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November 3, 2008
Dogs: Breed CarefullyIf you are planning on breeding your dog, you need to proceed cautiously. Breeding is a genetically complicated issue and a potentially expensive proposition that ideally should be left up to professionals. If you want to do things right, you should be affiliated with a breed club and follow its guidelines.
Cats: Electronic IDConsider placing an electronic identification tag on your cat. This watch-sized tag allows you to program detailed information about your pet into its database. It attaches to your pet's collar just like a license.
October 27, 2008
Cats: Baby BookConsider making your own kitten scrap book capturing the memories of your feline's kittenhood. Include lots of photos, anecdotes describing funny or silly events, paw prints, records of vet visits, baby teeth, and locks of fur. You will be creating memories that you and your family can cherish for a long time.
Dogs: Messy PlantsIs your dog in the habit of digging and exploring in the soil of your houseplants? Consider placing large decorative glass pebbles or gravel on top of the soil. Covering the soil with netting may also help prevent digging.
October 20, 2008
Dogs: Regular Tooth Check-upA recent study has found that 80 percent of dogs over 3 years of age suffer from some degree of gingival or periodontal ailments. You can be your dog's best pal if you make oral hygiene as important as timely vaccinations and routine physical check-ups. You will gain a healthier pet and a happier companion.
Cats: Keep It NaturalHas your veterinarian diagnosed your cat with allergies? Is she itching and licking his skin a lot? You may consider decreasing the amount of chemical agents you use in your home. Use carpet powders, carpet sprays, and room deodorizers sparingly. Launder your pet's bedding in natural soap and avoid drier sheets.
October 13, 2008
Cats: Garden KittyIf your cat spends a great deal of time outdoors in the yard, it is important to regularly police your yard for hazards. Trash, dead animals and birds, and animal waste can pose a health hazard to your pet. Check your yard regularly.
Dogs: Not After DinnerAre you trying to teach your pooch some new tricks? Consider scheduling the play sessions right before meal times, and use food as reward to motivate your dog. A healthy appetite can be a great motivator.
October 6, 2008
Dogs: Toy Love?There are some doggie toys that your dog may love too much. This may include chews made from animal parts such as jerky and pig's ears. Dogs can love these toys so much that they become obsessive or aggressive about them. If you notice such behavior, refrain from giving these types of toys to your pooch again.
Cats: Confine Your CatIs your cat waking you and your family members up in the wee hours of the morning? Consider immediately placing her in a pet carrier in a remote part of the house for the remainder of the night. Repeat this process on a nightly basis. Eventually your cat is bound to figure out that the result of early morning antics is confinement in the crate.
September 29, 2008
Cats: Bathtub PresentsMany cat owners complain that their cat uses the bathtub as a litter box. Consider keeping the door to the bathroom closed at all times. If that is not convenient, fill the tub with a few inches of water to make it undesirable to your cat.
Dogs: Banish BeggingBegging can be more than a nuisance and may actually indicate a behavior problem. When dogs beg, it may be an attempt to assert themselves over their owners. If you give in to your dog's begging, you are in effect, obeying his command. Establish good habits early on by never feeding your dog from the table.
September 22, 2008
Dogs: Superior NoseYour dog has an extremely keen sense of smell but do you know just how good it is? The average dog has 200 million scent receptors compared to a human's 5 million. Hunting dogs have the most keenly developed sense of smell and a bloodhound, for example, can smell 1,000 times better than we can.
Cats: Fun Car RidesIs your cat afraid of car rides? Consider going for a few short rides around the block culminating in a tasty food reward. Gradually lengthen the trips making sure to praise your cat for calm behavior and offering treats at the end.
September 15, 2008
Cats: Perfect TimingIs your cat waking you up at 5 am every morning to be fed? Plan ahead and have a snack waiting for your pet if she wakes up hungry. Consider acquiring a timed pet feeder and set it so that the food tray will open at 5 am (or whenever your cat normally wakes up).
Dogs: Jacobson's OrganDogs and cats, as well as some other animals, have a tasting device called the Jacobson's organ which functions somewhere between smelling and tasting. Your dog activates this device by opening his mouth slightly, picking up scent substances from the air, and then pressing them into his Jacobson's organ.
September 8, 2008
Dogs: Tracking ScentHave you ever wondered how dogs can track people? A scent trail is made up of cells that fall off the body. A dog can pick up an individual scent even in a crowd because no two people have the same scent.
