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According to PBS, a Bloodhound’s sense of smell is so spot on that it can be admitted as evidence in a court of law. Now if you thought that was an incredible dog fact, prepare to have your mind blown. Bloodhounds can also follow tracks that are over 300 hours old and can stay on a trail for over 130 miles!
A cat’s purr vibrates at a frequency of 25 to 150 hertz, which is the same frequency at which muscles and bones repair themselves.
The owners and staff at Academy Boarding Kennels care about your pets, and we work hard to make sure they’re comfortable and well taken care of. We take pride in our jobs and our love of animals. Our groomers have years of experience and will treat your pet like one of their own. If you’re in need of grooming or boarding services, including daycare, give us a call at 884-7878 today.
Academy Boarding Kennels is now open for boarding and grooming. We began scheduling reservations and appointments early in May, and we are taking appropriation precautions to combat covid-19/coronavirus in our place of business. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if your pet is in need of grooming or a stay with us while you take care of things needing your attention!
Cat whiskers are the same width as their body.
We are re open now. Give us a call for your boarding and grooming needs.
Nutrition and exercise matter. An estimated 52.7% of dogs and 57.9% cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Many people face the same issue, and the AVMA encourages pet owners to get regular exercise—with their pets! This improves cardiovascular health, helps both pets and people maintain a healthy weight, supports good mental health for both owner and pet, and strengthens the human-animal bond. See tips on walking, running, or starting an exercise program with your pet. Nutrition is important to both weight management and overall health. Your veterinarian can advise you on how much to feed your pet and whether the diet you’re providing is healthful – including both meals and treats!
Good afternoon! I wanted to say I hope everyone is staying well and safe. We are still temporarily closed. But we are looking forward to seeing you all soon.
UPDATE PLEASE READ! OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CLIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS With many changes in our lives due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), our pets can be such a comfort to us as we learn to enjoy and endure the circumstances of staying at home and practicing social distancing. We want you to know that Academy Boarding Kennels will close for business at 6 p.m. on March 24, 2020 until May 1, 2020 in recognition of the NM Dept. of Health proclamation issued March 23, 2020. https://cv.nmhealth.org/wp- content/uploads/2020/03/SignedPHO03-24-2019.pdf At Academy Boarding Kennels, the health and well- being of your pet and family are our top priority. We take every possible measure to keep our facilities operating in a safe manner and have continually evolved our procedures based on current circumstances. Academy will re-open as soon as possible to care for your pets and we are eager to
accommodate you and your needs. Academy Boarding Kennels will continue to actively monitor the news and guidance from various public agencies about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will abide by the recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. State Department, and city and county officials. Again, our goal is to provide a safe environment for our staff, clients, and guests. Please monitor our Facebook page for updates on amendments. https://www.facebook.com/AcademyBoardingKennels/
OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CLIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS With many changes in our lives due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), our pets can be such a comfort to us as we learn to enjoy and endure the circumstances of staying at home and practicing social distancing. We want you to know that Academy Boarding Kennels will close for business at 6 p.m. on March 24, 2020 until April 11, 2020 in recognition of the NM Dept. of Health proclamation issued March 23, 2020. https://cv.nmhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SignedPHO03-24-2019.pdf At Academy Boarding Kennels, the health and well-being of your pet and family are our top priority. We take every possible measure to keep our facilities operating in a safe manner and have continually evolved our procedures based on current circumstances. Academy will re-open as soon as possible to care for your pets and we are eager to accommodate you and your needs. Academy Boarding Kennels will continue to actively monitor the news and guidance from various public agencies about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will abide by the recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. State Department, and city and county officials. Again, our goal is to provide a safe environment for our staff, clients, and guests. Please monitor our Facebook page for breaking news. https://www.facebook.com/AcademyBoardingKennels/
Cats and kittens should be acquired in pairs whenever possible as cat families interact best in pairs.
Dogs have a sense of time. It’s been proven that they know the difference between a hour and five. If conditioned to, they can predict future events, such as regular walk times.
We welcome you to stop by for your personal tour of our kennels or our cattery.
Are you that clean? This behavior serves several purposes: It helps cats tone down their scent so they can avoid predators, it cools them down, it promotes blood flow, and it distributes natural oils evenly around their coat, allowing them to stay warm and dry. Grooming also serves as a sign of affection between two cats, and it’s thought that saliva contains enzymes that serve as a natural antibiotic for wounds.
Puppies have 28 teeth while adult dogs have 42. 2) Dog’s sense of smell is more accurate than humans. In fact, it’s 1,000 to 10 million times more distinct than human’s. Depending on the breed, a dog has between 125 million to 300 million scent glands.
Cats conserve energy by sleeping for an average of 13 to14 hours a day. Cats have flexible bodies and teeth adapted for hunting small animals such as mice and rats. A group of cats is called a clowder, a male cat is called a tom, a female cat is called a molly or queen while young cats are called kittens.
