It all begins with house training your puppy. Puppies need to be house trained in order to understand that urine accidents in the house are not okay. It must be reinforced that it’s more than not okay. If they were allowed every pet owner’s house would be a zoo, but that’s not the case. Take charge of your personal space for both you and your pet and train them appropriately. House training is an easy process that must be carried out in a positive and consistent manner. House training follows two guidelines: 1) to prevent indoor accidents such as urine trouble and 2) take your pet outside on a frequent and regular schedule and rewarding him when he does his business where you want him too. Puppies, especially those under 12 weeks of age will have accidents because they do not have complete control over their bladder, but it is no exception for when the dog becomes older. Be sure to make an extra effort to recognize when your dog needs to go. If it’s whining near the door, panting really hard, or even waking you up in the morning, these are all signs that your dog needs to go outside to do its business. These are also signs that your pet is showing respect for your rules, your home, and you as the owner.
A few other reasons why your dog may have urine trouble other than incomplete house training are urine marking, separation anxiety, and excitement. Urine marking is a way for a dog to scent mark using small amounts of urine on vertical surfaces. It is often triggered when in the presence of other dogs or in heat. This is a normal form of communication of dogs but should not occur in the home. The easiest way to solve this is to neuter or spay your dog so that it doesn’t mark its spot on your furniture. Urination from separation anxiety requires counter-conditioning and maybe professional help whereas dogs usually grow out of excitement urination after they have become adults.
Avoiding urine accidents essentially comes down to preparation of the owner to completely house train his pet. Take your puppy out on a consistent basis, crate it when you’re gone, and reward it when it does something right. Keep in mind to clean accidents with an enzymatic cleanser to minimize odors that may re-attract your puppy to that spot. Never punish your dog for the accidents because rather than learning accidents are wrong, it will only learn that people are unsafe and unpredictable. House training does require some time and effort, but it can be done and accidents can be avoided.
]]>What Is an Allergy?
An allergy is the immune system's reaction to something it perceives as a threat. When the immune system targets an allergen, it takes whatever steps it can to minimize the threat and eliminate it from the body. When that perceived threat is a common environmental element, however, allergic reactions can escalate and become acutely uncomfortable because it is impossible to completely remove the unwanted allergen. In these cases, medical treatment can help alleviate symptoms and help pets adjust without too much discomfort.
Pets can be allergic to a wide variety of environmental items, including…
The severity of different pets' allergies will vary, and not every pet has the same reaction to the same allergen. Some pets may even be allergic to multiple items, making it more difficult to pinpoint allergic hazards that are causing uncomfortable reactions.
Allergy Symptoms in Pets
Pets can react to allergies in a variety of ways. Typical reactions include…
Pets' allergy symptoms may fluctuate from day to day, depending on what is causing their reaction and their level of exposure to the allergen. When symptoms are recurrent or increase in intensity, however, it is important to seek a veterinarian's care for proper diagnosis of the allergy and finding the appropriate course of treatment to make the pet more comfortable. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes may dramatically reduce or eliminate the pet's symptoms, while more severe allergies may require ongoing treatment. Whatever the case, however, noticing and recognizing the signs of allergies in pets is the first step to helping minimize how uncomfortable those allergies can be.
]]>Winter walks have unique risks and it is important to be aware of the hazards you and your dog may face when walking on colder days. Lower temperatures mean a higher risk of frostbite and hypothermia, particularly for smaller dog breeds or both puppies and senior dogs that are more vulnerable. Icy surfaces increase the risk of falls and injuries, and snowfall can remove both visual and scent markers that can make it easier to get lost if you and your dog are accidentally separated. De-icing chemicals on streets and sidewalks can be toxic and may aggravate even small cuts or sores on your dog’s feet.
Fortunately, despite the added risks of winter walks, it is easy to avoid these hazards and still enjoy regular walks with your dog.
