Tag Archives: Health
Cat Grooming – Secrets to Keeping Your Cat in Good Health
Regular grooming is essential for the health of your cat. Silky skin and brilliance are sign of health, well being and good food. The majority of the cats go by themselves to their toilet, but they will need you to prevent hairballs and to detect eye or hearing problems. If your cat is not accustomed to being brushed, start gradually, while starting with the areas that will give pleasure to him, then finish with a complete brushing. It is important to familiarize your cat with grooming and even more so when they are young.
In addition to giving a beautiful appearance to your cat, grooming will help you to observe any change that may be a result of disease, wounds or parasites.
Some aspects to be observed during the grooming of your cat:
* Masses under the skin, redness, surfaces of the skin without hairs or significant cuts;
* Dull skin, dead skin, cuts, ticks, lice;
* weeping red eyes or, excessive whimpering;
* Sensitive or swollen ears and/or strong odor from his ears;
* Bad breath, swollen gums or excessive tartar.
Loss of hair and hairballs
The loss of hair and hairballs are usually found in the cats with long hairs.
To minimize hairballs, brush rigorously and regularly your cat, or alternatively give your cat a hairball medicine making sure you follow instructions on the label. You could also use a food which controls hairballs.
Brushing and combing
In the case of a cat with short hair, brush at a rate of once per week, with a rubber brush is recommended. In the case of a cat with long hair, more frequent brushing is recommended, generally 2 or 3 times per week, unless it is an indoor cat.
For indoor cats, a daily brushing can be necessary. Always in the case of a cat a long haired cat, you will need a metal brush.
Consult a veterinary surgeon if you note excessive loss of hair.
You are kidding me! NO, its true! 90% of cat owners buy the wrong cat brush. Make sure you are the 10% who get the right cat brush. Those 10% use Furminator for cats! You owe it to your cat to groom him or her properly.
Cat Feeding Tips – How to Feed a Cat – Diet, Food for Cat Health
Cat Feeding Tips – How to Feed a Cat – Diet, Food for Cat Health
Article by Kevin Pederson
Your pets may sometimes be as choosy about their foods as an eight year old. There may be times that your pet’s favorite food may not be available easily. In such a case, pets who are used to a regular or routine diet may suffer a lot. They refuse to switch to a different food very quickly and in some cases, might completely reject the food.
While you may not want to consider such a scenario, the truth is, this could happen to you too. Therefore, it is best to stay prepared so that you are on top of things. In the past, there have been times when cats’ foods have been recalled from the market simply because they weren’t considered healthy enough or because the company wasn’t making enough money. What happens to your pet then?
Making a cat feeding plan can help you take care of this and a lot of other feeding problems that you may have been facing. One of the simplest and most viable plans is to have your pet feed on two different cat foods which come from four different brands. Since there are so many cat food makers, you will generally not have a problem finding a food that your cat likes.
In addition to the commercially available food, also get your pet used to home food. This does not mean that you take on yourself the task of making fresh food every time your cat feels hungry. It simply means that may be once a week, give your cat raw or home cooked food so that it gets used to that food too. The more you mix the cat’s food, the less likely it is that the cat will get used to a particular food type or brand.
Mixing foods has another advantage. This makes sure that your cat is getting the maximum possible nutrition. If one of the commercial foods has some particular nutrients missing, the other food brand or food type can complement that. Fortunately, unlike dogs, cats adapt much faster to new foods and create less of a fuss.
It would be ideal to mix dry and canned foods first by giving dry food in one meal and canned in the next. Slowly introduce the cat to home made food and raw foods, so that they get used to those foods too. If while changing foods, your cat has loose stools or any gastrointestinal discomfort, discontinue that food.
Kevin Pederson, authors web content for http://www.diethealthclub.com a complete online resource featuring diet, health and fitness. This article is focused on teaching you how to make food basket for christmas holidays
Innovative Animal Health Research Identifies Links Between Nutrition and Disease
Innovative Animal Health Research Identifies Links Between Nutrition and Disease
Article by Morris Animal Foundation
“You are what you eat,” so the saying goes. And just as your diet affects your health, what your pets eat also influences their disease risk.
