Dog Agility 101
In This Article What Is Agility Training for Dogs? View 3 More +
5 Signs Your Dog Is Getting Too Much Exercise
How Much Exercise Should I Give My Dog? Dogs need exercise to maintain peak physical and mental well-being, but the type and length of that exercise depends on their condition, health history, breed, and age. Some dogs, like Labrador Retrievers, are built to be heavy exercisers while others, such as French Bulldogs, are not. Moderation is key, and time spent exercising isn’t as important as the intensity of that exercise. For example, putting your pup on a dog leash and taking them for a walk is much less likely to overexert them than running, jumping, or harder play.,Exercise provides your dog with physical and mental benefits. It keeps joints limber, promotes cardiovascular (heart) health, decreases the risk of obesity, strengthens the human-animal bond, and reinforces your dog’s need for routine. However, this isn’t an invitation to overwork your dog. “One misconception I sometimes encounter is that if a dog is overweight or obese, then the pet parent must suddenly erupt into a rigorous exercise plan for the dog,” says Dr. Robin Downing, hospital director of The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor, Colorado. But how can you tell if your dog is getting too much exercise? Here are some signs of overextension to look out for.
How To Cut Cat Nails
In This Article What You Need To Cut Cat Nails View 4 More +
Grilling Safety for Dogs: 5 Tips for a Safe Outdoor BBQ
In This Article Grilling Safety Tips for Dog Parents View 1 More +
Itching or Scratching in Rabbits
Pruritus in Rabbits Pruritis is the sensation that provokes the rabbit to scratch, rub, chew, or lick a certain area of its skin. This is often indicative of inflamed skin which can occur in any of the animal’s many dermal layers. The condition also affects the systems used to regulate skin secretions. Symptoms and Types Scratching Licking Biting Chewing Hair loss Self-injury Skin inflammation (i.e., redness, swelling, rash) Causes Skin tumors Parasites (e.g., ear mites, fleas, fur mites) Allergies (e.g., food allergy, medication allergy, etc.) Irritants (e.g., soaps, shampoos, bedding, harsh cleaning solutions) Diagnosis Because there are many conditions which cause animals to itch, each must be ruled out. For example, if cancer is suspected, a biopsy and needle aspiration of fluid will need to be taken. The veterinarian will also conduct blood, urine and cellular analysis of skin scrapings, as well as take X-rays of the rabbit’s brain and face. Treatment After identifying the underlying cause, the veterinarian will begin treatment. If allergies are thought to be the cause, they will prescribe antihistamines. Otherwise, sprays, ointments or gels for local application are given; sometimes a zinc oxide plus menthol powder is prescribed. However, it is important that during treatment the affected area should be kept clean and dry. Living and Management Sometimes the application of anything topically — soaps and products containing alcohol, iodine, and benzoyl peroxide — can worsen itching; plain cool water may be soothing in these cases. However, use extreme caution when bathing or dipping a rabbit into water, as it may become stressed and shake to the point of causing skeletal fractures. Also, prevent the rabbit or its cage mates from licking ointments/gels before they are dry, and watch for signs for toxicity in the rabbit(s).
Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs?
In This Article Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs? View 4 More +
The 20 Best Apartment Dogs for Smaller Spaces
5. Bedlington Terrier Photo credit: O.T.W./iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Looking like a lamb might be what this breed is best known for, but the Bedlington Terrier is also praised for having a gentle and affectionate disposition. Despite being part of the terrier group, Bedlingtons aren’t known for being overly energetic or vocal, although daily exercise and mental stimulation are a must.,6. Bichon Frise Photo credit: SrdjanPav/E+ via Getty Images The small size and intelligent nature of the Bichon Frise make this breed one of the best dogs for small apartments. A daily walk or game of indoor fetch or tug-of-war is typically enough exercise to satisfy this lapdog. Plus, the breed’s curly white coat is low-shedding and considered “hypoallergenic,” so you don’t need to worry about cleaning up dog hair in your small space. However, daily brushing and regular groomer visits are a must, so be prepared for that upkeep. ,For pet-lovers who live in small spaces, there’s still room to have a furry friend—but it’s especially important to choose wisely to ensure your pet will thrive (and your sanity will stay intact). The best apartment dogs are usually small in stature and have more minimal needs for daily exercise, though there are also some larger pups that can fit into the apartment lifestyle well. So, what are the best dog breeds for apartments? We’ve compiled some of the most popular small and large breeds to consider, along with what to expect from each.
