Behavior problems should be nipped in the bud before they can become deeply rooted and difficult to address. Here are tips to prevent or eliminate behavior problems in pet dogs:

• Practice positive reinforcement by encouraging and reinforcing desired behavior.
• Let your pet know that you are the alpha leader of the pack from the start. You are responsible for establishing the rules and making sure that these are consistently followed.
• Regular interactions with your pet will enable you to determine what it needs to feel safe and comfortable.
• If you notice that your pet displays undesirable behavior in specific situations or environments, it is a good idea to avoid them as much as possible.
• If you have just brought home a new pet, make sure to keep a close eye on ... Read more »

Pets get depressed, too. There are various reasons of pet depression which have been identified, but most have something to do with change or loss. Some of the most common causes of depression in pet dogs and cats include stress in the household, moving to a new home, or death of a beloved person or pet companion. Pets can also get depressed when their favorite person leaves home for college or work in another place. Also, healthy pets can become depressed if they are left home alone for many hours. This is particularly true in dogs which are pack animals and thrive with company. Pets are known to be particularly sensitive to their owners’ moods and may get upset when they notice that their owners are sad or depressed.

Depression in pets is not really very common, but being able to identify important signs of the problem can enable pet owners to take steps towards addressing the problem by taking their pets to a ... Read more »

Did you know that topical pain medications used by humans have been linked to the deaths of a number of cats? These drugs contain a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called flurbiprofen. Although the medication is not directly applied to cats, kisses and cuddle sessions with your pet can expose him to the product; your pet may rub or lick your feet or neck where you have applied the medical cream. Even in small amounts, exposure to NSAIDS formulated for use in humans can have fatal implications in pets; it can lead to the development of fatal liver and kidney failure. Pets can also suffer from stomach and intestinal ulcers without prompt attention and treatment. Important signs to watch out for include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, black tarry feces, and increased water intake and urination.

Another human topical medication which has been known to lead to distinct changes in pets include estrogen-co ... Read more »

Pet owners can easily be overwhelmed by the different kinds of products that flood the pet food aisle of supermarkets. You can easily spend hours checking out each one and evaluating which one will meet your pet’s needs. These tips can help you dig right in and select the right food for your dog or cat:

• Ignore fancy marketing terms like “natural”, “organic”, or “human grade” because these words don’t mean much when you are determining the nutritional value of certain pet food products. A product that is labeled “natural” generally means it does not contain artificial ingredients and underwent minimal processing. Any company can actually label their products “holistic” or “human grade” because there are no regulations that govern such sorts of marketing. If standards of hygiene are not met, even human-grade ingredients can be con ... Read more »

Did you know that your Golden Agouti guinea pig cannot catch a cold from you or any other person in your home? The cold and flu commonly found in humans is caused by viruses. Guinea like the Golden Agouti most often develop respiratory problems through bacteria and possible fungal infections. If your Golden Agouti is sneezing, has watery eyes, or discharge from his nose, call your vet and schedule a check-up. Other signs that your little cavy may not be feeling well include lethargy and loss of appetite or even a refusal to drink water. Veterinarian care is needed right away as cavy respiratory illnesses can turn into pneumonia if it is not treated quickly.  In some cases, Golden Agouti’s illness can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Again, take your guinea pig to your vet Greensboro, NC right away as it could be a serious illness. Read more here.

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Did you know that there are mobility carts available for dogs? These carts act as a wheelchair or walker for dogs with mobility issues. For instance, if your Irish Setter is having difficulty moving around due to an illness or condition that affects the spinal cord, legs, etc. then talk to your vet about using a dog cart. Your vet may be able to help you determine if a dog cart would help or hinder your Irish Setter. He may also know where you can purchase a cart or even test one with your dog prior to purchase. A quick search on the Internet may return a list of several companies that specifically develop mobility carts for dogs especially dogs with conditions such as Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).For instance, K9Carts.com offers carts or wheelchairs that provide rear support, full support, and a “catch all” function for dogs needing bathroom assistance. Consult your veterinary clinic Greensboro, NC fo ... Read more »

Did you know that there are various breed specific health conditions that are associated with the Irish Setter? One of those is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).  DM is an incurable disease of the nerves and spinal cord. This disease can lead to the loss of mobility and numbness or loss of feeling in the legs. Some experts have compared it with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease in humans. DM is considered to be a chronic, progressive, degenerative disease that leads to eventual paralysis. Signs or symptoms of the disease usually appear later in life in most Irish Setters and affects the hind limbs causing a decrease in mobility. Although there is no set treatment for this disease, some owners have found various types of physical therapy to help prolong quality of life. If your Irish Setter has been diagnosed with DM, talk with your veterinarian Greensboro, NC to learn more about treatment options.

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