Yummy! Dogs have about 1,700 taste buds. Humans have approximately 9,000 and cats have around 473. Source: Psychology Today
Cats move with their right feet and then their left feet. The only other animals that walk this way are camels and giraffes.
No night vision goggles needed! Dogs’ eyes contain a special membrane, called the tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see in the dark. Source: Healthy Pet
When a cats rubs up against you, the cat is marking you with it’s scent claiming ownership.
Dogs noses are wet to help absorb scent chemicals. This amazing dog fact might answer a long-standing question that dog owners have. Why are dogs noses wet? Vetstreet says that the answer is that dog’s noses are wet to help them absorb scent chemicals! Their nose secretes a special mucus that helps to absorb these chemicals, and then they lick their noses to sample them, helping them understand what the smell is.
Now that Thanksgiving is past. Have you made your Christmas and New Year reservations for your furbabies? Call Trish or Tracy at 505-884-7878 and we will make your reservation.
Dogs have about 100 different facial expressions, most of them made with the ears.
The cat’s front paw has 5 toes and the back paws have 4. Cats born with 6 or 7 front toes and extra back toes are called polydactl.
“The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be” Konrad Lorenz
The ridge pattern on a cat’s nose is unique to each cat, much like a human fingerprint.
A dog’s whiskers — found on the muzzle, above the eyes and below the jaws — are technically known as vibrissae. They are touch-sensitive hairs than actually sense minute changes in airflow.
Cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees.
Greyhounds can run up to 44 miles per hour.
Have you made your holiday travel plans? Please call us 505-884-7878 and make your holiday reservations for your pet(s).
Cats have 230 bones, a whopping 24 more bones than humans.
Upright, stiff, rapid tail movement is not wagging or “friendly” but indicates a dog who’s rather excited and focused.
Cats use more than 500 muscles to leap, jump and sprint.
Cats use their long tails for balance which is why they sometimes display such impressive acrobatics.
Dogs do not have an appendix.
A group of cats is called a “clowder.”
If you’re a Star Wars fan you’ll love this amazing dog fact. The Los Angeles Times claims that George Lucas modeled the Ewoks after his family dog!
Cats see six times better in the dark and at night than humans.
Some dogs can learn more than 1,000 words.
Female cats tend to be right paw-dominant, while male cats are often left paw-dominant.
Dogs have about 10 vocal sounds.
The ridge pattern on a cat’s nose is unique to each cat, much like a human fingerprint.
A 20 pound dog eating one slice of cheese is equivalent to a human eating 2 & 1/2 hamburgers.
Cats have whiskers on the backs of their front legs, as well.
Watch that plate of cookies! A Dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 – 100,000 times more acute as that of humans.
When a cats rubs up against you, the cat is marking you with it’s scent claiming ownership.
Using their swiveling ears like radar dishes, experiments have shown that dogs can locate the source of a sound in 6/100ths of a second.
Cats eat grass to aid their digestion and to help them get rid of any fur in their stomachs.
Dogs have about 100 different facial expressions, most of them made with the ears.
Cats use their whiskers to “feel” the world around them in an effort to determine which small spaces they can fit into. A cat’s whiskers are generally about the same width as its body. (This is why you should never, EVER cut their whiskers.)
Petting a dog can lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
Purring does not always indicate that a cat is happy. Cats will also purr loudly when they are distressed or in pain.
Why are dogs’ noses so wet? Dogs’ noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
Cats use their long tails to balance themselves when they’re jumping or walking along narrow ledges.
No, it’s not just to make themselves look adorable. Dogs curl up in a ball when they sleep due to an age-old instinct to keep themselves warm and protect their abdomen and vital organs from predators.
Cats’ claws all curve downward, which means that they can’t climb down trees head-first. Instead, they have to back down the trunk.
Express yourself. Dogs’ ears are extremely expressive. It’s no wonder! There are more than a dozen separate muscles that control a dog’s ear movements.
Cats have 230 bones, while humans only have 206.
Your dog’s whiskers help him “see” in the dark.
Okay, it’s not quite night-vision or a super power, but those whiskers pick up on even subtle changes in air currents, providing your pup with information about the size, shape, and speed of things nearby. This allows your dog to better sense approaching dangers or prey — even at night.
Cats have an extra organ that allows them to taste scents on the air, which is why your cat stares at you with her mouth open from time to time.
The term “dog days of summer” was coined by the ancient Greeks and Romans to describe the hottest days of summer that coincided with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius.
Cats have whiskers on the backs of their front legs, as well.
Is it a duck…or a dog? The Newfoundland breed has a water resistant coat and webbed feet. This dog was originally bred to help haul nets for fishermen and rescuing people at risk of drowning.
All cats need taurine in their diet to avoid blindness. Cats must also have fat in their diet as they are unable to produce it on their own.