Morris Animal Foundation‘s (MAF) founder, Dr. Mark Morris Sr., recognized the connection between health and nutrition in the early 1940s, long before diet and nutrition were everyday topics. In fact, he was one of the first veterinarians to use diet to control disease. His innovation led to nearly 100 Foundation-funded studies-so far-that have improved the dietary health and decreased disease risk for pets, horses and wildlife.
One of Dr. Morris’s first patients was Buddy, who was among the first guide dogs in the United States. Buddy suffered from kidney failure, and his owner, Morris Frank, then the national ambassador for the Seeing Eye, sought Dr. Morris’s advice. Dr. Morris created a special diet for Buddy that dramatically improved the dog’s health, and soon he and his wife, Louise, were canning the food in their kitchen. When they couldn’t keep up with escalating demand, they partnered with the Hill Packing Company toproduce what later became the first Hill’s Prescription Diet.
Dr. Morris used the royalties from that diet to create MAF, and the first two studies MAF funded in 1950 looked at nutrition in cats and dogs. Since that time, hundreds of scientific animal research studies-funded by MAF and others-have proven what Dr. Morris suspected so long ago: nutrition and disease are inextricably linked.
“The role of health and nutrition has infiltrated the media-hardly a day goes by without a report on the latest research about how nutrition causes or prevents disease in people,” says Dr. Kathryn Michel, one of only 54 members of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. “As people become more educated about the importance of a good diet for themselves, they transfer that knowledge to their animals.”
Dr. Michel notes that insufficient nutrients in a pet’s diet can cause serious health conditions, such as orthopedic and neurological issues. She adds that veterinarians see cardiomyopathy in cats that is related to deficiency of the amino acid taurine as well as in dogs that don’t get the right amounts of essential amino acids. MAF has funded a number of studies that have looked at the role of amino acids in maintaining good health.
On the flip side, too much food can harm. Sadly, an estimated 30 to 40 percent of pets are overweight, and 25 percent are considered obese, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Those extra pounds cause a host of additional health issues.
Dr. Joe Bartges, professor of medicine and nutrition at the University of Tennessee and former chair of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, says obesity is directly or indirectly linked to respiratory problems, diabetes, osteoarthritis, ligament tears, hypertension, urinary stones, surgical and anesthetic risks, heat intolerance and even cancer.
Perhaps most important, extra weight shortens lives. Results of a 14-year study, published recently in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, showed that Labrador retrievers fed 25 percent less than their siblings lived about 15 percent longer, and the age at which they required medical treatment for osteoarthritis or another chronic condition was delayed by two to threeyears. This study showed, for the first time, that even a few extra pounds have detrimental health effects. The good news is that proper nutrition can combat disease.
A recent Purdue University study showed that Scottish terriers given vegetables, such as baby carrots, at least three times a week had a 70 percent lower chance of developing bladder cancer. An MAF-funded study earlier this decade showed that a high-protein diet could help cats with diabetes lose weight and reduce or eliminate their need for insulin. Other studies MAF has funded linked nutritional factors to diseases in many species or determined the optimal levels of certain nutrients.
For example, Dr. Bartges is currently using Foundation funding to evaluate whether a high-fiber diet supplemented with potassium citrate can prevent the development of a painful type of urinary stone whose frequency is on the rise. Another study at the University of Minnesota is looking at whether cats with increased concentrations of purine metabolites are more likely to develop urate stones. The information would help to develop more effective therapies.
“There is absolutely no question that health is directly affected by diet, but we still have a huge amount to learn,” Dr. Michel says.
That’s why MAF will keep funding research that gives veterinarians and pet owners the information they need to make good nutritional decisions for their pets-and helps wild animals lead longer, healthier lives.
