Your Cat Can Become Upset if You do this to him.

By Admin On October 18, 2022 In Grooming

What Causes Cats to Get Sad?

Cats are among the most widely-owned pets in the world. This is due to the fact that they require less upkeep than dogs and other animals while still being cute, lively, humorous, and curios. However, cats are really odd, and each cat has a list of things they enjoy and don't like. Here are six things that they typically detest.

Road Trips

Just like us, cats have routines. They have their own area, routines, and are extremely resistant to change. In addition, the thought of a moving vehicle confuses and distresses them. Cats do not like cars, though, for one valid reason in particular. Because of their nervousness, they frequently get car sick and throw up.

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Baths

Cats are said to detest being wet in an old wives' tale. First off, cats do not require bathing because they are adept at grooming themselves, unlike humans and dogs. However, there are some breeds who adore moist materials, such as huge cats. A typical home cat will typically try to stay away from water.

belly rubs

One characteristic that sets cats apart from dogs is the former's abhorrence of belly rubs. Cats have incredibly strong instincts, and their stomachs are the most delicate parts of their bodies. When a cat is petted on the belly, the cat will react defensively and may try to bite the person's hand with its four paws extended. It is advised to refrain from touching the cat's stomach because the cat's response is a reflex that occurs naturally.

Loud Sounds

A cat's fight reflex is triggered when it hears a loud noise because it believes danger is on the way. Cats typically flee when they detect excitement, such as loud parties, fireworks, and car horns. A cat can occasionally be startled by a simple sneeze.

Being Assailed

Cats who were taught to tolerate brushes when they were young are tolerant of them. A cat will resist and attempt to escape if someone approaches it without a brush. Cats can be very fickle, and they will often express their preferences for or against being brushed.

Unreasonable Petting

Cats may like to present themselves as tough predators, but on the inside, cats are very warm and loving. Your cat may become irritated and swat you with its paws or claws if you pet it too vigorously. Additionally, this will overstimulate their cat's companion and set off its fight reflex.

Far Too Much Focus

Cats only want limited attention, however dogs always enjoy receiving it from their owners. Cats are unable to tolerate being constantly petted, carried around, or followed around. Cats will repeatedly meow and rub up to their owner's leg to get their attention. It's unnecessary to push this.

5 Proven Ways to Show Your Dog You're The Boss

By Admin On August 08, 2022 In Dogs

You Have to Be The Alpha Dog

Let's start with a definition of "pack mentality." Dogs are born into packs, which are the most important social organization in the wild. Dogs sort out their social order by dominance and power, unlike humans, who use a variety of political methods to select leadership and position. There is a Top Dog in every wolf pack - an obvious leader who is the dominating, Alpha male. He's the Big Dog, with first place at the meal table (if wolves had dinner tables! ), first in mating, and first in pack decision making.

Whether you realize it or not, your dog considers your family to be his personal wolf pack. The pack mentality is so ingrained in your dog's mind that depending on your behavior, he will regard you as either a leader or a follower. You must establish that you are the leader and he is the follower if you want a well-trained dog. Your dog must understand that you are the Alpha Dog, the Head Honcho, the Big Dog, the Top Dog - call it whatever you want, but your dog must understand that you are in command.

In one way, dogs are similar to toddlers in that they want someone else to be the leader; they want rules and regulations because it clarifies and understands their function in the pack. It's difficult to be the leader; if you're not up to it, your dog may step in - because someone needs to be in control!

If this has occurred in your household, you must reclaim your status as the Top Dog, or "Leader of the Pack." But here's the thing: being the leader of the pack has nothing to do with harsh punishment. It all comes down to consistency and setting boundaries.

A simple rule to remember (and one that many people forget) is that you are the leader, not your dog.

1. You Enter Through The Front Door First

Even anything as simple as who steps in first can reaffirm your role as "dominant dog." Leaders take the initiative. Followers will follow. Allowing your dog to charge in the door ahead of you signals to him that he has power over you. Put your dog on a leash and be the first person through the door.

2. You Eat First, Then Your Dog

In your house, who gets fed first, you or your dog? The leader of a wolf pack eats first, and then the rest of the pack can eat. Do you feed your dog first because he bothers you while you're cooking and it's just more convenient to have him quiet and out of the way while you eat?

Food is a potent motivation that may be utilized to plainly show who rules the roost in your home. In no way, shape, or form am I advocating withholding food from your dog - it is cruel and unusual punishment in any case. What I mean is that you should manage the timing of the food - you should eat first, followed by your dog once you've finished your meal.

