Q. My 10-year-old indoor tabby cat has a stuffy nose and is sneezing. She was on Baytril when she first got sick, and the medicine cleared it up. Three months later it came back. She then took azithromycin and L-lysine, which cleared it up. Three months later it came back again. Our cat’s vet says […]
Your German Shepherd’s temperament is the result of both genetic and environmental influences. While instinct drives some of their behaviors, socialization is crucial to raising a well-adjusted dog. Introduce your puppy to other dogs, people, and to being in other environments from 3–12 weeks of age. Exposure to new people, animals, and experiences will help your puppy mature into a confident, well-behaved dog. Well-socialized German Shepherd puppies may be more curious and capable of learning how to perform complex tasks. This is important if the pet parent wants their dog to participate in dog sports, or engage in difficult work such as search and rescue. Dogs learn through forming associations. For example, if you bend over and pet your puppy when they jump up on you, your puppy will learn to jump on people to get attention. German Shepherds are known to have high drive and energy. Without training, socialization, and consistent guidance from the pet parent, a German Shepherd will mature into a medium- to large-size dog who can pull hard on the leash; jump up and knock down the pet parents or other people upon meeting them; and chew up items around the house or in the yard. It is never too early to start training a German Shepherd puppy. While German Shepherd dogs can be great family dogs, they may retain a certain degree of coolness or indifference toward people they meet for the first time. Allowing puppies to interact with other people can build up positive associations, reduce their fears, and help them accept strangers. ,German Shepherd dogs were originally bred to herd sheep and protect the flock from predators—hence the name. They’re incredibly intelligent dogs, and that can make training a challenge. But it’s well worth the effort to have one of these loyal, hardworking pups by your side.
From facilitating meet cutes to being your beloved third wheel, pets are an important part of relationships. In fact, most pet parents (79%) seek their pet’s approval of romantic partners, and 60% look for other pet lovers when searching for a romantic partner. A whopping 80% of pet parents in a relationship are happiest when they are with both their partner and their pet. When it’s time to take the next step in a romantic relationship—like getting engaged or planning a wedding—pets are right there alongside you to share in the excitement. Whether your pet helps pop the question or joins in on your big day, check out these popular and memorable ways to incorporate your pet in this exciting chapter.
In This Article What Is Dog Separation Anxiety? View 2 More +
While humans tend to stumble without a light on, dogs often seem to move with ease at night. So can dogs see in the dark? Thanks to an evolutionary advantage and the unique structure of their eyes, they’re surprisingly well-equipped for low-light conditions. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to dogs and night vision, beginning with how they see differently from you.
Known as the historic blue cat of France, Chartreux are one of the three breeds that come in only grey. “They are a very robust cat in body, but have a delicate boning,” says Keiger. “Their coat is dense, but with a wooly texture, and ideally it will have breaks, just like a sheep’s coat does.” The color in this cat is a solid down to the roots, and they benefit from regular combing to remove the dead hair from the coat. Additionally, the breed is a moderately active one and are known for being interested in their surroundings and bonded to their owners, says Keiger.,Cat lovers are likely to have their own preference when it comes to a favorite color for felines, but fondness aside, we can all agree that there’s just something about grey cats that make them beautiful and unique. That sentiment is felt far and wide, including in the world of cat breeding, where grey is often preferred says Teresa Keiger, an all-breed judge with The Cat Fanciers’ Association. Whether you’re a proud owner or an admirer, get to know what makes the cats that shine in all shades of grey, also called blue among fanciers—so special!
References Featured Image: iStock.com/Callipso,References Close,Borna Disease in Horses Borna is a viral disease that occurs in horses (and other warm-blooded animals). First discovered in horses in Germany, it is predominantly a disease found in European and Middle Eastern countries today. It is not known to be currently in the United States. The Borna disease virus (BDV) causes neurological problems and is fatal in many horses. Horses as well as sheep and other farm animals are natural hosts for this virus, but other animals such as rodents can be affected. Symptoms and Types The clinical signs of Borna virus are similar to other equine encephalitic diseases. The incubation time is relatively lengthy and can take upwards of six months from time of infection until clinical signs emerge. This is due to the slow movement of the virus along neurons. Lethargy Poor coordination Blindness Weakness Paralysis Collapse Strange behavior (e.g., head-pressing or found in dark corners)
Try Behavior Modification Sometimes, additional modalities are needed to treat behavior problems in pets. Behavior modification can help you change the emotional response your dog has to offending situations or triggers. Through this cognitive therapy, your dog can learn to become less afraid of stressors and more calm. In some cases, behavior modification can help a dog to the point where they will no longer need to be on medications. This is something a veterinary behaviorist can help you with as well.,Be Supportive Learning and avoiding what causes your dog stress, ruling out possible underlying illnesses, and seeking professional help will all improve the quality of life for your anxious dog. Scientific evidence has shown that stress has negative effects on health in people, and this is true in dogs as well. A 2010 study of 721 dogs concluded that, “The stress of living with a fear or anxiety disorder can have negative effects on health and lifespan in the domestic dog.”2 For this reason it’s important to be proactive to help your dog with their anxieties. Don’t give up. The solution may not be quick or easy, but with dedication and the right professional assistance, you can help your dog be happier and healthier.,For people, anxiety can feel overwhelming and debilitating at times. If you have a dog that struggles with fear, anxiety, or stress, it’s important to be supportive and patient. Calming a frequently anxious dog is possible, but it may require collaboration between you and your veterinarian, or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. If you have a nervous dog, here’s some insight you can use to identify the signs and triggers, and steps you can take to help calm your dog’s anxiety and improve their quality of life.
Indoor plants can be a temptation for your dog to lick, chew, or dig up. During the holiday season there may be additional plants due to decorations, seasonal purchases, and gifting. It’s important to keep in mind that some of these holiday plants are toxic to dogs, and can cause poisoning if your pup chews or ingests plant material. While it is never recommended to let your dog eat plants inside or outside the house, here are a few specific holiday plants toxic to dogs.
By Carol McCarthy Whether dog or human, most physical exams start with hopping on the scale to be weighed. People rarely like this ritual, but dogs may not mind, especially if the vet rewards them with a treat. Sometimes, however, you might want to weigh your dog at home, between visits to the vet. Find out how—and why—you should weigh your dog at home, below. How Often Should I Weigh My Dog? Dr. Susan O’Bell, staff veterinarian at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, suggests dogs be weighed at least once a year, while Dr. Matthew Rooney, owner of Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists in Longmont, Colo., says most pet parents can be satisfied with weighing their dogs every six months. In other cases, you might want to weigh your dog more frequently, depending on age and health conditions, they say. “For example, puppies should be weighed far more often, at least every three to four weeks for the first four to six months of life,” O’Bell says. Chronic medical conditions, particularly those that result in changes in appetite or water consumption (such as cancer or diabetes), require more frequent weight checks as well. Your veterinarian can recommend how often your dog should be weighed. If visits to the vet for weigh-ins are stressful for your dog, difficult for you to schedule or he has a chronic health issue, you can weigh your dog at home. “Many clients ask me if they can use their home scales,” O’Bell says. “I generally tell clients they can use home scales for basic trends, but any major discrepancies should be then confirmed on the hospital scale.”
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