A Basic Health Guide on Bird Care for Beginners

Birds are the exotic pets and do require special attention and more care compared to your companion furry partners. Though caring for birds can often seem a daunting task, it is more of worth to enjoy their companionship as they are extremely social by nature. Many species make fun, engaging pets. 

Let’s follow the steps to explore and enjoy the hue of these feathery pets.

General Care

With that little extra care, it is not so difficult to keep your wingy pets healthy. A proper amount of diet that includes pellets, grains and fresh fruits, a clean cage, and a bowl of fresh water, safe toys, exercise, and supplements are the general things that you need to provide on the regular basis.

Pet Bird Food

When in wild, birds usually have a variety of foods available easily, which meet their basic as well as nutritional requirements. Considering this, you need to offer a platter of food with different varieties. Pellets, bird grains and fresh fruits are the best options that cover up their daily requirements. Branded premium bird diets provide all the required nutrients that help in keeping your pet bird healthy. Additionally, certain nutritional supplements need to be added to their diet to meet their nutrient requirement. At times, treats also need to be supplemented for a change or as a reward for the training.

Socialization – What Role it Plays?

Like any other pet, birds do love socializing and attention. Considering their wilderness habits, you will find that parrots like to live in flocks, roosting, flying and flocking together. Similarly, it needs to be considered as a family member at your home and taken care of like any other family member. Your bird would not like to be left alone when the family is chattering in another room. They love to talk, interact and play with you and other family members. So, if you are having family time, don’t miss to involve your parrot.

Bird Cage & Environment –Why They Are So Important?

Normally, many bird parents miss the cleanliness of their bird’s cage and their environment. Birds build their own nest and take care to keep it clean and decorated with all the fancies. They are not only fussy about dirty nests but also get easily infected in dirty cages. Pay attention that the cage needs to be big enough for your pet bird to have enough space for activity and move around. They need room to climb, exercise their wings and perform some tricks. Especially finches and canaries enjoy flying throughout the space, so more spacious cage is required for them. Moreover, if you are having multiple birds, it is good to have a big cage. Also, you should include a grate to separate your pet bird from the substrate. 

Caring In Summer & Winter

According to seasons, you need to change the way you take care of your wingy pets.

During summers, it is essential to provide the fresh, clean and cool water quite frequently to quench the thirst of your bird/s.  It is advisable to provide a larger and wider bowl of water, which needs to be at least 1 cm deep. This not only hydrates them but also at times help them refresh from the dryness and heat.

In winters, when the air is too cold, keep them near hearth which keeps them warm. Also, at night try to cover their cage with a quilt or blanket, such that a sudden drop in temperatures does not affect them badly. Winter also means need for more energy which again makes it necessary to provide good nutritional pet bird diet to your friend with wings.

With little efforts, care and commitment, it becomes much easier to take proper care of your pet bird. However, caring for feathery companions is less strenuous compared to companion animals. Bundle of love, the simplicity of maintenance and little attention make petting a bird quite interesting and joyful. 
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Overweight Dogs – A Warning Sign of Obesity and ‘tis’ Side Effects

With the changing needs and evolving lifestyle, pet parents get so much involved in the errands and work rush that at times they miss noticing what they are feeding to their furry companions. Most pet owners are well aware of the nutritional needs of their pets and feed them a proper diet. However, they forget to check whether the pet food, as they assume as highly nutritious, is really what it portrays. Many times the commercial diet that you may feed to your pet can be the cause of their overweight.

Oblivion to the dangers of obesity, usually pet parents do not have the fair idea about what should be the ideal weight of their Fido. And, this negligence builds a pathway of the numerous health conditions caused due to obesity. Moreover, many studies clearly state the ill effects of overweight. Certain breeds of dogs or dogs with certain medical history are prone to obesity. Without proper diet and exercise, these dogs tend to gain weight and fall in the trap of dangerous diseases.

Thence, it’s quite crucial that pet parents ensure that their furry pals possess optimal weight.

How to find if your pet is too fat or not?