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3. Do Not Walk Next to Your Dog

Is your dog laying on the floor, expecting you to walk around him? In the wild, dominant canines lie wherever they want, while dogs lower in the social hierarchy move around to avoid disturbing the Big Dog. If you stroll around your dog, he will interpret this as a show of submission on your side, implying that he, not you, is the leader.

Make your dog move if he is resting in the center of the hallway or directly in front of your easy chair. Make him move if you want to lie down on the couch. Do not step on him. Simply nudge him and move him out of your way. Remember, you're the Big Dog?

4. You decide when your dog receives attention.

Even requesting attaention or affection might be interpreted as an act of dominance by your dog. Dogs who want attention are asserting dominance, so ignore him if he becomes pushy. Ask him to sit first when you're ready to give him attention, affection, a pet, or play with him.

Don't chase him down just to pet him. Make him come to you when you want to pay attention to him or play with him. And when you play with a toy, make sure you have ownership of it and then put it away when you're finished. (I'm not referring to his favorite toys that you leave in his crate; rather, I'm referring to play toys that the two of you use for games.)

5. Do Not Allow Your Dog To Sleep In Your Bed.

This is a difficult one for many people, but allowing your dog to share your bed at best makes him an equal to you. He should have his own bed, either a dog pad or his crate, that he is comfortable in - you may even put the dog pad next to your bed if that makes both of you happy - but don't let him take over the sleeping arrangements. He'll have you sleeping on the floor before you know it!

Again, severe discipline has nothing to do with reinforcing or retraining your dog to identify you as the Head Honcho. These are some changes you can make to influence how your dog perceives you. Even tiny modifications like these can have a huge impact on how your dog perceives the social hierarchy in your home - all without saying a harsh word!

Why You Should Take Care of Your Pet's Teeth

By Admin On August 07, 2022 In Grooming

INTRODUCTION:

According to one research, dental disease affects over 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three. Toxin absorption into the bloodstream, which causes sickness, is always increased when dental health is compromised. Complete dental care is essential not just for your pet's oral cleanliness, but also for its general health and well-being. Maintaining proper dental hygiene will help your pet avoid discomfort, tooth loss, and secondary health concerns caused by bacterial infections, such as heart, liver, and kidney disorders.

We've compiled a list of some of the most significant reasons why you should take care of your pet's teeth:

Oral hygiene can aid in the elimination of foul breath.

We all adore our cherished animal buddy, but what about the heavy breathing odor? A mild breath odor is normal, but a strong mouth odor indicates a serious dental ailment. Regular dental cleanings and brushing can expel bacterial development in your pet's oral cavity and successfully reduce foul breath.

Dental illness can have serious consequences.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as dental disease in humans, is the most serious oral health problem in dogs. It is essentially an infection of the tissues that hold your pet's teeth, caused by plaque build-up on teeth and gums as a result of improper cleaning and flossing procedures. If not addressed promptly, it can cause bleeding gums, discomfort when eating, and tooth loss.

Regular dental examinations might help you save money.

Our home dogs have inherited the ability to conceal pain and other symptoms of sickness. Anatomically, more than half of your pet's tooth structure is hidden behind the gum line, making any dental ailment impossible to detect until thoroughly checked. Some pet owners do not want to spend money on preventative procedures when they do not see any illness, not realizing that their pet may have to suffer with pain and other dental illnesses, costing them more money in vet bills if they do not take their pet for dental check-ups on a regular basis, even if everything appears to be fine on the outside.

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Avoid unpleasant circumstances.

Pets experience the same amount of agony as we do when we have a tooth problem. Worryingly, the pets do not understand why they are in pain. As a result, if you can take care of your pet's dental health, you can keep them from experiencing excruciating discomfort.

Keep serious diseases at bay.

Pets handle their pain and disease expertly. You will not be aware of their dental problem until it has spread throughout his mouth cavity, inflicting further harm and agony. Taking your pet in for frequent dental exams will help you spot any oral illness early on, before it becomes difficult to treat.

There will be no teeth falling out.

Other than chewing food, pets use their teeth for a variety of other tasks on a regular basis, such as carrying or picking up things, playing games, and so on. A small oral condition can evolve to serious periodontal disease, which may result in tooth loss, if your pet does not receive regular dental treatment. The vacant area in the mouth cavity may become a permanent habitat for numerous microorganisms that cause various sorts of oral disorders. This might substantially impair your dog's food intake as well as other tasks he used to perform using his teeth.

Weight loss might be caused by dental problems.

