I have been in the pet travel business for 12 years building pet store into the most effective store. We provide information for pet owners traveling worldwide with their pet. At the same time, every year thousands of rabbits are given up to animal shelters- or worse, simply dumped in a field- by owners who did not take the time to properly educate themselves on the responsibilities of rabbit ownership.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
MINNEAPOLIS, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — While many of your favorite activities decreased or stopped during the COVID 19 pandemic, some people used the downtime to learn or enhance a skill, like baking, artwork or home improvement. This increase in the number of people doing new things came with a corresponding increase in the number of pandemic-related […]
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Decorating with houseplants does more than spruce up your space: some plants can help purify indoor air, relieve stress and anxiety, or even boost concentration. And as fans of feng shui will tell you, a Money Tree can attract wealth, Snake Plants serve as protectors, and Philodendrons offer a calming, relaxing energy. But if you have pets, it’s important to know that nibbling on some of these indoor houseplants can make our animal companions sick—or worse.
Part of protecting your pet’s overall health and wellbeing includes keeping his or her environment free from potential dangers. Your friends at Godspeed Animal Care want you to enjoy the beauty and health benefits of indoor plants without putting your pets at risk. We’ve assembled the following helpful tips for greening up your home while keeping it pet-safe.
This list of 11 popular, pet-friendly plants from the ASPCA is a great place to start if you’re wanting to dress up your décor with fresh foliage:
The kitchen windowsill is the perfect perch for potted herbs, and some of our favorites are also safe, tasty treats for our pets to occasionally sample, including:
But not all herbs are harmless to our pets. DO NOT feed your pets chives, oregano, mint, tarragon, or lemongrass.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are some definite “no-nos” from the ASPCA when it comes to choosing plants for your pet-friendly house. Some of these, if small enough, can be placed up high where your pet cannot access them. Otherwise, if you already own some of these, it might be best to pass them along to a pet-less friend or family member.
Symptoms of ingesting toxic plant material can range from drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea to rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, lethargy, seizures, and (in the case of Sago Palms) liver failure.
If your pet has eaten something that is potentially toxic, contact us right away or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
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Cat owners know that no matter how well-behaved their feline friend may be, the odds are that over the course of the cat’s lifetime, urine will end up where it’s not supposed to be. And the ammonia-like, pungent odor is hard to forget—and hard to eliminate.
Inappropriate peeing is a sign that your cat is trying to tell you something. The problem could be medical or behavioral, and it will save both you and your cat a lot of frustration if you can pinpoint and correct the cause.
Underlying illnesses: Urinary tract infections, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease can all cause potty problems. Cats suffering from painful arthritis or other physical conditions might struggle to get to and from, or in and out, of the litter box.
Lax litter box upkeep: Are you keeping your cat’s litter box adequately scooped? If not, your cat may (understandably) rebel! Additionally, some cats can be picky about their litter. Have you switched brands recently? Steer clear of strong scents, too.
Location is everything:Older cats may not want to trek down the basement steps, and even a younger, able-bodied cat may not like to visit the litter box if it’s sitting right next to noisy equipment, like a furnace or a washing machine.
Staking their claim: Is there a stray cat outside your back door? If so, Fluffy might decide to tinkle on the inside of the door to stake her claim on her territory. Believe it or not, your cat feels safer when she can smell her own urine, so take into consideration anything that could be stressing out your cat.
If you’ve ruled out issues regarding litter box habits and outside strays, the next step is to schedule a wellness examination with your pet’s veterinarian to check for the presence of medical conditions.
While you’re investigating the reasons for your cat’s litter box avoidance, you need to promptly clean up any messes as soon as you become aware of them. Cat urine contains a cornucopia of substances like urea, pheromones, bacteria, and uric acid. As bacteria breaks down urea, ammonia gets released, and presto, the hallmark odor of cat urine is born.
Here are some cleaning tips from your friends at Godspeed Animal Care:
We are here to help you get to the bottom of your cat’s litter box problems. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you have.
The post The Unmistakable Odor of Cat Urine and How to Remove It appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. Aug.18, 2021 – Summer and fall weather means more time outdoors for most Americans, and many pet owners love bringing their furry best friend with them. Whether working outside in the yard, or enjoying recreational activities such as swimming, hunting or fishing, pets are exposed to wide array of potential poisons they don’t […]
The post Where You Live Can Increase Risk of Pets’ Toxic Exposure appeared first on All Natural Pet Care.
