What is DM in Dogs ?

DM stands for Degenerative Myelopathy. This is an incurable disease that is often described as chronic, and progressive degeneration. It affects the nerves and spinal cord and cause loss of mobility and numbness in the legs. It is also said to lead to eventual paralysis and has often been compared to the human form of ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease in humans. The disease affects dogs of most breeds and at any age; although, it’s often not diagnosed until the senior years. It may start out as simple mobility issues such as trouble jumping up and down or going for long walks. As it progresses, the dog may have numbness in the legs or lose feeling in the legs especially in the backend. Complete loss of the back legs is also common. Treatment is primarily for keeping the dog comfortable. Talk to your vet Cincinnati OH to learn more.

Choosing Between a Dog Harness or a Collar

To safely walk your dog, you need to use either a harness or a collar latched onto a leash. Think about your dog’s size and temperament when choosing between the two. Use a collar for a medium to large dog who can be rambunctious at times. Never yank on the leash because you could cause damage to your dog’s neck. Larger dogs are better able to handle the pressure of a collar with less risk of injury than a small dog. Large dogs may also be so strong that could get too much leverage while in a harness so you could never stop them. A harness is better suited for small and fragile dogs. Since you can steer your small dog around by the chest, a harness helps to protect his delicate neck. Consider how much control you will need when choosing between a retractable or a fixed-length leash. Learn more from your pet clinic Burlington ON.

Training Your Dog to Sit on Command

Training your dog to sit on command gives you a way to get him under control quickly if needed. And the training process helps you bond with your dog. Start by getting down to your dog’s level and hold a food treat in front of his nose to get his attention. Raise the treat up and over your dog’s head so he needs to lower his rear end to continue following it. Say your dog’s name and the SIT command. Give your dog the treat and lots of praise at the moment his rear end touches the floor. Practice this training for short periods and as he becomes more reliable in obeying the SIT command, increase the time between the command and giving him the treat. Gradually reduce and then eliminate the food treats so your dog will sit on your command and praise alone. Be patient. Learn more from your vet clinic Auburn Hills, MI.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough causes a dog’s voice box and windpipe to become inflamed as a result of a viral or bacterial infection. The problem is highly contagious between dogs. Prominent symptoms include a dry cough that sounds like a honking goose, gagging, nasal discharge, coughing up white foamy phlegm. There are several ways by which dogs can acquire kennel cough--

• Aerosols from infected dogs can be inhaled by susceptible dogs, or it could contaminate objects and surfaces.
• Kennel cough can easily spread in areas that are enclosed, such as in kennels or animal shelters, because of poor air ventilation.
• Direct contact with infected animals is also a viable mode of transmission.

Most dog kennels require a proof of recent vaccination against kennel cough (Bordetella and parainfluenza) before dogs are accepted for boarding. If you are not sure whether your pet’s vaccination is up-to-date, you should call your veterinarian Hyattsville, MD. Or make an appointment at this link: https://metrodcvet.com/

How To Wean Puppies

For the first 4 weeks of life, puppies derive nutrition from their milk of their mother. Thus, during this time, the need for additional food or milk may not be needed especially if the mother is healthy and producing enough milk for all the pups in the litter. However, if the mother dog becomes ill or there is not enough milk produced during this period, or if the mother dog dies and leave her puppies orphaned, providing a commercial milk replacer for puppies may be necessary. 

After the fourth week, the puppies are weaned from their mother’s milk. Weaning should be a gradual process and should take place over a period of several weeks. This will provide adequate time for the drying up of the mother’s milk and for the puppies to learn important behaviors. It is also during this time that mother dogs start to curb undesirable behaviors shown by puppies such as nipping. Puppy food should be gradually introduced when puppies are around 3-4 weeks old. 

Be sure to contact your vet Hyattsville, MD before making any changes in your pet’s diet.

Preventing Your Dog from Begging for Food

Your dog can be really annoying if he begs for food. But it’s not his fault. Your dog will beg because it works. He begs and you give him food. Thus the first big step in preventing your dog from begging is to never give him food when he begs. Ensure that all family members and friends follow this simple rule too. Insist that your dog sit or lie down while you are eating so he is below the table level. You may need to move him to the other side of the room or another place in the house if the whining gets to be too much at first. Consider feeding your dog his food in his own bowl while you eat. This makes it that your dog gets to eat without the begging. Praise your dog any time he gets through mealtime without begging. Learn more from your vets clinic Santa Rosa, CA.

Caring for a cat scratch

If your cat has claws, he’s going to scratch. That’s especially the case if you also have young children. The important thing is to know how to care for a scratch so it doesn’t get infected.

Make sure you clean the wound right away. Cat claws can be dirty. They dig around in a litter box, after all!

Once cleaned, put some antibacterial ointment on the scratch. Not only will it help heal the scratch, it can also minimize pain.

If the scratch is in a convenient area, you can put on a bandage. However, a bandage may not be an option if the scratch is on the face, of if there are multiple scratches in a small area.

If the scratch is deep, you should visit a doctor. You should also schedule an appointment with a vet Anderson, IN. They can provide you with advice on how to prevent scratches in the future.