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  • Pet Grooming Essentials: Keeping him in Tip-Top Health

    Pet Grooming Essentials: Keeping him in Tip-Top Health

    Most pet owners with animals that require regular grooming – especially the hairy ones – tend to assume that grooming their canine friend implies a cute hairdo at the end of summer. And this couldn’t be any further from the truth. 

    Here’s what proper and regular grooming entails:

    1. Keeping the Face and Eyes Area Clean 

    A dog’s eyes, just like the nose, will naturally secrete an amount of discharge depending on a variety of factors, such as the breed of the dog and its health condition. Therefore, don’t be surprised to find collections of ‘eye goop’ at the corner of your poodle’s eyes especially after a heavy nap. That also means that the nasal and ocular folds of brachycephalic breeds – these are animals that require constant grooming – ought to be kept clean and hair free to minimize chances of infection that results from discharge build up. In fact, if you’re not careful, accumulation of this eye goop combined by the matting fur could result in the facial skin just around the eyes become infected and inflamed. 

    2. Keeping Sensitive Areas Clean 

    Just like how fur can mat the areas around the face and mouth of your pet and cause infections, the same could also happen when matted fur mixed with feces covers the anal opening of the dog. And if swift action is not taken, this could easily result in constipation or difficulty in passing waste from his body. Make it a daily habit of getting rid of the mixture of old stool and matted far from your dog’s anus, if you have a very furry barking friend. The same applies to the area underneath the armpits, behind his ears, around and in his feet, the toes area and the pads. If anything, it is quite possible for a dog’s or cat’s feet to become sore and inflamed if his own matted fur got stuck in between his toes for an extended period. 

    3. Incorporating Antibiotics 

    If the situation has deteriorated badly, then it would be proper to make use of antibiotics and disinfectants to get rid of the macerated skin and matted fur to avoid risking further infection. Additionally, it might be likely that the animal at a risk of contracting systemic illnesses as a result of lack of proper and regular grooming especially if he is already debilitated or older. Making use of antibiotics and disinfectants could do an excellent job in staving this off. 

    SOURCES:  Wahl, Best Friends, Cesars Way
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • How Choke Collars Can Do Some Real Damage to Your Canine Friend

    How Choke Collars Can Do Some Real Damage to Your Canine Friend

    A majority of dog owners are under this misconstrued misconception that choke collars are beneficial to their barking buddies. In fact, the first thing that a new dog owner does upon acquisition of a new pet is to buy a choke collar for restraining the animal. But it turns out that choke collars actually represent an unseen danger that lurks behind a seemingly harmless leash. Here is a quick primer to that. 

    1. It’s Physically Painful 

    Attaching a tight leash ( or even a loose one that is poorly constructed ) causes an unimaginable pain to your pet friend is he were to accidentally lunge forward and blast his neck at the end of the leash. One of the reasons here is because a dog’s neck, unlike a human’s is quite delicate and more vulnerable to injurious tension. For example, the thyroid gland in a dog is located in the frontal part of the neck just below the larynx. This is also where a choke collar applies undue pressure when he is tugged on suddenly. If anything, just one incident of thrusting this collar an inhumane and sudden way can cause your dog a sharp tinge of pain that could last for weeks on end. 

    The neck injuries that your dog could sustain from a choke collar can also deteriorate to something as severe as the destruction of the animal’s thyroid cells. Which, as a consequence, will usually lead to the deficit of the naturally produced thyroid hormone. This result is perennial skin problems, unexplained hair loss, a lot of weight gain and low energy levels. 

    2. Could Result to Long Lasting Neck Injuries 

    A classical example of this laryngeal paralysis that is primarily caused by excessive pulling and tugging on a collar, particularly when this becomes a habit. In this case, the immediate lunging on a choke collar damages the very-important laryngeal nerve which is one of the longest nerves in a canine’s body. And anything that compresses or applies injurious pressure on this nerve can alter and damage how the larynx works normally. This is also another good reason to substitute that regular choke collar with a suitable premium no-pull harness. 

    3. Behavioral Problems 

    Just as you would guess, an uncomfortable and irritated dog is an angry canine and a lousy playmate. Since a leash or a choke collar can gradually cause your dog a lot of discomfort, pain, and disease, it is also safe to assume that the same collar will make him an unhappy dog. No wonder some of the most vicious and unfriendly dogs are those that are perpetually on a tight leash. 