Morris Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals on all seven continents. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. For more information, call 800.243.2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
Find More Animals Articles
Improving Animal Health Through Vets For Pets
Improving Animal Health Through Vets For Pets
Article by Chris Boulton
Most individuals place a considerable amount of focus on the physical condition and well-being of their family pet. If this is a worry for you, then it is imperative to take advantage of as many resources as possible, in order to enhance the health and happiness of your animal friend. The assistance of vets for pets is a necessary investment which every pet owner must make to avoid many potentially disastrous health risks, which animals can fall victim to. Two of the most significant veterinary services which a pet owner can take advantage of are the utilisation of vaccines and neutering.
Most individuals comprehend the immense importance associated with taking advantage of vaccines during a person’s youth. These vaccines represent sources of defence for your body and aid to encourage a strong immune system. Vaccinations for dogs act in the same way, since they assist to prevent several critical illnesses from being transmitted to your pet. These diseases might otherwise prove to be catastrophic to your pet’s wellbeing. By taking advantage of the knowledge of a qualified veterinarian, you will be able to recognize the appropriate time periods in which vaccinations should be pursued to maximise the health of your animal.
Besides the advantages that exist with vaccinations, one more significant health factor to make the most of is seen with desexing dogs and kitties. Unless you?ve the intent of breeding your pet, it is imperative that you exploit the possibilities which are available with neutering. You can find a tremendous number of animals who are abandoned every year, on account of unrestrained breeding. When you take the time to have your pet desexed, you will discover an extensive number of advantages which will prove beneficial to both the pet as well as the pet owner.
For your pet, there are many health benefits associated with this process. In dog desexing for male dogs, the testicles are cut off, which represent a typical source of health problems such as prostate diseases and testicular cancer. Another benefit that is shaped with desexing dogs is found with the behavioural alterations you will observe in your animal. These processes will usually facilitate to lessen aggression or hyperactivity, on account of reduced testosterone levels, and also eliminate uncomfortable pet habits, such as mounting and masturbation. Desexing canines and cats means they?re less likely to want to escape and wander the neighbourhood seeking a mate. It is a known fact that roaming animals are at a much more risk of being slammed by a car on the road or be involved in a fight with another animal.
So, there are lots of incredible benefits which a pet and owner can take benefit of when making investments in dog vaccinations and desexing for canines. The plethora of health benefits created through these processes will aid to enhance the well being and happiness of your animal, as you love their company.
Gordon Veterinary Hospital was established in 1970 and is well-established as one of the best equipped veterinary facilities on the North Shore. We have developed an excellent reputation amongst our clients and colleagues for exceptional pet health care. Our vets all have a minimum of 10 years experience and treat cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rats, mice and birds.
To know more about Gordon Veterinary Hospital and to learn about desexing dogs visit http://www.gordonvet.com.au NOW.
Advancing the Next Big Idea in Animal Health
Advancing the Next Big Idea in Animal Health
Article by Morris Animal Foundation
Smallpox, polio and even influenza-these deadly diseases once ruled the earth, killing by the millions. Today, thanks to scientific research, their impact is far less. The same holds true for animal diseases such as canine parvovirus and feline leukemia. One day, a host of other diseases that affect humans or animals, and sometimes both, may meet the same fate.
When major medical breakthroughs happen, such as the promising bone marrow treatment for humans with sickle cell anemia announced last December, we often don’t realize the time and effort behind a new prevention, treatment or cure. The reality, though, is that medical advancements usually take years, even decades, to come to fruition-and along the way hundreds of ideas are attempted before one of them opens the doors. Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is committed to finding and funding the next big ideas in animal health research.
We know that a novel idea goes nowhere without proper funding-and funding for the unknown is often tough to come by. The Foundation is one of the few organizations helping cutting-edge scientists gather data and test promising concepts that could one day lead to major health breakthroughs for animals.
