NAIL CARE FOR CATS

A cat's natural inclination to scratch is primarily based on grooming; it doesn't arise from stress and has nothing to do with being ornery.

Cats scratch to peel off old claw sheaths and expose new claws, to mark their territory, and to stretch their muscles after a long nap. If your kitty uses your favorite comfy chair as a scratching post, here are a few pointers for redirecting her behavior.

Minimize the Potential

Try trimming your cat's nails every two weeks. This won't solve the problem, but it will minimize how much damage she can do to your furnishings.

Provide an Attractive Alternative

Train your cat to scratch in an appropriate area. Here are some ideas:

Give kitty a texture test. Some cats prefer to scratch on cardboard, others on carpet, and others still on sisal (a ropy fiber). Before you spend money on a scratching post, get a handle on what material your pussycat favors. Then be sure to get a good-sized, sturdy post - one that stays still when she digs in and pulls.

Place the scratching post close to her favorite scratching and napping areas. Move her paws up and down on the post, or scratch it yourself, to clue her in on where she should do her slashing and gashing.

Make other scratching spots less desirable. If you spray pet repellent on your furniture, she may turn her nose up at the couch leg and search for appealing alternatives, like the scratching post you've rubbed with fresh catnip. (Before spraying any piece of furniture, test a small area to make sure the repellent won't leave a stain.)

Temporarily cover furniture with plastic, foil, or a plastic carpet runner, nubby side up. Or put double-sided sticky tape on the most commonly gouged areas. Cats hate the sticky feel and usually will move on.

Have a water-filled spray bottle on hand in case you find your cat scratching where she shouldn't. Give her a spritz when you catch her in the act to relay the message that she's in a scratch-free zone.

Remember to give positive reinforcement, too. When she scratches the post, or even shows interest in it, praise her and pet her. Offer her a treat. Lavish her with attention. This will go a long way toward modifying her behavior.

During moments of frustration, remind yourself that cats need to scratch. Your cat is not trying to be bad; she just needs you to train her.

Declawing as the Last Resort

Declawing is a surgical procedure in which the last joint on each toe is amputated. Many people assume that declawing means removing only the nails or cutting them very short, but it actually requires removing bone and flesh. Usually only the front toe joints are removed, because front claws do more damage.

Because cats need to be fully anesthetized during the procedure, veterinarians will sometimes declaw them when they undergo a spay or neuter. Cats who are declawed when they're less than a year old heal faster and experience fewer complications than older cats, so if you're leaning strongly toward having your cat declawed, try to make a decision early on.

Nonetheless, don't rush into having this surgery done while your cat is young. First be sure you've tried every possible behavior-modification technique to discourage her clawing your furniture and rugs. And ask yourself whether you might be able to live with her habit rather than take away her claws - without which, she may feel defenseless.

If you do opt for the surgery, you should know that your cat's paws will be bandaged afterward and she'll need to spend a night or two at the hospital. Your veterinarian also will give her painkillers to ease the hurt.

Your cat will also need to relearn how to balance, move, and walk after the amputation.

How quickly your cat recovers will depend on her size, age, the pain relievers prescribed, whether complications arise, and the declawing method used. For example, if the veterinarian uses a laser instead of a scalpel blade, your cat may heal more rapidly.

Ethics of Declawing

Declawing is painful for your cat and removes her main natural defense mechanism. The operation should be your last resort.

If you do decide to declaw your furry friend, you'll also be making the decision to keep her as an indoor cat. Clawless cats can't climb trees or fend off belligerent dogs or cats, so don't ever let your declawed cat go outside unsupervised.

Amazing Aquarium Essentials at up to 25% OFF at PetSmart with PetSmart Coupon 25 OFF. Get PetSmart Grooming Coupon 10 OFF and more PetSmart Grooming Coupons 2015 at Coupon4share.com! Shop and save now!

Ten Ways to Support Your Pet’s Natural Immune System

The immune system is an intricate biological protection system responsible for determining what belongs to and in the body versus what does not belong and requires elimination.  It defends the body against infection, disease and foreign substances.  Keeping your pet’s immune system in good shape will go a long way in preventing ill health and chronic disease.

A high quality, natural diet is the most important component in building and supporting a healthy immune system.  Along with a top quality diet, exercise, minimal exposure to toxins and a low-stress living environment are of utmost importance to the health of your companion.

Here are ten specific ways to support your animal companion’s immune system and optimal health.

1. Feed raw, minimally processed food.  Fresh, raw food contains enzymes that aid in digestion.  Fresh vegetables contain antioxidants and vitamins in their natural, more absorbable form.  On the other hand, highly-processed food, such as dry kibble, loses some amino acids, most of its vitamins, and all enzymes and probiotics during the manufacturing process.  Manufacturers try to replace some of these vitamins and minerals with artificial additives but they are typically artificial forms of these nutrients which can be harder to absorb.

