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Author: PetGd

CategoriesDogs
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25 Fluffy Dogs You Simply Must Pet

5. Pomeranian Photo credit: Adobe/pattarawat Mostly fur and spunk, Pomeranians can have a black, white, brindle, chocolate, orange, or red coat. No matter the color, these cute furry dogs require regular upkeep to prevent tangles and matting. Expect twice-weekly brushings (at a minimum) to keep this happy furball feeling their best. ,6. Schipperke Photo credit: Adobe/otsphoto The Schipperke (pronounced “SKIP-per-kee”) is an old breed from Belgium. At approximately 16 pounds, this black fluffy dog was bred to hunt rats and watch over barges. With their medium-length coat, Schipperkes don’t typically need professional grooming services, but should still be brushed at home once a week to remove dead hair.   ,There’s nothing quite like petting a dog with soft, thick fur. Their warm and plush coat is a treat for the senses, and the dog typically enjoys the affection, too.  But not all fluffy dogs are the same. Not only do they range in size, color, and energy level, but some shed excessively year-round while others barely shed at all. Here’s what to know about some of the most popular fluffy dog breeds. 

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CategoriesRabbits
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Painful and Frequent Urination in Rabbits

Dysuria and Pollakiuria in Rabbits    The urinary bladder normally serves as a reservoir for urine as it is excreted by the kidneys. The bladder stores the urine temporarily, periodically releasing/disposing the urine that is stored there. Inflammation of the lower urinary tract may decrease bladder tone and alter the structure of the bladder, resulting in sensations of bladder fullness, urgency, and pain. Dysuria (painful urination) and pollakiuria (frequent urination) are usually caused by lesions in the lower urinary tracts but may also be indicative of upper bladder disorders or other organ involvement.   Symptoms and Types   Frequent trips to the litter box Urination outside of the litter box Urinating when picked up by owners Blood in the urine Thick, white, or tan colored urine Loss of appetite, weight loss Lethargy Tooth grinding Straining for stools and urination Hunched posture in rabbits with chronic or obstructive lower urinary tract diseases Tender abdomen   Causes   Abnormally high levels of calcium Kidney stones Urinary tract infection(s) Reproductive conditions Trauma Injury Obesity   Diagnosis   You will need to give a thorough history of your rabbit’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. Your veterinarian will need to differentiate from other abnormal urination patterns. A complete blood profile will be performed, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count and a urinalysis. The urinalysis may find the presence of infection or pus and blood in the urine, and the blood analysis may find increased levels of blood calcium. Alternatively, the blood count and urinalysis may return normal results.   Other diagnostic tests may include abdominal X-rays, ultrasound, and a contrast study of the bladder and urinary tract – which uses a minimally invasive technique – an injection of a radiopaque/radiocontrasting agent into the space, so that it can be viewed in order to improve visibility on X-ray.   Treatment Patients with urinary tract diseases without an obstruction are typically managed as outpatients, while rabbits with more severe forms of the diseases will warrant hospitlization, especially when multiple body systems are failing. Medication will also depend on the severity of the disease(s). Antibiotics and pain relievers, for example, are often prescribed, but must be given with caution.   Living and Management   Frequent follow-up examinations are recommended, as complications may arise during treatment.   Featured Image: iStock.com/bunnylovinggrl    

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CategoriesDogs
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Are Dogs Really Colorblind?

by Jessica Remitz Most dog owners assume their pups are colorblind, a notion that’s not entirely true. While our pets’ color vision is different from ours, they don’t view the world in only black and white. Here’s the science behind color vision and what we can do to help our dogs’ eyesight. Colors Dogs Can See Color vision is based in the cones of the eye, specifically the number of pigment classes found in the retina. The richness of color vision depends on the amount of color cones and degrees to which they overlap, according to the Optics and Physiology of Vision. Humans are trichromatic, which means they have three classes of cones. Dogs are dichromatic, meaning there are only two classes of cones in their eyes that contain the photo pigments that allow them to see color. Most people who are colorblind are usually missing their red or green photo pigment, similar to dogs and horses. Dogs’ color vision is comparable to humans missing the green cone population, according to the Optics and Physiology of Vision. We know dogs have capabilities for seeing color, but documenting it can be challenging. They’re able to pick toys based off of color, but since their greens are more muted, their ability to discern colors isn’t the same as ours, Christin Fahrer, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVO said. While dogs don’t perceive colors the same way we do, they don’t seem to be negatively affected by their lack of color perception. In low light conditions, dogs see longer wavelengths of light—something naturally beneficial for predators that hunt in those conditions, William Miller DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVO said.

