Hip Dysplasia is indeed a painful and crippling disease that is caused by inflammation and decreased mobility and flexibility. Aside from being an age-related problem, hip dysplasia can also be a congenital problem or it can also be a consequence of obesity. Most often, when a dog with hip dysplasia mates with another dysplastic dog, the offspring has a very high risk of developing the problem. If your dog has a hereditary risk for the condition, puppies should be given the proper nutrition and have adequate exercise. A dog that is obese has an increased risk of developing hip dysplasia. The growth rate of predisposed puppies should be controlled because fast growth rate can create orthopedic problems that may lead to hip dysplasia. Since most types of puppy food contain extra protein, vitamins, and minerals to support the growth and development of puppies, you should consult your best vet Volga, SD for a special f ... Read more »

Many cases of heartworm disease in cats have resulted in death because many fail to show symptoms of the infection. There is also a lack of diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the heartworm in cats. Unlike in dogs, the adult heartworms in cats do not give birth to microfilaria. Thus cats are infected from a mosquito which has fed from an infected dog. When heartworms are present, one of the reactions mounted by the cat’s body is forming cysts in the brain, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs in order to stop the parasite invasion. This is the reason why cats with Heartworms do not show definitive signs indicative of the disease condition. Nervous signs, like seizures and circling, can be exhibited when the nervous system is affected. Infected cats may also die from liver and/or kidney failure. Consult your veterinarian Volga, SD about the best way to protect your pet against heartworms.

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Your dog has spent many wonderful years in your care, and you want to make sure you are there for him during all the years that are to come as well. This means that you will need to take the time to seek out new and different options that may suit your pet well now that he is entering into his senior years.

You will need to be very in tune with your pet’s behavior, as this is likely how you will take note of changes in his capabilities and comfort level in your care. You can talk to his veterinarian about what to expect so you can prepare, but each pet will go through ... Read more »

If you own livestock such as sheep, goats or other small animals and you’re looking for something to protect them from predators then you may want to explore the Anatolian Shepherd. This rugged, durable, agile, smart, and hardy breed is known for its keen eyesight and excellent hearing making him a great protector of livestock. The Anatolian thrives best when he has a job of protecting livestock. With his super senses and fastness, he can sniff out and chase out almost any predator in super fast time. At home, this great big dog loves to walk and play a lot. He needs a large backyard and a job of protecting. Farms are ideal for the Anatolian. He does well with other pets and small children when supervised. He is an independent bree ... Read more »

Your cat needs to scratch in order to maintain her claw health, and you want to offer her something suitable to get the job done. How can you purchase the right item for your cat to sink her claws into?

To determine where your pet would like to scratch, take a look at where she scratches now. There may be an area of your home that she tends to be found in, and she may favor one spot to another. Try to find something that will fit in the areas she tends to scratch, and mimics items she already scratches on. For example, you can get carpet coated scratching mats ... Read more »

Is your child determined to have a bird as a pet? It’s true that birds can be a bad choice for kids, but that doesn’t mean they all are! Here are a few animals that make the best feathered friends for children.

It doesn't get much more low maintenance than a finch or a canary. They require next to no interaction. As a matter of fact, they shouldn't ever be removed from the cage! Just make sure you get more than one so your pet doesn't get lonely.

If you're looking for a more interactive bird, consider a parakeet. They tolerate being handled pretty well and they can even learn how to talk.

Cockatiels make great pets for children too! However, they ... Read more »

Many cat owners prefer using open litter boxes for their pet cats. Here are important reasons why you should do it too:

• This type of litter box design is cheaper and can easily fit in most budgets
• It is much easier to clean, disinfect, and refill with new litter
• Many cats prefer an open litter box because they can easily get in and out
• An open litter box enables them to keep watch for any potential threats while they are doing their thing

However, the open litter box can also have its disadvantages. Its design requires frequent cleaning because litter box odor can easily permeate the entire household. Some cats like to do their business in private and will avoid using an open litter box. In some cases, a cat may ‘miss the mark’ as he looks f ... Read more »

Many cats hate being inside a moving vehicle, especially if they have not used to it. These poor cats can get scared and totally anxious even during a short road trip, it can be stressful for them. Having a meowing and frightened cat in the car, even when he is inside a crate, can also get on the nerves of the other passengers.

Here are some tips to reduce your cat’s fear and anxiety during road trips.

Crate training is very important for cats. Whether they like it or not, they need to be brought to the vet or the groomers at certain times of the year.

Make sure that the time the cat spends inside the crate is a positive experience by placing some of his favorite toys inside, treats, and his blanket. Having something familiar while traveling can make him feel more secure and comfortable.

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A lost pet is a nightmare that many pet owners would never dream of. Some dogs just have a habit of digging under the fence, running after rabbits, or investigating a scent and may be unable to find their way back home. Pet owners should be prepared to deal with a lost of missing pet. A basic step is to let your pet wear a collar with ID tags and make sure that the information on the tags are up-to-date. You can also have your veterinarian insert a microchip on your pet. This is the most reliable form of pet identification around these days. You should ask your vet Brookings, SD about this if your pet has not been microchipped yet. It is also a good idea to undertake measures to prevent your pet from escaping from your yard. You should never leave your pet alone in an unfenced yard to avoid any unfortunate situations.

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