Local Value Veterinary

Category: Dog

  • Leash Training

    Leash Training

    Leash Training your Dog? Here are Tips on the Right Ways

    Pet owners and especially those with dogs know how curious the animal can get and with such a situation often comes with the animal wandering off when outdoor. Therefore, one of the most important things to do for your beloved pet is to leash-train them when they are at a young age.

    Now, here are the simple tips to help you through the leash training process for your pup. Hopefully, these steps will lead to a better relationship between the pet and you.

    Starting Early

    For the best results in leash training, the idea is to begin the process at an early age while they are a puppy. With a dog’s lifespan being short, the young age offers an easily trainable phase that enables fast learning of instructions. You can start with simple understandable follow commands to get the pup to walk towards you.

    Getting the Collar

    The collar training should start immediately to condition the dog to accept it as part of their routine. If it’s a pup, the option is, to begin with a soft string collar that is comfortable on the neck. At the right age, you can pick a collar with stronger material to have them get used to it.

    Routine Walks

    Once the dog is comfortable with walking with the collar and leash around the indoors, it’s time to take the learning to public places. The outdoors would indicate the efforts of the training process since it unleashes the behavior of the pet. If the first walk with a leash is successful, then it’s recommendable that you begin a regular walk program to help them exercise and remind them of their leash training.

    Don’t be Harsh

    At not one time is it advisable to strike, yell or pull the dog while on a leash as it can lead to an injury to the dog. Additionally, altercations could result in undesirable traits.

    Reward Good Manners

    There are plenty of times the dog might become stubborn on the leash, and the best trick is to get them comfortable by using treats to trick the pet and bring its attention back to you.

    Recap

    To sum it up, these steps remain simple methods to leash train your dog and get the best relationship out of your special friend. Be sure to have patience and get the pet used to the leash to avoid encountering problems while in public.

    Sources: Science Daily, Humane Society, Animal Foundation, AKC

     

     

     

     

  • Caring for your pet

    Caring for your pet

    Caring for your pet: Five Possible Tips to Try Out

    With our contemporary lifestyles, it may become a challenge to show your pet that you care. Although most would feel that they are not up to the problem of caring for the pet, there are simple ideas that go a long way in growing the care of the pet and keeping them healthy. Here are the essential ideas you can conduct as a pet parent

    Exercise and Playtime

    Just like us, pets also get dull from spending too much time indoors and as it stands, taking them out for routine morning or evening walks is a great way to reconnect with the animal and growing their company. If you are going for a morning jog, you can opt to take them along and help them exercise to and reduce excess weight.

    Grooming

    Whether owning a cat or dog, shedding fur is bound to happen and rather than have the negative experience of hairballs, and painful mats, you can always schedule grooming appointments at the pet boutique or purchase the grooming products. Getting the pet shampooed, combed and nails clipped would add an excellent touch to keeping them feeling fresh.

    Feed them Properly

    There is nothing that shows care as feeding your dog or cat in the right way and adequately. It is best to ensure the pet is sufficiently fed and receives the proper nutrients, free from toxic ingredients. For extra effort, you can purchase breed-specific foods that are ideal options for different pets. Overall, the market provides plenty of foods for all pets.

    Regular Check-ups

    Routine visits to the vet are necessarily the best option to indeed show your pet that you do care. Getting checks often would ensure the dog or cat is in excellent condition and not susceptible to health problems.

    Bonding Time

    With busy lifestyles and schedules, dogs and cats are often left second in consideration when it comes to spending time after a long day. Showing care would need you to chalk out a day or time in your day where it is nice to spend some alone time with the pet. That could mean lap time in your daily or weekly schedule.

    The best way to show love to your pets is to provide and offer the best for them regarding care. Still, involving the pet in your daily schedule is the best gift to keep your pet company and showing them you care.

    Sources: Health, One Green Planet, Science Direct, Pawster

     

  • Healthy and Hydrated Pets

    Healthy and Hydrated Pets

    Feeding your pet: How to Keep them Healthy and Hydrated

    With the warm weather upon us, it seems like a great time to get out and enjoy the sun while bonding outdoors. However, while the swimming, basking and hanging around outdoors may seem ideal for people, pets could have a hard time especially with issues such as heat, allergies, and bugs.

    Such a scenario necessitates the need to take safety precautions when it’s hot, whether you are traveling or just at home. With the following preventive care measures, you can get detect future heat problems and ascertain what is necessary to do depending on the condition.

    Dehydration signs

    • Generally, lethargy is the first sign of something wrong with the dog or cat. Some of the other symptoms frequently include
    • Decreased appetite due to the reduction in blood flow to the pet’s digestive tract, slowing down the process
    • Elevated breathing and heartbeat as the heart contracts and attempts to increase oxygen to the body tissues
    • Skin flexibility also indicates a level of dehydration with less skin flexibility evident from rigid and dry nose membrane and lack of the skin retaining the usual shape.
    • Water-seeking behavior is a definite indication of the pet’s need for water, and this can lead to the animal potentially drinking water from unfamiliar places.

