Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?

 

Most people think that when dogs’ tails are wagging, they are happy.  This is a common belief but may turn out to be incorrect.  Many experts in canine behavior think that a wagging tail means the animal is having some strong emotions.  In many dogs, it generally means happiness, however, it could also mean that the animal is cautious or concerned regarding a new circumstance.  Yet there are also some dogs that do a tail wag when feeling threatened.
 
It is because of this reason that you must always cautiously approach a dog that is unfamiliar, even if you see his tail wagging.  Children must also be taught about this and must never be told to go near any dog while outstretching their fingers because they can easily be bitten.  Children must also be told to check for permission with the owner before approaching a dog.
 
Make an appointment with your veterinary clinic Frisco, TX if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior.

Which Vaccines Does Your Kitten Need?

Every pet kitten has to be given the FVRCP vaccine - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.  These three viruses set off upper respiratory illnesses in cats, and they can have effects ranging from mild to fatal.

For full protection, a kitten requires three vaccinations administered three to four weeks apart.  Many veterinarians suggest that the vaccinations are given when the animal is about eight weeks old, then repeated when she is twelve weeks old, and the last one at sixteen weeks.  This pattern may be altered slightly if your kitten is ill because it is known that vaccines are not as effective in boosting the already ill animal’s immune response.

Every cat will need to get the rabies vaccine.  Many veterinarians will recommend that this is done when the kitten is sixteen weeks old.

Factoring in where you live with your kitten and whether she will be allowed outdoors, your veterinarian might suggest also getting vaccinations as protection from feline leukemia.  There is no known cure for the disease, but if you plan on keeping your pet exclusively indoors, the vaccine might not be needed because the odds of an indoor cat getting it are zero.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your vet clinic Burlington, ON. Click here to know more about their services. 

Tips for a Clean Home and Healthy Cat

 

Your pet cat might think her fur will look nice as an “accessory” to everything.  If this is something that is not agreeable to you, then you may want to invest in a good enough vacuum cleaner.  Try looking for models that have strong suction and an attachment for pet hair.  Remember to also vacuum curtains and chairs.  Try wearing wet rubberized gloves and running your hands all over your pet cat’s spots.  You can use tape folded with the sticky side facing out for your clothes.  Purchase simple to clean pet bedding.  And should your cat go outdoors, put a cushion, a washable one, on the area where your pet goes out and comes in to catch any muddy pawprints.

Keep Your Pet Cat Clean 

Generally, cats themselves do a great job of self-cleaning.  But your pet might require a bath every so often if she gets very dirty, or should someone living in the same house be allergic.  As a start, trim your pet cat’s claws to prevent being scratched.  You could try doing it by yourself with special nail clippers for cats and you can check with your vet regarding the procedure.  To remove matted or loose hair,  brush your cat.  Make sure to use a shampoo that is formulated specifically for cats and keep the water clear off her ears and face.  Dry your pet using a blow drying set to cool or a towel.  Offer your pet a treat after the bath so that she will associate bathing with a pleasant event.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your vet hospital Plano, TX. Click to know more about their services.

Why Cats Love To Scratch

 

Scratching is normal behavior for cats.  They will want to scratch to keep their claws conditioned, mark their territory, and stretch.  The worn outside surfaces of your cat’s claws get removed as they scratch, renewing the claws, sharpening them.  But this habit could become frustrating even to cat owners who have had them for the longest time.  Perhaps even more frustrating if your cat scratches your carpet and furniture.

Various methods can be employed to curb this behavior without having to get your pet declawed.  Behavior modification and environmental management can curb most cases of scratching on inappropriate items or surfaces.

In some cases, you just simply need to restrict access to the area where your cat likes scratching things.  Another management method is to turn the surface into something that is not appealing to scratch at the same time offering something else that is appropriate for your pet to scratch, like a scratching pad or post.  Acquire a scratching post then try to rub catnip on it to entice your pet to go for it.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s behavior, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian Murrieta CA.

Travel Tips – Hassle-Free Trips With Your Kitty

 

Road trips, even shorter ones, might frighten your cat and subject her to undue stress. If you do not deal with this, then every trip to your groomers or your vet will become activities that you will not be looking forward to doing.

Your cat may not find being inside a moving vehicle a pleasant experience.  It could be stressful or upsetting for her.  However, there are still trips that you need to take your cat with you.  Having your pet stay inside her crate with some of her favorite toys or blanket could help in calming her down.  So that your cat does not think she has been abandoned, you want to be staying at a spot where she can see you even if she is inside the crate.  While on the move, try sticking your fingers inside the crate so your pet can rub her head on them. You can also try purchasing from pet supply shops some stress relief formulations. Several hours before taking your trip, set aside some time to play and interact with your cat.  Cuddle her and talk to her with a calm and gentle voice.

Call your vet hospital Marietta, GA to make sure that your pet’s preventatives and vaccinations are up to date before taking your pet on trips or outdoor excursions.

More tips can be found at your Smyrna Animal Hospital GA.

When Your Dog Is Bitten By A Snake

 

Sometimes, the effect of snakebites does not show up after a few hours. In general, the victim of a snake bite should be brought to the hospital within 12 hours or 24 hours at most. Some pets might need support and management, but 95% of the cases survive if they get immediate treatment.

Antivenom is the only effective treatment for pit viper bites. Its effect will be felt when it is administered immediately. However, antivenom is expensive. a vial may cost $450 to $ 700 per vial. One vial is sometimes enough to treat venom bites. But the small breed of dogs and cats may sometimes need more than one vial to get better. Some pets overcome snake bites without any antivenom, but its effect cannot be ignored. Antivenom improves the clinical signs of the animal, speeds up the recovery from snake bites, and reduces further complications.

If your pet has been bitten by a snake, take your pet to the nearest animal hospital Marietta, GA immediately.

Amazing Tidbits about Dogs

Dogs can communicate using different methods.  They can vocalize, use body postures, leave scents, use their facial expressions, behaviors, and physical appearances.  Most of their whites, growls, and barks can be by people trained to follow canine behavior.

Your pet dog’s heightened olfactory senses are because of the sensory cells that line the dog’s nasal passages and they number in the millions.  Breed variations have varied numbers of these sensory cells, Alsatians having over 220 million of them.

Hospices, special needs centers, hospitals, and other similar places have emotional support dogs.  They are trained to work with patients and it has been proven that just the presence of an emotional support animal has a significant therapeutic positive effect on patients.  These dogs also benefit from the generous attention bestowed upon them.

Stephen Huneck, an author of children’s books, in 2001 built a chapel for dogs.  The first one.  This is to show his appreciation for the part his five dogs played as he recuperates from an illness.

Your veterinarian Murrieta, CA is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs. Click here to know more.