Solid Cat Advice For Keeping Your Pet Healthy And Happy

Posted on by louisedelia

Sharing your life and home with a cat is a very rewarding experience. From an amazing sense of humor to a whole lot of love and affection, cats give us so back so much in return for taking care of them. Use the following expert advice to give your cat everything it needs and more.

If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.

Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor cat.

If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.

If you replace an old scratching post, your cat may be unhappy with the new one. Save money on scratching posts. Wrap your old scratching post with some sisal rope to spiff it up. Your cat will be happy not to lose its favorite old post. You will save a little cash.

An indoor cat who gets a taste of the outdoors will forever want to go outside. If you know your cat will always be an indoor cat, do your best to keep them from sneaking out. You can try to train your cat to stay in your yard when you are outside.

A great toy for your cat is a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the laser around and try to catch it. This will help you give your cat some exercise, while your cat is having fun at the same time. It will also help to fine-tune their hunting skills.

If your cat kicks litter all over the floor, simply use a bigger container. A large, roomy tote with high sides makes a good litter box. A big round tub also makes a good litter box. A restaurant size bus tub is a capacious litter box. Providing higher sides and more space will solve your cat’s litter kicking problem.

Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.

Most people who say they don’t enjoy the company of cats have never actually owned any! The truth of the matter is that they are some of the most amazing companions on the planet. Hopefully this article addressed your needs as a cat owner or would-be cat owner and you and your feline friend will be happily ever after.…

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Advice That Your Dog Will Give Two Paws Up

Posted on by louisedelia

There is no such thing as a perfect dog owner. You may look back regretfully on mistakes you’ve made, but the truth is that you’re not alone. Learning from your mistakes is key, and this article should show you the right way to care for your dog as it is chock full of advice from other owners like you.

Ask your vet the amount of food your dog needs daily. Although some dog owners stick to the recommended guidelines on the dog food, these guidelines can often be too much for your dog, which can lead to obesity. Therefore, ask your vet the acceptable amount of dog food your dog needs to ensure its health and well-being.

Don’t buy cheap dog food. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. Check out professional recommendations from groups online. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.

Keep your dog warm during winter with the latest in canine fashion and accessories. You may think it’s just for show, but dogs need protection from the elements too! Keeping your dog’s paw-pads dry is essential to their health in sub-freezing weather, so invest in suede or leather footwear and pick him up a coat while you’re at it. Make them instead if you are creative!

Unless you’re okay with your dog playing with your shoes and other things around your home, buy him some toys. He will enjoy having things of his own, particularly if they are interactive like pull-toys you can use together. Also buy him things he can use to occupy himself and stay out of trouble!

Always be the boss with your dog. A dog is not only much more apt to be obedient when you are in command, he’ll also be much happier. Dogs need to know what’s expected of them and that they are being led. This gives them a sense of security and you a more peaceful household.

If you breed your dog, do so responsibly. The AKC advises all owners of pure-bred dogs to make an effort to advance the breed and discard all other motivations, such as money or experimentation. Consider the repercussions of your actions before allowing your dog to mate and create a litter of puppies.

Always use a leash when your dog or puppy is out in public. This helps you make sure your dog always stays by you and prevents them from wandering off or getting into trouble. This can also help you restrain your dog if something upsets them so that they don’t hurt another animal or person.

It’s not that unusual for dogs to cut themselves after stepping on discarded debris or broken glass. If your dog experiences a cut, wash the area with antiseptic and put a bandage on it. If the cut is deep, it is best to go to a veterinarian.

The truth is that no advice will be perfect either. Every single situation calls for different reactions, be it what to feed a dog or whether or not to take the dog to the vet. Your dog will be happy as long as you love them, and thankfully, that is the easiest part of the job!…

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Cat Care – What You Need To Know For A Happy Kitty

Posted on by louisedelia

There are many different breeds of cats. These abandoned kittens make up nearly half of the population of domesticated felines and can become a troublesome pest if you live in urban areas. Getting to know a cat’s needs and taking great care of it can help your cat to have a fantastic life.

Cats love to play so make sure that you provide them with lots of toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is not only fun, it helps them to get exercise too.

It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.

If your cat is misbehaving, you can influence its behavior in a safe and humane way by using water. Fill a small squirt gun or a spray water bottle with plain water. Give your cat a few light squirts of water when you catch it misbehaving and it will soon learn to stop doing the unwanted behavior.

Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.

If you just got your cat you want to take them to the veterinarian right away, especially if it is a feral cat or kitten. Kittens are born with parasites and need shots and medication to get rid of them. Feral cats can carry diseases. This is why it is important to have them checked out immediately.

Get a scratching post to keep your cat from tearing up your carpet. If you can, get a post that does not have the same type of carpet that is on the floor of your home, so your cat doesn’t associate the two. Instead, get a post that is covered in cardboard, sisal, or thick rope.

