Your cat is an adorable little fur ball, and you can’t get over how cuddly and soft she is. However, you know she needs some help to stay this way. In fact, you will likely need to brush her quite often. However, the actual frequency that this will be necessary will vary depending on what your pet does during the day, where she spends her time, and her fur length. Some will need weekly brushing while others may need to be tended to daily. You should also make sure to use a brush that is made for her fur type to get the best results. There are a lot of different brushes available to choose from, so opt for one that your pet is comfortable with as well. This way, she can enjoy the experience and you can use it as a bonding tool. Your local Cameron Park, CA vet can help you better understand your pet. Click here now.

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Ever catch your dog kicking his feet or twitching his face during a nap? There’s no doubt that our furry four legged friends dream, but what do they dream about?

Think about what you dream about. You likely dream about what you know. You dream about your life experiences. Although we may never know exactly what dogs dream about, we can make a good guess that they’re dreaming about what they know, just like we do!

That means your dog is likely thinking about playing an endless game of fetch with you, or catching that pesky squirrel that always comes up to the window. He may even be dreaming about eating his favorite treat! Other animals in the house and other family members are likely to make an appearance in his dreams as well.

To make sure that your dog’s sleep habits are healthy, schedule an appointment with your vet Greenwood, IN.

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Living with a dog can be a bit of a challenge. They have a mind of their own! Not only do you have to make sure your pooch lives in harmony with your family, you also have to make sure that he gets along with your neighbors.

No one likes a dog that barks all the time. This is especially true if you live in an apartment. It’s well worth your time to invest in professional training that helps you squash this behavior. Another easy fix is to simply kennel train your dog.

Make sure your dog is well socialized. A friendly dog is one that your neighbors will like, and it’s one that will keep you out of trouble. Introduce your dog to your neighbors. When they know your dog’s name, they’ll like him more.

For more tips, click here, or visit with your vet Wake Forest, NC.

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Sleeping with your dog can bring you peace of mind. If there’s ever a problem, like a burglar, your dog will likely alert you. However, that doesn’t mean sleeping with your dog is comfortable! Here are a few tips for creating a dog-friendly atmosphere in the bedrooms so you both can get a good night’s sleep.

Make sure there’s a spot in your bedroom that is just for your dog. It could be a dog bed on the floor or a crate in the corner. Your dog may want to curl up on the foot of your bed, but there has to be another place he can relax if you don’t want him on the bed.

Don’t be afraid to kick your dog out of the bedroom if he’s causing trouble! For more tips on sleeping with your pooch, speak with your vet Georgian Bay, ON.

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Some dogs have more energy than others, but every dog needs to be played with! Is there a better time of day to play with your dog, or does it matter?

It’s always better to play with your dog than to not play with your dog, no matter what time of day it is. If you only have time to play with your pooch in the evening, he’ll appreciate it!

Some breeds have more energy than others. If you have a high-energy breed, you may discover that you need to play with your pet more than once a day. The more you can spread out your play sessions, the better it is for your dog.

Keep things simple by playing with your dog whenever he seems restless! Your vet London, ON can help you figure out a play schedule that works for you.

Your family has a rabbit in the household, and you can’t help but think about how adorable she is and how much of an impact she has had on your life. To help her stay as healthy as she can be, you know she will need a lot of exercise. How can you help her get this?

In the wild, rabbits are able to move about freely and frequently. You will need to mimic this in your home both in her enclosure and outside of it. Insider her enclosure your pet will need to be able to move about as often as she chooses to do so. Give her toys to play with and offer her as much open space as you can. Let her out of her enclosure for supervised playtime daily, and make sure she has a large area to move around freely. Your local Omaha NE vet can help you better understand your pet’s needs.

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Your pet has become a very important part of your life. You have grown very close, and you can’t imagine a day without her. However, pet ownership isn’t all fun times. There will be a lot of responsibility involved, and some of this won’t be your cup of tea.