No matter how long a walk you take or where you and your dog stroll through the snow, it is important to be safe at all times. To enjoy winter walks in a safe and comfortable way…
Above all, be alert to your dog’s condition at all times, and know when conditions may be too cold for a winter walk. Excessive shivering and reluctance to stay outdoors are sure signs that it is too cold for your dog to be outside, and it will be best to exercise with fun indoor games instead. With proper precautions, both you and your pet can enjoy winter walks and know how to keep safe and comfortable when exercising all winter long.
]]>A bright, healthy smile is a sign of a happy and thriving pet. By incorporating proper dental care into your pet parenting routine, you're not only preventing potential health issues but also enhancing the quality and longevity of your furry friend's life. Visit us to explore our range of dental care products and start your pet on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles and happy tails.
]]>Indoor areas aren’t always the best spaces for play, with breakable objects, limited space, and immovable obstacles that can get in the way of a good time. But despite those difficulties, there are many reasons why indoor play may be best for pets, including…
When an indoor space is safer and more comfortable for playing with your pet, there are many fun games you can choose from for entertaining and enjoyable activities. While different pets will appreciate different games, the most popular options include…
No matter what games you play indoors with your pets, always keep your pet’s safety in mind. Be sure breakable objects are out of reach and not in danger of energetic play, and teach your pet the proper commands to stop playing if the game gets out of hand. Restrict games to one space to control your pet’s behavior and ensure they know where games can be played. With careful play and a variety of activities, indoor games can be a great time for you and your pet.
]]>Animals have many natural adaptations to cold weather. Our furry friends may grow a thicker winter coat, while many animals will gain weight in autumn to store an insulating layer of fat just under their skin. Some animals slow their metabolism by sleeping more in winter or could completely hibernate, while others will burrow into cozy nooks when the temperatures drop. Some animals even completely migrate to avoid cold weather. All of these adaptations help wild animals survive even through the chilliest months.
Our pets, however, do not live their natural, wild lives. Many of the animals we keep as pets, for example, would never naturally be found in our home climates or habitats, and their natural adaptations may not be adequate to protect them from severe winters. Fortunately, we can easily help our pets stay safe through the winter, no matter how cold it may be or how much snow and ice may accumulate.
There are many steps pet owners can take to keep their animal friends healthy, safe, and comfortable in cold weather. Different steps will apply to different types of animals and some animals are more cold-hardy than others, but understanding how to help animals stay safe in cold weather is the first step to protecting pets.
Cold weather can be dangerous for all types of pets, but there are many steps you can take to keep your animal companions safe and comfortable no matter how low the temperature drops.
]]>Winter can be a challenging time for pets, but with the right preparations, it can also be a season of cozy warmth and enjoyment. These cold-weather essentials will help you ensure your pets stay comfortable, happy, and healthy during the winter months. By providing them with the care and attention they need, you can create a winter wonderland that's enjoyable for both you and your beloved furry companions.
While some pets (such as Bernese Mountain dogs or Huskies) are born to live in a snowy environment, many pets are not. Leaving your dog or cat outside for the full day can lead to hypothermia or frostbite. A good rule of thumb when you take your pet outside is: when you get cold, it’s likely they’re feeling chilly too!
Start by taking time inside to groom your pet. Many animals develop a heavier coat in winter; for their sake and yours, take care of the excess fur that might otherwise be floating around your home. Pets may be skittish about grooming to begin with, so make sure you ease them into the process, providing treats when necessary.
Where opportunities for physical exercise may be lacking, you can substitute play with mental stimulation. Look for toys that provide the incentive of a tasty treat—but make your pet work for it! Try toys that conceal treats inside of them, from Kong products to more elaborate puzzles. You may also add an additional layer of challenge by freezing the toy first.
Your dog may see playtime as an opportunity to act as the alpha. Games such as tug-of-war provide ample room for bad behavior. Don’t be afraid to “win” every time—make sure your dog knows who is in charge. Playtime can be used as the perfect setting for brushing up on obedience training. Spend ten minutes each day teaching your dog a new trick or rehearsing old favorites—this will focus your dog’s extra energy on something constructive.