Innovative Ideas Take Flight:Through its pilot-study program, MAF provides funding up to ,800 for one-year studies that test a new idea and gather preliminary data to determine if the idea merits further investigation. This program provides timely funding for innovative ideas, speeds up scientific discovery and advances the Foundation’s mission to improve the health and welfare of animals.
“Pilot research study grants are designed to support innovative research ideas and early-stage projects where preliminary data may not be available,” says Dr. Wayne Jensen, MAF chief scientific officer.
One benefit to the pilot-study program is that MAF accepts these study proposals multiple times per year rather than through the traditional grant cycle of once per year. As a result, the program helps researchers respond more rapidly to emerging diseases and contemporary questions in animal health research.
Funding for pilot studies is desperately needed to advance veterinary medicine for companion animals and wildlife. Dr. James Moore, chair of the Foundation’s large animal scientific advisory board, explains that most funding agencies only support proposals that already contain a sufficient amount of preliminary data to suggest that the expected outcomes will be achieved. But scientists need funding to gather preliminary data. So it was no surprise that MAF received an overwhelming response-161-to its two 2009 calls for proposals. Yet the Foundation can fund only 12 to 18 projects each year.
“The greater than expected response to the request for proposals for pilot studies suggests that there are a lot of good, untested ideas out there,” Dr. Moore says.
A History of Funding Health Breakthroughs:The Foundation has a long history of funding breakthrough projects. For example, in 1999, MAF was the first to fund research to look at why California sea otters were dying off. Over the next decade, we funded several grants looking at disease risks in sea otters. What scientists learned from these projects helped them win a .86 million grant from the National Science Foundation. In an interview for AnimalNews 6.4, lead researcher Dr. Patricia Conrad noted that, “the Morris Animal Foundation grants were critically important. Without that support in the project’s infancy, we wouldn’t have been able to compete for bigger grants.”
Beyond uncovering information about the infectious diseases that were killing sea otters, these studies also led to increased state legislative protections for the playful creatures and trained numerous up-and-coming wildlife health researchers.
A current study funded by our Canine Cancer Campaign is testing a new drug therapy for bone cancer in dogs. This major project encompasses multiple facets and institutions and could eventually save the lives of thousands of dogs-yet it began as a small pilot effort. Additional pilot projects may soon lead to a promising treatment for eye cancer in horses, improved nutrition for brook trout and better pain management for reptiles.
Current pilot studies address gastrointestinal problems, urinary infections and heartworm in dogs; osteoarthritis pain in cats; laminitis in horses and overpopulation and drug-resistant infections in pets.
“Pilot studies like these are important for moving veterinary medicine forward, primarily because they can be accomplished relatively quickly and relatively inexpensively,” Dr. Moore says.
Who knows where this year’s pilot projects may lead. Perhaps they will give veterinarians a tool to help them diagnose and manage osteoarthritis in cats or an inoculation that prevents certain strains of Escherichia coli from causing recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs. Or maybe equine veterinarians will get an inexpensive method for treating laminitis, a painful, life-threatening condition.
The possibilities for advancing animal health are truly endless as long as we continue to support pioneering scientists with innovative ideas. These promising projects may one day change the face of veterinary medicine and help create a healthier tomorrow for animals.
Learn more about the current pilot studies.
Morris Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals on all seven continents. For more information, call 800.243.2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Wet Food Versus Dry Food To Promote Pet Health In Cats
Wet Food Versus Dry Food To Promote Pet Health In Cats
Article by Ima Johnson
There has been a long standing question concerning the benefits of feeding your feline friend wet food more than dry food, and vice versa.Although there are many benefits to both types of food, it has been found that wet food is somewhat of a necessity for cats. This does not mean that cats should be fed wet food every single meal or even every day for that matter. However, it is suggested that there be a positive mix a few times per week of wet cat food to supplement the nutritional value of the accompanying dry food.
