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Posts tagged “Water Fountain”

CategoriesDogs
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Signs a Dog With Diabetes Is Dying

It’s true that a dog can pass away within a month or two of beginning to show signs of diabetes, but many will live for a year or two after diagnosis with appropriate treatment. Some do very well for even longer, particularly if they have a dedicated pet parent who can continue to provide the care they need. Dogs with diabetes usually require insulin injections, dietary management, and close monitoring for the rest of their lives. Sooner or later, it’s normal to start to worry about your pet’s quality of life. It’s difficult to know when it’s time to think about euthanasia if your pet is no longer enjoying a reasonable quality of life. What Are the Signs That a Dog With Diabetes Is Dying? Most dogs with diabetes get a form of the disease where their own immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. Eventually, these dogs won’t produce enough insulin to survive without treatment. Early signs of diabetes in dogs include increased thirst and urination as well as weight loss, despite a normal or even increased appetite. These symptoms will worsen relatively quickly if the dog doesn’t receive insulin. Signs of advancing diabetes include: A dramatic increase in thirst and urination Dehydration Lethargy and weakness Severe weight loss Repeated infections, especially bladder infections Urine that is sticky and smells sweet Cataracts Diabetic neuropathy (a type of nerve damage more common in cats than dogs) The final stage of untreated or poorly treated diabetes is often a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which will be fatal unless the dog quickly receives aggressive veterinary treatment. Undiagnosed and Untreated Diabetes Most dogs who develop diabetic ketoacidosis have diabetes that has either not yet been diagnosed or is not being treated with insulin. Insulin is needed to move glucose (a type of sugar) out of the bloodstream and into cells, where it is used as an energy source. Without enough insulin, a dog’s blood glucose levels rise to dangerous levels while their cells are simultaneously being starved for glucose. To compensate for the lack of glucose inside cells, the body begins to break down muscles and fat to produce energy. The body produces ketone bodies when fat is used as an energy source. This works in the short term, but over time, high levels of ketone bodies in the bloodstream make the body too acidic, hence the term diabetic ketoacidosis. Prolonged acidosis leads to electrolyte imbalances, muscle damage, heart failure, fluid buildup in the lungs, kidney damage, or death. Signs that a dog might be suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis include all of the symptoms associated with diabetes, plus: More severe lethargy and weakness Mental dullness Rapid breathing Breath that smells like acetone (think of nail polish remover or paint remover) Vomiting Diarrhea Seizures Death Dogs can recover from diabetic ketoacidosis. They will need several days of hospitalization to be given intravenous fluids, insulin injections, medications to correct electrolyte abnormalities and acidosis, and symptomatic care. Treated Diabetes With Complications Dogs who are being treated for diabetes can also develop ketoacidosis, often because they have another health problem that has made them need a higher dose of insulin than they are getting. The opposite problem—getting too much insulin—is just as dangerous. Dogs whose insulin needs have declined (maybe they’re not eating well or are getting more exercise than normal) or dogs that have been accidentally overdosed with insulin can develop dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Signs of hypoglycemia in dogs include: Sleepiness Hunger Shivering Unsteadiness Disorientation Seizures Coma Death If you think your diabetic dog might be hypoglycemic, do NOT give them more insulin. Rub corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, or a sugar solution on their gums if they will let you, and more importantly, get them to the nearest veterinarian immediately.

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CategoriesPet bird
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Conures Talking Ability

