Making Sure That Your Home Is Safe For Pets During The Holidays

 

If you are the type who wants to make holiday decorations to be floral-themed, you should pay attention to the kinds of plants that you choose.  Pine needles, amaryllis bulbs, European mistletoe, and lilies could all harm your pet seriously if ingested. 

Generally, these plants could trigger oral irritation as well as cause pets to drool and salivate.  Ingesting too much could trigger gastrointestinal distress.  It is, however, a misconception that poinsettia plants are harmful to pets. 

Various other holiday ornaments that pet owners must avoid are candles since they could burn your pets or perhaps start a fire should they get knocked over.  Also, avoid liquid potpourri because it is quite toxic to pet cats.  Should your cat be an avid climber, think about anchoring down the Christmas tree over to your ceiling or wall so that falling broken ornaments that can be extremely sharp are avoided. 

When you start opening gifts, remember that batteries can be harmful to pets.  These things must be kept beyond your pet’s reach.  Decorative ornaments that feature string (like tinsel or ribbons) might also become an obstruction should your pet swallow them.

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

Managing Your Cat’s Travel Anxiety

 

Making your pet cat get used to her crate and staying comfortably inside could be challenging.  Since cats are quite sensitive to smells, if your pet still hesitates approaching her carrier, you may want to try and use scents that are comforting to your cat to foster familiarity.  You can place old clothing or bedding that has your scent inside your cat’s carrier.  You can also opt to use artificial cat pheromones around and inside your cat’s carrier.  

Beyond everything else, a cat owner has to remember that veterinarians who know their patients personally will offer better advice for managing pets that have anxieties related to travel. 

Vets, together with their staff, will work to better understand every pet’s individualized needs through proper interpretation of the animal’s facial reactions and body language.  Having the ability to properly assess your pet’s anxiety levels will let the veterinary staff alleviate any stress brought about by medical checkups, making the experience pleasant for both you and your cat.

Thus, it will be better if veterinary advice is sought for certain recommendations on alleviating anxieties that your cat is prone to feel while traveling. Talk to your veterinarian Webster, NY about it. 

Taking Your Newly Adopted Kitten To A New Veterinarian

 

If you are looking for veterinary consultations because you recently acquired a new pet kitten, be sure to ask about parasite (heartworm/flea/tick) prevention, vaccination, environmental enrichment, nutrition, and general information about caring for your pet.  For veterinary consultations regarding your pet’s medical issues, be sure to ask specifically about that issue, particularly treatment options, medications, and changes in your pet’s lifestyle that might happen. 

If this would be a first-time consultation with a new vet, you must give the doctor complete information regarding your pet cat’s medical history. 

Previous medical information could be emailed in advance to your vet or you can take it with you during your visit.  Records like these could include test results, lab work, current medication, radiographs, and various other imaging results, as well as other relevant information.  If your kitten is newly adopted, take with you any paperwork that you got from the adoption process. 

Understanding the cat food brands you feed your cat, as well as the quantity you feed her, will also be of help to your veterinarian Webster, NY when they get to know your pet.

What Kind Of Hay Do Rabbits Need?

With baby rabbits, offer them alfalfa because this kind of hay has a high-calorie content needed for the young rabbits’ growth.  After your pet rabbit reaches its seventh month, you can start to gradually change its hay type to oat, timothy, or orchard grass.  If you suffer from allergies, try to look for second-cut hay.  Hay that is first cut when harvested is coarser and includes lots of seed heads (meaning lots of pollen) and stems.  The second cut will be softer hay and could have fewer seed heads and stems but with more leaves.  Fewer seed heads mean a minimal possibility of triggering allergies.

Where to purchase 

You should be able to find hay sold in bags at most local pet shops.  But the absolute least expensive way of purchasing hay is through local farms.  If you buy bales of hay (bulk purchase), the cost will be significantly lower than how much you would pay for hay in pet shops.  Store the hay bale in a dry and cool location so it should last about one month and it will be good for one rabbit. 

If your location does not have nearby farms, you can try looking online for hay retailers.

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

Diseases You Can Get From Cats: Ringworm And Flea Bites

 

Understand that furry felines can carry certain diseases that can be passed on to humans. While these diseases are rare, experts still recommend taking precautionary measures to avoid getting infected and further spreading the germs and bacteria.

Two sources of diseases in cats are ringworm and fleas.

Ringworm - Also known as dermatophytosis, ringworm is a source of various infections for cats. So, always check your feline for any suspicion of ringworm existence. When cats are infected with ringworm, kids should not go near them. Proper handling of infected cats should be done as well.

Fleas - This parasite is a common problem encountered by cats. These blood-sucking parasites cannot thrive on humans, but they can bite you and irritate your skin. Can fleas be controlled? Yes, you can help prevent flea infestation. Regularly spray and clean your home to control fleas and prevent their further spread.

Your veterinarian Rochester, NY can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.

Moving With Your Cat: Letting Your Cat Out For The First Time

 

If you have been a fur parent for a long time now, you already know how stressful moving is for furry felines. If you are just new to this endeavor, keep this fact in mind. Moving from one place to another can stress out your beloved cat.

So, ensure to prepare everything before moving away and moving into your new home. 

Upon your arrival in your new living environment, think about how can let your beloved cat feel comfortable. One thing you may consider is installing a cat flap on your door. This device will allow your cat to access your yard and your house. Choose the flap that is magnetically or electronically controlled to ensure that no outsider cats will go inside your home.

As your cat explores her new surroundings, be with her. Do not let your cat go out and explore without any supervision to avoid escapes. But as you go and explore together, avoid carrying your cat. Allow your pet to move and go wherever she wants within your vicinity. Ensure that your door or cat flap is readily accessible so your cat can go in when she needs to.

Here is another thing you need to remember: do not let outsider cats go near your home or yard in the first few months. You have to help your cat establish her territory.

Consult your vet Rochester, NY about the best ways to protect your pet from various health issues. 

Typical Behaviors Of Male Dogs

 

It is natural for a male dog to express masculine behavior if it is not neutered and is driven by testosterone (sex hormones). You can get rid of this behavior if you are petting a neutered dog.

 

The sex hormone in a male dog is responsible for aggressive and sexual behavior. A testosterone-driven dog will be seeking a female in heat and will show distinctive behaviors. Moreover, the male dogs also claim territory by spraying urine and marking the area to show their dominance. 

All these behaviors are the expression of masculinity. However, it has been observed that some neutered dogs still keep on showing aggressiveness. If you are already petting a neutered one and still facing such issues, it's time to consider environmental factors. Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and you will find out the particular factor that makes him aggressive. 

Your vets Roanoke VA can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.