Yards can be a shopping center or candy store for pets. Pets often find materials that will harm them. Sometimes objects are forgotten by good intentioned owners. Other times, pets make their own mischief. It is important to ensure that your yard is secure, well maintained, and free of debris, trash and toxic substances. Creating a pet friendly yard is…
Many of us can’t stay home with our pets all day long, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a happy dog or cat. As with children, quality can help make up for lack of quantity, according to animal behaviorist and CALLING ALL PETS host Patricia “Trisha” McConnell. “What’s really important is what happens before you leave the house and…
Camping is an increasingly popular activity for families and their pets. Many dogs and some cats enjoy traveling with their families. Here are a few tips to help make your pet’s adventure into the great outdoors a success. Research the campground or area that you are planning on visiting. Not all campgrounds accept pets and many wilderness areas have leash…
Cats, unlike dogs, are true carnivores which means they thrive on meat only diets and require no vegetable, grain, or dairy supplementation. Cows milk is not recommended for cats because it can be too rich for their digestive systems. This is because most cats can’t digest milk properly because it contains lactose and most cats are lactose intolerant. The proteins in…
Modern veterinary medicine has seen many technological advances: digital x-ray, color Doppler ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI. There is, however, another great tool that has helped veterinarians and that most people have at their fingertips – their smart phone! The photo and video capability of phones has helped communication between pet owners and their pets’ doctors. Often, it is…
Does your dog have stinky breath? Do your cat’s teeth look brown? In fact, periodontal disease is the most common disease that pets develop. It is estimated that 80 to 85% of dogs and cats have some degree of infection. It is not just a cosmetic problem, chronic infection shortens their life because of effects on other organs, especially the…
Does your favorite feline leave you hairballs as gifts? If so, you’re not alone. Although we love cats for being meticulous groomers, it’s safe to say we don’t like finding hairy presents around the house. Let’s explore what causes hairballs and how to prevent them. What Causes a Hairball? Hairballs are clusters of fur, or hair, that your cat unintentionally…
Do Not Overfeed “Obesity is the most common nutritional disease seen in cats,” says Joe Bartges, DVM, PhD at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine. It is a common bad habit for cat owners to feed their cats too much. Cats only need 24 to 35 calories per pound of body weight each day. This guideline is a…