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  • Great Dane

    Great Dane

    Important information about the Great Dane dog breed

    For anyone looking for a dog breed for companionship and affection, the Great Dane is the best dog. It is the tallest dog breed in the world, with short and thick coats. It has merle or irregular mantle or patches and their coats can be blue, black, or fawn .

    Where they originate from

    The Great Danes originated from ancient Egypt in 3000 B.C. But the dog breed that is found in most households today is the hunting dog that was used in Germany to hunt boars. Later, the breed developed in Europe in the 1800s and 1876. But once they were no longer valuable for their hunting endeavors, the Great Dane has now become a companion pet.

    Are they friendly?

    While Great Danes are intimidating, they have a large and confident stature. This tall dog breed is affectionate and gentle, and can get along with people and other pets. Moreover, they are very protective and are excellent hunting dogs. 

    Is the Great Dane the best dog for you?

    Great Danes mature quickly than other dog breeds. Often, they are at risk of bones and joints problems. And due to this, you should limit the exercises you give to the puppies to avoid stunted growth. However, Great Danes still require regular walks to keep them active and healthy. Avoid too much exercise such as running as it can cause fatal bloating. That said, daily and consistent exercise is enough.

    Grooming needs

    Ear cropping is often done to protect its ears for boars as they hunt. Today, some folks crop the dog’s ear for beauty purposes, but this practice has been banned in most countries. Furthermore, Great Danes don’t require regular breathing. Excessive bathing can strip the dog of its essential body oils. On the other hand, shedding is minimal as compared to other dog breeds.

    Health problems

    Some of the common health problems linked to the dog breed include cancer, bloat, and joint issues. Neutering or spaying can minimize the risk of uterine infections and prostate cancer. As a suggestion, you should feed the dog from an elevated height to reduce the chance of bloating.

    Conclusion

    If you are considering to adopt the Great Dane, consult a vet to help you determine the criteria to use to find a good adoption center. But if you settle for a breeder, get health clearance certificates from the puppy’s previous owners.

    References: Petful, Akc, Dogtime

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Pet Insurance

    Pet Insurance

    Do You Know Hot Pet Health Insurance Works?

    Regardless of how cautious you are with your dog – accidents are unavoidable at some point in time. Sometimes these accidents can be costly and you may have to visit the vet for a surgery. For example, your dog might have swallowed a maize cob or a play toy and require immediate medical attention. How can you keep the medical costs low?

    Consider pet health insurance 

    Most pet owners today face steep veterinary costs. Due to technological advancements for procedures like hip replacements and chemotherapy for dogs, many pet owners are spending thousands of dollars for veterinary services. In fact, routine wellness visits to the vet are upward $200 per year which can be costly.

    That is why pet health insurance comes in handy – to keep these costs manageable. Pet health insurance often comes with a financial risk management tool that can help you determine if you can afford quality health care for your dog.

    Benefits of pet health insurance

     

    Pet health insurance offers many financial benefits as it helps to cut down veterinary fees. Essentially, it gives dog owners some freedom and is less restrictive financially for them. In other words, they don’t need to make vet decisions based on cost.

    More importantly, pet insurance offers protection against any unforeseen medical expenses, and offers them confidence knowing they have sufficient resources if their pet becomes ill or injured.

    • Pet insurance offers owner the ability to take their vets for treatment and this helps before the condition worsen. They don’t have to worry about cost of vet care provided they have pet insurance.
    • Pet insurance allows you to give your pets top-notch care as far as medical treatments are concerned. 
    • Pet insurance keeps your pets healthier, longer with few visits to the vet.

    But obviously, pet insurance packages have some limitations, too. And depending the insurance policy, some conditions might be excluded, including pre-existing conditions and routine treatments such as dental maintenance and parasite management.

    When signing the insurance policy, the insurer might have considered some factors such as the dog’s age, if its mixed or purebred, or where it lives. Also, there are waiting periods, according to vet’s recommendations. Typically, accident insurance usually has a 48-hour wait period before the cover can be used on an illness. Some pet insurance policies can take longer to manifest.

    Conclusion

    As mentioned earlier, pet health insurance is not any different from human health insurance. After selecting an insurance plan for your pet, you have to pay a monthly fee and then pay other deductibles when you take your pets to the vet.

