Can Cats Eat Chocolate?

Chocolate has theobromine and caffeine — both ingredients that are toxic to cats. Dark chocolate usually contains more of the two toxins, but the amount of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate can vary depending on the kind that you have. Theobromine levels are mostly what veterinarians look at to gauge how dangerous the chocolate could be for pets.

If your cat accidentally got herself a small bite of chocolate, then there might not be any significant negative consequences, but this is not a sign that your cat should be allowed to eat it regularly. Your cat will get sick or, in the worst-case scenario, die from consuming too much chocolate.

Don’t feed your cat chocolate. Cats aren’t a fan of the sweet flavor anyway, and chocolate gives no nutritional value that your pet can't get from their regular meals. You can keep the chocolate for yourself and away from your cat’s reach.

Your local veterinarian London, ON is a valuable source of information about your pet's diet and nutritional needs.

Veterinary Care For Kittens

Are you planning to adopt a kitten? Or have you brought home one? Congratulations on this new life venture. It is exciting because caring for another living being is fun, especially when the pet has the same traits and preferences as you do.

In caring for this new family member, ensure to address her needs, one of which concerns her health. For cats to maintain good overall health, they must see their vets regularly or as needed.

Newly adopted kittens must visit the vet within days after the adoption. So, bring your new kitty to the vet within ten to fourteen days.

Understand that this first vet visit might be long because several details must be looked into. In addition, the vet may conduct a thorough physical test on your kitten, including the following: 

• Checking the kitten’s nose and eyes for discharge or any abnormalities

• Checking of the mouth for indications of interrupted teeth or cleft palate.

• Assessing the kitten’s gait and behavior to rule out neurological problems

• Listening to the kitten’s lungs and heart to confirm there is no heart murmur

• Checking for inguinal or umbilical hernia

Remember, for your kitten to thrive happily and healthily in your home, you must do your part. Make an appointment at your veterinary hospital Marietta, GA for your pet’s health and dental checks.

Norwegian Lundehund Personality

Norwegian Lundehunds are best known as inquisitive, mischievous, and cheerful dogs. Keeping them out of any trouble takes close supervision, though. And when it comes to these pups, expect housetraining to be difficult. These dogs love to dig and bark. Be sure to consider these before bringing a flexible, entertaining Norwegian Lundehund home. Also, early socialization is necessary to keep them from becoming shy and noise-sensitive. And if you love birds, you may want to consider the original purpose of these dogs.

Norwegian Lundehunds sport rough and dense outer coats. Under this is their soft undercoat, which insulates them. They come in black-tipped fawn/reddish-brown, white-marked gray/black, or dark-marked white hairs. Norwegian Lundehunds go through heavy shedding. With this, regular brushing is a necessary part of their care routine. In brushing these dogs, it will be best to use firm bristle brushes.

If you have concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with your veterinarians London, ON.

Dog Breed Profile: Harrier

Harriers used to hunt foxes and hares, and although they're not too popular today, their excellent smelling sense and work ethic makes them perfect hunting partners. Some people call them "beagles on steroids," and their playful, active spirit won't thrive in apartments. These dogs do best with enough space to let them consume high energy. But overall, they're generally affectionate, especially around children and fellow pups. Harriers are healthy, and grooming them is easy. They're a perfect fit for active families.

Harriers were lively and active scenthounds who primarily targeted foxes/hares in a large pack back in their hunting days. They do well as family companions, but this breed is not too common these days. In fact, they're among the AKC's rarest breeds. For example, in 1994, only 4 Harrier litters were born in the US, which resulted in 31 puppies.

Take your pet to your animal hospital Marietta, GA for regular health and dental checks. 

Can Cats Eat Bread?

Anyone loves the yumminess of a fresh warm slice of bread and based on studies, it is confirmed that cats love the taste of bread. But have you ever thought, can cats eat bread, or is bread bad for cats?

In general, plain bread is not toxic to cats, especially if it is given to them moderately. Small baked bread is okay and it will not affect your cat’s health and diet. Technically, there are no ingredients in bread that can be toxic to cats, though, keep in mind that it is also not nutritious as the contents are not beneficial to your feline.

Since your cat is a naturally born carnivore, they get most of its nutritional needs met from eating animal products. Since bread is mostly carbohydrates, it doesn't contribute most to your cat's daily diet and she might get a nutritional deficiency.

Your veterinarian Marietta, GA is a valuable source of information about your pet's diet and nutritional needs.

Grooming Your Basenji

The Basenji has a short, smooth coat with white feet, a white chest, and a white tail tip. Other colors include black, rich red (chestnut), multicolor (black and chestnut), and pattern (black hues on a chestnut brown background). He might also wear white on his paws, a white blaze between his eyes in the middle of his face, or even a white collar on his neck. His dominant hue will always be more noticeable than the white color. His marks are distinct and never appear muddy. 

The Basenji maintains a highly tidy appearance and grooms himself in a cat-like fashion. He should only require bathing once every quarter or so. All dogs shed, including Basenjis, but since their fur is just so thin and short it isn't as visible as the shedding of other breeds of dogs. 

To get rid of plaque growth and the germs that lie inside it, clean your Basenji's molars at minimum twice or three times every week. Even better than twice-daily brushing is the prevention of foul breath and gum disease. 

Excessive hair loss or other skin and hair coat issues should be brought to the attention of your veterinarians London, ON.

What Makes Basenjis Popular Pets?

On the bright side, Basenjis enjoy playing, but if you're looking for a dog to fetch a tennis ball or Frisbee, seek elsewhere. They are tidy dogs with grooming practices that are almost feline. Basenjis shed very little, which is a benefit if you maintain a spotless environment. They are also great watchdogs. When threatened, they will protect their citizens and property. They are renowned for their bravery and will use all of their resources to defend themselves against an invader. Their size, however, prevents them from serving as true guard dogs. 

Because of their stout demeanor and eye-catching copper coat, Basenjis make excellent show dogs. They don't require intricate grooming or trimming to get them ready for the show ring. Before making a purchase, talk to your breeder about whether you desire a dog to compete in the breed ring. She may then guide you in selecting the ideal puppy. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health and/or behavior, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarians London, ON.