Pet Care Articles

November 21st, 2013
Courtesy of mercedsunstar.com...

Does your dog take his bone and hide it?  There is a reason why he does that...

Your small dog may not look like a wolf, but he is descended from wolves and is just doing what his wolf DNA tells him to do.

Wolves were great hunters and frequently killed animals so big the pack could not eat it all in one meal.

They didn't get to the top of the predator world by allowing other animals to share their leftovers, plus they knew they had to plan for times when they could find no prey.

Wolves, like modern dogs, are great diggers, so came up with the idea of storing bones and other tidbits by burying them. It seems simple to us today, but was a giant evolutionary leap for the wolf pack. It enabled them to dominate the food chain until man arrived.

Dogs, even little guys, retain far more of their wolf ancestry than people realize. Something deep in his ...   Read more...

November 3rd, 2013

Courtesy of GroundReport.com...  Here are 5 ways a pet’s diet can impact their health:

1) Allergies and sensitivities. Many dogs and cats suffer from problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. One of the best ways to help treat it is for them to avoid ingredients in pet foods that may bother them, including things like corn, soy, dyes, and preservatives.

2) Urinary tract problems. Many dogs experience urinary tract problems, including stones or crystals, and inflammation and infection. Dogs tend to do better eating food that contains more water content, such as canned foods. The canned foods not only contain more water, but they also usually contain more meat.

3) Weight issues. It is estimated that 25 percent of all dogs in the country are overweight. This is often a result of them being overfed or being fed the wrong things, such as table scraps and too many treats. Weight problems can lead to numerous other health ...   Read more...

September 20th, 2013

Courtesy of PawNation.com...

More people are turning to natural remedies for both themselves and their pets. While nothing can replace the expertise of your local vet, there are many natural remedies to combat common cat ailments. Below you will find several popular holistic methods -- all of which can be done from the comfort of your own home.
 
1. The Itchy and Scratchy Show

The causes for itching are many, including fleas, dandruff, or even allergies. But regardless of the cause, itchy cats make for rude unfriendly pets. Help out Scratches the Cat and make it a soothing dip of rosemary, peppermint, or pennyroyal (these are especially helpful for itching associated with flea). Just be careful when using essential oils, as cats often don't respond well with those. You could also try a tea bath with catnip or aloe to soothe its skin.

Does your cat have flakes? We recommend you skip the dandruff shampoo and use a humidifier instead. A ...   Read more...

August 31st, 2013
Courtesy of OregonLive.com...

Things to know before taking a cat on a leash:

 

  • Talk with your veterinarian to make sure your cat is properly vaccinated before taking her outside.
  • Take it slow; never force things.
  • Get your cat used to the harness and leash before ever taking her outside.
  • Find out what motivates your cat, such as treats, playtime or petting, and offer positive reinforcement each time she performs.
  • If your cat enjoys going outside, it can be hard to transition away from it. Make sure it’s something you’ll be able to continue doing long-term.
  • Keep in mind that leash-walking is not for every cat. There are plenty of indoor ...   Read more...
August 4th, 2013

Courtesy of CatChannel.com...

Kitten behavior diversity makes you wonder just how a kitten’s personality develops. Check out the top four factors in shaping kitten characteristics.

1. Mom and Dad Make the Most Impact
 Mama cat plays the main role in nurturing and raising her kittens, but you might be surprised to learn that their dad has a strong influence on the type of personality the kittens will end up with.  "It’s likely that the development of a cat’s distinct personality begins before birth, as numerous studies suggest that paternity [even if the kittens never have contact with their father], as well as breed-specific characteristics play a role in the development of certain behavioral attributes,” says Sandra McCune, PhD, scientific leader in human-animal interaction research at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in Leicestershire, United Kingdom.

 Researchers have found that friendly fathers ...   Read more...

July 12th, 2013

Courtesy of petfoodindustry.com...

A recent petMD survey on petfood recalls showed that a majority of pet owners have concerns about petfood safety.

According to the survey, 86 percent respondents said that strict quality-control measures are important to them; however, only 15 percent said they know whether or not the manufacturer of their pet's food practices strict procedures.

"Responsible petfood companies go to extremes to keep the areas where raw ingredients are received and prepared separate from the areas where the cooked product is processed and packaged," said Dr. Lorie Huston, veterinary advisor to petMD. "What's disconcerting is that not many pet owners know whether their petfood company of choice practices these quality control procedures."

The survey's key findings include:

•Petfood recalls affect consumer confidence: More than 82 percent of survey respondents said they do not believe ...   Read more...