Your loyal furry companion will undoubtedly be running around at your feet trying to catch some scraps; however, not every piece of food you make this holiday season will agree with their stomachs. In some cases, these foods can be toxic.
So to avoid taking your four-legged friend to the emergency vet, pet owners should know which foods are safe and which ones they should not give out from the table.
Sweet potatoes aren’t just good for your personal diet; they provide large amounts of benefits to your favorite pet this holiday season. A single sweet potato has proven to be an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins B6, C, and beta-carotene. Try sharing some with your pets shaved in chip form — just avoid the added ingredients!
For most families, Thanksgiving means one thing — it’s time for Thanksgiving turkey. This holiday-centric bit of poultry has remained a staple of the holiday for generations. Kids from the past have given their pets a little piece of turkey here or there. However, depending on what they offer, it can be potentially harmful.
Turkey meat by itself can be a nice little treat for your pets; however, it’s everything else that can potentially lead to trouble. Bones quickly become choking hazards that require immediate medical assistance. If not taken off before you start cooking, most turkey skin will be seasoned with things like butter, sauce, and other spices that can be harmful to your pets. Gravy is usually made with different seasonings and added ingredients that are hazardous to your pet’s health.
While green bean casserole is a staple of Thanksgiving dinner, it’s the whole dish that’s safe for your pets — it’s just the green beans. Plain green beans feature a healthy amount of plant fibers, manganese, and vitamins C and K that provide nutritional value to your pets. However, like with sweet potatoes and roasted turkey meat, leave the added ingredients out and opt for the plain variety.
This will not surprise most pet owners, but keep the chocolatey and sweet desserts away from your pets. Whether dog or cat, most pets cannot process chocolate the same we can, and it winds up being increasingly toxic to them. If you want to give your pet something for dessert, plain frozen yogurt can provide them with that well-earned dessert to eat alongside their favorite humans.
Your pets are just as much part of the family as anyone else; why should they be left out of the holiday fun? While you can get them appropriately holiday-themed treats, toys, and pet food from Nurture Pet, you can also give them a taste of your holiday meal if treated with care. Be mindful of what you’re giving your pets this holiday season, and avoid the foods that won’t sit well with them!
]]>As with people, finding the proper diet provides your dog with an excellent source of nutrients that they need. Whether it's healthy dog treats, dog chews, or dry food made from better ingredients, taking the time to research the healthy treats and healthy eating options available can find your furry friend eating better than ever.
Meeting their nutritional needs remains the most crucial component of redefining their diet. When shopping for meals that your dogs will love, picking brands that emphasize the importance of natural ingredients, moving away from artificial flavors, and focusing on protein and other vital nutrients that promote their ongoing development is a must. An important thing to remember is that dogs at different stages of development have different nutritional needs that need to be met.
Puppies are in the earliest stages of development, and to reach their full potential, they need a diet that's tailored to their nutritional demands. As dogs grow older, their bodies require different levels of their essential proteins and nutrients to stay in balance, and that's where pet food manufacturers focus their attention on specialized formulas and diet plans to meet these diverse needs.
Another critical factor to keep in mind when considering healthy dog food comes in the form of the size of your dog. Smaller breeds have different nutritional needs compared to medium dogs and even larger breeds. While their internal systems share similar characteristics, the amount of energy needed to power them and keep them healthy changes with the size of the dog in question.
The internet is a vast resource of information regarding dog nutrition; however, not all information is necessarily credible. When it comes to finding the most accurate information about the best practices for your furry friend's dietary needs, consulting with your veterinarian or verified sources of information will help you steer clear of potentially false information sources and keep your beloved pet happy and healthy.
Different dog food options feature specific wording when they comply with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO.) This organization ensures that the pet foods that claim to be "complete and balanced" comply with their regulations. Ensuring that customers are buying the right healthy dog food and not something that could potentially harm their beloved pet is critical.
When you are in the market to improve your dog's diet, finding a place that has a strong lineup of approved and proven healthy options is critical. Nurture Pet takes pride in offering a diverse lineup of healthy dog food options to help keep your furry best friend in top health and along their proper development path. Browse through our site and find the right meals and flavored treats for your pets today!
]]>Taking care of a family dog or cat can give children first-hand experience in what it's like to look after another life. Taking them for walks, adhering to the feeding schedule, and spending time with their pets can help foster stronger connections and comfort with specific responsibilities.
Teaching your children from a young age to prioritize the needs of their pets and their desires can help them later in life when they have to juggle multiple responsibilities.
In some cases, childhood can be a lonely experience for children. While therapy dogs have proven beneficial for children, your home pet doesn't have the official training to provide similar benefits. Having a furry friend to come home who loves them unconditionally can help give children a sense of comfort and belonging beyond lessons in responsibility.
While learning and developing skills centered around responsibility and caring about another life, children experience additional benefits when caring for the family pet. These animals require more than food and exercise to live a full and happy life in your home. Most animals, especially puppies, have boundless energy that needs to get burned constructively.
Pairing children's endless energy with their family pet leads to both having a blast running around, playing with each other, and tiring each other out — a recipe for success that parents love.
There is nothing more uniting in a household than everyone's mutual love of the family pet. Whether you own a dog, cat or even a fish, each family member develops a bond with the pet in their own way. These bonds can also extend to each other and help children feel more connected and comfortable with everyone in the family.
As children grow older alongside the family animal, they build even deeper bonds with the family pet to the point where they feel like a furry little sibling that they always wanted. The furry friend can act as a lifeline for secrets and work through difficult emotions because of the level of trust built over the years and also the fact they won't tell all their secrets.
No matter what kind of family pet you have, you and your children want to take the best care of your furry family member as possible. Whether you want to find the healthiest brand of pet food, the most durable toys and leashes, and, likely, a qualified trainer, finding somewhere that provides all of that can be challenging for families. Fortunately, Nurture Pet is here to help!
You can browse our online inventory to find the pet supplies you need, or visit one of our stores to see for yourself! Give your pet and children the best chance to learn from each other with Nurture Pet!
