By Charley Hwang
Beds do not strike us as something essential for our pets sometimes, for some of us have the idea that they can sleep on any surface. However, for dogs, we tend to buy them a soft, warm basket or something that they can sleep in. Majority of the dogs will then claim the bed as a sleeping spot. On the other hands, cats do not really need a certain place to sleep. It will in fact, sleep at any place it feels like, anytime, anywhere.
Cats are hard to train to sleep in one specific spot. They will still end up sleeping in various places in your house. Furniture such as chairs, tables, sofas, or floor or any cozy nook they can curl up in and fall asleep without disturbance.
Although your pet cat likes sleeping on your couch or steps, it does not mean that it wouldn’t appreciate a nice warm bed. You can still go ahead and get your cat a bed, and perhaps it will take interest in it and somehow, enjoy sleeping in it. Although it won’t be sleeping in the bed every night, you’ll still know that the bed will become one of the many sleeping places it will visit, and cats enjoy being territorial, and owning a new bed will bring them satisfaction.
If you have seen cat trees, it is your best choice of a cat bed for your pet. It is a tall stand with a perch built at the top, where your cat can climb up onto it and sleep while everyone is below it, such as dogs that cats naturally fear. You can even connect the perch to a window sill, and your cat can nap as well as look out the window at the activities that goes on outside.
Cleanliness and hygiene is again the most important thing to look out for when getting your cat a bed. No matter what bed you decided to get, make sure that it has a removable cover that you can take out and wash regularly. Cats, like dogs, will attract bugs such as fleas, and these pests can make a home out of any fabric, especially if your cat lies there often. So make sure you remember to wash your cat’s bed often, and the other spots your cat sleep in as well to guarantee a flea-free home, one that you and your cat will both enjoy.
For more information on Cat Beds or visit http://www.siamesecatsinfo.com/should-you-buy-a-bed-for-your-cat/, a popular website that offers information on Cats, Cats Breeding, and Cats Behavior. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Natural Treatments For Dog Itching And Cat Bladder Infections2
By: Dr. Andrew Jones
Evaluation of the Genital and Urinary system - cat bladder infections...
In male dogs look at the sheath of the penis to ensure there is no abnormal discharge. This is more common in intact males, so an easy remedy is to have your dog neutered. In female dogs examine the vulva. A common problem is skin fold infections.
These can be treated by washing the skin folds twice daily with an antiseptic such as Hibitane and applying a soothing cream such as Aloe Vera.
The urinary system is more difficult to evaluate, but there are some things you can do at home. Signs of a bladder infection are frequently urination, which may have blood and may be painful.
There are a number of home remedies for bladder infections, the most effective are Vitamin C and Cranberry juice. The Vitamin C acidifies the urine making it more difficult for the bacteria to grow, as well as dissolving the more common type of crystal, struvite. The Vitamin C dose is 250mg per 20lbs daily.
If you have a male cat, then it is imperative to determine that he is not completely blocked up. Using your thumb and other four fingers, palpate the entire lower abdomen. An obstructed bladder will feel like a firm distended balloon. If your male cat has this condition, it is an emergency and he must be treated by a veterinarian!
I discuss ways to prevent your cat from getting obstructed in my book; the most important thing is to feed a diet higher in moisture. This is accomplished with canned food. Then depending on the type of crystal he has it is important to either acidify the urine (with struvite) or make the urine more alkaline (oxalate crystals). An easy way to acidify the urine is to raise the meat protein level. Making the urine more alkaline involves decreasing the protein level and adding a supplement, potassium citrate.
If some of these tips and treatments have helped you, then get your copy of my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, today.
Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special interest in alternative, natural remedies for pets. His book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, a holistic pet health manual, is at: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Evaluation of the Genital and Urinary system - cat bladder infections...
In male dogs look at the sheath of the penis to ensure there is no abnormal discharge. This is more common in intact males, so an easy remedy is to have your dog neutered. In female dogs examine the vulva. A common problem is skin fold infections.