Watch that plate of cookies! A Dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 – 100,000 times more acute as that of humans.
Source: PBS
Cats are believed to be the only mammals who don’t taste sweetness.
Plato once said that “a dog has the soul of a philosopher.”
Cats have whiskers on the backs of their front legs, as well.
Why are dogs’ noses so wet? Dogs’ noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
Source: Vetstreet
There are cats who have more than 18 toes. These extra-digit felines are referred to as being “polydactyl.”
It’s not so black and white. It’s a myth that dogs only see in black and white. In fact, it’s believed that dogs see primarily in blue, greenish-yellow, yellow and various shades of gray.
Here’s looking at you. Dogs have three eyelids, an upper lid, a lower lid and the third lid, called a nictitating membrane or “haw,” which helps keep the eye moist and protected.
Source: Whole Dog Journal
A house cat’s genome is 95.6 percent tiger, and they share many behaviors with their jungle ancestors, says Layla Morgan Wilde, a cat behavior expert and the founder of Cat Wisdom 101. These behaviors include scent marking by scratching, prey play, prey stalking, pouncing, chinning, and urine marking.
Dogs do dream! Dogs and humans have the same type of slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) and during this REM stage dogs can dream. The twitching and paw movements that occur during their sleep are signs that your pet is dreaming
Cats are supposed to have 18 toes (five toes on each front paw; four toes on each back paw).
Is something wet? Unlike humans who sweat everywhere, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet.
Source: Healthy Pet
Stroking a cat can help to relieve stress, and the feel of a purring cat on your lap conveys a strong sense of security and comfort.
There are hundreds of official dog breeds in the world and even more mixes and mutts than we can count. Each dog has his own unique set of characteristics and personality. But one thing is certain – these lovable and wonderful companions are fascinating creatures.
Wow, check out those choppers! Puppies have 28 teeth and normal adult dogs have 42.
Source: About.com
A cat will clean itself with paw and tongue after a dangerous experience or when it has fought with another cat. This is believed to be an attempt by the animal to soothe its nerves by doing something natural and instinctive.
Chase that tail! Dogs chase their tails for a variety of reasons: curiosity, exercise, anxiety, predatory instinct or, they might have fleas! If your dog is chasing his tail excessively, talk with your vet.
A domestic cat can run at speeds of 30 mph.
Is something wet? Unlike humans who sweat everywhere, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet.
Source: Healthy Pet
A cat sees about six times better than a human at night because of the tapetum lucidum , a layer of extra reflecting cells which absorb light.
Dogs do dream! Dogs and humans have the same type of slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) and during this REM stage dogs can dream. The twitching and paw movements that occur during their sleep are signs that your pet is dreaming
Source: Healthy Pet
The cat’s tail is used to maintain balance.
Our office will be closed on Sunday April 1st for Easter. Our kennel staff will be here caring for your pets from 7:30 am to 6 pm.
Wow, check out those choppers! Puppies have 28 teeth and normal adult dogs have 42.
Source: About.com
Cats are believed to be the only mammals who don’t taste sweetness.
Pitter patter. A large breed dog’s resting heart beats between 60 and 100 times per minute, and a small dog breed’s heart beats between 100-140. Comparatively, a resting human heart beats 60-100 times per minute.
Sources: About.com and Mayo Clinic
A cat will clean itself with paw and tongue after a dangerous experience or when it has fought with another cat. This is believed to be an attempt by the animal to soothe its nerves by doing something natural and instinctive.
Cats are crepuscular, which means that they are most active at dawn and dusk.
Dog nose prints are as unique as human finger prints and can be used to identify them.
The average lifespan of an outdoor-only cat is about 3 to 5 years while an indoor-only cat can live 16 years or much longer.
The American Kennel Club, the most influential dog club in the United States, was founded in 1884.
Cats have the largest eyes of any mammal.
Growing up. While the Chow Chow dogs are well known for their distinctive blue-black tongues, they’re actually born with pink tongues. They turn blue-black at 8-10 weeks of age.
Source: Vetstreet
A cat’s hearing is much more sensitive than humans and dogs.
Watch that plate of cookies! A Dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 – 100,000 times more acute as that of humans.
Source: PBS
Cats use their whiskers to “feel” the world around them in an effort to determine which small spaces they can fit into. A cat’s whiskers are generally about the same width as its body.
Small quantities of grapes and raisins can cause renal failure in dogs. Chocolate, macadamia nuts, cooked onions, or anything with caffeine can also be harmful.
When cats hit you with retracted claws, they’re playing, not attacking.
Here’s looking at you. Dogs have three eyelids, an upper lid, a lower lid and the third lid, called a nictitating membrane or “haw,” which helps keep the eye moist and protected.
Source: Whole Dog Journal
Cats can spend up to a third of their waking hours grooming.