With ongoing dental disease, your pet's food intake may be greatly decreased, or he may entirely forsake eating since it is exceedingly uncomfortable for him to chew. This quickly leads to weight loss and, in many cases, a damaged immune system since they are unable to meet their daily nutritional requirements with minimal or no food consumption. A weaker immune system makes your pet more susceptible to various ailments.

Your pet may develop a proclivity for jaw fractures.

Our dogs are more prone to acquire abnormal dental diseases such as abscessed teeth or periodontal disease if they do not receive regular dental treatment. Such ailments eventually weaken and fracture our dogs' jawbones. Even simple actions like eating gritty kibble or leaping from a table might cause a jaw fracture.

Extractions are avoided with regular dental care.

Severe periodontal disease damages the bones that serve as the supporting framework of the teeth. When bone and gum tissue are gone, the sick tooth cannot be healed, and tooth extraction is the only option. Brushing your pet's teeth on a daily basis, as well as frequent visits to your pet's dentist, can prevent a dental infection from progressing to the point where extraction is required.

Poor oral health has an impact on the entire body.

Oral sickness can not just harm your pet's teeth or oral cavity; it may also harm your pet's general health. Bacteria and other germs enter the circulation after infecting your pet's teeth and gum tissues, and spread throughout the body, causing harm to vital organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys.

Conclusion

Finally, keeping appropriate dental hygiene and taking your pet for an oral examination on a regular basis is the key to preventing significant sickness in your pet. Discuss with your veterinarian and devise a treatment plan to reduce the chance of oral illness and provide your pet with a high quality of life for as long as possible.

Feeding and Caring for Orphaned Kittens

By Admin On August 01, 2022 In Grooming

How to Feed and Care for Orphaned Kittens

I've raised nine orphaned kittens over the previous 15 years. Four of them were two weeks old when their mother was slain; three others were just hours old when their mother died; and two more kittens were only a day old when they fell out of the nest in our barn.

Raising motherless kittens is not difficult, but it does need patience, time, and a lot of love.

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Here are some pointers to assist you in raising orphaned kittens:

1. Build a nest.

A mother cat normally spends several hours a day in the nest with her kittens, which keeps her offspring warm. It's critical to keep the kittens warm because if they're not warm enough, they won't want to eat and, in fact, all of their basic processes will slow down.

To assist your orphaned kittens conserve body heat, construct a nest in a small box and line it with towels or old t-shirts or sweaters. Cover the box with a cloth to keep the light out. Female cats like dark-colored nests. To keep the kittens warm if you don't have a heat lamp, use a modest 40-watt desk light several feet above the box.

If the box is large enough, you may also keep the infants warm using a jug or similar large container filled with hot water. Insert the jug inside the box and create a nest with towels beside it. When the jug has cooled, refill it. A quart jar may also be used as a "hot water bottle," although it cools down rapidly.

2. Feed the kittens using an eyedropper or a syringe.

I realized the first time I reared orphaned kittens that the little nursing bottles supplied at vet clinics were too large. The kittens' lips couldn't fit around the nipples. So, at first, I used an eyedropper on newborn kittens. As the kittens grew older, a syringe, the sort used for injections (without the needle, of course! ), worked really well. I started with a 3 cc syringe and graduated to larger syringes as the kittens became larger. My kittens soon sucked hard enough on the end of the syringe to bring the plunger down on their own, and the tip of the syringe is approximately the size of a cat's nipple.Check with your vet clinic to see if they have any old syringes or if you can get new syringes from them.

A word of caution: Whether you're using an eyedropper or a syringe, just deliver a few drops at a time. My veterinarian warned me that if I gave the kittens too much formula at once (more than they could consume), they may inhale it. Inhaling formula increases your kittens' susceptibility to pneumonia.

Along the road, I've realized that feeding the kittens as much as they want to eat is best. If they are receiving enough to eat, they will calm down and sleep until the next meal. Tiny kittens will begin by taking one CC at a time. They will consume around 12 CCs at a time as they grow (usually in several different helpings).

Kittens rapidly learn that food comes from the syringe in your hand. If you're having problems getting them to take the formula from the syringe, let them a few seconds to nuzzle in your palm or suck on your fingers. Then insert the syringe and let them to suck on it while gently pressing the plunger down.

3. Give the kittens KMR or cat formula that you made yourself.

KMR, or canned cat milk replacer, is available in either premixed or dry form at most vet clinics. It is specially designed for kitties and has all of the nutrients they require. Follow the label's instructions. Body weight determines the quantity to feed. My newborn kittens weighed three ounces apiece, and they only need half an eyedropper of KMR at a time for the first several days.