    SOURCES: Dog Mantics, Pet Safe
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Pet Safety: Top This Labor Day Weekend Tips

    Pet Safety: Top This Labor Day Weekend Tips

    This Labor Day Weekend will be a wonderful time, but it can be stressful and sometimes even dangerous for pets. Here are answers to 5 questions that will help you and your pet have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.

    How can I keep guests from sneaking food to my pets? 

    Be direct and ask them not to give any human food. Explain that as tasty as it is for humans it can cause severe problems for your animal. If you feel that this request will not effect, then play it safe rather than sorry, and put secure your pets away from the area where guest will be.

    Which foods are most harmful?

    Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, macadamia nuts, candy, sugar, and foods with high salt content can all be deadly. Consult with us about foods that are particularly hazardous to your animal, and then be vigilant about leaving any of these foods out even for a moment.

    What kinds of plants can cause problems during the Labor Day Weekend?

    Steer clear of poinsettias, holly, lilies, and mistletoe. Pine needles have the potential to puncture the intestines when swallowed. So as much as these plants symbolize the holidays for many of us, your pet’s safety should come first.

    How should we handle all of the extra cords?

    You can tape them down, run them behind furniture, or put them under a rug. Running wires through inexpensive plastic tubing that can be bought from the hardware store is also a great way to limit access to pets and young children.

    What’s the best way to stabilize the tree?

    Build a wooden box on which to place the tree. Use a tree holder that has flat feet. Put a bolt on each foot of the tree holder and screw it down on both sides of each of the feet.

    This will prevent the tree from tipping if Chance (dog) pulls on it, Fluffy (cat) jumps on it, or Rio (bird) sits on it. Anchoring from the ceiling is also possible, but for those who are mechanically challenged this may not be an option.

    Being vigilant about what kinds of products you bring into your is the best way to keep your pets safe.

    The Labor Day Weekend is stressful for people, and for pets as well.

    Make sure that you carve out plenty of time to spend with your pet. And regardless of what you celebrate, sharing the love is what it’s all about. 

    SOURCE: Huffington Post, Vet Street

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Do Cats Love Their Owners Less? Debunking the Myth

    Do Cats Love Their Owners Less? Debunking the Myth

    Ask anyone who owns both a feline and a canine buddy, and they will readily confess that at one point they felt that their dog loves or ‘adores’ more compared to the more docile cat. There’s no use refuting that our barking buddies can be somewhat boisterous, outgoing, animated or even exuberant. So, in direct comparison to the soft-pawed furry companions, it is easy to assume that our cats love us less than our dogs. So much that you might even be tempted to think that your cat does not enjoy your presence. But is this the truth? Well, let’s see. 

    Of Cats and Separation Anxiety

    According to leading animal behavior researchers and analysts, cats will rarely display the same kind of behavioral attachment and separation anxiety that is synonymous to man’s most faithful buddy. There are several psychological and evolutionary reasons for this. 

    Solitary Hunters

    Well, for starters, cats are predominantly solitary hunters. Save for the African lions; most wild cats will rarely hunt in groups, pride or packs. They will stalk, pursue, chase and pounce on their prey without necessarily relying on external aid. Dogs, on the other side of the spectrum, rely on collaborative hunting to survive. Which explains why wolves, wild dogs, foxes and the African jackal all hunt in packs and not individually. In this light of this alone, it is easy to see why your barking buddy would seem more ‘attached’ to the special bond between both of you that your feline friend. In other words, cats are naturally more or less independent of human existence. 

    Domesticated Earlier

    Secondly, dogs were historically domesticated earlier than cats. That implies that they have been around human homesteads and our household settings longer than cats. And over the centuries, they have apparently gotten used to human mannerisms, behavior, and expectations. Think of it this way; your old high school pal would feel more attached, close, and at ease around you than a recent graduate college colleague. Right? And it doesn’t take much to see it’s because they have known you for longer, and consequently better. 

    In Closing 

    Cats, as well as dogs, do form affectionate and social bonds with their owners. It is only that cats don’t display a strong and evident social bond. But that doesn’t mean that it is not there. So, regardless of what you read online, don’t ever doubt your furry friend’s love for you!

