‘Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods’ or “Bones and Raw Foods” (B.A.R.F.) is a feeding regimen that is based on the assumption that dogs and cats are natural carnivores.

Pet owners who are advocates of the B.A.R.F. principle believe that the feeding regimen of cats and dogs should include raw meat on the bone as well as raw vegetables. Cooking is avoided because it can reduce and/or eliminate essential nutrients and enzymes. Synthetic chemicals, such as additives, preservatives, food colorings, etc. are not incorporated in their pet’s diet because of the harmful effects associated with consumption.  ... Read more »

Your dog’s paws are as soft as can be, and you want to make sure this sensitive area of your pet’s body stays as healthy as it can. How can you care for your pet’s paw pads?

Your dog needs you to take the time to determine where he spends his days, and how you can prevent injuries from occurring in these areas. For example, if your pet is on rough terrain often, consider investing in a set of booties to protect them. If salt on winter walking areas bothers your pet, try a barrier, like petroleum jelly, to keep it from reaching your pet’s paw pads. Check over your pet’s paws often to see if there is debris to be removed, or anything that needs some of your attention. For more information, please contact your local Portland, OR vet clinic.

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For many families, their pets are valuable members of the family and when there is a need to move to a new home, the safe and comfort of pets are included in the planning and preparation. Precautionary measures should be undertaken to ensure that the move will be as smooth as possible for everyone.

Moving can be very stressful ... Read more »

Horses are hardworking animals. They can carry supplies, and they can carry you too! You just have to know exactly how much weight your horse can carry.

In general, horses can carry about 20 percent of their weight. It’s important to know how much your horse weighs so you don’t end up weighing him down with more than he can handle.

This is just a general estimate. Some horses can’t carry as much. Some can comfortably carry 15 percent of their weight, while others may only be able to carry 10 percent of their weight. It depends on your particular horse. Elderly horses and those with medical problems won’t be able to carry as much weight as healthy, young horses can.

If you’re wondering how much weight your horse can carry, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian Mattoon, IL. ... Read more »

Your ferret is as cute as cute can be, but that isn’t all she is. She is also smart and curious about the world around her, which means you will need to offer her plenty of activities to occupy her mind. Otherwise she is likely to seek out some on her own, and this can get her into trouble.

To offer your pet mental stimulation, you will need to take her intelligence into account when you are considering activities and toys. This means opting for things that are a bit more complicated, or can be used in a multitude of ways. She needs things she can figure out both on her own and with other family members. Offer her games that will peak her interest, and switch things up often to hold her attention. Your local Lansing, MI vet can help you care for your pet. Visit this site for more information.

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Your dog’s leash is an essential pet supply item, particularly if you head out and about with your pet often. This means that you will need to find a leash that will keep your pet comfortable and safe to use whenever the need arises.

To do this, you will need to figure out what you can do to keep your pet safely attached to you. Seek out a leash that will latch securely to her collar or harness, and make sure it is durable enough to keep her tethered. It should be an appropriate weight for your pet’s size, and it should also be an appropriate length for both your pet’s training level as well as the area you will be spending time in. Consider the feel of the leash in your hand, and make sure you will be comfortable too. Your local Lansing, MI vet clinic can offer additional advice.

More information here: http://lansingvets.com/ ... Read more »

Chameleons are fun animals, and they make fascinating pets. However, they aren’t good for first-time reptile owners. Here’s why.

First, you can’t just keep a chameleon in an aquarium with a bit of bedding or substrate and call it a day. They are tree-dwelling creatures. That means you have to set up a fairly large cage with plenty of foliage for your pet to climb.

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Your dog loves to be right by your side, and this is particularly true when you are munching on something tasty. His behavior when this happens will depend on what you determine is acceptable in your household, so decide this up front and be consistent.

If you don’t mind sharing food with your pet, you may not mind him making it known that he would like a taste. You may offer him portions of your meal that are safe for him to consume from time to time. However, if you would rather he not beg at the table and let your family eat without interruption, you will need to make sure no one is feeding him food off their plates. Whatever you decide is right for your household should be a group decision in order to make sure everyone is on board with the plan. For more information, please consult your vet Lansing, MI.

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If you have a cat, you’re probably used to living with hair. Whether your cat has short hair or long hair, it’s likely to end up all over your home. You can minimize the hair in your home with vacuuming, as long as you know how often to vacuum.

It’s generally recommended that you vacuum once each week for each person and animal in your home. If it’s just you and your cat, that means twice a week. If you have two kids, two cats, and a spouse, you could find yourself vacuuming nearly every day. ... Read more »

No matter what a chore it is, you have to clip your dog’s nails. Not only can they scratch you, they can damage your carpets and clothing. If they get too long, they can actually affect the way your dog walks. If you want to make this chore easier, you should clip your dog when he’s at rest.

If you pull out the clippers when your dog is sleeping, he’ll be more likely to let you get the job done without throwing a fit. If you try and clip your dog’s nails when he’s active, you’ll find that t ... Read more »

Gerbils are fun pets and are fun to watchscurrying around their cages. Your gerbil may jump and scamper away to hide whenever anyone approaches the cage. Take time to get to know your gerbil. Talk to him in a calm, even tone and let him approach your hand. Try hand feeding him. Give your gerbil things that encourage movement in the cage. Cardboard boxes make great hiding and nesting spots.Give him tubes to run through. Small fruit tree branches add a certain homey ambiance to the cage and your gerbil will enjoy chewing on them. Exercise wheels can be fun and give your gerbil both physical and mental stimulation but choose one with a solid surface so his tail doesn’t get caught. An exercise ball gives your gerbil some fun time outside the cage in a safety. Watch for overheating and make sure you keep the ball from stairs. For more information, contact your Omaha, NE veterinarian.

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It can be a huge nuisance to get stuck out in the rain. It’s no fun to deal with soggy clothes! What about dogs? Do they prefer to stay dry too?

For the most part, dogs don’t care about being out in the rain at all. If your dog has to go potty, try opening the door and see if he takes off into the backyard. Just make sure you have a towel ready when he returns!

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There’s a lot of excitement when you bring a new baby home, but there’s a lot of anxiety. How will your cat react? Chances are, he won’t care?

Having a new baby around will be new and strange for your cat. Don’t be surprised if he comes in for a sniff, but does little else. As a matter of fact, if your baby moves while he’s being sniffed, your cat is likely to run for the hills.Your cat is more likely to have problems as soon as your little one can chase him around the house!

Just make sure you shut the door to the nursery when your baby is sleeping so that your cat can’t jump into the crib with your child.

For help acclimating your cat to your new baby, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian Mattoon, IL, visit website ... Read more »

If your cat goes outside, you’re probably concerned about fleas, but you may not think about ticks. Especially since your cat grooms himself. Can’t your feline friend remove his own ticks?

This is true to some extent. Cats are very good groomers, and if they find anything out of the ordinary, they’ll likely take care of the problem themselves. But that’s only if the ticks attach themselves in an area that’s easy for your cat to reach.

Unfortunately, there are areas that your cat can’t groom well. If a tick attaches himself to the face, ears, or even near the bottom or base of the tail, your cat may not be able to stretch enough to remove the tick himself.

If you find a tick that needs to be removed, call your veterinarian Mattoon, IL and ask for advice on how to remove it. Visit their ... Read more »