Pet cats still possess a strong instinct to hunt for prey even if their food is provided for them by their owners. Even without any live prey around, you may have noticed your kitty engaging in prey play, chasing and jumping at imaginary prey, and prowling through every nook and cranny of the house.

Pet cats, especially indoor only cats need plenty of opportunities for physical and mental stimulation. Natural behaviors should also be encouraged. These can go a long way in preventing the development of undesirable behaviors in cats that are bored and unhappy.

When choosing prey toys for your cat, make sure that these are cat-safe toys. You can also play hunting games with your pet to feed his instincts.

Cat trees, kitty condos, hanging prey toys around the house, etc. can give your pet hours of fun and exercise.

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Irish wolfhounds were originally bred as working dogs. They were used as hunting dogs and guard dogs. They were also trained to be war dogs. They are the tallest breed of dogs; in fact, some wolfhounds can grow as tall as a pony.  Their distinct features include a long head with a long pointed muzzle. The jaws are covered with wiry, long hairs. They are deep-chested and possess a strong muscular build.

Since they are used to an active lifestyle, Irish wolfhounds thrive with expansive living space. They will need lots of physical and mental stimulation so they can have positive outlets to vent out excess energy. Even as pets, their hunting and guarding instincts are still very much intact, and they will need a strong and dominant alpha leader to keep a tight rein on them. They will benefit from proper socialization that should start as early as 3 weeks of age. Obedience training is an essential part of their devel ... Read more »

Undesirable canine behaviors, like whining, digging, persistent barking, and chasing passing cars are important issues that pet owners usually encounter at one time or another.

Sometimes, dogs engage in undesirable behavior because they want to get their owner’s attention. Take note that for dogs, even a glance or a scolding from you is better than not having any attention at all. So when your dog starts acting up, try your best to ignore his behavior. With consistency and patience, your pet will eventually realize that he won’t get anything even if he barks the whole day.

But if your misbehaving pet receives as little as a glance or some attention from you, he will soon realize that if he continues with the behavior, his efforts will eventually pay off and he will get what he wants.

If you are having problems with your pet’s b ... Read more »

Your cat is an adorable little fur ball who is always up for a snack. However, not all snacks will be appropriate for your pet, as they won’t all be healthy for her. Is it safe for you to offer her milk and other dairy products?

Your cat may love the taste of milk, but it isn’t the greatest treat you can offer her. In spite of the cultural association between dairy products and feline friends, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Young kittens produce an enzyme to help them digest their mother’s milk, but they stop producing this once they get a bit older and are getting their nutrients from other sources. This means that they can’t process the milk properly as adults, and therefore can have some discomfort if they ingest any of it.  For more information, please contact your local Greenwood, IN vet clinic. Click here.< ... Read more »

Ear problems are quite common among cats because of their ear’s shape and conformation. The causes of ear problems in cats are categorized into primary and secondary factors.

Primary causes

These include potential causes of inflammation in the ears, such as allergies, polyps, and ear mites.

Secondary causes

These include bacteria and fungi which are opportunistic in nature. These secondary invaders are often linked to the persistence of signs of ear problems long after the primary cause has been addressed.

Ear infection may be suspected when cats start shaking their head frequently and they keep on scratching their ears. When the infection is in the middle ear, nervous signs may be manifested, including loss of balance.

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Cats are curious and will get into some dangerous things. Your cat depends on you to keep her safe from poisoning. Securely store all household chemicals, lawn products and pesticides. Anti-freeze is especially dangerous since it tastes good and just a little bit can be hazardous. Choose pet-safe products whenever possible. Follow instructions carefully to avoid dangerous exposure. Both human and pet medications can be dangerous to your cat so keep them out of reach and in childproof containers. Products made to prevent fleas and ticks on dogs are not safe for cats. Your cat can be poisoned if you use these products on her or if she ingests them while grooming your dog. Check all plants in your home to ensure that they are non-toxic. Some liquid potpourri, glue sticks and other household items are toxic to your cat so do not leave them out unattended. For more information, contact your Flushing, MI veterinarian. ... Read more »

Dogs suffering from underlying health issues can engage in loud and persistent barking. It may be their way of vocalizing the pain, discomfort, anxiety, and confusion that they are feeling. Bringing your pet to your veterinarian can be an important step in identifying the underlying problem. Dogs suffering from anxiety may be prescribed with short-term medication as they are taught some coping skills.

Sometimes, persistent barking can be a behavior-rooted problem. If you’re not sure what causing your pet’s incessant barking, it’s a good idea to keep a bark diary. Keeping a record of your pet’s barking—when, how long, etc.—may make it possible to see a pattern. If you’re not home during the day, you can ask somebody, probably another member of the family or a neighbor, to record your pet’s barking details or information. This can show your neighbors that you are taking st ... Read more »

Adopting a cat can bring great fun and pleasure into your life while forging a loving and trusting relationship for many years. However, cats can be a messy in spite of their fastidious reputation. The worst source of messes is the litter box. You are responsible for keeping your cat’s toilet clean and smelling fresh. Choose a litter that absorbs odors and use an air freshener as needed. You can catch any litter on your cat’s feet before it spreads around the house by placing a mat outside the litter box. Brush your cat often to keep hair off the furniture and rugs. Vacuum frequently to remove any stray hair or dander. Spay or neuter yourcat to reduce urine spraying. Sweep up dry foods promptly and remove any canned meat after about 20 minutes of serving so it doesn’t spoil or attract insects. For more information, contact your London, ON veterinarian.

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Dogs that don’t experience proper socialization early in life are more predisposed to developing behavior issues that can force their owners to surrender their pets to animal shelters or worse, have them euthanized.  The importance of puppy socialization should never be taken for granted. It should start when a puppy is 3 weeks old and extends until 12 weeks of age. This is only a small window of opportunity when puppies are exposed to sights, sounds, scents, and experiences that can help them become well-adjusted pets as they grow into adulthood. Take note that no amount of training will compensate for the lack or absence of socialization once the puppy is well past the proper age for socialization.

Dogs that receive poor socialization may become high-strung or prone to anxiety, tend to display aggressive behavior, and can be more prone to having specific phobias. There can also be a significant impact on ... Read more »