Dog Owners Should Assume The Pack Leadership Alpha Role

As the owner, you are the alpha leader of your dog’s pack, therefore you must be consistent in behaving that way if you wish to keep your dog’s trust and always obey you.  Canines have the natural instinct to desire order and structure in their pack.  Back in the wild, only the most dominant and the strongest-willed individual would assume the alpha role and is accountable for keeping order within their pack. 

If your dog senses that your determination and strength aren’t enough for the role, he will not hesitate to take over that leadership role.  Pet dogs in homes will take over the leadership role from another dog or a human, and whichever the case, it will not matter.  A dog who thinks that he is the stronger individual will attempt a takeover so that the pack's social order is to be maintained.

Other dog members in the pack assume submissive behavior towards the leader, but it does not entail that the dog will forget his natural instinctive behaviors.  A follower dog will recognize their human owners as their leader and will display their submission by obeying, listening, and respecting their alpha’s commands.

Your animal hospital Seminole, FL can tell you more about handling your pet’s behavior issues.

Your Dog Must Look At You As His Alpha Pack Leader

 

A dog will become more secure and confident if he fully realizes his station in the social structure of the pack.  In your home, your dog must accept that his place is to follow, looking at you, his owner, to be the leader or the alpha of the pack.

The pack leader’s role means that he keeps everything in line, sets the rules, and makes sure that everyone is properly behaving as they should.  Those who follow the leader will also seek protection and guidance from him.

The leader must show consistency in looking after his pack and also keeping it in order.  The leader should display traits of determination and confidence.  He dominates the pack, is the rule setter, and shows the rest of the pack that unacceptable behaviors and acceptable ones are divided by a thin line.  If pet dogs see that their owners do not seem formidable enough to maintain control, they will not hesitate to attempt a takeover of the alpha role.

Any the concern you may have about your pet’s behavior should warrant an appointment with your animal hospital Bucks County, PA. 

African Pygmy Hedgehog Housing Needs

 

Hedgehogs can live comfortably in enclosures that are roomy enough to encourage exploration.  A minimum of two feet by three feet for the enclosure area is observed, and any variety of material is usable, except for those that have wire floors.  The space between wires or bars on the cage’s sides must be narrow enough not to let the hedgehog easily squeeze through and escape.  A large enough fish tank or a storage bin that is usually made of plastic can be repurposed for this, just make sure there are holes for ventilation.  Aspen shavings can be layered on and used as an ideal bedding material, as well as recycled paper.  However, do not use cedar shavings, as this type emits chemical compounds that are poisonous to little mammals.  Fabrics can be used as well for bedding purposes, as well as fleece.  If you do use fabrics, make sure to remove loose ends as your hedgehog may get tangled.

If your pet’s behavior and/or health abruptly changes, see your veterinarian Crown Point, IN as soon as possible.

When Would Be The Ideal Time To Begin Leash Training A Rabbit?

 

Rabbits are able to be leash-trained at any age. However, older rabbits might not be quite as open to training as they may already be afflicted with age-related health problems and joint pains. If you are leash-training your young rabbit, you may have to change the size of the harness as your rabbit grows. An adult rabbit could be easier to train due to them having attention spans longer than young ones.

Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning that they are at the peak of their activity period during dawn or dusk. Use this knowledge to train your rabbit during the early evening or early morning, as they are more open to treats. It is also the recommendation of professional trainers that these times are suited to training rabbits for better comprehension and results. Aside from treats that they like, rabbits will enjoy their ears and heads being stroked as positive reinforcement.

Check with your vet Acupuncture for more concerns and questions regarding your pet bunny’s behavior and/or health.

Plaque And Tartar In Dogs

Plaque, the film of bacteria that builds the surfaces of teeth, is often the start of dental problems. Plaque can cause tooth decay, gum infection, and infections that can cause serious problems to your pet’s liver, kidneys, and heart. Also, a  contribution to tooth decay is calcium deposits that are hardened, also known as tartar, which can build up with time without a regular tooth brushing.

If you notice the things below, your the pet might have issues regarding dental health:

●Brown or yellow deposits on the teeth that are not scraped away easily

●Halitosis or bad breath that is much worse than normal breath for dogs

●There is bleeding in the mouth

●Red, inflamed gums

Dental health is very important in pets. It should be a combination of regular tooth brushing and dental checks for professional dental examination and cleaning. Kibble can also scrape off plaque from the tooth surface. Dental treats also serve the purpose but be sure to get one with the VOHC seal on the package.

Any sign of a tooth and/or gum problem should be brought to the attention of your vet Lexington, KY.

Pet Care Tips From The Experts

As a pet owner, it is expected that you are aware of the responsibility to commit to the nourishment and care of your pet.  Below are some guidelines in being a responsible and smart pet owner:

●Vaccinating regularly

Keeping a pet requires that you take him to your veterinarian for regular vaccinations to maintain optimal health.  Keep your pet vaccinations current against feline leukemia, distemper, leptospirosis, rabies, canine hepatitis, and kennel cough.

●Providing an activity-rich environment

Living in an environment where your pet can keep his natural senses and instincts sharp and stimulated will be beneficial for him.  Pets need recurring mental and physical activities to keep them from being bored and their muscles exercised.  Walking your dog daily and providing your cat scratching posts and window perches can go a long way in keeping them occupied.

●Identifying your pet

As an addition to identification cards on collars, you also have the option of getting a microchip fitted onto your pet so that in case he goes missing, the odds of getting him back are much higher.

For more information regarding pet vaccines and microchip fitting, check with your veterinarian Eau Claire, WI.

Supporting Pregnant Cows Throughout Winter

 

Pregnant cattle require additional attention and care during wintertime when the weather is harsher. Protection is needed from freezing temperatures. They must have trouble-free access to ample water and food. It is important that pregnant cattle should be kept well-fed and healthy. Should there be more than one pregnant cow, segregate them into paddocks so that you can easily monitor them? The separation will also be more convenient for you when feeding them or providing water and shelter. Be ever vigilant with the monitoring when the calving date is approaching.

Other recommendations in making cows more comfortable are:

● Apply udder cream so that they can have relief from sore and cracked skin.

● A layer of sand bedding or having sloping water beds helps to ease the stress on the cows’ hocks and knees when at rest.

● Having an additional layer of bedding material for comfort and absorbency.

● Having additional space for resting and feeding.

Your veterinarian Dahlonega, GA can help you with the vaccination needs of your cattle as well as providing you with recommendations with dietary supplements and dewormers in preparation for the coming winter.