My veterinarian also provided me with a recipe for "kitten formula." This is what I fed all of my kittens after the first can of KMR.

Here is the Kitten Formula recipe.

1 quart whole milk

1 tbsp. white corn syrup

1 yolk of an egg

a dash of salt

In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and blend well ahead of time to allow the bubbles to disappear.

Warm gently over medium heat. Warm the formula until it is slightly warm to the touch. My kittens all refused to drink the formula whether it was too cold or too hot. The same may be said about KMR.

4. Feed your kittens three times a day on a regular basis.

Every couple of hours, mother cats breastfeed their babies. The veterinarian I contacted advised me not to feed them so frequently. "They won't eat properly, and you'll be irritated, and they'll be frustrated, and it'll be worse on everyone," he explained. He was correct. It worked out extremely nicely to feed the kittens three times each day.

5. Use a warm, damp towel to groom your kittens and assist them in emptying their bladders and intestines.

Because young kittens are unable to empty their bladders or move their bowels, you will need to assist them. Wipe beneath their tails with a warm, moist washcloth until they have emptied their bladders and/or evacuated their bowels. Prepare to use up to four washcloths for each cat. You won't need as many if they merely need to empty their bladders.Look out if they need to empty their bowels; things might become nasty! Smaller washcloths, which you can wring out with one hand while holding a wiggling cat in the other, work best. I placed the washcloths in a bucket of warm water and placed the pail in a readily accessible location.

Young kittens do not know how to groom themselves, and after a few days of ingesting kitten formula, their chins get sticky from the formula that unavoidably dribbles down their chins. Wipe off the formula with a warm, wet washcloth on occasion, but be cautious not to get the kittens TOO wet or they may struggle to remain warm.

6. When they are four weeks old, provide a litter pan.

Cats have a strong tendency to scratch about in material when they need to empty their bladders and move their intestines. By four weeks old, the kittens will be thinking in this way, and supplying them with a litter pan will assist them acquire the notion. You may need to help them with a washcloth for a bit, but it won't be long before they're using the litter pan on their own.

To begin, kitty litter in an aluminum pie dish works great. As the kittens develop, use a larger litter box container.

7. Begin providing solid food to the kittens when they are around six weeks old.

Kittens reared by their mothers will likely begin eating sooner than six weeks, but you will be able to supply more milk than their moms would.

You may start feeding your kittens solid food after they have developed teeth. If you want to provide dry food, a high-quality kitten chow will suffice. Kitten food contains all of the minerals and protein that kittens require to develop. Kitten chow is also available in kitten-bite-sized bits. You may also try a little canned kitten food to whet their appetites and give them a "treat.".Make sure your kittens have access to clean drinking water. Supplement their caloric intake with kitten formula until they are eating solid food on a regular basis. You won't need to use a syringe to feed them by this point. You may put the formula in a little saucer, and they will drink on their own after they figure out where it is and what it is.

8. Be prepared to be startled and surprised.

Kittens grow swiftly, and you may believe they are growing right before your eyes on some days.

When kittens are around 10 days old, their eyes open.

They will begin purring as early as 6 days of age.

When kittens are two to three weeks old, they will begin additional "kitty activities" such as shaking their heads, attempting to groom, and lifting a hind leg to scratch behind their ears.

Young kittens will occasionally have the hiccups (!) while being fed.

In some ways, kittens are similar to babies. They spend their days eating, sleeping, and emptying their intestines and bladders. When you place the kittens back in the "nest" after they've eaten enough and had their bodily functions taken care of, they'll sleep or rest peacefully until you're ready to feed them again. If they are restless, wailing, and meowing, it might be that they need to eat more, that they need to empty their bladders or move their bowels, or that they are chilly.

As the kittens grow bigger, they will stay awake for longer amounts of time and will ultimately begin to play with one another.

You will most likely have to shift the kittens into a larger box by the time they are four weeks old, if not sooner, because the first one will be too tiny and they will know how to get out on their own!

WHEN DO KITTENS USE THE LITTER BOX? training cat

By Admin On March 20, 2022 In Training

WHEN DO KITTENS USE THE LITTER BOX?

You've just gotten a new kitten and provided it with food, water, and a comfortable spot to sleep. What about their kitty litter? Learning appropriate litter box training is an essential aspect of every indoor cat's existence, as most cats are surrendered to shelters due to home soiling. With only a little basic understanding, you can help your kitten avoid this and live happily ever after.

When Should You Begin Training?

