If you live on a farm and are looking for a dog to keep you company while you run errands, do your farm chores, and sit back for a nice break at the end of the day, then talk to your vet Highland, MI. There are several breeds of dogs that tend to do well in a country or farm type setting. The larger dogs are particularly recommended for farm living. Dogs such as the Australian Shepherd and Bearded Collie tend to be best because they were originally bred as work dogs to herd sheep and cattle. These fun loving, gentle dogs are easy to train on where they can and can’t go on the farm. They can be taught to herd your cattle or to simply leave them alone. These two breeds along with the Golden Retriever or any retriever tend to do best in large open spaces where they can run and play. Read more here.

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There are several types of pigeons besides the types you may see at your local park. Your vet Highland, MI may be able to tell you about several types including the messenger pigeon. A messenger pigeon is also called a homing pigeon. They are a type of domestic pigeon that have their origins from the rock pigeons, which are known for their ability to find their way home over long distances. These particular pigeons were mostly used as messengers in different times, but especially at war time. They are also known as war pigeons and pigeon posts. Today, the messenger pigeon continues to carry notes back and forth, but of a more competitive nature. Many owners race their pigeons. It was once recorded that a homing pigeon flew over 1,100 miles in a competitive race. Most messenger pigeons are tagged with special tracking devices so that they may be returned home should they get lost. For more information, click here ... Read more »

Most people would agree that everyone needs a vacation at some point. Your vet Highland, MI may also agree that pets need a vacation every now and again as well. Taking your dog with you on family vacation can be fun, but it’s not always a vacation when you have to keep up with your dog while enjoying a time to relax and take a break. Your dog might not think keeping up with the kids 24/7 is a vacation either. Sometimes we need a break from one another and that includes a break from our pets and vice versa. Talk to your vet about local boarding facilities and pet resorts that offer non-kennel atmospheres where your dog is allowed to run with other dogs his size, enjoy group play time, and take a nap in his very own suite that includes a dog bed just for him. Give your dog a break while you and your family enjoy a break. Click here to know more.

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In the past, dogs lived as predators in the wild. Even with domestication, dogs still have the instinct to hunt for prey. Digging in the yard gives your pooch opportunities to catch insects or burrowing animals that inhabit your yard. This is usually the case if your dog’s digging is focused on a single area, or at the roots of plants, or when following a particular layout or path.

One way to address this problem is to determine whether there are really burrowing animals in your yard, then using safe methods to fence them out. If this is not possible, you can take steps to make your garden unfriendly to them.

However, avoid using or applying any product or method that could be poisonous or dangerous to your pets and other animals in the area.

If you are having problems with your pet’s behavior, talk with a Unionville, ON vet. Find ou ... Read more »

Some cats like to ‘ambush’ their unsuspecting owners’ legs or feet as they pass by. While this may appear like play behavior, this can end in scratch marks or injuries to whoever catches their fancy.

Here are ways to deal with the behavior:

Say “No” in a firm and calm voice. Then gently pick your kitty up and put him in a room for a 10-minute time out. This will teach your pet that this type of behavior will lead to a temporary loss of freedom.

Toss him a treat or a favorite toy as you pass by. This will distract him from his ‘plans’.

Be quick to reward your kitty when he stops pouncing or swatting you as you pass by.

Sometimes, a cat that engages in this undesirable behavior may lack physical and mental stimulation. Give your pet ... Read more »

Even with domestication, pet ferrets still possess a strong den instinct just like their ancestors in the wild. To feed this basic instinct, you can create a den-like enclosure for your pet using a wire cage with these dimensions – 18 inches long, a depth of 18 inches, and a width of 30 inches.

Ferrets also love to climb, thus a bi-level cage will give them lots of physical and mental stimulation. Include stairs or ramps, shelves, or hammocks to enrich your pet’s environment. Wire cages are preferred over aquariums because the latter provide poor ventilation.

To prevent your pet ferrets from escaping, the cage should have a cover with a secure latch and the opening should not be larger than 2 x2 inches.

Wire flooring can be uncomfortable to your pet’s feet so you should place linoleum on the floor or use a washable carpet to li ... Read more »