What Is The Difference In The Two FoodsDry food contain many minerals that promote proper pet health. In dogs, it is actually suggested that dry food be their main course. However, cats are different in the respect that their bodies require more protein than other animals. In most cases, wet food contains more protein than dry food. Proteins in a cat’s body will help with the synthesizing of important amino acids, which they do not receive by eating solely dry food. The amino acids produced help the cat grow as well as create a physiological homeostasis through body regulation. When cats are subjected to a deficiency in protein, they may exhibit certain signs.1. Weight Loss2. Appetite Loss3. Inhibited Immune System4. Skin and hair lusterThere are other symptoms that may be signs of protein deficiency although these are the most notable. As on can see, protein is the most important dietary need of a cat. Studies have shown that wet food can hold up to twice as much protein as dry food.Water ContentAnother aspect or reason to feed your cat a regular supplement of canned food is the fact that the cat will receive more water than with dry cat food. Hydration levels in felines are sometimes low. This is due to the fact that their bodies are designed to obtain water from eating meat. By feeding your cat wet food, you are supplementing his or her diet with more water as well.The Lesser The Carbs, The BetterPet health in cats is heavily dependent on high intakes of protein and low supplements of carbohydrates. Unfortunately, most dry cat food is made up of mostly carbohydrates. Due to this fact, some cats that eat mostly dry cat food have a greater chance of becoming overweight. This is due to the cat’s high upload of carbohydrates. Dry cat food makes the pet want to meat more than he or she should because it does not give them the full feeling as that of protein. By adding more wet food to a cat’s diet, you may actually help the pet lose weight. Pet owners want to do everything they can to ensure proper health and nutrition for their animals. With a little research on your Pet symptom diagnosis and needs, you will find that he or she is much more happy and playful, which makes a better time for everyone.
Pet Clinic petsocialonline.com is a website dedicated to bringing its visitors the most up to date information on pet care, Pet symptom diagnosis and products. The website will contain a wide variety of topics on pet health and topics related to pet needs.
My cat poops in its food
Video Rating: 0 / 5
Understanding Cat Health Problems
Understanding Cat Health Problems
Cats are one of the most adorable pets that we can get along with. The key to enjoying an energetic feline is to know the common cat health problems that may cause him danger. They can become a good companion and have an excellent ability to hunt unwanted house pests or dangerous creatures such as rats, scorpions and snakes. Since they are known to be hygiene conscious, cats always lick their bodies to get rid of dirt and other unwanted elements. This habit may be vain yet harmless.
However, studies show that it may become a danger to their health as their fur sticks on their tongues and is swallowed in the process. Thus, this may cause serious stomach problems as the fur deposits accumulate and in the end may form a ball that will become dangerous to its metabolism. From that experience we discover that the most common cat health problems that your feline may encounter includes hairballs, urinary tract infection and feline infectious peritonitis.
People are not the only ones endangered by the fur from your cat but even they are not exempted to the dangers it may bring.
Just like us, your cat may continuously cough or get sick as allergic reactions to the fur. In order to solve this problem, there are many cat foods in the market to help avoid hairball formation.
You think that humans are the only ones that get urinary tract infection. Think again. It is considered one of the most common cat health problems that threaten their good health status. This is usually common on male un-neutered felines as they emit an unfavorably strong urine smell as a symptom. The best way to treat this problem is to consult a veterinarian and know what cat foods may alleviate this situation. Another health problem they may encounter is the Feline Infectious Peritonitis; though this may not be fatal, it can be prevented through immunization and proper diet.
Now that you have learned some of the many cat health problems, you will be able to plan with your veterinarian what are the necessary precautions you can take to protect your cat from these illnesses and diseases.
Tom has had pets since he was a young child. He hopes to share many years of experience along with targeted research to help cat owners. This includes cat care as well. For more information, please visit his site today. http://www.mycatfacts.com
By T. Houser
Find More Cat Food Articles
What is the difference between animal science and animal health science?
Question by beautiful love05: What is the difference between animal science and animal health science?
