Are you looking for a place to board your Akita? If so, talk with your vet and ask for a list of recommended boarding facilities. Also ask if your vet boards as this may be an option as well. In addition, your vet may be able to offer some helpful hints and advice on things to look for and ask when checking out a boarding facility. Once you have a list of facilities, call each one and set up a time to tour the facility. Dropping in unannounced is OK too.  Once you narrow down your list, bring your Akita in for a visit to see how he interacts with staff. If you find a facility you like, arrange a short, trial stay. Then arrange an overnight stay to see how your pup handles the longer time away. Be sure to leave contact information for your ... Read more »

Moving into a new apartment is always a challenge, but that challenge is even greater if you have a dog as a member of your family. Why don’t most landlords allow dogs on their property?

Unfortunately, dogs can be very destructive. They can easily soil, stain, and tear up the carpet. They can scratch doors and destroy trim. They can also destroy outdoor areas by bleaching the grass with their urine and digging holes in the yard.

Dogs aren’t always as friendly as they appear either. Interacting with a mean dog can result in getting bitten, which the landlord then has to deal with. In addition, some breeds cause fear in some people, so it’s a lot easier not to allow dogs at all.

Some apartments do allow dogs! For help finding a dog-friendly apartment, plan a visit wit ... Read more »

Most pet birds spend their time in a cage the majority of their life. A good way to help break up those long hours in the cage is to find ways to exercise your parrot. Amazon parrots need the opportunity to release their energy by exercising and spending time outside of their cage. Exercising also helps them to burn off extra energy and to stay focused. In fact, exercise is a great physical and mental stimulant for birds like the Amazon parrot. Some pet bird owners encourage their birds to flap their wings, dance, or even play chase as a way to work in an exercise routine. You can also encourage your Amazon to climb up and down a rope. You can teach your Amazon to climb it or pull up on it. You can also place your bird on the stairs and encourage him to hop up and down. Ask your vets Perkasie PA for more tips.

Arthritis doesn’t just affect grandma and grandpa. Felines can get arthritis too! It can be treated, but first you have to be able to identify the signs.

Cats with arthritis will appear a bit stiff. They may have difficulty walking, running, or jumping. Because it’s painful to move the joints, you’ll be more likely to catch your cat resting calmly, even if he isn’t sleeping. Because it can be hard to jump, the entrance to the litter box may become a challenge, prompting your cat to find a different potty spot.

Unfortunately, arthritis can come with a lot of pain, which means your cat’s personality may change. A once happy-go-lucky cat may become irritable. Depression isn’t uncommon in cats that have arthritis.

For help treating your cat’s arthritis, ... Read more »

If your Scottish Fold has diabetes then you are probably familiar with quite a few terms related to the disease. Phrases like “insulin resistant” can have a few different meanings. For instance, if your Scottish Fold is categorized as insulin resistant it could mean that her fat, liver and muscle cells are not responding to the insulin as they should. However, to say your cat is insulin resistant could also mean that your cat simply requires a larger dose of insulin. In other words, she may not be responding to the insulin not because her body is rejecting it, but because it is not enough. For this reason, many cats that are said to be insulin resistant in reality just need an adjustment to their dosage. If your Scottish Fold needs an adjustment then your vet may run additional tests to determine why. For more details, talk with your vets Jacksonville FL.

If you’re having a hard time getting your cat interested in playing, catnip can be a great solution! But, did you know that there’s different kinds of catnip?

The easiest kind of catnip to find is dried and crushed. You can often find this kind of catnip at the local pet store. It can be placed in special catnip toys or you can place toys in a baggie with this type of catnip so that they soak up the scent.

Unfortunately, all dried herbs lose their potency. If you notice that your cat isn’t really affected by the dry nip at the pet store, see if you can get your hands on fresh catnip. If you can’t find anyone willing to sell the stuff, you can consider planting some in your yard.

To learn more about catnip and your cat, contact your vets Greenwood, IN.

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Hamsters usually live between two and three years but there are a number of factors that can help your hamster live a long life. Hamsters can catch colds from people so it is important to avoid coughing or sneezing near your hamster and to watch your hands frequently. You can reduce your hamster’s susceptibility to disease by keeping his immune system strong. A dirty cage ensures that your hamster will have wet feet and fur and make him uncomfortable. Plus the constant smell of urine can cause respiratory issues. Feed your hamster a high-quality, nutritionally complete diet including hamster pellets, fresh vegetables and fruits, and lots of timothy hay. And take special care when handling your hamster. Don’t squeeze him and never drop him. Make sure your hamster doesn’t fall downstairs or get kicked while in a hamster ball. Protect your hamster from other pets. For more information, contact your ... Read more »

Obesity can cause mobility issues and put your cat at risk for disease. Keeping your cat slim requires some discipline and work. Remember that this discipline in the long run is actually a kindness to your cat. Choose a high-quality, nutritionally complete food for your cat’s particular life stage. Pay attention to the portion you feed your cat. Wet food is higher in calories but also provides moisture. Dry food can be left out for a longer period allowing for snacking throughout the day. Work to come up with a combination of these foods to keep your cat slim and adjust as needed. Do not feed your cat table scraps and make sure you count any treats in your cat’s total calorie allotment. To stay trim, your cat needs to exercise daily. Choose toys and games that stimulate your cat’s hunting instinct for best results. Learn more from your Livonia, MI veterinarian.

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