As cat lovers no doubt already know, it can be hard (if not impossible!) to teach a cat tricks in the same way as a dog. However, you can still engage your cat in several indoor activities. Placing cat-friendly plants such catnip or rosemary around your house is a fantastic way to appeal to your cat’s senses. Cats also respond very well to visual stimulation. Remember to leave your blinds open during the day—a cat can spend hours observing the outdoors through a sunny window. For the more tech-savvy cat, try one of many DVD’s for cats on the market—special videos featuring laser pointers, flying birds and scurrying mice.
In sum, a busy pet is a happy pet! Poor behavior such as chewing, scratching or climbing may come with the winter months, as pets become bored and stir-crazy. Keep your pet occupied with some of these activities and you will make the winter months not just bearable, but fun!
Original source: Morgan Flannery
]]>Well, if you find yourself in such a situation, you need to start thinking about changing your reptile bulbs. Your cold-blooded buddy is not getting enough heat to live a healthy life. Below are a few tips to help you evaluate when to change a reptile bulb for winter.
Understand that every reptile species needs a specific temperature range to thrive. The rat snake, for example, prefers a temperature of around 85 degrees. The bearded dragon, on the other hand, needs a higher temperature range of about 110 degrees. Understanding the correct temperature ranges for your pet will help you determine whether you need to change your reptile bulb.
When purchasing your current reptile bulb, you must have noticed that the back of the box contains a chart. Note that that chart details the approximate heat output emitted by your bulb at different distances. Use this chart to determine whether your pet is getting enough heat to survive through the winter.
Note that UVB bulbs need to be changed every six months because they lose their potency. Always mark on your calendar when you purchased your new reptile bulb. You can also set a reminder on your phone to help you change the bulb after six months.
Do you need to take better care of your pet, especially when winter is approaching? Then contact us, we will help you determine the best reptile bulbs to suit your pet.
]]>To start, pumpkin (not spiced or sweetened) is a great source of fiber for our dogs. Incorporating pumpkin puree into your dogs’ meals will help fight constipation and issues related to diarrhea. Pumpkin can also help fight off other stomach issues such as tapeworms and intestinal parasites. Cucurbitin, an amino acid found in pumpkin seeds act as a natural de-worming agent. You can easily grind dry seeds up and mix it in with your dogs’ wet food. The best part of using pumpkin is that it doesn’t even take a lot to help your dog stay regular. All it takes is a couple of tablespoons and your dog is getting fiber, amino acids, and other minerals to maintain a healthy constitution. Pumpkin seeds are full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants that support a healthy urinary tract. This is great for avoiding kidney or bladder stones in your dog. These fatty acids and antioxidants are great for supporting your dogs fur coat. The nutrients found in the flesh of pumpkin help moisturize your dogs skin and fur from the inside out keeping your dog looking it’s best. Another great benefit of using pumpkin in your dogs’ treats and food is that its diet friendly. Obesity is a growing concern for many pet owners and is slowly becoming just as dangerous for animals as it is for humans. The amount of fiber found in pumpkin naturally supports healthy weight loss in dogs and other animals. It can also serve as a healthy substitute for fatty treats and foods. Adding pumpkin to your dogs meals will make him think he’s eating more and the extra fiber will help them feel full for a longer amount of time. Don’t forget, pumpkin can be seen as something new and exciting to your pet instead of eating kibble every day. They will enjoy the new taste without even realizing how healthy it is for them to eat.
There are close to 30 tablespoons in your average pumpkin. That’s a lot for one dog so make sure to freeze some in ice trays or use the canned puree that can be bought at your local market. Pumpkin can be served cooked or raw as long as it’s fresh, clean, and not filled with additives or extra artificial ingredients. Pumpkin gives your dog a lot of benefits that many other foods can’t offer. Grab some this fall and give your dog the nutritious treat it can’t get enough of.
