In the wild, there are many big cats that actually enjoy being in the water. Tigers, leopards, and lions all like to soak, most likely because their usual habitat is in a hot environment and it helps cool them off. Domestic cats may have evolved to dislike water because most breeds have coats that absorb rather than deflect moisture. It’s harder for them to get dry after they’re soaked.
So, Why Would a Cat Need a Bath?
In many cases, cats don’t need to be washed with water. They groom themselves naturally, so regular brushing is usually enough to keep your pet looking clean and comfortable. However, there are occasions when a real bath is necessary. Kitty may have soiled himself in the litter box, for instance. Cats have been known to try to climb up the inside of a chimney.
Preparing Your Cat’s Bath
The best solution is to make sure that you have all the necessary supplies handy, so you can make your cat’s bath very quick:
It’s much easier to wash your cat in a kitchen or bathroom sink than bending over a tub. Following is a step-by-step procedure for the quick and painless cat bath:
It’s best if you have the time to purchase a shampoo specifically formulated for cats. If you don’t have any cat shampoo, a mild baby shampoo may be used. You don’t want to use any other kinds of human cleaning products, as it may sting your cat’s eyes or irritate their skin.
Read more cat care tips on Catster.com
]]>When a dog experiences loose stools, a pet parent realizes what to feed a dog with diarrhea is essential. While the gastrointestinal system receives and processes food, the symptoms of GI distress can painfully manifest in a dog.
For example, GI symptoms like constipation, scooting, abnormally colored stools, flatulence, blood or mucus in stools, bloating, vomiting, and liquid excrement. Furthermore, difficult elimination in a dog or a change of frequency are signs of illness.
The amount and color of stool produced by a dog are affected by diet. On the other hand, large amounts of loose, odorous, or unusually colored stools are abnormal. Mostly, dogs are known to move their bowels once or twice daily. A dog’s excrement is typically solid and brown, so when pet parents notice a change, this should be a cause for concern.
When a dog experiences these symptoms along with runny stools, visit the Veterinarian: |
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There are many causes for diarrhea in dogs. If your dog has loose stools, but is otherwise acting normal, try home feeding remedies which can help dog diarrhea. If diarrhea continues and there’s other alarming symptoms, then it’s completely appropriate to seek medical attention from the dog’s Veterinarian.
For one thing, prevention of diarrhea in a dog comes down to micromanaging your dog’s intake. All in all, avoid sudden changes to a dog’s diet, feeding him table scraps, milk treats, or leaving the trash can accessible.
Most importantly, keep your dog on top of his vaccinations. Consequently, this help in preventing loose stools and keeping your dog, healthy, happy, and feeling his best.
QUESTION: What should you feed a dog with diarrhea?
ANSWER: In detail, offer the diarrhetic dog small, frequent meals. Furthermore, discuss a highly digestible, protein, and carbohydrate diet with your Veterinarian. In the meantime, feed the dog hamburger/chicken mixed with rice.
QUESTION: Does diarrhea in dogs often resolve with the addition of a fiber supplement?
ANSWER: For one thing, adding fiber to a canine’s diet regulates their internal system. Speak to a Veterinarian about which fiber supplements may be appropriate for your pet.
QUESTION: If diarrhea continues for more than a day, and there are other symptoms, should I consult my Veterinarian?
ANSWER: Granted, loose stools are systematically caused by an irritation of the bowel lining, causing the rapid transit of fecal matter. Visiting the Veterinarian ensures that intestinal parasites aren’t the issue as well as other medical conditions.
QUESTION: Is it recommended to treat runny stools in dogs by withholding food for twenty-four hours?
ANSWER: Restoring the gastrointestinal tract expressly brings the dog’s stomach back to a baseline. In general, remove the food dish and specifically, serve water or ice chips. For this reason, the canine stays hydrated while he fasts.
QUESTION: Should only a Veterinarian prescribe an antidiarrheal medication for my dog?
ANSWER: Altogether, it’s dangerous to administer an over-the-counter medication to a canine without your Veterinarian’s approval or recommendation.