    References: Cesarsway, Healthy paws pet insurance, Pet insurance

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Your 10 year old Cat

    Your 10 year old Cat

    What to do when your cat is 10

    Better cat care requires medical advances to enhance the cat’s lifespan. That includes feeding the cats special dietary meals designed for elderly cats as they enter their senior years. And similar to humans, elderly cats need adjustments when they grow old. It is important to  pay close attention to their diet, activity levels, and grooming routines. Here are ways to ensure your senior cat is living comfortably.

    Regular senior checkups 

    Cats usually become fragile when they age and their health declines if these underlying issues aren’t addressed. Therefore, to ensure your senior cat is healthy, you should visit the vet regularly for checkups. More importantly, visit the vet when you notice a behavioral change and suspect your cat is sick or has a medical complication.

    Make adjustments accordingly

    You can make small adjustments at home to adjust the limitations that affects the cat’s mobility. Here are simple modifications you can make at home;

    • Add small pet steps, stable boxes, short chairs or perches so that your cat can easily access the play areas with ease.
    • Adjust the napping spots and make them spacious and wider to prevent them from falling when napping.
    • Ensure the litter box is easily accessible. Use large, spacious boxes so that your cat has enough space in the litter box.
    • If you have a large home, place litter boxes on each floor so that your cat doesn’t have difficult accessing them.
    • Since some senior cats can lose their eyesight when they age, you can place small night-lights spread in the home to avoid then getting disoriented.
    • Also, senior cats can lose mobility and flexibility, it can become difficult to reach some spots within the home. That said, play close attention to proper grooming to keep the cat looking presentable and healthy.

    Remember to place the food bowls strategically in a place that’s easily accessible. And if there are other felines in your household, ensure you have enough food bowls. You can spice up their food by adding a bit of freeze dried meat.

    Conclusion

    As your cat grows older, you should create play sessions to keep it active and healthy. Always try to play within your cat’s limitations, especially when it grows older. Lastly, check for behavioral changes as this can indicate a health issue.

    References: Catster, Hillspet, Vetstreet

     

  • Pet Halloween Party

    Pet Halloween Party

    Halloween Party Ideas For Your Pet

    If you are shopping for treats and decorations to prepare your dog’s Halloween bash, there are a few ideas you can consider. Party games will definitely keep your dog busy during Halloween. Here are simple party ideas for your furry friend.

    1. ‘’Fido Says’’

    Many dog owners usually use this game to see whether their dog can listen to instructions in a crowd or will it wander to look for a treat. Simply line up all the dogs with their respective owner and ensure everyone has plenty of space. Find out which pets can pay close attention to the game ‘’Fido says’’ by following the directions.

    2. Bobbing for balls or bones 

    Find tennis balls or meaty bones and then toss them inside a tub. Thereafter, allow the dogs to find the bones and ensure you provide them with plenty of space to enjoy their winnings. Anytime your furry friends are together and have sufficient food, ensure each pet has enough space or allow them to share one plate.

    3. Trick & Treat

    Provide all parents with a dog treat and request them to give it to a random dog after it performs a simple trick ( a simple jump or sit will do the trick). This game is best for dogs that are comfortable around strangers. Also have all the dogs in a line as a group and have each of them do a trick to receive a treat.

    4. Obstacle course

     

    Simply create a small agility course in an open space preferably your backyard. Use pipes or ropes to create hurdles and hula hoops. Alternatively, design a dog or kids agility tunnel where your furry friends can run through. More importantly, never try to force the dog to do anything out of the ordinary that can cause stress – its supposed to be fun!

    5. Find the treat

    You can spread dog treats all around your house or backyard. Have all your pets try to sniff them out and reward them. Again, ensure each dog has enough space as they search for the treats.

    Conclusion

    Since the Halloween is usually busy filled with treats and decorations, your dog can accidentally ingest something poisonous like candy or chocolate. If this happens, visit the vet immediately to receive treatment.

     

    References: Barkpost, Akc, Petcentral

     

     

  • Doberman Pinscher

    Doberman Pinscher

    Facts About The Doberman Pinschers

    Dobermans are affectionate and energetic dogs that make excellent pets. They are reliable service animals as well. These muscular and compact size dogs boast of high speed and endurance. Also, they have a regal and elegant appearance. Tail docking and ear cropping is common for this dog breed but these practices have now been banned.

