5 Fun Ways to Exercise With Your Dog

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5 Fun Ways to Exercise With Your Dog

April is Canine Fitness Month, and our team at Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care is using the opportunity to remind dog owners how important it is for their dogs to exercise regularly. To help keep you and your dog healthy and happy through fitness, we’ve put together a list of five fun exercise ideas you can try with your dog.

5 Exercises You Can Do With Your Dog

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1. Hiking or Walking

Whether you explore a trail atop Mount Lemon or simply take a walk around your neighborhood while the pavement is still cool in the morning, going for a hike or a walk with your dog is a simple way to increase the amount of exercise you’re both getting.

2. Swimming

Swimming is a great activity for dogs and people to stay active in the heat of the desert. However, not all dogs like to or can swim. So, before taking the plunge with your pup, test the waters slowly to make sure your dog actually likes the water and feels comfortable swimming.

3. Bikejoring

Bikejoring is similar to dogsledding but with a bike instead of a sled. This activity requires some special equipment and training, and is most appropriate for working dogs of active breeds that are in great shape. However, once your dog is trained up, you can take to the bike trails and pedal while your dog runs ahead, pulling you along too.

4. Fetch and Chase

Lots of dogs love a good game of fetch, and it’s a great way to exercise your dog while you relax and wait for them to return the ball to you for another toss. If you’d like to get moving, too, however, you can always add in spurts of chase between fetches. Most dogs love to play keep-away, and when you chase after them, you’ll have a chance to get your heart rate up too.

5. Doga

Your dog probably isn’t going to go through an entire sun salutation and yoga flow with you. However, they do like to play along whenever a yoga mat and their owner hits the floor.
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Canine Lifestyle Counseling With Our Mobile Veterinary Clinic in Tucson

To learn more about exercising with your dog or to get more advice about the kinds of exercises that are appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and fitness level, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care today.

Know the Signs of Pet Poisoning! You Could Save a Life

While pet owners should always do their best to keep things that are poisonous for pets put away securely and out of their pets’ environments, pets can still sometimes get into and ingest things they shouldn’t. For Pet Poison Prevention Month in March, our veterinarians are raising awareness about the signs of pet poisoning so that you can recognize if your pet might have ingested a toxin, take immediate action, and seek emergency veterinary care right away.

Common Pet Poisons and Toxins

Substances that are poisonous or toxic to pets can be found just about everywhere you look. They’re in our refrigerators, pantries, medicine cabinets, cleaning supply cupboards, bathroom toiletries, gardens, garages, and in nature.
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Ingestion of the following substances can cause permanent organ damage and even be life-threatening to pets.
  • Medications - Many over-the-counter and prescription medications are toxic for cats and dogs.
  • Foods - Many human foods are very dangerous for pets. Some of the most common include all foods from the allium family (garlic, chives, and onions), xylitol (artificial sweetener), chocolate, raisins and grapes, and certain nuts.
  • Alcohol and Caffeine - Found in some of us humans' favorite beverages these substances are toxic to pets.
  • Household Items - Cleaning products, pool chemicals, batteries, and other household items are toxic for pets.
  • Pesticides - Pesticides and rodenticides of all kinds are toxic for animals. Talk with your exterminator about pet-safe options.
  • Plants - Several common houseplants are toxic or poisonous for dogs and cats. Some of the most common include lilies, palms, tulips and several other bulb plants, rubber trees, poinsettias, mistletoe, and more.
  • Sonoran Desert Toad - Sonoran desert toads are drawn to pets' outdoor water bowls. If a toad simply walks through your pet's water, this could result in a fatal poisoning.

Signs and Symptoms of Pet Poisoning

The signs and symptoms of poisoning can vary based on what particular toxin a pet has been exposed to and how much of it they have ingested. Pets that have ingested a poisonous substance sometimes only act a little strangely or seem slightly confused. Other pets might have severe symptoms such as:
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (especially when blood is present)
  • Excessive drooling
  • Appetite loss
  • Pale gums
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting or collapse
  • Seizures or trembling
If you have any suspicions that your pet could have possibly ingested a poisonous substance (for example, you notice odd behavior or appearance, signs and symptoms, or evidence like bite marks in toxic plants or packaging), we strongly encourage you to seek immediate veterinary care.

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Poison

  • Rinse out your pet's mouth with water, spraying a hose across the mouth rather than into the mouth
  • Make note of the substance ingested or save the label from the packaging.
  • Contact Animal Poison Control for immediate instruction
  • Contact and seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible
If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, it’s important to take action right away.

How to Protect Your Furniture From Your Cat

Every cat owner knows the struggle of living with a cat while trying to have nice things, like carpet or upholstered furniture. Unfortunately, cats like to scratch. They do it instinctively to mark their territory, to help them stretch their agile muscles, and sometimes they even scratch the furniture out of boredom.
Whatever the reason your cat might be scratching your furniture, there are some strategies out there – that don’t include declawing – that can help you protect your furniture while caring for your favorite felines.

6 Tips to Stop Cats From Scratching the Furniture

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1. Provide Better Alternatives

Invest in a high-quality scratching post for your cat and place it near their preferred piece of furniture. You can also get scratching posts that feature different materials including sisal rope, carpet, cardboard, and even sandpaper that helps with nail health. Additionally, look for posts and scratching pads that offer differently angled surfaces.

2. Claw Covers

Instead of declawing a cat, which is painful and dangerous for them, give claw caps a try. These little plastic caps are claw-shaped and fit over your cat’s nails to prevent them from scratching.