Cats: Protect YourselfWashing your hands frequently and regularly deworming your cat is important to protect yourself from intestinal parasites. Keep your pet flea-free as fleas can transmit tapeworms to pets and people alike. Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating, and do not allow your children to go barefoot on playgrounds or beaches where they are exposed to pet stools.
September 1, 2008
Cats: Supreme TouchDid you know that cats have touch receptors all over their bodies? Their sense of touch is concentrated in their paw pads and whiskers. Through their whiskers, which are fully developed before birth, they can feel movements 2000 times smaller than the width of a human hair.
Dogs: Excellent HearingYou probably know that dogs hear better than humans, but did you know exactly how well? In most trials, dogs can find the source of a sound in six-hundredths of a second and hear sounds four times farther away than humans. They can detect sounds as high as 35 kilohertz compared to our maximum of 20 kilohertz.
August 25, 2008
Dogs: Combing A MatWhen combing out a mat in your dog's fur, use a fine toothed comb and patience. Tackle a small area at a time and work from the edge of the mat and inwards. A small amount of cornstarch worked into the snarl may facilitate the untangling process.
Cats: Natural Feline HighCats have many reactions to catnip including, dashing happily about the room, or writhing and rolling on the rug to staring blissfully out the window. In some cats it may temporarily stimulate their appetite. In other cats it may reduce anxiety, and the calming effect could have secondary benefits such as aiding in digestion
August 18, 2008
Cats: Catnip To The RescueIs your cat extremely nervous and reluctant to be placed in her cat carrier? Consider placing some catnip on a towel in the carrier before you place her inside. This may relieve some of the anxiety of your traveling cat.
Dogs: TelemedicineAdvances in communication technology are taking the care of your dog to new levels. Telemedicine allows your own veterinarian to collect information about your pet through radiology and ultrasound and subsequently have these images evaluated and analyzed by veterinary specialists elsewhere in the country. This saves you and your pet the stress of having to travel great distances to a referral center.
August 11, 2008
Dogs: Take An Active RoleFor best results, take an active role in the relationship with your veterinarian. Putting everything on your veterinarian's shoulders may ultimately lead to disappointment. Some specific actions you can take to improve communication and strengthen the partnership with your vet include knowing the early signs of illness, providing accurate information, asking good questions, and being friendly, patient, and punctual.
Cats: Preventive CarePreventative health care is, more than anything, helping our pets live longer and more enjoyable lives. Examples of preventative health care includes regular vaccinations, dental care, deworming, and heartworm prevention and testing. As your cat ages it also includes periodic blood screening, x-rays, and dietary counseling. Speak to your veterinarian about preventative health care plan for your pet.
August 4, 2008
Cats: Smart KittyWould you like to raise the IQ of your cat? Scientists have found that the process of training creates a faster and stronger brain. This is just another reason to spend quality time with your cat.
Dogs: No Golf BallsRefrain from letting your puppy play with your golf balls. Golf balls are very slippery, and when they get wet can accidentally slide down into your dog's throat and into the stomach causing intestinal problems. Furthermore, golf balls also contain a toxic material in their coating that could make an animal sick if he pierces the outer coating.
July 28, 2008
Dogs: Bite ProofEach year, more than 4 million people, mostly children, are victims of dog bites. Many dog bites can be prevented through responsible dog ownership. The three most important things a dog owner can do to "bite-proof" their dog is to train their dog, socialize their dog, and have their dog spayed or neutered.
Cats: Will I Get Her Flu?Have you ever wondered if you can catch your cat's cold? Fortunately, cats have their own respiratory conditions and it is very unlikely that they will pass any illness onto you or your family. However, it never hurts to keep conditions clean and wash your hands often when your cat is sick.
July 21, 2008
Cats: Healing HandsIf you have recently adopted a very young or orphaned kitten make sure to touch and handle it often. Research has shown that the human touch will aid in her development. Spend a few minutes after each feeding gently massaging and stroking her body.
Dogs: Brushing 101Daily brushing of your dog's teeth is the best safeguard against dental problems. Gradually introduce your pet to the new experience of having its mouth handled and teeth cleaned. Begin with your finger and a small amount of doggie toothpaste. Once your dog has acquired a taste for the paste, which usually takes 7-10 days, switch to a doggie toothbrush.
July 14, 2008
Dogs: A Bitter PillAre you having trouble getting your pup to swallow his medication? Consider placing a small amount of butter on the pill before you place it in his mouth. A pleasant taste sensation will encourage him to swallow the pill. The consistency of the butter will help it slide down his throat.
Cats: Frost BiteBe aware that if your cat is exposed to cold temperatures for too long she can suffer frost bite. The ears, tail, and feet are affected first. Keep your pets indoors when it is cold or ensure access to warm and dry shelter.