]]>Bone broth and goat milk provide essential hydration for cats and dogs, especially during the warmer months. Whether you feed these products as supplements or as part of a holistic dog or cat food regimen, the benefits of adding bone brother and goat milk to your pet's diet are work chowing down on.
Our furbabies love summer! From exploring the trails to laying in the sun, our cats and dogs are always ready to welcome warmer days.
What pet parents don't love is the dangers of dehydration. An increase in activity can take a toll on your pet's health when the temperatures rise. During the summer, it's more important than ever to ensure your dog or cat is getting the right nutrition. Bone broth and goat milk provide hydration that's readily absorbed by cats and dogs.
Goat milk contains complex fatty acid chains and rich Omega-3's to lubricate stiff joints, cushion kidneys, and deliver excellent moisture akin to your dog or cat's natural diet. Likewise, bone broth is great for delivering whole nutrition and can even be made into delicious doggy popsicles or frappes!
A happy belly means a happy pet. Bone broth and goat milk contain vital probiotics that improve digestion and overall gut health. These amazing supplements can boost your pet's immune system and even help manage seasonal allergies. Probiotics and vital nutrients strengthen joints by fortifying your pet's diet with a blend of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, collagen, and gelation. These ingredients improve flexibility which can help senior dogs and cats feel their best, while also supporting overall digestive health and wellness.
Simplicity is key when it comes to providing a great raw food diet for your pet. Unlike other raw food alternatives, bone broth and goat milk is readily available in a variety of treats, soft foods, kibbles, and even frozen fresh products. This makes adding moisture to your pet's diet simple and easy, as well as cost efficient.
Looking for more ways to support your dog or cat's health and wellness? Reach out to our team to learn more.
]]>You should check your animal pretty regularly to see if it has ticks on it. Ticks especially like to nest in the head and neck area. When feeling around your pet, you may encounter an area where you feel a small round lump. If you spread the hair and see a tick, here are the steps you need to take to remove it:
- First of all, you should have latex gloves over your hands to protect yourself from anything that the tick might have.
-Use a pair of tweezers and get them as close to the skin as possible without actually pinching it. Do not pull fast or you may break off the tick’s head in your pet’s skin, causing an infection.
-After you get rid of it by putting in a tissue and disposing of it down the toilet, put antiseptic ointment on your pet where you removed the tick. Be sure to clean the tweezers thoroughly when you’re through.
]]>If you and your vet determine that allergies are a likely cause of your dog’s suffering, it will be a good idea to run a test to determine the exact cause of the allergic reaction in the dog. A blood test is taken and sent to a lab that specializes in allergies. The lab will search the blood for specific allergens that are causing the symptoms your dog is displaying. Skin patch tests are another way to determine the specific allergens that are causing symptoms in your dog. In skin patch testing, also called intradermal testing, the vet injects a small amount of a specific allergen then observes the animal for any allergic reaction on the skin where the injection took place. An allergic reaction usually appears in approximately five or six hours. This test however, may not be the best choice because it is time intensive and costly. If you do use the skin patch test however, it is important to tell your vet of possible allergens that your pet has come into contact with. This way, your vet can test these allergens first to see if they are the cause of your dog’s allergic reactions.
]]>An adult dog may need housetraining for many reasons. If the dog has been adopted, it may never have been housetrained previously, or it may have spent a long period in a kennel or shelter and lost its housetraining habits. Dogs that have always lived outdoors may not have been formally housetrained, or older dogs may need refresher training as they develop health conditions that make previous housetraining less suitable. If you move to a new home, your dog may need help shifting its housetraining routine to a new location, or a dog that suffers from anxiety or other behavioral complications might need housetraining reminders.
Whatever the reason, it is always possible to housetrain an older dog. While some dogs may need just basic reminders about the proper potty time, other dogs may need several weeks of diligent training to establish a comfortable routine.
Housetraining an adult dog isn’t altogether different from housetraining a puppy. While an older dog may be more set in its ways, it also has a larger bladder and better muscle control to hold its elimination until the proper time. To help your adult dog be successful with housetraining…
Even adult dogs will occasionally have bathroom accidents. If these accidents are frequent or become a sudden problem, consult your veterinarian, because it could be a sign of health problems, a change in dietary needs, anxiety, or other concerns. These issues will need to be resolved before the dog can be effectively housetrained.
When an accident happens, clean it up quickly, and take any rags or paper towels to the designated potty spot to help encourage your dog to use the proper space. Then use an enzymatic cleaner, vinegar, or ammonia to remove scent markers and odor from the accident area that might encourage the dog to reuse the same spot.
If you happen to catch your dog while eliminating in an improper area, clap your hands loudly or use a sharp “STOP!” command to interrupt the potty if possible, then immediately take your dog to its potty spot. If it finishes the deed in the correct area, offer the appropriate praise. Do not, however, punish your dog for an accident, as the dog will not understand and any harsh behavior, including chasing, yelling, or rubbing its nose in the mess, will only create fear and anxiety, which can lead to even worse bathroom habits.
Always be patient with your dog while housetraining, whether the dog is a young puppy, a mature adult, or an aging senior. Gentle but firm guidance can help your dog develop the best potty habits, and soon it will adapt to housetraining with ease.
]]>Poor dental habits for your pet can lead to a number of health issues throughout the rest of its body. American Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Douglas Aspros said that, "Dental problems are extremely common, and many are painful and can lead to serious systemic conditions. An untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs, and suddenly become life threatening."
Symptoms
The first sign of dental problems in your pet is bad breath. Take a look inside of their mouth and check the teeth and gums. Yellow, brown, or discolored teeth are another sign. As dental disease progresses, you may notice loose teeth and red, inflamed gums. Both dogs and cats will show an uncharacteristic reluctance to eating food or playing with toys and an overall sense of lethargy. Cats may show decreased grooming and increased drooling. You may even see your pet pawing at its mouth, as its gums become irritated. If you see any of these symptoms, the AVMA recommends taking your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Checkups and cleanings
The best way to prevent dental disease from developing in your pet is to make regular appointments for health examinations with your veterinarian. After the exam, your vet may recommend an oral care regimen, schedule regular cleanings, or offer a specific treatment based on your pet’s current dental health.
