Undercoats are responsible for making some dog breeds extra fluffy. Unfortunately, that double coat can also cause matting, which is extremely painful for a pup. Here are some of the best brushes for dogs with a double coat.

Heavy duty metal combs can be extremely effective, especially when it comes to teasing apart a mat. These combs have one side with fine teeth and one side with wide teeth, so you can make short work of matting and dead hair. These combs can also get right down to the skin where many other brushes can’t reach.

Furminators are popular with many pet parents. They function a lot like a metal comb, but they are ergonomically designed for humans. Because they are more comfortable to use, they are especially effective on large dogs.

Slicker brushes can be effective for some dogs too. To find ... Read more »

Everyone knows that dogs need regular baths. Do cats need baths too? And if so, how often should you give a cat a bath?

In general, cats do not need baths. They are master groomers, which means they are able to keep themselves clean. However, even the neatest cat may find himself in a situation where he needs a bath.

Outdoor cats are likely to need baths more often. This is especially true if your cat brings home fleas. A flea bath can help take care of the problem quickly.

Elderly cats may also require regular baths. As a cat ages, he may not be able to clean himself like he used to.

Do you have allergies? If so, giving your cat baths may help cut back on dander, which could eliminate your allergy symptoms.

For tips on giving your cat a bath, ... Read more »

When it’s about time to give birth, your pregnant cat will seek out a place to nest. Here are some tips for creating the perfect nesting box for your female kitty.

Giving birth is hard work, so soon-to-be moms will seek out an isolated, quiet, calm and dim area. Instead of making your cat find an area on her own, set up an area for her. A cardboard box makes a great nesting box, just as long as you place it in a back room or in a closet. The basement is also a calm, dark place that’s perfect for giving birth.

If you don’t have a cardboard box, try opening a bottom drawer in the kitchen, garage, or in the basement. No matter what kind of box you choose, make sure you line it with comfortable bedding that can easily be thrown away.

For more tips, click here, or visit with your vet Raleigh, NC ... Read more »

When playing with litter mates, it is acceptable to do a little bit of biting. Unfortunately, as a puppy ages, those playful bites can end up being painful. It is important that you teach your dog that play biting is still biting.

If your pup puts his teeth on you while you’re playing, tell him no and stop playing with him. Your pup will learn very quickly that if he bites, he doesn’t get to play.

Once your puppy has had a chance to calm down, you can try playing with him, repeating the process if he bites. Just make sure that you don’t physically punish your dog. It will only make your dog fearful, which isn’t good if you’re trying to build a positive relationship with your new pet.

If your dog is still biting, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian Guilford College ... Read more »

Cats can quickly become dehydrated and overheat in the summer. Here are some tips for cooling your cat down if he gets a bit too hot.

Encourage your cat to relax. Don’t initiate play if your cat seems overly warm. Instead, place your cat in a cool, darkened room. If you know it’s going to be particularly hot, don’t allow your cat to go outside.

Filling a water bottle with cool water and allowing your cat to snuggle up next to it is a good way to cool down your feline friend. Letting your cat lay on hard flooring is also a way to keep him cool.

Always make sure that your cat has plenty of water. If he doesn’t seem interested, try mixing in a little bit of chicken or beef broth. To keep the water cold, plop in a few ice cubes.

For more information ... Read more »

Training your dog can make life a lot easier for you. However, it can also make life more pleasant for those around you. Here are some tips for teaching your dog manners.

Teaching your dog to sit is always a good trick to start with, but it’s also great when it comes to teaching him manners. Ask your dog to sit before he gets attention and when company comes over. That way, he’ll learn he only gets attention when he’s being good.

Manners in the kitchen are important too. Never feed your dog directly from the table or the counter. If you do, he’s likely to beg in the future. Instead, make your dog work for his treat by performing a trick. Or, you can put the treat in his bowl.

Looking for more tricks to teach your dog? Click here, or visit with your vet Greensboro, NC.

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Crate training a dog is a great way to ensure that he doesn’t have accidents or destroy the things in your home while you’re gone. Can you also crate train a cat?

Believe it or not, but you can crate train a cat. However, the crate will be used a bit differently with a cat than with a dog. Confining a cat in a crate is a great way to ensure that he doesn’t go potty all over your home while he’s being litter trained. However, cats generally don’t like spending long periods of time in a crate, so you should stop using the crate as soon as he is litter trained.

Training your cat to like his kennel is a good idea. By leaving the kennel out in the living room at all times, you might find that your cat likes taking a nap inside it.

Kennel training your cat makes visits to your vet ... Read more »

Getting your litter box setup just right can be a real pain, especially if you’re faced with the challenge of training a cat to use it. Having the right number of boxes is essential to consistent litter box use, but how many should you have if you have more than one cat?

In general, it’s best to have at least one more box than you have cats. If you have two cats, you should have at least three boxes. If you have three cats, you should have at least four boxes. Even if you only have one cat you should still have two boxes.

The number of boxes is important, but you also have to consider how many levels there are in your home. Make sure there is at least one box on each level.

To learn more, visit with your vet Greensboro, NC.

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