Pet Care Articles
Save Your Dog’s Life in Five Easy Steps
1. Do not allow your dog to be fat.
The pain of arthritis starts earlier and is more severe in overweight dogs. I'm not saying this to make you feel guilty: It’s well established by research. Yes, we have marvelous medications that can ease an arthritic dog's pain. But if you keep your dog's weight at or slightly below ideal, he may not need them for years. That means when we say “a little padding on the ribs” we mean “very little padding, indeed.” And a tuck-in behind the rib cage — a real, honest-to-heavens waist. If you do nothing else on this list but prevent your dog from being overweight, you may have helped him to a longer, happier, more active life.
2. Do not take your dog for a ride in the car without securing him.
A loose dog can be a distraction to a driver, and in an accident, the dog can become a projectile, injuring himself or others in the car, possibly ... Read more...
Consumer spending in the U.S. pet market will reach $62 billion in 2013, up 4.7% over 2012, according to U.S. Pet Market Outlook 2013-2014, a recently released study from market research firm Packaged Facts.
Veterinary services and pet food make up the bulk of the market, with over $21 billion each in sales projected for 2013. However, non-medical pet services -- which includes grooming, boarding, training, and pet sitting/walking services -- is growing at the fastest rate, at 6.0% annually.
While dogs account for two-thirds of sales in the overall pet products and services market, they are showered with 90% of the spending in this non-medical services category.
Although the country has not yet completely emerged from its economic depression, the pet industry continues to perform. Pet product shoppers were not immune to the Great Recession’s effects, but the most recent Packaged Facts Pet Owners Survey shows that they are ... Read more...
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...
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...
http://www.pawnation.com/2013/07/03/firefighter-massages-kitten-back-to-life-in-rescue-caught-on-tap/
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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...
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...