Everybody wants a parrot that talks, but those who love parrots remind us that, in the range of all the gifts parrots give, the ability to talk is just the icing on the cake. Conures are not the best talkers of the parrot world, but they are also far from the worst. It’s quite typical for a conure to say at least a few words, and some individuals have much larger vocabularies. However, when you ask conure owners about their birds, they are likely to first describe the conure’s, energetic, fun and affectionate nature long before they get around to talking ability. An informal survey at Talking-Poll, which provides a glimpse into the range of conure vocabulary. More than 80 percent of the conures included in the poll talked at least a little. The Aratinga conures (cherry-headed, white-eyed, half moon, and others) seem to have the edge, taking the top spots in terms of average vocabulary. Male conures seemed to have a slim lead in overall vocabulary. Members of the Aratinga conure species, in addition to their bright coloration, also have attention-getting voices that even their biggest fans often describe as “ear-splitting.” The more subtly-colored Pyrrura conures, such as the green cheek and maroon belly, possess a lower decibel level and fewer words; however, in the conure talking poll, it was a quieter and less showy green-cheeked female conure that won the prize for the individual bird with the largest vocabulary. Conures speak in their own style. When an African grey parrot speaks, it reproduces voices so well that you might swear your mother-in-law is in the room with you. But when your conure speaks, you know you’re listening to a bird. Visitors who are not used to being around birds might not even realize that they are hearing speech until you point it out. While a conure’s human vocabulary might be limited, the bird can be a talented sound-effects artist, mimicking common household or human noises, such as laughter, sneezes, or other, less-polite sounds. Some nanday conures reproduce the tone and timbre of human conversation without producing actual words, much the way human babies “jargon” while gearing up to attempt actual speech. The birds might carry on this babbling running commentary while you are speaking to others face to face or over the phone: endearing, if a little distracting. Talking to your bird is the best way to encourage it to talk to you. Just as babies wouldn’t learn to speak unless they were spoken to, your conure will want to converse with you in your language; so commenting matter-of-factly on treats, toys, or whatever your bird is doing, provides the input for your budding talker. Of course, don’t be surprised if, instead of greeting you with the friendly word you have intentionally been repeating to it for weeks, your bird instead shows off a phrase that you didn’t even realize you used at all until you heard it drop proudly from your conure’s beak. Enjoy your bird regardless of its talking ability. lf it’s a conure, it’s bound to be energetic, fun and full of personality, whether it chatters your ear off or if it doesn’t say a word. Posted by: Chewy Editorial Featured Image: iStock.com/JTKPHOTOz

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CategoriesCats
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Sago Palm Poisoning in Cats

What Is Sago Palm Poisoning in Cats? Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is an extremely toxic plant to cats. Toxicity occurs more often in dogs, but can be seen in cats. Although this plant is common in tropical and subtropical environments in the Southern United States, there have been increased reports of this toxicity in all parts of the country. Sago palm is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 10 feet in height, but it may take 50 years. These plants have increased in popularity because they can be cultivated inside the home and then replanted outside.   Sago palm plants | Image Credit: iStock.com/Pridannikov A cat can die within a few hours of ingesting any part of this plant, even a seedling. If you suspect your cat has chewed on or ingested any part of the sago palm plant, contact an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. How Are Sago Palms Poisonous to Cats? Although chewing or ingesting any part of the sago palm can cause toxicity, the most poisonous part of the plant is the orange-reddish seeds (nuts) at its center. These seeds often fall out of the tree when new fronds are blooming. The center and seeds of the sago palm plant (the most toxic part of the plant) | Image credit: IStock.com/Mirek Kijewski Due to its bright colors and possible sweet smell, the plant can easily attract any cat that is curious. Cats can develop a toxicity even if small bits are ingested, which can cause serious health concerns. The liver removes toxins from the bloodstream. When sago is ingested, toxicity starts with liver damage, and this can lead to liver failure and even death. The sago palm contains the cyasin toxin,  which after affecting the gastrointestinal tract and attacking the liver will lead to neurological disorders and abnormal bleeding/clotting. Liver disease left untreated is fatal; the sooner your cat receives veterinary attention, the better the prognosis. Symptoms of Sago Palm Poisoning in Cats According to the Pet Poison Helpline, clinical signs of sago palm toxicity will begin 15 minutes to several hours after ingestion. The initial signs are gastrointestinal, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, changes to appetite, or anorexia. As the toxicity progresses, central nervous system symptoms will begin within 4 hours after ingestion. These signs can include weakness, walking strangely (ataxia), tremors, and even seizures. Within 2 to 3 days of ingestion, your cat will be in severe liver failure. In addition to gastrointestinal signs, clinical signs of liver failure include lethargy, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of whites of eyes, gums, and skin), black tarry stool from digested blood, fresh red bloody stool, increased thirst, bruising, and an accumulation of fluid in the belly (a bloated stomach). Your Cat Ate a Sago Palm. Now What? Since sago palm toxicity can progress quickly, take your cat directly to your regular veterinarian or a veterinary emergency room. It is often helpful to call the Pet Poison Helpline on the way to the hospital or while at the veterinary hospital. It is not recommended that you make a cat vomit at home, as the risks often outweigh the benefits. How Veterinarians Diagnose Sago Palm Poisoning in Cats Sago palm toxicity is most often diagnosed after a pet parent sees their cat ingest or chew any part of the plant. Blood and urine testing can identify damage to the liver, which indicates to your veterinarian that treatment needs to be started immediately. An abdominal ultrasound may also be needed, which allows your vet to visualize the liver for signs of toxicity. Treatment of Sago Palm Poisoning in Cats Even with aggressive treatment, the survival rate for a cat that has ingested a sago palm plant is only about 50%. Death will commonly occur without immediate treatment. Time is of the essence, and chances of survival increase with early medical intervention including aggressive decontamination. Decontamination often involves your vet inducing vomiting with a special medication as long as the Sago palm ingestion occurred recently. Administration of oral activated charcoal helps decrease the amount of toxin absorbed by the body, and this treatment should only be done by a veterinarian and not at home. Hospitalization will often be necessary for supportive care, including fluid therapy to flush the toxins and maintain hydration, as well as antacids and antibiotics. Special medications are also given to help protect the liver, such as N-acetylcysteine and Vitamin C. If liver damage is present, more intensive therapy is needed and the risk for long-term effects and even death is possible. Cats with bleeding disorders from liver disease are often treated with oxygen therapy, blood and/or plasma transfusions, and Vitamin K1. Recovery and Management of Sago Palm Poisoning in Cats Cats with sago palm toxicity need to be hospitalized for the duration of their intensive care, often for days to weeks, depending upon the severity of the liver disease and the clinical signs displayed. Fifty percent of cats who ingest part of a sago palm will not survive. The sooner you get your cat to the vet, the better the chance for recovery. Follow-up care will often be needed if your cat is discharged from the hospital, to ensure that the liver is functioning well enough. Medications, such as liver protectants, will be administered at home for life. All Sago palm plants should be immediately removed from the home or yard. Prevention of Sago Palm Poisoning in Cats If you decide to have this plant in your home, examine it often for any chew marks or leaves bitten off by your cat. According to the ASPCA, cardboard palm plants are a close relative of the Sago palm and are now popping up in gardening stores. These plants carry the same toxicity risks, so pet parents are urged to be cautious. Other plants in the sago palm family that will cause the same toxicity signs, such as the coontie palm, cycads, and zamias, should not be kept in the home with pets. If you have these plants outdoors, removing them from your property is also recommended to prevent a medical emergency for your cat.   Featured Image: Adobe Stock/Konstantin Aksenov