Hollywood’s first and arguably best canine superstar was Rin Tin Tin, a five-day-old German Shepherd found wounded in battle in WWI France and adopted by an American soldier, Lee Duncan. He would sign his own contracts with his paw print.
Cats learn to manipulate humans with their meows — some even develop a cry like a baby!
Apple and pear seeds contain arsenic, which may be deadly to dogs.
Cats may yawn as a way to end a confrontation with another animal. Think of it as their “talk to the hand” gesture.
Eighteen muscles or more can move a dog’s ear.
Cats are believed to be the only mammals who don’t taste sweetness.
Our office will be closing at noon on Saturday December 24, 2016. And will be closed all day on Sunday December 25, 2016. We will re open at 7:30 am on Monday December 26, 2016. Our kennel staff are taking care of your pets from 7:30 am to 6 pm everyday.Have a happy and safe holiday!
The term “dog days of summer” was coined by the ancient Greeks and Romans to describe the hottest days of summer that coincided with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius.
A cat has four rows of whiskers.
The smallest dog on record was a matchbox-size Yorkshire Terrier. It was 2.5″ tall at the shoulder, 3.5″ from nose tip to tail, and weighed only 4 ounces.
A group of kittens is called a kindle.
Alexander the Great is said to have founded and named a city Peritas, in memory of his dog.
Cats may yawn as a way to end a confrontation with another animal. Think of it as their “talk to the hand” gesture.
The Basenji is the world’s only barkless dog.
Some cats are ambidextrous, but 40 percent are either left- or right-pawed.
Why are dogs’ noses so wet? Dogs’ noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
Source: Vetstreet
Kneading — which some people refer to as “making biscuits” — is a sign of contentment and happiness. Cats knead their mothers when they are nursing to stimulate the let-down of milk.
Americans love dogs! 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 72.9 million homes
Source: American Pet Products Association
Meowing is a behavior that cats developed exclusively to communicate with people.
Dalmatians are completely white at birth.
According to The Huffington Post, cats typically sleep for 12 to 16 hours a day.
It costs approximately $10,000 to train a federally certified search and rescue dog.
A cat will clean itself with paw and tongue after a dangerous experience or when it has fought with another cat. This is believed to be an attempt by the animal to soothe its nerves by doing something natural and instinctive.
Our office will be closed on Thursday November 24, 2016. Our staff are here taking care of your pets and their normal routines are followed. We will be open regular hours on Friday November 25, 2016.
Growing up. While the Chow Chow dogs are well known for their distinctive blue-black tongues, they’re actually born with pink tongues. They turn blue-black at 8-10 weeks of age.
Source: Vetstreet
If you still need reservations for the Thanksgiving holiday please give us a call.
Cats have the largest eyes of any mammal.
Why do they do that? When dogs kick after going to the bathroom, they are using the scent glands on their paws to further mark their territory.
Source: Healthy Pet
A cat will never break a sweat because it has no sweat glands.
The first dogs were self-domesticated wolves which, at least 12,000 years ago, became attracted to the first sites of permanent human habitation.
The cat’s front paw has 5 toes and the back paws have 4. Cats born with 6 or 7 front toes and extra back toes are called polydactyl.
A puppy is born blind, deaf, and toothless.
Thanksgiving is getting close. Have you made your reservations with us? Give us a call today.
A cat will clean itself with paw and tongue after a dangerous experience or when it has fought with another cat. This is believed to be an attempt by the animal to soothe its nerves by doing something natural and instinctive.
Breathe easy. In addition to sweating through their paw pads, dogs pant to cool themselves off. A panting dog can take 300-400 breaths (compared to his regular 30-40) with very little effort.
Source: Vetstreet
Thanksgiving is 3 weeks from today. Have you made your reservations with us? Give us a call today.
A cat has four rows of whiskers.
Plato once said that “a dog has the soul of a philosopher.”
A cat has 230 bones in its body. A human only has 206 bones.
In 2003, Dr. Roger Mugford invented the “wagometer,” a device that claims to interpret a dog’s exact mood by measuring the wag of its tail.
Purring does not always indicate that a cat is happy. Cats will also purr loudly when they are distressed or in pain.
Breathe easy. In addition to sweating through their paw pads, dogs pant to cool themselves off. A panting dog can take 300-400 breaths (compared to his regular 30-40) with very little effort.
Source: Vetstreet
Have you made your travel plans for Thanksgiving? Call us for your reservations for your pets.
As is the case with kids, if you keep your cat active during the day, he will sleep better at night.
It’s not so black and white. It’s a myth that dogs only see in black and white. In fact, it’s believed that dogs see primarily in blue, greenish-yellow, yellow and various shades of gray.
Source: About.com
A cat cannot see directly under its nose. This is why the cat cannot seem to find tidbits on the floor.
There are hundreds of official dog breeds in the world and even more mixes and mutts than we can count. Each dog has his own unique set of characteristics and personality. But one thing is certain – these lovable and wonderful companions are fascinating creatures.
