Have a cat that scratches the carpet? If so, you know just how damaging it can be. Your feline’s nasty habit is especially frustrating if you’re living in an apartment and are concerned about getting your deposit back. Here are some tips for preventing your cat from scratching the carpet.

Chances are, you have a scratching post, but if your cat is still scratching the carpet, you haven’t found one your cat likes. Instead of a traditional, vertical scratching post, try a horizontal one. Many felines are particularly fond of emery boards.

You can address the claws too. Nail caps can be adhered to each individual nail, covering the sharp tip and eliminating harmful scratching behaviors. It’s also a great way to solve the problem without surgery.

For professional help eliminating your cat’s troublesome behavior, ... Read more »

All pets need regular exercise, and the guinea pig is no different. Exercising a hamster is as easy as plopping him into a hamster ball. Can guinea pigs use hamster balls too?

Unfortunately, hamster balls are not safe for guinea pigs. Even larger balls can be dangerous to a guinea pig. Their spines are not designed to bend backwards, which these exercise balls encourage. For the same reason, exercise wheels shouldn’t be used with your guinea pig either.

If you want to provide your guinea pig with a little exercise, set up a play area in your home or in the yard. This will allow your guinea pig to get around without the possibility of him damaging his spine. Just make sure the area is safe for your pig!

To learn more about the right way to make sure your pig gets the exercise he needs, contact your vet ... Read more »

Bath time is a regular occurrence when it comes to keeping a dog clean, happy, and healthy. Unfortunately, dealing with a wet dog after a bath can be a real pain. Here are some tips for getting your dog dry fast.

The fastest way to get your dog dry is to blow dry him. However, your blow drying efforts will go much further if you spend some time towel drying your dog. Just make sure that you have the blow dryer on a relatively cool setting so that you don’t burn your dog’s skin.

If a blow dryer isn’t an option, a regular old towel can get your pup fairly dry too. The trick is rubbing his fur vigorously in circles to soak up as much water as possible.

Letting your dog run around in the backyard is an option too! Want more tips? Click here or call your vet Gibsonia, PA.

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Cats hate getting wet, so there’s nothing worse for an outdoor cat than getting caught up in the weather. Here are some tips for keeping your outdoor cat dry.

Make sure your cat has a dry shelter that he can retreat to during wet weather. Large buildings, like barns work quite well, but a porch is also enough to keep your kitty out of the rain. If you don’t have a large building or a covered porch, consider building a small cat house. They have the added benefit of being insulated, which can keep your feline friend warm in the winter too.

Even with these precautions, your cat will likely get wet from time to time. If he allows it, try drying him off with a towel. Some felines also love to be blow dried!

For more tips, click here, or visit with your vet Gibsonia, PA.

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Don’t get stuck with a lizard that everyone else has. Choose a Blue Tongued Skink instead!

The Blue Tongued Skink is a great pet for first-time lizard owners. They aren’t very big, as they only grow up to be between 12 and 24 inches in length. They are naturally docile, so they don’t require a lot of socialization. They are a fairly easy lizard to feed, as they are omnivores. Not only do they eat a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, but you can even feed a Blue Tongued Skink chicken meat and turkey meat!

They do require a warm environment, which can be a challenge to maintain. The cage should be at least 80 degrees, with a basking spot of at least 100 degrees. They can live to be 20, so owning one is a long-term commitment.

To learn more, visit with your veterinarian Simi Valley ... Read more »

Some dogs are messy eaters, and their eating habits can really do a number on your kitchen floor. Here are some tips for cleaning up after your dog in the kitchen.

After meal time is over, clean up the mess immediately. Use a damp rag or a mop and the mess should disappear right away.

If you choose not to clean up the mess after each meal, it is going to be much more difficult to clean. If you have a particularly stubborn mess, you may have to do a bit of scrubbing.

No matter how you choose to clean up after your dog, it’s best to make sure you thoroughly clean the entire kitchen floor at least once a week so bacteria doesn’t have the chance to grow.

You can cut back on the mess by providing your big dog with a raised dog bowl! For more tips, visit wit ... Read more »

Although mice are often overlooked, they make great pets. They are very low maintenance, and they enjoy human company, as long as they’re properly socialized. Is it a good idea to pick up your new mouse from the pet store?

There are usually two kinds of mice that you can get from the pet store. The first group is kept for feeding other animals, like snakes. These mice can be tamed, but you’ll likely get bitten in the process. In addition, these mice aren’t likely to be very healthy.

Some mice are kept in the pet store for the sole purpose of being adopted. These mice are specially bred to be companion animals. They are also likely to be much healthier than the other mice. However, they aren’t always well socialized.

For help finding a pet mouse, click here or contact your vet ... Read more »

For as many people as there are who love it when dogs wear clothes, there are just as many people who think that dogs wearing clothes is a bad idea. Is it a good idea for dogs to wear clothes?

For the most part, you aren’t harming your dog my making him wear clothes. In some cases, clothes can actually be helpful. For example, hairless breeds are susceptible to getting sunburned. With a doggy shirt, you can protect your pup’s sensitive skin from the sun. Sweaters are also a great way to keep these dog’s warm when it’s chilly outside.

Some people think doggy boots are especially outrageous, but they can have benefits too. Doggy boots can protect the sensitive footpads of a dog’s foot from hot cement during the hottest summer months.

For more information, discuss dog clothes with your vet Moorpark, CA. Or visit this w ... Read more »