    1. Where do they originate from

    Doberman Pinschers were first discovered in the early 19th century. The first Doberman Pinscher first appeared in a dog show in 1876. Thereafter, the AKC or American Kennel Club later recognized this breed in the year 1908.

    2. Are they friendly?

    Doberman Pinschers are affectionate, intelligent, loyal with exceptional stamina and strength. They are quite easy to train. However, these dogs require leadership and should be properly socialized before they are allowed to interact with children. Young Doberman are friendly and playful with kids. 

    They also do well as therapy dogs. They prefer close companionship with people and are sensitive to the cold climate, hence shouldn’t be allowed to stay outside in winter.

    3. Their temperament

    Generally, Dobermans are described as aggressive or dangerous. And though dominance often varies depending on the breed, viciousness is often a product of socialization and proper training. Similar to the bull terrier, Dobermans are easy to socialize or train to become great family pets or companion animals.

    4. Is a Doberman the right dog breed for you?

    Dobermans are very energetic and require daily exercise to expel pent up energy. So, you should take your dog on short jogs or long walks, and provide proper training regularly. As far as grooming is concerned, Dobermans usually shed minimal hair as compared to other dogs. Brushing their coat once a week will do the trick. Also remember to clean their ears and teeth as well.

    5. Can you adopt a Doberman?

    Are you considering adopting a Doberman as a pet? Well, there are many helpful adoption resources online that can guide you on where you can get a healthy dog. Research local shelters that deal with pure bred dogs and avoid puppy mills. As a suggestion, consult a vet for recommendations on where you can adopt a Doberman.

    Conclusion

    If your Doberman is sick or injured, it is advisable to visit the vet immediately to receive proper treatment. Lastly, take your Doberman to the vet once in a while for check-up.

     

    References:Petful, Dogtime, Akc

  • Cat Diabetes

    Cat Diabetes

    Diabetes in Cats – How To Identify The Symptoms And Treatment Options

    Diabetes is a common problem that affects most cats. It often occurs when the cats has insulin defeciency, which means the blood glucose levels aren’t properly stabilized. Cats normally suffer from the two main types of diabetes. Essentially, cats that suffer from type one diabetes are unable to create enough insulin while those with type two diabetes can make enough insulin but secretion is weakened.

    What felines are more at risk of diabetes?

    While this condition can occur unannounced at any age, it normally affects middle-aged felines and these are cats that are between 7-9 years old. Studies show that males are more vulnerable to get affected. Another common risk factor is obesity and this is seen in Burmese cats.

    Symptoms to check out for

    Some of the common symptoms of diabetes in cats are weight loss, increased appetite, excessive urination and increased thirst. Most owners often complain that despite eating healthy meals, their cat still experiences weight loss. Others complain of more urine clamps in the litter box. Wobbliness or impaired walking ability by the rear legs is also a common symptom of diabetes in cats.

    Treatment options to consider

    Treatment often aims to address the aforementioned clinical signs. Low-acting medications that treat diabetes for human are also used in cats. Complete diabetic remission is achieved through medications that stabilize blood glucose levels. And fast recovery often depends on the cat’s regular diet, type of diabetic medication, and how properly the low blood sugar is stabilized.

    Diet forms an essential aspect of treatment. In fact, numerous studies now show that feeding your cat a high-protein diet is preferable. Also consider canned low-carbohydrate diets over dry meals when feeding your cat. You can get feed recommendations from your vet or simply conduct internet search on the best foods to feed your cat to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes.

    There are efficient veterinary and human insulin preparations available and they work extremely well. What’s more, monitoring the cat’s glucose levels regularly is important to offer long-term diagnosis of diabetes. But for cats that don’t get complete remission, resolving the clinical symptoms always remains the main goal. Therefore, cat owners are advised to monitors signs of excessive urination and frequent peeing when their cat is on diabetes medication.

    Conclusion

    If you suspect your cat has diabetes, you should visit the vet to receive appropriate treatment. This is important to prevent the condition from worsening.

    References: Catster, Pets.webmd, Catvettucson

    Copyright: Local Value

     

  • Spay or Neuter

    Spay or Neuter

    Spaying or Neutering: Is it healthy?