I am planning on transferring next year to Cal Poly Pomona to get a bachelors in animal health science to become a vet tech. Am I on the right track to getting it in animal health science rather than animal science?
Best answer:
Answer by “the bookworm”
ANIMAL SCIENCE:
Animal science is described as “studying the biology of animals that are under the control of mankind.At the University of Reading, for example, the study of animal science is concerned with the scientific understanding of how animals work: from the physiology and biochemistry of tissues and major organ systems down to the structure and function of bio molecules and cells; particular emphasis is given to the study of growth, reproduction, nutrition and lactation of farm and companion animals and how these processes may be optimized to improve animal productivity, health and welfare. Courses in support areas, such as genetics, soils, agricultural economics and marketing, legal aspects and the environment also are offered. Degrees in Animal Science are offered at a number of Universities.
ANIMAL HEALTH SCIENCE:
IT is the branch of science that deals with the application of medical, surgical, public health, dental, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles to non-human animals, including wildlife and domesticated animals, including livestock, working animals, and companion animals. Practitioners of veterinary medicine are known as veterinarians. In most developed countries, veterinarians are highly qualified professionals with advanced educations.
What do you think? Answer below!
Your Cats Diet and Health is Related to Your Habits
Your Cats Diet and Health is Related to Your Habits
Article by Claude West
Oh what to do about those presents kitty brings in from outside just for you. Some folks have quit allowing their cats to go outside as a method of avoiding this issue. This avoidance may be less stress for the owner but could be harmful to the cat. Consider the diet of an indoor cat versus an outdoor cat and that would be the difference in eating live prey verses commercial foods.
I remember my past veterinarian Dr. Teague who would say that the difference in today?s cats? verses 40 years ago is the absence of live prey. He went on to say that a lot of the cats? immunological health is dependent on live prey whether insects, small mammals or reptiles. It did not impact me as much back then as it does now because I was accustomed to feeding out of a can or bag then.Oh how I loved the convenience of plopping chow out of a can or bag but nutritionally I am starving the cat from needed meat proteins substituted with grain proteins, starches, vegetables, and sugary fruits that do not fit a proper diet for a cat. Cats are ?obligate carnivores?, which means all of their feeding requirements are met with capture and consumption of live prey. Less than that can lead to many diseases that are not typical in a carnivore.
Chronic Renal Failure or CRF, I can?t count the number of cats I had or knew that ended with this terminal disease. CRF is the result of poor diet and dental hygiene which is so typical of todays? indoor cat. Not saying that an outdoor cat would not also suffer this way if it was unable to catch prey on a regular basis and likewise an indoor cat given a proper diet of whole raw food and supplements is less likely to contract CRF. It is all about the type of diet your cat is getting.
Maybe when kitty brings in the present there is more meaning to it than what you think. Consider it is the cats? way of telling you that this is the real food and not that stuff you keep putting into my bowl! Then again perhaps not, because depending on how long you have been feeding your cat ?commercial cat food?, and also the age of the cat would determine whether it is a ?junk food addict? or not.
I am fighting an uphill battle with my two tabbies. One is 13 and the other is 3 years old and both are certifiable junk food kitties. Converting them to a whole raw diet will take considerable time and effort plus patience on my part. The long term payoff is reversing my 13 year old cat that has early signs of kidney disease from the last blood work. The 3 year old is giving the most fuss and fight and no longer will the crunchy bowl be out 24/7?s.
Back to my opening statement about those presents that kitty brings inside. Consider another possibility that your house, bedroom, or wherever kitty brings in the prey, it considers to be its? den. That is always a possibility. I currently have such discussions with Journey, (our Torte), who insists that all live catch meals must be consumed in our bedroom. The credibility of this being her den is also where 90+ percent of the time she sleeps. You can bet I am working hard on changing were she thinks she should eat her catches.
