Hairballs - scientifically known as bezoars are the result of your cat’s grooming habits. Not only are they disgusting looking (or even more stepping into one in the middle of the night, barefoot!), they cause your animal quite some trouble and discomfort to cough them up. Sometimes these sounds are alarming! Hairballs pose a potential danger for the cat by blocking the passage of digested food through the digestive tract. Very often the hairballs also contain undigested food.

Hairballs are cause for constipation and/or hard stools. The cat will experience dry coughing, especially after meals. Hairballs can also lead to refusal of food and depression.

The best method to prevent hairballs is brushing, brushing, brushing. Many cats enjoy it, some don’t. Start early and keep brushing your cats; sooner or later even the most reluctant animals will at least endure the procedure.

Another remedy is to add some fat/slippery substances to the animal’s food. Cats do enjoy licking peanut butter and butter, but also a spoon of pumpkin or unflavored squash (fiber) from the baby-food isle helps. My cats love to eat cat grass and even both are reluctant to brushing, it seems to help move the hairballs through the digestive tract. Many manufacturers of cat food have hairball treats that also help break up the hairball and prevent clogging. In serious cases hairballs have to be removed surgically by a veterinarian. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian for a remedy!

Is your cat behaving “weird”? Maybe she is in heat!

Some first-time pet owners are surprised by “weird” behavior of their female cats and many are unsure how to read the signs that show that the animal is in heat for the first time.

Below are some of the symptoms that your animal will display when in heat:

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When you are a first time dog owner, certain breeds are not recommended. Some dogs need a confident, experienced owner that shows lots of consistency and knowledge. Even if you decide upon a “large” dog please be aware of that most dogs when left tied up in the yard or left alone without exercise will develop destructive or even aggressive behavior. We cannot mention often enough to please consider that dogs need to be socialized starting already at the puppy stage, and require human companionship and attention. Not to forget that many breeds are in need of more daily exercise, such as long walks and above average play time to get rid of too much energy. Please do ask yourself if you have the time and patience to fulfill your dog’s need before you decide upon one of these breeds. Besides the time you will need to care for these animals, training is equally important. Most of these dogs are large and powerful and can be dangerous when the owner is unable to control the animal.
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Child friendly dogs - and dogs to avoid when you have smaller children

When you decide to get a dog and have children in your family remember that the age of the children is an important factor. Certain breeds are believed to mix better with children than others but keep in mind that the personality of the dog, and not necessarily the breed is the most important factor. The dog’s personality should match your child’s personality. For a quiet, calm child choose a rather quiet dog and not necessarily a Terrier that needs lots of playtime and exercise. Listen to the shelter staff, veterinarian or the breeder’s advice when discussing a specific animal. Inform them, or better bring your child/children with you so a professional can evaluate the situation.
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