    What you can do

    1. Consistent Supply of Fresh Water

    The pet hydration needs should be constant since the average dog or cat is said to need an ounce of water per a pound of body weight each day. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure there are water sources that make cold water available to drink whether if it’s indoors or outdoors during hot weather.

    2. Diet

    Making sure the pet is fully hydrated would mean focusing on changing the diet to suit more moist foods. Such a scenario would entail feeding the dog or cat rehydrated commercial feeds or home-prepared meals over the typical dry kibble.

    3. Vet Visit

    At times the heat may become unbearable for the pet, and in dire situations, any fever or health-related ailment would require professional help. You can set up a checkup for the pet whenever you feel the dehydration symptoms are becoming more evident than usual.

    Overall, these are simple precautions that could play an essential role in protecting the pets during the warm weather. As a matter of convenience, you can purchase pet insurance to cover your pet in any case of emergency or accident.

    Sources: AKCCHF, Animal Awareness, VCA Hospitals

     

  • The Best Ways to Challenge your Dog’s Mind

    The Best Ways to Challenge your Dog’s Mind

    Your four-pawed barking buddy’s mental health is as important as his physical well beingness. However, most pet owners tend to overlook the fact that proper mental exercise is as vital to the overall health of the pet as his physical training regimen. The result is a psychologically bored animal at risk of a number of severe to mild mental and behavioral ailments. However, here is a quick primer of some on ways of honing and challenging your dog’s mental prowess.

    1. Obedience and Behavior Training

    Obedience training is widely considered the pinnacle of an animal’s mental acuity. And dogs, being quite intelligent animals, obedience and discipline training transcends above and beyond adhering to simple commands such as ‘sit,’ ‘stand,’ ‘run’ etc. You should go a step further. For instance, encourage him or her to master a trick or a complex behavioral pattern. Using a clicker, for instance, is a good way of helping them learn a complex behavior particularly when ‘Free Shaping’ is concerned.

    2. Administering Sniffing Challenges

    Your dog’s sense of smell is among the most potent instincts hard-wired in his brain. In fact, through his olfactory senses, your dog can ‘see’ the world is a whole new dimension as compared to us. Therefore, among one of the best ways of stretching his mind is by stimulating his olfactory senses by introducing new smell that he is not yet acclimatized to. For example, instead of taking him to the same park through the same strolling route daily, shift this abruptly by taking him out of town or using a different sidewalk. Spice up this strolls by making him go jump through various hoops such as steps, curbs, benches or an assortment of playground equipment.

    3. Dog Toys, Games, and Puzzles

    Games and puzzles are an excellent way of stimulating and activating your dog’s mental faculties, as well as forging a strong relationship together. It is also a great way of letting your dog view spending time together as a psychological reward. Besides, what’s a better way of being creative and spontaneous than engaging in an array of little fun games? A good majority of children’s games, for instance, hide-and-seek, easily double up as incredible dog games. Especially if they revolve around simple obedience-skewed behavior.

    4. Expose your Dog to new Experiences

    Another excellent way of challenging your dog’s mind is by exposing him to new places, experiences, and situations in your day-to-day errands. Take him out every-once-in-a-while if you are not used to doing that or allow them to ride in your car every so often. Not only does this encourage their socialization but also reinforces mental co-ordination and stimuli.

    SOURCES: Cesars Way, MNN, Pet Health Network
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Spoil your Dog Day

    Spoil your Dog Day

    The ‘National Spoil Your Dog Day‘ – which is annually held every August 10th – is just around the corner. This is that time of the year when dog owners can loosen up on that leash and allow their furry buddies the rare luxury of stepping outside their comfort zones. In anticipation of this big day, here are some of the ways you can spoil your best buddy this coming August.

    1. Treat them to a Fancy Meal

    Just like you and me, your barking buddy would also appreciate a special meal, other than his usual dietary regimen, during this day. This is also the opportune time of acclimatizing them to that new natural dog treat that you came across in your every-day-rounds in your local grocery. The ideal treat for your pooch for this day should be not only flavorful but also nutritious.

    2. Take them Out for an Adventure

    Most of our dogs rarely get the chance to wander off their kernels and see the world. Just as you would find it boring staying in the same place for a long time, your furry pal will also appreciate it if you can take him out for a ride or a walk this August. Just make sure that you roll your windows down, and fasten the pup securely in a handy dog seat restraint. The look of jubilation and pure bliss on faces as the wind blows down their hair is just priceless.

    3. Take them for a Brief Stroll to the Nearest Dog Park

    Truth be told, there are few better places for dog owners to spend some quality time with their furry BFFs. August 10th falls in the height of summer; this is also the best time to mingle and mix with other dog owners as you watch your dog/pup play with his fellow mates. Such simple social interaction, though seemingly unimportant, hosts an array of developmental benefits. Not to mention the fact that it can also be a good way to unwind an otherwise busy week.