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CategoriesCats
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250 Bearded Dragon Names for Your New Reptile

Naming a pet is always exciting. But when your pet is a bearded dragon? Even better. Bearded dragon names are ferociously fun! Native to Australia, bearded dragons are known for the beard-like spines on their chin, which they puff up when threatened by predators. Whether you opt for a mythical moniker or a beard-inspired choice, a terrifying name or just one that’s terrifyingly cute, the possibilities are endless. From ancient texts to recent blockbusters, we searched high and low to create this list of the best names for bearded dragons.

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CategoriesSmall pet
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How to Leash Train and Walk Your Ferret

What should you bring with you when you walk your ferret? Just like dogs, ferrets are indiscrete about where they relieve themselves; in fact, ferrets will often mark new territories with feces and urine. Thus, if you walk your ferret outside, be prepared with a “pooper scooper” and poop bags. You will also want to bring a small bowl and water, particularly if it is warm outside when your ferret is walking, as well as some treats, especially in the event your ferret slips out of the harness, hides somewhere, and you need to coax her out. Finally, in case your ferret gets tired of walking or gets spooked, you should have a bag or carrier in which you can put her safely to travel home.,The key to successfully walking your ferret Some ferrets love walking on a leash, and others hate it. When trained properly, many ferrets will enjoy short walks outside. The key to successfully leash walking a ferret is to keep walks brief (no more than 5-10 minutes at a time, especially if the ferret is older and may be arthritic), be patient, and to not push if a ferret resists. The good news is that, unlike most dogs, ferrets don’t need to go outside on a leash to get adequate exercise or to go to the bathroom. If your ferret won’t walk, no worries. Just ferret-proof a room or a smaller area in your house, provide a litterbox, and let your pet run free! Related How to Train Your Ferret to Use a Litter Box Measles (Canine Distemper Virus) in Ferrets,By Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) I was recently at a large pet expo in Florida where hundreds of pet owners attended with their dogs on leashes. Big dogs, little dogs, old dogs, young dogs — hundreds of dogs. Looking down at the floor, among the dogs, I saw three ferrets on leashes. Two were happily prancing along at the end of their leashes, several feet in front of their owner, while the third was splayed out flat, being dragged along like a sack of potatoes several feet behind the owner. Why did these leashed ferrets behave so differently? They did so because not all ferrets like to walk on leashes. How can you tell if your ferret will walk on a leash? Some ferrets enjoy leash walking, while others simply hate it. Some don’t like it initially but can be trained to tolerate it over time. A handful of ferrets just don’t get leash walking and will never take to it, extending their arms and legs and refusing to walk when they are attached to a leash, or twisting and spinning on the leash as the owner tries to move forward. These ferrets should not be forced. If you have tried on several occasions to get your ferret to accept wearing a harness and leash and he/she just won’t cooperate, it’s probably best to abort the leash-training plan.

