Is My Dog Licking His Paws So Much?

Dogs may not like to clean themselves as much as cats do, but they do lick their paws on occasion. And while any form of self-grooming is much-welcomed from their human point-of-view, too much paw-licking may not necessarily be a good thing. In some instances, this behavior may be a sign of a health problem. 

Depending on your dog’s personality and breed, he may lick his paws when settling down for a nap, after meals, or when coming in from outside. This is normal. However, if Fido is aggressive about it or does it all the time, something’s likely wrong. 

Here are a few reasons why your pooch may be spending too much time on his paws: 

●       Arthritis

●       An allergic reaction

●       An object or harmful substance is lodged in his paw

●       An injury

●       An abnormal growth, like a cyst or tumor 

If you start to notice your pooch is constantly licking his paws, it's best to get him checked out. And please feel free to call us, your local veterinarians Columbia, TN, with any questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment.

  

Why Is My Cat Overgrooming?

 

One of the common reasons that cats turn to overgrooming is stress or anxiety. They find relief in licking, and there is a theory that the action provides endorphins that can help your cat’s anxiety. Compulsive grooming or psychogenic alopecia is most likely caused by sudden changes to her environment. She might be triggered by suddenly moving houses or having a new housemate. Those changes would cause stress because cats tend to prefer a predictable day and are not a fan of surprises. 

Another reason your cat might be overgrooming is the lack of mental and physical stimulation. Cats are animals with high intelligence levels and tend to grow bored if you don’t provide them with ways to keep themselves busy. Some cat breeds, like Burmese, Siamese, Abyssinian, Himalayan, and Siamese cats, are more likely to overgroom for this reason because they tend to demand more attention. 

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, make an appointment with veterinary clinic East Gwillimbury.

What Makes Cocker Spaniels Interesting Pets?

Are you interested to learn more about the English Cocker Spaniels? Why not? These English dogs can make great pets because of their accommodating and friendly demeanor. These pups can excite your life as a pet owner and can even be your trusty dog buddy. So what are the other things you need to know about these dogs? Some are listed below:

• English Cocker Spaniels may become stubborn in following orders or instructions during teaching sessions. Experts recommend crate training them.

• Some of these dogs frequently bark.

• They love to please their humans and always want to be close to them. 

• They are naturally hunting dogs, so they may suddenly chase smaller animals (e.g., birds) when outdoors. Ensure to keep them on a leash when in an unfenced area. 

• They are gentle, calm, and soft.

• They need constant physical activities, like exercise. If they do not get it, they may destruct things and become obese. 

• Their long ears are prone to ear irritations and infections.

If you want to bring a cocker spaniel home, get one from a reputable breeder to ensure that the puppy has no major health issues that are common to the breed. 

Your veterinarian  Fort Collins, CO is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and well-being. Read more here.

How to Determine If Your Cat Is Allergic to Dogs

To know if your cat has dog allergies, you first have to identify if she is showing any symptoms of allergy at all. Some of the symptoms your cat might have are the following:

●       Over-scratching her skin (causing loss of fur and scars)

●       Skin infection from the scratches which allowed yeast and bacteria to grow (scales, bumps, papules, or crusts on the skin with slight red or pink coloration)

●       Sneezing, teary eyes, red plaques from eosinophilic granuloma complex, or pulling her hair out 

Your pet would benefit from proper testing by a veterinarian. The vet can administer blood or skin testing to determine the cause of your cat’s allergy. If your cat is allergic to dogs, the test with the veterinarian would be able to confirm it, and you can get, advice on the right treatments to solve the problem. 

Frequent allergy flare-ups must warrant an appointment with pet clinic Newmarket, ON. 

Do All Dogs Need A Life Jacket?

 

While all dogs are able to swim, not all dogs are comfortable in the water or are strong swimmers. In these cases, a life jacket can be a useful tool to help keep your dog safe while they are in the water. Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy and support for your dog while they are in the water, and they can be especially helpful for dogs who are prone to fatigue or those who are less confident in the water. In addition to providing safety, life jackets can also be a good way to help your dog stay visible in the water, especially if they are dark-colored or have a thick coat.

That being said, not all dogs need a life jacket. If your dog is a strong swimmer and is comfortable in the water, he may not need a life jacket. However, if you are planning to take your dog boating, paddling, or on other aquatic adventures, it's a good idea to have a life jacket on hand, just in case. It's also a good idea to familiarize your dog with the life jacket before you go on a trip, so they are comfortable wearing it. 

Consult with your vet Des Moines, IA for specific recommendations for your dog's swimming needs.

Ways To Stay Safe While Walking Your Dog

For you to make sure your dog is safe while walking, you must seek guidance from the vet first to check if it is okay to take him for long walks. Not all dogs are suitable for long trips. Forcing them to do such can cause injuries and health issues.

Start taking things lightly and gradually train your dog to prepare him for a long walk. Teach them how to walk properly, both with a leash on and without a leash. Make sure that your dog is comfortable both ways as walking may cause his muscles to strain.

Only take your dog with you on long walks once the vet gives the go signal to do so. It is also important that you warm him up before walking him. Make it a daily routine to build a regular habit. At the end of the day, consistency in training will go a long way.

Make sure that your pet’s preventatives and vaccines are up to date before outdoor excursions. Call your veterinary clinic East Gwillimbury for information. 

Some Unique Rabbit Behaviors

 

Rabbits have a variety of behaviors they use to communicate with their owners and other rabbits. 

One such behavior is purring or teeth grinding, which can indicate enjoyment when being petted, but can also signify discomfort or pain.

If a rabbit is grinding its teeth while relaxed and stretched out, it is likely content, but if it is hunched and tense, not interested in moving or eating, or showing aggression, it may be in pain. 

Another behavior that rabbits may engage in when displeased is kicking "dirt" up by kicking their feet as they hop away. This behavior is similar to what rabbits would do in the wild to kick dirt into the face of another animal. This behavior may be seen after a nail trimming session, for example.

A sudden change in your pet’s behavior should warrant a call to your animal hospital Virginia Beach, VA.