    Spaying or neutering is a medical procedure where your cat is rendered sterile. Male cats are usually sterilized through a process known as neutering. However, when females undergo a similar procedure, it is referred to as spaying.

    Prevent the onset of diseases

    Spaying a female cat before going into heat can help to reduce the risk of both ovarian and cervical cancer. Spaying removes the ovaries and this controls the hormones responsible for the development of cancerous lumps. Therefore, spaying reduces the risks of mammary cancer, too.

    Remember that some diseases can be transmitted when cats mate. For example, feline Aids and feline leukemia are common disease that can be easily spread through small bites by infected cats when they scratch other cats. By reducing the cat’s natural urge to protect its territory over mates, you also minimize their chance of contracting some of the common incurable diseases.

    Prevents fights

    Unneutered cats are naturally driven to look for mating partners and will defend their territory fiercely against any potential intruder. That means two unneutered cats living in one household can be disastrous to say the least. Unnecessary fights are likely to happen more often, especially if they spot a female feline nearby. Neutering cats hence minimize their aggressive behavior.

    Prevent roaming 

    Female cats on heat usually have an incessant urge to look for a mating partner. The cat will always escape fast enough when the door is open in the hopes of finding a partner. On the other hand, males also have a powerful mating instinct and will escape to look for a mate as well.

    Cleaner home

    Often, male cats will spray urine on surfaces to stamp their authority and mark their territory. Unneutered male cats usually emit a pungent order to alert other male cats of their presence. However, unneutered cat urine has a strong smell and this can be intolerable indoors.

    How to feed your cat after neutering

    Cats often gain weight after neutering, so you should keep your furry friend active throughout the day. Overall, there are many benefits of spaying or neutering a cat. In fact, this is the best way to ensure your cat has an optimal weight.

    Conclusion

    While this procedure can be scary for most people, spaying or neutering can be done by a vet. So, you should visit the vet if you are considering having your furry friend neutered.

    References: Hillspet, Webmd, Aspca

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Cat’s and water

    Cat’s and water

    7 Ways To Ensure Your Cat Drinks Enough Water

    Meta description: Is your furry friend drinking enough water? Learn how to ensure your cat drinks enough water and other informative tips.

    How can you tell when your cat isn’t drinking enough water? Cats are self-sufficient and most of the time we assume that they know how to stay healthy but this is not always the case. It is therefore important to ensure your cat drinks enough water to prevent dehydration. Here are simple ways on how to ensure your cat has enough water to drink.

    1. Put small ice cubes in the cat’s food

    Ice cubes help to add moisture on the cat’s food. In fact, this is the safest way to prevent dehydration by ensuring the cat has enough water to drink. Some cats enjoy drinking ice-cold water, as most humans do.

    2. Switch to wet-food diets 

    Vets recommend feeding your cat canned food as it contains more moisture. This is an effective way to prevent dehydration. But if the cat doesn’t enjoy eating wet food, simply add some water to the food and check if it will eat that. When your cat eats canned food, add broth or water to make it wetter. Most cats like the soupy texture this creates. 

    3. Keep the water bowl away from the litter box

    Your cat might avoid drinking water due to the location of the litter bowl. So, you should place the water bowl a distance away from the water bowl. 

    4. Place enough water bowls throughout the home

    Put multiple water bowls throughout the home to make it easier for your cat to drink. A cat having problems of drinking might have difficulty accessing the water bowls in question. As a suggestion, you can try placing drinking glasses around the home to entice the cat to drink more water.

    5. Use the water faucet

    Some cats might be attracted to running tap and this allows them to drink more water! Turning on the faucet is a fun game for your cat and this might solve the problem of not drinking enough water. Run the faucet several times a day and build a routine. Overtime, this will help your cat to drink more water.

    6. Add flavor to the drinking water

    Flavored water works amazingly well for cats that have trouble drinking water. Try to flavor the water by adding chicken broth or tuna juice.

    7. Invest in cat fountains

    While it may take quite some time to get used to it, most cats enjoy drinking water from a fountain. What’s more, fountains are attractive and will make drinking water interesting for your cat.

    Conclusion

    If you notice your cat is dehydrated and completely avoids drinking water, it is important to visit the vet immediately to get proper diagnosis.

     

    References: Catster, Hillspet, Webmd

    Copyright: Local Value