Some studies also show that depression or anxiety may also make your pet obese. Stress is also one of the factors that can lead to weight gain and can bring troubles for your furry pal.

Therefore, it becomes crucial to help them overcome stress and anxiety in order to control the obesity problem.

What Australian Animal Health Studies Show?

Australian studies show that 1 out of 3 dogs are overweight but as per the clinical reports the number is much bigger because the majority of dogs are suffering from obesity-related health issues.

What Vets have to say?

Most vets say that obesity in dogs is a major issue these days. Pet owners are unaware of the fact that obesity in dogs is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, osteoarthritis, painful joint injuries, liver disease and diabetes whereas obese cats are more prone to Urinary Tract Diseases.

Australian vets are concerned about the pet’s health as they claim that obesity is a delicate issue and many pet owners become defensive, finding excuses or simply laughing it off, not taking the condition seriously which can turn out to be a gross issue for their furry pal.

In wake of this, recently vets have become highly active in enlightening the pet parents about this problem. Below are the steps recommended by Vet Pros.

Steps to Control Obesity in Your Furry Pal

• Provide premium diets that help in maintaining optimal weight.
• Feed them with nutritional treats to meet the hunger pangs in your furry pal in  between the meals.
• Take your pet on a walk daily.
•  Exercise them daily.
•  Enroll your pet in doga classes.
•  Take your Fidothe to the dog park for playing.
•  Spend quality time with him to increase happy hormones.
•  Avoid overfeeding your dog.

Overweight means poor quality of life, more pain and discomfort than necessary, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight is what makes life easier and problem free. 

Important Pet Care Tips To Help Your Cat Stay Healthy

Just like dogs, cats too are social animals and make great companion animals. As a cat parent, you may do many things to give your cat a great quality of life. There are many people who think that cats are not as friendly as dogs. This isn’t a fact in veracity. Cats are the great companions who entertain us, love us unconditionally, play with us and do so many things for us. You also need to give them the same love and affection as they do.

Therefore, check the following tips and if you think that you are not applying any particular point mentioned here then it’s time to implement it right now.

Here are a few tips for all the cat parents to help them take care of their cat.

• It is necessary to have some hidden space in your house for your cat to hide. They always need private space and time. Some cats also hide when they are fearful and stressed. Give them their own space.
• Vaccination is necessary as it will help protect your cat from contracting the serious and contagious disease in case they are exposed to certain parasites.
• An annual check-up of your cat will keep her/him away from many illnesses as your vet will do a thorough check-up of your cat and will inform you about the overall status of your cat’s health.
• Monitor your cat’s weight. Indoor cats are less active and always ready to take nap. Make sure you maintain your cat’s weight. Overweight leads to joint problems. Make a regular playtime for your cat during the day. You can take her in a park or provide toys to play or encouraging play with another companion cat.
• Feed quality food. Feeding high-quality nutritional food meets your cat’s nutritional requirement and it will help your cat maintain its health.
• Litter Box Check. Cats are very good at hiding their pain but there is one way through which you can get the hint of any pain or suffering. It is their litter box habit. If you identify any change in their litter box habit, visit your vet as soon as possible.
• Oral hygiene is also necessary for your cat. Keep a regular check on your cat’s dental condition. It is difficult to brush your cat’s teeth but you can train your cat to accept this process.
• These are some of the important things that play a prominent role in keeping the cat’s health at an optimum.

Four Baby Steps to Groom Your Puppy Like a PRO

Bringing home a new pup requires a lot of arrangements and makeover in your home. Moreover, as a new pet parent, you also need to be well acquainted with the various things that are required in keeping your pet clean, healthy and happy. For your fur kid to remain healthy, it is essential that you take proper care of his/her hygiene. Without proper grooming and hygiene, your puppy may tend to dwell in the abyss of lot of unwanted skin conditions and other related diseases. Therefore, to help your fur kid remain healthy, hygiene is crucial.

