Scratching In Cats

Does your kitty sometimes use your sofa or armchair as a scratching post? If so, you’re definitely in good company. This is an instinctive behavior in kitties and one that is actually very important. In the wild, cats use their claws for hunting, defense, and climbing to safety.

It’s important for your cat to have a good scratching post. This should be fairly sturdy, and tall enough for her to stretch as she is doing her nails. Cat towers are great because they also provide cats with napping spots, lookout points, and, of course, jungle gums.

You won’t have much luck getting your cat to stop scratching, but you can probably redirect her. If you see her scratching inappropriately, clap your hands or squirt her with water. That will probably startle her enough to make her reconsider her choice of manicure stations!

Remember to bring your kitty to your animal hospital Olympia, WA regularly. 

Should You Allow Your Cat To Have Regular Or Free Access Outside?

Keeping your cats indoors or outdoors has its advantages and disadvantages. Instinctively, cats decide whenever and wherever they roam and hunt, and if your cat is an outdoorsy type of feline, you may have a problem keeping them indoors and vice versa.

Keep in mind that letting your cat indoors or outdoors affects its behavior and lifespan. So how would you know if you should let your kitty go out or not? Some believe that letting your cat go outside gives them a much better life. 

If you want your cat to get the best of both worlds, you can train them by putting on a harness to keep them safe. You can also spend time with your cat by bringing her to an animal spa or the park. In addition, it is also best to train them to be entertained and comfortable inside your home by giving them toys, or a scratching post. Surely, it depends on you as a parent to weigh down the pros and cons.

Make sure that your pet’s preventatives and vaccines are up to date before outdoor excursions. Call your animal hospital Tumwater, WA for information. 

Handling Pet Lizards

Most pet lizards would not appreciate being handled and actually cannot be handled at all.  If a lizard gets picked up or handled by something bigger, even if it is you, its owner, it will feel like it is about to take its last breath. 

Another disadvantage to handling a pet lizard on a personal level is that these animals have a tendency to bite.  The bite may or may not cause pain or require medical attention depending on the lizard’s type and size.  No matter how tame the lizard is, it could still feel threatened, sending hormones surging, resulting in aggressive behavior.

Knowing the above, you can try to handle your pet lizard, but it might not be good for both you and your pet.  And if you do handle your pet or have been working on its enclosure, remember to wash your hands after doing so.  This habit will minimize Salmonella infections.  Salmonella is a bacterium that causes illness in humans and is frequently carried by amphibians and reptiles.

There are some lizards that might get used to handling like the bearded dragons and savannah monitors.  Both species can be acquired readily from pet stores with a relatively low initial cost for young specimens.

Your vet clinic Ellicott City, MD is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and well-being.

Choosing A Pet Sitter For Exotics

Are you traveling this month? If you have an exotic pet, you may find it difficult to find someone to look after them while you’re away. A kennel is your best bet, but not all boarding facilities accept exotics. If your pet is small enough, you may want to have a friend or family member keep them at their place. However, you’d want to go over yourself to get their temporary home set up. If possible, have them spend time at your home as well, observing how you care for your pet.

We would also recommend dividing out the food and labeling it per day for the days you’ll be gone. Aside from that, it may be helpful to leave some printed information, such as signs of illness to look for, general do’s and don’ts, cleaning instructions, and, of course, the number for your veterinarian.

Be sure to pack a few days’ extra worth of food, treats, and medicine, just in case you’re delayed.

If you have questions about caring for an exotic pet, contact your vets Dallas, GA.

How Often Does a Bearded Dragon Need to Go to the Vet?

Having a bearded dragon is a lot of fun. They're cute, they're cuddly, and they're pretty easy to take care of. But as sturdy as your little fella may look, he still needs to see the vet on a regular basis. 

So, how often should a bearded dragon go to the vet? Every six to 12 months. 

Why? This is because, as hardy, as they are, bearded dragons are still delicate reptiles that need to be cared for properly. 

They're also prone to a number of health issues, including: 

●       Respiratory infections (such as pneumonia)

●       Metabolic bone disease (a nutritional disorder that affects the bones)

●       Digestive disorders (like constipation)

●       Heartworms or parasites 

And too, if you happen to notice any of these symptoms in your bearded dragon in between his regular checkups, then it's time for another visit: 

●       Lethargy

●       Loss of appetite or weight loss (for an adult)

●       Diarrhea or constipation (for an adult)

●       Excessive mucus discharge from eyes or nose

●       Inability to move smoothly when walking around 

If you have more questions or wish to schedule your little reptile companion for a checkup, please feel free to call us, your local veterinarians Dallas, GA today!

Keep Your Cat Healthy With Spay Or Neuter

Spaying or neutering can reduce the chances of reproductive diseases developing in cats and prevent further increases in pet overpopulation. Female cats benefit from spaying because ovarian cancers, breast tumors, and uterine infections are avoided. Male cats would also avoid several prostate issues and testicular cancer, and getting neutered would reduce the need to roam or mark territories.

To figure out the best option for your cat, you can consult a veterinarian for a better understanding of the process and all the benefits that could come with it. But you would have to make sure to find the right veterinarian for your beloved pet. Some vets are more knowledgeable about taking care of dogs or other pets, but cats have different needs. You can do your research and consult with the American Association of Feline Practitioners to find the best vet for your pet.

If you have questions and/or concerns about neutering or spaying, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian in New Orleans, LA. Click here.

Health And Safety Tips For Camping With Your Dog

When preparing for a camping activity with your dog, you must make sure that he will be as comfortable and relaxed as much as possible. You must anticipate the weather and be ready for whatever temperature it could be at the campsite.

Of course, you will have to spend the night camping with your dog and chances are, he will feel cold as the night goes deep. That being said, you will have to be ready with a blanket that will keep him warm throughout the night. You must also provide him with a comfortable sleeping area where he can sleep in a roomy position.

You can bring his favorite bedding, or provide him with a restful sleeping bag so he can get a good night's sleep. You will also have to be alert all the time and make sure he does not wake up in the middle night. If he does, you will have to wake up to prevent him from wandering and going elsewhere.

Your vet New Orleans, LA is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and well-being.