Brushing and alternatives
Dr. Aspros acknowledges that only 1% of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth. Not only do more owners need to begin brushing, they also should use chew toys, treats and rawhides to help keep their pet’s teeth clean. Your veterinarian can recommend many of the products available to help maintain your pet’s oral health between checkups.
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Foods that bear the VOHC® (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance ensure that they adhere to their strict standards and protocols. The VOHC® allow their seal to be used on products meant to help retard the development of plaque and tarter on the teeth of animals.
For now, though, good old dental habits like regular brushing, checkups as well as good eating habits are the best way to maintain proper oral health for your pet. While you or a family member can easily express oral discomfort, your pet cannot. It is important to keep an eye out for the above symptoms and follow a pro-active approach to avoid discomfort for your pet and more costly veterinary procedures down the road.
]]>Animals have many natural adaptations to cold weather. Our furry friends may grow a thicker winter coat, while many animals will gain weight in autumn to store an insulating layer of fat just under their skin. Some animals slow their metabolism by sleeping more in winter or could completely hibernate, while others will burrow into cozy nooks when the temperatures drop. Some animals even completely migrate to avoid cold weather. All of these adaptations help wild animals survive even through the chilliest months.
Our pets, however, do not live their natural, wild lives. Many of the animals we keep as pets, for example, would never naturally be found in our home climates or habitats, and their natural adaptations may not be adequate to protect them from severe winters. Fortunately, we can easily help our pets stay safe through the winter, no matter how cold it may be or how much snow and ice may accumulate.
There are many steps pet owners can take to keep their animal friends healthy, safe, and comfortable in cold weather. Different steps will apply to different types of animals and some animals are more cold-hardy than others, but understanding how to help animals stay safe in cold weather is the first step to protecting pets.
Cold weather can be dangerous for all types of pets, but there are many steps you can take to keep your animal companions safe and comfortable no matter how low the temperature drops.
]]>There are many different ways holiday foods can pose dangers for dogs and cats. The more alert pet owners are to these dangers, the easier it will be to protect pets and ensure they have a safe, healthy diet throughout the holiday season.
Fortunately, it is easy to protect cats and dogs from unexpected holiday food dangers. Sticking to a pet’s typical diet is essential, without adding potentially dangerous treats to the menu. If special, pet-friendly treats are part of the holiday festivities, the pet’s regular meals should be adjusted to compensate for the extra calories. Reinforcing behavioral training during the holidays can help minimize the risk of behavioral problems, and all guests should also be aware of what a cat or dog can and cannot have so they do not inadvertently put pets at risk. Open dishes of candies, cookies, and other treats should be well out of reach of pets, even if they are accomplished counter-surfers. Pets should always be watched carefully in case they do sneakily get into holiday treats, and pet owners shouldn’t hesitate to contact emergency veterinary care if there are any problems.
With conscientious care, holiday foods don’t need to pose risks to four-legged friends and family members, and the holidays can be just as delicious as ever without creating hazards to pets.
]]>Cats are creatures of habit, and dramatic changes to their routines can be unsettling. Moving to a new home is very disorienting to a cat, as all the sights, sounds, and smells of its home change at once, and its spatial orientation between rooms and furniture is also disrupted. This can create anxiety and depression, and some cats may become wary, reclusive, or even aggressive. They may stop eating or else seem to beg for the reassurance of treats all the time. Cats could start spraying in unwanted areas in an attempt to reclaim their sense of space, or they could regress to other unwanted behaviors, such as scratching, biting, or yowling.
Taking steps to help a cat adjust to its new home can help minimize the animal’s anxiety and the disruption to its patterns. This can allow the cat to settle in to a new home more smoothly and with less discomfort.
It will take a conscientious effort to help a cat prepare for and endure moving to a new home, but that effort is well worthwhile for a happy, comfortable pet and a smooth, efficient move.
Be patient with your pet as it gradually learns its way around a new home. Cats are curious, and your pet will slowly learn about its new territory and settle in to the new space. By taking careful steps to make the move as smooth as possible, your cat can transition to a new home safely and comfortably, and you both will enjoy a happy home.
Despite the fun, treats, and excitement associated with the holiday, there are surprising threats and hazards toward pets at Halloween. The most dangerous Halloween pet dangers include…
Despite all the possible threats Halloween can pose to pets, there are easy ways to keep every animal comfortable and at ease while spooky fun goes on all around them.
Halloween can be a fun holiday for all family members, even the four-legged, furry, or feathered ones, if you take steps to keep your pets safe from the different dangers the holiday can present. With care, there’s no reason for you or your pet to fear even the spookiest celebrations at Halloween.
A meowing cat in the kitchen is not necessary an automatic sign of a hungry pet. A cat that is truly hungry may have a certain type of insistent meow, or may hang around pawing at its food bowl or where its food may be stored. When food is offered, a hungry cat will eat quickly.
If other issues are the problem, however, a cat may be more interested in the attention it gets during feeding time than in the food itself. While it may not turn down a treat, the cat could eat only after sniffing and playing with the treat a bit, rather than gobbling it down. A cat could also steal bites of human food that may be more appealing than its own food, which is not necessarily a sign of hunger, but just of food taste preferences.
Certain health conditions, however, do affect a cat’s appetite. Even when properly fed, the cat may continue to show signs of hunger and excessive eating, and understanding the causes of these problems can help cat owners address their pet’s needs more effectively.
There are a variety of reasons why a cat could be persistently hungry, even when it has regular meals.
Regardless of the cause of your cat’s excessive hunger, it is important to consult with your veterinarian for proper nutritional advice and to ensure any possible underlying problems are resolved. In addition to regular checkups, seek out veterinary care if your cat’s appetite changes suddenly, as that can also be a sign of problems.
