Regular grooming is important to the health and happiness of your cat. You probably already know that your feline friend needs to be brushed regularly, but he can also benefit from getting a trim here and there.

Does your cat go outside? Or maybe he just drags litter all over your home? It might be worth taking the time to trim his toe hair! This is one of the easiest areas to trim as well, because you only need a pair of scissors to get the job done.

Is your cat having trouble cleaning himself? Whether due to arthritis or obesity, it might be helpful to trim up your cat’s backside. That way, it doesn’t have the chance to get dirty in the first place.

For professional help trimming your cat, visit with your vet Westlake Village, CA about groomers in the area. Read more for additional informat ... Read more »

Training a dog using punishment has been frowned upon by many animal trainers and veterinarians. The best dog training methods focus on teaching dogs what you want them to do. This is the more acceptable approach because the learning process is a more enjoyable and enriching experience for you and your dog. When the right behavior is displayed, you can offer treats, games, and lots of praise so your pet will realize that you are happy with his behavior. Positive reinforcement enables you to teach your dog appropriate behavior without hurting or frightening him. Rather than punishing your pet for engaging in behavior that you don’t want him to do, focus on teaching your pet dog what you do want him to do. And if he does, let him remember to do it again by rewarding him. This is the best way to get the job done without damaging the bond that you share with your canine buddy.

Proper dog training should teach your d ... Read more »

One of the most common blunders committed by cat owners when feeding their furballs is offering only dry food or kibble. Many cat parents are not aware that the practice is increasing the pet’s risk for developing urinary tract problems, an important consequence of a diet that is low in liquids. Cats have finicky habits when it comes to drinking water, so one way to ensure regular fluid intake is to offer canned pet which contains about 70% moisture. Dry food or kibble contains only 5-10% water. In the wild, cats get their water from their food. Between kibble and canned pet food, the latter does a much better task of keeping a cat well-hydrated.

Water is vital to life. It accounts for 60-70% of the body weight of an adult cat. Chronic water deficiency can eventually have serious implications for cats, paving the way for illness or even death. IN addition to canned pet food, pet cats should also have several sou ... Read more »

Time and again, dogs have proven themselves to be man’s best friend. They are well-loved for their loyalty, zest for life, exuberance, and unconditional affection. However, dogs need to be trained so they will become well-disciplined members of the household. Proper training will help a dog live harmoniously in a human household.

Using the right techniques as well as positive reinforcement during your dog’s training, will help you achieve the desired results. Training sessions are also excellent opportunities to bond with your canine buddy; make sure that each session is an enjoyable and positive experience for you and your pooch.

If you have tried asking around how to train your dog, you will certainly be overwhelmed by the different opinions of pet owners, animal trainers, and even veterinarians. Regardless of which training method or technique you apply, effective do ... Read more »

Being ectotherms or “cold-blooded”, reptiles rely on their environmental temperature to regulate the temperature of their body. In their natural habitat in the wild, they naturally seek an area with the temperature they need; they alternately move between sunny and shaded areas whenever the need arises. It is for this reason that a pet reptile’s enclosure should have a temperature gradient so the animal can choose the appropriate temperature.

Temperatures should not be too high or too low in order to create an ideal environment for your pet reptile. Most physiological processes like digestion are only efficient at the right body temperature. A reptile can become sluggish and may suffer from digestive problems when temperatures are too low.

To create a temperature gradient inside the reptile’s enclosure, place a basking light or other source of heat at one en ... Read more »

Do you know that Great Dane puppies can be noticeably bigger after a night’s sleep? Within a span of one year, these dogs can go from a small adorable puppy to being able to stand up on their hind legs and be at eye level with a 6-foot tall person.

Many pet owners may think that Great Danes are voracious eaters because of their size, but adults are only given about 2-3 cups of premium quality kibble for each meal. Since puppies are prone to growth spurts, too much protein in the diet should be avoided because it can fuel faster growth rates which can cause damage to bones and joints. It is recommended to feed adult pet food to Great Dane puppies, instead of puppy food which are high in protein and formulated for quick growth.   

Know more about your dog's nutritional needs by visiting your Suwannee County, FL veterinarian. Check out this ... Read more »