]]>Dogs have no interest in having their ears cleaned. You’ll want to have all your supplies handy so you can devote your full attention to the dog and not get distracted looking for the wayward cotton balls. Your vet’s office can provide you with a safe ear cleaner, and you’ll want several cotton balls close at hand. Clean hands (so as not to cause additional problems) or gloves and treats are a must. If your dog is squirmy, a second person is a huge help. One person or two, you’ll want to close the dog into a small room like the bathroom.
Starting from the outside and working in, you’ll clean out all areas of the ear that you can reach. Wet the cotton ball with the cleaner and wipe down the inside surface of the dog’s ear flap (the part that you can easily see). Once that is clean, get a new cotton ball wet with the cleanser and clean the inside part stopping when you feel resistance. Pushing further than the ear wants you to go can cause damage. If the cotton balls are very dirty, it may be time to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. When you’re finished cleaning, it is time for lots of treats and praise!
Even though we give them lots of good scratches, when it comes to grooming, the ears of dogs are frequently the most neglected parts of their bodies. But their ears are also one of the most important areas to attend to. Ear infections can be serious, and can begin easily if an animal’s ears are not kept clean. After all, how will Biffer know when to start salivating if his ears don’t pick up the sound of kibble hitting his bowl? Make sure your furry guests keep their ears perked up by following these simple steps.
“Look, honey, he’s beautiful! He’d be a wonderful new member of our family.”
“Oh, you’re right. And his ears are so clean!”
Writer: Sarah Lippincott, Manager, Shelter Outreach, Petfinder
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Be sure you’re donning clothes that you’re okay with getting wet and dirty (and furry). Move all your grooming materials into the bathroom shampoo (ask your vet for suggestions specific to your dog), conditioner (a must for longer coats that need to be brushed out), brush, mineral oil (for eyes), cotton balls (for ears), at least two big, absorbent towels and, most importantly, TREATS. Lay a non-skid mat down in the tub to help the dog keep his footing. If you don’t have a detachable showerhead, a bowl or even a large cup is helpful in rinsing.
Trimming your pet’s nails prior to bath time will not only give your dog better footing, it will also help protect your skin in case he tries to make a break for it. Now, bring the dog into the bathroom and close the door behind you — catching a wet, soapy dog running down your hallway is no easy task! Give praise and treats to make him comfortable in the bathroom before you try to get him into the tub. If you’re able to, gently putting a cotton ball in each ear can help keep water out — just be sure to remove them when you’re finished! Also, to help keep shampoo from irritating his eyes, you can put a drop of mineral oil in each one.
Dogs are unlikely to get into the tub willingly. For bigger dogs, a second person to help you get Fido into the bath can help avoid straining your back. Make sure water isn’t too hot or too cold. Let your dog hear and then gently feel the water before going full-speed ahead with the bath. Start shampooing your dog’s shoulders and then move out from there. Be gentle around the face and any sensitive areas but be sure you get down to the undercoat. Read the directions on the shampoo bottle carefully to ensure proper usage. Rinse out all the shampoo, using your fingers to make sure you get through the undercoat to avoid subsequent irritation. This is where a detachable showerhead or bowl comes in handy to be sure bigger dogs get rinsed thoroughly.
After the shampoo has been completely rinsed out, you can apply conditioner, if desired. Follow the directions on the bottle because some products need to sit on the coat for several minutes. If you have a particularly squirmy dog, you’ll want to find a fast-acting formula. Once you have finished the bath, it is time to dry your pooch. Towel dry as much as possible in the bathroom. For dogs with longer coats, you may want to use a blow dryer set on low. Before the dog leaves the bathroom, brush his coat out thoroughly because the bath will loosen up a lot of fur, which is better contained in the bathroom than all over the house. Many dogs get “after-bath-crazies,” so hold onto your hat and let ‘em run!
By: Sara Lippincott, Manager, Shelter Outreach, Petfinder
]]>News surfaced that the dog of a coronavirus patient in China tested “weak positive” and in the same internet instant, photos of dogs wearing medical face masks popped up all over the web.
While maintaining the health of yourself and the people around you is at the forefront of the world’s focus during the coronavirus (a.k.a., COVID-19) pandemic, these headlines and memes have brought up an important question: What about your pets?
Your pets are safe from coronavirus
The CDC says there’s no evidence that any animals in the US have contracted or can spread the virus. This also means that quarantining them is an unnecessary measure. (And using medical masks, even for entertaining photo ops, is a wasteful and potentially dangerous practice, in light of shortages of these essential supplies at hospitals that really need them.) As for the pomeranian in China, the initial assumption was that he tested weak positive due to contamination around his mouth or nose from his coronavirus-suffering owner, but he was quarantined and later tested negative.
You should still take precautions
What remains uncertain is if pets can carry the virus on their fur in the same way that the virus could live on hard surfaces for up to three days (and potentially on soft materials like cardboard boxes or laundry for 24 hours). Because we still have a lot to learn about this novel illness, erring on the side of caution is never a bad idea. There are healthy habits that the CDC recommends upholding in everyday life with a pet, including washing your hands after handling them, to ensure the health of you and your pet, particularly as the coronavirus escalates.
If you become sick (with confirmed coronavirus or otherwise), the CDC recommends restricting your contact with your pets, the same as you would with humans. Even though there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 affects animals, it’s certainly possible a connection may be discovered as more research is done. This doesn’t mean an ill person can’t take a dog for a walk or personally put down the cat’s food bowl, but they should limit petting, snuggling, or kissing (basically, maintain a “social distance”), just in case.
Make sure you have a good stock of food and treats
Keeping your pets eating well and on the same diet is a recommendation for maintaining their good health in general. Grocery stores and online retailers are rapidly selling out of household essentials like toilet paper, and while we do not encourage anyone to over-buy, it’s smart to check on your pet food supply to ensure you have at least a couple of weeks’ worth, just in case.
Keep your pets entertained—so they don’t bother you
Whether you’re trying to work from home or you’re feeling sick, there are plenty of options for keeping needy pets busy and out of your personal space (not that we blame them—suddenly, you’re invading theirs!). Luckily, unlike humans who crave electronics, games, and crafts to stay entertained at home, most pets are more easily occupied.
Entertain both your pets and yourself
When you’re looking to fill your (no doubt more abundant) idle time at home—and assuming you’re not sick—take advantage of some quality playtime with your little shadow. (And, seriously, you cannot underestimate the power of a furry friend’s antics for a much-needed moment of levity.)
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Yonkers grocer Stew Leonard's has catered pretty much every type of party you can think of, but sometimes they get a good one. (Who's a good one?? You're a good one!! Yes you are!)
Yesterday, in the spirit of love that is Valentine's Day, a wedding was held, featuring fresh-baked treats, elaborate floral arrangements, music, and a custom-order cake. Zulu and Dakota, the happy couple, grew up as next door neighbors, and looked resplendent in her veil and his collar and cufflinks. Zulu's mom, Shari Wagner of Yonkers, held the leash.
Yup, they're dogs. It was a dog wedding.
Esteemed guests included Westchester legislator Virginia Perez (and guest) and Eamonn O'Brien on behalf of legislator David Tubiolo, who together presented the newlyweds with a certificate of merit. After, the couple happily munched a few of Stew's "Bubba Biscuits," baked-daily dog treats that take the grocer's all-natural ethos and apply it to their pet goods.
It's silly, but we really feel like these two crazy kids can go all the way. And then bring it back. And then we can throw it and they can go all the way and bring it back again, and we can throw it and … well, you know the drill. Classic love story.
]]>Some dogs are meant to be free in large open backyards where they can run and play while others are better off in a small space where they can cuddle up with their owners. These apartment dogs are small and amazing choices if you live in an apartment where they get limited outdoors time.
To begin each of these dogs are smaller in size and have at least one desired feature that makes them suitable for living in an apartment. Just because your dog's breed is not on here does not mean they are not the perfect pooch for an apartment, nor does the fact that they are on the list means they will automatically behave well. Each pooch is different these breeds are just known to have these desired traits. So without anything else let's get into our first K-9 companion.
The French Bulldog is a breed that has gained increased popularity in the recent years for a reason. Not only is it one of the cutest little breeds with their pointy ears and happy look but they are incredibly easy to care for and well mannered. The French bulldog needs exercise just like all dogs but this breed will be just fine after a walk or two a day. This along with the fact that French bulldogs rarely bark means that these dogs are an amazing small dog breed for apartments.