To keep your cat from being constantly hungry, provide it a healthy, nutritious diet suitable for its needs – including how those needs change over time. Good exercise and mental stimulation will help ease emotional distress to keep your pet on a healthy diet, and the more attuned you are to your cat’s behavior and activities, including its eating patterns, the more quickly you will notice any changes that could indicate concerns before they become serious problems.
]]>Different Pets Have Different Water Needs
Every animal has different needs for drinking water. The proper intake of water will depend not only on the animal’s species, but also on their overall size and health, age, activity level, and the general climate and temperature. Drinking enough water is essential for the animal to regulate its body temperature, digest properly, get nutrients to cells throughout its body, lubricate its joints, cushion nerves, and flush waste and toxins from its body.
Pets Sharing Water Bowls
When multiple pets share the same household in relative peace and harmony, it’s natural to assume they can safely share the same water bowl. In the case of cats and dogs, this is generally true, and the animals won’t come to harm by sharing a water bowl. While bacteria, parasites, and viruses could potentially be passed from pet to pet through contaminated water, the animals will also have many other opportunities for diseases to be transmitted as they share the same space, play with the same toys, sniff or groom each other, share bedding or favorite napping spots, wrestle together, or get petted and touched by the same loving owners. Sharing a water bowl will not significantly increase the risk of disease transmission for pets living in the same household.
Sharing a water bowl can have other unintended consequences, however. Some pets are naturally more cautious when eating or drinking, or may become aggressive if they perceive competition for food or water. This type of resource guarding is a form of dominance, and can be part of the pets’ hierarchy in their mixed-species family. It is possible to train pets to share a water bowl more readily, or pet owners may want to provide separate water sources to relieve the animals’ anxiety and calm the undesirable behavior.
When Pets Should Not Share Water Bowls
Certain pets, however, should not share water bowls with other pets, even in the same home. As a rule of thumb, pets that are generally confined to separate habitats – such as a tortoise in its own tank, a gerbil in a multi-level condo, or a bird in its own cage – should not regularly share water with other pets when they don’t naturally intermingle on an ongoing basis. If the animals are free-roaming, such as cats and dogs, sharing a water bowl is fine if both pets are comfortable with the arrangement.
Keep Pets’ Water Bowls Safe
Regardless of whether pets share a water bowl or not, it is important to take steps to keep the water safe and sanitary. Using multiple water bowls will not only accommodate more pets and their different drinking preferences, but it will also disperse possible parasites or bacteria between different bowls, therefore reducing the overall concentration in any one water source. Having more bowls available will also provide water more conveniently to pets, encouraging greater drinking so the animals do not get dehydrated.
All pet water bowls should be thoroughly washed each day to keep them clean and fresh. Stainless steel bowls are generally easier to keep clean and less likely to help bacteria, viruses, or parasites grow. If possible, bowls should be sterilized in a dishwasher, and they should always be rinsed thoroughly so there is no lingering soap or other residue that could be toxic to thirsty pets.
Another concern about pets’ drinking habits is the safety of alternative water sources. Keep pets away from potentially dirty or contaminated water such as open toilet bowls, outdoor puddles, bird baths, or standing water left in soaking dishes.
A Note About Communal Water Bowls
Many pet-friendly parks and businesses may offer a communal water bowl for thirsty visitors. If pets can safely share the same water bowl, are these communal bowls equally safe? Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. There is no way to know how frequently or carefully a communal water bowl may be cleaned, or how fresh the water is, or even how healthy other animals may be that have already drunk from the bowl, including whether or not nearby wildlife may also have used the bowl. To keep your pet safe, bring along your own water bowl when your pet may need a drink (a collapsible design is compact and easy to carry), teach the animal to drink from your hand or a bottle, or use a disposable cup for a safe drink instead.
Keeping pets hydrated can be a challenge, but many family pets can safely share the same water bowl for easy drinks. By understanding which pets should have separate water sources and how to provide clean, safe water to all your pets, you can ensure every animal has plenty to drink.
Ticks are eight-legged parasites that bite through the skin and feed on the blood of their host. As a tick feeds, its body will swell dramatically, and one tick may stay on a host 5-14 days until it is fully engorged. Once finished feeding, the tick will naturally drop off.
Several species of ticks are common in North America, including deer ticks, dog ticks, and lone star ticks. These insects are most common in warmer climates, though they are seasonally active during the warmest months in nearly every region.
While the blood loss from a feeding tick won’t be noticed by most pets, these parasites can carry a range of dangerous diseases including lyme disease, anaplasmosis, kidney disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Any outdoor pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. – are susceptible to tick bites, and could develop symptoms such as skin irritation and rashes, itching, joint pain, lameness, fever, lethargy, vomiting, and anemia. If left untreated, the diseases ticks carry can easily be fatal to pets.
It is important for pet owners to realize that the diseases ticks carry can also infect humans. Any contact with the tick, its mouthparts, or infected blood can transmit these diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to remove ticks properly and safely to protect not only your pet, but yourself as well.
Removing ticks is not difficult but it does take care to be sure they are removed safely and completely, without causing further contamination or contagion. To remove a tick, you will need:
As soon as you find a tick, it should be removed. Do not wait for the tick to become larger in order to see or grasp it more easily, as ticks can transmit diseases to your pet in as little as 3-4 hours after biting. Instead, you should remove ticks immediately. To do so:
If you find a tick on your pet but aren’t comfortable with removing it yourself, take your pet to the veterinarian for assistance. Your vet or a vet technician can remove the tick, showing you how to do so safely and easily so you are prepared for any future ticks.
Because ticks can be dangerous to both pets and humans, it is wise to take steps to minimize the risk of ticks attaching themselves to your pet. There are easy ways to you can keep ticks away, including…
Always be sure to check your pet for ticks after the animal has been outside. Check around their eyes and ears, between toes, around the tail, under the collar, and in areas of thinner fur between the hind legs and under the front legs, as these are areas where ticks are most likely to attach. Once you know how to remove a tick from your pet safely and easily, you can be prepared to eliminate any of these pests you may find.