Taking your pet for a fun outing at the local dog park sounds like an enjoyable activity for a lazy summer afternoon. There are definitely some things to consider before packing up the SUV and heading over, though. Public dog parks are not without some potential dangers, and Godspeed Animal Care thinks that it is important for pet owners to be aware of how to avoid trouble.
Lots of fun can occur within the fenceline of a dog park, but there are hazards to be aware of.
Common dog park dangers include:
Dog parks may sound like fun, but they aren’t right for all dogs. While our canine companions are social creatures, they are also not meant to just be thrown into a large group of strange dogs.
Dog parks might be a good option for some pets. Avoid, though, if your dog:
If you do decide that a trip to the dog park is worthwhile for you and your pet, there are definitely some steps that you can take to keep the fun to a maximum.
When visiting the dog park:
Dog parks can be a lot of fun, but they also can be a little dangerous if not utilized correctly. While some dogs may enjoy them, for others a hike on a nature trail or some work on a backyard agility course may be a better option. It’s okay to decide that a dog park may not be a reasonable choice for your dog. There are plenty of other fun things to enjoy with your pup, both indoors and out.
The post Are Public Dog Parks Safe? appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care.
Driving with a pet is legal here in Virginia, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfectly safe. Cruising around with the windows open sure is fun for a dog, and yet driving with an unrestrained animal can cause an accident. Criminal charges, claims of negligence, and potential injuries to yourself, other drivers and passengers, and of course, your pet, are all good motivators for safe practices. Choosing pet safety in the car is an important facet of responsible pet ownership, and we’re here to help.
We know that most dogs relish the chance to go cruisin’ in their owner’s rig. They are easily spotted on the road, hopping back and forth between all the windows. It’s fun and deeply satisfying for them to see and smell the world as it flashes by. Owners enjoy making their dogs happy, and the shared moments reinforce the bond between human and pet.
Unfortunately, an overexcited animal can cause an owner to drive distractedly. The only solution is to introduce and maintain pet safety in the car. The benefits of pet restraints far outweigh the risks to your pet and others.
A sudden stop or a turn taken too quickly can seriously injure an unrestrained pet in the car. Furthermore, debris in the air can harm them when sticking their heads and shoulders out of a moving vehicle.
Restraining your pet in the back seat should become a habit just like buckling your own seat belt.
You can choose between a crate, harness, or similar pet restraint like a pet car seat (for toy breeds). Most products can easily attach to the seat belt system in your car, while providing ease of movement of comfort in the back seat. Safety harnesses are typically tested for safety and security.
Installing a sturdy platform for a wire crate or plastic kennel can add to their sense of security and confidence in the car. This may be especially important for a nervous pet, or one unaccustomed to the car.
A back seat barrier inhibits a pet from climbing into the front seat, ensuring that the driver maintains complete control over the car. Also, if there’s a crash, a pet cannot be thrust forward.
Please remember that the inside temperature of a parked car can skyrocket well beyond triple digits, even when it’s not scorching hot outside. A pet left alone inside a parked vehicle can become a sudden victim of heat stroke or dehydration, requiring emergency veterinary care.
If you have further questions about pet safety in the car, we encourage you to call us at (757) 253-0656. Our staff at Godspeed Animal Care is always here to help.
The post Going for a Ride? Tips for Pet Safety in the Car appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care.
Dogs communicate with us in many ways—through looks, barks, whines, wags of their tails, and more. One form of communication that is often misinterpreted is the wagging tail. Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail does not always equal a happy dog. Your dog’s tail movements could be signifying something else entirely.
It’s important for us to learn our dog’s body language and understand what they are communicating through their movement at any time. The team at Godspeed Animal Care is here to help you decipher your pup’s body language and help you figure out what your dog’s tail is trying to tell you.
The position of your dog’s tail can tell you a lot about their mood and intentions. Here are some important positions and placements to take notice of:
High and Still: Your dog is showing alertness, preparedness, or agitation. They are also showing intention to display dominance. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but this posture indicates they are alert to whatever got their attention.
If the tail starts in a more neutral position, however, and moves higher and higher, this could signal aggression or a threat. Higher tail positions release more of your pet’s scent from the anal glands to signal to other dogs they there and are marking territory. A general rule of thumb is, the higher the tail position, the greater the threat.
