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Senior dogs are in the stage of life where aging begins to affect every organ system. Some organs wear out faster or are more susceptible to cumulative damage than others, so certain observations are critical. While it is true that old age is not a disease, older dogs do merit special attention, including routine health exams twice yearly. This is important so that if your dog develops a disease, it can be recognized and treated as early as possible, thereby maintaining his quality of life for as long as possible.
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Is your dog lovable, smart, and obedient? Is she/he also really good-looking? If you want others to know just how great your dog is, perhaps you should consider showing them off!
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Skunks spray volatile compounds from their anal sacs if they feel threatened by a potential predator such as a dog. If sprayed in the face your dog may need veterinary care, as corneal damage can occur if sprayed in the eyes, and vomiting, diarrhea, or anemia can result if sprayed in the mouth.
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The family of Colubrid snakes comprises over 1,000 different species. Most individuals in this family of snakes, except the boomslang snake, are non-venomous. Colubrids generally make very good pets and come in a variety of colorful patterns.
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While there are many species of pythons and boas, those noted here are among the easiest to keep. However, constrictor snakes, like the very large, reticulated python, can be dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced keeper, while others, such as the royal python, can be frustrating because of their long periods of not eating.
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It is key for the health and safety of all snakes that proper housing be planned for the eventual adult size of your pet snake. For their enjoyment, hide boxes and branches are beneficial additions to the caging environment. Proper bedding, lighting and heat sources will differ depending on the species and size of your snake.
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Dogs, like people, need to practice their social skills. Spending time with other dogs will help your dog hone his ability to read his friends’ body language and to communicate effectively. These skills decrease the development of dog related fear and aggression. Play groups in an organized or more relaxed setting are beneficial for both your growing puppy and adult dog. Canine and human socialization occur simultaneously and dog owners enjoy meeting new friends, too. Watching dogs play is a great way to reduce your stress level. Socializing should be pleasant for you and your dog, so find a comfortable group and setting and have fun!
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Socialization is the process during which the kitten becomes familiar with people, other animals, and many aspects of their environment. Kittens are primed for socialization when they are between two and seven weeks old. As soon as kittens have settled into their new home, they can begin gentle exposures to a wide range of stimuli that they may encounter as adults.
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There are lots of ways to find adoptable pets, and large or small, local or national, online resources and shelters have the same goal: match available pets with the most suitable homes. Social media has helped find homes for countless dogs and cats. Well-developed websites that are updated frequently and actively used by rescue groups and humane societies make shopping for a pet online a fruitful experience. Shelters are another great option if you want to see many pets at one time.
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Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed completely in order to sterilize a female cat. Spaying is recommended to reduce the risk of mammary cancer and to prevent ovarian and uterine cancer, as well as pyometra and unwanted pregnancy. No adverse effects occur following spaying; however it is important to remember that metabolism does decrease after the procedure, so diet will need to be adjusted accordingly to prevent inappropriate weight gain.