15 Kitten-Proofing To-Do’s Before Bringing a Kitten Home
Reviewed and updated for accuracy on December 2, 2019 by Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, PhD Bringing a new kitten home and watching them adapt to family life is fun and exciting. But before the new addition is allowed to roam the house freely, you’ll need to do some kitten-proofing. So where do you start? Kittens can get into tons of trouble if you haven’t checked your home for certain safety issues. Here are some tips to make sure your kitten can enjoy their new home safely. Kitten-Proofing Checklist Check for these safety hazards and take the proper steps to make your home safe for your kitten. Stow away dangling or exposed electrical cords that are tempting for kittens to chew and pull on. Wrap up the cords in protective tubing or covers that are made for pet-proofing. Keep toilet lids closed, as kittens can drown in toilet bowls. You can use the same toilet lid locks that are designed to keep children safe. Put a gate across open stairways where kittens can tumble and fall down the stairs. Pull up and secure any dangling blind cords or curtain cords because kittens can get twisted up and strangle or ingest the string. Blind cord wraps and wind-up devices can keep them out of reach. Make sure every garbage can has a lid, preferably one that locks. Any trash is bad for kittens to get into, but bones and string (even dental floss) are especially bad because they can cause intestinal problems for kittens. Secure sewing, knitting and crocheting materials like needles and thread. Kittens may poke themselves or eat the thread, which can knot up inside their intestines and cause a blockage. Pick up rubber bands, as kittens see them as fun toys, but they can wrap the intestines around themselves. Put away plastic wrap and plastic bags. Kittens can eat these or become trapped, tangled, strangled or suffocated. Check for Styrofoam from food or drink containers or packages (especially packing “peanuts”) which the kitten may chew and eat. Do a safety audit of potential cat toys or those that you might have already bought. Many cat toys have parts that can be easily removed and swallowed. Make sure that the toys you give your kitten or that you leave out are kitten-safe. Use kitten-safe holiday decorations and put away unsafe holiday items. Dangerous decorations for cats include tinsel, small, sharp and/or glass ornaments, holly and mistletoe, Christmas lights, candles, gift wrap and string, etc. For more information, see our holiday safety article. Always locate your kitten before opening and closing furniture. Reclining chairs, sleeper sofas and pullout beds like daybeds have mechanisms that can injure or crush a kitten that has crawled inside. Remove indoor plants that may be toxic to your inquisitive kitten. Store away all cleaning products and other chemicals and place child locks on cabinets. Check open refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, washers, dryers for inquisitive kittens before shutting doors and/or turning on these appliances. Here’s a handy list of products you might need to get: Electrical cord covers or tubing Toilet lid locks Stairway pet gate Blind cord wraps Garbage cans with locking lids Kitten-safe toys Cabinet child safety locks Featured Image: iStock.com/AlbinaTiplyashina
How to Train a Ferret
A Well-Behaved, Potty Trained Ferret in Just a Few Steps When we talk about how to train your pet ferret, we’re not talking about training it to do acrobatic or magic tricks, and it is doubtful that they will ever replace dogs on sleds or surfboards. But ferrets, like dogs (and even cats), will respond to basic training techniques. Besides, a little training will make life more pleasurable for you and your ferret. Ferret Boot Camp Why train a ferret? Well, like any animal they sometimes need a little direction. They also need to learn boundaries, and the younger they are once training begins, the better. One problem you may face with your ferret is nipping. Ferrets like to bite things, and sometimes that “thing” might be you. This needs to be, ahem, nipped in the bud, and there are a few ways to do this. Teething rusks and hard dog biscuits can help to distract and refocus your ferret’s biting impulse, along with some disciplinary measures. But don’t panic at the word “disciplinary,” it does not involve hurting your pet. A few simple things, like making an alarmed, high pitched sound when bitten, holding your ferret by the scruff (the nape of the neck) and saying “no” in a very firm voice, or even hissing at the ferret when it bites will help to teach your ferret that nipping people and other things (like furniture) is wrong. These techniques can work for training your ferret not to do other things too. One other method that some people swear by is spraying bitter apple scent on things they don’t want the ferret to bite or chew on. This can be bought in spray form at a pet store. Just don’t forget about positive reinforcement. All animals, including ferrets, respond very well to positive training moves. Cuddles, treats, and praise given whenever your ferret does something good can work wonders on making the training stick.
Pediatric Behavior Problems in Cats
Living and Management Make any necessary environmental changes, as recommended by your veterinarian. A healthy diet is also a good plan for ensuring normal development and behavior. A check-in with your veterinarian to report improvement, or lack thereof, can be conducted over the phone, or during subsequent visits.,Prevention Behavioral problems can be prevented. Kittens should be exposed to positive experiences with people when they are between the ages of three to seven weeks, and owners with children should prohibit roughhousing with kittens. Avoid punishing your kitten, as this can lead to fear, anxiety, and defensive aggressive behavior. Consult your veterinarian for proper training and handling techniques for young cats if you are in doubt. Image via Shutterstock,Behavioral Problems in Cats (or Kittens) Pediatric behavior problems refer to undesirable behaviors exhibited by kittens between birth and puberty. It is important to address this as early as possible, because behaviors acquired during this age range may be difficult to change later. Preventative measures to avoid such behaviors are essential, as kittens are very vulnerable to physiological and environmental influences. The most common problems are related to play, fearfulness, defensive aggression, and elimination (i.e., urinating and defecating in the house, also known as house-soiling). While there are no breeds known to be especially inclined to certain behavioral issues, there may be some genetic factors, as it is believed that parental influence may increase the odds of fearfulness in kittens. Symptoms and Types Issues involving play may include increased roughness, such as fully extended claws and increased biting. Fear and defensive behavioral problems may include hiding, fleeing, and aggression. These behaviors are characterized by hissing, flattening the ears, and dilated pupils. Elimination problems refer to a problem with litter-box use, including house-soiling, urinating or defecating in the house, or in other unsuitable areas.
