There are a lot of families out there, and they will each differ from one another. This means that they will be able to care for different pets, and different animals will suit their lifestyles. Some of them will find that older dogs are ideal for their households.

This is because dogs who have had more worldly experience tend to be a bit calmer then their younger counterparts. They also tend to know a bit more about the world around them, and therefore need less assistance in navigating around within it. There is also a chance that an older dog has had some training as well. This gives a potential family a pet who requires less looking after and will be able to fit into a slower pace of life than a puppy would. Your local trustworthy vet clinic Ashburn VA can offer additio ... Read more »

Your cat is a part of your family, and you want your living space to reflect this. You refrain from bringing items into your home that you know will be a hazard to your pet, and make a point to have plenty of interesting things for your little fur ball to check out around your home. Would plants be a good thing to bring into this space?

Every cat is different, and you know your pet the best. Some will leave houseplants alone, but others will be digging in them and batting at them every chance they get. That said, there will always be some plants that you should avoid, even if your pet ignores them. This is because they can be downright toxic, and you don’t want to risk your pet’s health if she does happen to get a bit curious one day. For more information, please cont ... Read more »

Your cat is pretty fastidious. Thus if your cat stops using the litter box, you can suspect something is wrong. The most likely explanation is that the box is dirty and smelly. If the litter box is disgusting, your cat will find someplace less appropriate to go. Your cat may avoid the litter box if she is stressed out. New household members including other pets can cause stress. Houseguests and even construction in or around your home can disturb your cat. Even simple changes such as moving the furniture around may cause a problem. Consider setting up a second litter box where your cat hides out while she works out her stress issues. Litter box avoidance may also occur because your cat doesn’t feel well. Thus if you can’t find an obvious reason for your cat’s behavior, make an appointment with your veterinarians Salem, VA for evaluation and possible treatment.

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You can use dog booties to protect his feet from scrapes and cuts, irritation from deicing chemicals and salts, and burns from hot sidewalks. However, many dogs resist wearing booties. Check that the booties are the proper size – not too baggy and not too tight. Help your dog get comfortable with his booties before he needs to wear them. Put a bootie on one foot at a time. Allow him to walk around the house. Your dog may walk awkwardly as he adjusts to the bootie. Put a bootie on another foot and then a third and a fourth bootie. Offer treats and lots of praise during this process to encourage him to accept the booties and not fight to take them off. Never punish or yell at your dog if he resists booties. Just stop and try another day. Contact your vet care Salem, VA to learn more.

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Dental hygiene is essential since decay can cause your dog pain and trouble eating while introducing dangerous bacteria into his bloodstream. Examine your dog’s mouth for loose teeth or signs of infection such as red or swollen gums, discolored teeth or a bad odor. These conditions may need medical attention. Clean your dog’s teeth several times per week. Start when your dog is young so it becomes routine. Clean the teeth with cotton bowls or gauze pads and work up to a doggy toothbrush. Only use dog-safe toothpaste since human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs. Don’t forget to stimulate the gums too. Consider giving your dog dental treats and chew toys. You can also add a tarter reduction supplement to his water. Be aware that even with the most diligent of care, your dog will need professional cleanings under sedation. For more information, contact your Salem, VA veterinarian. More details here: http://r ... Read more »

Whether your cat lives indoors or outdoors, she may slip outside and get lost. The surest way to get your cat back fast is to make sure she has identification on her at all times. Ensure she wears a breakaway collar with an identification tag. This gives anyone who finds her your contact information to return your cat. The breakaway feature ensures that the collar will come off if she gets caught on a branch or other permanent item rather than strangling your cat. A collar also is a clear indicator that your pet is not a stray. Microchipping your cat is a good idea too. A microchip is inserted under the skin. When scanned, the chip provides a number that leads to your contact information and thus your cat can be returned to you. A combination of both of these forms of identification works best for most families. Contact your Roanoke, VA vet to learn more.

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Training your dog to stay on command helps keep your dog in a sitting or lying down position. Before training him to stay, your dog should know his own name and the SIT and DOWN commands. Have your dog sit and hold your hand in front of his face like a stop sign. Say the STAY command. Hold this position a few seconds and then give your dog a food treat and praise. Practice this procedure often. Over time, increase the length of time your dog stays in position before receiving the treat and praise. Next step away from your dog a bit at a time to build consistency. Keep your hand up to reinforce the command. If your dog breaks, don’t give him the treat and quickly get your dog back into position. Never yell or punish your dog for breaking. Keep working at it. For more information, contact your vet services Roanoke, VA.

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