Most cats will learn to use the litter box spontaneously, but litter training is quite simple. Kittens will begin using the litter box as early as four weeks old, so begin as soon as possible if you have a kitten with you. However, don't start before four weeks because the kitten won't comprehend anything and won't even start walking until two weeks.

However, if you adopt a kitten, you will most likely not expose them to your house until they are older. Start litter training your kitten as soon as you bring it home, regardless of its age.

Litter Training

You'll see the kitten digging and playing with the litter when you start training at four weeks. Your kitten will intuitively begin to bury its feces after that. When it comes to learning the chores, you may assist your kitty.

Begin by putting your kitten in the litter box and allowing them to dig on their own. While they're digging, teach them by sweeping some litter yourself and pretending to be digging as well. If they aren't getting it, this may pique their curiosity. It's important to remember that your kitten doesn't have to eliminate the first time they use the litter box. Allow them to experiment with it and get used to it initially. If they leap out of the box, put them back in it sometimes during the day, but don't make them remain.

Habits of Kittens

You may see your kitten eating the litter until they learn to distinguish between where they feed and where they excrete. Don't be concerned, but keep an eye on them to ensure their safety. Clumping litter should be avoided at this age because it will clump up inside the kitten's digestive tract.

Kittens don't understand the meaning of different locales until they're about six weeks old. Because they'll already know where they need to go, this is when you may expect the most success.

Other Cats

This isn't always a negative thing if you have other cats in the house. Your kitten will learn to recognize the litter box by smell and touch, as well as by studying what adult cats do and seeing other kittens use it. If you persuade one kitten to use the litter box, the others are likely to follow suit.

However, your kitten may not want to use a box that has already been used by another cat. Some cats are quite territorial and will need their litter box to go to the bathroom.

Organize the Box

It is your responsibility as a kitten owner to keep your cat's litter tidy. If it's dirty, they won't utilize it. Maintain the box and store it in a less loud location. If you're also utilizing an automated litter box, make sure your cat is accustomed to the sounds so they aren't put off.

Location of the Box

Your kitten may know how to use the litter box, but they must also be aware of its location. Don't put it in an area where it'll be too noisy, and don't put it in a position where your kitty won't be able to get to it easily. Cats like to use their litter box in their own space, so leave them alone on occasion. If you have a hyperactive dog who is eager to get to it, raise it only a few inches above the ground.

There will be no penalties.

Do not reprimand or discipline your cat if they are misbehaving. They'll be confused and scared if you scream or spray them since they won't understand why you're upset. Simply wipe up any spills and see your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

Consider These Factors for Your Kitten

You understand the fundamentals of how to teach your kitten and when to begin, but there are a few details concerning the litter box that you should be aware of as well. Consider these suggestions to make the transfer to the box go more smoothly.

To begin, keep the box away from food and water. It'll just cause the kitten to become confused. Even if you can smell the scents, start with an open box. Fill the box with approximately a half-inch of litter, but don't use newspaper or plastic liners to line it (Best Pellet Paper Cat Litter). They are prone to tearing. It may take some time to figure out which sort of litter your kitty prefers. Once you've located it,

Keep in mind that...

Neither clumping litter nor strong sprays should be used around the box. Chemicals like those will make cats flee. Remember to allow your kitten some solitude, and take them to the doctor if you notice them peeing outside the box after you've trained them. This might indicate a bladder or renal issue.

Conclusion

Bringing a new kitten into your house is thrilling, but you might be nervous about litter training them. Your cat will start using the litter box on their own around four weeks and will acclimatize to your house fast with a little support from you. As long as you keep these points in mind, the adjustment should be simple for both of you.

10 Solutions To Stop Your Dog from Whining at Night

By Admin On January 30, 2022 In Tips

Solutions To Stop Your Dog from Whining

There are a number of reasons your dog could be whining at night, however they all have one thing in common, they result in you having a broken night's sleep. To help you deal with this behaviour problem and sleep through the night, we've listed 10 solutions below that could bring peace to your house after the lights go out.

1. Work out Why Your Dog is Whining

If you can work out what lies behind your dog's whining you stand a better chance of choosing the right approach and being successful in stopping the problem. The three most common causes of dog whining is anxiety, discomfort or attention seeking, so watch your dog closely to see what clues they give you. Notice how you react when they start whining and how they react to you, as it should give you all the information you need to decide on your approach to the problem and start taking action.

