If your cat is clawing apart your furniture or causing damage to the carpet, having him or her declawed is an option. However, since there are potential side effects of declawing--like arthritis and infections--most vets recommend trying other methods of dealing with your cat's claws before you resort to declawing. Here are two strategies you can try over the coming weeks. If one works, you may not need to make that surgical declawing appointment after all.
- After coming home from work, you discovered that your dog got up onto the counter and ate the chocolate dessert that was left out. Because you have heard that chocolate is poisonous to dogs, you may start to panic and wonder what to do next. If so, ask yourself the following three questions to assess the situation and gather information needed if you take them to the vet. What Type Of Chocolate Did Your Dog Eat?
- Cleaning your dog's teeth is a must-do in order to help prevent dental issues such as gingivitis, rotting teeth or tooth loss in your pup. Although your dog may not willingly open his mouth for the toothbrush and cleaning, you do need to try to get the job done. Starting when your pup is young will help, but if you're a late starter with brushing your dog's teeth, you'll need to start slowly to get your dog used to it.
- Heartworm: even its name sounds scary. If you're a dog owner, this condition should be one of your main focuses when it comes to preserving your dog's health. A heartworm infection could easily claim your dog's life, but luckily, heartworm is almost always preventable. Here's a closer look at this disease. What is heartworm? Heartworms are parasites that can infect dogs, cats, ferrets, and several other mammals -- but not humans.
- It can be difficult to decide what to do with your pet when you have to be away from home, even if you're leaving for the purpose of enjoying yourself on vacation. Being apart may cause your pet anxiety and you really don't want to be constantly preoccupied with wondering how your favorite four-legged or two-feathered friend is faring. No matter what type of animal you own, consider all the factors that will impact the situation as you try to decipher the best solution.