Cats have the largest eyes of any mammal.
Dachshunds were bred to fight badgers in their dens.
Cats can spend up to a third of their waking hours grooming.
Did you hear that? Sound frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the Hertz, the higher-pitched the sound. Dogs hear best at 8,000 Hz, while humans hear best at around 2,000 Hz.
Source: Whole Dog Journal
As is the case with kids, if you keep your cat active during the day, he will sleep better at night.
Watch that plate of cookies! A Dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 – 100,000 times more acute as that of humans.
Source: PBS
Stroking a cat can help to relieve stress, and the feel of a purring cat on your lap conveys a strong sense of security and comfort.
Why are dogs’ noses so wet? Dogs’ noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
Source: Vetstreet
It has been scientifically proven that owning cats is good for our health and can decrease the occurrence of high blood pressure and other illnesses.
Did you hear that? Sound frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the Hertz, the higher-pitched the sound. Dogs hear best at 8,000 Hz, while humans hear best at around 2,000 Hz.
Source: Whole Dog Journal
A cat can jump up to five times its own height in a single bound.
Plato once said that “a dog has the soul of a philosopher.”
Some cats have survived falls of over 65 feet (20 meters), due largely to their “righting reflex.” The eyes and balance organs in the inner ear tell it where it is in space so the cat can land on its feet. Even cats without a tail have this ability.
Why are dogs’ noses so wet? Dogs’ noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
Source: Vetstreet
Cats are crepuscular, which means that they are most active at dawn and dusk.
This more carefully graded system piles the equivalent human years onto a dog’s life more quickly during the dog’s rapid growth to maturity.
If we think like a dog, here’s how a dog’s age compares to a human age! There may be some differences between breeds, but this should give you a good sense of a dog’s age!
DOG YEARS TO HUMAN YEARS CHART
Dog Years | Human Years |
---|---|
6 months | 10 years |
1 year | 15 |
2 years | 24 |
3 | 28 |
4 | 32 |
5 | 36 |
6 | 40 |
7 | 44 |
8 | 48 |
9 | 52 |
10 | 56 |
11 | 60 |
12 | 64 |
13 | 68 |
14 | 72 |
15 | 74 ½ |
16 | 77 |
17 | 79 ½ |
18 | 82 |
19 | 84 ½ |
20 | 87 |
21 | 89 ½ |
22 | 92 |
23 | 94 ½ |
24 | 97 |
25 | 99 ½ |
26 | 102 |
27 | 104 ½ |
28 | 107 |
29 | 109 ½ |
30 | 112 |
Some cats are ambidextrous, but 40 percent are either left- or right-pawed.
Yummy! Dogs have about 1,700 taste buds. Humans have approximately 9,000 and cats have around 473.
Source: Psychology Today
A cat’s brain is biologically more similar to a human brain than it is to a dog’s. Both humans and cats have identical regions in their brains that are responsible for emotions.
The term “dog days of summer” was coined by the ancient Greeks and Romans to describe the hottest days of summer that coincided with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius.
If you’re not free-feeding, you can also help your cat get a good night’s sleep by providing her with a substantial evening meal.
Move over Rover! 45% of dogs sleep in their owner’s bed (we’re pretty sure a large percentage also hog the blankets!)
Source: American Pet Products Association
Cats make very little noise when they walk around. The thick, soft pads on their paws allow them to sneak up on their prey — or you!
Express yourself. Dogs’ ears are extremely expressive. It’s no wonder! There are more than a dozen separate muscles that control a dog’s ear movements.
Source: Whole Dog Journal
Our office will be closed Sunday September 4th and Monday September 5th. Our kennel staff will be with your pets 7:30 am to 6 pm so their normal routines will be followed.
A cat can jump up to five times its own height in a single bound.
No, it’s not just to make themselves look adorable. Dogs curl up in a ball when they sleep due to an age-old instinct to keep themselves warm and protect their abdomen and vital organs from predators.
Source: Vetstreet
There are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world, with approximately 40 recognized breeds.
Dogs do dream! Dogs and humans have the same type of slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) and during this REM stage dogs can dream. The twitching and paw movements that occur during their sleep are signs that your pet is dreaming
Source: Healthy Pet
Male cats are more likely to be left-pawed, while female cats are more likely to be right-pawed.
Why are dogs’ noses so wet? Dogs’ noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
Source: Vetstreet
Kittens can be spayed or neutered when they are only eight weeks old. If possible, these procedures should be performed in the first 5 months of your cat’s life.
Pitter patter. A large breed dog’s resting heart beats between 60 and 100 times per minute, and a small dog breed’s heart beats between 100-140. Comparatively, a resting human heart beats 60-100 times per minute.