2. Make Basic Checks Before You go to Bed

We sometimes overlook the most obvious reasons, so make sure your dog isn't whining because they are hungry, thirst or need to urinate at night. Get into the habit of always letting your dog out last thing at night, as beyond the puppy stage they should be able to go through the night. If they need to urinate frequently, check with your vet as they could have a urine infection. If you do need to let them out at night, do it with as little attention paid to your dog as possible, as if you play with them or pet them they could start to wake you up at night for the attention.

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3. Check That Your Dog Isn't Cold

Some dogs start whining at night because they are cold, so if they sleep in a kennel outside, make sure it is out of the wind and that you provide lots of warm bedding and if they sleep in the house, check that their bed is not in a draught. Some dog owners use bean bags that can be warmed up to keep their dog warm, cosy and asleep all night and I have heard of others who even use heated blankets. However, if you are going to use this method, always make sure your dog does not get too hot and that they are unable to chew any wires attached to the blanket.

4. Deal with Dog Separation Anxiety Issues

A lot of dog whining is driven by separation anxiety in dogs, so if your dog sleeps separately from you and starts being vocal the moment you leave them alone, anxiety could well be the reason. Another clue that this might be the cause is that they respond in this way whenever you leave them, day or night. You will need to use desensitization training to help get rid of separation anxiety and a lot of patience, as they can take a while to respond positively. Another way to help with this problem is to learn how to show your dog that you are the decision maker or pack leader, which can be very reassuring for an anxious dog.

5. Make Sure Your Dog is Tired

If your dog gets restless at night, struggles to settle down and then starts whining at you, try exercising them an hour before bedtime to use up some of their excess energy. Many dogs will instantly flop down on their bed to sleep after a long walk, but if walking after dark doesn't appeal to you, try an energetic game of tag or fetch in the garden or house.

6. Soothe Your Dog with Sounds

A ticking clock placed in the dog's bedding can help keep a dog calm as the ticking mimics the regular heartbeat of another dog. This can be very useful with dogs that don't like to be left alone and especially with puppies that could be missing their Mum or brothers and sisters. Just beware that your dog cannot reach the clock and use it as a chew toy.

7. Soothe Your Dog with Smells

If you think your dog is whining at night because they wake up and want you, put something that smells of you in with their bedding, like an old jumper or T-Shirt. This may provide just enough comfort to keep your dog sleeping until morning.

8. Make Sure Your Dog is Pain Free

Pain or discomfort of some kind could be causing your dog to wake and start whining, for instance a dog may not notice joint pain until they lie down at night. If you think that could be the case with your dog, have them checked over by your vet as soon as possible.

9. Get Your Dog a Crate

A crate can feel like a den to a dog, so if you think your dog is feeling a bit insecure left alone downstairs at night, a crate could give them the extra security they need. When you introduce them to a crate, make it a nice place to be with bedding and toys and treats. Gradually build up the time they spend in their crate during the day until you feel like they will be all right to be left overnight.

10. Ignore Your Dog's Noise

If your dog's nighttime noise is all about getting your attention, the fastest way to stop it is to ignore it completely. That means not responding in any way to their whining, don't speak to them, touch them, or even catch their eye. It's not always the easiest way to break this pattern of behaviour, as you can feel really guilty for a few days, but if your dog is healty, has been fed, watered, exercised and let out to toilet before bedtime, you know they are fine, so invest in a pair of ear plugs and stick with it. It shouldn't be too long before they work out that their whining is not getting them the attention they were looking for and they should stop.

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What Do You Train Your Kitten For?

By Admin On January 28, 2022 In Training

Train Your Kitten For

You are enjoying have your new kitten called Angel in your household and are wondering what you train your kitten for. Take a look at these four points.

1. To Use the Litter Box

You need to give Angel clear, consistent guidelines so you have set a litter box up in the porch and another one in the spare room. It is suggested for one cat to have two litter boxes. Cats are shy when it comes to toileting. These places are quiet areas away from the rest of the household.

You can use good absorbable litter ( hopefully Angel will like it ) and plan to replace it every 2 or 3 days rather than 1 time per week. The cleaner the litter box the more likely it is to be used. And it is important for cats to toilet regularly to avoid health issues like urinary tract disease, which is very common and debilitating. To help with this you should always keep unlimited supplies of water for Angel, maybe a couple of bowls around the house. The idea is to encourage Angel to drink more and pee more to avoid health problems.

If Angel suddenly displays some bad behaviours like missing or avoiding the litter box or toileting on your favourite chair then we will have to go through the checklist.

1. did you move the litter box?
2. is there any more traffic, eg guests to stay?
3. did you renovate the room?
4. did you change the box or the type of litter?
5. could it be a health related issue like urinary tract infection or kidney disease where they associate the pain with the litter box and stop using it? This will need to be checked.