Let us find how you can groom your furkid like a PRO and introduce him to Cleaning 

Process

Arranging a Clean Place

A clean and hygienic abode is necessary when it comes to taking care of your pup. Usually, inbreeding houses, puppies are gathered in filthy places with zero hygiene and no provinces to provide proper care. So, it is crucial that you allocate a proper place with clean surroundings for your new puppy. The clean dwelling will keep those germs away and protect our puppy from uninvited infections. Today, pet-friendly house cleaning 

materials are also available which are safe and can be used without any side effects.

Grooming Sessions

At the initial stages, your pup may not find grooming sessions exciting and at times may even tend to be fussy. But, it is crucial that you introduce him to the cleaning sessions to which they will adapt gradually. Ensure that you do not thrust your fur kid directly into the bathtub starts pouring water on him. Make him accustomed to the different stages of cleaning processes. Start by introducing him first to bathtub than to water. Then slowing start with wetting his paws while gradually pouring water to the whole body. Your puppy may feel anxious or frightened in the starting. Therefore, it is crucial that you need to have patience during the initial stages of the grooming session. Once your pup gets accustomed, it won’t be tedious or tricky. Gradually introduce him to brushes, shampoos, sprays, combs, clippers, nail trimmers and other cleansing products. Cleaning your furry 

pal needs your patience and vitality.

Bath Time

It is not necessary to take your pup for bath in the starting. For at least one month, let him get well acquainted with the house and the surroundings. You can avoid giving bath not until it turns to be one month. After three months, you can start grooming sessions and introduce him to various cleaning processes. You can give him a bath once in a week at the initial stages.

If you find that your puppy is grimy and does require some cleaning then you can clean him by following a simple process.

• Take a clean soft towel and soak it in lukewarm water.
• The water can be mixed with shampoo or puppy cleansing solution.
• Gently wipe the puppy from head to tail.
• Repeat the process for three to four times or until you find that your puppy looks clean.
• Puppy skin is quite sensitive so do not apply any cleansing material directly onto your puppy.

Once cleansing is complete with lukewarm water, take another clean towel and pat gently over the whole body to dry your puppy. You can also use a hairdryer but be careful that you don’t use it harshly. As your puppy’s skin is sensitive, ensure that you only use quality grooming products. For good quality shampoos and conditioners, you can look for online pet stores that provide authentic and quality pet supplies for pets.

Trimming the Nails

When it comes to clipping the nails of the pet, most pet owners are quite skeptical about it and apprehend the same. If you fall in the same league then there is not much to worry. Just a simple training from a professional can make you skillful to trim your dog’s nails like a PRO.

Though puppies’ nails don’t grow much, making them acquainted with the procedure can help in future when you need to trim the nails. Take your pup in your lap and place his paw in your hand without squeezing the toe. Hold the toe firmly and start clipping the nail with a clipper. If you think you would require help, you can ask any of the family member or friend to help in this process by either placing your pup in their lap or holding your pet’s paw firmly so that you can trim easily without hurting your pup in case if he keeps moving constantly. It is advisable that you use small clippers for your puppy.

For growing a puppy into a healthy adult, it is paramount to take care of his hygiene and physical health. It would be easier and fruitful if you prepare a strategy and carry out the same religiously. You can take one task at a time such as brushing on the first day, bathing the next day while following with brushing the coat and trimming the nail in the coming days.

In a Nutshell,

This will not only make the procedure easier but also help your pup to get slowly adapted with the cleaning regimes. However, if you find that your puppy is feeling anxious or nervous about these procedures then it is better to give him some time and then gradually put him on grooming sessions. You can even use adaptive spray or collar for your pup which significantly aids in reducing anxiety and panic attacks. These behavioral products aids in keeping your pet calm and relaxed.

5 Simple Steps To Protect Your Pet’s Life

A day never ends without cuddles, snuggles, and plays for a pet parent. How much a furry kid can fill your life can never be described in words not to mention their comfort during tough times and unconditional love during breakdowns. We simply profess the outer side not realizing that how these furry pals make our lives complete in all the ways. For their undisputed attention and care, it becomes utmost important that we revert back their amore with all the means we can, by safeguarding them from all the vices that may harm them.

