Gross! My rabbit is eating his own poop. How do I make him stop?

 

Coprophagy is a normal process in a rabbit's digestive cycle. Rabbits excrete poop in two forms. One form is comparatively hard, dry, and compact which you usually can see in the litter boxes. The second type is called cecotrope. Cecotropes are more like a cluster of grapes i.e: relatively soft and pungent. 

Now it is pretty normal if your rabbit eats up cecotropes as there are some important nutrients to reuptake with coprophagy. You don't need to be worried about this behavior of your bunny and you need to discourage it. 

Point to be noted: It is important to know that if your rabbit has a poopy butt (a messy behind) it is not normal. 

Your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior.

Amazing Facts About The Nose Of Dogs

 

Dogs are famous for having a stronger sense of smell as compared to humans.  Although their brain is much smaller than ours, however, they contain 30 to 50 times more scent receptors in their nasal cavity and 3 times bigger olfactory bulbs in their brain. As a result, the dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 stronger than humans.

If you are petting a dog, you should keep in mind that strong scents like deodorants and air fresheners can irritate your dog. You should try to use such scents when you are away from your pet.

The ability and strength to smell vary between different dog breeds. It means all dogs are not equally sensitive when it comes to the sense of smell. For instance, a Dachshund has 150 million while a Bloodhound has 300 (means the double number) olfactory receptors. 

Your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.

American English Coonhound

 

English Coonhounds originally came from English Foxhounds. These hunting dogs have excellent endurance and speed. They also have a loud voice, barking and baying all the time. Therefore, they aren't a good choice if you have neighbors nearby. Exercises are also a must.

They were once called Virginia Hounds and used to chase down raccoons in the rough terrains of America's colonies. American Coonhounds are incredibly fast and strong.

American Coonhounds are smart, affectionate, easily groomed, and very trainable. But if you're a beginner, beware of their needs— firm and consistent training, as well as lots of physical and mental stimulation, are necessary. Less energetic dogs are great alternatives for people who can't provide frequent walks and playtime. Coonhounds make the best choice for people who have a well-fenced yard, can give them their needed exercise, and are patient enough to train them.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should require a visit to your veterinary hospital New Orleans, LA for proper medical attention. Schedule an appointment today!

Choosing A Cattery: Will Your Cat Be Safe And Secure?

 

Leaving your cat in a boarding cattery is not easy, especially when it is your first time being separated from your beloved feline for a few days or weeks.

Thus, it is recommended to choose a cattery where your cat will feel at home away from home. Do you know the things you should consider? If not, you are in luck because listed below are the basics you need to look for in a cattery: 

●      A good cattery does not mix cats with dogs. So, choose one that has a separate place for kennels or does not allow kennels in the area.

●      A good cattery allows cats to bring in with them their favorite toys and has scratching posts to satisfy your cat’s want to scratch.

●      A good cattery has provisions for high places since cats enjoy climbing and roaming around.

●      A good cattery comes with a routine schedule to keep your cat busy and feel secure.

Your veterinarian New Orleans, LA is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs.

Contact Allergies In Pet Dogs

 

Contact allergies are the allergy type that is least common.  This allergy will happen if your dog comes into contact directly with allergens like grasses, lawn pesticides, flea collar pyrethrins, and materials (synthetics or woo) used in bedding or carpets.  Contact allergies could happen whatever age your pet is and could be against practically anything.

If your pet has allergies to any of the aforementioned substances, he will develop itching and irritation at the area where contact was made, typically his belly and feet.  Getting rid of the allergen after identification is often the solution.

Take caution, though, as allergy symptoms could be mistaken for other conditions or happen together with them.  And so, avoid diagnosing your pet yourself.  Seek veterinary assistance.  Prepare your pet for full diagnostic examinations so that the cause of the skin issues and itching can be identified.  If your vet concludes that it is an allergy, the entire family has to follow the instructions to the letter so that your pet’s discomfort will be successfully relieved.

Any skin and/or hair coat issue exhibited by your pet should warrant an appointment with your pet clinic Carmel Valley. 

Atopy Or Inhalant Allergy In Pets?

 

Inhalant allergies pet dogs is a term that means atopy.  Inhaled allergens are mainly dust mites, mildew, molds, ragweed (weed pollen), grass pollen, and tree pollen (oak, cedar, ash, etc.).  Some of them are seasonal, like grass, ragweed, and cedar pollen.  But there are some that occur throughout the entire year, such as dust mites, molds, and mildew.  When a human inhales allergens like these, the resulting reaction primarily affects the upper respiratory system (exhibited as hay fever, sneezing, runny nose, etc.) and also runny eyes.  Even though allergic reactions include allergic bronchitis or rhinitis, with a lot of dogs, manifestations of inhalant energy include pruritus or itchy skin.  Because of these clinical indicators, the condition could also be called inhalant allergic dermatitis.  Your dog might start rubbing his face, scratching his underarms, and licking his feet. 

A lot of dogs that are affected by inhalant allergies will start to show indicators when they reach 1 - 3 years old.  Afflicted dogs would often have a reaction to various allergens and would frequently experience concurrent food or flea allergies.  Should the allergen be identifiable using intradermal tests (skin testing) or perhaps blood tests, your dog has to be shielded from being exposed to these identified allergens in the best way possible.  Since a lot of the allergens are mainly environmental, it could be challenging and recurring incidents are possible.  Atopy symptoms could be managed, but permanent cures are usually not possible.

Frequent allergy flare-ups must be brought to the attention of your veterinarian Carmel Valley. 

Taking Care Of Your Senior Cat: Food And Water Intake

 

If you have decided to get a senior cat to add to your growing family, congratulations. This decision will surely impact your life meaningfully as you change the life of an old cat and witness how she transforms into her golden years.

Now, be sure to understand all needs of your senior cat. Such knowledge will help you be the best fur parent you can be. Read on and take note of the things you need to keep in mind.

• Senior cats experience more physiological changes such as the inability to absorb or digest food well
• Senior cats fail to use their sense organs to the full
• Senior cats are more prone to being dehydrated and having heat stroke or heat stress 

How can you address these concerns?

• Give your senior cats highly absorbable food filled with nutrients to support their healthy aging
• Motivate your senior cats to increase their water intake to keep hydrated and to support kidney function

A sudden change in your pet’s drinking and/or urinating habits should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian San Diego, CA. Read more here.