Training your kitten to use the litter box should be as stress free as possible. Hopefully Angel will adjust well to this.

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8 Common Cat Problems And How To Solve Them

2. To Display Acceptable Behaviours

Cats claw, scratch, bite and chew for many reasons. If they are doing these things to food items or their cat toys then that is great. But sometimes they do it on other things like your new couch or electrical cord which not only destroys your property but is potentially dangerous or you. Do not tolerate rough play. If they are allowed to play aggressively with the wrong things then young cats will turn out to be an older, stronger, aggressive cat. You can stop playing with your cat if they start biting or scratching.

If Angel scratches then you should offer some scratching alternatives to you, like a scratching mat or scratching post. These are mush more acceptable!!

Angel is young and will be exploring her world, like human babies do, by mouthing and chewing on things. So we will give Angel substitutes and reward her for chewing and scratching on the right item.

Over vocalisation can be another issue to deal with. Some cats rarely meow and some never seem to shut up. This constant crying and need for reassurance may be the one that is the most difficult to figure out. If Angel needs help here you may call in the professionals.

3. To Address Problems Like:

a. Marking territory with urine or poo:

While this is fine outside it becomes a problem inside.

b. Grooming Problems:

Some cats groom themselves excessively to the point of losing fur and creating

bald patches.

c. Sickness problems:

If Angel displays any of these behaviours then she will need help.

Hopefully she will be content and groom like the very relaxed cat in the picture.

4. To Do Tricks

You are going to have fun training Angel to do all sorts of tricks including commands like:

to come, sit, beg, sit, stay, jumping up, twirling, climbing a ladder, wave, kiss and more.

Training your kitten to use the litter box, behave well, do various tricks, plus identifying problems which need fixing will take time but are ideas on what you can do to train your kitten.

There certainly is a lot you can do to train your kitten. Hopefully you can help guide her in the right direction so that she will settle in well and you and your family can enjoy your fury friend for many years.

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Eight Foods Your Cat Should Never, Ever Eat

By Admin On January 20, 2022 In Food

Your Cat Should Never, Ever Eat

Most of us know that there are some human foods our pets shouldn't eat. Keeping our cats away from alcohol, for example, is a no-brainer. But did you know that onion powder can cause anemia in cats and dogs? Because of their different metabolisms, many common foods that are safe for human consumption are not safe for your cat. Reactions can range from upset stomachs to severe illness or death.

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To help keep your kitty safe you need to know which foods to avoid. The following list spotlights eight common foods your cat should never eat:

Baby Food

It's hard to imagine that a food that's safe enough for a baby's tender tummy would hurt our fur-kids. But what makes baby food so dangerous for cats is that it might contain onion powder (see below) which could lead to anemia. Also, baby food doesn't meet your cat's nutritional needs, and could result in malnutrition if she eats too much of it.

Chocolate

Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but many of us don't realize that it's harmful for cats as well. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical compound that humans can eat safely. But cats and dogs metabolize theobromine more slowly; as a result, even small amounts of the compound can lead to theobromine poisoning, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excitability, panting, abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures - and even death. Theobromine poisoning is treatable if caught early enough. But to be safe, keep chocolate away from your kitty.

Coffee and Tea

Caffeine is toxic to both cats and dogs, and there's no antidote. According to ProVet Healthcare, it only takes about 8 teaspoons of coffee to potentially fatally poison a cat that weighs 3 kilograms (that's about 6.6 lbs). Signs of caffeine poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, restlessness, muscle tremors, increased or decreased heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, increased body temperature. But most scary of all: caffeine poisoning can lead to seizures, coma and death.

Grapes and Raisins

Scientists aren't sure exactly just what substance is in grapes and raisins that make them so toxic for our pets, but according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, dogs who've eaten large amounts of grapes and raisins have suffered renal (kidney) failure. Although it's unclear what effect grapes have on cats, to be on the safe side the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center "advises not giving grapes or raisins to any pets in any amount."

Onions and Garlic

Raw, powdered and uncooked onions and garlic are especially harmful to cats because they damage red blood cells, which could cause anemia. Not only does anemia make your kitty pale and lethargic, it can be a life threatening illness.

Spinach

The jury's still out on whether or not spinach is bad for cats, but scientists do know that spinach leaves contain a small amount of calcium oxalates (a chemical compound that makes needle-shaped crystals), which is a major component in kidney stones. If your cat eats enough spinach, it could lead to crystals in her urine. Cats with a history of urinary problems such as infections, crystaluria and kidney disease, should definitely avoid eating spinach.

