How To Brush Cats’ Teeth
In This Article How To Brush a Cat’s Teeth View 5 More +
How Much To Feed a Cat: Portions, Counting Calories, and More
Jump to section Factors That Impact How Much to Feed a Cat How Much To Feed a Cat Chart How To Convert Calories into Portion Sizes for Cat Food Feeding Wet Cat Food vs. Dry Cat Food How Often Should I Feed My Cat?
10 Common Genetic Cat Diseases
There are common cat diseases that are caused, at least in part, by genetics. But, why should pet parents care? Well, if you know your cat’s risk factors, you may be able to prevent problems or manage them better than you would otherwise. Purebreds have quite the reputation when it comes to genetic diseases, but that doesn’t mean that the “mutts” of the feline world get a pass. In fact, the first disease on our list is not only the most frequently diagnosed feline genetic disease but is also one that can affect any cat regardless of breed. Let’s look at 10 cat diseases that have a genetic basis and vet-recommended ways of dealing with them.
When to Put a Cat With Hyperthyroidism to Sleep
WRITTEN BYJennifer Coates, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary…,Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disease that affects cats. It’s almost always caused by a non-cancerous overgrowth of thyroid tissue, which leads to an overproduction of thyroid hormone. The important thing to know is that hyperthyroidism is not a death sentence! Most hyperthyroid cats do very well and can live another 5 years or more when they receive appropriate treatment. However, some cats continue to have health problems or even develop new ones as time goes on. Monitoring the quality of life for a cat with hyperthyroidism is very important, so you’ll know when to talk to your veterinarian about additional treatment or euthanasia. What Is the Life Expectancy of a Cat With Hyperthyroidism? After diagnosis, a cat’s life expectancy depends on many factors. One study found that cats who were treated with methimazole followed by radioactive iodine (I-131) typically lived for another 5.3 years. This is impressive, considering that cats who develop hyperthyroidism are usually 12-13 years old at the time of diagnosis. The reason cats can live long and happy lives after being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism is in part due to several good treatment options: Anti-thyroid medications—Methimazole interferes with the production of thyroid hormone. The right dose will usually bring a cat’s thyroid hormone levels back to normal. This drug is designed to be given orally, but it can be reformulated into a gel that is absorbed through the skin of a cat’s ears. Many pet parents find it easier to rub gel on their cat’s ears than try to give them pills every day. Low-iodine cat food—Cats need iodine to make thyroid hormone. Feeding a cat a therapeutic food that has very low iodine levels is an easy way to manage hyperthyroidism. I-131 therapy—Radioactive iodine (I-131) given by injection kills off abnormal thyroid tissue. I-131 therapy can cure a cat of hyperthyroidism. Your cat will spend a few days in the hospital, and you’ll be given instructions on how to safely care for them and handle their litter and litter box while they continue recovering at home. The surgical removal of abnormal thyroid tissue used to be a popular form of treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats, but I-131 therapy has largely replaced it because it is safer and more effective.
Ticks on Dogs: Everything You Need To Know
You’re running your hands through your dog’s fur and… wait, what’s that bump? You carefully part their fur. It’s brown (or maybe gray) and stuck in your dog’s skin—it’s a tick! Ticks on dogs are more than just gross. They can also carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease. Regular tick checks, prompt removal of ticks, and using tick preventives are key to keeping your dog comfortable and healthy.
What Are Dog Food Toppers?
In This Article What Are Dog Food Toppers? View 4 More +
Puppy’s First Vet Visit: When To Go, What To Expect, and Costs
Jump to section When To Take a Puppy To the Vet How To Prepare for Your Puppy’s First Veterinarian Visit What To Expect at Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit The Cost of a Puppy’s First Vet Visit FAQs About Your Puppy’s First Visit to The Veterinarian
Everything You Need to Know About Dog Dewclaws
WRITTEN BYJennifer Coates, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary…,Take a look at your dog’s feet. How many toenails do you see? Most dogs have four nails on each rear foot and five on their front feet. That extra nail on the upper, inner part of a dog’s foot is the dewclaw. Did you come up with a different total? Have no fear, some dogs have dewclaws on their rear feet or even double dewclaws. But what, exactly, is a dewclaw, and is it a problem? What Are Dewclaws? Dewclaws are essentially the thumbs and big toes of the dog world. They are not directly equivalent to the human structures, of course, but they are similar. Looking at a dog’s front foot, the toes that are in contact with the ground while standing correspond to our pinky, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger. The dewclaw is the “thumb.” The same is true for the canine hind foot with the dewclaw, if it’s present, being the “big toe.” An important distinction to make is whether or not the dewclaws are firmly attached to a dog’s foot. In general, if your dog has a single front dewclaw, it will be. You’ll be able to wiggle the dewclaw a little bit (mostly in a forward and backward motion), but you can feel the bones and ligaments that connect it to the leg. Rear and double dewclaws tend to only be attached by skin and are much more mobile.
How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Dog?
In This Article How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs To Be Outside? View 3 More +
Cat Hairballs 101: How to Help
In This Article What Does a Cat Hairball Look Like? View 6 More +
