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Filtered by tag ('health and wellbeing')

What You Need To Know About Feline Heart Disease

 by alexandra on 26 Feb 2015 |
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Just like us humans, our feline counterparts can also suffer from heart disease. The fancy medical word for it is Cardiomyopathy. There are different types of feline heart disease however the most common type is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is when the walls and ventricles of the heart become too thick for blood to pass through them. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is most often hereditery and breeds such as Persians, American shorthairs and oriental breeds are predisposed to the condition. You are able to get your cat tested at your vet or even purchase tests online also. However you may not be so lucky to find out by testing prior to finding symptoms of the disease. Most cats usually develop the condition and start showing symptoms well after their kittenhood and into midlife but it can occur at any age. The way this disease damages the heart is by the heart changing it's structure due to the thickening of the walls and by doing this the way the heart works is changed. The muscles become less flexible and no longer allow the cavities to fill with blood or to push blood on efficiently. Symptoms can cary depending on the cat and the severity of the condition. However a kitty with significant damage to the heart will show difficulty breathing, leg paralysis or strokes. While there is no cure for feline heart disease as the changes made to the heart by the condition are permanent, there have been some advances in treatments by using ubiquinol and amino acids such as taurine, L-arginine and acetyl L-carnitine, which you can discuss with your vet. Early diagnosis with proactive treatment can give your kitty the best chance at slowing the changes to the heart and maintain a great quality of life. Feature Image Credit  

How To Manage A Teething Pup

 by alexandra on 19 Feb 2015 |
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Much like when a baby starts teething, a puppy's teething period can not only be painful and itchy but they also don't know how to solve the problem. This may make them just as irritable and cranky as a teething baby. Your pup will start teething between 12 and 14 weeks where the milk teeth will start fall out and new adult teeth will begin to grow. By five months, a puppy should have all their adult teeth. You might not notice the change unless you see the missing teeth. The easiest way to tell if your pup is teething will be if he or she has gone from chewing on a few toys to chewing on everything and anything. Staircase banisters, window sills, house plants, leashes, table and chair legs, shoes and socks, all are fair game to a teething puppy. You may also notice an increase in drool so get your mops ready. To help your pup during this time you can freeze chicken wings, teething toys or even give them ice cubes to chew on. The cooling effect will sooth their sore gums and also cater to their 'must chew' policy during this time. Remember to be patient, they aren't chewing your stuff to get on your nerves, they are simply doing it to scratch their itchy gums. Make sure your pup has plenty of toys and chewables so that not everything in your home is destroyed. There are some natural remedies to help too. Herbs such as chamomile and lavender can have soothing properties can help calm your pup during tough teething times. You can make a tea using these, let it cool and then pour some over your pets kibble. Freezing the tea into ice cubes can double the effect as the cooling ice will numb the gums. Aloe Vera water that you or I drink is a great way to help your pup's food recover from the irritation of teething. Pour a bit into his or her water bowl, however if they aren't a fan of the taste you may try and conceal it with puppy food. You can get aloe vera water from most supermarkets. If the these tips don't help or you notice infection or bleeding take your pooch to the vet for medical attention.

Can Your Pet Make You Sick?

 by alexandra on 13 Feb 2015 |
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So you've caught a cold and you're worried about spreading the illness to your pet. Stress less because you can't actually pass on your cold BUT that doesn't mean that your pet can't pass on any infections to you. Certain illnesses can be spread from pet to pet owner but don't get out your hazmat gear just yet, as not all are transferable and some are more common than others. There are many ways illnesses can be transmitted, depending on what the ailment is. Roundworm can be caught from infected dogs or cats by touching faeces found in soil, and is caught due to improper handwashing after contact.  The hookworm parasite can also be ingested in a similar way although it's more commonly contracted when larvae in infected dirt penetrate your bare skin. So remember to wash your hands well when gardening or when handling pet faeces. This is particularly important for pregnant women as they can contract toxoplasmosis which can lead to birth defects. This is usually caught by handling kitty litter of an infected animal and by also handling raw meat without washing your hands. As a general rule of thumb pregnant women should avoid cleaning their kitty litter and should ask a family member to take over this task. So how do you avoid getting any other ailments from your pets? Make sure your pet is in good health. Regularly take your pet for check-ups and ensure they are wormed. Take extra precautions such as avoiding kisses on the lips as we're all well aware where those lips have been before. If your pet has any skin conditions, treat them as soon as possible and try to avoid touching and petting them, if you do happen to touch them. Importantly, maintain the utmost amount of hygeine by washing hands frequently with anti-bacterial hand wash.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Your Cat's Litter