Dogs – loaded with delicacy and innocence, possess carefree nature and at times this innate quality can put them in all the unseen dangers. Fortunately, their pet parents or guardians like knights in the shining armor are always present by their side, to shield them against any superficial conditions. Moreover, pet parents can lower the obscure risks further by following the given concrete steps.

Five Simple but Concrete Steps for Pet Protection

Provide a Healthy Diet

Lack of a nutrient-rich diet can put your furry pal into the dangers of deficiency diseases that can further invite undesirable health conditions. A balanced diet enriched with all the required nutrients can assure optimal health. Therefore, it’s vital to check on the diet you provide to your fur kid. A premium diet supplies all the nutrients required for the total well being of your dog. So, never take a chance on your dog food and always ensure to feed him the right diet required as per his varied life stage.

Keep Him Engaged

Usually, a dog without play tends to become dumb as well as fall in the abyss of behavioral health conditions like aggression, excessive barking, growling, anxiety, stress, and littering. To combat this - a good play embedded with mental exercises is what vet usually recommend. Healthy play time will not only keep him physically fit but also mentally stipulated. Interesting games keep him engaged, as well as help to exercise his body and brain muscles. Numerous toys are available that can enhance both their physical and mental health.

Microchip and LED collar

The carefree nature of dogs triggers them to go around anywhere, at times they even run into the danger zones like open roads, unknown neighborhoods or wilderness, where the danger of accidents or theft is always prevailing.

The chances of such incidences scale higher especially during the festive seasons when they usually get frightened due to loud noises and fireworks. To cut down on all such unwanted scenarios, it’s always on the safer side to put them on led collar along with microchip. Microchip encrypted with all your personal information can easily aid in tracking down your furry pal in case of loss or theft. Whereas LED collars usually work as spotlights which can be easily traced during the nights when your dog may run out seeking the opportunity during gatherings or parties.

So, it is always a better idea to invest in collar and microchip to set your furry pal free from the danger zone.

Guard through The Hot And Cold Days

Seasons play their role and so as pet parents need to play theirs when it comes keeping their furry children safe during hot and cold weather. Never ignore the fact of keeping your pet warm during the chilly days when the temperatures are extremely low. Provide a warm and comfy bed somewhere near the hearth where the place is warm. Add protective accessories like shoes when you go out for a walk to avoid frostbites. Ensure that you do not allow your furry pal to lick anything on the road during the snowy day as most of the pathways and roads are sprayed with antifreeze which is extremely dangerous for your furry pal.

During summers, don’t try to drag your furry pal to walk especially during the hot days when the pathways are too hot which can burn their paws. Late evenings and early mornings are preferable for walking down your pet.

Also, don’t take a chance to leave your dog in an unattended car when moving out for a quick grocery pick-up. Even on the normal day, the temperature of the closed car under the sun can increase dramatically which can be fatal for your furry pal locked in the car. So, never leave them alone in the car during hot days.

Vaccinations and Preventive Treatments

Similar to humans, certain diseases can strike your Fido too, which can easily be prevented through vaccinations and preventive treatments. Dogs should always be vaccinated with the core vaccines such as DHLPP (distemper,hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza). Rabies vaccination is one more in the list which should not be missed.

Apart from vaccinations, dogs should also be treated with preventatives. These medications aid in safeguarding your pooch against harmful diseases like Lyme disease, flea allergy dermatitis, canine flea infestations and other tick-borne diseases. Preventive treatments like heartgard plus, nexgard spectra and Big 5 are extremely helpful in controlling dangerous disease such as Heartworm along with other worm infections.

Pets are delicate beings that thrive along with humanity. A little carelessness can heave a huge impact on both you and your pet’s life. Therefore, take intense steps to keep your pet healthy and safe. Pull out the reins in your own hands so that you can to make this journey of pet care the most rewarding and cherishing.