Licking is normal behavior for a dog to groom itself, express affection, and taste objects, and some casual licking can be comforting and soothing to the animal. Too much licking, however, is when the dog never stops, even when prompted or distracted. Dogs that lick excessively may focus on one area, such as a paw, their muzzle, or their genitals, or they may lick objects such as walls, carpeting, or furniture.
Excessive licking can indicate a range of health problems, including allergies, skin irritations, arthritis, joint or muscle soreness, nausea, or overall anxiety. Over time, too much licking can lead to hair loss and skin infections, in addition to the underlying problems that precipitated the licking.
The key to stopping your dog’s excessive licking is to identify and treat the cause of the behavior. Note where and when your dog licks, how prolonged the behavior is under different conditions, and whether you are able to distract your dog from licking. Consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and to investigate any underlying health considerations that may be prompting the licking. To help keep your dog from licking excessively…
Most importantly, do not punish your dog for excessive licking. The dog is only trying to soothe itself or communicate distress, and punishments will be ineffective at addressing the cause of the behavior. Dogs can lick for many reasons, and it can be a complex process to thoroughly understand your dog’s licking. Instead, be patient as you try to discover why your dog licks excessively, and once you find the cause, take steps to ease your pet’s discomfort. When the discomfort is gone, the undesirable behavior will also be gone.
Pet anxiety is most common in dogs, but even small mammals like hamsters and rabbits can be troubled at times. Anxiety in animals results in abnormal and sometimes destructive behavior, all of which can be disruptive to the entire family. If your pet demonstrates anxiety, you can take the following steps to help him or her overcome it. These steps might not cure the condition entirely, but they can quell it at the very least.
Determine the Cause of the Anxiety
Your pet's anxiety stems from something specific. It can be an incident, an object, or a combination of both. Whether it's your vacuum or crossing the street that gives your pet the Heebie-Jeebies, identifying the specific source will help you target the anxiety.
Use Positive Association
If your pet quivers at the prospect of getting into your car, for instance, you can try to pattern her to reduce the fear. Attempt a short exercise during which you put your pet in the fearful situation, then immediately reward him with a treat for dealing with it. This promotes positive association; it gives your pet the opportunity to pair the troubling activity with something he looks forward to, thus helping him erase that trigger of fear. Be careful not to overdo this exercise though, as you don't want it to have the opposite effect.
Use Distractions
Simple distractions from an anxiety trigger can be very effective. Distractions work best with temporary triggers that cannot be controlled, such as thunder or fireworks.
Instead of enduring another episode of your beloved furrball hiding under your bed while the thunder rolls, encourage her to fetch a favorite toy. Give her a rare treat or even just a lavish belly rub. Before long, she will phase out the booms of doom and both of you will be grateful.
With the triggers that cannot be controlled, calming aids can also be a big help in reducing stress.
Training Can Help
If you've ever left your pet at home to run an errand and came back to utter chaos at the paws of your pup, you are all too familiar with the classic case of pet anxiety. Your furry family member just can't bare being home without you, so he eats your favorite pair of shoes or rips the morning paper to nasty, wet shreds. You cannot become a hermit, and you can't tote your pup to work either, so the next best solution is behavioral training.
Experts like Cesar Millan train the anxiety out of dogs on a regular basis, and they swear by it. Though watching a few episodes of "The Dog Whisperer" might give you an idea of what you can expect, your best bet is to find a local trainer for you and your pal. Training might involve patterning, but it consists of a lot more than that. As soon as you and your pet learn the tools most effective for combating his or her individual anxiety, you can harness them to create a more enjoyable future.
Pet anxiety is an obstacle neither human nor animal should endure. Let's face it - your heart breaks for your pets misery even as you're mourning those chewed-up shoes. Make your pet more comfortable by following the preliminary steps above. If all else fails, consulting your vet is your next best move.
To Safely Trim Your Dog's Nails
There are several steps necessary for trimming your dog's claws in an easy, stress-free way…
Trimming your dog's toenails does not have to be an ordeal, and once you learn how to do it safely and properly, you'll be able to keep your dog's nails groomed with ease.
]]>How you greet a dog is your first impression on the animal and helps establish your place in the dog’s pack. This will influence how the dog may respond to your voice, gestures, and commands, or how it treats your behavior. Meeting strangers can be stressful for many dogs, and a poor greeting can trigger anxiety, fear, or aggression. Even the most well-trained, socialized, and gentlest dog can and will bite if it is scared or startled, and a poor greeting to a stressed out animal may be a dangerous trigger. A proper greeting, on the other hand, establishes safe boundaries, reinforces good training and desirable behavior, and ensures the safety of both the animal and the human.
Greeting a dog properly involves more than just petting or smiling, and it is important to understand both the animal’s signals as well as its owner’s desires both before and during a greeting.
Before greeting any dog, even one you’ve met before, ask the owner’s permission to approach the animal. The owner knows best how the dog may be feeling that day, or whether its personality, mood, or health is compatible with greetings. The owner may have specific training goals for the dog, or may simply not have the time for a proper greeting on every occasion.
Dogs communicate a great deal by posture and behavior, and being aware of a dog’s clues can help a greeting go smoothly. If the animal is cringing or tense, bares its teeth, growls, or otherwise shows reluctance, don’t attempt to greet the animal. An eager dog with gentle eyes, a wagging tail, and friendly postures will be more willing to greet a stranger.
Always be calm when greeting a dog, rather than rushing up to the animal or overwhelming it with a loud, boisterous welcome. Keep movements slow and gentle, avoid staring or direct eye contact that could be interpreted as a challenge, and turn your body slightly sideways to show a friendly posture to the animal.
A dog that is willing to greet strangers will walk toward them, sniff them out, and participate in the greeting. Crouch closer to the dog’s level if possible, and avoid invading their immediate space until they are comfortable with the closeness of the greeting. Avoid dominating postures such as reaching for the top of the dog’s head or bending over its body.
If a dog responds poorly to a greeting by jumping up, barking, or otherwise reacting inappropriately, turn or back away from the animal. Do not startle or react aggressively, as that could trigger further poor behavior, but simply avoid engaging with bad canine manners. This will help the dog learn proper greeting behavior and better socialization.