3. Scented Sprays

We don’t recommend spraying your cat as punishment, as this can lead to them fearing you, but you can spray your furniture with a cat-deterring scent.

4. Furniture Protectors

Cover your furniture with a special plastic protector.

5. Other Deterrants

Hanging foil or double-sided sticky tape from the backs of your furniture will discourage some cats.

6. More Play

It’s possible that your cat is scratching the furniture out of boredom, frustration, anxiety, or stress. Introducing more opportunities for play into your cat’s schedule and environment can help. Purchase or craft some new toys for your cat and schedule daily playtime to help your pet burn off some excess energy.
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Professional Cat Behavior Advice and Product Recommendations

If you’re struggling with your cat’s behavior, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic in Tucson. Whether your cat is scratching more than usual, having litter box trouble, or is acting out in other ways, behavior problems in pets can sometimes be a sign of an underlying illness or other problem.
We’ll thoroughly examine your cat to rule out possible underlying health problems that could be leading to the behavior issues. We can then provide you with a variety of strategies for improving your pet’s behavior.
To learn more or schedule an appointment at your doorstep, we welcome you to contact us today.

What Does It Mean to Be a Responsible Pet Owner?

What Does It Mean to Be a Responsible Pet Owner?

It’s easy to fall in love with a set of paws and a furry face at a local animal shelter or adoption event. Pets, however, need more than just our affection. Before you decide to bring a new pet home, be sure to consider the responsibilities of pet ownership and ask yourself whether or not you’re really ready to be a responsible pet owner.

5 Signs of Responsible Pet Ownership

1. You Have Enough Time

No matter what kind of pet you adopt, your new companion is going to require some of your time. You’re a responsible pet owner if you provide opportunities for daily exercise, active play, going for walks, taking baths, and more.

2. You Provide Your Pet With Life's Necessities

Responsible pet owners are fully prepared to give their pets everything they need to stay healthy and happy. This might include providing a special diet, toys for enrichment, harnesses and leashes, outdoor shelter, collars, microchips, pet beds, and more.

3. You're Prepared to Train and Socialize Your Pet

As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your pet is safe around other people and other animals, and this requires training and socialization. It’s essential that if you’re not prepared to train your own pet that you seek professional help with teaching your pet the type of behavior that’s expected of them.

4. You Spay or Neuter Your Pets

Being a responsible pet owner also means preventing unwanted litter and overly crowded animal shelters. Whether you adopt a male or female dog or cat, you should have your pet neutered or spayed.
Spaying or neutering pets not only prevents pets from producing unwanted litters, but it also imparts a variety of benefits on your pet such as:
  • Preventing them from contracting contagious diseases
  • Reducing the risk of certain cancers of the reproductive system
  • Reducing undesirable behaviors (aggression, territory marking, wandering, and excessive vocalization)

5. You Can Provide Regular Veterinary Care and Save for an Emergency

Responsible pet owners have room in the budget to provide their pets with veterinary care. Before adopting a pet (or another pet), ask a veterinarian about the cost of regular wellness and preventative care. Additionally, you should have some money set aside in case of an emergency.

Establish Your Pet's Care With Our Mobile Veterinary Clinic in Tucson

We welcome you to establish your pet’s veterinary care with our convenient mobile veterinary clinic in Tucson. We’ll bring all the wellness, preventative, and sick pet care your new dog or cat needs right to your doorstep.
To learn more or schedule a new pet appointment, contact Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care today.

Cat Breeds for People with Allergies

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Cat Breeds for People with Allergies

Although no breed of cats is technically hypoallergenic, there is anecdotal evidence that suggests certain breeds might be less likely to trigger your allergies. It’s thought that these breeds produce fewer Fel D1 protein, which is a protein to which people are commonly allergic.
When choosing a cat with allergies in mind, remember that you aren’t allergic to the cat’s fur, but rather to proteins contained in a cat’s saliva, dander, and urine. So, it doesn’t matter whether you choose a cat with long hair, short hair, or no hair.

5 Best Cat Breeds for People With Allergies

We don’t recommend that people with severe allergies to cats bring one into their home. If you have mild allergies, however, you just might be able to live comfortably with a kitty of the following breeds.
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1. Balinese

This cat breed almost identically resembles Siamese cats except that they have long hair and bushy tails. Balinese cats are low shedders and are thought to produce less Fel D1.

2. Siberian

These cats are thought to produce some of the lowest levels of Fel D1 of all cat breeds. They have very thick, luscious-looking coats that usually don’t get too tangled or matted — especially with weekly brushing that’ll help remove dander and other debris, too.

3. Sphinx

This breed of cat is a hairless wonder. They don’t grow fur and have been one of the most popular choices for people with allergies, although they are not technically hypoallergenic. Sphynx cats do not require grooming but do need regular sponge baths to keep their skin healthy.

4. Russian Blue

This breed has a silvery-blue-colored double coat that traps dander inside, shielding you from allergens. Russian blues also produce less of the Fel D1 protein responsible for many cat allergies in people.

5. Selkirk Rex

This laid-back breed of cats is recognizable for its short snout. They have a wavy coat that limits your exposure to allergens. You’ll both benefit from regular brushing to remove dander and lose fur.
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Avoid Allergies at the Animal Hospital With Our Mobile Veterinarian

If you have allergies to dogs or cats, a visit to the veterinary clinic, where you’ll be around all sorts of dogs and cats, can be a very unpleasant experience. With Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care, you can get your new cat the care they need without visiting a veterinary clinic and suffering an allergy flare-up.
Our mobile veterinary clinic brings all the care your cat needs right to your doorstep. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for your cat or dog, we welcome you to contact us today.