These can be treated by washing the skin folds twice daily with an antiseptic such as Hibitane and applying a soothing cream such as Aloe Vera.
The urinary system is more difficult to evaluate, but there are some things you can do at home. Signs of a bladder infection are frequently urination, which may have blood and may be painful.
There are a number of home remedies for bladder infections, the most effective are Vitamin C and Cranberry juice. The Vitamin C acidifies the urine making it more difficult for the bacteria to grow, as well as dissolving the more common type of crystal, struvite. The Vitamin C dose is 250mg per 20lbs daily.
If you have a male cat, then it is imperative to determine that he is not completely blocked up. Using your thumb and other four fingers, palpate the entire lower abdomen. An obstructed bladder will feel like a firm distended balloon. If your male cat has this condition, it is an emergency and he must be treated by a veterinarian!
I discuss ways to prevent your cat from getting obstructed in my book; the most important thing is to feed a diet higher in moisture. This is accomplished with canned food. Then depending on the type of crystal he has it is important to either acidify the urine (with struvite) or make the urine more alkaline (oxalate crystals). An easy way to acidify the urine is to raise the meat protein level. Making the urine more alkaline involves decreasing the protein level and adding a supplement, potassium citrate.
If some of these tips and treatments have helped you, then get your copy of my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, today.
Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special interest in alternative, natural remedies for pets. His book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, a holistic pet health manual, is at: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Natural Treatments For Dog Itching And Cat Bladder Infections1
By Dr. Andrew Jones
The skin: why your dog is itching
The skin is the largest organ of your pets' body and reflective of what is going on in the body. Regularly brush your pet looking for fleas, lice or ticks. The hair coat should be soft and shiny.
If you are seeing areas of excessive shedding in your pet then you may be dealing with certain skin conditions such as mange, ringworm, hypothyroid disease or allergies; treatments for these are discussed in detail in my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.
If your pet has areas of hair missing around the face that are not itchy, then he may have a type of mange called demodex. This small parasite shows up in pets with depressed immune systems.
One very safe effective treatment is Vitamin E given at 400IU per 40lbs once daily for 3-4 weeks.
If your pet has an excess of flaky skin (dandruff), then she may be in need of a essential fatty acid supplement. Flax is the best source for dogs at a dose of 1 teaspoon per cup of dog food. For cats use the liquid supplement (such as fish oil).
Take note of any palpable lumps or bumps.
Lipomas (benign fatty tumors) commonly occur on the chest wall. If your dog has a soft moveable lump on her chest, then it is probably a fatty tumor.
Sebaceous cysts are another common lump; they can often be distinguished by squeezing out a cheesy substance. They are also very soft. Lumps and bumps become more prevalent as your pet ages and their immune system weakens.
The most important thing in helping your pet is having them on a premium quality diet and supplementing with additional antioxidants. The ones I suggest using are Vitamin E, Vitamin C and specific flavonoids.
Any lumps that are firm, rapidly growing, not easily moveable should be considered serious and examined by your veterinarian.
Allergies are one of the most common reasons that I see pets. There are a huge number of allergens. The 3 main classes are Food, Fleas and Environmental. The most common signs are excessive scratching, paw and anal licking, hair shedding and excess dandruff.
If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, then the first 2 things that I suggest are to eliminate external parasites as a cause, and to feed a hypo-allergenic diet for 4-6 weeks (there are many available).
Some very helpful at home remedies that I often use are:
TO THE BATH. An oatmeal shampoo with cool water will ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet twice weekly.
SOOTHE IT TOPICALLY. Calendula ointment is a herbal medication that has been successfully used to relieve the itch. Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.
THE SUPPLEMENT CONNECTION. Fatty Acid supplements are very helpful in decreasing the level of inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are most important. A great, inexpensive source is ground Flax Seeds; I give 1 tsp per cup of dog food. Cats are unable to metabolize Flax, so I only recommend the liquid supplement for them. Other sources include fish oil, primrose oil and specific veterinary supplements.
Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special interest in alternative, natural remedies for pets. His book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, a holistic pet health manual, is at: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
The skin: why your dog is itching
The skin is the largest organ of your pets' body and reflective of what is going on in the body. Regularly brush your pet looking for fleas, lice or ticks. The hair coat should be soft and shiny.
If you are seeing areas of excessive shedding in your pet then you may be dealing with certain skin conditions such as mange, ringworm, hypothyroid disease or allergies; treatments for these are discussed in detail in my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.
If your pet has areas of hair missing around the face that are not itchy, then he may have a type of mange called demodex. This small parasite shows up in pets with depressed immune systems.
One very safe effective treatment is Vitamin E given at 400IU per 40lbs once daily for 3-4 weeks.
If your pet has an excess of flaky skin (dandruff), then she may be in need of a essential fatty acid supplement. Flax is the best source for dogs at a dose of 1 teaspoon per cup of dog food. For cats use the liquid supplement (such as fish oil).
Take note of any palpable lumps or bumps.
Lipomas (benign fatty tumors) commonly occur on the chest wall. If your dog has a soft moveable lump on her chest, then it is probably a fatty tumor.
Sebaceous cysts are another common lump; they can often be distinguished by squeezing out a cheesy substance. They are also very soft. Lumps and bumps become more prevalent as your pet ages and their immune system weakens.
The most important thing in helping your pet is having them on a premium quality diet and supplementing with additional antioxidants. The ones I suggest using are Vitamin E, Vitamin C and specific flavonoids.
Any lumps that are firm, rapidly growing, not easily moveable should be considered serious and examined by your veterinarian.
Allergies are one of the most common reasons that I see pets. There are a huge number of allergens. The 3 main classes are Food, Fleas and Environmental. The most common signs are excessive scratching, paw and anal licking, hair shedding and excess dandruff.
If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, then the first 2 things that I suggest are to eliminate external parasites as a cause, and to feed a hypo-allergenic diet for 4-6 weeks (there are many available).
Some very helpful at home remedies that I often use are:
TO THE BATH. An oatmeal shampoo with cool water will ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet twice weekly.
SOOTHE IT TOPICALLY. Calendula ointment is a herbal medication that has been successfully used to relieve the itch. Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.
THE SUPPLEMENT CONNECTION. Fatty Acid supplements are very helpful in decreasing the level of inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are most important. A great, inexpensive source is ground Flax Seeds; I give 1 tsp per cup of dog food. Cats are unable to metabolize Flax, so I only recommend the liquid supplement for them. Other sources include fish oil, primrose oil and specific veterinary supplements.
Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special interest in alternative, natural remedies for pets. His book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, a holistic pet health manual, is at: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
How to trim your cat's nails
By Mike Ray
Remember, if you don't trim your cat's nails, they will find some way to scratch them down on their own... most likely on your furniture! (This is less of an issue for outdoor cats).
Trimming nails, like bathing can be a really fun, easy process if you know how.
Steps to trim your cat's nails:
1. Get your cat accustomed to having their feet and nails handled; whenever you're snuggling, take a moment to massage each paw.
2. Turn on a strong light. Trimming your cat's nails in good light will help you see the "quick" (the part of the nail containing nerves and blood vessels). Cutting into the "quick" is painful and will cause bleeding.
3. Have everything ready before you start. Cats don't like restraint, especially for long periods.
4. Place your cat in your lap, and gently hold one paw.
5. Unsheath your cat's retractable nails by placing your index finger underneath one toe and your thumb over the top of the same toe. Squeeze your fingers together gently. As you do this, you'll see the toenail protrude; it will remain extended until you release your hold.
6. Trim each nail just beyond the point where it starts to curve downward, using pet nail trimmers specifically designed for cats.
