Have you ever heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” That may not be completely true, but when it comes to house training it’s close. Our older Boxer friends often have difficulty when it comes to going to the bathroom outside or on a potty pad. If your older dog is having trouble, contact your local vet and find out more about incontinence and treatment options. In the meantime, if your Boxer is having accidents in the house then you’ll need a high powered, yet pet friendly, cleaner. All natural cleaners are great choices, but remember to look for something that removes stains as well as odors. Don’t forget to pre-treat the stain according to the cleaning directions. It takes time, but it’s the best way to completely wipe out pet stains. For more tips and cleaning suggestions, call your best veterinarians Scottsdale, AZ.

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Hedgehogs can be fun, exotic pets but may be a little difficult to handle because of the spines. Yet your hedgehog will be happier if handled and played with so he feels a part of your family. Before attempting to pick up your hedgehog, be sure he is comfortable with you. Sit close to his enclosure and talk softly or sing to him. Drape your hand so he can explore it and try to hand feed your pet. Once you feel your hedgehog feels comfortable with you, act quickly and efficiently to pick him up. Use both hands to scoop him up and then move one hand to the spines to keep him stable. If the spines are evenly distributed on your hand it shouldn’t hurt but you could use a small cloth to protect your hand. Quickly move your pet to a safe surface to p ... Read more »

Cats are pretty fastidious and easy to train to use a litter box. The box is also essential to keep your cat indoors at all times. Pick a litter box that your cat can climb into and turn around easily. Choosing a front or top opening box is an aesthetic one except that the latter discourages other pets from snacking from the litter box. The choice of litter is one of preference, both yours and your cat’s. You will need to choose between scoopable or traditional clay litter, scented or unscented, clay or recycled materials and a number of other factors. You may need to try several litters until you find the litter that you both can live with. Place the litter box where your cat can get to it easily but where it will provide some privacy when in use. ... Read more »

When you bring home a new Pug you may wonder if there is a need to enroll him in obedience training. Many pet stores, adoption centers and even your local vet may offer various levels of training for your Pug. Your vet can help you determine if a class is needed and at what level. Basic training is a must for all canine companions. Teaching your pet to walk on a leash, follow simple commands like “sit” and “heel,” and how to behave around strangers are basic necessities. If you’re able to accomplish these successfully on your own then a specific class may not be for you. But, if you need help then don’t be afraid to sign up. Even if you don’t need training assistance, obedience classes can help socialize your pup and build a network of support for your own benefit as well! For more information, call your veterinarian Scottsdale, AZ. Learn more here: http://raintreepet.com/

Obesity can cause mobility issues and put your dog at a higher risk for back issues, diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Obesity can significantly shorten your cat’s life span. Thus it is important to keep your dog at a normal weight. Your dog is probably obese as a combination of too much food and not enough exercise. Determine a number of calories your dog should be consuming and work to stay within that amount. Count treat calories in the tally too. Consider feeding your dog weight control food while he is losing weight. Increase the amount of exercise in your dog’s routine. Walks are great and you can increase the distance and pace as your dog becomes more conditioned. Don’t forget a romp in the dog park or your yard and any other activities that encourage movement. ... Read more »

Obesity can cause mobility issues and put your dog at a higher risk for back issues, dia ... Read more »

Your local dog park is a fun place for your dog to get exercise while socializing with other neighborhood dogs. However, you need to check the dog park out without your dog first to ensure it will be a good fit. Go to the park and try to get a feel for its energy. Read the posted rules and be prepared to follow them. There should be separate areas for large and small dogs to ensure safety. Check that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date to protect him from disease. And your dog should obey basic obedience commands so you can get him under control if needed. Allow your dog to run and play with the other dogs but don’t hover. Look for bullying behavior and be prepared to stop it especially if your dog is the bully. Don’t forget to clean up after your dog. For more information, contact your Colorado Spr ... Read more »

There’s a reason why no kid on the playground wants to be called a chicken. That’s because chickens are known for being scared and skittish! Unfortunately, this can greatly diminish their health and happiness. Stopping the stress means understanding what stresses chickens out in the first place.

Extreme temperatures can really stress a chicken out. With the right support, they can make it through extreme cold and heat, but they sure do get worried about it!

Breeding and laying can be stressful for a chicken. Especially when it comes to the very first time. The hormonal changes can be stressful, as can the act of laying the first egg.

Of course, not getting the right nutrition can cause a lot of stress too. That’s why it’s important to get your chickens’ food and water just right.

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If you own a Boxer or other breed of canine then you may find yourself giving him lots of treats for rewards or just because you want to show you care. It’s hard not to share treats and snacks with our canine friends especially when they’re behaving and doing as commanded. However, too many treats is not healthy. If you’re going to reward your Boxer with treats, look for all-natural healthy treats to give him. Pay attention to how many treats your giving and don’t exceed the daily recommendation. You can also talk with your vet to learn other ways you can reward your dog besides using treats. For instance, take your dog on a walk, play a game or just give him a good pet and rub down all over. No matter what you do, make sure you don’t over feed him with treats. For more tips, call your veterinarians Scottsdale, AZ.

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Are you concerned about socializing your Pug? If so, talk with your vet about suggested training and activities. The recommended time to socialize your dog is when he is a puppy. One way to do so is to take your pup on frequent walks that will allow him to see and even meet other dogs. Use these opportunities to teach your pup appropriate behavior with other dogs and people. If your dog tends to bark or growl at approaching people or dogs then you may want to use a muzzle in the initial training exercises. Don’t be afraid to simply walk away if the encounter doesn’t go well. It will take time and repetition for you and your pup. As a general rule, introduce your dog to one new social setting each week. These outings can help teach your Pug to remain calm and well behaved around others. For more information, visit this site, or call your vet North Phoenix, AZ.

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