2. Go organic as much as possible.  Pesticide and herbicide residues are found on over 50% of produce and even higher percentages of grains.  These are chemicals designed to kill living organisms – we want to minimize our Pets’ exposure to such compounds.  In multiple studies, organic foods have been shown to have higher nutrient values than their conventional counterparts as well.

3. Clean, fresh water.  Depending on where you live, the tap water can be anywhere from almost acceptable to fairly toxic.  The fluoride and chlorine add stress your companion’s elimination system.  Filtered water is best, followed by bottled water and spring water.  Dogs, and especially cats, that eat a raw food diet receive a good deal of the moisture they need from their food.

4. Avoid Chemical Insecticides & Flea Treatments.  Chemical insecticides should be avoided in your home and yard for your companion’s sake.  Animals are much closer to the ground and breathe in whatever chemical residues are on the floor and furniture.  They also come into contact with chemicals used on the yard or local park, then groom these residues from their coat and paws.  There are natural alternatives to the chemical products used by exterminators and used in lawn and yard care (a simple internet search on natural pest control or weed control is a good place to start).

Chemical flea treatments such as spot-on insecticides are absorbed into your animal’s system adding stress to the liver and kidneys as well as the digestive system.  Natural flea control options are widely available and are effective without negatively affecting your companion’s immune system.

5. Keep a Healthy House, Free of Toxins.   Household cleaning products are another source of toxins to your companion.  Many cleaners, air fresheners and laundry detergents contain bleach, ammonia and other chemicals that our companions breathe in, walk on and lick from their paws.  Keeping the floors clean is important since the dirt tracked in from outside likely contains heavy metals and other toxins, but using more natural cleaning products will keep the household healthier.  Plug-in air fresheners are another source of indoor pollution – they may smell nice, but the petrochemicals that carry that scent offer a constant dose of toxins to your companion.

6. Limit Vaccinations.  Many holistic veterinarians agree that over-vaccination is a significant contributor to the rising rates of chronic disease and cancer in cats and dogs.  A limited vaccine program is highly recommended– and is especially important if your pet belongs to any of the breeds known to be more susceptible to cancer and chronic disease.

7. Medicate Wisely, and Minimally.  Antibiotics and steroids are necessary tools in any veterinarian’s trade, but they are quite often overused.  Repeated rounds of antibiotics to address chronic urinary tract issues, or steroids to treat itchy skin and allergies, tax the immune system – sometimes leaving the animal susceptible to greater health problems than it started with.  A natural approach to chronic health issues begins with a natural, raw diet and involves supporting the animal’s system in its healing process from within, avoiding suppression of symptoms with medications as much as possible.

8. Exercise. Moderate exercise has been shown to improve immune factors in humans and animals.  Natural light is also important, so walks in the great outdoors are the best option for dogs and outdoor cats.  Indoor cats should be provided with plenty of toys and climbing structures.

9. Control Weight. Keeping your pet’s weight under control is also key – overweight animals are much more susceptible to chronic and acute diseases and infections. A healthy diet of raw, minimally processed food (point 1 in my previous post) often helps animals maintain a healthy weight.

10. Minimize Stress.  Stress affects animals the same way it affects us – weakening the immune system.  Dogs and cats with anxiety issues of any kind need assistance in moderating their fears.  Flower Essences, Homeopathic Remedies and Herbal Remedies can be highly beneficial for animals with anxiety problems or that are under stress.  Behavioral modification training is essential for dogs with anxiety; and environmental alterations such as separate territories for cats that do not get along well, or additional litter boxes and cat trees or safe resting areas can make a big difference for anxious cats.

Save with Petsmart grooming coupon 10 off! Buy 1 Stain & Odor Item for cats, Get 1 50% Off, Mix and Match! Ends March 1.2015!


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Source: darwinspet.com

Pet Dental Month – It’s Time to Brush up on Your Pet’s Oral Care

February is pet dental month, which means it’s time to pay extra attention to your pet’s oral care. Dental disease is more than just yellow teeth, red gums and stinky breath. It may be a sign of a serious oral disease. If left untreated, it may affect your pet’s quality of life. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some kind of oral disease by the age of three.

Pet owners don’t fear, now is the perfect timing to take steps to maintain your pets oral health. The most obvious, is to frequently brush your pet’s teeth and gums. When choosing a toothpaste, make sure that it doesn’t contain xylitol. You might be very surprised that many contain this dangerous additive for dogs. An all-natural toothpaste is the best option. If you’re like most pet owners and you frequently forget to brush, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about a deep teeth cleaning for your dog or cat once a year or as needed.