To really enjoy your life as a pet owner, you will need to have some balance in your life. Yes, meeting some of your pet’s needs can be less than fun, but others can really make your day. Take playtime, for example. Your pet needs this socialization and the exercise resulting from it, but it’s also your chance to let loose and really enjoy your pet’s company. Walking your pet, and the companionship you get throughout the day can also be very enjoyable. Your local Frisco, TX vet clinic can help you care for your pet ... Read more »

If your American Longhair has been diagnosed with Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), give yoru vet a call to ask about medications, treatment plan, etc. In general, treatment for cats with DJD may include medications to help decrease pain and inflammation of the joints. Physical therapy may also be ongoing to help add or enhance function to the joints. All of these treatments are meant to help alleviate the pain and make your cat more comfortable. Limit your cat’s physical activity so as not to aggravate or increase symptoms or pain. Diets that include omega fatty acids have been recommended to reduce inflammation. Your vet may ask that you monitor your cat’s symptoms to track changes that could indicate a necessary change in medication, dosage or even additional surgery. To learn more ways to help treat your cat and man ... Read more »

Your cat is a part of your family, and you get to see her each and every day. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will automatically have a strong bond with her. In fact, it will likely mean that you are familiar with one another’s habits and needs, but you won’t be able to form a tight bond unless you are willing to really work for it. Part of your relationship will be a trust that forms from you constantly meeting your pet’s needs, including socialization. Offer her your undivided attention for a while each and every day to meet this quota, and to be able to get to know one another even better. Have some fun so your pet can see that you not only care for her, but also enjoy havi ... Read more »

Your dog is a big part of your family, and you want to make sure you are able to offer him everything he needs. However, this is always changing as your pet goes through different life stages. How can you make sure you are able to keep him safe and happy?

Your pet’s safety should be at the top of your priority list, not only because it is a genuine concern of yours, but also because your pet depends on you for so much. He needs you to look out for him, and the best way you can do this is by being involved in his life and determining what hazards are likely to impact his life at any given time. See what he is drawn to when you spend time together, and evaluate these areas to see if any changes need to be made. For additional information, please contact your local ... Read more »

Did you know that cats like the British Longhair and other breeds may be prone to obesity? Most cats enjoy eating meals, treats, and snacks. If we’re not mindful of what we feed our cats, extra pounds can turn into extreme weight gain or obesity. If you think your British Longhair cat may be overweight or close to being overweight, contact your vet. Your vet can weigh your cat and let you know if his weight is low, high, or average for his particular breed. You can also do a quick check yourself. As a general rule, if you can see or feel the rib bones then he is too thin. If you cannot feel the rib bones beneath a layer of fat then he may be overweight. If you look at your cat from above, he should have a definite waist behind the ribs. Call your veterinary clinic Lafayette, LA for advice. Visit website http://youngsvillelavet.com to know more.

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Some dogs keep hanging around the dinner table or the kitchen waiting or even begging for food.  But if your dog suddenly engages in the behavior, there could be an important reason behind it, and it could be any of the following:

• Some dogs just never seem satisfied with the food on their bowls and want more. Some dogs are gluttons, and they will eat anything and everything if given half the chance, and especially if it’s people food. Human food should not be a part of your pet’s diet and you should try your best to avoid giving some to your pet on a regular basis. Take note that many types of human food are rich in fats and may cause digestive upsets or worse, pancreatitis. When you have the habit of handing out scraps during dinner time, your pet will eventually learn to beg and whine during mealtimes.
• Your dog’s behavior could also be that you&rsq ... Read more »

Health issues in dogs can be exhibited in a variety of ways. Thus, you should never hesitate to call your vet veterinarian if you notice certain changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior. Here are some important symptoms that warrant a visit to your vet clinic:

Rough or Dull Hair Coat

The condition of a dog’s hair coat can be an important indicator of the presence of an underlying health issue. Vitamin deficiency, skin problems, allergies, hypothyroidism, and a whole lot of other health issues can cause rough or dull hair coats.

