Your dog wants to be by your side at all times and you are happy to have the company. However, sometimes you wonder about his desire to stay close to you. Why does he want to follow you around?

Your pet generally wants to be by your side because he loves you. He enjoys your company and knows that he will get to interact with you more often if he is nearby. He also feels comfortable in your presence because you care for him. Being by your side helps him feel safe and secure. The action in your household likely follows family members around as well, so sticking by your side is a great way to ensure she doesn’t miss out on anything interesting that’s going on in your home. For additional information, please contact your local Fox Lake, IL veterinarian.

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Your cat is an excellent friend and you want her to remain as healthy as she can be. How can you make sure she is getting enough exercise?

To determine whether or not she is hitting the mark when it comes to her physical exercise needs, you will first need to be aware of what these are. Your pet needs you to do some research and talk to her veterinarian to understand what is required for daily activity if she is to remain fit and strong. Then, you can think about activities that will motivate her to get up and moving. This will likely include playing with her and offering her fun toys to check out on her own, so keep an eye out for these when at your local pet store. For more information, please contact your local London, ON veterinarian.

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Did you know that you can give your horse a salt lick or a salt block to help encourage your horse to drink more often? Many feed and grain stores sell small size salt blocks that can be mounted in the stall. They may also sell larger salt blocks that can sit in a dish or on the ground out in the field. This encourages the horses to lick at it, which makes them thirsty. Horses should be drinking plenty of water during the day. Salt blocks can help this. Salt blocks may also be needed if the horse is deficient of other nutrients. For instance, your horse may be lacking in salt if he is biting the stall bars and raking his teeth across the stall walls. Try placing a salt block in the stall. Chances are your horse’s attitude will change. For more information on salt and horses, ... Read more »

Does your goat have horns? Are you worried the horns may injury someone or another animal? If so, talk with your vet about having the horns trimmed down or removed. Some farmers choose for goats to let their horns grow naturally. Others remove the horns of male goats to get rid of the scent glands and keep the foul smell associated with males from making its presence known. Still other owners have had the horns removed only to watch in surprise as the horns eventually grow back. The choice will be up to you and your goat’s needs and the safety needs of other animals. In rare instances, a goat’s horns can grow straight back and injure goat. In these cases, the horns must be removed in order to save the goat. In other situations, the goat’s horns may not fully develop at all. Talk with your Mt. Airy, MD veterinary clinic for addit ... Read more »

Your company may schedule a take your dog to work day or they may allow dogs at work every day. Prepare before considering bringing your dog to work. Ensure that your dog follows obedience commands and will behave in a confined place for an entire day. Ask around to check that no one in your workgroup has a dog phobia or allergies and will be adversely affected by your dog. Although you are within your rights to bring your dog to work, there is nothing to gain by antagonizing your co-workers. Schedule regular breaks for walks, to go outside to eliminate or even just to visit. Make your workstation a dog-friendly place. Get your dog a bed and bring in food and water bowls. Fun chew toys can keep your dog busy as you work. Most importantly, enjoy the extra time with your dog and have fun. Lea ... Read more »

Some pet parents are determined to give their cat a bath. Although some felines need to be scrubbed in the tub from time to time, not all need this kind of attention. Here are a few signs your feline friend is just fine without regular baths.

The first sign is that your cat smells nice. If he doesn’t stink, he’s probably doing a good job of grooming himself, which means soap isn’t necessary. Just take the time to inspect his bottom closely to make sure he’s grooming like he should.

If he doesn’t have dermatological issues, he probably doesn’t need a bath. If he doesn’t have itchy skin or fleas, a bath can actually end up making his skin drier than it should be.

For professional advice on whether or not your cat needs a bath, click here, or schedule an appointm ... Read more »

Your cat is a big part of your life so you want to make sure she feels welcome in your home. You understand that for this to happen, your pet will need to be safe in this space. Can houseplants impact this?

There are a lot of houseplants that will be fine around your cat but there are also others that could be a safety issue. Many plants are toxic and could negatively impact your cat’s life if she investigates them too closely. Some common offenders include tulips, lilies, and chrysanthemums. There is also the chance that your pet will take an interest in a plant and get a bit too friendly with it. This means that she may knock it over or pull it off the surface it is resting on, which could pose another risk to her safety. For more information, please contact your local Tampa, FL veterinarian.

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