Toys provide your bird the opportunity to exercise while giving him mental stimulation to stave off boredom. Toys are used when socializing with you but toy play also become your bird’s main activity while you are not at home. Give your bird lots of things to do but don’t put so many things in its cage that it is difficult to move about. Choose toys with a variety of textures that feel interesting to your bird’s mouth and feet. Birds can see in color so bright, brilliant toys add to the fun. Consider fun shapes, sizes and sounds when picking a toy for your bird. Mirrored surfaces, climbing apparatus and swings are particularly popular. Pick the proper size and weight toys for your bird. Know that your bird will chew on its toys so check that parts cannot break off to be swallowed and any dyes or woods are non-toxic. Contact your Moorpark, CA vet to learn more.

... Read more »

Your cat has been eating one type of food for a while now, and she has been enjoying it. Now that she has entered into a different stage in life, you’ve noticed that there are other foods that would better serve her needs. How can you switch her over to the new food?

Your pet may be receptive to the change from the start. However, if your cat is like most, she may need a bit of convincing when it comes to chowing down on a food she isn’t used to. If so, you can try offering her bits of the new option as a treat so she can get used to it. You can also add some of her new food to her regular meal. You can later increase the amount of new food in her dish and decrease the amount of the food she is used to. For more information, please contact your local Montgomery, TX veterinarian.

... Read more »

Rocking out to your tunes can be a lot of fun! That’s why so many people blare their music when doing chores, cooking dinner, or taking a shower. Does all that loud music bother your dog?

Dogs have better hearing than we do, but life sounds a lot different. Your dog isn’t likely to rock out to your favorite band, but that doesn’t mean he’s bothered by your music either. Most dogs are pretty good at ignoring any music you might play.

There are some exceptions. If the music is extremely loud, your dog may find it difficult to ignore. In addition, some music may affect your dog differently than others. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to determine how your music is affecting him.

To learn more about music and your dog, schedule an ... Read more »

Every pet parent brings home a new dog with the best intentions. Unfortunately, dreaming about owning a dog and actually owning one are two very different things. What do you do if you can’t handle your dog?

Don’t give up yet! Different breeds have different needs. In addition, owning a dog for the very first time can be extremely challenging! Hire a professional trainer who knows about your particular breed. They will be able to help you train your dog, which will surely help him become easier to handle.

You may have discovered that you simply adopted the wrong dog. For example, a Rottweiler puppy is very cute, but Rottweilers have a lot of power and energy. If you discover that you got the wrong dog for your family, you may have to consider rehoming him.

Your veterinarian Portland, OR can provide you with ... Read more »

Cat need a little grooming help? From unruly mats to super-sharp claws, it may not be a bad idea to hire a professional for the job. However, there are some things you have to do before you schedule an appointment.

First, you have to make a stop by your veterinarian. Groomers will not work on a cat if he is not up to date on all his shots. If you want to continue taking your cat into the groomer, you’ll have to make sure that you schedule annual appointments with your clinic.

Training isn’t necessary, but that doesn’t mean your groomer wouldn’t appreciate a little desensitization. At the very least, make sure you follow their grooming schedule so they can get your cat used to the process.

Your Vet Portland, OR can help you find a groomer in the area that works w ... Read more »