Dogs are vulnerable to the toxic effects of many chemicals, plants, and even some common foods. One commonly overlooked “silent killer” is carbon monoxide. It is toxic not only to dogs but every member of the household.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that cannot be detected by the senses. However, exposure to the gas can quickly lead to sickness and even death in dogs or humans. Carbon monoxide levels in the blood can build up pretty quickly causing carbon monoxide poisoning.

While carbon monoxide is present in the environment at all times, it is at levels within established safe parameters. However, there are certain appliances or devices that produce carbon monoxide. Heaters, solid fuel stoves, gas boilers, and car exhaust emissions all produce considerable quantities of carbon monoxide. Adequate ventilation, safe usage, and venting of th ... Read more »

Cats are creatures of habit. They are used to following a daily routine and any major deviation can be stressful for them. Your cats will certainly remind you that it’s already time to eat with their persistent meowing. Some have even mastered that “silent stare” that can easily get to you so you will fill up their bowls.

Mealtimes can be stressful in a multi-cat household especially when one of the cats is a dominant and greedy one.  With this situation more submissive cats end up with only leftovers from the more dominant cat.

Apart from having a dominant cat in a multi-cat household, another challenge that is faced by an owner during every meal is having a kitty with very specific dietary needs. This can be a major issue if the cat occupies a lower rung in the pecking order. The only solution is to feed each cat in different rooms at the same time; this wi ... Read more »

The joints and bones of large or giant dog breeds should be strong to provide support and flexible enough to allow the dogs to engage in natural behaviors. The development of a giant dog’s joints and bones extends far longer than those of smaller breeds. When exercising your older large breed dog, you should always remember to engage in activities that keep their muscles and joints supple and healthy. High-impact jumps or extreme activities should be avoided. It should not be as rigorous to cause damage to the bones and joints of the dog, a situation that can have an adverse effect on the dog’s quality of life as he grows older.

Taking long walks every day is certainly much more desirable than running on hard surfaces, and jumping through very high obstacles.

Talk with your Gresham, OR vet to make sure that your pet is receiving the right amount of exercise that he need ... Read more »

Like humans, dogs are often exposed to various situations where stressors are all over the place. Exposure to specific environmental stressors over a considerable length of time can have a negative impact on an animal’s health and wellbeing. It can pave the way for the development of undesirable behaviors. Stress is a very potent fuel for problem behaviors in many pets.

The good news is you can help your pet deal with the stress by identifying the trigger factors and removing them from your pet’s immediate environment. Spending quality time with your pooch, playing and interacting with him, can calm him down. Also, your presence, your touch, and your voice are very comforting to your troubled pet. Stress can also be deeply rooted in uncertainty and fear, so your pooch needs to feel safe and secure.

Call your Fort Collins, CO animal hospital for more helpful tips on keep ... Read more »

Cats are also social animals and they thrive with lots of interaction and spending quality time with their humans. There are so many activities that you can both take part in. These are excellent opportunities to bond together and enjoy each other’s company.

Pet cats need adequate physical and mental stimulation. This is especially important for indoor cats. You should make the effort to enrich your pet’s environment so he won’t get bored. A bored cat will try to find ways to vent out pent-up energy, and most of these avenues are undesirable behaviors that can be a challenge to deal with.

Regular playtime and interaction should be a part of your pet’s daily routine. It is best to think of activities that can feed your pet’s natural behaviors such as hunting, chasing prey, scratching, climbing, etc.

Bring your pet to ... Read more »

Did you know that the onset of colder weather can often make animals more thirsty than usual? It’s important to make sure your Dutch rabbit is hydrated in the cooler months as well as the warmer months. If you notice your Dutch rabbit’s drinking habits have changed, give your vet Lawrenceville, GA a call. Your rabbit could be simply adjusting to the change in temperatures or he could be coming down with a cold or illness. Dutch rabbits should always have access to a fresh water bottle daily. One of the more effective ways to provide water to your rabbit is through a water bottle with a sipper tube. It is said that a five pound rabbit can drink as much water as a 25 pound dog. Rabbits can get seriously ill if they are deprived of water for more than 24 hours. If you’re not sure your rabbit is drinking enough talk with your vet.

... Read more »