Your Pets Count

pet information that caters to your special friend

You are currently browsing the The Pet Product Guru blog archives for July, 2012.

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Archive for July, 2012

So many loving dogs and cats are waiting your adoption and so many people are reluctant to adopt another pet after they they lose one. Most people will say that the new pet can never compare with their previous pet and this is true but the new pet will give you as much love and affection. Each pet is unique in their own way. Each of my cats has a completely different personality but yet I love then the same. My older cat is so attached to me that it’s scary. She is always with me while the younger cat is more independent and a bit jumpy. Both pets give me the same amount of love and affection but in a different way.

So if you’re not adopting a pet because you think that nothing can compare to your previous pet, think again and I urge you to go to your nearest adoption center and consider adopting one of those poor lovable pets that are craving your affection and a good home. Do it today!!!

Remember, your pets count!

 

Leishmaniasis

Sunday, July 29, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

Leishmaniasis is potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite. Dogs can become infected when bitten by an infected sand fly. Sand flies become infected by biting an already infected animal. Signs of canine leishmaniasis include dry skin, dandruff, hair loss around the eyes and muzzle and skin sores especially on the dogs head and legs. Weight loss can be severe. Canine leishmaniansis was recently discovered in hunting packs of fox hounds in the southeastern United States. In areas with infected sand flies, dogs should wear collars with impregnated insecticide.  They should also stay indoors when sand flies are most active from just before sunset until sun up.

Remember, your pets count!

Paw care

Saturday, July 28, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

When you groom your dog, you do more than just make them look pretty. It’s also a good opportunity to check for any health issues that should be addressed by a veterinarian. For example, you should keep a protective eye on her paws. When you groom your dog, carefully check the pads on her feet. Sometimes they could become injured or inflamed, especially if your dog is walking on rough ground or stepped into some kind of irritating chemical. Keep an eye out for painful, broken nails that could become infected. Brittle nails should also prompt you to call a professional because they indicate a fungal infection or a nutritional deficiency. If you notice anything unusual, have it checked by a veterinarian.

Remember, your pets count!

Will a cat get rid of mice?

Friday, July 27, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

What prompted this topic today?  This morning, I got a call from my mom who was very upset because she saw a mouse in her house. She doesn’t have any pets but I suggested that maybe she should adopt a kitten or cat. The problem is, my mom doesn’t want to take care of any pets so I guess she’ll have to deal with the occasional mouse in her house.  Generally the scent of a cat, even one that’s a crummy mouser will keep mice away.  In the past, I lived in an apartment building that got infested with mice. They were everywhere, except in my apartment because I had a cat. All of my neighbors saw mice in their apartments but those litter buggers stayed away from mine. I’m sure that this was no coincidence. My cat’s scent kept them away. I own a mobile home in Delaware. It’s very common to see a mouse in a mobile home but over the past eight years, I never saw one because most of the time, my cats come with me when I go down there.

In the past,, mice and rats have evolved a strong aversion to the smell of cats and other predators; laboratory-bred rodents hundreds of generations removed from the wild will freak out upon catching a mere whiff of cat.

So if you are bothered by mice in your home, consider adopting a cat.  They make wonderful companions and also provide protection from a big, hungry, vicious mouse!

Remember, your pets count!

Do cats mourn the loss of another cat?

Thursday, July 26, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

When one cat dies, owners often notice changes in the behavior of the one that is left behind. They may become lethargic, clingy or stop eating for awhile. They also may walk around meowing for no reason. These signs do suggest that cats do feel the loss of another cat.  Because our pets cannot speak, we base our opinion on their actions.  When a person experiences the death of a human loved one, they tell us how they feel but they also usually become listless, disoriented, lose focus and stop eating.They will also cry or go without sleep. This is a bit similar to our feline friends. Some animals actually become depressed when they lose a loved one says Monique D. Chretien, MSc, AHT, Animal Behavior Consultant.  If the deceased cat was taken to the vet to be euthanized, the one left behind may sit at the window for days anticipating her return.

If your cat shows signs of grieving the loss of her companion, show her more love, affection and attention than ever. Try to get her mind off of the loss by playing with her favorite toy. Sometimes we just have to wait for time to heal. In the meantime, understand what she is going through and be patient.

Remember, your pets count!

Shedding – what can you do?

Wednesday, July 25, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

Having a cat or dog that sheds a lot can be very frustrating. Daily or even twice daily brushing is often the best solution. You choose where the fur goes. When you brush your pet, helpful, moisturizing oils are distributed through his coat. Keeping your pets skin moist is also important.  Keep a humidifier on, give your dog regular baths with a gentle shampoo  and make sure that you pets diet has enough omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids from fish. Keep in mind that shedding is a normal and necessary process but there are also numerous medical conditions with excessive shedding as a symptom. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying health problem.

