Your dog loves spending time with you within your home as well as outside of it. However, you’ve noticed that she has tried to get out of your backyard several times. Why is this?

Your pet needs you to understand that she is extremely curious. This means that she likely isn’t trying to escape the confines of your yard, but rather that she is simply trying to see what is just beyond the fence. She would like to check out the world if she could, but right now, she simply has her sights set on an area that is just beyond the space she has thoroughly explored throughout her time with your family. To keep her content in your backyard, make sure to offer her plenty of fun options when it comes to activities, and lots of attention. For more information, please contact your local Cy-Fair veterinarian.

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Your bird needs daily exercise to keep healthy and happy. Exercise worksyour bird’s muscles and joints while providing mental stimulation. Give your bird multiple perches in the cage so he can hop from place to place. Keep him active and engaged with ladders, swings and bell toys. However, don’t put so muchapparatus in the cage that your bird can’t move around freely. Flying is the absolute best exercise for your bird. Thus daily exercise time outside the cage is essential. This outside time also allows for socialization and bonding opportunities with your bird. Inspect the flight area to ensure it is secure and safe. Close windows and doors and turn off ceiling fans. Stabilize anything your bird could knock overand hurt himself. Remove any toxic plants since your bird will find them irresistible and nibble on them. Learn more ... Read more »

For best physical and mental health, your cat needs dedicated playtime every day.She also needs access to toys throughout the day. Playing with toys keeps your cat busy and provides mental stimulation.Play is also a great way to get your cat to exercise, which keeps her trim with healthy joints and muscles. Choose toys that stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts. A laser pointer, ball or fishing rod toy with a feather lure entices your cat to chase and pounce and leap in the air. Toy mice or crinkly toys can be fun for your cat to bat around. Your cat will run and act crazy while playing with catnip toys if she reacts to it. Choose safe toys without loose strings that could put her at risk for strangulation. Check that parts won’t break off and cause a choking hazard. Contact your Glen Ellyn, IL vet to learn more. Visit their ... Read more »

A cat’s claws serve many important functions. In fact, it is one of the more interesting parts of a cat’s body. Here are some interesting facts about your furball’s claws you may not be aware of yet:

• The claws of cats are connected to their toes and limb. The bones that make up their foot is very similar to that of humans. So your fingertips are the cat’s phalanges, and their metacarpal bone is similar to the bone that extends from the heed of your hand to your knuckle.
• Cats are digitigrade walkers, which simply means they walk on their fingertips as if on a tiptoe, unlike humans who walk on the balls of their feet and heels.
• The claws of cats are made of the same material as the hairs and fingernails. Keratin is a type of protein that is found in the claws of cats, hooves of certain groups of animals, and the ... Read more »

Many cats hate traveling, regardless of whether it is a short road trip or a long one. Being in a moving car makes them anxious and nervous. But cats need to get used to traveling in a car because whether they like it or not, they have to be brought to the vet for wellness and dental checks or to the groomers on a regular basis. In addition to training your pet to feel at ease while inside a car, there are things that you should prepare to prevent last minute hassles. These include:

Carrier

Even if your cat has no problems riding in a car, being inside a carrier during the trip spells safety for everyone inside the vehicle, including your pet. Place the crate where your pet can see you to lessen any anxiety he may be feeling.

Extra carrier or crate

This will come in handy if ... Read more »