Not every dog introduction or greeting will be a successful one, and it is important not to take poor greetings personally or respond in damaging ways by punishing the animal. Stay alert to the dog’s body language and personality every time you meet it, and as it greets you more often, it will learn the best way to respond and each greeting will be smoother and safer for both the dog and everyone it meets.
There are some dogs that should not be greeted except under very specific circumstances. Any service dog should be left alone to do its job for its owner or handler, and not treated as a sociable pet unless you are invited to make introductions. Similarly, working dogs such as police, military, or drug-detection dogs should not be treated with casual familiarity unless they are specifically serving in an ambassador, meet-the-public setting and such greetings are welcomed. Dogs in formal shows are also working at that time and should be treated respectfully, and dogs in a veterinarian’s office or any similarly stressful setting are best left alone, as the additional stress of a stranger’s greeting could increase their anxiety or create a dangerous interaction. Finally, an owner is the ultimate final answer in whether or not a dog should be greeted, and if they say no, the dog should not be approached.
Greeting a dog can be a fun and charming interaction, if it is done safely for both the dog and the human. By knowing how to greet a dog properly, you can easily meet many different dogs and make a wide range of canine friends.
Training your dog how to properly greet people is important, and since most dogs are food motivated, treats can be the key to success!
]]>Poor dental habits for your pet can lead to a number of health issues throughout the rest of its body. American Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Douglas Aspros said that, "Dental problems are extremely common, and many are painful and can lead to serious systemic conditions. An untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs, and suddenly become life threatening."
Symptoms
The first sign of dental problems in your pet is bad breath. Take a look inside of their mouth and check the teeth and gums. Yellow, brown, or discolored teeth are another sign. As dental disease progresses, you may notice loose teeth and red, inflamed gums. Both dogs and cats will show an uncharacteristic reluctance to eating food or playing with toys and an overall sense of lethargy. Cats may show decreased grooming and increased drooling. You may even see your pet pawing at its mouth, as its gums become irritated. If you see any of these symptoms, the AVMA recommends taking your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Checkups and cleanings
The best way to prevent dental disease from developing in your pet is to make regular appointments for health examinations with your veterinarian. After the exam, your vet may recommend an oral care regimen, schedule regular cleanings, or offer a specific treatment based on your pet’s current dental health.
Brushing and alternatives
Dr. Aspros acknowledges that only 1% of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth. Not only do more owners need to begin brushing, they also should use chew toys, treats and rawhides to help keep their pet’s teeth clean. Your veterinarian can recommend many of the products available to help maintain your pet’s oral health between checkups.
Foods that bear the VOHC® (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance ensure that they adhere to their strict standards and protocols. The VOHC® allow their seal to be used on products meant to help retard the development of plaque and tarter on the teeth of animals.
For now, though, good old dental habits like regular brushing, checkups as well as good eating habits are the best way to maintain proper oral health for your pet. While you or a family member can easily express oral discomfort, your pet cannot. It is important to keep an eye out for the above symptoms and follow a pro-active approach to avoid discomfort for your pet and more costly veterinary procedures down the road.
]]>Many pets are naturally equipped to tolerate cold, with dense fur, insulated foot pads, and layers of fat under their skin, plus the ability to shiver to raise their body temperature and controlling their breathing to minimize heat loss. Extreme cold or extended periods of low temperatures, however, are still dangerous, and pets are susceptible to frostbite, especially on their ears, tail, and paws. Cold temperatures can exacerbate arthritis in older pets, and young animals, elderly animals, and pets with short fur or no fur are especially vulnerable to cold. Different types of animals have different resistance to low temperatures and different tolerances, but caring for your pet during cold weather can be easy.
There are many different steps you can take to help your pet stay warm even on the coldest days. While not every technique will be appropriate for every pet, using several options can keep your pet safe and comfortable.
By following these best practices, you can easily keep your pet safe, secure, and healthy even during the coldest weather.
]]>To understand where the debate originated from, we must dig into the science behind these claims. Canine dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the cardiac muscle, resulting in a decrease in the ability for the heart to pump blood through the cardiovascular system. This disease affects some breeds of dogs more than others, leaving the cause of the disease up for some speculation. Other environmental factors that can induce DCM include diet, genetics, and infections.
While DCM is not considered a rare disease, some reports sent to the FDA listed breeds who were not naturally predisposed to having this disease as being affected. These claims have prompted investigations by the FDA to determine whether or not canine diets that included ingredients like potatoes, peas, and other legumes are facilitating the development of this disease in breeds who are at a lower risk for getting DCM.
While grain-free dog food has recently grown in popularity, let’s take a moment to find out what the difference really is. Regular dog food often contains ingredients like rice, oats, wheat, soy, and corn; grain-free or gluten-free varieties omit these ingredients and use substitute carbs, like potatoes and pulses (beans). Grains may seem relatively unimportant for dogs, but they are actually a rich source of dietary fiber, essential fatty acids, and protein. Plus, the carbohydrates in grains give your pup a supply of energy they can use to stay active.
It's important to note that different dog breeds require more or less specialized diets and care, leaving it up to the owner to provide them with the necessary missing supplements. Feeding your dog a certain diet doesn't necessarily reduce their risk of being affected by DCM, but being sure that they are receiving all of the nutrients they need can protect them from illnesses and other complications related to a poor diet. Being sure to give your furry friend a varied diet, and speaking to your local vet and pet store associates for more information is your best bet-- your pup will be happier and healthier for it!
]]>First, beware of the poinsettia. This vibrant green and red plant indigenous to Latin America is a timeless decoration in the holiday season that garnered attention in the past for its apparent toxicity. Although the toxicity is fairly mild, dogs will often suffer allergic reaction that may result in diarrhea and vomiting when consumed. The mistletoe is another plant not conventionally known to provoke gastrointestinal disturbances in your puppy. Folklore writes of romantic gestures under the mistletoe, but if your dog is curious enough to take a bite of this poisonous plant, you’ll be cleaning instead of kissing under the mistletoe. This phoradendron species has the potential to cause blurred vision, nausea, abdominal issues, blood pressure spikes, and even death in the most serious cases. Human consumption of a small amount of the plant is unlikely to result in major health issues, but a dog could face a major health emergency by eating only a few berries and leaves.