7. Start gradually, clipping a few nails in one sitting, using positive reinforcement such as petting or treats as you clip.
8. If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the tip of the nail using styptic powder or a substitute such as baby powder or cotton balls.
9. Work up to trimming the nails on all four paws in one sitting.
Cats usually have five nails on each front foot and four on the rear, although they can be born with extra toes. The nails on extra toes tend to become ingrown and should be trimmed more frequently.
This is often a job for two people (one to hold the cat and one to trim the nails). An alternative to this method is to do it when they are asleep.
Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement if your cat protests the pedicure as cats generally don't respond well to this approach. Try again when you sense that your cat might be more cooperative.
Ideally, if you get your cat while they are still a kitten, make handing the paws part of the petting ritual. Begin to press on the pad to express the claws, just as you would if you were trimming. When kittens are asleep, they usually won't wake up or object to this. If your cat loses patience and you are not finished, do the rest another time. It is far better not to force it. And always pet your cat and tell them what a good kitty they are afterward, even if they are asleep!
Personally, I wrap my cats in a warm towel, snugly (but gently), which keeps them from moving while trimming. I take a few seconds in between each nail and pet them as it makes it more enjoyable for both of us. Also, when I am done, I give them a treat to reward them for how good they have been.
Find out much more about everything cat related with our free newsletter at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com We cover health issues, behavior and training, cat selection and even non verbal cat communication, cat massage and more. Sign up for free now at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Remember, if you don't trim your cat's nails, they will find some way to scratch them down on their own... most likely on your furniture! (This is less of an issue for outdoor cats).
Trimming nails, like bathing can be a really fun, easy process if you know how.
Steps to trim your cat's nails:
1. Get your cat accustomed to having their feet and nails handled; whenever you're snuggling, take a moment to massage each paw.
2. Turn on a strong light. Trimming your cat's nails in good light will help you see the "quick" (the part of the nail containing nerves and blood vessels). Cutting into the "quick" is painful and will cause bleeding.
3. Have everything ready before you start. Cats don't like restraint, especially for long periods.
4. Place your cat in your lap, and gently hold one paw.
5. Unsheath your cat's retractable nails by placing your index finger underneath one toe and your thumb over the top of the same toe. Squeeze your fingers together gently. As you do this, you'll see the toenail protrude; it will remain extended until you release your hold.
6. Trim each nail just beyond the point where it starts to curve downward, using pet nail trimmers specifically designed for cats.
7. Start gradually, clipping a few nails in one sitting, using positive reinforcement such as petting or treats as you clip.
8. If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the tip of the nail using styptic powder or a substitute such as baby powder or cotton balls.
9. Work up to trimming the nails on all four paws in one sitting.
Cats usually have five nails on each front foot and four on the rear, although they can be born with extra toes. The nails on extra toes tend to become ingrown and should be trimmed more frequently.
This is often a job for two people (one to hold the cat and one to trim the nails). An alternative to this method is to do it when they are asleep.
Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement if your cat protests the pedicure as cats generally don't respond well to this approach. Try again when you sense that your cat might be more cooperative.
Ideally, if you get your cat while they are still a kitten, make handing the paws part of the petting ritual. Begin to press on the pad to express the claws, just as you would if you were trimming. When kittens are asleep, they usually won't wake up or object to this. If your cat loses patience and you are not finished, do the rest another time. It is far better not to force it. And always pet your cat and tell them what a good kitty they are afterward, even if they are asleep!
Personally, I wrap my cats in a warm towel, snugly (but gently), which keeps them from moving while trimming. I take a few seconds in between each nail and pet them as it makes it more enjoyable for both of us. Also, when I am done, I give them a treat to reward them for how good they have been.
Find out much more about everything cat related with our free newsletter at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com We cover health issues, behavior and training, cat selection and even non verbal cat communication, cat massage and more. Sign up for free now at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com