High and Wagging: Your dog is showing happiness, but is still very alert. They are still showing signs of dominance, but is also cautiously demonstrating excitement as well
Low and Between the Legs: Your dog is showing fear, concern, and submission
Straight Out: Your dog is showing neutrality, and is feeling neutral to the situation. They could also be showing curiosity. If your dog is happy, their tail will be in a neutral or slightly raised position with a wagging tail.
Tail Freezes Mid Wag: This is your dog signaling that they’ve had enough of the situation. They are showing a threat without being aggressive. This may happen when a stranger is petting your dog, and your dog is trying to communicate they are no longer comfortable.
While wagging tails can be signs of happiness and excitement, they can also mean many different things. It is important to pay attention to their other body language signs in relation to the tail movement, especially if you are dealing with a dog that is not yours.
For example, if your dog is wagging his tail, but has tense facial muscles, it could mean signs of stress or fear. If the face is relaxed, it could be a sign of happiness. Other areas to pay attention to is your pet’s fur: is their coat smooth and relaxed, or is the fur bristled up along the spine? Paying attention to these other signals can help you understand your dog’s mood, behavior, and stress levels.
Just as humans express themselves differently in similar situations, so do dogs! While the tips above are great general ques to pay attention to, each dog is unique and will express themselves differently from the next. Pay attention to your dogs tail and body language in different situations, so you can better read their mood and understand their intentions.
The veterinary experts at Godspeed Animal Care are here to help you decipher your pup’s many signals, and care for your pet throughout their lifetime. Call us at (757) 253-0656 with any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s behavior.
The post What is Your Dog’s Tail Trying to Tell You? appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care.
We all know the most important things that determine the level of aggression in a dog is how they’re raised, trained and cared for. That said, a large study of over 9000 dogs has determined aggression towards humans can have multiple reasons behind it. Many previous studies have arrived at similar conclusions, but not all […]
The post Study: Odds of Aggression in Dogs Increased by Size, Breed and Fear appeared first on All Natural Pet Care.
OTTAWA, ON, May 4, 2021 /CNW/ – Following a review of existing import requirements, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing changes for commercial dogs under 8 months of age that are imported for breeding and resale end uses (which includes adoption) to improve compliance with humane transport and animal health requirements. This review was initiated after […]
The post Importing Dogs to Canada: New Rules for Commercial Puppy Imports appeared first on All Natural Pet Care.
There are few things worse than feeling like your skin is crawling, even for our furry loved ones. Constant itchiness or dry skin is something that many pets live with. It’s difficult for everyone, really. Many pet owners feel equally helpless and frustrated that their pet can’t stop scratching. What causes these highly specific problems, and what can we do about it?
Many pet cats and dogs will endure symptoms of skin issues during their lifetimes, including some of the following:
The good news is that most of the time we can easily determine the causes and quickly treat problems. Treating your pet’s skin issues promptly could prevent more serious problems, like infections.
Your pet could be triggered by what’s in their environment. Pet allergies commonly affect the skin (as opposed to the respiratory tract), and are often the result of chemicals, seasonal allergens like pollen or smoke, parasites like ear mites or fleas, and even their food.
Knowing what triggers your pet helps enormously to reduce their allergic reactions. Scheduling an allergy test can help get your pet’s skin back on a healthy track.
Most pet lovers take pride in their pet’s appearance and go the extra mile to pamper them. Bathing your pet can reduce itching, but can cause further dryness and itchiness if it’s done too often. Invest in a good hypoallergenic pet shampoo and conditioner in order to soothe and soften your pet’s skin. Brushing them routinely helps distribute the skin’s naturally occurring oils, which adds to the health and luster of the coat.
Depending on your pet’s symptoms and their allergy test results, we may recommend changing their diet. Adding certain supplements can positively affect your pet’s skin.
Likewise, if parasites are to blame for your pet’s skin problems they should be placed on a year-round parasite prevention medication.
Elizabethan collars can reduce a pet’s access to their itchy spots and allow for healing. Sometimes, medication is necessary to reduce inflammation, stop infection, or minimize associated pain.
Pet stress can create lots of various symptoms. Unfortunately, when a pet feels scared, anxious, or abandoned, they may behave in ways that endanger their health. Always be on the lookout for obsessive licking, biting, or chewing the skin, and make positive, supportive changes to their environment.
Pet allergies or other known triggers can be very upsetting to pets and their people alike. If you have any questions or concerns about the health or appearance of your pet’s skin, call us at (757) 253-0656.
Our veterinarians and staff members are always here for you at Godspeed Animal Care.
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