It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Other measures like tags and collars are better than nothing, but your cat may wriggle out of them or they may be torn off by outdoor hazards. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.

Now you should have no trouble helping your cat to have the best life it possibly can. Cats are very loving creatures, once you get to know them. Cats are very sensitive and you should take good care of them. When you discover the perfect cat to join your family, you had best be ready for it!…

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See The Best Tips About Cats In This Article

Posted on by louisedelia

Now that you have a cat in your home, what are you going to do with him? Cats can be mysterious creatures, so you aren’t ever sure how to handle them. You might not be able to make them happy, but you can make sure that you’re taking care of them. Here are some tips to help you.

Cats are curious by nature, which can end up getting them into trouble. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. This could help save your cat if it gets caught in a tight spot.

When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.

Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.

Don’t be pushy when you are getting to know your new cat. Cats prefer to be in control and take things at their own pace. Make sure your new cat is comfortable and safe. Let your cat take its time exploring its new environment. When your cat feels at home, it will be more likely to try to make friends with you.

Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.

Take your cat to the vet periodically. A lot of cat owners tend to avoid the vet because it can be harder to get a cat ready to go anywhere she does not want to go! It is also easy to avoid the vet because cats seem so self-reliant. However, it’s smart to get your cat to the vet to avoid any problems.

Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

Even if you aren’t sure how you can make your cat happy, or figure out how to make them purr, you can take care of him. The tips laid out here will help you to make sure that you’ve done everything you can to care for your cat. Happiness is more elusive.…

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Easy Care Tips For Potential Dog Owners

Posted on by louisedelia

When you own a dog, your life changes completely. Unlike a child, they never grow up and move out. You will spend their entire life caring for them, from feeding them to taking them to the doctor. That said, it is worth every second! Continue reading to find some simple tips about dogs from other owners.

Hot summer days are harder for dogs to handle than humans. Always make sure your pet has enough water to drink. Provide them with a shaded area to rest if they are going to be outside for any length of time. And, if your dog begins acting in an unusual manner, call the veterinarian. Heatstroke could be fatal, so it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.

A dog that spends a lot of time outside should have a warm and safe shelter in case it is needed. Particularly if his feet get wet, extended exposure to extreme temperatures causes stress and can lead to health complications. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.

Don’t try forcing anything into your dog. If your dog doesn’t like the treat you’ve bought, don’t make him eat it. Learn about your dog’s various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.

When choosing a dog for your home, don’t forget to estimate the size it will be as a full grown adult. This is especially true if you have small children at home. Although a small puppy will be cute, it may grow into a large, one hundred pound dog. Do some research on the average adult size of the breeds you are considering.

Know the basics of pet first-aid if you have a dog in your family. Being able to react quickly in an emergency, such as your pooch being bitten by a snake, can mean the difference between life and death. Read a good book on the subject or ask your vet to brief you on the basics.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. This is vital to the care of a happy dog. Many people don’t bother to exercise their dog, thinking that walks are enough. Dogs are active creatures and need to play. Talk to your veterinarian about how much activity your dog needs, and make sure he gets it.

In order to make sure that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to have access to clean water at all times during the day. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important components. The only exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy for three hours before bedtime.

Your dog is only here for a short amount of time, so making their life the best possible is your job. This article is a great start, but continue reading advice from experts and other owners to ensure you continue to make life great for your dog. The more you learn, the better.…

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How to reverse the ill effects of pet punishment training

Posted on by louisedelia

Everyone has their own opinion regarding punishment training for pet dogs and while it may be an effective training tool, without proper guidance and knowledge it can cause permanent mental and behavioral damage that can be dangerous for both the pet and their owners.

There are pet dogs that end up in a Virginia Beach animal hospital or animal shelter, apparently abandoned by their owners who have given up on their pet dogs on failed training methods or “do it yourself” obedience training that ended up worse than expected.

One of the most common problems that have been associated with misused punishment as a training tool is that dogs become too aggressive even with their owners, which often leads to them being given up on or abandoned in a Virginia veterinary clinic or animal shelter.

Is punishment training effective?

The term punishment training is often misunderstood and taken literally to mean corporal punishment in pet training

There are commonly two types of punishment training methods for dogs – positive and negative. When people talk about punishment as a training tool, it is often referred to as positive punishment. This involves training in which a dog’s undesirable behaviors are “punished” by using an aversive action, such as loud noises using air horns or clanging metals, a muzzle hold, chin cuff, or holding the dog down on the floor.

Negative punishment, on the other hand, takes away a reward when a dog does not do the desired behavior and aims to “punish” an undesired behavior, such as removing a toy, losing a reward or token, and being grounded for a period of time to correct the undesired behavior.

In both types, it does not mean punishment by using pain or force to compel the dog to obey that result in aggression. This is often caused by misguided pet owners believing that aggression is a normal dog trait and misconstrue punishment as a pain and force tool to train their dogs.