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CategoriesDogs
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What Is a Pet Microchip?

A pet microchip is a tiny device—about the size grain of rice—that’s implanted just under a pet’s skin. It’s usually placed between the shoulder blades and is considered a permanent form of identification.   “Every pet—dogs, cats, and even exotic animals, small mammals, farm animals, and horses—should be microchipped,” says Colleen Guilfoyle, DVM, veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. “The chip itself doesn’t contain your personal information, but it carries a unique ID number.”   When a vet or shelter scans the chip, they get your pet’s unique ID number, which is then looked up in a large database. From here, they can find the contact information you’ve provided, including your address and phone number.   ,Pet microchips may sound newfangled and futuristic, but these teeny devices have been around for a long time. They provide us with a reliable way to reunite us with our sweet fur friends in the event they go missing—like by escaping through the front door (how are they so good at that?!) or running off during a storm or fireworks display.   Ahead, we’re answering all your big questions on cat and dog microchips to help you learn more about the power of these little pet IDs, and how to use them to your advantage. 

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CategoriesFish
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Breeding The Dwarf Gourami

Wild male dwarf gourami is an astoundingly beautiful fish. The deep-bodied, laterally compressed male can reach a size of about 2.5 inches, with the female staying a little smaller. The wild form of the male has a metallic turquoise blue face and body, with a dozen or more bright orangey-red vertical stripes transecting the body from behind the gills and extending into the long-based dorsal and anal fins, as well as into the tail fin. The attractive female fish, on the other hand, is not nearly as colorful as the male, being a pale silvery-blue with a faint trace of orange-yellow vertical stripes from behind the gills. Manmade strains of dwarf gouramis are available, in which the male fish is predominantly blue or red, giving rise to the powder blue, neon blue and the red or sunset forms of the dwarf gourami. The female fish of all these varieties are much the same: a pale blue. It’s therefore important to buy a male and female from the same source, particularly if they are going to be used as breeding stock. The dwarf gourami (Colisa lalia), belongs to the family Belontiidae and has a labyrinth organ that allows it to utilize oxygen from air gulped at the surface. The labyrinth organ contains a maze of lamellae that are well-supplied with blood vessels that absorb oxygen, enabling the gourami to live in water that has low levels of dissolved oxygen. Another peculiarity common to gouramis is the long feelerlike pelvic fins used to touch things and even to greet other gouramis. These long pelvic fins are also reputed to have taste cells. Today all dwarf gouramis reaching the aquatic hobby are bred at fish farms in southeast Asia. When buying these fish, take time to observe them to ensure they are healthy and swimming well. Healthy males will always be sparring or observing other males in their vicinity. Make sure the fish you select do not have any ulcers on their bodies and that the fins, including the long feelers, are all intact. It’s easy to tell the colorful male from the smaller, plumper female. Additionally, the male’s dorsal fin is slightly longer and more tapered, compared to the rounder tip on the female. So, picking a male and female pair should be relatively easy.

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CategoriesCats
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Why Do Lizards Do Push-Ups?

Video by mlharing / Creatas Video via Getty Images,With over 7,000 species, lizards live in nearly every temperate habitat worldwide. These lovable reptiles are versatile and surprisingly adaptable, and make great pets. They even have interesting behaviors—like doing push-ups as a form of communication! While seeing a lizard perched on a rock while their tiny arms pump up and down is cute, you may wonder what exactly they are communicating. Let’s dive in and learn more about lizard push-ups and why they do them.

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CategoriesDogs
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Dog Nutrition: What Is Complete and Balanced Dog Food?

Dog nutrition is more than choosing between wet or dry food (though that’s a conversation worth having). It’s about ensuring your pup gets the right mix of nutrients for a healthy, happy life.  But how can you be sure your dog’s food provides everything they need? That’s where complete and balanced nutrition comes in.   We spoke with two veterinarians to learn what “complete and balanced” really means and how to feel confident about what’s in your dog’s bowl. 

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