Caring for your pooch’s paws
As an owner, you are probably concerned with your dog’s health. You keep him on a regular veterinary schedule and might have him groomed occasionally; you look out for your pet inside and out. Sometimes, there are aspects of dog care that slip right passed even the most caring owner. For instance, many owners are unaware that a weekly teeth brushing is great for a dog. Paw care is another important health issue that can slip through unnoticed. Here are easy ways to look out for your pet’s paws without paying a penny.
You may wonder why keeping a dog’s paws in good health is important or even relevant. Aren’t they accustomed to walking around barefoot all day? Even though your pet does spend most of his time of his paws does not mean that his paws are indestructible. And, since he does spend most of his time on his paws, his paws should be near the top of your healthy pet checklist.
If you have never taken the time to examine your dog’s paws, then it may take awhile before he accepts what you are trying to do. You need to get him comfortable with the process. Take him into a quiet area free of distractions. Start by gently touching or rubbing his paws. Work your ways up to a “paw massage.” As your pet gets accustomed to you touching his paws, then it will be easier for you to examine them when needed. Be careful if your pooch seems to be experiencing paw pain; he may snap or bite if he feels that you are going to hurt, or are hurting, his injury.
Start with your pooch’s nails. Long nails can curl under the paw and cause pain. A broken nail can also be agonizing to a dog. If you go to a groomer, then his nails are probably trimmed upon each visit. If not, then you need to trim your dog’s nails at least once a month. If the nails grow fast, then you may have to do this more often. If your dog’s paws “click” as he walks on a hard surface, then it’s definitely time to trim the nails. Another way to look at this is that his nails should not exceed the paw pad.
In addition to the nails being trimmed, the hair between the paw pads should also be trimmed. Long paw hair can mat and tangle. It can also attract unwanted foreign objects such as spurs and thorns. Your groomer will also perform the hair trimming. If you do your own grooming, then just grab a small pair of scissors. Clip the hair around and between the paw pads, but be careful not to cut your dog.
If you feel of your pet’s paw pads, then you will notice how rough and tough they are. Even though they provide protection for your pet, they can still suffer injury. Often, the pads become dry and start cracking. The cracks can be painful for your pet, so the dryness should not be left untreated. Visit your local pet store and pick up a paw cream. The cream will soften the pads and heal the cracks. It’s not a good idea to use human lotion; you don’t want your pet’s paws too soft!
If you take your pooch out for a hike or jog, then it’s a good idea to examine his paws when you return home. Just have a seat and hold him in your lap (if possible), or do whatever you need to do to keep him comfortable. Look between the paw pads and under the nails for anything that could be lodged in his paw. Check and make sure there are no cuts or cracks. If your pet is in pain, then try to find the cause. Many items can be easily removed with a pair of tweezers. However, if your pet is hurting and tweezers won’t do the trick, then you need to take him to see your veterinarian.
Your pooch uses his paws day in and day out. To protect your pet, his paws are tough, but they are still susceptible to injury. By keeping his nails and hair trimmed, some injuries can be prevented. You should place paw care on your healthy pet list, and check his paws frequently!
This article was provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring aluminum dog crates, dog beds and dog doors.
HAVE AN OUTDOOR CAT: GIVE THEM A WOODEN CAT HOUSE
A wooden cat house is the ideal solution for a cat who is used to spending most of his time indoors. You probably already know that it is good for your pet to occasionally be outdoors, to be able to enjoy running and playing, and to get plenty of exercise and fresh air. Not only is it essential in order to keep him in the best of health, fresh air and regular activity will also assist him in having a much more pleasant temperament.
You may be concerned about letting your cat outdoors, however. Even if he is restricted by a leash for his safety, you may still worry about such factors as a sudden rain or that he may be bothered by other animals. A wooden cat house is the best way to eliminate all of these worries. When he has a safe little house that he can go into whenever it may become necessary, this is very important to his safety.
