Keep Your Pet Safe During Winter By Checking Your Vehicle

 

Winter can be a harsh season for feral and outdoor cats. These felines do not have a haven where they can stay on cold nights and days. So, these animals are on the lookout for places that can give them warmth and can save them from the cold. But guess what? These places often include engine compartments and vehicle wheel wells.

You have read that right. Some felines who cannot bear the cold and who fail to find a more stable location suit themselves in vehicles they find vacant along with the road or parking areas.

Thus, experts advise car owners who do not have an indoor garage to do the following for the safety of pets within the vicinity:

• Tap on the hood or side of your vehicle
• Double-check if your pets are inside your home and not trapped or left inside your vehicle.

Note that pets can freeze to death when they stay in a vehicle parked outdoors for long hours.

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital Tampa, FL. 

Anxiety And Boredom Could Be The Cause Of Paw Chewing In Dogs

 

You may be surprised to learn, but it is true: when your dog becomes anxious or bored, he may exhibit paw chewing, licking, and biting behavior. Yes, you have read that right. Dogs do not only demonstrate this behavior when they feel pain and discomfort or when they feel like cleaning themselves.

Experts explain that dogs bite or lick their nails and paws to soothe themselves when feeling excessively anxious. Doing these things help the species distract themselves and forget about their 

uncomfortable feeling. Dogs who are anxious normally chew and lick their front paws.

Bored dogs also find relief by chewing and biting their paws. Doing this helps them do something more “worthwhile.”

If you want your dog to avoid this behavior for the said reasons, consider doing the following:

• Increase playtime with your dog
• Incorporate training sessions to stimulate your dog’s mental skills
• Give food puzzles and chew toys

If you have concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with your animal clinic Tampa, FL.

Start Puppy Potty Training With A Good Bathroom Routine

 

Typically, it only takes one or two times of cleaning up after your pet puppy’s pee and poo to realize that it is important to potty train your pup.  Potty training your puppy has to start as soon as you welcome your pet home.  If you have a very young puppy, the simplest plan would be to take him outside lots of time, perhaps even hourly, to the spot where he can do his business.  Reward your pet with gentle praise immediately after he does so. 

Do remember that puppies do not do their business indoors on purpose.  They do so because they do not know yet that it is wrong.  You have to be patient, you have to plan, and you need to offer lots of positive reinforcements.  Also, avoid dwelling on negative reinforcements whenever accidents happen, because accidents do happen.  The bond of security and trust between you and your puppy must be maintained while you train him, fostering only calmness and compassion.  The recommendation here is to work together with dog trainers from your pup’s early years so that good habits are ingrained in your pet.

If you have any concerns about your pet's elimination habits, make an appointment with your animal hospital Lakewood Ranch, FL. Read more here.

Allergies Could Be The Cause Of Paw Chewing In Dogs

 

Now you understand that dogs exhibit a chewing and licking behavior. This undertaking is motivated by several reasons, including healthy grooming and pain mitigation. As a fur parent, you would not want your dog to chew and lick his paws because of the second reason, right?

But, this condition happens. So, you must have a keen eye on your dog’s behavior. Remember that one reason why dogs chew, lick, and bite is that they feel a bit of discomfort like an allergy. Allergies cause the dogs’ skin to become red and itchy. What type of allergy may cause your dog to have inflamed feet? Well, both environmental and food allergies may trigger skin and paw irritation on your dog.

Your dog may feel discomfort and itchiness when he has developed an allergy. Thus, expect your dog to chew, lick, and bite more often than usual. Do not bother using over-the-counter antihistamines in your dog because experts say they are ineffective. Better have your pup checked by your best veterinarian Sarasota, FL. 

Going Green With Your Pet: Flea And Tick Treatment

 

Experts claim that climate change is not getting any better. But, it will not kill you to try and contribute to improving the environment, right? It always pays to protect mother earth for all living creatures.

Start this undertaking right in your own home by choosing to go green. Do this not only for you and your family but also for your pet. How can you do that? What can you do?

One thing is by addressing the problem of your pet against the infestation of environmental pests, such as ticks and fleas. These pests are blood-sucking parasites that feed on your furry buddy. Know that several ways have been developed to get rid of these pests.

Feed your dog a meal design that contains garlic. Garlic is known to deter some insects. But, garlic may be harmful to some cats and dogs.

Use herbal sprays and natural shampoos.

Ticks and fleas carry bacteria or germs that may cause your pet various diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease, and Bartonella.

It is best to ask your professional veterinarian Sarasota, FL for an effective and safe EPA or FDA-approved product against ticks and fleas.

What NOT To Do If You Have A New Kitten

                           

Raising a new kitten is not a simple walk in the park. You need to learn the basics about this family of species. You need to understand the needs of felines from feeding to housing, their behaviors, and their temperament. 

For you to do this, you must have patience and consideration as a fur parent. You must let your new feline buddy feel that she is welcome in your home and that you will keep her safe and happy.

One thing you can do is to show her positive reinforcement when your cat behaves well or does something remarkable. Experts suggest that you can also give a negative punishment but only when your cat shows unacceptable behavior deliberately.

But, here is one thing you have to avoid:  Yelling at, threatening, or physically punishing your kitten.

Doing this to your kitten may only worsen the situation because she may counteract negatively and behave badly. Instead of punishing your kitten, teach her what must be done. And only use the concept of positive punishment.

Your new pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your animal medical center Sarasota, FL. Click here to know more about their services. 

Protecting Your Pet From Skin Cancer

 

Cats who love the sun have the risk of having solar dermatitis, which may develop into skin cancer, specifically malignant tumors or squamous cell carcinomas. Skin cancer is most prevalent in white-furred cats that spend a lot of time outdoors. Solar dermatitis is typically seen on thin skin areas like the ears, face, or nose.

Many types of skin cancer occur in dogs, but among the most prevalent are malignant melanoma, squamous carcinoma, and hemangioma. The American Kennel Club says that sunburn worsens autoimmune skin diseases and allergies.

You may use human sunscreens safely on pets. But choose carefully, as they may lick the sunscreen. Here are the things to look for in a sunscreen for your pet:

●Can protect against a wide range of spectrums from UVA to UVB

●Non-toxic and no PABA, zinc, and salicylates (aspirin-related chemicals)

●Unscented

●Hypoallergenic

●Waterproof

●Easy to apply

You can also ask your nearest veterinarian Carmel Valley for a safe yet effective sunscreen product for your pet.