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Teach your Dog to Ring a Bell
Housetraining some dogs can be especially challenging because they do not learn to clearly signal when they need to eliminate. Teaching a dog to ring a bell when it needs to go outside can be a huge help when housetraining. It takes time but is relatively simple if you follow the following steps: Purchase a small bell, and set it near the door through which you usually take your dog out for elimination. Ring the bell immediately before opening the door to go outside with the dog. Your dog should already be leashed so that you can step outside with her as soon as you ring the bell. Do this…
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Protect your puppy’s pearly whites
Dental health is a fundamental part of your furry best friend’s future. Your puppy has 28 teeth in his mouth and each of these teeth is vitally important to his daily activities and overall health. As with your own teeth, neglected puppy teeth can collect plaque and tartar that can lead to periodontal disease and even tooth loss. A fact that becomes even more important when those 28 puppy teeth are replaced with 42 permanent adult teeth. However, if you start training your puppy now, you can teach him or her to tolerate (and even like) tooth brushing as a puppy and as an adult. Brush up on your toothbrush…
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The top 5 tips for teething puppies
Teething is a tricky time. Here’s how to keep puppies properly occupied—and out of the shoe closet! Offer frozen mini bagels, plain or fruit variety, not onion. Allowing your puppy to chew, and eventually consume, the bagels helps to numb his gums, easing discomfort. The denseness of the bagel may actually help to remove loose baby teeth. Cold carrots may help relieve discomfort—and they offer vitamins and minerals. Just don’t offer more than one whole carrot a day, because of its high fiber content. Try frozen fruit, such as strawberries or bits of banana. The “cold pack” may help relieve oral discomfort and the fruit is edible. Watch out though……
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What should you feed your puppy?
Your puppy is your new best friend, and you want to give him the best foundation to grow and thrive. You certainly don’t want to unknowingly contribute to anything that might be harmful or inadequate for him. This is where nutrition can come in! We all know that there are pet food brands and varieties stacked to the ceiling at pet stores and grocery stores, so how do you know what your puppy really needs as he grows? Here are some common questions and a few important tips to help you put the perfect portion on your pup’s plate. What’s the most important thing to know about feeding a puppy?…
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Scratch that!
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch. Through scratching, they loosen and remove the outer husks of the nails as they grow. Scratching is also a form of exercise and communication for cats. While scratching, cats deposit their scent, from glands present on the paws, and the discarded nail husks, signaling to other cats the extent of their territory. Our indoor cats also use scratching as a precursor to play or to get attention, especially if they’ve been positively reinforced. Many cats will often scratch vigorously in the presence of their owners or other cats as a sign of territorial confidence. With all that scratching, you may worry about your…
one vet's tips and tricks
