If your Chow Chow needs his nails trimmed make sure you’re careful and that you don’t trim the nails too close as they may bleed. If you aren’t familiar with how to stop the bleeding call your veterinarian immediately. Continued bleeding can cause harm to your pet. Even professional groomers have accidentally cut the nail too short and have cut into the quick; a part of the nail in which a blood vein runs through. Immediately compress the wound for at least two minutes with a clean cloth. Use styptic powder which is available at most pet stores and pharmacies. The powder may sting a bit so be prepared to hold the dog firmly. A mix of corn starch and baking soda may also work. Continue to compress the wound after the bleeding stops. If possible, keep the dog off his feet for at least 30 minutes. For more information, call your veterinary clinic Crown Point, IN. 

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Guinea pigs can get fat very easily so you need to make sure he gets enough exercise. Put things inside the cage to encourage active exploration. Your pig needs daily exercise and socialization outside the cage. Supervise your pig at all times outside the cage from other pets, children and even escaping or getting lost. Get down to your pig’s level and encourage him to run through cardboard or PVC pipe tunnels. Use food lures to get your pig to run to you. Cuddle with your pig so he will come to you for more affection. Allow your guinea pig to climb on you but take care that he doesn’t fall. On warm days you can take your guinea pig outside to play but make sure he is in a protected, confined area. Check that the grass is not treated with lawn chemicals that could harm your pet. Have fun. Learn more from your Scottsdale, AZ veterinary clinic.

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Play is essential for your cat for both socialization and exercise. This helps your cat stay trim and healthy and provides mental stimulation. Always use toys when playing with your cat to avoid getting scratched or bitten. For best results, play using toys that stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts. A ball, laser pointer or a fishing rod toy with a feather lure will entice your cat to chase, pounce and jump. Small stuffed toys can act as prey for your cat to kick and tear at. If your cat reacts to catnip, this herb can amp up playtime and add some extra fun. However, only use catnip for about 20 minutes since it will become ineffective soon afterward. Take the catnip away for a while and then you can play later. Start with short play periods and increase the length over time. Keep things fun. Contact your Scottsdale, AZ vet to learn more.

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Did you know that gerbils and other pocket pets can develop occasional constipation? If you notice your Siberian gerbil is pooping less or is straining or appears to be having trouble pooping, call your vet. Constipation is not uncommon in gerbils, but it does require immediate treatment by your vet. It’s important to know your Siberian’s general routines and behaviors that way if something is off you will notice quickly. If your gerbil does get constipated, never give him laxatives or fiber supplements meant for humans as these can cause greater problems in the gerbil’s intestinal tract. Constipation usually occurs due to dehydration, dry stools, and diets high in fatty foods. Remember to include variety in your gerbil’s diet. Also make sure he is getting enough exercise. Both of these steps can help prevent constipation. Constipation can also occur as a result of an underlying medical condition, which is why you should < ... Read more »

Some people strongly believe that dogs are strictly carnivores. The image of the dog chasing down game on the savannah in the wild can cloud our vision. In reality dogs lean toward being omnivores. Even dogs in the wild, eat plant materials when they consume the viscera of the plant-eating animals they hunt. There are a number of nutritional requirements needed by true carnivores such as cats. Dogs are able to create these nutrients from a more mixed diet. Even your dog’s biology supports an omnivore lifestyle. The molars are flat to grind bones but also plants. His digestive system manages nearly all of the carbohydrates eaten. And your dog’s system can convert beta-carotene from plants to vitamin A. However, meat should still comprise a majority of your dog’s diet. Read labels to make sure your dog is eating high-quality, nutritionally complete food. For more information, contact your Scottsdale, A ... Read more »

Your cat scratches to mark her territory using the scent glands in her feet. The scratching provides both a scent and visual marker to any animals that happen by, even when it’s just you in your own house. Your cat will also scratch to remove old, worn out nails and expose new, sharp ones. Scratching is an instinct so it is unlikely you can eliminate all scratching but you can teach your cat to scratch appropriate places rather than your furniture, carpets and drapes. Cover all inappropriate places your cat favors for scratching with aluminum foil strips or double-sided tape. This feels strange to your cat’s feet when scratching and act as a deterrent. Next offer a number of scratching posts and pads so you can redirect your cat to them whenever the need to scratch hits her. Contact your Garden City, NY vet to learn more.