How to reverse the ill effects of wrong punishment training

The effects of such ill methods cannot be cured overnight because dogs are creatures of habit and their behavioral traits take time to develop.

Start with observing your dog and take note of the situations and circumstances that trigger aggression as well as the surroundings. It is vital to deal with the stimuli for these aggressive responses so you will know how what triggers it.

Next, go to your nearest Virginia Beach animal hospital or veterinary clinic to check if there are possible health issues that cause their aggressive behavior which could have resulted from the pain punishment training the dog was subjected to.

It could also be a possible reason for a dog to respond aggressively due to pain or a health condition.

Seek professional help

At time it may be difficult to deal with an aggressive dog, but with consistency, commitment, and affection you can change your dog’s behavior. Do not hesitate to seek help from a dog behaviorist to help you and provide guidance in reorienting your dog.

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Learn A Few Tips When Owning A Dog.

Posted on by louisedelia

They say all dogs go to heaven, but that can be hard to believe when your pooch is acting out. If you’re having trouble with your dog, you may be frustrated, and you may not know where to turn. The suggestions in this article will help you deal with your dog and appreciate its finer points.

If you are looking for a great family pet, but are on a budget, consider rescuing an animal.You can get one at a local shelter for minimal costs and the dog will come with a clean bill of health and all his shots. If you are interested in a specific breed, contact a rescue group specializing in only those pooches.

If your dog is very rowdy or easily excitable, experts recommend that you don’t bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and confusion of a new area filled with strangers is too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant incidents may occur. Find a great kennel to care for your pooch instead.

When you are trying to teach your dog new tricks, you should always be patient. Different dogs will learn things differently. If your dog isn’t picking up a new trick right away, give him time. You could also try changing your teaching method. Your dog may respond better to a different approach.

If you are in the market for a new puppy, make sure you will have enough time to devote to his training. On average, you need to take a young dog outside to do his business eight times a day and that can take a lot away from your schedule. Training takes more time and patience than most people realize.

You may be tempted to use your favorite hair shampoo on your dog, but this should not be done. Human shampoo can cause dog skin to dry out. Instead, find a quality shampoo that is made for dogs. When you bath your dog, make sure to rinse all of the residue out of his fur.

Dogs need a great deal of attention on a daily basis. If you have a hard time making time for your dog you will soon notice that there are behavioral problems that were not there before. In the least, you should try to set aside an hour each day just to love your dog.

Lift your dog properly. If you have a little dog or puppy, place your one hand under their chest and use your other hand for supporting their rump and hind legs. If you’re lifting a big dog, lift them from their underside supporting their chest using your one arm and using your other arm to support their rear end. Never lift a dog by their back legs, tail, or the nape of their neck.

There are so many amazing aspects of being a dog owner, and you should be able to appreciate all of them. With these suggestions, you’ll be equipped to handle any kind of issue that your dog might throw your way. Keep this advice in mind, and enjoy your wonderful pet.…

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Want To Know More About Your Cat? Read On!

Posted on by louisedelia

Many people have cats as pets, but often the cats won’t behave how their owners want. The cats may jump all over the furniture and steal food from other family members. If this sounds like your cat, then something needs to be done. Check out this article for some tips related to cat behavior.

Avoid eye contact to make friends with a cat. Ever wonder why cats seem drawn to the person who likes cats the least? The answer lies in cat body language. To cats, staring is “rude” and can be considered a challenge. Looking away shows that you respect their space and are not going to be a threat. So next time you are looking to meet a new feline friend, look away and let them approach you.

Feed your cats proper food. Remember that cats must eat meat. Only give your cats cat food to eat. Do not feed them or let them eat dog food. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs and some of the ingredients in dog food could harm your cat. Feeding your cat dog food for food could also lead to malnourishment, among other issues.

You have to place a litter box correctly. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Your kitty will thank you.

Give your cat lots of attention and love. They give lots of affection and need some in return. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.

You should do regular checkups of your cat between veterinarian visits. A good time to do this is when you are petting the animal. Check the entire body for things like scabs and lesions. Also look in and around the ears for any discharge, which can be a sign of ear mites. Check the cat from head to tail.

Make sure that there are enough litter boxes in your home for all of the cats that are staying there. It is optimal to have one litter box for each cat. If you live in a home that has a lot of floors, there should be one on each floor for each cat.

If you are adding a kitten to a household that already contains a dog, it is important to socialize the kitten to the dog at an early age. At first, constant supervision is essential. Let the kitten and dog spend time together while you hold the kitten, letting them explore and get used to each other’s smells. When socialized early, cats and dogs can live happily and peacefully together.

Cats are nice, but they aren’t perfect. Sometimes cats will do things that will seem abnormal and downright rude to us. You don’t have to get rid of the cat, just help it learn how to behave. This article can act as a guide for you while you help your cat behave better.…

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