When you take your dog to the local animal hospital for a routine appointment, you'll commonly stay with your pet for the entirety of the appointment. Being in the examination room allows you to discuss any issues that relate to your dog's health with the veterinarian, as well as ask relevant questions. During the physical examination portion of the appointment, the veterinarian may ask you to lend a hand by holding your dog still.

Declawing is a procedure where a cat's retractable claws are surgically removed. This procedure has gotten a bad reputation in recent years, but in some cases, it is the best option. Cats should be declawed when it's the only way to curb their aggressive tendencies. Often it's the only solution owners have which protects both their cat and their family's safety. If you decide to declaw your cat, here are four things you can do to make the entire process easier on everyone.

Does your indoor cat need a pet wellness exam? Even though your feline friend doesn't typically leave the house and isn't around other animals, they still need this preventive service. If you have an indoor cat, take a look at the reasons to schedule their well visit right now. Up-to-Date Vaccinations All cats need vaccinations—whether they go outside or not. While your indoor pet probably doesn't come in contact with contagious cats regularly, if they get out or you adopt another animal, they're at risk.

It isn't uncommon for pet owners to overlook dental care for their pets, but canines, just like humans, can experience oral health issues like gingivitis and tartar if their teeth aren't regularly cleaned. If you have never brushed your pup's teeth, then you may be a bit apprehensive to start doing so. Luckily, that's where the following tips come in. These tips will help to ensure that you feel comfortable while cleaning your pup's teeth and that your canine's teeth stay healthy.

Having multiple pets makes for an awesome household; however, when they're different species, things can get a bit hairy. Rodents, felines, avians, and canines can, given the right circumstances, all become friends, though you need to watch out for the occasional nip, nibble, and scratch. When fur and feathers fly, there's bound to be a little whimpering, hissing, or squawking you need to look into. Rodents Vs. Cats And Dogs

If you are getting ready to go on a trip, you may know that you have a lot of packing to handle to make sure that you bring along everything that you need. When you are bringing your dog along, you should consider getting them groomed beforehand, as this will improve the trip in general. Cleanliness While on a trip, you may not feel too comfortable with giving your dog a bath, especially when you do not have the shampoo that you use normally.

Finding a lump on your favorite animal can be quite scary. However, more often than not, it's not going a cancerous growth. Most cases of lumps and bumps are minor malfunctions in one system or another. Still, you should find out what's going on with your pet as soon as possible. What Causes Lumps and Bumps The lump(s) you're feeling when you stroke your pet could be caused by several situations, from food or parasitic allergies to fat deposits or in-grown hairs.

Bringing a new kitten home can be both an exciting and stressful time as you begin to acclimate to each other. If you have a kitten, it's important to feed it a balanced, nutritious diet appropriate to its age and to watch for any signs of health problems that might require treatment. 1. Upper Respiratory Infections Upper respiratory infections in kittens (sometimes referred to as cat flu) is a common ailment that can become very serious if left untreated.

Taking care of your beloved pet is likely to be high on your agenda. You'll want to ensure your dog is well provided for when you aren't always there. It may be necessary to have your dog boarded if you're going on a trip. You'll want to have optimal results when doing so, and knowing tips that can help may be ideal. 1. Choose a reputable kennel You'll want to do the adequate amount of research and find a kennel that's known for providing top care.

Cat lovers beware— a scratch or bite due to rough play with your favorite feline or getting friendly with a stray can result in more than a simple flesh wound. Cats can transmit several zoonotic diseases to humans, making us ill and sometimes requiring medical treatment. One of the most common conditions is commonly known as "cat scratch disease" and is transmitted by Bartonella bacteria.  Zoonotic Transmission Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from one animal species to another.