Why Is My Cat Always Hungry? Causes of a Hungry Cat and When To Worry
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Dutch Warmblood
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Why Is My Dog Not Eating? How Do I Get Them To Eat?
There are several possibilities as to why your canine companion has a lack of appetite (known as anorexia) or a decrease in appetite (hyporexia). Food Preferences If you’ve noticed your dog hasn’t taken a liking to their food lately, it could be because they simply don’t like the taste or texture of it, says Bethany Hsia, DVM, mobile veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet, in Clovis, California. What’s more, indulging in one too many treats or human food throughout the day can cause some dogs to become finicky. (A dog’s diet should consist of 90% regular dog food and only 10% treats.) As a result, they might find their regular meals less appealing, says Sarah Cortright, DVM, chief medical director at Underdog Community Project, in Los Angeles, California. Not Feeling Well When we’re under the weather, it can feel like a chore to sip soup or even drink water. The same can apply to our furry friends. Examples of issues that can cause a decrease in a dog’s appetite or discomfort while eating include gastrointestinal issues, such as an upset stomach or acid reflux, food sensitivities, and dental problems. A few medical-related causes that might result in a dog eating less or refusing food include: Gastrointestinal disease Foreign object obstruction A systemic illness (kidney failure, or liver disease such as hepatitis) Arthritis or hip dysplasia Medications Tumors or cancer If a dog consistently refuses food or is displaying other concerning symptoms, visit your vet to rule out any medical issues and get them back to eating normally. Stress or Anxiety A trigger or change in your dog’s environment or routine can impact their emotional well-being and subsequently affect their appetite. Behavior-related causes that can be associated with a reduction in appetite can include: Stress Anxiety Phobias Fear Depending on your pup’s personality, it can take them extra time (and love!) to adapt to certain changes—such as moving into a new home, boarding, or traveling—and eat as they usually do. Distractions in Feeding Environment Some dogs cherish their peace and quiet more than others, especially when they’re trying to eat. “Distractions, like a busy household or other pets nearby, can make it difficult for a dog to focus on eating,” Dr. Cortright says. Saving It for Later Another reason why your pooch might not be eating their food is because they’re saving it for later, like when they bury bones. Wild canines buried or stashed their food to protect it from scavengers or save it for when they were hungry. Domestic dogs instinctively do this for several reasons, from being uncertain about when their next meal is to having too much food available at once, Dr. Cortright says. “Anxiety or stress can also play a role—some dogs may feel uneasy eating in a particular environment and choose to ‘store’ their food instead,” she adds. “In multi-pet households, dogs might hide food to prevent other animals from getting it.”,Does your dog take one look at their food, turn up their nose, and ignore it for the rest of the day? An indifferent attitude toward their food or a skipped meal altogether can cause any pet parent to worry—and it certainly raises the question, “Why is my dog not eating?” We talked to veterinarians to learn more about why dogs might not eat their food, tips on how to get them to eat, and when to consult a vet.
Can Dogs Get a Sunburn?
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Canine Cancer Survivor Becomes Therapy Dog to Man With Alzheimer’s
Our first senior dog rescue was 11 years old when we adopted him. I shook my head and told my husband, “He’ll break our hearts.” My husband looked at me and said, “But he needs us.” So, we adopted the sad, skin-and-bones Golden Retriever, named him Brooks, and fell in love with him. And sure enough, he broke our hearts—but not before filling them with love and joy. Brooks helped us find our mission—to give a loving home to abandoned senior Goldens. We’ve loved and lost a few. Then in May 2017, our rescue group contacted us about a 9-year-old Golden who lived in deplorable conditions. Did we want him? We’d just lost two senior dogs. Could we open our hearts up to such pain again? The answer was clear.
How Do Dogs Get Heartworm Disease?
In This Article What Is Heartworm Disease in Dogs? View 5 More +
Imodium® For Dogs: Can You Give Dogs Imodium?
If your pet’s diarrhea lasts more than two days, if they have developed additional symptoms, or you think your pet’s diarrhea has an underlying cause, speak with a veterinarian as soon as possible or seek emergency veterinary care. Depending on the cause of your pet’s diarrhea, they may need prescription medication like anti-nausea medication, dewormers, probiotics, antibiotics, or acid blockers to treat the cause and feel better. Your veterinarian will determine the best course of treatment for your pet. Featured Image: iStock.com/Nicolas Jooris-Ancion,WRITTEN BYStephanie Howe, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Howe graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011, after receiving a Bachelor of Science…,What Is Imodium®? Imodium® is an anti-diarrheal medication used in dogs to treat diarrhea that is not caused by an infectious agent such as bacteria, viruses, or intestinal parasites. While Imodium® and its active ingredient loperamide are FDA-approved for use in humans, these medications are not approved for use in dogs. Imodium is rarely used in the veterinary field. However, veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs for animals in some circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use because this use isn’t described on the drug label. Your veterinarian will determine whether Imodium® is right for your pet.
Disney Pet Gear for Dogs That Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again
When it comes to feel-good nostalgia, there’s nothing like Disney. Whether your childhood favorite was Dumbo or Dory, Ariel or Aladdin, the House of Mouse is behind some of the most iconic moments on the silver screen. With the new Disney collection at Chewy, now you can share the love with your pet. From Pluto to princesses, bandanas to beds, this Disney pet gear for dogs is a dream come true (no wishing upon a star required).
