Boredom and lots of pent-up energy are potent fuels of undesirable behaviors in cats and dogs. Pets should be given regular and adequate physical and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored.

Being completely confined indoors should not mean a dreary and boring life for pet cats. Cat parents should make an effort to provide an enriching and stimulating indoor environment for their pets. This will help curb the call of the wild as well as give pet cats lots of fun and entertaining activities throughout the day.

Install scratching posts, cat trees, window perches, and kitty condos to feed your cat’s natural instincts. Give lots of cat-safe toys and make sure to rotate the toys on a weekly basis to preserve their novelty. Observing your cat’s behavior as he goes about his day will tell you if he still needs more environmental stimulation.

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Do you know that bread dough and alcohol can be toxic to cats? These are two people foods that can affect the nervous system of felines, leading to disorientation.

Bread dough has yeast that can break down sugar and produce alcohol when ingested. Once the alcohol is absorbed into the cat’s bloodstream, sufficient levels can cause intoxication, and the cat may behave like a drunken person, and may appear disoriented. He may wander aimlessly around the house and often has no idea what he is doing or where he is. However, some cats are lucky enough to regurgitate the ingested dough. In extreme cases, the dough may expand in the stomach, causing the cat’s abdomen to swell.

Cats are also very sensitive to alcohol. Consumption of adequate amounts can result in disorientation and lethargy. There are also cases where cats die after consuming alcoholic beverages.

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You may have heard about no chew spray, but you might not be exactly sure what it is and what it is used for. Always talk to your veterinarian Neptune Beach, FL when you are unfamiliar with products for your dog or cat. No chew spray is a spray that helps train and prevents your pet from chewing on things like your furniture, walls, rugs, shoes, etc. These sprays may also be used to discourage your pet from chewing on his fur, his feet, or other areas that are irritated on their skin. Most no chew sprays use a taste deterrent as the main source to discourage your pet from chewing. When shopping for a no chew spray, read the label carefully to make sure it is safe to use on your pets and around your children. Also look for sprays that won’t stain your furniture, walls, or other areas. More details here.

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Many pet owners are concerned about walking their dogs on hot pavement during the summer months. If you think your dog may be uncomfortable on his walks, talk to your veterinarian Neptune Beach, FL as this may be more than a temperature related condition. Dog’s paw pads are tough when it comes to walking on various surfaces, but they are still prone to injury from sharp objects and even hot surfaces. Signs that your dog’s paws have been burned include limping or refusing to walk, excessive chewing or licking of the feet, dark colors of the pads, missing parts of the pads or even blisters and redness. To prevent your dog’s paws from burning on hot surfaces try to avoid walking on asphalt, concrete, and metal surfaces. Walk in the grass or shaded areas of the street. Bring a cool cloth for your dog to stand on.

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Some believe dogs wag their tails as a way to communicate. If your dog is unable to wag his tail or has stopped wagging his tail completely, call your vet Jacksonville, FL as this may be a sign of a serious illness. Generally, dogs tend to wag their tails when they are happy or feel relaxed. When a dog wags his tail; however, it does not necessarily mean he is friendly and should be approached or pet on. Dogs also wag their tails when they are agitated, annoyed or even angry. Tail wagging communicates a variety of messages. For instance, when dogs are young they may wag their tail as a way of surrender to the other pups they are playing with. Dogs may also wag their tails to get attention or to beg for food. It’s a good idea not to judge a dog just by his tail!

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