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CategoriesSmall pet
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Viral Respiratory Infection in Rats

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus in Rats Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a viral infection that is relatively common in rats. The usual sources of the virus are other infection-carrying rodents, such as guinea pigs, hamsters, and mice – both domesticated and wild. The infection can be contracted through contact with infected saliva, or through contaminated urine or feces, usually from common house mice. Shedding of viruses into urine is very common and highly contagious. Another common source of infection is contaminated air, by which the infected particles of the virus may remain suspended in the air after an infected animal has sneezed, making it possible for a healthy rat to inhale the virus. The infected rat may have no symptoms indicative of the infection it is carrying, but will still be able to transmit the virus to other rats and rodent species. In addition, it is important to take note that the lymphocytic choriomeningitis infection is zoonotic in nature, meaning that is can be transmitted to human handlers if proper precautions are not taken in the care and handling of infected rodents. Human handlers who acquire this virus from their pets will usually have symptoms of flu with sneezing, coughing, sniffling, high temperature and weakness. The infected human may also show signs of nervous system involvement, with viral meningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and inflammation of the spinal cord. There is no effective treatment for lymphocytic choriomeningitis in rats, and more often than not euthanasia is recommended for the prevention of further spread of the disease to humans and animals. Proper decontamination of the environment in which the infected rat was living should be closely adhered to in order to prevent later spread to humans and animals. Symptoms and Types Although there are often no symptoms of lymphocytic choriomeningitis in rats, human handlers who acquire the infection from their pet rats may show symptoms of influenza in the initial stages and nervous system involvement in the advanced stages, with brain fever, meningitis, encephalitis and inflammation of the spinal cord. Causes Contact with infected rodents in the pet store Contact with other pets which are infected Contact with infected urine or feces Inhalation of viral particles by air contamination (made so through sneezing by infected rodents) Diagnosis Since rats will seldom show any outer symptoms of lymphocytic choriomeningitis, your veterinarian will need to diagnose the disease based on the results of urine tests, and laboratory results from fecal and nasal discharge samples that were taken in the initial physical examination.   Treatment   Unfortunately, there is no standard treatment available for this viral infection. The only recommendation is to euthanize the infected rat to prevent further spread of the virus.   Living and Management Preventing transmission to humans and other animals is a primary concern. If you choose not to euthanize your infected rat, you must take the utmost care in maintaining hygienic conditions, with regular cleansing and disinfecting of the cage and surrounding environment. If you do choose euthanasia, you will still need to thoroughly disinfect your rat’s living space in order to prevent the spread of infection after the death of your rat. Prevention Avoid contact and protect your rat from contact with other rats or rodents, both wild and domestic rodents, and both at home, in pet stores, and with friends. If you do handle rodents outside of the house, take care to thoroughly disinfect your hands and clothes before handling your own rat. Maintaining hygienic living conditions for your rat by regularly cleansing and disinfecting its cage and cage items can also help in preventing this virus from coming into contact with your rat.

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CategoriesCats
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10 Big Cat Breeds

4. Bengal Photo by SolStock/E+ via Getty Images Weight: 8–15 pounds The Bengal has the exotic looks and athletic prowess of a leopard. While they love to nap as much as any cat, they’re extremely active and require ample vertical space for jumping. The Bengal likes to hunt for food, so puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can help to satisfy their predatory instincts and keep them entertained. ,Looking to welcome a supersized feline into your home? Some big cat breeds weigh up to 25 pounds—more than double the size of the average house cat. While their larger size means there’s more to love, these cats require special care and consideration—like extra-sturdy cat trees and carefully measured food portions, because keeping them from gaining too much weight is important.  Here are 10 big domestic cat breeds to get to know and love.