Overall health begins with a good diet, but did you know that many dental health issues are also caused by an incomplete diet? Healthy dogs who eat a fresh meat and vegetable diet often have much cleaner teeth and better gums than those eating a grain-based dry food. Kibble tends to be hard on the teeth, much like how pretzels can be tough on your teeth.

Chew treats are also another great way to promote dental health. Dogs (especially puppies) need to chew and if you don’t provide good options for them, they will end up finding your shoes or other household items. Chew treats can provide mental and physical stimulation, entertain dogs without your active participation and help aid in plaque removal. Here are some recommendations on chew options:

Rawhide chews are high in fat, add no beneficial nutrients and can cause blockage in the stomach or intestines. Many rawhides are bleached and have added chemicals. Any form of rawhide can be irritating to your pup’s digestive system. Try to avoid rawhide altogether.

Green treats promote dental health and are great for chewing but often have a gluten base. Gluten is one of the most common allergens for dogs. Green treats tend to expand in your dog’s stomach, causing digestive issues.

Save with PetSmart Grooming Coupon 10 OFF! Take 10% OFF sitewide + an extra $5 OFF orders of $100 or more (Food, Flea & Tick 5%)! Ends Feb 16.2015!

Bones provide a natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and calcium for healthier joints and connective tissues. Raw bones are best due to their durability and are a rich source of good fats and calories, making them easily digestible. Sterilized and cooked bones may be fine for a light chewer who will gradually wear the bone away. Heavy chewers should stick to raw bones as cooked bones become brittle and can splinter causing internal damage if swallowed. Raw bones may be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Consumable chews require careful evaluation for each individual dog. Chews like duck necks are great for cleaning the molars of the mouth. They are easily digestible and add beneficial cartilage to the diet. However, an enthusiastic large dog can choke on them. Always supervise and discard pieces that are small enough to swallow.

So this February make extra time for your pet’s oral health. Remember to frequently brush your dog’s teeth and gums. Always supervise all chew activities carefully, and when possible, choose a raw or natural chew treat - Mother Nature always provides the best remedies to support your pet’s health. This will add to the quality of your dog’s days, helping them live a longer, more satisfying life.

Source: darwinspet.com

Manage Your Dog's Hyperthyroidism at Home With This Simple Change

Hyperthyroidism, a very common condition in cats, is exceedingly rare in dogs. Off the top of my head, I can only remember diagnosing one dog with hyperthyroidism in the course of my career (other than those dogs who were on supplements for hypothyroidism and needed a reduction in dose).

My patient had the classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism: weight loss in the face of an excellent, bordering on ravenous, appetite and increased thirst and urination. Unfortunately, identifying the cause was quite simple. I could easily palpate a large mass on the underside of her neck.

 

Source image: Petsmart.com

 

Get the best pet supplies to care for your pet. PetSmart offers quality pet products and accessories for a healthier, happier pet. Get the latest PetSmart Grooming Coupon 10 off and more PetSmart Coupons 2015

A biopsy confirmed what I suspected; cancer of the thyroid gland.

Until recently, I had thought that cancer of the thyroid gland was essentially the only disease that could cause elevated thyroid hormone levels in dogs, but it turns out that diet can be to blame also. A couple of newly published papers reveal that eating certain types of foods and/or treats puts dogs at risk for dietary hyperthyroidism, which can also be called thyrotoxicosis.

The first study looked at twelve dogs who ate raw meat diets or were fed fresh or dried gullets and had elevated levels of thyroid hormone in their bloodstream.

Half of the dogs had clinical signs such as “weight loss, aggressiveness, tachycardia [an abnormally rapid heartbeat], panting, and restlessness,” while the other half were symptom-free. After changing the diet, the eight dogs that were reevaluated all had normal thyroid hormone levels and any symptoms that were present resolved.

In the next study, researchers identified fourteen dogs who had high thyroid hormone levels while eating commercially available dog foods or treats.

“All 14 dogs were being fed all-meat or meat-based varieties of commercially available dog foods or treats at the time of diagnosis… All samples or descriptions of the suspect foods or treats provided by clients were of a similar” type and included air dried dog foods, jerky treats or strips, and thawed, raw dog food. After four weeks off of these foods or treats, the dogs’ thyroid hormone levels were all back to normal and any symptoms they had were gone.

The suspected cause in all these cases was the inclusion of thyroid tissue in the food or treats being fed to the dogs. A similar problem has been identified in people. Ground beef that inadvertently contained thyroid tissue has led to cases of so-called “hamburger thyrotoxicosis.”

This is a sort of good-news bad-news scenario for owners.

The good news: If your dog develops symptoms and laboratory findings consistent with hyperthyroidism, cancer is no longer the “only” possible diagnosis.

The bad news: We all have to be a little bit more careful about what we choose to feed our dogs.