Whether you allow your pet to roam free in the yard, or whether he can be kept on a leash, he will soon see his cat house as a place of safety and comfort. If your cat is the type who generally hesitates at being outdoors at all, a nice wooden cat house can be just what he needs in order to view the outdoors as a positive place. When he knows that he can go inside his little home whenever he wishes to do so, he may be much more inclined to begin enjoying all of the benefits the outdoor environment has for him. He may decide that he really does like to play in the fresh air after all!
Wooden cat houses are nicely made so that they will look very attractive in any location. You can place it on your patio or porch, or out in the yard, and its tasteful design will have a very pleasing appearance. They are also well-constructed, so their materials will not wear out. Your cat will be able to enjoy his little home for a long time!
Wooden cat houses are also ideal for indoor cats who are prone to excessive shedding. While you are giving your pet a very nice alternative to being inside of your home, it will also free you from the annoyance of constantly needing to clean shedded fur off of your furniture and carpets. If your cat is a heavy shedder, this is a factor which you are sure to appreciate.
A wooden cat house is the easiest way to help your cat to become familiar with the outdoor environment, and to make the transition from your home to the outdoors much more comfortable and pleasant for him. In fact, he may become so accustomed to his cat house that you may even decide to take it indoors. When he has his bedding, food and water closely at-hand, he will love his cat house regardless of whether it is located outdoors or inside your home.
Give Your Feline a Cozy Retreat with an Outdoor Cat House
Even if your cat mainly lives with you inside of your home, there may be times when you want him to be outdoors. There can be a number of different reasons for this. Your cat may be having a health problem which would make it preferable for him to be outdoors. You may be planning to redecorate your home, or you may have guests who either intensely dislike cats or are allergic. Whatever the particular reason may be, there are occasionally instances during which your house cat must be out of your house for either a short or prolonged period of time.
An outdoor cat house can be exactly what you need under such circumstances. Your pet can have nearly all of the comforts of home– but in a little place of his very own!
As your house cat is probably not accustomed to being outdoors, becoming adjusted to new surroundings can be quite difficult for him. You can make this as easy for him as possible by stocking his outdoor cat house with everything that he needs in order to begin to feel at home in this new, unfamiliar place.
The most important factor of an outdoor cat house is that your pet will be comfortable and safe. For a house cat who is not used to dealing with stray animals, birds, and insects, this transition does not have to be difficult when he settles into his outdoor cat house where he will not be bothered by such annoying pests.
Even if the temperature changes, or the weather conditions begin to vary, your cat will be warm and comfortable in his outdoor cat house. You can be assured that he will stay dry and safe, no matter how long he is in his temporary residence.
For a cat who usually lives in your house, an outdoor cat house is the next best thing to being in your home. Regardless of how long you are in the position of keeping him outdoors, an outdoor cat house will make this experience worry-free. When you do not need to be concerned about your cat getting cold, wet, or bothered by other animals, you will know that he is safe and secure in his temporary home.
Depending upon such factors as how frequently your pet will have the need of an outdoor cat house, the location where you plan to have it, and the age, size, and activity level of your cat, you can easily find the outdoor cat house which appropriately fits into all of these needs. There are a number of different styles, so you can select the one you like the most.
When you need to keep your special house cat outdoors for a temporary period of time, you can be assured that this does not need to be a difficult experience for him at all. Your cat will be contented, safe, and comfortable in one of these lovely little outdoor cat houses which you have provided just for him!
KEEPING MY DOGS HOUSE COOLER: DOG HOUSE AIR CONDITIONER
If you have been thinking about purchasing a dog house air conditioner, there are a number of reasons why this would be a very positive decision. Surely you want what is best for your special pet– and this is one easy, relatively-inexpensive way to provide the best for his care.
Even though most dogs do not take well to intense heat, just a few hot days can be destructive to his health. Whether the temperature has risen to an extreme degree, or even just a little above normal, your dog's health can suffer from it. If you provide him with a dog house air conditioner, you will be giving him wonderful health benefits.