Sources: About.com and Mayo Clinic
We apologize if you were trying to call us and couldn’t get thru this morning. Our power was out and has since been restored.
Cats mark you as their territory when they rub their faces and bodies against you, as they have scent glands in those areas.
A dog’s shoulder blades are unattached to the rest of the skeleton to allow greater flexibility for running.
Cats are believed to be the only mammals who don’t taste sweetness.
Dogs do dream! Dogs and humans have the same type of slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) and during this REM stage dogs can dream. The twitching and paw movements that occur during their sleep are signs that your pet is dreaming
Source: Healthy Pet
Meowing is a behavior that cats developed exclusively to communicate with people.
Why do they do that? When dogs kick after going to the bathroom, they are using the scent glands on their paws to further mark their territory.
Source: Healthy Pet
The little tufts of hair in a cat’s ear that help keep out dirt direct sounds into the ear, and insulate the ears are called “ear furnishings.”
Breathe easy. In addition to sweating through their paw pads, dogs pant to cool themselves off. A panting dog can take 300-400 breaths (compared to his regular 30-40) with very little effort.
Source: Vetstreet
A cat usually has about 12 whiskers on each side of its face.
No, it’s not just to make themselves look adorable. Dogs curl up in a ball when they sleep due to an age-old instinct to keep themselves warm and protect their abdomen and vital organs from predators.
Source: Vetstreet
Cats make very little noise when they walk around. The thick, soft pads on their paws allow them to sneak up on their prey — or you!
Growing up. While the Chow Chow dogs are well known for their distinctive blue-black tongues, they’re actually born with pink tongues. They turn blue-black at 8-10 weeks of age.
Source: Vetstreet
Kneading — which some people refer to as “making biscuits” — is a sign of contentment and happiness. Cats knead their mothers when they are nursing to stimulate the let-down of milk.
If your dog’s acting funny, get out the umbrella! According to a Petside com Associated Press poll, 72% of dog owners believe their dog can detect when stormy weather is on the way.
Cats are crepuscular, which means that they are most active at dawn and dusk.
Why do they do that? When dogs kick after going to the bathroom, they are using the scent glands on their paws to further mark their territory.
Source: Healthy Pet
Cats learn to manipulate humans with their meows — some even develop a cry like a baby!
Express yourself. Dogs’ ears are extremely expressive. It’s no wonder! There are more than a dozen separate muscles that control a dog’s ear movements.
Source: Whole Dog Journal
Cats are North America’s most popular pets: there are 73 million cats compared to 63 million dogs. Over 30% of households in North America own a cat.
Our office will be closed Sunday July 3, 2016 and Monday July 4, 2016 for the holiday. Our staff are with your pets from 7:30 am to 6 pm both days. And we follow your pets normal routine.
It’s not so black and white. It’s a myth that dogs only see in black and white. In fact, it’s believed that dogs see primarily in blue, greenish-yellow, yellow and various shades of gray.
Source: About.com
Our office will be closed Sunday July 3, 2016 and Monday July 4,2016 for the holiday. Our staff are with your pets from 7:30 am to 6 pm both days. And we follow your pets normal routine.
A cat rubs against people not only to be affectionate but also to mark out its territory with scent glands around its face. The tail area and paws also carry the cat’s scent.
Why are dogs’ noses so wet? Dogs’ noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
Source: Vetstreet
A cat can travel at a top speed of approximately 31 mph (49 km) over a short distance
Watch that plate of cookies! A Dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 – 100,000 times more acute as that of humans.
Source: PBS
A cat can jump up to five times its own height in a single bound.
Yummy! Dogs have about 1,700 taste buds. Humans have approximately 9,000 and cats have around 473.
Source: Psychology Today
A cat’s eyesight is both better and worse than humans. It is better because cats can see in much dimmer light and they have a wider peripheral view. It’s worse because they don’t see color as well as humans do. Scientists believe grass appears red to cats.
WHY DOGS EAT POOP AND HOW TO STOP IT
Of all the repulsive habits our canine companions have—drinking from the toilet, rolling in swamp muck, licking their butts—nothing tops the disgusting practice of eating poop. Their motivation may not be to gross us humans out, but it certainly does. So much so, in fact, that poop eating is often a reason people try to rehome a dog or even opt for euthanasia.
If you have a poop eater, don’t despair. There are ways to discourage the habit.
Although not deeply probed by science—there are few studies on it—poop eating is a relatively common phenomenon. In a 2012 study presented at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior annual conference, researchers led by Dr. Benjamin Hart, from the University of California, Davis, found that:
- 16 percent (one in six) of dogs are classified as “serious” stool eaters, which means that they were caught in the act five times.
- 24 percent of the dogs in the study (one in four) were observed eating feces at least once.
Hart wrote, “Our conclusion is that eating of fresh stools is a reflection of an innate predisposition of ancestral canids living in nature that protects pack members from intestinal parasites present in feces that could occasionally be dropped in the den/rest area.” His study consisted of two separate surveys sent to about 3,000 dog owners.
