Some dogs, including the Malamute, may develop gum disease or other dental illnesses over their lifetime. In cases like these a dental exam may be recommended. If you notice that your Malamute has swollen or red gums then you should call your vet to schedule an exam. You should also call to schedule an exam if notice your Malamute is having trouble eating, chewing or has even developed bad breath. Any of these could be indications of gingivitis or other periodontal illnesses. During the dental exam your Malamute will be sedated and your vet may check the teeth and gums for plaque and bacteria. Your vet may also take this time to scrape excessive plaque, calculus build-up and other debris from your Malamute’s teeth. Teeth that are rotted may also be pulled at this time. Your veterinarian Ashburn, VA will most likely finish the exam by polishing your Malamute’s teeth.

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If your Labrador Retriever has been diagnosed with canine epilepsy then you will need to find out what kind of treatment plan your vet recommends. Learning more about the disease and knowing how to provide care can also be very helpful to you as the owner. In general, canine epilepsy is when your dog is overcome with sudden or periodic seizures. It can be a genetic disorder or one caused by underlying illnesses. Your vet can help you set up a treatment plan that will enable you and your dog to live as much of a normal life together as possible. With proper diagnosis, care, and treatment, your vet can help both you and your dog adjust to life with epilepsy. Medications may be prescribed to help prevent seizures or slow down the frequency of seizures. Contact your veterinarian Leesburg, VA for more details about your dog’s treatment.

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Weaning is the process of gradually reducing a Basset Hound puppy’s dependence or access to his mother’s milk and her care. During the weaning process a lot of focus will be placed on the puppies, but make sure you pay close attention to the mom as well. For example, talk with your vet about setting up a weaning schedule for the pups. Sticking to a schedule can help prevent the mother Basset from overproducing milk, which can cause painful or enlarged mammary glands. You want to make sure the puppies receive an adequate source of milk during the process while at the same time slowly weaning them. Remember weaning the puppies off of their mother’s milk also helps the mother to slowly dry up and stop milk production. Don’t forget to ask your veterinary clinic Leesburg, VA about the mother’s diet. A decrease in milk production usually calls for a decrease in food amount. To learn more, visit this ... Read more »

If you want to show your purebred Samoyed then you will need to contact your local breed associations and canine clubs to learn about upcoming shows and requirements for registration. If you’re already registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and plan to show in their sanctioned competitions then check out their website for tips and helpful articles on showing. There should be additional information in the “members” section as well. Specifically, the AKC suggests visiting a dog show and speaking to those competing as well as members of the AKC beforehand. The AKC sponsors several classes that can help you prepare your Samoyed for showing as well. The classes not only help familiarize your pup with the arena and show process, but they also contain useful information for the owner as well. Your vet Leesburg, VA may also have additional tips and suggestions for prepping for a show.

When it’s time to stock up on dog treats, most people head to the local pet store. If you’re looking for something special and healthy, consider a dog bakery instead.

Dog bakeries are a lot like human bakeries. The people that work there make goodies from scratch, which can mean that items in the bakery are healthier for your pooch than mass produced items at the pet store.

Because they are handmade, chances are, your dog will find them more tasty! There are many different kinds of treats to choose from at the bakery, some more expensive than others. Some pet parents swing by the doggy bakery before celebrating a holiday or their pet’s birthday.

Some doggy bakeries even have a few homemade treats for cats! For help finding a doggy bakery in your area, click here, or call your veterinari ... Read more »

Everyone needs exercise, and cats need exercise too! The trouble is, making sure your cat gets the perfect amount of exercise can be a real challenge. Here’s how to tell if your cat is exercising properly.

You can’t just take your cat for a walk or a jog. Instead, you’re going to have to engage him in a bit of play. Laser pointers and wand toys are usually the best at grabbing and holding a feline’s attention.

Just like dogs pant when they get good exercise, your cat should pant too! However, it does look a little different. A cat that is winded will open his mouth slightly and heave as he breathes in and out.

How much time you spend exercising your cat will depend on his age. To learn how much time you should spend playing with your cat, schedule an appointment with your veterina ... Read more »

You could spend a fortune on cat toys at the pet store only to come home and see your cat turn his nose up at what you bought! Instead of spending money on fancy toys, consider making a few toys at home.

Cats love string, and it’s a common thing to have around the house. Old bits of yarn, curling ribbon, and even shoelaces are irresistible to cats. Tie them to the end of a long stick or dowel rod and your cat is sure to have fun!

Making a catnip toy is pretty easy too. You can purchase catnip at the pet store, but you can also try growing your own. Stuff a bit of catnip in an old sock and tie off the toe, cutting off the top of the sock. You can even refresh old toys by leaving them in a baggie with catnip.

For more homemade cat toy idea, click here, or call your vet Hinesville, GA.

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