Anemia is a heart and blood vessel condition which is recognized by the low number of red blood cells found in the animal. It can affect many types of fishes, so be observant of your pet and take your animal to the veterinarian if anemia is suspected. Symptoms and Types The most common symptom — which is also quite visible — is abnormally pale gills in your fish.
Look for these attributes to find the right dog trainer for you: A Professional Certification: Dog training is an unregulated profession, which means literally any person can start a business as a dog trainer, even if they’ve never met a dog before. To ensure you’re working with a real pro, make sure your trainer has been certified by a respected professional organization (more on those below). A Positive Reinforcement Approach: Positive reinforcement is a training methodology that’s backed by research, as well as supported by most professional dog training organizations. Using this approach means rewarding your pup’s good behavior with treats, toys and/or praise, and never punishing them when they don’t do what you want. No matter what a dog is learning, from basic training to more difficult skills, studies have proven that positive reinforcement is as effective as (and in some ways better than) other training methods—and a good dog trainer will be well-versed in it. Experience With Your Training Goals: From basic manners to complex tasks like assisting people with disabilities, dogs can learn to do a wide range of things—and not every trainer will have experience in all of them. Ask yourself what you hope to get out of dog training, and then search for a trainer who specializes in it.,Jump to section What to Look For Group Classes Vs. Private Sessions How Much Does a Dog Trainer Cost? Find a Dog Trainer Near You
Anisocoria is a condition in which the pupils of the eyes are different sizes.,Jump to section What Is Anisocoria in Cats? Causes of Anisocoria in Cats Is Anisocoria in Cats Painful? Plus, Other Anisocoria Symptoms Is Anisocoria in Cats an Emergency? How Do Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause of Anisocoria? Treating Anisocoria in Cats Can Anisocoria in Cats Go Away?
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.
Anti-Parasitic Treatments (DEWORM, Strongid, Pyran, Rev and others) Outdoor cats are exposed to an awful lot of parasites in the course of a day. Whenever they hunt and kill a rodent, they are exposed to everything on and in that animal, including fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites. Additionally, they are often exposed to other wildlife and all of the parasites they may carry (both internal and external). Some of these parasites can be contagious to people (known as zoonotic diseases), and others are just a plain nuisance to have in the house (such as fleas and ticks). Others, such as heartworm disease, can be fatal to the cats themselves. Many veterinarians recommend regular dewormings, particularly for cats that go out—in addition to fecal testing for parasites. One of my favorite medications is Revolution, which treats many types of internal parasites as well as fleas, ear mites and heartworms. Your veterinarian likely has their own favorite medication they can recommend. Many of these are given monthly, year-round. While it sounds like a lot of work, when you think of how many parasites that gets rid of, I’m sure you’ll be convinced that it’s worth it! Next time your cat needs to go in for routine preventative care, you will be better prepared with a list, information and some questions for your veterinarian. However, I will leave it up to you to purchase the earplugs for the car ride! By: Dr. Sandra Mitchell Featured Image: iStock.com/tirc83,WRITTEN BYSandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP Veterinarian Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields…,The dreaded postcard just showed up in the mail—you know, the one from your veterinarian with all of the abbreviations of shots that your cat is due for. It’s telling you that it’s time to load your cat up in the carrier, listen to 20 minutes of meowing in the car, endure waiting in the lobby with a large, panting German Shepard, and finally, be asked by the receptionist which vaccines your cat is here for today! Veterinary visits don’t have to be that hard. There isn’t much I can do to help you with the meowing in the car, but I can demystify the abbreviations on the postcard and let you know which vaccines your outdoor kitty should be getting. Vaccinating Outdoor Cats Cats that venture outdoors are exposed to more diseases and parasites, and so it is even more important that they stay well protected. The basics of preventative care for an outdoor kitty include: Thorough physical examination Vaccination against rabies, feline panleukopenia virus, feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus and feline leukemia Annual blood test for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus Appropriate deworming/parasite therapy (usually done monthly in outdoor cats) Here’s why you need these specific vaccines and annual tests for your outdoor cats.