Seizures

If your pet has had a seizure, even though how brief it is, you should have him checked by your vet immediately. It can be caused by infections, a brain tumor, and other serious health issues that can be fatal.

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A torn nail needs immediate attention because it can be quite painful and there may also be profuse bleeding. Pet owners should know how to provide first aid measures when their dog has a torn nail before getting their pet to the animal hospital.

• With the help of your pet’s nail clippers, remove the nail that’s torn or dangling, cutting just above where it is torn or broken. Doing so will increase the nail’s chances of growing back properly. But if your dog won’t allow you to touch his paw, it’s better not to attempt it and just take your pet to your vet where he will possibly be sedated.
• Apply styptic powder to the torn nail if there is profuse bleeding. The powder is formulated with a substance that can stop the bleeding. If you don’t have styptic powder, you can apply cornstarch or flour to the wound, instead. Apply pressure to the wo ... Read more »

Yes, old dogs can be taught new tricks. They may not be clean slates just like puppies but they have the advantage of maturity and self-control. Here are some tips to help you achieve success in training an adult dog.

Crate Training

Even if you are training an adult dog, you should treat it as though he is a puppy. You’re lucky if your new pet has already been crate-trained and housetrained. But if there is a need to train or re-train, a crate will come in handy. Housetraining older dogs is much easier because of their ability to exert more control over their bladder and bowel movements.

Positive Reinforcement

Whatever age your dog may be, positive reinforcement is a very effective tool in training and encouraging appropriate behaviors.

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Constipation occurs when there is difficulty in voiding fecal waste. Dogs suffering from the problem may feel pain, discomfort, and distress during elimination.

Constipation is quite common among geriatric dogs, but the problem can affect dogs of any age. If you notice that your dog seems to be straining during elimination with little or no success, you should refer the matter to your veterinarian.  While occasional bouts of constipation are not really something to be worried about, dogs that constantly suffer from the problem should be examined by the vet. Without proper veterinary attention, it could pave the way for more serious issues that can be a challenged to treat. In addition to their diet and/or lack of water, constipation may also be caused by hernia, an enlarged prostate gland, or an obstruction along the digestive tract. Don’t hesitate to call your Lakewood area of Jacksonville, FL vet if your ... Read more »

Pet dogs and cats, particularly senior ones, are extremely sensitive to environmental extremes. They are best placed in certain areas of the house where the temperature is just right, not very cold or very hot.

If you have an arthritic pet, they will be more comfortable sleeping in a heated bed. Pets with short or thin hair coats will benefit from a doggy coat or jacket during cold winter days. Some breeds of dogs that come from warmer regions may not be genetically predisposed to having a layer of body fat to help keep them warm. Pets that are overweight or obese are also more prone to heat stress; this is also true to pets that are suffering from underlying health issues. They tend to seek out places which are much cooler and which is more comfortable for them. Sometimes, a sudden preference for certain environmental temperatures may be an important indicator of an underlying illness.

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Dry eyes are common in dogs like the Havanese. Dry eyes can develop as a result of allergies, weather, or the environment in general. If your Havanese appears to have red or irritated eyes, give your vet a call. Your Havanese’s irritated eyes could be from a variety of things in which your vet will need to exam his eyes and possibly run tests.  The medical term for dry eyes in dogs is Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS. Dry eyes can be caused by weather or allergies, but they can also be caused by an immune-mediated disease, systemic diseases such as canine distemper virus, medications, or hypothyroidism. Dry eye can develop in dogs of all breeds, but is especially common in breeds such as the American Cocker Spaniel, Bloodhound, Boston terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English bulldog, English Springer spaniel, Lhasa apso, Miniature schnauzer, Pekingese, Pug, Samoyed, Shih-tzu, etc. For more information, contact your veterinary clinic Lafayette, LA. Visit website ... Read more »