    4. Take him to Work With You

    Your barking buddy would also love to have a taste of how it feels like to bring the bacon home. If it is feasible, you can use this day to bring him to work with you and showing them what it is that you do every day. Who knows, maybe they will be a little sympathetic to you the next time you can home all exhausted and drained.

    In Closing

    There are countless things that you can do on this day. Whatever it is that you do for your pooch, remember to keep it special, unique, and pampering.

    SOURCES: Great Falls, Pet Fed, PR Newswire
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Dress To Impress: National Dress Your Pet day

    Dress To Impress: National Dress Your Pet day

    On the 14th of January every year, dog lovers adorn their pets colorfully and gorgeously in celebration of what has come to be known as Dress Your Pet Day.

    The day is an opportunity for canine owners to wow neighbors and fans by revealing the inner diva of their lovely pooch or Persian. So, if your Chihuahua has a great sense of style, the day presents the ideal opportunity for you to dress your dog in sassy sweaters, collars bedecked with jewels and other fashion accessories.

    You can choose to immortalize the incredible moment by snapping crisp photos of you and your pet in its fabulous outfit. And you never know how far the decision can take you. Think, for instance, about photographer William Wegman and his Weimaraner called Man Ray. In the 1970s they collaborated and produced a collection of cute photos that have been internationally acclaimed and, today, Man Ray is considered as the best dressed up dog in American history.

    It doesn’t matter how you decide to dress the pet: could be in a miniature tiara, Aunt Mildred’s Floral dress, or a miniature devil’s costume from Halloween- just remember to take photos of the pet and upload it somewhere- you never know how far-reaching that might be.

    The day isn’t just for your pooch to look fabulous- it can also be a great bonding moment between the dogs and their pups who love lapping up attention if and when they see all the grins they get when they showcase their lovely garments.

    It is a thrilling day,

    for both the pets and their masters.

    But, you should keep in mind that it is more important for the apparel to be safe and comfortable than beautiful and adorable. Don’t dress the pet in any clothing that can cause choking, heat exhaustion, or otherwise cause it harm. If the pet does not like wearing a garment, don’t stress it out by forcing it to wear the clothing merely for human entertainment.

    Otherwise, prepare well for the day and make sure to have fun- you and your lovely pooch.

    SOURCES: Travis County KC, Punchbowl, Dogtipper
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

     

     

  • This is National Train Your Dog Month

    This is National Train Your Dog Month

    Find Out A Few Benefits Of Having A Well-trained Dog.

    According to pet statistics, 37-47% of households have dogs in America alone. That’s why, when it comes to living with a dog, there are a lot of things that a dog owner must do to ensure that their dog is always on its best behavior in and out of the house. One of this things includes training the dog. With The National Train Your Dog Month just a few minutes away, it is critical all dog owners learn a thing or two about the importance of having a well-trained dog.

    Here’s a fun fact about man’s best friend; did someone just say, “it is raining cats and dogs??”

    Well according to English history, this phrase came from the fact that during the 17th century, heavy rainstorms in England used to drown homeless animals (cats and dogs) leaving their lifeless bodies scattered all over the streets. That’s why people would assume that it had actually rained cats and dogs.

    You should note that homelessness is often brought about by the lack of proper training and care. In most cases, untrained dogs do the following things;

    • Wonder around only to forget their way back home,
    • They can cause harm to innocent passers-by,
    • They can damage property,
    • They can harm themselves,
    • They can even cause harm to you.
    • Those are just a few disadvantages of having an untrained dog.

    Since, dogs are meant to live harmoniously among human beings, then their behavior and interaction with their surroundings must be acceptable to you and those around you.

    Dog Training; Something you should note!

    Dog training is usually recommended during their puppy years. This is because it’s easier to teach a puppy new things than it is to teach an old dog hence the phrase “You cannot teach an old dog new tricks.” Remember that dogs are very keen animals, that’s why it’s easy to train them than other household pets.

    Also during training, dogs (puppies) often “learn how to learn new things” making it easier for them to learn faster and better as the training progresses.

    Here are a few Reasons why it is important to train your dog.

    1. Training helps to boost your communication with the dog. Therefore, it will be easier to interact with the dog at any time.

    2. Training also improves your dog’s behavior in and out of the house. This means that you won’t have to worry about how he’s (she’s) going to behave when you take him (her) out for a walk.

    3. Improved Socialization Skills is also a critical benefit of training your dog. This is because your dog will be able to socialize and interact with people and other pets without getting angry or defensive.

    These are just a few benefits of dog training. In fact, dog training merits are extensive. Therefore, take advantage of the National Train Your Dog Month to train your dogs (puppies) if you want them to grow to be adorable and loved members of your household.

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value