Black Widow Spider Bite Poisoning in Cats
What Is Black Widow Spider Bite Poisoning in Cats? Cats are very curious creatures, and sometimes that curiosity can get them into trouble—like disturbing a spider and eliciting a toxic bite that could have been avoided. Black widow spiders are notorious arachnids that are known for the highly venomous toxin they release when they bite. Venom from a black widow spider contains a highly potent neurotoxin that causes a release of neurotransmitters (acetylcholine and norepinephrine) that affect muscles, nerves, and other parts of the body. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, a female black widow spider bite is 10-15 times more powerful than rattlesnake venom. While dogs can have some resistance to this toxin, cats are smaller and thus highly susceptible, and they can experience severe symptoms very rapidly. Black widow spider bites are often fatal for cats. While the bite itself is painful, it’s often hard to locate. Mild redness might be seen, but local tissue damage will not be present as it is with most other venomous bites, like brown recluse spider bites. If you know or suspect that your cat has encountered a black widow spider, take them to their veterinarian or a veterinary emergency room as soon as possible, as this is a medical emergency. Symptoms of Black Widow Spider Bite Poisoning in Cats Symptoms of black widow spider bite poisoning will present very quickly and will progress rapidly. Clinical signs usually begin within a few hours, peaking at 24 hours post-bite. These symptoms can last for weeks and include: Muscle rigidity Muscle tremors Severe pain (often displayed as howling and vocalizing loudly) Spastic or uncoordinated movements (ataxia) Difficulty or not being able to stand or walk Restlessness, agitation Paralysis Seizures Trouble breathing or not breathing/respiratory failure (due to abdominal muscle paralysis) Blood pressure effects Drooling, excessive salivation Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia Death Causes of Black Widow Spider Bite Poisoning in Cats Black widow spiders are not aggressive and will only bite when provoked. Cats will often get bitten by a black widow spider if they disrupt their nest or disturb them. Our kitties can encounter these spiders both indoors and outdoors, as black widows will make a home and a nest just about anywhere. While black widow spiders are the most venomous spiders in North America, they can control how much venom they release during a bite—and, occasionally, their bites will not release any venom at all. But there’s no way to know how much venom was released, so a bite is always a medical emergency. Black widow spider venom is also present throughout their body, including in their eggs. This means that, along with being bitten, cats can be poisoned by eating a black widow or their eggs. All cats are susceptible to black widow poisoning, but young and old cats have an increased risk of serious complications because their immune systems are less efficient. Cats that have a medical history of high blood pressure are at an increased risk for fatality. What Does a Black Widow Look Like? Photo credit: iStock/StevenTrauger Female black widow spiders are significantly larger than males, often twice their size. Adult female black widows are black and shiny and have a red-orange hourglass marking on their underside. Immature females are brown and might not have the hourglass marking yet—though it gets darker with age, they are still just as poisonous. Male black widows do not have the hourglass marking and are generally considered nontoxic due to their small fangs/bite. My Cat Was Bitten by a Black Widow. Now What? If your cat was bitten (or you suspect they were bitten) by a black widow spider, they should be taken immediately to the closest veterinary clinic or veterinary emergency room. This is a life-threatening emergency, and you can’t delay getting your pet treatment. Do not spend anytime cleaning or disinfecting the skin where the bite took place, as this will not change the outcome. How Veterinarians Diagnose Black Widow Spider Bite Poisoning in Cats Spider bites in cats are primarily diagnosed based on displayed clinical signs. Your veterinarian will perform a physical and neurologic examination as well as blood and urine testing. Black widow spiders can, but do not always, cause some abnormalities on your cat’s bloodwork, thus it’s important to have a blood sample taken by your vet for analysis. The only way to definitively diagnose a black widow spider bite would be if the spider is collected and identified, but this rarely is done. It’s never advised for anyone to handle a black widow spider, so do not try to catch it. If your cat vomits up a dead black widow spider, collect the spider (while wearing gloves!) and bring it to your veterinarian for identification. Treating Black Widow Spider Bite Poisoning in Cats If your cat has been bitten or has ingested a black widow spider, they should be hospitalized for aggressive treatment. Rapid treatment with antivenom should be initiated right away, preferably within 24 hours. Antivenom works to deactivate or neutralize the toxin in the body to help prevent any further harm from the black widow’s neurotoxin. Most cats will also need IV fluids, pain medications, oxygen therapy, muscle relaxers, anti-seizure medications, anti-nausea medications, and/or other symptomatic supportive care. Recovery and Management of Black Widow Spider Bite Poisoning in Cats Paralysis, muscle weakness, and pain can last weeks to months after treatment is started. Medications often need to be continued at home if the cat survives the bite and is discharged from the hospital. Because they are highly susceptible to black widow spider venom, the prognosis is often poor for cats. However, they may recover if they receive immediate veterinary care after the bite. If black widow spiders are common in your area, ensure that dark places in your home are free from spider webs. Wearing gloves and using a stick to poke into holes is always recommended. A professional exterminator is also recommended to help prevent your cat from getting bitten by a black widow spider. Featured Image: iStock/piranka
How to Make a Vision Board for You and Your Pet
An important part of creating your vision board is knowing what you’ll put on it—and for pet vision boards, that includes the goals you want to achieve with your pet. Here are some ideas.,Jump to section What Do I Put on a Pet Vision Board? How to Make a Vision Board How Vision Boards Work