  • 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

  • World Cat Day

    World Cat Day

    Truth be told, no one doesn’t love a fur ball that is a cute kitty. And August 8th this year has been set aside as the International Cat day or the official World Cat Day by the IFAW ( the International Fund for Animal Welfare ). It is co-ordinated by all animal welfare establishments from around the world, the goal here is to promote the awareness of the needs of cats around the globe. For the cat owner, this marks a special day to celebrate all things kitty and catty!

    Here are some fun things to do on this day.

    1. Read up on Fun Facts and the History of Man’s Oldest Companion

    Ask any cat lover, and they will gladly confirm to you that to them, every day is a cat day. Felines are not only docile and agreeable but also gorgeous and angelic. And it is rumored that unlike other domestic pets, such as dogs and horses, cats actually domesticated themselves. Yes, you heard that right. Cats become man’s best companion all by themselves.

    Take 30 minutes on August 8th, 2017 to educate yourself on some of these and many more interesting facts revolving around your kitty’s world. For example, do you know that there are over 70 species/breeds of domestic cats in the globe? This only means one thing; Cats have been greatly valued over the years for their superb vermin extermination skills and irreplaceable companionship. Speaking of companionship, cats are such good buddies that even spinsters and widows are highly stereotyped to keep hundreds of this for their unequaled quality company. Most people don’t also know this, but cats were worshiped in Ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphs of various cat paintings can still be seen even today in Cairo.

    2. Time to Visit the Vet

    It is surprising how some cat owners rarely pay any attention to the various facets of their cat’s well beingness. When was the last time you took cute kitty for a comprehensive dental checkup, for instance? Are they spayed and neutered? How about heartworm and mites infestation? These are just some of the sensitive details regarding your cat’s health that you may want to look into this coming August.

    3. Finally, Let’s Spread some Kitty Love

    August is the furry season! There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be littering your social media timeline with cute pictures of your favorite pet to encourage sensitization of the dangers facing cats globally. Let’s spread the love in this year’s World Cat Day!

    Sources: Cute Calendar, IB Times
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • How to Make your Garden Dog-friendly

    How to Make your Garden Dog-friendly

    Look around. Roses are blooming, oaks are budding, and finally, days are now longer than nights. This means a couple of things; among them, we can now take our barking buddies out for longer and more frequently. Besides, this is also that time of the year when you can renew the foliage in your backyard, especially if you’re thinking along the lines of the flowers and plants you’d love to have in it. There couldn’t be a better time to start a nursery than this coming few weeks. And the good news is that now your four-pawed furry mate can join you. Having said that, here are a few tips on how you can make your backyard dog-friendly.

    Weed Out any Potentially Injurious Plants

    As much as plants and flowers might seem beautiful and eye-catching, a few of them can be toxic to dogs. These include plants that have tend to have sharp thorns or lots of intricate spines on them – to avoid any piercing or accidental eye injuries.

    Craft an Area Border

    Typically, chances are you have a few places that you’d want your dogs staying out of; these are places like rocks, driftwoods or aquatic pools. It is advisable to construct appealing borders around such places to reduce the chances of your pet wandering off to such off-limits areas.

    Designate a Specified Toilet Area

    Not only will a designated bathroom area simplify your daily or weekly yard cleanup regimen, but it is also an excellent way of enforcing discipline and good behavior in your furry buddy. What’s more, it also spares your well-manicured lawn from ‘burns’ from urine. Furthermore, this kind of training can be done with all dogs except the very young puppies. Speaking of which, it helps to bear in mind that some dogs are generally fast-learners than others. There’s no specific timeline when your pet should learn this kind of bathroom mannerism. Nonetheless, with a little consistency and patience, he can learn it sooner rather than later.

    Designate a Place he Can Dig Occasionally

    Instinctually, most dogs like to dig. It is not surprising that any dog owner with a backyard can attest to the havoc that their barking buddy may have caused in their garden at some point. However, it is easier to redirect these tendency than to try to stop it altogether. You can do this by setting apart a section of your garden for Tommy or Furry to dig whenever the digging bug bites him. SOURCES:

    SOURCES: Telegraph, Sunset

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value