 by alexandra on 11 Feb 2015 |
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Out of all things to eat, why the kitty litter? Why?!  The act of dogs eating faeces from cat litter is known as coprophagia. It’s not known exactly why it occurs, but coprophagia is a normal behavior in many species, including dogs and especially in puppies. Luckily most dogs grow out of this habit. Coprophagia is also normal in nursing mothers. Puppies are not able to eliminate on their own until they’re about three weeks old, so a mother dog will lick her very young puppies to activate the defecation reflex. Ingestion of the puppies’ faeces also keeps the nest clean. Faeces left in the nest would cause poor hygiene and attract predators. However there are some dogs that continue to eat faeces from a cat's litter box as adults. Some of these dogs are highly motivated and the behavior seems to become compulsive. Some dogs even follow others around, waiting until they defecate so that they can eat the feces right away. Despite much hypothesizing about nutritional deficiencies, there is no apparent reason for this strange behavior. Some suggest that dogs are more likely to develop this behavior if they live in an impoverished environment. In fact, dogs left for long periods in an area with droppings will often play with the feces by tossing them in the air. This behaviour can contribute to the development of coprophagia. Resolving coprophagia can be challenging. Attempts to discourage any type of contact with faeces are bound to fail because sniffing feces is such a fundamental investigative behavior in dogs. If the behavior has developed into a compulsive disorder, in addition to avoiding access to the litter box or discouraging ingestion, it’s important to provide environmental changes, such as new toys and games to play like fetch and tug as well as adequate physical exercise. If you find that these tips don't help, talk to your vet for a medical approach. They may suggest a behavioural specialist to work with you and your pets.  Feature Image Credit

Clipping Your Cat's Claws - Made Easy

 by alexandra on 10 Feb 2015 |
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Trimming your cat's nails is not an easy task and most people take their cats to the vet or a groomer to do it. However if you are prepared to put in the hard yards it is something you can do in the comfort of your own home. It's best to train your cat to get used to you doing this from a young age.  Firstly it is important that you use a pet specific nail/claw clipper rather than those made for human use. They are designed to cut through the thicker claw and won't get blunt after two or three nails. You'll be able to find the right one for your pet at your local pet shop. Make sure your kitty is resting comfortably on your lap or on a flat table where he or she is comfortable. You might consider putting a towel or blanket on the table to give you a bit more stability from slipping.           The correct way to cut the nail is to hold the clippers at a vertical, cutting top to bottom- not across. This is to avoid any splitting or fraying of the nail and is considered generally more comfortable for the cat. Next, hold a paw in one hand and gently press on the toe pad to extend the claw. Carefully place the clipper on the nail avoiding the pink tissue inside the nail. Aim for the sharp tip to prevent bleeding from occuring.  Repeat for the rest of the claws. However, if your cat becomes impatient give him or her a break then return to the task. Some find that clipping while their cat is asleep works best as they aren't going to bite, claw or scratch at you but do what works for you and your cat. Others have suggested putting a light towel on the cat's face to sheild it from seeing you clip its claws. However if you don't find any of these methods work there is no shame in asking a professional for help, after all, that's what they're there for. Feature Image Credit

