Your dog means the world to you and you want to make sure she is cared for properly at all times. However, your pet will need different care at different times in his life, like when he isn’t feeling well. How can you tell if your pet is getting sick?

Your dog may not be able to tell you directly that he isn’t feeling too great, but he will certainly be able to show you. Take note of any behavior that is out of the ordinary and evaluate it. He may not be as active as he usually is, or he may turn down a favorite snack if he is falling ill. There may also be more obvious signs of sickness, like coughing or vomiting. Make a point to seek out the help of a veterinarian if you think your pet is feeling less than his best. Your local Lafayette, LA veterinarian can offer additional guidance. Visit this ... Read more »

Contrary to popular belief, small pocket pets like the hamster, guinea pig and even gerbil can get fleas. If you own a Black Mongolian Gerbil or other type of gerbil, you will need to keep an eye out for fleas. This is especially true if you allow your gerbil to play in the grass or if you have other animals in your home. For instance, if you have a dog or cat in your home, fleas can travel indoors and jump from your dog or cat to your gerbil. You can prevent fleas from invading your gerbil’s home or fur by making sure your yard and other household pets are treated for fleas and ticks. If you find a flea on your gerbil, remove it and then clean the cage and give your gerbil new bedding to ensure no fleas are in the cage. If you still have flea trouble, talk with your Omaha, NE veterinary clinic.

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Your dog loves your home, but he also needs to spend some time outside each and every day. How can you help him stay safe in the backyard?

Your backyard is an outdoor area that you have a lot of control over, so you should be able to remove most, if not all, hazards from this space. Make sure toxic items, like weed deterrents, and sharp objects, like gardening supplies, are put safely out of reach. You should also make sure you have a way to keep your pet in your yard and that he has a way to get out of the elements, like a dog house or covered porch area. Your pet will need things to occupy his time so he doesn’t get into trouble, so make sure to be available to play with him often and leave some toys for him to play with as well. For additional information, please contact your ... Read more »

If you have seen what these dog training pads look like, you might be wondering why there are various designs and types that are available. Aside from being used as potty areas for puppies, these pads can also be used as beds for some dogs. There is also a heated pad that can be used during the cold months to ensure that your dogs are kept warm and comfortable.

But in most cases, these pads will come in handy for containing the waste of dogs. These are made of thick absorbent material that is infused with a distinct scent that can trigger the dog’s elimination reflex when they catch a whiff of it.

The use of dog training pads as potty spots inside the home is one way to reduce or even avoid dealing with potty accidents. By checking regularly and displacing used pads with new ones, you can ensure that your household is free from offensive odors caused by your dog. Call your Re ... Read more »

Owning a dog is a lot of fun, but that isn’t the only reason to share your home with a canine companion. It turns out, they can help us stress less too.

By petting your dog, you can actually reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol in the brain. It also increases the hormone oxytocin, which has been shown to reduce stress.

People with high blood pressure can keep their levels lower during times of stress than people who don&# ... Read more »

As the number of dogs and persons who own dogs increases, there is also a parallel increase in the number of dog training schools that offer classes. The programs of these establishments don’t come cheap but professional training has its just rewards. However, it is sad to note that not all schools meet the standards and consequently fail to guarantee what you expect.

In general, there are 2 types of classroom set-ups in dog training schools - private lessons and group classes.

Group classes promote socialization and train a dog to be well-behaved in the company of other dogs. An owner who trains with his dog will also learn from the techniques and mistakes of other dog owners in training.

On the other hand, private training does not share the same advantages with group classes. A dog which has undergone this type of training may have prob ... Read more »

For many dogs, a visit to the dog park is always something to look forward to. If it’s your dog’s first time to visit the park, he may still be wary of the other dogs as he explores this new and strange environment. It is a good idea to keep him on a leash at this time. Your dog’s body language can tell you a lot about what he is feeling. The leash can be removed only when you sense that your dog is now at ease and is becoming friendly with other dogs.

The dog park is also a place to practice proper manners and behavior. Thus a well-trained dog will surely make more friends in the dog park. Even though it is a strange place, your dog should still acknowledge that you are the leader of the pack and any command that you give will be followed. Be quick to correct your dog when you spot any display of negative behavior before it can become a deeply ingrained habit.

Be ... Read more »

There are many reasons why vitamins and minerals derived from natural sources tend to be of more superior quality than synthetic or artificial vitamins and minerals. The comparison between the two sources was pushed into the limelight when many dog food manufacturers incorporated artificial vitamins and minerals into their dog food formulas and deceived a good number of pet owners into buying their products that they are are all-natural and hoslistic.

Vitamins

Vitamins are chemical compounds that are needed by the body in small amounts and are essential to the optimum performance of various physiological processes in the body. Some excellent sources of natural vitamins are fresh fruits and vegetables.

Minerals

Minerals are also called trace elements. Like vitamins, they are n ... Read more »

Trimming your Dwarf rabbit’s nails can be a difficult task, but it is also a necessary task. You always want to make sure your rabbit’s nails are a reasonable length. Not too short that it causes pain, but not too long that the nails snag on things as they walk and hop about. If you think it’s time for your Dwarf to have its nails trimmed, bring out your rabbit nail trimmers and slowly trim the nails to a modest length. The best way to do this is to have a friend hold your rabbit. Next, examine your rabbit’s nails and identify the quick or vein in the nail. Trim to just above this vein. If you accidently trim to the vein it will bleed. Use styptic powder, corn starch or baking powder to stop the bleeding. If you’re not comfortable trimming your rabbit’s nails, schedule a trimming with your Happy Valley, OR veterinary clinic. Learn more here.

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