While it is repulsive to human sensibilities, it’s not really all that bad from a canine point of view. Dogs evolved as scavengers, eating whatever they found on the ground or in the trash heap, so their ideas of haute cuisine is somewhat different from ours. In his Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, animal behaviorist Steven R. Lindsay says, that coprophagia “may be one of several appetitive survival behaviors that have evolved to cope with the periodic adversity of starvation.” In other words, when food is scarce, you can’t be picky.
POOP EATING IS NORMAL FOR MOTHERS AND PUPS
For some species, such as rabbits, eating fecal droppings is a totally normal way of obtaining key nutrients. In fact, if you prevent rabbits from doing this, they will develop health problems, and young ones will fail to thrive.
Fortunately, dogs do not need to get nutrients in this manner.
It is, however, a normal, natural behavior at some canine life stages. Mother dogs will lick their puppies to urge them to eliminate, and clean their feces, for about the first three weeks. Puppies will also naturally engage in this behavior, eating both their own fecal droppings (known as autocoprophagia), and those of other dogs (allocoprophagia), as well as cats and other animals. Some dogs find horse manure and goose droppings particularly appealing.
Eating their own poop is harmless, but consuming that of other animals may cause health problems if the stool is contaminated with parasites, viruses, or toxins. In most cases, this behavior will fade before the puppy is about nine months old.
SOME FACTS ABOUT DOGS WHO EAT POOP
When it occurs in puppies, coprophagia is generally considered part of the process of exploring the world around them. Most will be satisfied with a sniff, but a few will want, like human children, to put everything in their mouths. One bizarre fact: Dogs will rarely eat soft, poorly formed stools or diarrhea. They appear to be attracted most to hard stools. Frozen ones, in particular, are gulped down with relish. There is a reason why dog owners have coined the term, “poopsicle.”
In his study, Hart made some other observations about why dogs eat poop:
- Coprophagia was more common in multi-dog households. In single-dog homes, only 20 percent of dogs had the habit, while in homes with three dogs, that rose to 33 percent.
- Poop eaters are no harder to house train than any other dogs.
- Females are more likely to eat poop, and intact males were least likely.
- 92 percent of poop eaters want fresh stuff, only one to two days old.
- 85 percent of poop eaters will not eat their own feces, only that of other dogs.
- Greedy eaters—dogs who steal food off tables—tend to also be poop eaters.
WHY DO DOGS EAT POOP?
If your adult dog starts to dine on dung, you should consult with your vet to rule out such health problems as:
- parasites
- diets deficient in nutrients and calories
- malabsorption syndromes
- diabetes, Cushing’s, thyroid disease, and other conditions that might cause an increase in appetite
- drugs, such as steroids
In many cases, dogs start to eat their own poop because of some kind of environmental stress or behavioral triggers, including:
- Isolation: Studies have shown that dogs who are kept alone in kennels or basements are more likely to eat poop than those dogs who live close to their people.
- Restrictive confinement: Spending too much time confined in a small spaces can cause the problem. It’s not unusual to see coprophagia in dogs rescued from crowded shelters.
- Anxiety, often a result of a person using punishment or harsh methods during housetraining. According to this theory, dogs may eliminate and then eat their own poop to get rid of the evidence, but then they are punished more. It becomes a vicious cycle.
- Attention-seeking: Dogs eat their own poop to get a reaction from their humans, which they inevitably will. So if you see your dog doing this, don’t overreact.
- Inappropriate association with real food: Dogs who are fed in close proximity to their feces may make a connection between the odors of food and those of poop and will be unable to tell the difference.
- Scenting it on their mothers. Lindsay writes that in some cases, puppies will get confused by sniffing fecal odors on their mother’s breath after she has cleaned them. Also, sometimes mothers may regurgitate food that is mixed with puppy fecal matter. He calls this an “appetitive inoculation,” which may set a puppy up to develop this bad habit.
- Living with a sick or elderly dog. Sometimes a healthy dog will consume stools from a weaker canine member of the household, especially in cases of fecal incontinence. Scientists hypothesize that this may be related to the instinct to protect the pack from predators.
HOW TO STOP YOUR DOG FROM EATING POOP
Veterinarians and dog owners have seen improvements with a handful of strategies, including:
- Vitamin supplementation. There’s been a long-standing theory that dogs eat feces because they are missing something in their diets. Vitamin-B deficiency, in particular, has been a prime suspect, and studies have backed this up. In 1981, scientists showed fecal microbial activity synthesized thiamine, a B-vitamin. Other research found other missing nutrients.
- Enzyme supplementation. The modern canine diet is higher in carbohydrates and lower in meat-based proteins and fats than the canine ancestral diet. Some people have had success with a meat tenderizer that contains papain, an enzyme.