]]>Setting up and maintaining a healthy and sustainable aquarium requires attention to detail and regular maintenance. By following these ten tips, you can provide a safe and healthy environment for your fish to thrive in. Remember to research your fish species and their care requirements, and don't hesitate to ask us for advice.
]]>Most pets are very loyal and comfortable in familiar surroundings. There are different reasons why a pet might get lost, however, including…
Regardless of why or how a pet may become lost, the ways to find and reunite with the pet are the same.
With good fortune and dedicated effort, you can be reunited with a lost pet quickly and easily.
There are many steps pet owners can take to protect their pets and minimize the risk of the animal going lost or missing. Consider…
It can be devastating when a pet is lost or missing, but by knowing what to do and how to respond quickly, you can be reunited as soon as possible.
]]>Remember, designing a stunning aquascape is a creative process that requires patience and experimentation. Embrace the journey and enjoy the transformation of your aquarium into a mesmerizing underwater world. By following these tips and nurturing your aquascape with care, you'll create a breathtaking aquatic masterpiece that brings joy and tranquility to your home or office space.
]]>It is perfectly natural for a pet to be afraid of severe storms, but there are ways that pet owners can help their dogs and cats adjust to anxious conditions and weather storms without fear.
]]>Take it easy
Keep the exercise limited on hot days. If possible, try to keep it to early morning and evening hours on the hottest days. Also, keep in mind that asphalt can be very hot on your pet’s paws, so try to keep to the grass when the sun is bearing down.
If you think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, immediately move your pet to a shady area or indoors, preferably with air conditioning. Next, apply cold packs to his/her head, neck and chest. An alternative would be to run cool water over your pet (but not cold water). Also, allow your pet to drink water in small amounts or chew ice cubes if possible. Follow with a call to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
]]>Keeping Ticks Away
There are a number of different ways that can help keep ticks away, and the further these bugs are from you and your pets, the better the results. After all, there is no risk of tick bites if ticks are nowhere around. Effective ways to scare off ticks include…
While any of these methods can be effective at scaring off ticks, it is always best to use multiple techniques for the strongest protection against these unwanted insects. By using several tactics to discourage ticks, you can easily make sure these bugs are never bothersome again.
]]>By far one of the easiest ways to exercise with your pet is going for a walk. Just like you’re sitting at a desk all day, your dog is sitting on its pillow. Get outside while the weather is still nice and hit the pavement. Add some difficulty to your walk by adding some hills or stairs into the mix. Hiking is also a great way to make your outdoor walk more exciting. The terrain will offer unique challenges to both you and your dog – elevating that heart beat and breaking a sweat. Be careful when hiking and always make sure pets are permitted. If you want to go one step further (pun intended), then start running. Some cool places to run with your dog include the park, the local stadium bleachers, the beach, or even a charity race. Another great idea to that you can try to exercise with your pet is cycling. This is a great exercise for dogs that are exuberant and carry a lot of energy. Your pet will work to keep up with you as you pedal while you build stronger quads. Other cool ways to get some light exercise on the road or at a nearby park are rollerblading or skateboarding. If your dog has some skills, maybe you’ll be the one on foot and he will be on the board. This time of year is a great time to take a dip with your pet. Swimming not only provides exercise, it also gives you both relief from the heat. Swimming is great for older dogs as its low impact and can get your dog the exercise it needs without putting strain on aging joints and muscles. If you’re more traditional, fetch is a classic method for pets to get some exercise and can take place just about anywhere. From your living room to the local football field, fetch never fails to provide fitness and quality bonding time between pet and owner.
When out and about with your pet, always be mindful of your surroundings and the environment. Look out for unsafe situations like high temperatures and fields or water that have been heavily treated with chemicals. Make sure both you and your pet have access to everything you’ll need to engage in physical activity safely. Dogs make the best workout partners. Get outside and try these activities with your pet before it’s too late.
