6 Dog Sleeping Positions and What They Mean
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Causes of Bad Odors in Cats
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…,By Jennifer Coates, DVM When you think of smelly pets, cats aren’t the first species that come to mind. Cleanliness is one of their biggest draws, after all. So, if you start to detect a bad odor emanating from your cat, you need to take notice. In most cases, foul feline smells are a sign that something is seriously wrong. The best way for pet parents to start to determine what could be making their cats smell bad is to focus on the exact nature of the odor and where on the body it’s coming from. Mouth Odor A healthy feline mouth doesn’t stink, but a lot can go wrong to change that. Dental disease is the most common cause of unpleasant cat odors. Plaque and tartar accumulating on the teeth, gums becoming inflamed and separating from their underlying structures, and loose teeth all provide the perfect environment for bad breath. Food lodges in abnormal gum pockets and rots there, and bacterial infections that produce foul odors can proliferate in the unhealthy environment. Bad smells may also develop as a result of foreign material getting lodged in the mouth, trauma to oral tissues, and oral tumors. Sometimes systemic diseases will cause abnormal smelling breath. Most notably, kidney disease can lead to a urine or ammonia-like odor coming from the mouth. Diabetes mellitus may produce a sweet or “fruity” smell or, when a cat’s condition has worsened, an odor similar to nail polish. Cats with severe liver disease or an intestinal blockage may have breath that smells like feces.
9 Ways Cats and Dogs Are Different
While dog and cats can suffer from some of the same maladies, certain health issues are more common to each. “Dogs more frequently experience skin disorders, trauma, parasites (fleas and ticks), pancreatitis and lymphoma,” says Dr. Jeffrey Levy, a Manhattan-based veterinarian and certified veterinary acupuncturist. “In cats, we see many cases of inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, asthma, diabetes, immune deficiency and feline leukemia.” Dogs are also more likely to suffer from arthritis and other mobility impairments. “Cats can, of course, injure themselves, but are naturally cautious and less likely to develop wear and tear on their joints,” Levy adds.,Dogs and cats are different in more ways than the obvious, from their behavior and social interactions to their metabolisms and physical traits. As a result, there are a number of instances in which they need to be treated differently from each other, including daily care and in emergency situations. Here are some basic differences between cats and dogs and how they should be handled according to species:
Why Do Cats Bunny Kick?
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My Pet Ate Tinsel. Now What? Tinsel Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
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Missouri Fox Trotter
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10 Common Degu Behaviors
Dig a degu? Or perhaps you just haven’t yet heard of this small rodent. This native Chilean is also referred to as the brush-tailed rat, and it resembles a rat but with a hairy tail. In fact, the name degu is reported to mean mouse/rat in the Mapuche language, which is spoken in parts of Chile and Argentina. So what is a degu like as a pet? Check out these degu behaviors.
How Much Do Ferrets Cost?
Ferrets are playful, curious companions with big personalities. Some even have a charming habit of hoarding toys, socks, and other little treasures, says Melissa Braukman, director of the Oregon-based Willamette Valley Ferret Shelter. But before bringing a ferret home, it’s important to consider the long-term costs. If you’re wondering how much ferrets cost, you’re in the right place. Budgeting for your pet ferret is a key part of responsible ferret parenting, and we’re here to break it all down for you.
Are Cats Nocturnal? Not Quite—Here’s What You Need To Know
While many cat parents assume cats are nocturnal animals, that’s not quite the case. But wait—then why do they keep us up at night? And why do they nap all day and suddenly come to life once the sun starts setting? Keep reading to learn more about your cat’s sleeping schedule, and what steps you can take to ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep.
Dog Anxiety 101: Signs, Causes and Treatment (for a Happier Pup!)
The first step in helping our dogs with their anxiety is detecting anxious behaviors.,Jump to section What Does Dog Anxiety Look Like? 11 Signs and Symptoms Why Do Dogs Get Anxious? 6 Possible Causes for Dog Anxiety Do Certain Dog Breeds Get More Anxious Than Others? How Can I Help My Anxious Dog? Dog Anxiety Treatment How Do I Help Prevent Dog Anxiety?