In addition to the poinsettia and mistletoe, the ever-festive holly berry ought to be kept out of the reach of your dog. Interestingly, this toxic shrub had an archaic medicinal usage in relieving constipation, fever, and other ailments. The bark, leaves, berries, and seeds are, however, poisonous and has led to deaths in unassuming and hungry dogs. Holly berries carry an alkaloid similarly related to caffeine and chocolate that can have dangerous health effects when consumed by pets and small children.
Lastly, beware of your dog or puppy’s curiosity with the Christmas Tree. Balsam firs, cedars, and pines invoke the festive and joyful Christmas Spirit, but they are also toxic in moderate doses. Natural oils produced from coniferous tree species can irritate the mouth and skin of your dog if bitten or gnawed. Rarely, a flame retardant or pesticide that has lingered on the tree from the time it was cut can also result in allergic reactions and associated health problems. The real danger with pets and Christmas trees is consumption of pine needles, which can puncture intestinal tracts in dogs in rare cases. While festive decorations are one of the staples of the upcoming holiday season, make sure you are careful in the placement of holiday plants amongst curious and hungry pets.
]]>The first reason that your dog is digging in your yard could be associated with boredom. Dogs have a lot of energy and if they don't have the proper outlet, they'll make their own fun. Don't be surprised if they take out some of their boredom by making your yard look like a lunar surface
To make your dog less inclined to dig in your yard, it's important to give your dog an outlet for their energy. Take them to a dog park more often, work in a morning walk that is longer than usual, and give them plenty of toys that they can enjoy instead of digging. With less wanton energy and more things to do, digging up the yard will look a lot less enticing.
Another reason that your dog is going to dig in the yard is to find a cool spot. In the summer months, the surfaces in your backyard are going to be uncomfortably hot for your dog. You don't realize it while wearing shoes, but your dog feels everything as they walk. If it's too hot for them, they'll make their own cool spot.
There are several things you can do to make your yard more tolerable to your dog. You can put out a bigger water bowl with cool water, give them some shade with an umbrella or some other kind of shelter, and bring them inside more often. Each of these is a great way to ensure your dog is cool and doesn't feel the need to dig.
Your dog might be trying to hide something in the hole that it digs. It might seem cliche but some dogs dig to protect toys, hide food, and hide other items they like.
If your dog has just one toy to play with, the chances are that it will focus on that toy rather than focus on burying it for later. The same concept applies with snacks. All you have to do reduce the number of toys and also make sure your dog is given treats in a place where they can't bury them.
There are some breeds like Dachshunds, Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and others that just love to dig. Their brains are more likely to be hardwired according to the needs of the specific breed. Huskies might dig in the summer to stay cool, for example. The thing that is more difficult is figuring out how to get them to stop.
Depending on the type of dog you have, you might have to do a little research to see why they are digging. They might be trying to stay cool or they are a breed that is more predisposed towards digging. Your best bet is to see if you can fix the issue causing them to dig or provide other outlets for their energy as previously mentioned. Some people have created a digging pit in their yard where their dog can play, and others have tried to distract their dog with treats and toys. You have to find what works for your dog.
Overall, there are many reasons that dogs choose to dig in their owner's backyards. By knowing the reasons behind digging and some of the solutions, one can overcome this problem. It might take some time, but a patient owner is an effective one. Try these suggestions to keep your dog from digging; your lawn will thank you for it.
]]>An easy way to keep your cat happy is to clean its litter box regularly. Cats are very hygienic animals and they become unhappy when their space is unkempt. There are also aromatic options to calm your cat. Different cats do react differently to each kind of stress reliever, so make sure to try out a couple and see what works best.
Moving to a new house is one of the most common sources of stress for a cat. The cat should be kept inside the new house for a minimum of two weeks so that it may adjust to its new setting. When bringing home a new kitten, it is important to make sure that the ride home is comfortable. Letting them loose or holding them tightly in your lap are not great options for traveling. It would be best to place the cat in a travel cage lined with either newspaper or washable towels. Soothing music will also help to calm the feline nerves. Make sure that once you are home, set up the litter box in a quiet room away from foot traffic. Also make sure that there are no screens or easy escape spots to the outside world. If this room is not where you want to keep the cat’s litter box permanently, after a few days you can let it roam freely around the house and put a second litter box somewhere else in the house to let your cat get acquainted.
The most important part of a stress free cat is exercise. Lots of running and jumping is good for keeping your cat friendly. Also, a variety of toys is helpful for keeping felines stress free. The same toy every day may become boring and your cat will not be satisfied. Cats are usually very friendly; make sure not to confuse their playfulness with agitation. Cats react to emotions, so a happy atmosphere makes for a happy cat!
]]>Dogs are the natural hosts for heartworms. The heartworms that infect cats usually won't reach adulthood. As such, we'll mostly go over how heartworms affect dogs.
While the disease is in its early stages, your dog won't show any signs. Here are the signs to watch out for as the disease progresses:
There are ways to prevent your dog from contracting heartworms at all. Heartworms are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. That means taking measures to keep them away from your dog. Here are the best ways to prevent heartworms:
Keep in contact with your vet so that they can help at a moment's notice. Heartworms are scary, but they're preventable too.
]]>It's easy for humans to forget that pets don't have weekends. Their's is a 24/7 job. While they continue to surprise us with what they know - and learn - loud noises, flashing lights and frantic neighbors can signal danger and imminent harm.
Smart humans combat this with intelligent planning and pragmatic responses.
You would be surprised how many dogs need to learn how to just sit next to you and schmooze peacefully. In my SPCA volunteer days, I used to practice regular command sequences of "sit," "down," and "stay," to get dogs used to the idea. This kind of practice will pay off later, not only for fireworks, but also living rooms with scampering rugrats, popular neighborhood coffee houses, and any distracting environment where a dog needs help to "get centered."