]]>There are many health-related reasons why a cat may stop using its litter box. Because different conditions from simple urinary tract infections or arthritis to more serious diseases such as diabetes, bladder stones, feline interstitial cystitis, and different cancers can change a cat’s litter box habits, it is important to consult a veterinarian right away if your cat’s potty habits change. This will rule out any medical issues or identify a course of treatment if necessary before your cat’s health deteriorates dangerously.
There are many non-health reasons why a cat may stop using a litter box. If your pet’s health isn’t the cause of litter box behavior, consider these other factors and which ones may be causing difficulties.
Regardless of why a cat may stop using its litter box, there are simple tricks to help make the box more appealing and avoid unwanted accidents in other parts of your home. To help your cat feel comfortable using the litter box…
There may be many reasons why your cat has stopped using the litter box. By making the box as comfortable and stress-free as possible, you can discourage any non-box elimination and keep your cat happy without extra cleanups or behavioral problems.
]]>Starting a freshwater aquarium can be a fun and rewarding experience. When choosing fish for your aquarium, it's important to consider their temperament, diet, and care requirements. The above-mentioned species are popular among beginners because they are hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for. With a little bit of research and attention to their needs, you can enjoy a thriving and beautiful aquarium in your home or office space.
]]>By following these springtime pet care tips, you can help ensure your furry friend enjoys the season to the fullest. Whether you're going on adventures together or simply relaxing in the sun, taking care of your pet's health and well-being is essential for a happy, healthy relationship.
]]>Some popular bird species that serve as great pets include canaries, finches, cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and lovebirds. Before selecting the right bird make sure you have an idea of how much time you can devote to the bird and how often you think your kids would like to handle it. For some people, birds add beauty and music to their home, but for others they really do become true companions. For example, finches and canaries generally don’t like being handled by humans, but prefer to be in a small flock and like to fly around. Make sure to grab more than one so that the bird has an additional friend that’s not human and a flight cage so that the birds have the freedom to move around. These birds serve as great pets for younger children as the child is too young to handle the bird and they provide soothing music through their soft chirps and chatter for everyone to enjoy. Similar to fish, these birds are more suitable for watching than being petted or handled. Another great bird for kids is the parakeet. Unlike finches and canaries, parakeets enjoy being handled and can be very gentle with their owners. Their personality can be described as kind or soft and the bond they can form with kids is almost unparalleled. A bonus to having a parakeet as a pet is that they can learn to talk. Parakeets are a larger species of bird and will require a mixed diet of veggies, formulated pellets, and seed. Encourage your kids to use positive reinforcement to help train these birds to talk and be wonderful companions. For kids that are slightly older, I recommend selecting cockatiels. Cockatiels are another large species that make great pets. Cockatiels can talk, whistle, and even do tricks. These birds love to interact with people and are a delight for kids to work with. Cockatiels are very similar to your typical household pet like a dog or cat. They require attention, special care, and a life outside of the cage in order to have a happy experience. With all of this in mind, cockatiels are great for older children as they can help develop character and responsibility for your child. Other birds like parrots are similar but require even more attention and interaction outside the cage which may not be suitable for your child depending on their age.
Make sure to speak to your local pet store about any particular species to understand its required living conditions. A bird must be supported by the proper environment in order to be happy and thrive. Some birds can become depressed if the relationship between owner and bird is neglected. The price of a small bird is also not entirely cheap, however there are ways to adopt to give a bird in need a loving home. Birds are beautiful creatures and delightful pets. Your kid will be lucky to have one to call its own.
]]>To begin, you must first understand your cat. Cats are nothing like dogs. They are not as social and do not have the same tendencies. Dogs were bred to be companions to humans whereas cats were bred to help get rid of vermin. Cats are hunters and they are independent in the way they behave and react to people. They don’t seek attention or motivation from their owners. The simply go about as they please, but training your cat is important because it has certain benefits such as keeping your cat from making messes and damaging your home when you are gone.