 

When cats cry

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

If your cat looks like she’s crying, she may not be crying at all. There could be many reasons why she’s tearing up.  You may need to take her to a vet to find out for sure.  If her eyes are suddenly watery, this could be caused by allergies,  an upper respiratory infection,  or even an injury.Persistent watery eyes could indicate an inherited defect or chronic problem such as glaucoma, cataracts or conjunctivitis. So keep an eye on your cats eyes. They should be clear and bright and the whites should not be discolored. If you do notice a problem, take her to the veterinarian for a proper exam.

Remember, your pets count!

Thinking of adopting a cat

Sunday, July 22, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

Every time I stop by a pet adoption area at a mall or in a pet store, my heart goes out to all of those cute, innocent cats who need homes. I encourage you to adopt a cat and give it a good home. They area wonderful pets. Before you make this move, here are some things that the ASPCA suggests that you become familiar with.

  • Like dogs, cats need to be fed nutritious food at least twice a day.
  • Cats do not need and should not be given milk. Make sure that they have clean, fresh water all the time.
  • Do NOT automatically have your cat declawed.  Declawing has been compared to removing your fingernails. Would you like it? To prevent your cat from scratching or tearing your furniture, trim his claws regularly and provide him with a small rug or scratching post. Verbal scolding can also work wonders. If you’re that worried about your furniture DO NOT ADOPT AT CAT!
  • Unlike dogs, cats do not go outside. Cats are naturally housebroken and will use a litter box at an early age.
  • Make sure that your cat always wears identification. It’s a good idea to get him micro-chipped when you take him to the vet.
  • Unlike most dogs, cats DO NOT need to be bathe. A healthy cat keeps himself clean and well groomed.
  • Make sure your cat gets good veterinary care, including all necessary examinations and shots.
  • Have your cat spayed or neutered by a veterinarian or at the ASPCA once the animal reaches maturity (usually after six or seven months of age)
  • Give your cat plenty of love and affection. Though cats are more independent than dogs, they thrive on your companionship.

Remember, your pets count!

 

 

You take your small dog to the park so he could run around and socialize with other dogs but he’s being bullied. What do you do?  Some dogs bully other dogs at a dog park, doggie day care or beach area. As with children, often this bulling takes place in large groups and most of the time it’s the larger dogs bullying the smaller ones.

When you take your dog to the dog park or other areas, watch how he behaves with the other dogs.  You can tell if your dog is being harassed by other dogs if they surround him, gang up on him, jump or growl at him.

Signs of Dog Bullying

A dog that is being bullied is one that:

  • The dog is  always happy around other people and dogs, but very   scared around dogs  that bully him.
  • The dogs toys are taken away.
  • The dog is being attacked, pushed around and blocked by the other dogs
  • In a worst case scenario, the dog is bitten and badly hurt.

You cannot tolerate this behavior!  Find out what’s causing the harassment and try to put a stop to it. Many time the owners of the “bullies” are just plain negligent. Contact a staff member in this case and watch your dog carefully at all times!

Remember, your pets count!

Does your cat sleep with you?

Friday, July 20, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

Cats can become very loyal to their owners and could provide lots of companionship and affection. Some owners including myself let their cats sleep with them. What are some advantages and disadvantages of this?  One advantage is that they provide comfort to their owners. My older cat, Mollie became very attached and wants to be with me all the time. She even sits with me while I write this blog. Sometimes it is not always advantageous to have your cat sleep with you. If you are being intimate with someone, you have to kick the cat out of bed. If the cat has been sleeping with you for a long time, he will wonder why he has to leave.

A cat can also lie in an awkward position making it uncomfortable for it’s owner. Mollie takes up lots of space and does sometimes make my sleep a bit uncomfortable but she’s used to sleeping in my bed so I always allow her. Some cats will scratch or bite if their owners try to move. Mollie doesn’t do that but she very gently touches my face with her claws when she wants me to get up and feed her. I can feel her claws and it’s amazing how gentle she is. Lots of cat owners would not like this. As you could see, I’ve spoiled my cats!

If you suddenly don’t allow your cat to sleep with you after she’s been doing it for a long time, expect your cat to cry, and continually try to get into bed with you. Cats also scratch and meow pitifully if they are suddenly barred from entering their owners’ bedroom.

Make your own decision but stick to it.

Remember, your pets count!