An old favorite for new puppies used to be a fluffy pillow with a loud timepiece inside (the ticking recalled mom's heartbeat). As dogs get older, try a stuffed animal or one of dad's old flannel shirts.
An easy place to start is your computer. Try a Google search that asks: "Where are fireworks in [your city, town, neighborhood]?" From there, try clicking on listed locations to learn start times. Opinions vary as to how far away fireworks can be heard. They include factors such as humidity, air pressure and wind velocity. Count on at least a mile, maybe as far away as 13 miles.
Keeping your dog indoors when fireworks are scheduled will eliminate the all-important "where to hide" problem. Otherwise, you may be in for a live episode of "Where's Waldo" later that night or tomorrow.
Dogs absolutely love Haydn and Mozart. If classical isn't your favorite, consider '80s recordings from Brian Eno's Ambient. Otherwise, explore the assortment of meditation-oriented videos available on YouTube.
Part of being the boss is knowing when all eyes are on you to set the tone. When you don't, the message to your dog is "the gods must be angry."
Sometimes, additional planning and strategy are needed to address a continuing anxiety problem - particularly with an adopted pet, who might have come from a problem environment. Possible remedies include a practice regimen using Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" or a CD full of "Jock Jams." Specific soundtrack recordings are also available online or perhaps at your local library. Someone on your local vet or animal shelter staff should have some ideas.
Remember: Your dog's peace of mind depends on your own accurate knowledge and sensible planning.
]]>Spring is finally upon us, which means the days are getting longer, the grass is getting greener, and bugs are going to start making a comeback. Fleas and ticks are parasitic pests that can pose health risks to dogs, cats, and people. Thankfully, there are many effective methods of prevention in the battle against the bugs. Here's a look at some of the ways in which you can keep both your home and your pet parasite-free.
Fleas and ticks thrive in moist, warm climates and are often found in the dense, deciduous forests in the southern and eastern regions of the country. However, thanks to warming climate trends and urban development, tick populations are on the rise and migrating farther north and west. This means more pets - and their owners - are at risk for coming into contact with the creepy crawlies. While fleas can and do bite humans, they are more likely to affect your pet and infest the environment. Ticks, on the other hand, can carry a variety of diseases that can affect both pets and people, including Lyme disease and Bartonellosis. According to the CDC, tick, flea, and mosquito borne diseases have tripled in the past 10 years.
Whether you live in a low or high risk area, every pet faces possible exposure. Keep in mind that traveling with your pet also may increase the risk of exposure. So how do you protect your beloved pet and prevent an infestation in your home? Preventatives!
When used correctly, flea and tick preventatives and treatments are incredibly safe and beneficial to your pet. Because there are so many options, it is best to discuss products with your pet's veterinarian, or a knowledgeable sales associate, as they will be able to make appropriate recommendations based on your pet's lifestyle, environment, age, size, and breed. Once you've decided on the right product, you and your pet can get back to enjoying the spring - without the bugs.
]]>There are a variety of reasons why your dog might be having separation anxiety. Some of those reasons include:
These are some of the most common reasons why dogs experience separation anxiety. As an owner, it can be distressing to see your dog anxious and upset. The good news though, is that there are things that you can do to help.
There are also a variety of treatments for separation anxiety for anxious dogs. Some of those various types of treatments can include the following:
These tips can help your dog realize that when you are leaving things are still OK and that you will be coming back. He is not left, neglected, abused, or going to get punished when you leave. You will return and will continue to ensure that his/her needs get met.
Obedience schools can help your dog learn and understand your patterns, comings and goings, and the daily routine. Not only will the obedience classes help your dog settle into a routine, but they will also teach what behavior comes expected of them and what is inappropriate and will not get tolerated.
If you've tried everything else and your dog won't calm down, then you might consider talking to your vet. Your vet might be able to give anti-anxiety medications that you can give your dog to help them feel calmer when you are away. That should be the last resort, but if nothing else helps, a low dose of prescription medication may end up being less harmful than all of the anxiety every time you have to leave.
]]>In the Environment
Treating fleas in your environment will take care of about 90% of your problem. If you find a flea infestation in your home or yard, you can treat it by hiring a company to handle your yard or purchase sprays that hook onto your hose and do it yourself. You should treat your yard once a month in the summer and every other month in the winter to treat and prevent flea infestations.
You should also bomb your house to treat and prevent fleas inside. Purchasing bug bombs is relatively inexpensive, and they work well as long term solutions. You can bomb your home quarterly and see a marked improvement in your flea problem as well as other pest problems. By treating the environment, you may be able to prevent having to use chemicals on your pet altogether.
On Your Pet
If you do find after treating the environment that you still need to treat your pet, you have some options. There are organic products on the market like topical sprays that contain herbal supplements and natural remedies. These don't contain chemicals and work naturally to repel fleas and other insects. Dropping a mint leaf in your pet's water bowl can help naturally repel fleas because insects don't like the smell of mint.
Hint: you can put mint in your water, too, and it will act as a natural bug spray year round! Plant mint outside near the areas where you spend the most time to keep the fleas away.
Finally, if you continue to struggle after treating the environment and your pet with natural solutions, you can turn to over the counter or prescription solutions. These medicated solutions for flea prevention include Advantix, Frontline Plus, Advantage, and Seresto collars. They are much stronger than natural solutions. Some pet owners find they like these better and some don't.
Bathing
Bathing is a critical component of treating and preventing fleas. While you can use natural remedies at any time, the medicated solutions must be applied either three days before or three days after a bath. In between baths, you should use a soap-free shampoo. It takes about 48 hours for the medicine to start working, and bathing your dog immediately after applying it will decrease its effectiveness.
When applied topically, or even orally, these medications are absorbed into your pet's bloodstream and circulated throughout the entire body, treating not just the area of application, but your entire pet. They repel all stages of flea life and prevent new infestations. It's important to let the medication absorb properly before bathing.
As with any natural solution or medication, it may take some time for it to work. Find your flea treatment and prevention products from us and keep at it until something works for you and your lifestyle. Your pet is worth it!
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