5 Ways To Control Your Pet's Shedding

 by alexandra on 05 Feb 2015 |
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Some say you're not a pet owner if the majority of your clothing isn't covered in fur. While that doesn't sound too appealling, it can ring some truth. Animals shed fur to get rid of old, damaged or excess fur and of course as they transition from the warmer months to cooler months or vice versa.  However they can also shed fur if they have skin irritations or if their diet is lacking certain vitamins. Here are five tips on how to manage all that fur.   Brushing: This is the key to staying on top of fur getting matted as well as clumps being left around the house. Depending on your dog's or cat's breed, you may need to brush your pet daily or a few times a week. Feeding: A pet's coat is often a reflection of what they eat, so opt for grain-free protein rich pet food to enrich their diet. After a few weeks you should notice their coat is shinier, healthier and sheds a bit less. Some pet food brands even sell specific food to improve your pets coat, so opt for these. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum: Yes it can be a pain but ultimately this will keep the fur from building up. Opt for a good quality vacuum- there are plenty on the market that are made for homes with pets. They are extra heavy-duty and can handle all the fur your home has hidden away. Bathtime: Remember, washing your dog's fur is good for them and can reduce shedding. Don't forget to only use pet shampoo as human shampoo can be too harsh on their skin and cause dryness and skin irritations which may in turn cause more shedding. A gentle oatmeat shampoo can help their coat become healthier. After bathing, give your pooch a good brush. Depending on their breed they may need to be bathed weekly to monthly. Check-ups: If none of these tips work then consider talking to your vet about the causes of excessive fur shedding. If the shedding is leaving bald patches this is definitely something a vet should see and treat. They will be able to give you the appropriate medical treatment if needed. Remember shedding is normal but if it becomes a cause for concern seek veterinary treatment. Oh, and always buy a lint roller when at the grocery store. Always. Feature Image Credit  

Being Petted Stresses Cats Out

 by alexandra on 30 Jan 2015 |
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Lovingly stroking and petting your cat should be a comforting and welcoming act, but now pet owners have been warned that cuddling their feline can cause them further stress and anxiety. New research and studies have revealed that over half the population of cat owners do not know how to cope with an anxious cat and think that petting them is the most viable solution and cure. Cats are suffering from stress and having their anxiety levels exacerbated because owners expect them to behave like dogs, according to animal behaviourists and researchers. Cats who display stress and anxious states are being petted and cuddled, leading to further stress and a tendency to overreact to things. Being held or stroked for too long can be very stressful for some cats. Cat owners must understand that they are not small furry humans, so what would comfort us as social individuals will not ­necessarily comfort said cats. It is recommended you not overly stroke or cuddle a cat which is showing signs of stress as it can make it worse. Cat owners must understand their feline companions and recognise stress and anxious behaviours. A cat that spends a lot of time hiding -under the furniture, up very high in the room, or on top of closets- often is a sign of stress. This is because the cat is having to get itself into a good, defensive position all the time before it can feel comfortable. Stress and anxiety in cats can also be communicated through poor health. Usually undue stress appears as two effects: the most apparent being skin problems where the cat is either losing some fur or grooming too much in one particular place so that they have a bare patch on their skin or even an ulcer. The second one is the development of a urinary tract infection, which is quite common in cats. Cat owners must seek to understand their pets better so as to recognise the demands placed on them and how that manifests itself in their pet’s physical and mental health. Space and peace is often what anxious cats need rather than a hug or a thorough petting. It is recommended that you always provide your cats with easily accessible places for your cat to hide and let them stay in there for as long as they want to, creating a safe environment until their stress dissipates. Feature image credit  

Cooling Jackets: Why Your Dog Needs One

 by alexandra on 09 Jan 2015 |
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Dog owners should be vigilant over hot weather and its effects on their pets. As dogs can’t release heat by sweating the way humans do, high heat and humidity can raise canine body temperatures to dangerous levels leading to health complications. Heat stress left unmanaged can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Whether it be a sweltering day or a long walk, cooling jackets can be a defensive tool to keep your dog cool. Heat stress and its degenerative states can take a serious toll on a dog’s health, with heat-related problems being amongst the most common summer canine ailments. The symptoms of heat stress include profuse panting, salivation, an anxious expression, staring without seeing, failing to respond to commands, skin that is warm and dry, fever, rapid pulse, fatigue or exhaustion, muscular weakness, and physical collapse. Any dog can suffer from heat stress, but dogs who are most susceptible include the very young and old, particularly any dog with a history of heat stress, are overweight and physically inactive or breeds with flat faces or short noses. Caring and conscientious owners plan ahead and seek to keep their dogs safe in the heat, including utilizing cooling jackets and vests as a solution to helping hot dogs stay cool. Made from different materials and operating on different cooling principles, cooling jackets and vests are dog garments designed to keep dogs from overheating. Jackets that use water as a cooling mechanism were designed to emulate human sweating and heat control. These jackets are dipped in water and then placed on the dog where, as the water evaporates, excess body heat is equally dissipated – much like human sweating. The fabric that cooling jackets are made from is exceptionally good at absorbing and retaining water so it releases the moisture slowly while still efficiently cooling the dog. Other types of cooling jackets for dogs was originally designed for or are used by military, search and rescue, police, and working dogs. These vests have two pouches on each side that run the length of the dog's body, holding special gel-filled cooling packs to keep the dog’s body temperature down. The outer layer reflects incoming infrared radiation while the inner layer prevents the dog’s body heat from reflecting back to the dog. How successful cooling jackets are vary for smaller or larger dogs, dogs of different breeds, engaged in different activities, or in other climates. Feature Image Credit  

