliminate a severe infestation is by spraying and fogging using chemicals that target both flea eggs and adult fleas. If you are planning to do your flea treatment at home, check with your veterinarian Portland, OR on the most effective anti-flea spray product. Keep also the chemicals away from children’s reach. Severe cases of infestation will already require the hiring of a professional pest exterminator to do the fogging.

Probiotics For Dogs And Cats

 

Probiotics are made up of microorganisms that provide beneficial effects to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of pets and even humans. A good percentage of these microorganisms are lactic acid bacteria. They help maintain a healthy balance of the microbial environment in the GIT while supporting digestion function. Probiotics are now commonly used as dietary supplements for pets. With a healthy beneficial microbial population in the gut, harmful microorganisms are out-numbered and are prevented from initiating a problem. Supplementation should be done regularly because microbial components can quickly diminish when it’s stopped. There is a need to constantly maintain the status quo within the GIT to help promote optimum health and function of the animal. There are instances, however, when there is an imbalance in the microbial population in the GUT which can pave the way for medical issues to set in. Antibiotic treatment, stress, dietary changes, etc. are just some of the factors that can upset the balance. Giving your pet probiotic supplements can help re-establish the beneficial bacterial population and restore the balance in the gut. 

If you have questions or concerns about the use of probiotics on pets, consult your veterinarian Jacksonville, FL. Visit website https://vetsjacksonville.com/ to learn more.

Some Reasons Why Dogs Lick Carpets

Does your canine buddy have the odd habit of licking the carpet? Dogs don’t just engage in behaviors out of the blue. An underlying cause is almost always at play. Carpet licking in dogs can be traced back to a variety of causes, but pinpointing the underlying causes is easier said than done. First, you have to rule out the possibility that your pet’s behavior is caused by an underlying health issue. A visit to your vet can help establish whether it’s an illness-related issue or not. If the vet gives your pet a clean bill of health, the next possibility to consider is a behavioral issue. It’s a good idea to record the dog’s behavior so your vet can see more details. Some causes that experts have identified to explain the behavior include nausea and/or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD),  a mouth or throat problem, an abnormal increase in food consumption (polyphagia), neurological problem, anxiety, compulsive disorder, canine cognitive dysfunction, pica, or attention-seeking behavior. 

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, call your vet Jacksonville FL.

Signs of Fatty Liver Disease in Dogs

 

Is your dog showing signs of not feeling well? Make sure you watch him closely and definitely call your vet for assistance. There are numerous reasons why a dog may not be feeling well. Small breeds, for instance, are known to develop illnesses such as fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease, which is also known as Hepatic Lipidosis, happens when large amounts of fat are deposited into the liver. The liver cannot process the fat and begins to swell and shut down other vital functions. When this occurs, you may notice symptoms in your dog that include prolonged anorexia, rapid weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, muscle wasting, depression, yellowing of the eyes, drooling, and possible collapse in later stages. If your dog has any of these symptoms, contact your vet. Diagnosis and treatment are needed right away in order to prevent further damage to the liver. Always consult with your vet clinic Ashburn, VA before treating your dog. To know more, click this website Lansdowne Animal Hospital.

What to Do If Your Dog is Burned

 

Canine burns can be minor or very serious. It’s best to call your vet as soon as you realize your dog has been burned. You may be instructed on what to do initially over the phone before bringing your dog to the vet. If the burn isn’t too serious at home treatment may be all that is needed. In most situations, burns are either caused by chemicals, electricity, or heat from liquids or hot objects. If possible, find out how your dog received the burn as this will help with treatment. With first-degree burns your dog may be in pain, but the skin will still be intact. Second and third-degree burns will be more severe with the skin either partially or completely gone. Please do not apply any ointment or cream to the burn. Consult with your veterinarian Leesburg, VA before any at home treatment is given.

Things You Should Know Before Getting A Hamster

 

If you’re thinking about bringing home a pet hamster, there are some important things that you should know about these cute fluff balls:

Avoid keeping both males and females in the same enclosure to prevent fighting or mating. Hamsters are very prolific and once the babies are born, the father may attack them. Also, hamsters are solitary creatures, which means they will thrive living alone and won’t get lonely.

If you have Syrian hamsters, always remember to never keep them housed together even with they’re of the same sex. Syrian hamsters can become extremely hostile toward each other because they have a very strong territorial instinct. When you keep two or more Syrian hamsters in the same cage, they can fight each other to death.

Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, which means they’re very active at night time. This also means that it’s perfectly normal for your pet hamster to sleep all day.

Any signs of illness exhibited by your pet should warrant an appointment with your veterinary hospital Acupuncture. Visit this site for additional information.