Older dogs are especially prone to health risks, and this includes health problems due to heat. A dog house air conditioner will be an excellent means of helping your older dog to stay in the best of condition.
Many dogs also respond to heat by becoming less energetic, and even lethargic. If you think about how you yourself are affected by intense heat, your pet can feel the same way! Providing him with a dog house air conditioner will help him to stay active and energetic, even when the temperatures soar. While a dog house air conditioner will be wonderful for your dog regardless of his circumstances, it will be even more so if he is kept outdoors throughout most of the day. A dog who is primarily kept indoors will appreciate the coolness from a dog house air conditioner, but a pet who spends most of his time in the yard will find it essential.
A dog house air conditioner will give your special pet the welcome relief he needs in order to stay in peak condition throughout the hottest summer months. It will also be a great aid in keeping him active and filled with energy. His basic everyday comfort should not be overlooked, though, as this can have quite an effect on his general disposition. A dog who is left outdoors in the heat, or in a hot dog house, can quickly become cranky and difficult to deal with! As you want your pet's temperament to remain even, allowing him the comfort which he will get from a dog house air conditioner will not only benefit him, but you, also! Many dogs react to extreme temperatures by growling and attempting to bite people– a dog house air conditioner will eliminate this problem.
You probably already know how beneficial air conditioning is for yourself. When your home is a cool refuge during the hot seasons, you are happier being there. Not only do you feel much more comfortable, you may notice the positive effect it has on your attitude and even your general health. Your pet is no different– heat can be anything from a minor annoyance to a serious health risk for him. With this in mind, when you are thinking about all of the positive benefits you receive from your own air conditioning, consider that a dog house air conditioner can do the same for your special pet!
Be Cool: Air Conditioned Dog House
Whether you live in a region where the climate is generally warm, or if you are in a location where the summer season is quickly approaching, air conditioned dog houses can be a wonderful benefit for your pets!
One of the most important reasons to consider air conditioned dog houses is for the sake of your pet's overall health and safety. If your dog is subjected to a degree of heat, it can cause serious health problems for him. It is not difficult for a dog to become dehydrated; and this can happen whether the heat is on a consistent, prolonged basis, or even just a few overly-hot days. You can assist him in overcoming this problem by giving him plenty of water– but it will be even better for him if you help to protect him against the problem by giving him an air conditioned dog house.
An air conditioned dog house will also protect your pet against his body becoming overheated. This problem is not merely an issue of comfort, as it too can cause repercussions to his health. If your dog has the chance to get out of the heat of the outdoors by going into a cool environment, he will be much, much healthier. It will help to keep his body temperature at its proper level.
Although the health factors are the most important reasons for providing an air conditioned dog house for your pet, you would not want to overlook the factor of your dog's comfort. You love your pet, and want him to be happy– giving him the most comfortable environment is a very nice way to do this! Regardless of whether the outdoor heat is ongoing, or simply a few short spells, many dogs do not tolerate heat very well, and will be sure to appreciate an air conditioned dog house where he can sleep and rest in comfort.
As fleas and other such insects seem to prefer the heat, an air conditioned dog house is your dog's best bet against these kinds of annoyances. While no environment is completely safe from these pests, it is much less likely that they will bother your pet when he is in a cool dog house.
While air conditioned dog houses are appropriate for most kinds of dogs, they can be even more appropriate if your dog is a long-haired breed or a “shedder.” He will certainly appreciate the comfort– and you will surely appreciate the convenience. In addition, if you have an elderly dog, he is likely to be even more bothered by outdoor heat than a younger, healthy dog would be. An air conditioned dog house will be the most ideal for him!
Summer is on its way; and, with it, warmer and even hot temperatures. While you are thinking about all of the hot-weather preparations you need to make for yourself and your home, consider an air conditioned dog house for your special pet, so that he too can enjoy the summer season in good health and comfort!