Human food is a good supplement to a dog’s diet ...responds to queries raised by animal lovers across the city

Human food is a good supplement to a dog’s diet

...responds to queries raised by animal lovers across the city

How do I choose a dog bed or a dog house? A household pet needs only a padded box or basket. Put the box in an out-of-the-way corner of a room. When you allow your puppy to sleep on your bed, remember as an adult it will demand the same privilege. A dog kept outdoors, requires a house to protect it from heat, wind, rain and cold. The house should be big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in easily, but not so large that its body heat will not keep it warm. Loose bedding and a cloth flat over the door can help keep your dog snug in cold weather. The house should be built for easy cleaning so that it does not fill up with ticks or fleas. But, no tying up the dog to its house. The dog should go in and out as it pleases. Is human food bad for pets? Not necessarily. Some foods; onions, garlic, raisins, grapes and chocolate can be poisonous for dogs. Especially rich or high-fat foods can trigger a disease called pancreatitis, which is painful, causes vomiting and diarrhoea, among other signs. A lot of salt is also harmful. But human food is a good supplement to a dog’s diet. You can give vegetables, whole grains, yogurt, and biscuits made of wheat. My dog has been licking its paws, scratching a lot, and biting its fur. Why is this? These are all possible signs of allergies or parasite infestation. Look for fleas or ticks or round ringworm circles and then take the dog to a veterinarian for testing for mange mites. What should I do about my cat’s matted fur? Matted fur is a perfect breeding ground for parasites and encourages inflammatory skin diseases. If your cat has matted fur, do not try to cut it off as you may injure the cat. Mats are difficult to comb out and may be painful. You might try bathing and putting a conditioner on the hair so that it becomes softer to comb. But you may have to have the vet shave the cat. Afterwards, brush or comb her daily to prevent mats. How do I keep my cat from scratching furniture? Pepper (black, white, or cayenne) can be applied to furniture and plants to discourage scratching. This does not deter all cats. You can also cover areas with double-sided tape to discourage unwanted scratching. Provide an alternative scratching item. It has to be fairly smooth and shouldn’t be a material that their nails get stuck in. If that happens, they may not use the post anymore. Natural fibre rope wrapped tightly around the post appeals to many cats. Some cats like plain wood; a two-by-four made available may work well. Other cats prefer the kind of “scratching posts” that are horizontal rather than vertical.