What To Do When Your Dog Won't Go For A Walk

 by alexandra on 24 Dec 2014 |
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Some dogs pull, jump and pounce to get their owners to take them on a walk-however, your pooch may not be as excited about walkies. While a break from walks may seem like a great idea, it could be a sign that your dog is ill. So first, let's try and work out why your dog may be disinterested in walks. It is important to eliminate any medical conditions so see your veterinarian and discuss this with them. They may suggest doing some blood tests, urine and stool samples or x-rays, just to see if there is anything a little out of whack with your dog's insides.  If your vet clears your dog of any medical ailments that are preventing them from enjoying his or her daily walk, it could a sign of a behavioural problem. Your four-legged friend may just be bored of the monotonous daily walk just as you might be. Fix this by adding some interest by jogging, running or even visiting a dog park half way through your route to entice your dog. Chances are that he or she will notice the change and it will encourage the likelihood of them wanting to go on a walk. You may also try taking different routes, going hiking, swimming or even bringing another dog to liven things up. If it's not lack of variation that has your dog disinterested, you may need to consult with a behaviourist. Some dogs may have experienced something traumatic on a walk and this could be what is stopping them from going on another. Animal behaviourists can help both you and your dog to move past this type of experience so that you are both able to enjoy your walks again. Remember you too will need to move past any negative experiences and focus on the now so that you are not giving off any fearful or negative energy that your dog might pick up on. If you think that the experience may occur again then take a different route so that you feel more confident and relaxed. Enjoying walks is very important as it allows your dog to exercise and release any excess energy- so don't give up. It is something to work on but with patience and diligence you can enjoy walkies again. Feature Image Credit

Why You Should Consider A Dog Life Jacket

 by alexandra on 15 Dec 2014 |
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Dog life jackets? To some people the concept of little life jackets for pets can seem quite funny or even weird but for dog owners it should be something to consider if you frequent beaches, harbors and even rivers. Simply, dog life jackets are a safety mechanism that work just like human life jackets do and the benefits that they provide are numerous and not be underestimated.   Did you know not all dogs are natural swimmers? Yep, it's true, which is just one of the benefits of getting your dog a life jacket when taking them on aquatic adventures.  Any dog accompanying you on a water craft will benefit from a life jacket. Pooches on sail boats, fishing boats, race boats or even canoes should have a life jacket on for the same reason humans wear them. You just never know what could happen while aboard, even if you and your dog are strong swimmers. Like your own life jacket, dog life jackets are simply a safety measure that could save your dog's life. It's important to consider your own dog's preferences and breed as some don't enjoy being anywhere near water or are not naturally confident swimmers. Some breeds that have low body fat such as Greyhounds and Whippets may have a much more difficult time staying afloat - so either avoid involving them in any water activity or if you must, a life jacket should be absolutely essential. Of course, some breeds love to be in the water, such as the Labradors, Retrievers and of course German Shepherds, but even these breeds can have trouble swimming if they are elderly, sick, overweight and out of shape. Fatigue can set in, and no matter how good of a swimmer they are, they could become tired and have trouble staying afloat.  Just like us, dogs too can overexert themselves while exerciseing and in the water it could be quite dangerous. Like their human counterparts, some dogs lead a much more sedentary lifestyle these days, and gasping for breath while in water is not a good way to assess fitness levels. This is when a life jacket is handy -it will not only take a load off your dog, they will be able to stay afloat without becoming overly tired.
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