First up is the living room where you’ll find the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Crate & End Table. Instead of using double the resources in the purchase of both a dog crate and a decorative table for your space, why not combine the two? This double-duty piece of furniture offers both function and fashion. Plus, it’s constructed from eco-friendly wood and recycled plastic, making it probably the greenest dog crate on your block. As for kitties who want to go green, look to scratching posts and perches that utilize environmentally conscious materials. The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge, for instance, is made with recycled ultra-dense cardboard and non-toxic corn starch glue, allowing your cat to exercise their natural urge to scratch in eco-conscious fashion.,Of course you want to give your pets the best life possible and that means doing what you can to lessen their impact on the environment by choosing effective, sustainable pet products to satisfy their needs. Just a few simple swap-outs can make a difference. Wondering where to start? We’ll take you room-by-room to show you some of the seamless switches you can make to create a more environmentally friendly home for you and your pet.
4. Maintain a Barrier for Christmas Tree Lights Christmas lights should be positioned away from the bottom of the tree. Electric cord injuries will damage a dog’s mouth tissue and can lead to long-term problems eating, difficulty breathing, and even death. Regularly check the electric light cords frequently for signs of chewing (which is also a fire hazard). To ensure your pup’s safety, put a gate or pen around your tree. You can also buy plastic fish tank tubing, split them, and cover your lights. This makes them much more chew-proof.,The winter holidays are a magical time, punctuated with glittering lights, shimmering ornaments, Christmas trees, and brightly colored garlands. Not only are all these things fun for us, but they’re also intriguing to our pets. However, before you set up your tree and start taking out your decorations, take a moment to consider these Christmas tree safety tips to keep your pup happy, safe, and healthy throughout the holidays.
Cats share a remarkable ability to twist their bodies midair and land on their feet. It’s a skill known as the “righting reflex,” and it helps cats survive falls from great heights. But do cats always land on their feet? No, not always. While the maneuver is impressive, it’s not foolproof—and not always without injury. “I’d say it’s about 50/50 for cats landing on their feet,” says licensed veterinary technician Ellen Carozza. Interestingly, the higher the fall, the better their chances of successfully landing feet-first, because it gives them more time to twist their position and slow their fall, adds Wendy Davies, a veterinary rehabilitation technician at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital.
A healthy cat’s nose is typically moist and cool, but there are many situations where his nose can feel or look a bit off. A runny nose can be caused by many conditions that vary in severity. Runny noses are especially common in young kittens or cats with compromised immune systems. Any time your cat develops a runny nose, schedule an appointment with a primary care veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. If your cat also has breathing difficulties, bloody nasal discharge, a high fever, or extreme lethargy, he should receive emergency medical attention immediately. Why Does My Cat Have a Runny Nose? Cats develop runny noses in response to irritation or inflammation within their nasal passages. This can be due to various types of infections and conditions, or due to foreign material. Nasal discharge can vary in consistency, amount, and color. In many cases, the cause of a runny nose can be contagious among cats. Therefore, it is best to separate a cat with a runny nose from other cats in the household until a diagnosis is made. What to Do if Your Cat Has a Runny Nose If your cat develops a runny nose, bring him to the veterinarian for evaluation. It’s important to determine the underlying cause and rule out anything serious. At home, a warm towel can be used to gently wipe away nasal discharge and crusts that can cover the nostrils. Nasal discharge can range from a thin, clear fluid to a thick, yellow or green mucus. A humidifier can help break up any congestion your cat may have. Additional symptoms you may notice include: Fever Decreased appetite Nasal congestion Noisy breathing Eye discharge Sneezing, coughing, and pawing at the face are also common. Serious symptoms to watch for include extreme lethargy, difficulty breathing, and blood-tinged nasal discharge. If any of these signs are present, call the veterinarian right away. Causes of Runny Nose in Cats There are various reasons why cats develop runny noses, including: Feline Respiratory Disease Complex: Feline respiratory disease complex refers to respiratory tract infections caused by viruses and bacteria. Most commonly, these are due to viruses, such as feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. Upper respiratory infections are especially common in kittens and immunosuppressed adult cats, such as those with FeLV or FIV. These cats often experience fevers, mouth sores, sneezing, eye inflammation, and eye discharge in addition to runny noses. Fungal Infection: Many types of fungi, such as Aspergillus and Cryptococcus, can infect the nasal cavities of cats. This usually occurs when cats inhale or directly contact fungal spores. These infections can cause a variety of symptoms along with runny noses, including behavioral changes due to their harmful effects on the nervous systems of cats. Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis is inflammation within the nasal cavity due to allergen exposure. Dander, pollen, grass, and many other substances can trigger a runny nose along with itchy, watery eyes and bouts of sneezing in cats. Nasal Polyp: Nasal polyps are most common in kittens, but they can affect cats of any age. Polyps are small, benign masses that develop within the nasal passages. They usually cause nasal discharge on the side of the nostril that contains the polyp as well as frequent sneezing. Oronasal Fistula: Cats with severe dental disease may develop an opening between the nasal and oral cavities, a condition called oronasal fistula. This uncomfortable condition often results in sneezing and one-sided nasal discharge. Cuterebra (botfly larva): Botfly larva are a type of fly that can infest a cat’s nasal cavity. Cats can come into contact with botfly larva when they sniff around rabbit and rodent nests. The larva enters the nasal cavity where it either stays or migrates to other areas of the body. Cats with a botfly larva in one of their nostrils may have runny noses, breathing difficulties, and sneezing fits. Aspiration pneumonia: When cats accidentally inhale stomach contents, such as during surgery, the lungs can become irritated and inflamed. Pneumonia develops within the lungs, which results in nasal discharge that is yellow or green, a harsh cough, and noisy breathing. Foreign Body: If a cat accidentally inhales a foreign object, it can become lodged inside the nasal cavity. This leads to inflammation and subsequent nasal discharge. Trauma, high blood pressure, toxin ingestion, clotting disorders, cancer, and tick-borne diseases are all potential causes of blood-tinged nasal discharge in cats, which should be addressed immediately. How Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause of Runny Nose in Cats A veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to assess the overall health of the cat. The veterinarian will pay special attention to the heart, lungs, eyes, mouth, and nose. This includes looking into the nostrils for any obvious abnormalities. Temperature will also be taken to check for a fever. Sometimes a visual exam is all that is needed to determine the cause of a cat’s runny nose. However, if additional information is helpful, a veterinarian may also perform the following tests: Blood work: A small sample of blood is collected to check for signs of disease, clotting deficiencies, or toxin ingestion. Nasal Cytology: A small sample of nasal discharge is collected and examined under the microscope to check for bacteria, fungi, and abnormal cells. PCR: A sample of nasal discharge can be collected and submitted to a laboratory to identify abnormalities through advanced testing. Imaging: A chest X-ray is helpful to check for underlying lung issues that may be contributing to a runny nose. Advanced imaging, such as a CT or MRI, can be useful in identifying polyps or tumors. Rhinoscopy: Under sedation, a scope is passed through the nasal passages to identify any abnormalities, such as tumors, foreign objects, or polyps. Biopsies can be taken during this procedure if needed. Treatment for Runny Nose in Cats Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the runny nose. First and foremost, cats should be stabilized upon arriving to the veterinary hospital. For example, if a cat with nasal discharge presents with difficulty breathing, supplemental oxygen should be given immediately. Some cats may require hospitalization and supportive care if they are extremely sick. Others may need surgery to correct the underlying problem and resolve the runny nose. Common medications that may be prescribed to treat a runny nose in cats include the following: Anti-inflammatories, such as prednisolone Antibiotics, including Clavamox® or doxycycline Antivirals, such as famciclovir Antifungals, such as itraconazole Antihistamines, including diphenhydramine Supplements, such as L-lysine Vitamin K (if toxin exposure or clotting abnormality) Blood pressure medicine (if hypertensive) The veterinarian can determine an appropriate treatment plan based on the underlying cause and overall health of your cat. Pet parents should always give these medications only as prescribed by the veterinarian. To reduce stress during recovery, cats should have a private, quiet area to rest. Pet parents should ensure their cats are eating and drinking well during this time. If any symptoms begin to worsen, cats should be brought to a veterinarian immediately. Featured Image: iStock.com/catinsyrup
Just like humans, cats can have food allergies—but diagnosing them isn’t always easy. Unlike the dramatic reactions we sometimes see in people, food allergies in cats often appear as chronic itchiness or digestive issues, which can be easily mistaken for other conditions like fleas or inflammatory bowel disease. We spoke to two veterinarians to understand the basics of food allergies in cats, including what causes them, how they show up, how they’re diagnosed, and how to help your kitty find relief. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your cat, consult your veterinarian.
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