When training your cat, be sure to use tasty treats. Don’t just use any old treat, but treats that it really likes so that it responds in a positive manner. For example, to teach your cat to sit, use the treat to direct its body to the proper position. Hold the treat in your hand right at your cats nose and slowly move it in an arc just over his head as the cat begins to sniff the treat. Your cat will follow this arc motion with their head and as their chin begins to rise, their butt will go down into the sit position. Once your cat finally assumes a seated position, praise your cat and give it a treat. Repeat this process several times until your cat begins to sit automatically and on command. Be sure to use treats and follow repetition for every trick you wish for your cat to learn. The key to training your cat and understanding its behavior is making sure you reward your cat excessively when it does the things you want it to do. Also, make sure its experience is unpleasant regarding the things you do not want it to do. Furthermore, if the cats training experience is not pleasurable, then your cat will not respond well. Keep in mind that while training your cat, it responds very poorly to punishment. Depending on your cats’ temperament, punishment and negative reinforcement can create stress, which leads to further misbehavior. Punishment can also lead your cat to avoid you and learn to run away in your presence.
Training your cat requires constant practice, persuasion, and reward based reinforcement. If you are having trouble with your cats’ behavior and are truly devoted to teaching it various tricks, consult with a trainer in your area. Just be sure that no matter what, the training of your cat is handled with persistent and positive reinforcement.
]]>Cognitive training is brain training, solving puzzles and figuring out solutions to sharpen mental acuity. This helps dogs focus their energy into constructive activities, rather than a bored pet acting out such as causing damage, barking uncontrollably, or otherwise becoming destructive for lack of anything better to do. Cognitive training can also help alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress in dogs by providing a useful distraction that often has a treat, praise, or other reward when the dog successfully solves a problem or puzzle. Training games can also be used to slow down dogs that may eat too quickly, establish impulse control in hyperactive dogs, and help dogs adapt to new and changing situations that may otherwise be frightening or upsetting.
There are many fun options for cognitive training. Every solution may not be best for every dog, depending on its size, temperament, and abilities, but there are options that will work for every pet.
It doesn’t have to be difficult to offer your dog fun cognitive training. As you work on more elaborate games and puzzles, not only will your dog’s intelligence and behavior improve, but you’ll strengthen your bond together as well. With so many training games to try, both you and your dog can enjoy years of challenging fun.
]]>Poor dental habits for your pet can lead to a number of health issues throughout the rest of its body. American Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Douglas Aspros said that, "Dental problems are extremely common, and many are painful and can lead to serious systemic conditions. An untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs, and suddenly become life threatening."
Symptoms
The first sign of dental problems in your pet is bad breath. Take a look inside of their mouth and check the teeth and gums. Yellow, brown, or discolored teeth are another sign. As dental disease progresses, you may notice loose teeth and red, inflamed gums. Both dogs and cats will show an uncharacteristic reluctance to eating food or playing with toys and an overall sense of lethargy. Cats may show decreased grooming and increased drooling. You may even see your pet pawing at its mouth, as its gums become irritated. If you see any of these symptoms, the AVMA recommends taking your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Checkups and cleanings
The best way to prevent dental disease from developing in your pet is to make regular appointments for health examinations with your veterinarian. After the exam, your vet may recommend an oral care regimen, schedule regular cleanings, or offer a specific treatment based on your pet’s current dental health.
Brushing and alternatives
Dr. Aspros acknowledges that only 1% of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth. Not only do more owners need to begin brushing, they also should use chew toys, treats and rawhides to help keep their pet’s teeth clean. Your veterinarian can recommend many of the products available to help maintain your pet’s oral health between checkups.
Foods that bear the VOHC® (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance ensure that they adhere to their strict standards and protocols. The VOHC® allow their seal to be used on products meant to help retard the development of plaque and tarter on the teeth of animals.