July 7, 2008
Cats: Laser TechnologyLaser technology is making its appearance in veterinary medicine. Veterinarians are using lasers for a variety of different surgical procedures. The laser systems offer the same benefits as in human medicine: reduced swelling, less post-operative pain, controlled bleeding, and quick recovery. Ask your veterinarian if laser surgery is available in your area.
Dogs: Proper ToothpasteWhen brushing your dog's teeth make sure not to use a human toothpaste. Dogs do not understand that it is not appropriate to swallow the paste. Human toothpaste can cause irritation of your dog's stomach and contains inappropriately high levels of fluoride for swallowing. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for a suitable doggy toothpaste.
June 30, 2008
Dogs: Dental AdvancesDid you know that veterinary dental knowledge and technology has advanced dramatically over the past decade? Today's pets can now get virtually all of the dental care their owners receive, including dental crowns, braces, ultrasonic scaling, root canals, and bonding of composite restorative materials. Speak to your veterinarian about your pet's dental care.
Cats: Nail SheathHave you ever noticed a paper-thin translucent material covering your cat's nails? These are called nail sheaths and are a normal part of your cat's claws. When your cat scratches on wooden posts, tree trunks or scratching posts, it is in part to facilitate the shedding of the worn-out claw sheath.
June 23, 2008
Cats: Picking Up Your CatAccustom your kitty to being picked up and carried around. Pick your kitty up in a scooping motion by placing one of your arms around the chest and forelimbs and the other around her rump while kneeling on the floor. Draw your kitty to your chest and carefully rise, keeping your back straight.
Dogs: Swaddled PupAre you having trouble medicating your small dog? Try gently wrapping him in a towel or blanket and placing him on an elevated surface. This should give you more leverage during the process.
June 16, 2008
Dogs: Pill GunIs your dog difficult to medicate? Speak to your veterinarian about acquiring a pill gun. This rubber tipped device may make your medicating easier.
Cats: Catnip For All?Catnip contains a substance called nepetalactone which is thought to have a mild but safe hallucinogenic effect on many cats. Not all cats, however, are sensitive to its effects. In fact, only four out of five cats are affected by this plant. Furthermore, kittens under the age of 6 months will likely have no reaction at all.
June 9, 2008
Cats: Write It DownBefore making a visit to the veterinarian with your cat, consider writing down your questions on a piece of paper. It is not uncommon to forget key questions and concerns once in the exam room. Your veterinarian will respect your preparations and appreciate you as a responsible pet owner.
Dogs: What Is In The Mix?Have you ever wondered exactly which breeds make up the special mix of your mixed breed dog? Researchers are working on isolating genetic markers associated with each purebred dog. When the project is complete, you will be able to submit a simple blood test to uncover Fido's family tree.
June 2, 2008
Dogs: Keeping TabsOne good way to monitor your aging pet's health is with monthly "grooming" check-ups. Check him carefully from head to toe, including his eyes, teeth, and ears. You will quickly learn what is normal for your senior dog, in terms of body condition, and you will recognize any changes in his body like signs of tenderness or lumps. Rely on your veterinarian to tell you which changes require immediate attention.
Cats: Poinsettia MisconceptionContrary to popular belief, Poinsettias are not deadly if ingested by your cat. The leaves are extremely bitter and may cause your pet mild gastric upset if ingested but typically do not require a visit to the emergency vet.
May 26, 2008
Cats: Lengthen Her LifeRegular and preventative dental care for your pet is more important than most people know. Experts contend that a pet's life can be lengthened by five years or more with good oral hygiene and preventative care. See your veterinarian for a dental check-up for your pet.
Dogs: Musty DogIs your dog enjoying the summer by taking frequent dips in the lake or pond? If you start to notice a musty odor to his fur, much like an old gym bag, his fur may not be getting a chance to dry out completely. Bathe your dog with a doggie shampoo and allow him to dry completely, either in the sun or with a hair dryer set on a cool setting.
May 19, 2008
Dogs: Puppy BreathHave you ever wondered why your puppy's breath is so smelly? This is largely due to emerging baby teeth and later the appearance of adult teeth. Teething causes normal remodeling and breakdown of the gum tissues which in turn causes halitosis.
Cats: Good TimingConsider getting your new kitten at the end of the week so you have the weekend to spend together. Coming into a new environment is stressful for your new kitten. It will help your new kitty acclimate if you are able to spend a lot of time with her.
