When Is The Ideal Time To Neuter Or Spay Your Dog?

 

The recommendation is to have your pet dog neutered or spayed around 5 to 6 months old.  But there are some breeds where waiting a bit longer might be ideal so that the odds of a pet developing certain cancers are minimized and the full growth of their musculoskeletal system is optimized before any changes are done to their sex hormones.  Veterinarians will check the information and talk to you about which dog breeds might need alternative plan considerations.

The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) supports neutering and spaying early.  Having this procedure delayed past a pet’s sexual maturity could increase mammary tumor incidences in female dogs and testicular cancers in male dogs.  Unintended pregnancies could also increase and intact pets might try to escape when trying to locate a mate, resulting in physical injury.

Generally, puppies are able to recover faster when compared to adult dogs.  And so, surgery is easier for young dogs and it also minimizes disease occurrences later on.  Dogs and puppies of all types are universally loved, however, too many of them end up housed in shelters and eventually get euthanized due to pet population control failure.

If you have any questions and/or concerns about the spaying and neutering of dogs, don’t hesitate to talk to your veterinarian Murrieta, CA about them. Set an appointment here: https://www.vineyardvet.com/.

Tips On Dealing With Loose Litter

 

Have you been experiencing problems with loose litter? You might have experienced this though you are not fully aware because of your busy schedule. But, understand that this is a common issue encountered by most fur parents.

 

Do not let this problem get out of hand. Here are some things you can do to deal with it:

●      You may place a carpet under the litterbox of your cat. This item will help shake off or remove the litter in that area, and prevent further spread throughout your home. You simply need to vacuum or sweep the carpet regularly.

●      You may choose to use a litter mat available in the market. This mat comes with a deep pile that lets the litter remnants shake off through the cracks. Most litter mats are made of plastic.

 

Do not let loose litter get out of hand and become a major problem at your home. Address it immediately to maintain a clean living environment for you and your cat.

 

Persistent litter box issues should warrant an appointment with your veterinary hospital Murrieta, CA to make sure that your pet’s behavior is not caused by an underlying health issue.

Quality Puppy Meals Offer A Big Advantage

 

Having an understanding of puppy food plays a big part in caring for your pet puppy.  Your pet puppy grows in such a way that many aspects impact his quality of living directly for lots of years still to come.  Therefore, the important thing to do is to select puppy food specifically made for growing young dogs.  Always be watching out for AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statements that tell you the item your selected fulfills or even exceeds the nutritional requirements that growing puppies need.

You can start weaning off medium and small-sized dogs from puppy food into adult meals when they are 9 to 12 months old.

Large dog breeds have to be kept on puppy meals until they become 1 year old.

Ensure that your pet puppy always has access to lots of fresh, clean water so that there is something to help in digesting meals and keep him hydrated.  Implementing a regular walking and feeding routine will very much help when you potty train your pet.  Puppies will understand, learn, and like keeping to a schedule.

Know more about your pet’s nutritional needs during your pet’s health and wellness visits to your animal hospital Temecula, CA.

Cat Stress Relief: Tips and Tricks

 

To offer your pet cat much-needed stress relief, you might want to try the following: 

●Establishing a routine and adhering to that schedule. 

●Removing known stress triggers from your house. 

●Avoiding sudden changes that affect your pet’s environment. 

●If it is not possible to remove a stress trigger, for instance, another resident cat, consider separating the cats into different rooms.  Gradually introducing them again to each other on neutral ground could perhaps help them ease into a much better coexistence. 

Other than these, ensure that your pet has access to environmental stimulation, like puzzle feeders and interactive toys, to stave off boredom.  Also offer your pet places where she can climb and retreat, like a comfy basket on top of a shelf. 

Keep in mind that long-term stress could pave the way for health problems over time.  To find out what is the best feline stress reliever that is applicable to the situation you are in, consult your veterinarian.  Also, consider asking your vet for referrals to cat behaviorists. 

You might also find prescription medication and pheromone diffusers/sprays sometimes work in treating more serious instances of feline stress.

A sudden change in your pet’s behavior should warrant a visit to your animal hospital Tampa, FL. Visit their website to know more about their services.

Skin Problems In Dogs

 

One indicator of your pet’s overall health is his skin.  Therefore, you are incentivized to keep your pet’s skin in great health.  If skin problems happen, you might see your pet lick, scratch, and/or chew excessively.  There could be lots of causes for skin issues such as stress, metabolic issues, infections, external parasites, or combinations of these. 

Odor 

You will want to first inspect your dog’s teeth and ears because these are frequently where bacteria that cause odors come from.  Keep your pet clean by regularly bathing him and you can stop odors.

Dog perfumes are probably not going to be harmful to pets if you follow the instructions when you use them.  But skin irritation could develop if your dog has skin allergies.  And if your pet has nasal allergies, these could be triggered by certain smells.  If you are thinking of using doggie cologne, follow the instructions closely and check with your veterinarian if your dog has an allergy history.

Should grooming prove unsuccessful and your pet still exudes a stinky odor, you will want to talk to your veterinarian Tampa, FL so that they can see if there is an infection or another underlying cause.

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.