The American Curl and Its Curled Ears

 

Did you know that the American Curl feline is probably most famous for its uniquely curled ears that arch backwards? Unlike the Scottish Fold, which has folded ears due to a cartilage defect, the American Curl’s ears are naturally curly. In fact, the curlier the ears the more sought after the cat. The breed was found in 1981 when a long haired, black cat with curled ears showed up on the doorstep of a couple in CA. They adopted the cat and bred it with a non-pedigree cat to create a large gene pool and help prevent defects. The breed was eventually recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). Today the American Curl comes in numerous colors. It also comes in long hair and short hair. The ears are made of firm cartilage like a human’s and vary from 90 to 180 degrees. Contact your veterinarians Aurora, CO to learn more about the American Curl. Visit this website Aspen Commons Animal Hospital and make an appointment.

Can Golden Retrievers Get a Sunburn?

 

Yes! It’s definitely possible for Golden Retrievers and other types of dogs to get sunburn. Dogs are prone to sunburn and even skin cancers in much the same manner as humans. If you’re planning a trip to the beach or somewhere outdoors then you should ask your vet ahead of time about ways to keep your dog from getting too hot and from getting sunburn. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to sunburn than others. For instance, dogs with thin hair or hairless dogs can burn easily. Such dogs include the Chinese Crested and the hairless Chihuahua. Most all dogs have some part of their skin that is not covered completely by their coats. Your Golden’s underarms and belly can be prone to sunburn. In order to prevent sunburn from happening, try to keep your dog in a shady area while outdoors. Click here for more tips form your veterinarian Aurora, CO.

Tips To Keep Your Dog Happy

Your dog has been sharing your life and living space as your faithful animal companion.  You, as his owner, ensure that your care and presence are enough to maintain her health, but what can you still do to make him also stay happy?

A pet dog needs his owner to understand that he has preferences as well as needs.  Knowing these will let you care for your pet in a manner that will give her satisfaction since you can adjust according to what he likes and does not like.  Efforts like this can have a major impact on your pet’s everyday life as he feels more appreciated by you and your family.  This effort, combined with nurturing your bond together, will foster happiness between you and your dog in both your daily lives.

A sudden change in your pet’s behavior should warrant an appointment with your veterinary clinic Ellicott City MD.

Second-Hand Smoke Can Be Harmful To Cats

 

Secondhand smoke has been proven to be hazardous to humans, but it might also become more dangerous for your pet cat.  If your cat is living in a house where a person smokes, then she is exposed to secondhand smoke throughout the day and possibly all night too.  Your cat will inhale the smoke as well as possibly absorb through her paws the smoke toxins that settle on surfaces where your pet touches or walks on.  What’s more, she might also ingest these toxins when she goes to groom herself or other cats in the household.  Therefore making your home smoke-free is very beneficial for your pet cat.  If doing so is not entirely possible, ensure that you air out the home frequently.  Be sure to wipe clean surfaces and thoroughly wash items made of cloth, most especially your pet’s bedding, and areas where she often stays.  When smoke is present make sure to cover your cat’s water and food dishes and also always empty ashtrays the soonest

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should prompt a visit to your veterinary clinic Thorold, ON. 

Three Reasons To Have Your Pet Dog Get Heartworm Testing

 

Heartworm disease is a serious matter. Once a dog has it, treatment should be given immediately to prevent the parasite soon as s for invading further. If you are still undecided about heartworm testing, here are some reasons to help you decide to get your dog tested annually. Your dog will have a greater chance of survival if he is given treatment earlier. The vet can give the most effective treatment if the type of heartworm is identified

Your dog can undergo the monthly heartworm prevention medication. This medication is also available in vaccine form. Its effect can last for a year

If these reasons are not enough, keep in mind that heartworm disease is dangerous. It can also spread fast because the worms go through the bloodstream. Your pet dog’s heart and lungs are at risk if the heartworm disease is not treated soon.

Consult with your vet clinic Seminole, FL about the best way to protect your pet against heartworms not only during mosquito season but throughout the year.

How Many Litter Boxes Does My Cat Need?

The common advice is that you procure at the very least one kitty litter box for each cat in your household.  But if your home has two or more levels, then perhaps it would be best to have a cat litter box for each floor or level.  If your cat is elderly, it is also beneficial to have several litter boxes because it may be challenging for your pet to reach that one box.  Having a cat litter box close by, then she can do her business there instead.  In households with multiple pet cats, the one-box-to-one-cat ratio is recommended, with one extra box for safety.  If you see your pet cat pooping or peeing outside her litter box, then it might be her way of telling you that there are not enough kitty litter boxes around.  Should this happen, try adding one more box and observe if her behavior changes.

A sudden change in your pet’s elimination habits should prompt a visit to your vet clinic Brampton, ON. 

Does Your Cat Love Scratching The Furniture

You may experience your cat often scratching your curtains, beddings, walls, and furniture, to name a few home items.  If this happens a lot, talk to your veterinarian or your local pet supply store personnel for advice on how to control this behavior so that it does not get worse.  One thing you may want to remember is that cats by nature want to scratch things like wood.  Cats do it to sharpen their claws, as a way to deal with boredom, or just as an energy release.  Keeping this information in mind, you may want to go ahead and try trimming your cat’s claws and perhaps even mix up her normal routine to find more entertainment and play or exercise to release excess energy.  Doing so may help reduce your cat’s inadvertent scratching.  Should it still fail, try offering your cat more toys as well as procuring one or more scratching posts.  These may occupy her time, giving her some other object to scratch instead of your items.  If there was an unusually large change in your cat’s routine recently, also try bringing back some activities that she is familiar with to ease the transition.

Make an appointment with your animal hospital Columbia MD if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior.