Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Bloat is a dangerous condtion for dogs

Bloat, also know as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV),  is extremely deadly to your large breed dog.  Please view this link, and be aware of the signs.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-bloat.aspx

Monday, February 11, 2013

Solutions for Cat Scratching

Do you have a domestic house cat or a mountain lion?

One of the biggest pet peeves I have heard from cat owners is that they like to scratch on everything in the house, including their owners.  But why do they scratch? How do we as pet owners deal with this problem before our furniture, curtains and carpets end up looking like a Velociraptor lives in our house?

Why do cats scratch?  Scratching enables the cat to shed dead claw tips and it also is away of marking his or hers territory.  Cats are territorial creatures, marking their presence helps them to feel more comfortable in their surroundings.  Even if you de-claw your cat, which I would never recommend, the behavior will not go away.  Providing your cat with appropriate scratching surfaces will help save your sanity and your furniture.  First you have to determine what type of scratcher your little mountain lion is.

Cats who attack carpeting or the top of the sofa are horizontal scratchers.  Try using on the ground flat cardboard scratchers with a little dried catnip placed by where the cat is already accustomed to scratching.  You can also discourage them from their known targets by buying carpet runners and placing them bottom side up, the prongs will make this undesirable to them.  Yes, it will not look good, but trust me, after a few attempts kitty will be totally turned off by this area.

If your cat is a vertical scratcher, try a tall cat tree, just make sure that they have something other than carpet to scratch, like Sisal Rope.  Again, a little dry catnip will encourage your cat to use the cat tree as opposed to your leather couch.  Double stick tape made specifically for furniture can be found at most pet supply stores and placed on your furniture, this will stop your cat from scratching there once he figures out that its not fun having sticky paws.

Good Luck with this...may I suggest full plate armor before attempting.
If all else fails, you can try nail caps...they come in nice colors...red being the most popular because it will match the wounds you will receive trying to put them on the cat.




Keep in mind that if you are a multiple cat owner, each cat is different and you may have to provide several alternative spots where they can feel free to scratch as they please without having to run into territorial issues between them.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave a comment!  I love feedback!