Another breed with ears that anyone could recognize belongs to the cocker spaniel. This breed is another small package that is great for apartment living. The best thing about cocker spaniels is their loving nature, they are a great companion to everyone in the family. Along with this these small dogs rarely bark, they do however need exercise to make sure they aren't energized when they need to be calm.
Another one of the best small dog breeds for apartments is the basenji which is often overlooked. These dogs get along just fine in an apartment if they are paired with an owner that will suit them. These dogs were bred to be hunters so they need exercise to make sure their mentality stays healthy. If you are a runner and living in an apartment these dogs are great. One of the best qualities of these dogs is that they actually don't bark but make a weird yodle howl which ensures happiness among neighbors.
The smallest dog on the list goes to the Yorkies who average only 7 pounds which is hard to beat when looking at small dog breeds. Though these dogs are so small they still need exercise to make sure they are healthy, along with this the Yorkie is known to be a yapper barking at things that scare, confuse, or excite it. Though one great thing about these dogs is that they are hypoallergenic for any allergy prone dog lovers.
Italian Greyhound along with greyhounds are the cheetahs of the dog world with their slender frame and incredible speed. An Italian Greyhound is a smaller version of the greyhound coming in at 7 pounds on the lighter side. These dogs are meant to run so they oftentimes need an exercise partner. once they get their energy out however these dogs are sweet and loveable to the whole family.
The Bichon is a small curly-haired dog breed that can be happy no matter where they are. This small dog breed has been popular due to the fact that they are well behaved, gentle, and don't shed. Though they will need grooming this breed can be happy with limited exercise as long as they get to spend time with their family.
The Boston Terrier is unlike most other terriers in the fact that they do not have the same temperament and behaviorisms of other terriers. Boston Terriers are a fun loving dog that enjoys anyone and anything (like cats) it comes in contact with. They are known to bark but are also easily trained to listen to commands if needed.
The iconic Weiner Dog is a great option for anyone living in an apartment if they are alright with occasional barking. This fun-loving dog enjoys playing and cuddling equally making them perfect for kids and other dogs alike. These pups come in anywhere from the standard of 16-30 pounds to miniature at less than 11 pounds making them a versatile sized dog. They also will benefit from daily walks to ensure their health is staying good.
A great companion to both the elderly and children is the miniature schnauzer which is a great small apartment dog. These dogs are calm in nature though they are natural watchdogs and will bark when they need to alert. One of the main reasons these dogs are great for apartments is they are happy relaxing once they get a playtime or a walk.
The corgi is easily recognizable due to its short legs and long body that makes it so cute. This is one of the small dog breeds that tend to be a little bigger coming in at 30 pounds. This dog breed is great in apartments and good with families. They do tend to act as watchdogs barking at a passerby out the window or at the door however which can be bothersome to neighbors. These short legged dogs also have a lot of energy and like to go on walks to the park where they can play.
]]>If your dog had the wherewithal to make out a list of his least favorite things to do, getting a bath would probably be close to the top. Since dog baths tend to be messy, time-consuming and not a whole lot of fun for everyone involved, it’s natural to wonder, “How often should I bathe my dog?”
As is often the case, the answer is “It depends.”
“Dogs groom themselves to help facilitate the growth of hair follicles and to support skin health,” says Dr. Adam. “However, bathing is needed for most dogs to supplement the process. But bathing too often can be detrimental to your pet as well. It can irritate the skin, damage hair follicles, and increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.”
Dr. Jennifer, veterinary advisor with petMD, adds, “the best bath frequency depends on the reason behind the bath. Healthy dogs who spend most of their time inside may only need to be bathed a few times a year to control natural ‘doggy odors.’ On the other hand, frequent bathing is a critical part of managing some medical conditions, like allergic skin disease.”
Whether your dog willingly hops in the tub for a scrubbing, or fights you tooth and nail every bath day – here are a few things to know that can make bath time easier.
