Punishment has no place in dog training. It should never be used as a means of correcting undesirable habits or behaviors. Screaming, hitting, or other forms of punishment can only make the situation worse because these actions can only heighten their anxiety because they won’t really understand why. When any of these actions are done during dog trainings, the learning process will be greatly affected. Remember that dogs don’t understand human anger.

One common situation in which many pet owners tend to punish their dogs is a potty accident. Some push their dog’s nose into the urine or feces while holding the animal tightly. This can be counte ... Read more »

A nutritionally balanced diet is of optimum importance to help promote a healthy life for your pet. Pet owners have the most say over the type of food that their pet birds receive every day. It is also the responsibility of pet owners to make sure that their pet consumes what is offered so they won’t suffer from specific nutritional deficiencies. You should also know which types of foods should not be given to birds, and what are not safe when consumed in excess.

If you wish to change your pet’s diet, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet before making the switch. It’s important that your pet is given a clean bill of health before making any changes. Take note that birds try their best to conceal any signs of pain, illness, or discomfort. Sudden change in their diet can be an important source of stress for pet birds which can pave the way for the development of health issues that may warran ... Read more »

Your dog loves to head out and about with you, as it not only offers him additional time with his favorite human, but it also gives him a chance to get a change of scenery. How can you make this happen more often?

The easier it is to bring your pet with you, the more likely you will be to do so. This means that you will need to take the time to determine which places you head to regularly that will welcome your pet. It also means taking the time to give your pet the items he will need in a way that will be quick and easy for you. Consider placing items that won’t be impacted by temperature fluctuations in your vehicle. This way, you will just need to grab a few last-minute items when you head out the door. Your Coon Rapids, MN vet can help you care for your pet. Visit their profile to ... Read more »

A nutritionally balanced diet is a basic need of kittens. pet owners should understand why cats differ in their needs for specific nutrients and calorie intake so they will be able to help meet their pet’s needs adequately.

Cats thrive with a meat-based diet because they are true carnivores. Meat has certain essential amino acids that cats cannot make in their bodies because they lack the enzymes that can convert plant-based protein into essential amino acids. This is an important reason why cats won’t do well when they are on a purely vegan diet.

To meet their needs for growth and development, kittens should be given a high-energy diet. Without adequate intake of vital nutrients, a kitten can develop specific nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities.

Choosing a lifestage-appropriate diet for your pet is of utmost importance ... Read more »

Your puppy hasn’t been in your household very long, but she has quickly become a part of your family. Now that you are settling into life as a pet owner, you are making a point to focus on training your pet. How can you tell when it’s time to housetrain your puppy?

Your pet needs you to take into account that she is still very young, and it won’t be until she is several months old before she will be ready to control eliminating enough to be housetrained. However, it’s never too early to start. Bring her out when you think she needs to go, and praise her if she does eliminate while you are out. This way, your pet will understand what you want from her when she is ready. Just make sure you don’t expect results until she is physically ready to offer them. Your local ... Read more »

Your cat needs you to think about keeping her healthy, especially in the ways she can’t care for herself. This includes taking her oral hygiene into account. How can you help her teeth and gums stay healthy?

The best way for you to address oral care issues is to regularly take a peek inside your pet’s mouth. This will familiarize you with everything that’s normal for her, and this will allow you to pinpoint irregularities if and when they occur. Brushing her teeth can help you keep her mouth clean and her breath fresh. It can also help keep bacteria at bay. To keep your pet healthy, you can also have a professional take a look at her mouth from time to time in case you happen to miss something. For more information, please contact your local Coon Rapids, MN vet clinic. ... Read more »

Even with regular baths, pets can still give off a distinct scent that many may find offensive. These undesirable pet odors can easily permeate the entire house, thus pet owners should take steps to control or lessen pet odors in the house.

Easy ways to control pet odors inside the home:

• Litter boxes and cages should be thoroughly cleaned regularly. Waste should be disposed of properly. Pet crates need daily cleaning to prevent dirt and odor buildup.
• There are products that can be used to eliminate strong odors. Make sure to reach the instructions carefully as well as the precautions to be observed when using the product.
• Mattresses, beddings, and pads must be changed frequently. Beddings that are used by your pets should be washed and changed regularly even if there are not yet dirty or smelly. ... Read more »

Cats and dogs can get along, but that doesn’t mean they all do. If your cat and dog aren’t the best of friends, you may be wondering if it’s a good idea to leave them alone together.

The answer will depend on how your pets interact with each other when you’re around. Does your cat mostly avoid your dog? Or do they regularly get into spats? If there are regular physical altercations when you’re at home, it’s a good idea to keep your dog kenneled while you’re gone.

If your pets seem to avoid each other, make sure there are plenty of areas where each of your pets can relax. Your cat should have at least one cat tree that the dog can’t reach, and your dog should have a bed or a kennel where he can rest.

For help getting your pets to get along, schedule an appoi ... Read more »