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CategoriesCats
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Nutritional Needs of Older Cats

As our cats age, they go through a lot of significant physical changes. Their nutritional requirements change as well. The lack of knowledge in the area of animal physiology has led many pet owners to unknowingly overfeed their aging pets, which has led to a growing population of overweight and obese pets and the illnesses that accompany these conditions. The way the body uses energy changes, along with the amount of substance needed to produce energy. This process, known as metabolism, tends to slow down so that the need for fat and calories decreases. Cats can generally be maintained on the same level of calories into their later years, but still must be observed for weight changes and their diet adjusted accordingly. The Health and Disease Link Older cats are already at an increased risk for developing kidney and heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and various forms of cancer. The immune system also weakens with age, leaving older cats at a higher risk for infection and slowed healing times. For some, there is a genetic breed link that predisposes them to disease. To combat, or to at least mitigate the effects of these conditions, there are diets that have been specially formulated for the special needs of cats. For example, older cats with kidney disease are fed highly digestible proteins, and those with heart disease are fed diets that are lower in sodium content. Cats that have developed problems with brain function may benefit from the addition of certain antioxidants to their daily diets; and cancer patients often benefit from the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, along with additional antioxidants in their diets. Depending on your cat’s health status, immediate dietary changes may be necessary to halt the progression of a disease that has come about. Even when the disease cannot be resolved entirely, diet changes can often reduce the more severe effects of the disease. Foods that are made with highly digestible sources of fats and proteins can make a significant difference, as they are more readily absorbed, placing less stress on the digestive system and allowing for the body to balance its energy reserves more efficiently. Maintaining the strength of the aging immune system is also a priority, and this can be done with the addition of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet — both of which are known to boost immunity and improve the body’s ability to heal itself. Even if your cat is not suffering from a diseased condition, changes such as these are a practical disease deterrent. Consult your veterinarian so that you are tailoring your cat’s diet to his or her specific physical needs.

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CategoriesCats
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What You Need to Know Before Bringing Home a Sphynx Cat

Reviewed for accuracy on March 18, 2019, by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM Ever since Sphynx cats first hit the scene in the 1960s—the result of a genetic mutation, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association—cat lovers have been enamored with these adorable, hairless kitties. Today, the breed is still extremely popular, bolstered both by celebrity fans (Demi Lovato, Lena Dunham and Kat Von D are all proud Sphynx owners) and a photogenic appearance that just begs for Instagram followers. While these kitties are known for their delightful personalities and adorable appearance, they also require special care and considerations. Despite their hairless status, they are a much more demanding pet than many of their furry counterparts. If you’re thinking about bringing a Sphynx into your life, here’s what you need to know. Sphynx Cats Have Big Personalities “Social” is not a word some people would associate with cats, but in the case of the Sphynx, it is a very apt descriptor. Dr. Ariana Verrilli, a veterinary oncologist at Upstate Veterinary Specialties in Latham, New York, owns three hairless cats and reports that they are attention-seeking machines. “My hairless cats run to the door to greet me when I get home. I can’t sit down without having at least one of them on my lap… At night, they want to be under the covers.” She adds, “If you’re looking for a cat that’s going to sit in the window and sleep on the bed but is overall kind of aloof, don’t get a Sphynx.” Sphynx cats are also generally known to be very vocal. “If they want something, they’ll let you know,” says Dr. Verrilli. “One of my cats will sit outside closed doors and scream if she wants to be let in.” While many cat owners welcome Sphynxes’ outgoing personalities, some people are just not up to the breed’s social demands. “My youngest Sphynx kitty was a rescue. Someone dropped her off at the vet clinic where I was working and said she was too much for him to handle,” Dr. Verrilli notes. “I believe it. She’s crazy, but I love that about her.”

