Cat Games – Think Like a Cat – Pet tip 195

Many cat lovers realize how important play is to their cat’s well being. Especially given that more and more cat owners are keeping their cats indoors due to health and safety concerns, games are indeed important. Games keep your kitty …

Tip 90 – Cat sex – Are cats promiscuous

Many people view cats especially female cats as sexually promiscuous creatures. One of the reasons for this notion is that when female cats are in heat they call out to let males know that they are in heat. They also …

Frostbite and Hypothermia in Pets

It is wise to prepare our pets for the cold winter temperatures coming ahead. It is a misconception to believe that cats and dogs can withstand cold temperatures because they have fur. Some large dog breeds are well equipped for …

Lymphoma in the Dog

The lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes and the spleen, is extremely important in the body’s immunologic defense against “foreign” invaders, known as “antigens”. The lymph nodes contain numerous types of white blood cells that are important in the body’s …

Tip – 20 – Dogs and chocolate cats and chocolate

Chocolate and dogs and cats

Dogs and cats must NOT eat chocolate. Although the reaction to chocolate varies from dog to dog based on the quantity eaten in relation to its size, chocolate is poisonous to dogs and it can …

Tip 86 – Leashes for training puppies and dogs

There are many different types of leashes that are available at any pet store. Although some of the leashes may be very comfortable for your dog, they may not be well suited for training. Good examples include retractable leashes which …

Birds as Pets

Getting Ready for a New Bird

Whether your knowledge of birds comes from Woody Woodpecker, Tweety or “Polly wanna cracker?”, they make great companions: Some will cuddle with you, others will play and, of course, many will chat. Just keep …

Cats and Colds

Respiratory Infections and the common cold in cats

Cats can get upper respiratory infections or what we call the common cold or flu. However you can not pass a human cold on to your cat and vice versa. The cat …

Limber tail in dogs – Pet tip 140

Limber Tail Syndrome (AKA cold tail, dead tail, broken wag) is quite common among some breeds of hunting dogs, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pointers, Setters, and Beagles. It is a condition in which the tail becomes limp and sometimes painful after exertion, particularly during inclement weather, swimming, or in an under-conditioned dog. It is a condition well-known to hunting dog owners and trainers, but not commonly seen by veterinarians. The syndrome is characterized by the swelling of the muscles at the base of the tail (the wagging muscles, which are also used heavily during swimming when the tail may serve as a rudder). These muscles are bound to the tail by a tight ring of connective tissue. As the muscles swell and expand, the connective tissue begins to serve as a tourniquet – cutting off normal blood flow.

When increased pressure within a confined space results in reduced blood flow, it is known as a ‘compartment syndrome’.

Tip 77 – Do dogs dream – dreaming dogs – sleeping dogs

While dogs are sleeping they sometimes moan, whimper, growl and have involuntary body gestures such as twitching, tail wagging and lip licking. In fact if you watch your dog sleep, it sleeps in very much the same way we humans …