One of the responsibilities of new pet owners is housetraining the newest addition to the pack. Tons of patience and positive reinforcement will ensure positive results in a short span of time.

Here are expert housetraining tips to help you and your pooch breeze through the housetraining process:

Always keep your puppy close by so you can easily spots signs that he needs to go outside. Some of these signs include:

• Whining and whimpering
• Tugging on his leash
• Pacing or circling
• Stops playing and seems to become distracted

As soon as you see these cues, take your pet outside to the designated potty area to do his business. Be quick to praise him if he performs as expected.

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The number of obese pet cats is increasing at an alarming rate. More often than not, it is the owners who paved the way for this problem when they fail to properly keep a tight rein on their pet’s diet as well as their fitness regimen.

More than 50% of the pet cat population in the US is classified as overweight or obese. Overweight cats seems cute and cuddly however the excess pounds make them more prone to various health problems including Type 3 diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension, liver disease, osteoarthritis, and skin problems.

Overweight cats are also high-risk patients when they need to be operated on. They are also prone to heat stress and are less resistant to being infected by pathogens. Obese cats are twice more likely to die in middle age than cats maintaining healthy weights.

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Obese cats are more prone to serious health risks. So when your kitty is carrying excess pounds, you should take steps to turn your fat cat into a fit cat.

Four important factors that cause obesity in cats include the following:

• Excess intake of calories
• Mix-breeds or moggies are predisposed to piling on the pounds than purebred cats.
• Shorthaired cats are more likely to be overweight than long-haired cats.
• Cats that have been spayed or neutered are prone to obesity compared to intact cats. Since their reproductive organs have been removed specific hormone-driven behaviors such as roaming and looking for mates during the breeding season are non-existent.
• Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, indoor cats tend to ... Read more »

A sizeable percentage of dogs and cats suffer from dental disease. In addition to bad breath, dental problems can be painful and may cause teeth to fall out. Poor dental health has also been implicated in serious health problems, such as heart, liver and kidney disease, which can shorten a pet’s life.

Here are ways to make your pet dog’s pearly whites remain strong and healthy:

Learn how to examine your pet’s teeth from your vet and do it at least once a week, or more, if you have time. It is best to start this regimen while your pet is still very young so he will get used to having his lips, teeth, and gums closely examined. While you’re at it, check for broken teeth, bleeding of the gums, bite abnormalities, mouth sores or ulcers, and loose teeth.

Dental problems can be very painful and can possibly trigger behavioral p ... Read more »

It is a fact that pet owners can get certain types of illnesses from their pets. People can get parasites, fungus, and other ailments from their pets.

Feces of dogs and cats may contain eggs of roundworms or hookworms that a person can ingest when handling feces of infected pets. Toxoplasmosis is especially risky to pregnant women; it can be transmitted via the feces of infected animals and by handling raw meat. Proper hand washing using soap and water should be undertaken when handling pet waste.

Ringworm and mites can be transmitted via contact with an infected animal’s skin and fur.

Some illnesses, like Lyme Disease, heartworm, and tapeworm, can be transmitted to humans and animals via a third source. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, while fleas are important intermediate and transport hosts of tapeworm. Humans can get heartworm via the ... Read more »