Unripe Tomato

Everyone knows that tomatoes are good for humans. But did you know that they can be toxic to cats? Tomatoes are a member of the deadly nightshade plant family and contain a poisonous alkaloid called, solanine. Solanine is toxic to humans too. But you have to eat it in large amounts for it to hurt you. That's why you shouldn't eat green potatoes - a potato that has gone green has higher levels of solanine inside it. And it can make you sick, causing a bevy of symptoms that range from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting to hallucinations, paralysis and in the worst cases, death. Unlike humans, however, only a small amount of solanine can hurt your cat. According to FelineFuture.com, "traces of Solanin, like those found in just a 100g of cherry tomatoes, can be fatal!"

Yeast Dough

Raw or uncooked yeast dough should never be fed to your cat. What makes it so dangerous? Yeast (the single-celled fungi that causes bread to rise) isn't toxic per se, but if your cat eats the raw dough, it might continue to rise inside your kitty's stomach. And you can imagine what that could lead to: painful bloating, gas, and in the worst-case-scenario, possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Remember, the information in this article is for informative purposes only. If you suspect your cat has eaten something that is harmful, or needs medical attention, contact your veterinarian immediately! For more information about other harmful foods or toxins found in your home, check out these great references: ASPCA Animal Control Archives and PetEducation.com.

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Why Do Dogs Howl?

By Admin On December 31, 2021 In Dogs

Dog Behavior - Why Do Dogs Howl?

Do you want to know the secret for getting your dog to stop howling excessively? Keep reading to discover my top 3 tips to achieve this by gaining an understanding of your dog's behavior.

There are several reasons why your dog howls. Let's find out what they are and what you need to understand in order to eliminate the problem. Usually howling is a sign of loneliness, boredom, separation anxiety, howling in response to other dogs, howling at triggers like sirens, or just making their presence known to other dogs in the area. Understanding your dog's behavior can be a daunting task. So in this segment I hope to shed some light on why dogs howl.

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So why do dogs howl?

It is an instinctive behavior for dogs to howl, although some dogs have stronger or weaker drives and instincts than others. Dogs, like people, are simply different from one another. Some dogs howl at a trigger like a siren while others do not. Some dogs may feel a need to communicate with the source of the sirens, answering the ancient call of wolves, believing it is actually a pack of dogs communicating from afar.

If your dog is howling excessively, it may indicate that he is bored out of his wits and needs play, love, and attention. A dog should not be deprived of human touch or deprived of a means to entertain himself. If your dog is trying to get your attention by howling, it means there is something lacking in his environment, be it food, water, toys, or companionship.

Everyone enjoys the howl of a wolf now and again, but if your dog is howling excessively, there is something you can do. Simply apply my top three tips.

Tip number one

Spend more time with your dog, even if it is just sitting and watching television. Dogs love companionship and interacting with their owners. Provide your dog with toys and chews to occupy his time while he is enjoying your company. Pay attention to your dog more frequently. Your dog will be too preoccupied with you, and as a result, will howl less often.

Tip number 2

Exercise your dog. Take him for walks so his horizon is expanded and his mind stimulated. The exercise and mental stimulation will make for a restful evening, and night, for both of you.

Tip number 3

Enrich your dog's life with play. Do not just hand him toys and walk away. Get involved in his life and do things your dog likes to do also.

My tips are for healthy dogs who exhibit their natural instinct to howl as wolves do. If your dog has a behavioral disorder, then your dog needs more than tips for normal dog behavior. Your dog needs the help of professionals. Separation anxiety is an example. This kind of howling is usually accompanied by at least one other symptom of separation anxiety such as pacing, destruction, elimination, depression, or other signs of distress.

Now let's recap.

After thousands and thousands of years dogs still cannot shake wild instincts ingrained in them. The key to raising a well adjusted dog is finding balance between the wolf and the pet in your dog. Understand your dog's right to behave like a real dog and make sure his wild side is properly fulfilled by providing an alternative outlet to accommodate his canine instincts and instinctual behaviors.

Hope you enjoyed this segment on Dog Behavior, specifically on the topic of why dogs howl, and hope you walked away with something of value. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to my channel on YouTube, Dog Behavior Videos. Thank you so much for reading. I look forward to seeing you inside my next article. Please like, share, comment, and subscribe. Until next time. Bye Bye.

By understanding canines and their behavior, you will be able to connect with them on a new level and gain their trust. Series 4 focuses on providing pet owners with answers to why dogs howl. It is an instinctive canine behavior that is rarely understood.

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