Pet Care Articles
When they moved from striking prey outdoors to stalking socks inside, cat teeth care became our responsibility. Without clean teeth, gingivitis and stomatitis can creep in and cause serious problems.Time for pet parents to step in. It's never too late to start! Prep by getting a pet toothbrush, finger brush or a kid’s toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. Even a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger or a cotton swab will work. Any of these tools can get slippery tartar off teeth before it hardens to plaque. Get your cat her own toothpaste, too.
Here’s how to keep your indoor cat’s teeth healthy with regular care.
1. Set up for Comfort
Hold your cat in your lap or place your cat on a table. Touch your cat’s mouth, lips and gums with your fingers. If your cat resists the setup, consider wrapping your cat in a towel. Try different handling methods to find your cat’s favorite.
2. Introduce to the ... Read more...
Cats communicate in a variety of ways. Their purrs and meows can have different meanings, but cats also communicate with body language. For example, ear position is a good indicator of how a feline is feeling. Upward ears mean a cat is alert or happy, while backward or flat ears mean to steer clear because he's irritated or frightened. But one of the best ways to get insight into your feline friend's mood is to look at her tail. Take a look below to learn all about the tales your cat's tail can tell.
Straight in the air
When a cat holds its tail high in the air, he's expressing confidence, excitement or contentment. Cats will often greet their owners with their tails straight in the air, which is a cat's way of saying he's happy to see you.
Curved like a question mark
An erect tail with a curve at the end that resembles a shepherd's crook or a question mark indicates friendliness or playfulness. Your cat is telling your it's a ... Read more...
Take your pet out and show he/she some love! Click the following link to view a few more ideas...
http://petspot.aaa.com/pet-news/celebrate-national-love-your-pet-day-february-20/ Read more...
Myth #1: Table scraps are good for dogs
The reality: With the dog treat recall and past dog food scandals, such as the melamine-tainted food that killed thousands of pets in 2007, it might seem that people food could be a better choice for your animal companions. But Dr. Rubin warns against going there, because our animals' health improves when they receive a consistent source of fat, protein, and carbohydrates—and that's not how human diets generally work. He recommends a high-quality natural food, such as the Wellness and Holistic Selectbrands. Other good options include Organix, a high-quality pet-food line that's certified organic; Annameat is also a high-quality, made-in-the-USA dog food that doesn't source ingredients from China. Be sure to feed your dog appropriate portions of a high-quality food twice a day, as opposed to letting food sit out in a bowl all day.
And forget about doling out excess treats—the majority of America's ... Read more...
When Adam Marsh lost his 6-year-old Pomeranian, Astor, to lung disease in June, he wasn’t the only one in their downtown apartment devastated by the death. Marsh’s other dog, Cooper, a 2-year-old, 6-pound Chihuahua- dachshund mix, seemed to be grieving as well.
“He would just cry. It would break your heart,” says Marsh of Cooper’s behavior in the months after his canine playmate’s death. “He knew that Astor wasn’t there anymore.”
While there’s no conclusive scientific research proving that animals experience grief, scientists say it is likely, and there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence. “The more we study animals, the more we recognize them having emotions,” says Dr. Ellen Lindell, a veterinary behavior consultant with a practice in Westchester. “Why wouldn’t they grieve?”
Central Park Zoo’s famous polar bear, Gus, certainly appeared to be grieving when he lost his female habitat-mate, Ida, to ... Read more...
In order to ensure the safety of your dog, there are some basic safety tips you should follow.
Leash Your Dog Before Opening the Car Door
Every year hundreds of pets are lost or injured as they dart out of cars uncontrolled. Be sure to collar, id tag, and leash your dog before opening the car door. When in a strange and busy environment, pets can be frightened and run off into traffic or to places that are difficult to find. Have control of your dog(s) at all times.
Keep Heads, Arms, & Legs Inside the Car
Many dogs love to put their head out of the window or ride in the back of a truck. But if it isn’t safe for children, then it isn’t safe for a pet. Not only are there risks of being hit by other traffic or roadside objects, the ASPCA reports that dogs can also get debris in their eyes and lungs leading to illness. Some dogs have also been known to jump out of car windows while driving or stopped, running into traffic or ... Read more...