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CategoriesSmall pet
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The Best Toys and Treats for Ferrets

By Cheryl Lock For those new to ferret ownership, you might not imagine there are many ways to play with your new furry friend, but that isn’t the case. In fact, the right toys and treats can help ensure that the time you spend with your ferret is quality time you’ll remember, and that the toys you leave him alone with are safe. Here’s what you need to know to get the best goodies for your ferret. What kind of toys are the best when it comes to interactive and supervised play? When it comes to picking out interactive toys for your ferret, it helps to remember that ferrets are known to chew on things, so its best to avoid any toys they can chew and swallow. Toys that can be torn into small pieces, like soft, rubbery, latex, and even some cloth toys, are a no-no, says Serena Fiorella, LVT and CEO of Treat Worthy Pet Creations, LLC. On the other hand, she says, “any kind of hard balls, like ping-pong balls or hard cat toy balls with bells, are usually a hit. Ferrets love to chase things and are hunters by nature, so cat teaser toys on a stick are also a lot of fun for ferrets.” As for toys that can be chewed up and swallowed, anything in the home should be examined for the possibility of obstruction. Joanne Dreeben is a rescuer with over 20 ferrets of her own, and while she hasn’t personally had to deal with this issue, she knows someone who did. “A close friend had a ferret that ingested a piece of rubbery button off a remote control and had to have surgery to remove the blockage from its intestines,” she said. In other words, it’s best to avoid the potential for swallowing altogether by keeping anything that has small parts out of reach — that includes eyes and noses on plush toys, toys with wheels, and buttons on electronics. Other fun ideas for ferret toys include things they can carry off and hide, or even hide in, like tunnels, baskets, and soft fleece balls, says veteran ferret rescuer Maggie Ciarcia-Belloni.

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CategoriesRabbits
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Hair Loss in Rabbits

Rabbits and Alopecia Alopecia is the complete or partial lack of hair in areas where hair is normally present. This common disorder in rabbits may often be the symptom of another cause, such as infection, trauma or immune disorder. For rabbits, there is no specific age, breed, or sex that is more susceptible to this disorder. Symptoms and Types The primary sign of alopecia is unusual hair loss. Symptoms may progress suddenly or slowly. The exact pattern and degree of hair loss may help determine the cause of alopecia, and identify the condition as primary (happened on its own) or secondary (occurred due to another illness). Causes Alopecia is associated with some sort of disruption of hair follicle growth. This may result from a number of causes, including parasitic infection (such as fleas or ear mites), infectious disease (such as a bacterial infection), a nutritional defect (especially protein deficiencies), or neoplastic causes (the presence of unnatural clusters of cell growth, such as a tumor). Also, if there are multiple areas of hair loss (multifocal), it is most frequently associated with a parasitic or bacterial infection. In some cases alopecia may be the result of a behavioral problem known as “barbering.” This is where a dominant rabbit will chew or pull the hair out of its fellow cage-mate; hair loss predominantly appears on the flanks. Alopecia can occur because of normal shedding patterns, especially in breeds such as the Dwarf, Miniature Lop, and Angora. Diagnosis If alopecia is apparent, there are a number of diagnostic procedures that may be done to determine the cause. A skin scraping and biopsy may be done to rule out any bacterial, parasitic or fungal infections. Additional tests that can be conducted include urine analysis, blood tests, and X-rays. Treatment Treatment and the medications prescribed depends specifically on the underlying cause of alopecia. Medications to treat parasites such as ear mites or fleas, as well as medications to treat bacterial infections, are available. Of course, if the cause is more serious, such as related to a tumor, more drastic measures, like chemotherapy, may be necessary. Living and Management Follow-up care after initial treatment depends on the causes of alopecia. If the alopecia is suspected to be the result of “barbering”, the two rabbits must be separated to avoid future incidents. Prevention As there are numerous causes leading to alopecia, no specific prevention method can be recommended. However, a healthy lifestyle, well-balanced diet with sufficient protein, and general cleanliness of the rabbit’s habitat may be helpful in avoiding needless hair loss.

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CategoriesFish
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What is Osmoregulation?

In fresh water, the inside of a fish’s body has a higher concentration of salt than the external environment. Consequently, there is a tendency to lose salt and absorb water.,To combat this, freshwater fish have very efficient kidneys that excrete water quickly. They also reabsorb salt from their urine before it is ejected to minimize losses and actively take salt from their environment using special cells in the gills.,How Fish Maintain an Internal Balance of Salt and Water Osmoregulation is the process of maintaining an internal balance of salt and water in a fish’s body. A fish is, after all, a collection of fluids floating in a fluid environment, with only a thin skin to separate the two.

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