Some cats think they rank higher than their owners in the social hierarchy of the household, making them feel that they are superior to their owners. This can cause them to respond aggressively to contact they did not initiate. He may bite or swipe at the hand of his owner when he starts petting the cat without the cat’s “permission”. The cat may also show his dominance by trying to block his owner’s path to certain areas in the house. A dominant cat may also try to stare down the person, while assuming a characteristic stance—head slightly lowered, lashing tail, and ears flattened.

If your cat engages in aggressive behavior while he is on your lap, slowly stand up so he will gently fall to the floor. If he displays dominant behavior to get your attention, always turn away or ignore his moves. Some owners squirt their errant cats with water from a bottle until he stops displaying aggressi ... Read more »

Just like pet dogs and cats, pet rabbits need to be taken to a veterinarian for regular health checkups, or for illness or injury. In most cases, rabbits don’t need annual booster shots. If you have a pet rabbit, you should ask around for a veterinarian who has adequate knowledge and experience in dealing with rabbits.

Since rabbits are very prolific, it is highly recommended to have them spayed or neutered. This will prevent unwanted litters and decrease your pet’s risks of suffering from important health problems. Spaying and neutering can also help reduce or eliminate problem behaviors. Rabbits that are not spayed or neutered are prone to displaying sexually aggressive behavior, urine spraying or marking, mounting people, other pets, or objects, nipping, and excessive digging.

Suffice to say, a rabbit that has been spayed (females) or neutered (males) are more calm a ... Read more »

If you are going on a road trip or a visit to the vet, it can really be a hassle to bring along a pet dog that suffers from motion sickness. A dog getting sick in the car can certainly ruin your trip. While you can choose to leave your dog in a boarding kennel when you travel, pet dogs still have to be taken to the veterinary clinic several times a year, and a dog that can easily get car sick can really be a problem.

Knowing how to spot signs that your dog is about to get sick in the car is important so you will be able to stop the car and let him out. An early sign is panting even when the temperature outside is not too hot. Then, the dog will start drooling, followed by heaving and vomiting. Fortunately, there is something you can do to help your pet enjoy the car ride.

• Avoid feeding your dog before a car ride because nausea can easily set in when his stomach is full.
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In addition to being dedicated to meeting your pet’s needs for its entire lifetime, a responsible pet owner undertakes other responsibilities that will support the welfare and health of their pets.

Always use a leash on your pet dog

A leash gives you full control of your pet’s movements. When you’re out with your dog, a leash will keep him from running off and be exposed to various risks including being hit by passing vehicles, getting into fights with other dogs, or damage someone else’s property.

Clean up after your dog

When you take your dog on outdoor excursions, make sure to have some potty bags on hand so you can clean up after your dog and properly dispose of the waste.

Let your pet wear an ID tag ... Read more »

Some pet owners believe that they can throw out their moldy bread and other foods by giving it to their animals. Moldy foods; however, are not for cats including your Maine Coon. Moldy foods or foods that have spoiled can produce toxins called tremorgenic mycotoxins that can cause life threatening illnesses if eaten. These toxins can cause body tremors that extend all over the body and can lead to convulsions that may lead to death. If your Maine Coon cat has eaten anything remotely moldy call your vet right away even if symptoms aren’t present. It’s better to be safe and have your Maine Coon cat checked out then to have him go into convulsions because of digested mold. Always keep day old breads, cheeses, and other products out of reach. When tossing them out, make sure the bag is tied securely. Talk to your vet Mount Juliet, TN for more information.

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Showing your American rabbit can be a fun and exciting process. If you’re interested, check out the American Rabbit Breeders Association website for detailed steps and guidelines. If you want to show at a recognized ARBA show you will need to have your American rabbit registered with the ARBA ahead of time. According to the ARBA rules, you must first become a member of the association before you can register your American rabbit. Rules and guidelines are available online. After becoming a member of the ARBA and registering your American rabbit, you will then have access to show schedules, classes, dates, and sign up options. ARBA certified shows take place throughout the U.S. Check the show schedule to find a local show and complete the forms and submit fees as required by the ARBA. If you have questions, call the ARBA. Your veterinarian Mount Juliet, TN may also be able to help you get started in the process. To know more, visit this ... Read more »

Eye care is an essential part of your Rex guinea pig’s overall health and wellness. If your cavy appears to be having trouble with his eyes, call your vet to set up an exam. In general, a guinea pig’s eyes can come in a variety of colors including dark, dark with a ruby or red cast, and pink. It is also normal for an Rex guinea pig’s eyes to have a milky white discharge which helps lubricate the eyes since guinea pigs keep their eyes open at all times. Signs of injury, infection or irritation include crusty eyes, watery eyes, cloudiness, receding eyes, protruding eyes, and even ulcerated eyes. Symptoms could also indicate something as simple as a scratch to the eye or be an early indication of an upper respiratory problem, tooth problems, dehydration and even diabetes. Talk to your vet Wilson County, TN for more information.

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