Friday 30 September 2011

Here are 10 tips on having a happy and healthy Cat

1. Visit the veterinarian. Healthy cats are happy cats. While some owners may dread a trip to the veterinarian with their cat, many veterinary practices are cat friendly and will gladly show leery owners how pleasant a trip to the veterinarian can be. If a cat has not yet been spayed or neutered, this is an important step to keeping a cat healthy since it will help prevent aggression and decrease the risk of cancer.
2. Microchip your cat. In addition to a collar and identification tag, owners should ask their veterinarian about microchipping their feline friend. If a cat ever escapes or gets lost, having this type of permanent ID will make a reunion between cat and owner much more likely.
3. Go outside (appropriately). Yes! There are ways owners can safely take their cats outside to allow them to broaden their horizons. Cats can be walked on a leash with a harness or confined in a special outdoor area—always under supervision, of course—so they can periodically and safely experience the world outside their windows.
4. Scratch the surface. Cats should have places they are allowed to scratch and care for their claws. Scratching is an important aspect of feline behaviour. Providing a long and sturdy scratching post in a vertical, horizontal or angled position is a good way to keep your cat happy … and your sofa, too!
5. Provide preventive medications. No one likes fleas, ticks, mites or heartworms, especially your cat. Even if an owner’s cat is strictly indoors they can still be attacked by these little creepy creatures. Owners should speak with their veterinarians about the best preventive plan for their cats. A parasite-free cat is a happy cat—and will keep your family healthier, too.
6. Train together. Cats are smart and can be trained to do fun tricks just like dogs, and the mental and physical stimulation is great for felines. Teaching your cat to sit, for example, is easy, and training your cat to sit on stools instead of counters will make you and your cat much happier. An added bonus is that training will strengthen the relationship between owner and cat, which will certainly make a cat happy.
7. Work for food. Feline obesity is a huge problem in this country, and one way to combat it is for owners to make their cats work for their food. Food toys are available to channel a cat’s natural hunting drive and release kibble in small amounts. Another option is to hide a cat’s food in different places so that they have to find it. Working for food makes a cat happy because it’s great physical and mental exercise.
8. Get your cat acclimated to the carrier. Many cat owners find that the worst part about taking their cats anywhere is getting cats into their carriers. Owners should work with their cat on making their carrier a safe, secure, and inviting place to be prior to veterinary visits or family vacations. When the time comes, the cat will be happy to get into the carrier and go off on an adventure. Visit www.catalystcouncil.org to view Cats and Carriers: Friends not Foes for tips on how to get cats to love their carriers.
9. Provide prey toys. One of the easiest ways to make a cat happy is with a new prey toy. Cats are natural hunters and love chasing, pouncing, leaping, swatting and stalking prey, even when it’s not the real thing. There are many types of prey toys available on the market; with a little creativity, owners can even make their own out of common household items.
10. Think about getting another cat. Cats are social animals, and owners should consider getting another cat to keep their current kitty company. Cats love to play, and a playmate will make them happy—provided they are properly introduced and have the right places to eat, hide, play and go the bathroom. Visit your community animal shelter and see what feline friends they have to offer.

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Taking Care of your dogs teeth

Believe it or not, taking care of your dog's teeth is as important as looking after your own. It is critical for your pet's overall health to have proper dental care. Saliva, bacteria and food particles combine to form plaque that will gradually build up if left on the teeth. Minerals in his saliva will then turn it into tartar, a hard yellowish deposit that accumulates on teeth surfaces. Tartar can irritate gums and lead to gingivitis, which is the beginning of periodontal disease.

Is Bad Breath Normal??
The answer is No! Bad breath, or halitosis, arises when plaque accumulates in your dog's mouth? Plaque will eventually lead to gum disease, so if your dog's breath is offensive, please call in and we will do a full dental check.

Wednesday 14 September 2011

NEUTER YOUR CAT FOR 1/3 OF THE PRICE
AND
HELP PREVENT UNWANTED KITTENS

CAVAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
IN CONJUCTION WITH BAILIEBOROUGH VETERINARY CLINIC ARE PARTICIPATING IN A

CAT NEUTERING SCHEME

FROM MONDAY OCT 10TH TO SATURDAY OCT 15TH 2011

ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE ON MEANS TESTED BENEFITS CONTACT OUR CLINIC FOR AN APPOINTMENT 0429665453