Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts? While chatting with a dog training client last week, the topic of macadamia nut poisoning in dogs popped up in our conversation. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, but we could not remember exactly why this happens. After a bit of research, I think it’s important for all pet owners to be aware of macadamia nut poisoning in dogs and symptoms of … [Read more...]
Vaccinate Your Pets
Keeping dogs and cats up-to-date on their immunizations is crucial to their health and well-being. Imagine a time when distemper was rampant in dogs, killing those canines who weren’t able to fight off the virus. Or a time when cats who went outside were at great risk of contracting feline leukemia and eventually dying from the disease. In the days before vaccines for … [Read more...]
The Perils of Chocolate & Pets
Always keep the tempting sweets away from your dogs and cats. The weeks before and after Easter are typically drenched in chocolate. And those fun-looking baskets filled with intriguingly shaped (and scented) candies can be an irresistible temptation for curious dogs. Cats could also discover that those foil-wrapped eggs make excellent toys. The guilty look and doleful … [Read more...]
Finding the Right Bed for your Dog
Help your pet snooze comfortably in the ideal spot. Do you want to give your dog a space he can call his own? Provide him with a dog bed. Beyond giving your canine friend a soft, comfortable place to sleep and relax, a dog bed provides your pet with a small spot in your house that is completely his territory. Dog beds come a range of styles, sizes, fabrics, patterns, and … [Read more...]
How To Break Up With Your Veterinarian
What's Involved When Changing Vets Breaking up with anyone is difficult. Choosing to leave your current veterinarian, regardless of the reason, is extremely uncomfortable. Many pet owners put off this decision, hoping something changes soon, but it rarely does. If your gut is screaming that you and your dog need a new vet, then it's time to pull up your socks and get it … [Read more...]
Home Sweet (Inside) Home
Keep your cats indoors to protect them from outside dangers. Your cat sits by the back door, looking plaintively outside and meowing in her best “please let me outside” voice. You want to provide the best life for your cat, and you wonder if being able to play and explore outside will add to her quality of life. Before you invite her to play outside, however, consider the … [Read more...]
Feline Chewing Problems
Taking a few effective measures can help keep your cats safe and sound. There are a variety of reasons cats might chew on and/or eat nonfood items. Felines might chew if they are bored or have too much excess energy. Highly stressed or anxious cats often chew as a self-soothing technique. Chewing on or ingesting nonfood items can not only be destructive, it can be very … [Read more...]
Why You Shouldn’t Toilet Train Your Cat
Teaching the behavior causes more problems than it solves. In “Meet the Parents,” Robert DeNiro’s character owns a cat named Jinx that has a unique talent: The cat uses the toilet instead of the litterbox. At first thought, the idea of your cat using the toilet instead the litterbox may have great appeal. Who wouldn’t like to avoid scooping the litterbox. However, the … [Read more...]