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Most animals love to be rewarded with treats every now and again. If you own a hamster like a Russian Dwarf hamster then you may have already discovered these little guys enjoy special treats. If you’re wondering what kind of treat or snack you can share with your hamster, just ask your local vet. Some veterinarians believe the best treats for hamsters are the foods that they may eat in the wild. For example, fresh vegetables such as carrots, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, spinach and other greens generally make excellent treats for hamsters. It’s important to remember to feed treats in moderation and not to use them as meal replacements. Ask your vet how much a typical serving of fresh veggies might be. Your hamster may also enjoy pieces of apples, pears, bananas, grapes and most berries. Always check with your veterinary clinic Diamond Bar, CA before giving your Russian Dwarf hamster any new type of food. ... Read more »

Guinea pigs generally live 5 to 7 years but some can live up to 10 years. However, this relatively short life span means that your guinea pig enters his senior years rather quickly. Your active, happy-go-lucky pig may prefer cuddling to active play. He may lose some weight and develop sores and bald spots. Your pig may develop dental issues that affect his ability to eat sufficiently. Some of these conditions can be symptoms of illness and should be evaluated for treatment. Others just show that your furry friend is aging. Handle your guinea pig gently and encourage him to eat a healthy diet even if you need to hand feed him. Keep your daily exercise and socialization sessions active to keep muscles and bones strong but don’t overdo. Maintain as normal a life as possible but keep in mind that your pig is a senior. Contact your North Phoenix, AZ vet for more information.

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When you choose to share your home with a cat, you may run into a few conflicts. However, there is a problem if your cat scratches or bites people. Try to understand why your cat is lashing out. You may corner your cat or push her to interact beyond the level of her patience or interest. Sometimes you might need to back off. Learn your cat’s body language so you know when she is irritated and about to attack. There will probably be yowling, a tense posture and tail wagging. Stress can cause your cat to lash out in situations that didn’t normally bother her. This includes new family members or pets, houseguests or even construction works. Excessive crabbiness could also be a symptom of illness so if you can’t easily identify why your cat is lashing out, make an appointment with your Ashburn, VA vet for evaluation and treatment.

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Skunks can be found in populated areas and if your dog nudges one out of curiosity, he may end up getting sprayed. You will need to clean up your dog and get rid of that awful odor. If your dog has been sprayed, keep him outside so he doesn’t contaminate your home with the stink. Check your dog’s eyes since skunk scent can be quite irritating. Rinse your dog’s eyes as needed. If they become too watery or red, seek prompt medical attention. If you have a commercially available skunk cleanser handy, you can wash your dog with it. Otherwise, mix a quart of peroxide with a bit of dish soap and a ¼ cup of baking soda. Work this mixture into your dog’s fur and quickly rinse with fresh water so the solution doesn’t bleach your dog. Follow up with a regular dog shampoo bath. For more information, contact your North Phoenix, AZ veterinarian.

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Common knowledge says that dogs eat grass if they have an upset stomach so they will vomit. This is true to a certain extent but not the only reason dogs eat grass. Your dog may also eat grass because he is bored or may even just like the taste of grass. And dogs are omnivores so grass may help manage a dietary insufficiency. Check that the grass your dog eats has not been treated with fertilizers or pesticides since they can make your dog sick or even kill him.  Use only pet-safe chemicals on your lawn. Don’t leave your dog alone in the yard for long periods of time since he may start munching away. And if your dog occasionally vomits grass, it is probably manageable. However, if your dog vomits frequently, make an appointment with your North Phoenix, AZ veterinary clinic for evaluation and possible treatment.

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