For now, though, good old dental habits like regular brushing, checkups as well as good eating habits are the best way to maintain proper oral health for your pet. While you or a family member can easily express oral discomfort, your pet cannot. It is important to keep an eye out for the above symptoms and follow a pro-active approach to avoid discomfort for your pet and more costly veterinary procedures down the road.
How Bad Is Bad?
Even with regular brushing and good, pet-friendly oral care, a pet's breath will never be minty fresh like a human's may be. Over time, you will learn to recognize your pet's normal breath odor, and can recognize when that odor changes or has worsened.
Very bad breath, also called halitosis, may be particularly pungent, or could have a distinctively different smell such as a fruity or sugary odor, smelling like rot or feces, or be rancid or just exceptionally strong. Any severe changes in breath odor that can't be immediately explained – for example, a pet's breath will naturally be stronger right after a meal – and that don't return to normal within a day or two should be cause for concern. When the onset of bad breath is paired with other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, excessive urination, appetite changes, excessive drinking or pawing at the face, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
Causes of Bad Breath in Pets
Bad breath is a very common in many pets, and there are many potential causes behind a foul smell. While the severity of the bad breath will vary depending on the pet, the cause of the odor could be…
Because it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of your pet's bad breath, unless you happen to see them eating something foul, it is essential to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.
Keeping Your Pet's Breath Fresh
There are many ways to help your pet have fresh breath. If they haven't developed a problem, these tactics can keep their mouth fresh and clean, or if your veterinarian has treated the underlying cause, you can use these methods to help prevent a recurrence and keep your pet's breath more pleasant.
Bad breath is one of the most common problems in pets, and one of the easiest to overlook. By being aware of your pet's oral hygiene as part of overall good care, you can be sure to prevent not only bad breath, but also the more serious underlying problems that can cause it.
]]>So what to make of these mysterious findings? Scientists predict that the answer lies in the neurological structure within the dog’s brain. Similar to humans, dogs possess two separate sides of the brain which become excited during different emotional states. Left-sided brain emotions include love, affection, bonding, and security while aggression and anxiety are known as right-sided emotions. The physical, real life response, is, however, exhibited opposite to the excited side of the brain. So affection is an emotion felt in the left side of the brain, but is acted out on the ride side of the body. This explains why a puppy happy to see its owner will wag its tail more toward its right side.
Dog’s are expressive animals and so are humans. This is why we so closely identify with them and often develop such extremely close bonds with them. Tail wagging says a lot about a dog’s emotional state and there are a number of factors you should keep in mind when trying to read their state of mind besides the left-right bias.
If something has caught your dog’s attention and he or she becomes aroused, expect the tail to be high and stiff. This is a classic sign that your dog may be in an aggressive state of mind. A stranger at the door, mailman, or malevolent cat may cause this rigidity in the tail. Also known as flagging, the dog may slowly wag the stiff tail while still pointing it upward. On the other hand, timidity and submissiveness will result in tail tucking under the buttocks and firmly against the stomach. These emotions are often detected during thunderstorms or trips to the vet. It’s important to keep in mind that dogs, like humans, have unique responses to emotional stimuli. Tail wagging may be a convenient way to detect the emotional state of your furry friend, but always know that doggy behavior is anything but simple.
]]>Obese pets are in danger of suffering from many medical and physical conditions. The extra fat on your pug may be loveable at first, but the extra pounds he is carrying can limit his physical abilities and shorten his life. Research has shown that as few as five extra pounds in dogs can put them at risk for the following physical disorders: type 2 diabetes, respiratory and heart disease, osteoarthritis and joint problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and cancer. More importantly, obese dogs tend to be less active with their owners, have less energy, and become less playful.
So how do you recognize your pet is obese? For starters, if your pet is fed a lot of treats and table food, it’s safe to suggest it is in risk of becoming obese. Furthermore, many owners overfeed their pets by feeding them twice or more a day. Moreover, many owners don’t own a pet scale. Let’s be honest, there are not too many owners who actually spend the money on a pet scale, especially if you have a large dog. Even a human scale for smaller pets can be inaccurate. The problem is that pet owners do not visit the pet enough to receive regular check ups that will confirm your pet’s overall health including its weight. It’s difficult, but without a scale, it’s hard to know if your dog is overweight or obese.