May 12, 2008
Cats: Kitten VisionYour kitten is born with her eyes sealed shut. Between 7 and 10 days of age, your kitten will start to open her eyes, and by day 12 she can see fuzzy images. At 25 days of age, she can recognize her caretaker and mother by sight, and by 10 weeks her sight will be fully developed.
Dogs: Brush For HealthBrushing your pet on a regular basis is extremely important for maintaining coat health. Brushing serves many purposes including removing dead hair from the coat, stimulating the skin, and distributing natural oils. The oils found naturally in your dog's skin allow individual hairs to lie smooth and thus repel dirt.
May 5, 2008
Dogs: Doggie OdorHas your dog developed a doggie odor that even a bath will not cure? Persistent unpleasant odor can be caused by many factors including dental disease, ear infections, or oily skin. Take a close sniff at your dog's ears and mouth. Run a hand over his hair coat to check for greasiness. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get to the bottom of the matter.
Cats: Where To Look?Are you thinking about getting a cat but are unsure of where to look? A good place to find a domestic cat is at your local animal shelter. Not only will you find a loving companion, you may be saving it from an untimely death. Another good place to find a cat is in the classified section of your local newspaper.
April 28, 2008
Cats: Can I Afford A Cat?Making the decision to adopt a cat or kitten can be an exciting one. Since your cat will depend on you throughout its life--possibly 15 years or more--you'll need to carefully weigh both the benefits and the costs. Routine annual veterinary care costs usually run anywhere from $200 to $400. This does not include the charges you may incur if your kitty becomes ill. Since immunizations and examinations are necessary for the health of your cat, you should re-think your decision if you will not be able to budget for them.
Dogs: Correct BrushingIncorrect combing or brushing can produce a frizzy hair coat. Never pull or stretch the hair to the breaking point while brushing. Pre-treat mats or tangles with an appropriate moisturizer or silicone spray and then carefully brush out mats. This will help maintain a shiny, healthy hair coat.
April 21, 2008
Dogs: Combat the FrizziesIf your dog's hair coat has become frizzy from too much blow-drying, shampooing, or incorrect brushing, consider this conditioning home remedy. Bathe your dog with a moisturizing pet shampoo. Dissolve one-half packet of unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup boiling water. Cool to room temperature and mix in 2 egg yolks. Massage the mixture into your dog's hair and let it sit for at least 3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with your usual doggie conditioner.
Cats: AccommodationsThe newest trend in veterinary care allows owners to stay with their pet while they are being treated. As an example, individual rooms are available for owners and their pets at The Compassionate Care Center in Long Island, New York. Other veterinary health care centers are sure to follow.
April 14, 2008
Cats: Many ChoicesTo find the litter type that is best suited for you and your cat you have many choices, including: antibacterial, charcoal, citrus, clay, clumping, corn, flushable, green tea, no-track/low-track, paper, peanut hull, pine, plant based, scented/unscented, silicon, wheat or wood fiber. With all these choices you are sure to find the right litter for both you and your cat.
Dogs: Handling An Injured DogIf your dog has been in a traffic accident or otherwise hurt, use a coat or a blanket to carefully move him to safety. As he is likely in a lot of pain and may bite you, muzzle him with a scarf or bandage. Avoid touching injuries or fractured limbs and try to get someone to help you lift him. Once you have him in a sling, lift him gently to a car and go to the closest veterinarian immediately.
April 7, 2008
Dogs: Have a Birthday PartyConsider celebrating your dog's birthday. Invite a few four-legged friends and their owners, have some canine games and watch everyone have fun. Set up an obstacle course and try to get the dogs to run the course, one at a time. Play a game calling out the dogs names and see who comes when called. Treats are sure to please the guests and at the end, a toy or a doggie bone will make for good party favors.
Cats: Involve Your ToddlerHave you ever considered involving your toddler in the responsibility of caring for your cat? A toddler can become engaged by "helping" a parent fill food and water dishes, grooming, going with parents on leash walks, or to the veterinarian. Another task for the toddler is to give the cat a treat for good behavior when deemed appropriate by the parents.
March 31, 2008
Cats: Identification, PleaseProper identification of your pet is important. Cats should wear break-away collars with an identification tag in addition to having a microchip or tattoo identification. This will enable someone to contact you if your pet wanders far from home.
Dogs: Seeing Eye DogsSeeing eye dogs are a familiar sight as they steer their sight-impaired companions through crowded places and help them avoid obstacles. These dogs are carefully selected and highly trained professionals. Seeing eye dogs must possess a great deal of alertness and intelligence to respond to a wide variety of unexpected challenges.