- Taste-aversion products. The theory is that certain tastes and smells are as disgusting to dogs as the idea of stool eating is to us and that spraying certain substances on poop will make it less appealing. Many of these products contain monosodium glutamate, chamomile, pepper-plant derivatives, yucca, garlic, and parsley.
Perhaps the best way to stop the problem is through training and environmental management methods, including:
- Keep the dog’s living area clean, including the yard, so there will be no poops for him to pick up.
- Cat owners should keep that litter box clean or out of the dog’s reach.
- Supervise your dog on walks, and pick up after him immediately.
- Training. Work hard on the commands “leave it” and “come.” One simple exercise, suggested by Debra Horwitz, DVM, Diplomate ACVB and Gary Landsberg, DVM, Diplomate ACVB, is to teach your dog to come to you for a food treat as soon as he has eliminated. That way, the dog will develop a habit to run to you for a tasty tidbit, instead of reaching for the revolting recyclable on the the ground.
Sources: Applied Dog Behavior and Training, by Steven R. Lindsay; “Coprophagia in Dogs—Behavior,” VCA Animal Hospitals fact sheet; “Coprophagia: The Scoop on Poop Eating in Dogs,” Dr. Sophia Yin fact sheet
Here’s a short video with tips on dealing with this problem.
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Growing up. While the Chow Chow dogs are well known for their distinctive blue-black tongues, they’re actually born with pink tongues. They turn blue-black at 8-10 weeks of age.
Source: Vetstreet
Cats hate the water because their fur does not insulate well when it’s wet. The Turkish Van, however, is one cat that likes swimming. Bred in central Asia, its coat has a unique texture that makes it water resistant.
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Americans love dogs! 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 72.9 million homes
Source: American Pet Products Association
The little tufts of hair in a cat’s ear that help keep out dirt direct sounds into the ear, and insulate the ears are called “ear furnishings”.
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Move over Rover! 45% of dogs sleep in their owner’s bed (we’re pretty sure a large percentage also hog the blankets!)
Source: American Pet Products Association
A group of cats is called a “clowder.”
There are hundreds of official dog breeds in the world and even more mixes and mutts than we can count. Each dog has his own unique set of characteristics and personality. But one thing is certain – these lovable and wonderful companions are fascinating creatures.
A cat’s jaw can’t move sideways, so a cat can’t chew large chunks of food.
Pitter patter. A large breed dog’s resting heart beats between 60 and 100 times per minute, and a small dog breed’s heart beats between 100-140. Comparatively, a resting human heart beats 60-100 times per minute.
Sources: About.com and Mayo Clinic
Our office will be closed Sunday May 29, 2016 and Monday May 30, 2016. We will re open on Tuesday May 31, 2016 at 7:30 am. Our kennel staff are with your pets on both days from 7:30 am to 6 pm and your pet’s normal routine is followed. Have a happy and safe holiday weekend.
The most popular pedigreed cat is the Persian cat, followed by the Main Coon cat and the Siamese cat.
Is something wet? Unlike humans who sweat everywhere, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet.
Source: Healthy Pet
The biggest wildcat today is the Siberian Tiger. It can be more than 12 feet (3.6 m) long (about the size of a small car) and weigh up to 700 pounds (317 kg). The smallest wildcat today is the Black-footed cat. The females are less than 20 inches (50 cm) long and can weigh as little as 2.5 lbs (1.2 kg).
No night vision goggles needed! Dogs’ eyes contain a special membrane, called the tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see in the dark.
Source: Healthy Pet
Researchers are unsure exactly how a cat purrs. Most veterinarians believe that a cat purrs by vibrating vocal folds deep in the throat. To do this, a muscle in the larynx opens and closes the air passage about 25 times per second.
It’s not a fever…A dog’s normal temperature is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. How much do you know about dog health? Take our Doggy First Aid Quiz!
Source: Web MD
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The group of words associated with cat (catt, cath, chat, katze) stem from the Latincatus, meaning domestic cat, as opposed to feles, or wild cat.
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Chase that tail! Dogs chase their tails for a variety of reasons: curiosity, exercise, anxiety, predatory instinct or, they might have fleas! If your dog is chasing his tail excessively, talk with your vet.
No night vision goggles needed! Dogs’ eyes contain a special membrane, called the tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see in the dark.
Source: Healthy Pet
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Dogs do dream! Dogs and humans have the same type of slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) and during this REM stage dogs can dream. The twitching and paw movements that occur during their sleep are signs that your pet is dreaming
Source: Healthy Pet
Is it a duck…or a dog? The Newfoundland breed has a water resistant coat and webbed feet. This dog was originally bred to help haul nets for fishermen and rescuing people at risk of drowning.
A Beatles hit. It’s rumored that, at the end of the Beatles song, “A Day in the Life,” Paul McCartney recorded an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, just for his Shetland sheepdog.
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