Aging can bring about important changes in your pet’s health. The needs of senior pets may also change. They will need frequent visits to the vet and will probably need more care and attention than puppies.

Since dogs are unable to tell their owners that something is wrong, pet owners should watch closely for any changes in their pet’s behavior. Changes in food intake, water consumption, sleep routines, elimination habits, general demeanor, etc. should always be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Since senior dogs are prone to developing painful joint problems, they may become aggressive because of the pain. They may also become irritable because they have a hard time hearing properly or suffer from vision problems.

Senior pets require a different diet than puppies or adult dogs. Since they tend to slow down, they will need fewer calories than puppies. Withou ... Read more »

Even with domestication, dogs still possess innate instincts that can have an influence on specific behaviors. For starters, dogs hate being looked straight in the eye. Some dogs get stressed when they meet new dogs and even people. This is an important reason why it is not a good idea to just approach a dog without any warning. If the dog is with his owner, make sure to ask the owner first. If the owner says it’s okay, don’t put your hand out for the dog to sniff. A fearful or aggressive dog may just nip your hand. An unfamiliar dog that is on a leash or tied up by themselves should never be approached. When a dog approaches and sniffs you, relax and place your hands at your side. Don’t look him in the eyes; look away, instead. Some dogs don’t like being petted on their heads by strangers. After the initial sniffing, dogs prefer to be petted on the chest or under the chin. Any of these scenarios can occur if you take your dog on ... Read more »

Contradicting ideas and opinions exist when it comes to bundling up horses. While horses have the natural ability to withstand weather conditions, there are situations when they benefit from having a blanket or sheet on their backs. The horse’s hair acts as natural insulator, keeping the horse warm when temperatures are cooler.  When environmental conditions become very chilly and the horse has no shelter, a blanket will certainly give him extra warmth and comfort.

A horse that is moved from a warm place to a colder region will benefit from having a blanket as he adjusts to his new environment. Horses that are used in competitions often have their hairs clipped to control sweating and help them cool off faster after workouts, thus they will need a blanket when the day or night turns chilly. Senior horses may have a poor appetite and/or inefficient metabolism and their bodies may not be able to generate enough heat in very cold weather. Many horses have survived ex ... Read more »

There are various reasons why kittens are abandoned by their mother. Some mother cats are unable to produce milk, while some have behavior problems that prevent them from properly caring for their litter. There are also mother cats that don’t survive the birth of her kittens.

If you have a litter of orphaned kittens on your hands, you should realize that you have a very important responsibility. The kittens’ survival depends on you. Your task is more than just feeding them. You will also be responsible for their housetraining and socialization.

Kitten milk formula needs to be given by bottle. Ask your veterinarian for recommendation regarding a nutritionally balanced formula that can adequately meet the nutritional needs of the kitten.

Mother cats help their newborn kittens to urinate or defecate by applying pressure on their abdomen ... Read more »

Shedding is the body’s natural process of getting rid of dead hair and old hair coat to make way for the growth of new hairs. Different breeds of dogs vary in the volume of hair that is shed, however many shed off large volumes of hair during spring as the weather gets warmer. Shedding during this time is the dog’s way of shedding off their heavy winter coat.

Shedding in dogs can also be brought about by other important causes such as the presence of mites and other external parasites, hormonal imbalance, stress, some types of cancer, autoimmune disease, and skin infections. Lacks of grooming and poor nutrition are also important causes of shedding in dogs. If excessive shedding is caused by diet that lacks essential nutrients, change your dog’s diet to one that is of premium quality and is appropriate for his life stage. There are also skin and coat supplements that you can ask from your vet clinic Olathe KS ... Read more »

There are many possible reasons kittens get diarrhea. It may be something they have consumed or even a result of certain environmental conditions. While most cases of diarrhea are self-limiting and will go away on its own without medical intervention, there are instances when the problem persists and is accompanied by other important clinical signs; these cases warrant a visit to your vet clinic for appropriate veterinary attention.

Diet

Sudden dietary changes can possibly lead to digestive upsets. Introducing a new diet should be done gradually so the stomach will have enough time to get used to the new food.

Food allergies and food intolerance

A kitten can develop diarrhea when he is allergic to specific component/s in his diet. Identifying the component and changing your p ... Read more »

Boxers make excellent pets especially when they are given proper and adequate training while still very young. The breed has often been perceived to be aggressive, but this is not necessarily true. Boxers are particularly good with kids. Like all dogs, they require early socialization and training, and a firm and consistent pack leader in order to be a well-behaved member of the pack.

Boxers were originally bred to work and they respond best to positive reinforcement during training. Here are some tips for effectively training a Boxer pup:

Housetraining

After doing his business, be quick to offer a reward so he will know that it is the desired behavior.

Physical activity

Boxers need daily exercise, without which they can become restless and have higher risks of developing undesirable behavior including aggression.

Leash Training

Teach your Boxer puppy to heel and walk at your l ... Read more »

There are times when your cat may eliminate outside the litter box. One of the most common issues is a dirty, stinky box. If the litter box stinks, your cat will find a less appropriate place to go. New household members or disruptions to the household such as guests or construction workers may cause your cat stress. She may become nervous about going to the litter box. You need to set up a clear path to the box away from these stressful forces. Or you may want to temporarily set up another box that is easier to get to. As your cat ages, she may develop some mobility issues. Check that your cat can get in and out of her litter box with ease. However, a sudden lapse in using the litter box could indicate a medical issue. Make an appointment with your Greenville, SC veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

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Your cat’s feet are strong and help her move around with gymnastic ease but they are also sensitive. Examine your cat’s feet frequently, looking for sore or cuts plus any signs of splinters or swollen areas. Keep the feet clean since grit can damage your cat’s feet and she may get ill if she licks it off. Similarly, with household chemicals – don’t allow your cat to step in dangerous chemicals. Trim the hair between your cat’s toes if it gets too long since it can irritate your cat. Protect your cat from stepping on hot surfaces including those heated by the sun. Trim your cat’s nails frequently so she doesn’t get them caught on something and tear. Also you may be able to curtail inappropriate scratching if you trim your cat’s nails for her. Your cat may show signs of discomfort by limping and excessive licking of irritated areas. For more information, contact your ... Read more »