Pets and animals care news right now: The Data: Pets and Aging. Results of a study of older adults who live alone suggest that pet ownership may act as a buffer against loneliness. Results of a one-year study that examined the impact of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on patients with chronic pain demonstrated that, following AAT, patients reported reduced pain, discomfort, and stress. Additionally, stress among nursing staff was found to decrease significantly following AAT. A study of older adults with mental illness living in long-term care facilities concluded that AAT reduced depressive symptoms and improved cognitive function. When we look at the data on mental health, physical health, and aging, it’s clear that pets contribute much to people’s lives in these areas, as well as being the loving companions we’ve always known they are. Read extra information at all about guinea pigs.
Prepare your car for travel: Before leaving home, check that your car is in good condition and that all tires are properly inflated. You’ll also want to make sure that the gas tank is full and that you have enough food and water for both you and your cat. Make sure that the back seat of your car is free from clutter and other items that may distract or injure your cat during travel. Make sure that all windows are closed before starting the engine, as this will help prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Keep any windows open once you’re underway only when necessary for ventilation purposes. Ensure that there are no loose objects in the car that could become entangled around your cat’s legs or paws if they jump out of their carrier while moving at speed.
Teach your puppy basic commands at a young age and he will grow to be a well-behaved dog. It takes a bit of time and patience, but it’s not something you’d want to put off for later. Use positive reinforcement as part of your dog training techniques and never punish your dog. Set aside a few minutes a day to play with your dog. Use play times for training as well as to strengthen your bond with your pet. Understand that dogs are very social creatures and they would certainly look forward to spending quality time with you. Toilet training is an important part in your dog’s development. Take him outside after feeding him at the same time every day to finish his business.
Practice walking indoors: The best way to acclimate your cat to a leash and harness is to practice inside, in a safe environment. Before you head out, consider practicing walking your cat indoors on a harness and leash first to help them get used to wearing one and walking with it. A cat who has never been walked on a leash will need time to get used to the idea. The key to success is patience and consistency. Get your cat used to a carrier: You should get your cat used to their carrier well before you plan on taking your cat anywhere. Put the carrier in a room where your kitty likes to hang out — with treats inside — and let them investigate it at their leisure. Once your cat is comfortable with that, try closing them in for short periods of time. Gradually increase that until you’re able to put them inside for longer periods without them freaking out.
Ears come in all kinds, because they can naturally take different shapes and sizes, especially if humans do not touch them. You can therefore observe short or long ears, straight or drooping ears, flexible or rather stiff. The amazing thing is that they are all mobile! Yes they move even when you don’t realize it. Its ears are therefore equipped with a minimum of 18 muscles per ear which allows it to control and move them in a more or less nuanced way. But the exact number of muscles will depend on the breed of your dog as some have around 100 muscles per ear. Which is why your dog can hear much better than you! Dogs with erect ears can hear better because their cone-shaped ears help focus sound waves. In all cases, dogs move their ears to facilitate hearing. Have you ever seen your dog “prick up” its ears when it heard a sudden sound? Have you ever seen your dog’s ears move like a periscope following the direction of sound without needing to move its head?
Go to the beach: Your cat will love running by the waves, playing in the sand, and watching as people swim nearby as long as you keep them hydrated with fresh water. Avoid going into the water because cats tend to be poor swimmers and could drown if they go too far from shore. Bring toys for your cat to play with and keep them away from children throwing balls at each other in case one hits their face or causes them to panic. Many cats love to nap in the sun, so set up a comfortable place for your cat outside. Make sure it’s in the shade, though, since heatstroke can be fatal. If you have an older cat or one who has health problems, ask your vet to recommend outdoor playtime and use extra caution in hot weather.
While everyone is staying indoors during the coronavirus pandemic to flatten the curve, our pets are also being forced to do the same. Self-isolating can be as difficult and stressful for pets as it is for their owners. The change in their routine—no more daily walks and visits from regular guests—can contribute to stress and boredom. So, here are some tips for pet care during the lockdown.
Give your cat time to adjust to their surroundings: As long as your cat is used to spending time in their harness, they shouldn’t mind if you take them to an indoor place. The problem arises when they notice that they are in a new environment. Your cat may feel uncomfortable when they see people walking by or other dogs passing by. They may also feel intimidated by noises that they have never heard before. That’s why it is important that you give your cat time to adjust to their surroundings before you go any further. Find additional information on https://yourpetassistant.com/.