To help your pets avoid obesity and to maintain their weight follow these simple tips. First, always know the ideal weight of your pet. You don’t have to visit the veterinarian every time you want to know how much your dog weighs. In fact, you can gauge their ideal weight just by feeling the area around their ribs. If you can feel the ribs easily, but they are not necessarily seen, and your dog has maintained a defined waist then its in good shape. Anything less or more, and you will need to speak to your vet about next steps. Second, exercise frequently with your pet. With cats this may be difficult, but let your cat out every now and then to make sure it’s staying active. Take your dog out on your next run or for a brisk walk before work. Running or walking with your dog will not only be good for its overall health, its good for yours too! So don’t be afraid to put on your shoes and take your pet out for some fun. Finally, change your pet’s diet. You may not need to change your pets’ food as much as just setting some guidelines for what your pet eats. If your dog is in risk of obesity, don’t feed it any foods from the table. If Grandma’s lasagna adds calories to your diet, what do you think it will do to your pet! Also, account for how many treats your dog eats in a day. Some owners who are married or have kids will feed too many treats, because more than one person in the family is rewarding the dog. A smart and healthy way to add more food to your dog’s diet without adding calories is to add some fresh steamed green beans. These are high in fiber and almost calorie free.
Always speak with your local vet if you’re ever unsure about obesity in your pets and how to maintain it. Weight loss is important to the health of your animals, and a vet is a great place to start the process, especially if you have a cat since they behave differently. Like any kind of weight loss its all easier said than done, but maintaining your pets health is essential to its own health, and even possibly your own.
]]>If your pet shows signs of irregular, excessive shedding, such as losing clumps of fur, developing bald patches, or showing skin rashes or sores, see your vet immediately to check for more serious skin conditions and health issues.
Taking care of your pet means letting the fur fly during shedding season, but savvy pet owners know they don't have to live in a fur ball!
]]>About Pet Digestion and Dietary Needs
Animals have evolved to need certain diets, and their diets don't necessarily coincide with what humans might need to eat healthy. Furthermore, altering a pet's diet too far away from their natural needs will not only deprive them of essential nutrition, but may impact their digestion and cause different problems, from diarrhea and constipation to impacted bowels, vomiting, flatulence, pain, dehydration, pancreatitis and digestive tract inflammation. These issues can make your pet acutely uncomfortable and can even lead to more severe illnesses or death – all from eating well-intentioned but actually toxic treats.
Treat or Toxic?
Knowing the best treats and most common poisons for your pets is a good way to start monitoring an animal's diet to be sure it doesn't ingest anything dangerous. While items not intended for consumption – chemical fertilizers, antifreeze, bleach, detergents, etc. – are obviously poisonous, some innocuous foods that may be favorites of pet owners can be toxic to their pets. The exact degree of toxicity can vary between species and may depend on the quantity of the food consumed as well as an individual animal's dietary needs, but it is better to know which foods should always be avoided.
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Reptiles
When choosing treats for your pet, be aware of all ingredients of prepared foods – Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, for example, may seem like a good treat for cats and dogs, but the skin or gravy could have excessive amounts of salt, while stuffing may have onions, garlic or other unhealthy ingredients that can be dangerous for your pets.
When In Doubt
If you want to offer your pet a new or unusual treat, consult your veterinarian first. If your pet accidentally consumes an unknown or potentially toxic item, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible or take your pet to the vet's emergency room if they show signs of distress. If possible, have a label or food container available for your vet to see the exact ingredients, and note how much of the item your pet consumed and when it was eaten – these details can be critical for getting the best possible treatment.
It can be fun to offer your pet treats, but be sure you always offer safe ones!
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