Hot Spots In Dogs

 

The irritated, moist, and red lesions are usually seen on the dog’s chest, hip, or head area are known as hot spots. They can be painful for your pet. These hot spots can get started by anything that could irritate the dog’s skin, causing him to lick or scratch himself. Flea, mite, or insect bites, as well as allergic reactions, improper grooming, underlying skin or ear infections, and incessant chewing and licking brought about by boredom or stress can cause that irritation in the first place.

If your dog is not regularly groomed and begins to sport a dirty matted coat, he can have a higher risk of having hot spots, as are dogs that get rained on often and those who swim. In addition, pet dogs that have anal sac issues or hip dysplasia might start licking their skin in the rear end. Dog breeds that have long hair and thick coats are the ones usually affected.

These hot spots can grow at a rapid rate inside of a short timeframe as a dog will scratch, lick, and chew the affected area, making it more irritated.

Any sign of skin and/or hair coat issue exhibited by your pet should prompt a visit to your pet clinic Lewisville, TX. Visit their website Riverchase Animal Hospital to learn more about their services.

Human Actions that Dogs Interpret Differently

 

Dogs interpret some human body language differently. While a human may mean no harm, his actions and gestures may be threatening, provoking, or aggressive to a dog. One example is staring into a dog’s eyes. In the canine world, staring is a form of threat. If a dog stares directly at you without blinking, it is a sign to stop eye contact. Similarly, a dog reads a person crouching in front of it as someone preparing to attack. Some dogs also squat down when they see other dogs as if they are ready to ambush. Humans should also avoid extending a hand as dogs may interpret this as an invitation to bite. To prevent rousing a dog’s aggressive tendencies, do not greet a dog when you meet one. Instead, talk to the owner and let the dog sniff you and know that you do not have bad intentions. Please do not stare at the dog and gently pat it on the head.

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, contact your animal hospital Lewisville, TX.

Why Playtime Is Important For Kitties

Cats have very sensitive senses. Any changes in their environment or routine can easily affect the cat’s mood.  Fortunately, you can help your kitty to relax.

Playing with your cat daily is a great way to relieve your kitty from stressors. You only need to devote 10 to 15 minutes at least twice a day to interact with your pet. Near the end of your play session, tone down your activities so your cat will know that playtime is almost over.  You give a treat or a small meal to end play sessions. 

Don’t give all of the toys to your kitty. Rotate the toys to use so that everything seems new all the time. This trick also retains your pet’s interest because the toys keep changing. Remember to put the toy away after each play session.

Ask your animal hospital Plano TX for more information on how to care for your cat.

Food For Your Exotic Pet

 

There are commercially available exotic pet diets specifically formulated to be nutritionally balanced to meet their needs. Then there are also unconventional food items that you can offer your exotic pet. Some of these are:

• Raw meat

Pet alligators, dogs, and larger cats can have much to gain from protein that is found in diets with raw meat.

• Nectar

There are species of birds that get added nutrition from nectar. It is fortunate that nectar can now be obtained as a power where all you need to do would be to dissolve in some water.

• Insects

There are feeder insects that your exotic pet will find appetizing. These include roaches, mealworms, and crickets which are vital essential protein sources. One vital thing to do prior to offering these insects to your pet would be to spray or gut-load them with supplement powder. Insects caught in the wild must never be given to the pet as they could have parasites and/or diseases that can harm your pet.

• Rats, mice, and various other feeder rodents

Rats, mice, and various other rodents are available as feeder items for ferrets and other exotic pets. But you will want your pet trained to eat rats and/or mice that have been pre-killed in order to prevent injuries.

A sudden change in your pet’s appetite and eating habits should prompt a visit to your veterinary center Santa Rosa, CA. Make an appointment here.

UVB Lighting And Guinea Pigs Kept As Pets

 

UVB or Ultraviolet B light rays are really not a primary requirement of pet guinea pigs.  However, exposure to this type of lighting daily has been known to make pet guinea pigs more energetic, have better temperaments, and also better appetites.  UVB light exposure has also been known to be beneficial for guinea pigs that are ill, in recovery, under stress, or in grief due to losing another cavy in the enclosure.

Your guinea pig could also gain those benefits from being exposed to UVB light.  You can mount a UVB light source in the enclosure or inside the room where your pet stays.  Have the bulb suspended around a foot above your cavy so it does not get sunburned.  Be aware though, that a guinea pig’s eyes might get damaged if the UVB bulb is much too close.  Do not keep the bulb lit for more than twelve hours daily.  The bulb must also be replaced every six months even though it still works because the actual UVB rays run out in that length of time.  Your pet cavy will have a lot to gain from frequent wellness checkups at your vet clinic Pasadena, MD.

Dental Exams for Dogs Like the Malamute

 

Did you know that it’s possible for dogs like the Malamute to develop gum disease or other dental illnesses over their lifetime? In cases like these, a dental exam may be recommended. If you notice that your Malamute has swollen or red gums then you should call your vet to schedule an exam. You should also call to schedule an exam if notice your Malamute is having trouble eating, chewing, or has even developed bad breath. Any of these could be indications of gingivitis or other periodontal illnesses. During the dental exam, your Malamute will be sedated and your vet may check the teeth and gums for plaque and bacteria. Your vet may also take this time to scrape excessive plaque, calculus build-up, and other debris from your Malamute’s teeth. Teeth that are rotted may also be pulled at this time. Learn more here about dental exams or contact your pet clinic Dutchess County, NY. 

Yarn and Cats Like the Manx

 

Have you heard of cats liking to play with strong and yarn? Cats like the Manx are often associated with playing with balls of yarn or balls of string. The truth is, however, these things aren’t very safe for cats to be playing with. Take a ball of yarn for instance. Your cat may enjoy playing with balls of yarn and string because of the texture and movement of the material. However, many experts recommend that cat owners do not allow their cat to play with a ball of yarn especially if that cat is not supervised. Yarn can be dangerous for our Manx and other cat friends. If digested, the yarn can create a blockage in the cat’s throat or intestines. Your Manx can also get entangled in the yarn or string and accidentally strangle himself. If your cat swallows string or yarn call your veterinarian Spring Hill, TN or click here for more details.