Dr. Jennifer Coates

List of the latest PetSmart Coupons February 2015

Active PetSmart Coupons February 2015

Promo:

PetSmart Grooming Coupon $5 OFF $50, $10 OFF $75 or $15 OFF $100
Use PetSmart Grooming Coupon and save $5 OFF $50, $10 OFF $75 or $15 OFF $100! Offer valid now through Feb 8.2015!


Promo:
Up to 50% OFF on Sale Items
Get up to 50% OFF on Sale Items. Shop Now!


Promo:
FREE Shipping on $49+
Get FREE Shipping on orders of $49 or more. Valid within the contiguous 48 U.S. states and to military APO/FPO addresses! Offer Ends Soon!

Promo:
Up to 25% Essentials For Your Small Pet
Follow this coupon and save Up to 25% Essentials For Your Small Pet at PetSmart!


Promo:
Up to 25% OFF Essentials for Bird
Essentials for your bird available for up to 25% OFF at PetSmart!



Promo:
Up to 25% OFF Amazing Aquarium Essentials
Amazing Aquarium Essentials at up to 25% OFF at PetSmart! Shop and save now!


Promo:
Up to 25% OFF Essentials For Your Reptile
Essentials For Your Reptile available at PetSmart! Shop and save up to 25% OFF!


Promo:
Buy 2 Small Pet Hay, Get 1 Free All Varieties
Buy 2 Small Pet Hay, Get 1 Free All Varieties at PetSmart! Shop now through March 1.2015 and save!


Promo:
BOGO 50% OFF Puppy Pad
Buy one Puppy Pad, get the second for 50% OFF at PetSmart! Offer ends March 1.2015!



Promo:
BOGO 50% OFF Stain & Odor Item
Buy one Stain & Odor Item, get 1 for half price! Valid now through March 1.2015 ! Redeem this PetSmart coupon now!


Promo:
Buy 1 Stain & Odor Item For Cats, Get 1 50% OFF, Mix and Match
Save with PetSmart coupon Feb 2015! Buy 1 Stain & Odor Item for cats, Get 1 50% Off, Mix and Match! Ends March 1.2015!


Promo:
Buy 1 Grreat Choice Waste Pick Up Bag Get 1 50% Off, Mix and Match
Buy 1 Grreat Choice Waste Pick Up Bag and Get 1 50% Off, Mix and Match at PetSmart! The promotion valid now through March 1.2015!


Promo:
Shipping at rate of $1 with Gift Card
Enjoy Shipping at rate of $1 with Gift Card. Enjoy now!!!!!!

Behind the Scenes with PetSmart Dog Grooming Services

Follow this Petsmart coupons 2015 and save Up to 25% Essentials For Your Small Pet at PetSmart.com!

7 Home Remedies for Your Dog

When you're feeling under the weather, you might find that the perfect thing for treating what ails you is something you already have in the kitchen. Did you know that you can treat your ailing dog with some simple home remedies too? Below you will find seven great natural remedies for making your dog happy and healthy again.

TIP #1

Vitamin E is good for preventing those pesky age lines on your face, and it's also great for your dog's dry skin. You can give your pup a doggy massage by applying vitamin E oil directly to the skin, a soaking bath with vitamin E added to the water, or you can go all "Hollywood" and pop your dog a pill (of vitamin E, that is).

If you give the vitamin orally, check with your vet on the recommended dosage for your specific dog breed.

TIP #2

Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids, such as sports waters or pediatric drinks, not only help athletes to replenish fluids, and babies to rehydrate after an illness, they can also supply your sick pooch's body with much needed fluids after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting.

Consult your veterinarian as to the appropriate dosage amounts when giving these types of liquids to your dog.

TIP #3

Deliciously plain yogurt is a healthy treat for your dog. Just as with humans, the live acidophilus in the yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog's intestines in balance, so that bad bacteria is swiftly knocked out. If your dog is on antibiotics, a little yogurt will also help keep yeast infections at bay (a common side-effect of antibiotic treatment). You can also give your dog acidophilus pills -- wrapping the pills in bacon is strictly optional.

Puppies are especially prone to yeast infections, so a little plain yogurt as a snack (or even dessert) can help keep things in balance; especially useful while the intestinal system is building immunities.

TIP #4

Chamomile tea uses the natural disinfecting effects of the chamomile plant to settle upset doggy tummies. It is recommended for colic, gas, and anxiety. It can also alleviate minor skin irritations. Just chill in the fridge and spray onto the affected area on the dog's raw skin. Your dog should feel an immediate soothing effect as the chilled tea kills the yeast and/or bacteria on the skin. A warm (not hot) tea bag can also be used for soothing infected or irritated eyes.

Use PetSmart Grooming Coupon and save $5 OFF $50, $10 OFF $75 or $15 OFF $100! Offer valid now through Feb 8.2015!  Try Petsmart grooming coupon 10 off now