Mastitis in Cats
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How Much Fresh Food to Feed a Dog
Fresh dog food is gaining popularity among pet parents who appreciate the importance of good nutrition—but deciding what type is only half the battle. Equally important is determining how much fresh food to feed a dog. Too much food and your dog will become overweight. Too little and they can become too skinny and suffer from nutritional deficiencies. It’s best to get recommendations from your veterinarian that are tailored specifically to your dog’s needs. Here’s what you need to know about feeding your dog the correct amount for them.
7 Common GI Problems in Cats
4. Foreign Bodies Cats are curious, and some will put just about anything in their mouths … and then swallow. If those objects are small or at least partially digestible, they can travel through the gastrointestinal tract without incident. But in a worst-case scenario, they become stuck somewhere along the way. Gastrointestinal foreign bodies typically cause poor appetite, vomiting, and discomfort in cats. A veterinarian who suspects that a cat has swallowed something inappropriate will usually take abdominal X-rays to look for evidence. The foreign body may be obvious, but more frequently vets can only see hints that there is something in there that shouldn’t be. Sometimes, removing a gastrointestinal foreign body can be done with an endoscope. But in other cases, exploratory surgery is necessary to remove the object and repair the damage it has done.,5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes symptoms that are seen with many gastrointestinal problems: vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and/or poor appetite. But because IBD can only be identified with a biopsy, it can be challenging to diagnose. IBD can be caused by some combination of immune dysfunction, food allergies, bacterial overgrowth, metabolic disease, food intolerance, parasites, environmental stress, and/or genetics. Often, a cat’s symptoms are mild and/or intermittent to begin with but can get worse with time. Treatment for IBD often involves feeding a hypoallergenic diet and, if that is insufficient, suppressing the immune system. A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, corticosteroids, chlorambucil, and other medications depending on a cat’s response.,Whether it’s the hairball you stepped on this morning or the diarrhea you had to clean up this afternoon, gastrointestinal (GI) problems have a way of getting a cat parent’s attention. But GI problems are more than just inconvenient—they can be signs of serious trouble. Here are some common GI problems in cats and what to do about them.
Do Dogs Dream? What Do Dogs Dream About?
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When Can Puppies Eat Solid Food? What To Know about Weaning Puppies
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Hemoabdomen in Dogs (Internal Abdominal Bleeding)
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What Is Feline Urinary Incontinence? How Is It Treated?
If you’ve noticed your cat leaving wet spots around the house, they may be unintentionally leaking urine—a condition known as feline urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence in cats is not very common. It’s often confused with other, more frequently diagnosed conditions such as feline idiopathic cystitis. However, any change in a cat’s urinary habits should always be assessed by a veterinarian. If it appears that your cat can’t urinate or is in significant discomfort, you could be dealing with a medical emergency—get them to a veterinarian immediately.
Looking for a Teacup Dog or Puppy? Read This First
Other Potential Dangers for Tiny Teacup Dogs Tiny teacup dogs also face other dangers related to their size. Hypothermia The smaller the dog, the harder it is for them to stay warm. If teacup dogs aren’t protected from the cold, they can develop hypothermia and frostbite. Even when temperatures are relatively mild, teacup dogs may need to wear a sweater or coat when temps drop. Difficulty Dosing Medications Most common dog medications, including heartworm, flea, and tick preventives, are labeled for use in dogs that weigh 5 pounds or more. Teacup dogs often need to take compounded medications (which increases their expense) or use medications in an off-label manner. Complications With Anesthesia and Surgery Safely anesthetizing and performing surgery on teacup dogs can be done, but it’s not always easy. Everything from placing an IV catheter, to repairing a broken bone, to keeping the anesthetized dog warm is harder when they are this small. Fragility Teacup dogs are more likely to be seriously wounded if they experience a traumatic injury. Their bones are relatively fragile, so even normal activities, like jumping off a bed, can lead to fractures. Additionally, teacup dogs and especially teacup puppies seem to become sicker faster than bigger dogs. Stress alone is sometimes enough to send fragile dogs like these to the veterinary hospital.,Should You Adopt a Teacup Puppy? For all these reasons, purchasing a teacup puppy doesn’t make a lot of sense. Typically, a pet parent looking for a small dog can find a healthier and heartier option in a puppy that has been bred to meet the breed standard. If you’re absolutely set on having a small teacup dog, talk to a breeder of “regular-size” dogs who performs all the breed-specific tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. Smaller-than-normal pups are born from time to time, and reputable breeders are always looking for good homes for them—with the condition they are not bred as an adult. Featured Image: iStock/michellegibson,Small dogs can be a lot of fun. They make great companions and travel buddies, and are easy to exercise and clean up after. So, if small is good, wouldn’t smaller be even better? Not so fast. Despite their popularity, purchasing a “teacup” puppy supports unethical breeding practices and results in teacup dogs that can have some truly intense health problems.
Why Is My Dog’s Nose Turning Pink?
Most dogs have a dark nose—black or brown is common—but dog noses can start to look different for a variety of reasons. Some conditions are harmless (a snow nose dog, for example) while others require veterinary attention. You’re in the right place if you’re wondering, “Why is my dog’s nose turning pink?” or if you’ve noticed other changes to your dog’s nose.
What Is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?
First, let’s define exactly what a raw food diet for dogs is. The primary ingredient in most raw food diets is raw meat. The diet may or may not include bones, organs, grains or other carbohydrate sources, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals, and other supplements. You can make a raw dog food diet at home or purchase a commercially prepared one. These diets are also sometimes called “BARF,” which stands for either “biologically appropriate raw foods” or “bones and raw food.”,Jump to section What Is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs? Risks of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs Possible Benefits of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs Vet-Recommended Dog Food Is a Raw Dog Food Diet Right for Your Pet? FAQs About Raw Diets for Dogs