Pet is a precious gift to be cherished and taken care off... So, care this GIFT!!!

The Ultimate Guide For Your Cat’s Relocation

Cats are no exceptions from humans as they too bond with the environment, or when it comes to leaving that specific haven, it is way more deteriorating taking toil on their mental health.

If you’re planning for a new home or looking forward to shifting to another city or suburb then it is no good to leave your furry pal all by itself to dwell in the new surroundings. It can be a way easier for you, but for your furry kid, it’s NOT. So, it is better to create a plan a way ahead to keep away all the fuss and mess of relocation.

Comfortable transportation, hassle-free moving out and comfy moving in will make shifting and moving your kitty to a new home - all possible with a pleasant surprise. 

So, let’s step down and start moving ahead in each section to take your kitty to your new home.

Things to Take Care While Moving IN and OUT

Moving OUT – A Secret Mission Achieved!

• Before the packers move in, ensure to provide your kitty a safe abode and bedroom can be the ultimate place.
• Put all the necessities of your cat like food bowl, water bowl, treats, flea treatments, and litter tray in this room.
• Ensure that you close the doors and windows along with spraying Feliway spray in order make your kitty feel comfortable.
• Direct your family members not to knock or open that room, as well place a notice on the door so that packers will be aware of not opening that door.
• When all things have been packed from all the other rooms and have been moved into the van, the bedroom can be sorted last. You can move the bedroom things at last in the van.
• Take care that before the furniture is moved, put your kitty in the carrier and take him in the car to embark a journey to your new home.

Moving IN – A Treasure Well Secured!

• Before moving in, ensure that the bedroom furniture has moved first and has been properly arranged.
• In the new home, take him directly to the bedroom where you have attentively prearranged all the things.
• Lovingly take him out of the carrier placing him on a rug provide water bowl and food bowl to replenish himself.
• Once you have moved in, with all the arrangements, let your pet move around freely.
• Let your kitty explore the surroundings on his own investigating each room one by one.
• Be at the side of your cat and remain calm assuring that he is in a safe environment.
• Pre-plan and keep the doors and windows shut for few hours.
• For the first few days, be cautious about allowing your cat to roam unsupervised especially to kitchen and utility room as he may seek refuge in tiny openings behind the appliances.
• If your cat is too nervous and stressed out, you can administer Travel anxiety or anxiety relief solutions from Homeopet to your furball, which helps to relax your kitty.
• You can even opt for the professional cat kennels for a day before the move and then pick her up when everything is settled.

Step by Step Process During Transportation – A Journey to Wonderland!

• Normally, most cats feel stressed when it comes to traveling, may it be a small car drive. To keep that anxiety under check, you can treat him with HomeoPet Feline Travel Anxiety or for you can even contact your vet.
• Feed your kitty the normal meal as usual, but remember to keep a gap of three hours before traveling.
• Arrange a crate or a container to carry your kitty along the journey.
• It would be much better to spray with some superficial pheromones inside the crater such as Feliway spray, one hour prior to transportation so that your kitty can be comfortable.
• Place the carrier in the car seat, and properly secure it with seatbelt such that it will not move during the travel.
• Never make a mistake of transporting your fur ball in cargo or truck.
• For a longer journey, it would better to have your kitty in a carrier as you may prefer to give him water and food during halts as well as space to litter as most cats may not be interested.
• If it’s a hot day, never leave your cat alone inside the hot car even for a short period as the temperatures may rise drastically too high during hot days.

Little Guidance to Help her Settle Down – Much Awaited Haven Procured

• With little guidance and extra care and bountiful of love, you can make home shifting a fruitful and successful process for your kitty.
• In the starting, for at least first two weeks, keep your kitty indoors to get used to the new environment.
• Provide small portion of cat food to him frequently.
• Continue to follow the routine of your old house to correlate to the new environment.
• Help your cat feel secure in the new environment. Spray the area with synthetic pheromones like Feliway spray. Spread it on the rug, furniture, and bedding as well as in the air as this will encourage your kitty to stay calm and relaxed. She will feel secure and less anxious about the new environment.
• Provide extra care especially to indoor cats as they seem to potentially feel unsettling.