How often you should wash your dog depends on a number of factors, including his health, breed, coat, and activity level, as well as where these activities are taking place. Dogs who spend the day outside rolling around in things they shouldn’t are going to need a bath far more often than ones who spend most of their time on the couch. Or, as Michael Santini of Mission Hills, CA, puts it, just use your nose.
“If your dog comes into the room and you can smell him, he needs a bath,” says Santini. If your dog is covered in dirt or dried mud, a thorough brushing (outside if possible!) followed by a bath is usually your best option.
“I always bathe the body first and head last, as dogs tend to shake once their head is wet” says Santini. “Just because a shampoo says tearless or tear-free, do not put it directly in the eyes, rather wash around the eyes and rinse right away.”
Coates adds that if baths are part of a dog’s medical treatment plan, “your veterinarian should give you guidance on how often to bathe and what product to use.”
Santini has bathed barkers of all stripes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. He's seen pet bathing fads come and go and says that keeping your dog clean is more than simply lather, rinse and repeat.
“Bathing dogs is not as simple as it seems. There are so many different types of dogs and coats which each need to be addressed separately, because of varying textures and lengths. In a salon, the groomer can address these distinctions, but at home, a pet owner may not realize the difference.”
For example, he says, a Shetland Sheepdog is a double-coated dog with thick, shedding hair. This breed requires a good soaking and moisturizing with lots of water and a lot of brushing and combing before, during, and after the bath, then a dog-specific conditioner, rinse and high velocity blow dry.
If you simply don’t have the time, space or desire to wash your dog at home, there is no shame in calling in an expert.
Some differences between human and canine skin are obvious, but one that isn’t, skin pH, is arguably the most important when it comes to picking out the right bathing product.
“Human skin is very acidic, coming in at a pH of under 5 in most cases,” says Coates. “But dog skin is much closer to a pH of 7, meaning that it is essentially neutral – not strongly acidic or strongly alkaline.”
Therefore, some products that are specifically designed for human skin could be quite irritating to canine skin. For routine baths, Coates recommends using a mild, moisturizing dog shampoo. “Oatmeal-based shampoos are a good choice for many healthy dogs,” she says.
According to Denish, dogs can have negative reactions to shampoos and other products, even if they’re specifically made for dogs. “I have seen many pets that have had reactions to topical shampoos, rinses and conditioners. Reactions typically are either skin-mediated or from actual ingestion of the shampoo.”
Clinical signs of a skin reaction can include red, itchy skin and hives. Ingestion of pet shampoo can cause symptoms like vomiting, drooling and decreased appetite, Denish says. If you notice these symptoms, he recommends re-washing your dog with warm water only and reaching out to your veterinarian for next steps.
If you’re unsure of which type of shampoo to buy, talk to your veterinarian, who knows your pets and their medical history and is in the best position to provide individualized recommendations. This is especially true if your dog suffers from a skin condition.
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Using oatmeal shampoo can help relieve your dog’s itchy skin, and it may even help clear up some canine skin conditions. Let’s find out how oatmeal shampoos help stop canine itching and their other benefits, and also learn how to make your own oatmeal shampoo.
Oatmeal has been a cultivated crop since the Bronze Age, and many classical civilizations, including Greece, Rome and Egypt, recognized the benefits of oatmeal in protecting and beautifying skin.
Oatmeal comes in several forms when it’s used as a breakfast cereal, but one type works best for skin care. This is the colloidal oatmeal, which has been ground into a powder for pastes and baths.
Oatmeal is a skin soother because of certain chemicals called avenanthramides and phenols. Both help relieve skin itching and irritation. Oatmeal has also been shown to balance skin pH levels, which makes it a useful tool in relieving symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Oatmeal shampoo offers many benefits to dogs with skin problems, including moisturizing and soothing itchy skin. It also helps relieve symptoms of allergies, dry skin, hot spots, and flea and tick problems. Oatmeal shampoo also helps clean and soften a dog’s coat.
When choosing an oatmeal shampoo, read the product label and ingredients list carefully. Look for ingredients that provide skin benefits for your dog, such as vitamin E, tea tree oil or aloe, and steer clear of those with lower-quality ingredients. If you’re unsure of which product to select, try to choose those labeled for dogs with sensitive skin or those that are hypoallergenic.
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