2018

Do you have kids who have been begging to get a cat or a dog? Have you finally agreed that you'll get the pet that they want for an upcoming birthday, holiday, or another special occasion? Owning a pet is often a huge part of growing up. Your kids will be able to have many experiences that they wouldn't be able to have any other way. But while having a furry friend can be awesome, it's important to also teach your child how to make sure that the pet is healthy and is able to remain that way.

Your dog's teeth are just as important as your own. The American Veterinary Dental College reports that many dogs (and cats) show signs of periodontal disease as early as three years of age, so it is important that you don't overlook the importance of your canine's oral hygiene. One of the earliest signs of dental disease in dogs is bad breath, which is why it gets overlooked—after all, dog breath is not pleasant.

When you take your cat to the veterinarian for a series of vaccinations, you're protecting them from a wide variety of illnesses. Everything from the common cold to rabies is warded off by proper vaccination, but that's not all. Cats can contract a virus very similar to human HIV, which can significantly impact their lives or even result in an early death. If you want to keep your kitty safe, read this guide on the one vaccine your kitty must receive and what it's protecting them from.

Alternative and holistic medicine is becoming increasingly more popular for humans looking to find relief from a variety of ailments. Just as you can benefit from the non-invasive options offered by alternative medicine, your pet can benefit as well. Here are some popular alternative pet therapies that can improve your furry friend's quality of life in the future. Chiropractic Care Regular chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial in relieving muscle tension and increasing range of motion.

A canine's eyes are a little different than a human's, with the iris of the eye taking up more space and leaving little white to see unless your pooch looks in a certain direction. If you notice that the white part around the iris of the eye is really red and your dog's eyes appear a bit cloudy, it can definitely be a little alarming. Most pet owners want to associate a cloudy appearance in their dog's eye with blindness, but there are a handful of conditions that can cause this kind of appearance in a dog's eye.

When you are the owner of one or more indoor-only cats, you may wonder what type of veterinary care they may need on a regular basis. Most people do not take their indoor cats to the vet frequently and sometimes miss recommended vaccinations and routine exams because they assume their cats are safe inside. However, indoor cats, just like any other pet, need routine care to remain happy and healthy. Get to know some of the preventative care that you can provide to your indoor cats.

Have you always owned dogs? If so, you probably already know that your new shelter dog will become part of the family. If you are new to pet ownership, prepare to fall deeply in love. If you're new at the game, from establishing a home routine to finding a vet, here are some ideas that might help you as you settle in with your new shelter dog. Find Out What Happened First: Try to get as much information as you can from the shelter where your dog was adopted.

When you have a seriously or terminally ill pet, its care can take an emotional toll on you and your family. While euthanasia may have crossed your mind, you may feel that you are not quite ready to reach that decision and choose to care for your pet as long as possible. If you go this route, there are some things you should know and do to give your pet the best quality of life possible.

Taking care of your dog's dental health needs is important, but even families that maintain a regular schedule may see indications that a teeth cleaning is required now. Periodontal disease appears in pets five times as often as in humans. Looking out for these four warning signs may help you and your pup head off bigger problems. Bad Breath Dogs obviously have a reputation for breath that doesn't smell great, but you'll notice the difference between your canine's regular breath scent and something out of the ordinary.

When a family member is ill or injured, they can verbally tell you about their discomfort. Unfortunately, pets are not able to verbally describe how they are feeling, so you will need to watch them for signs. If you notice your dog is limping, do not panic. In most cases, limping is just a temporary way of your dog easing some minor discomfort. However, in some cases, limping could be a sign your dog is in distress.

Cats are fun pets because of their independent nature and quirky behavior. However, your cat's personality can often make it difficult to know when a medical condition such as diabetes is developing. Cats aren't usually complainers, so you have to stay alert to changes in behavior as a signal that something is wrong. Here's a look at some symptoms of feline diabetes and how your veterinarian might treat it. Symptoms Of Diabetes In Cats

Unlike humans, cats are unfortunately limited to getting their temperature taken rectally. While it's not the most pleasant process for the cat or its human to go through, it's often a necessity and a valuable tool to determine if your cat is feeling ill. Learning how to do this can help your cat to get medical treatment quickly, so read this guide to find out how to do it the easiest way.

Cats are typically quiet animals while doing their business. It's a survival mechanism that helps them to avoid attracting predators while they're vulnerable. However, it doesn't always work this way. If your cat meows or cries frequently in the litter box, it may mean that there's a problem brewing. Read on to discover why your cat is doing this and what you need to do. Potential Causes Cats typically only cry or meow in the litter box for one reason: they're in pain.

Leaving for a trip typically means finding someone to care for your pets. If you're inclined to board your pets, you should know that doing so at a vet's office is the best idea. Even though there are many pet boarding facilities that aren't connected to a veterinarian's office, here's the three reasons why the vet's office beats them. They Have Your Pet's Records If you take your pet to be boarded at your vet's office, you're working with staffers (and the vet) who already know your pet.

Whether you are sharing your homestead with a couple of cows to supply milk and meat or just so your family can enjoy some bovine company, the arrival of a first calf is sure to be a milestone event. Cows, like most other domesticated livestock, typically manage very well on their own when giving birth, but it is still important for homesteaders to make a few preparations to offer them the best possible calving environment.

Seizures can be scary whether it's a human having one or your family pet. If a human is having one you would normally call 9-1-1, but this isn't an option for your pet. You'll need to care for your pet while he is going through his seizure. After his seizure, you can call your veterinarian to let them know it occurred. While your dog is having his seizure there are things you can do to help make him more comfortable.

If you are a cat owner, it is important that you know and recognize the signs that your cat is ill and needs medical attention. Cats often display behaviors that signal that they are on the verge of a major illness. It is up to you to pay attention so that you recognize the signs that your cat needs to visit a veterinary clinic. Not Eating For A Few Days

When cats are going through kidney disease, the appetite often takes a hit. This is typically because nausea and a lack of appetite are one of the main side effects of blood toxicity rising. Since the kidneys don't process your cat's blood as well as they used to, your kitty may lose its appetite. However, it still needs to eat! If you're having trouble with this, try these tips. Appetite Stimulants