Helping your cat enjoy playtime

You have a cat in your life who you love very much and you want to make sure you are able to offer her the best playtime has to offer. How can you help make this happen?

Your little fur ball needs to be able to enjoy herself when it’s time to play, and she will need the appropriate space in order to do this. Think about what you are able to offer her within your home and make sure she has some toys that will work well within your living space. Offer her different options so she can enjoy herself no matter what mood she’s in, and make a point to offer her lots of companionship during this time as well. This will help encourage her to try new things and allow her to socialize in addition to playing. Your local pet clinic Plano, TX can offer additional advice.

Canine grooming needs

You have a dog in your life who needs your help staying well-groomed. How can you make sure your pet will stay looking great?

Your dog will need you to consider all the different grooming needs that he has, and then find ways to meet each of these on a regular basis. He will likely need to be brushed regularly, be bathed from time to time, have his nails clipped, and have his fur trimmed. Some of these will be easier to do on your own than others, so determine what you are comfortable with and seek out assistance for the remaining tasks if it’s needed. Make sure you are vigilant and offering your pet the attention he needs to stay comfortable, as meeting his grooming needs will significantly influence how he is feeling. For additional information, please contact your local veterinarian Frisco, TX.

Easing Your Dog’s Anxiety in the Clinic Waiting Room

It is so important for your dog to visit your veterinarian regularly. However, just because it is important doesn’t mean your dog wants to visit the vet. Not only is dealing with the veterinary staff stressful, sitting in the waiting room can be stressful too.

Make things a little easier for your pooch by bringing him in a kennel. Place familiar items in the crate with him, like a blanket or a dog toy, while a chew toy can give your pet something to do while he waits for his name to be called.

If you have a large dog, make sure he is on a leash. Avoid bringing treats or toys that other canines may try and snatch away from your pet. If he has a particularly hard time with other animals, ask the receptionist if there’s another room you can wait in.

Call your veterinary clinic Brandon, FL for more advice.

External Parasites Of Cats

Cats can harbor external parasites that feed off their blood or body tissues. Some of these parasites can be transmitted from pets to people and can thrive inside the home and outdoors. The most common external parasites of cats are ticks, fleas, mites, and lice.

Ticks

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites and are important carriers of disease such as Lyme disease and Ehrlichia.

Fleas

Fleas have well-developed jointed legs that enable them to jump several feet so they can easily transfer from one vulnerable host to the next. They are very prolific and lay eggs everywhere. Some pets are extremely sensitive to flea bites because of an allergen that is present in flea saliva. A single flea bite or two can make them suffer intense itching.

Mites

There are different types of mites that can affect cats. There are the skin mites that cause skin irritation, itching, and hair loss, and there are the ear mites.

Lice

A heavy louse population can cause anemia especially in pets with compromised immune systems and also in kittens.

Work with your Murrieta, CA vet in creating a preventive program that will be beneficial for your pet.

Aggressive Behavior In Cats

Although cats have been domesticated for a very long time, they have been known to display instinctive behaviors when subjected to stress or during social interactions. Unfortunately, these behaviors lean more on the aggressive side considering that cats are natural predators. A cat’s aggressive tendencies should be nipped in the bud before they can become deeply rooted. There are various factors that can trigger displays of aggressive behavior in cats. These include the following:

Status-related aggression

Cats are naturally inclined to form a social hierarchy in the household. This is common in multi-cat households. The most dominant cats occupy the highest rungs of the social ladder while the more submissive ones are on the lower rungs.

Play aggression

Have you noticed your cat playing? You will surely notice that they move as if they are hunting and stalking prey.

Consult your veterinarians Murrieta, CA if you have problems with your cat’s behavior.

Arthritis In Dogs

Arthritis is quite common in larger breeds of dogs and those that are overweight or obese. Affected dogs have inflamed joints and suffer from pain, mobility problems, and poor flexibilitry. In dogs, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. The joints that are mainly affected include the elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, and the vertebral column. Arthritis can develop as a primary condition or it can be secondary trauma, hip dysplasia, or other issues. There is also a type of arthritis that can cause severe deterioration of the bone and cartilage; it’s called rheumatoid arthritis and is caused by a defect in the dog’s immune system. Septic arthritis occurs when a joint has an infection caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi. Work with your veterinarians Murrieta, CA in managing your pet’s arthritis symptoms.

Symptoms Of Chocolate Toxicity In Dogs

The symptoms displayed by dogs that have eaten chocolate will depend to a large extent on the type of chocolate and the amount consumed. In general, consuming small quantities may not lead to any symptoms of toxicity. The toxic substances in chocolate, caffeine, and theobromine stimulate the nervous system and even with mild chocolate intoxication, a dog can appear agitated and excited. Other common symptoms of chocolate intoxication include panting, nervousness, and pacing. The dog may tremble or have exaggerated responses to external stimuli. Dark chocolate or unsweetened Baker’s chocolate contain higher quantities of caffeine and theobromine compared to white chocolate or milk chocolate. Ingesting large quantities of toxic substances can lead to severe signs such as seizures, urinary incontinence, coma, and even death. When it comes to chocolate toxicity, small dogs are at greater risk compared to large dogs because they can easily be poisoned with even small amounts of chocolate.

If your dog has had access to any type of chocolate, call your Edison Park, FL vet clinic immediately. Don’t wait for toxic signs to appear for it may be too late to save your pet.