Six Most Common Reasons for Cat Vomiting - #5 is Worth Noting!

Cats may vomit from time to time. However, at times it may be due to upset stomach or if they have ingested any foreign item. But, most probably you don’t know when to worry.

Most cats vomit occasionally, which can be normal. On the other hand, it depends whether your cat is completely healthy or has any illnesses. There are 6 major reasons that clear the fog around the most common health condition – vomiting. Though there may be unexplained aspects that can trigger vomiting in your cat, these are the most common and prevalent causes of cat vomiting.

Let us unveil one by one reason and figure out what you can do to prevent such situation in your kitty’s life. 

Eating too Fast

Like a glutton, sometimes your cat might gulp up those kibbles too fast – may be due to hunger or being envy not to share her food with other members of her breed. She may even think that she is not going to get back the food and just empties that bowls. Too much intake of food by your cat can make her throw out after sometime.

Well to squeeze her down to slow eating, you can use a food bowl with a lump in the centre, which will force her to slow down.

Eating Plants Or Grass

A house well decorated with plants is soothing ambience but at times it can be havoc for your four-legged companion. If you have plants in your house, your cat may get tempted to savour the taste of those leaves, which can make her vomit. So, ensure that you don’t decorate your house with any toxic plants.

You can consider planting a cat grass garden so your feline friend can leave the urge to pluck your household plants.

Stomach Obstructions

Cats love adventure and would like to enjoy chewing on anything that comes their way. Whether it is plastic, paper, cat toys, a foreign object, rubber bands or clothes, any of these objects they would love to just chew on. And, these are literally dangerous for your cat.

If you suspect that your fur ball has accidently ingested any of these items, then the best choice is to immediately visit your vet. Never take a chance to wait and see if your cat can throw up. If stuck in the neck, it can choke your pet leading to severe conditions. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult your vet.

New Food

Sometimes, cat throws up food when they are transferred onto a new food instantly. Some foods are not suitable for your pet. Better check for the ingredients of the cat food before purchasing to ensure that your cat is not allergic to the contents of the food. Premium as well as grain free cat food are always the better option when your cat is dealing with allergic conditions.

Furthermore, whenever you are looking to change your cat’s diet, it is advisable that you gradually switch her to the new diet. Give little portions of the new diet to see whether she is throwing up or not. Once on to this for few days and once she is comfortable, you can go on adding larger portions until you completely switch to a new diet. At max, it will just take seven days for you to help your kitty switch to a new diet.

Parasites

Worms are yet another common reason for cats to vomit. Usually, heavy worm infestation causes vomiting, diarrhoea, loss in appetite or sudden increase in appetite. If you find evidence of worms in your cat’s vomit or faeces, it is better to consult a vet or start deworming medications. Treatments like Drontal, Milbemax and Popental are highly effective in controlling worm infestation. Furthermore, when you keep your kitty on regular worming program, there are less chances of your cat being infected with the various worms. 

Hairballs

Cats are lovely fur balls fluffy with that hair coat. Though that fur adds grace to your kitty, at times it may be a reason to make your cat vomit. Usually, cats suffer from hairball condition as they ingest hair while grooming. Hair when build up in the stomach causes various conditions including vomiting.

Normally, treatment like Laxapet laxative helps in treating hairball condition. When given regularly, it also aids in controlling hairball condition further preventing vomiting.

Last but not the least, cat vomiting may also be caused due to poisoning or any other serious health condition. Take your kitty to vet immediately if you suspect that your cat has eaten something toxic. Your vet can quickly provide the right treatment and save your furry pal from any dangerous condition.

Cats are like bundle of joy and if anything happens to them, you are the worst hit. Therefore, it is better to take the best care of them and ensure their safety. Not alone let the trivial causes play havoc in your kitty’s life. Better act proactively and ensure that your bundle of joy is full of life all the time.