Even though she has free run of the house and cat door to the outside she will spend most of the day outside and still sleep most of the night with us. Odd considering most cats are nocturnal but has always been the case with our other cats, and I bet some of this is directly related to the feeding schedule we keep. A wildcat will only hunt if it is hungry and does not require 2 meals plus snacks a day. Our cats? behavior is likely related to being over fed with the wrong type of food.
What is the right type of food and what is the feeding schedule? The cat should eat whole prey, (either live caught or frozen purchased), not the ground up food recipes you can get on the internet. There are a number of producers of whole live food so Google that or you can go to my website. Let the cat determine the amount of food.Often they may take most of the day to eat larger whole prey and will stop eating when they are full. Point I am making is give your cat the food in the morning and if it wants more then give it more, otherwise the one time may be sufficient.
A cat eating a lot of good raw meat will tend to be more active than a cat eating a lot of heat processed protein with added carbohydrates and sugars, and that is why your cat gets fat. The cat does not have the energy to exert for lots of exercise when it is on a commercial cat food diet.
That kind of diet is hard on the cat to digest and utilize for an energy source so over the long haul the kidneys and liver start to degenerate and disease sets in. It?s not an overnight process before the bodies organs start to fail and neither is it an overnight process to repair. Proper diet and supplements over time can in some cases restore useful function to these organs if it is started near the beginning stages.
Problem with the blood tests is the kidneys are already close to 70% gone before the test indicates any problem. A cat can survive on just 30% renal function but one needs to stop and hopefully reverse this process with the proper diet and supplements. Most veterinarians disagree with my action steps and to their credit they may be correct since significant damage to the kidneys has already occurred when blood tests indicate possible CRF.
Your cat could be suffering from many other things like dehydration, weight loss, high blood pressure, and thyroid function. Because of the possibility of multiple conditions you may have to ?stabilize? your cat first with the recommended therapy that the vet recommends then improve on diet. The number one site for information about CRF from the medical aspect is Feline CRF Information Center.
Most vets recommend Hill Diet also known as KD diet. This is a can or kibble diet low in protein and phosphorus in an effort to have a reduction of protein the kidneys need to process. Sounds great except most of the protein in the product is loaded with JUNK proteins which do just the opposite that you?re trying to achieve. What is really needed is a diet that is totally sourced from good protein with as much phosphorus removed. This would be a huge niche for someone to formulate.
Recapping, most cats over the age of 8 years who have been fed only a dry food commercial diet will develop CRF. The same is true for cats over the age of 12 that had a diet consisting of canned commercial food. Some cats get it earlier than others and some expire from other conditions. CRF is a progressive terminal disease that has a strong relationship to diet and gum disease.
Feeding your cat early on a whole raw diet and allowing it to hunt is the most natural prevention of early onset of CRF. The blood work and urine evaluation are the best ways to detect CRF early before more serious conditions begin but the disease has already significantly progressed in the kidneys. My website provides specific blogs concerning a whole raw food diet for cats and has many links to other sites for additional information.
And visit http://cattoysandcondos.com for more specific information about cat toys,furniture,health,habits, and diet. This website also supports the local animal shelter for feral and abandoned animals. Claude West has been raising cats for 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share with you. The website has blog interviews and guest articles with animal experts so you can learn more at http://cattoysandcondos.com as well as learn to make some great homemade cat toys. Do it yourself and save a bundle of money and get tips that are safer products than what you by in the stores.
Home Health Check for Dogs
Home Health Check for Dogs
Learning how to give your dog a thorough home health check can help you detect any problems early on. Early detection is crucial in successfully treating potential health problems in your pet. Dogs can’t vocalize when they don’t feel well and it is ultimately your responsibility to notice if something is off with your dog. An animal in pain or feeling ill won’t be able to speak out and you should pay close attention to any changes in y our dog’s appearance or behavior to detect any health issues he may silently be suffering from.
If you suspect something is wrong with your dog you should never delay to get the advice of your veterinarian as conditions can escalate in a pet very quickly. Postponing treatment may result in more serious consequences than if you had sought treatment earlier.
Giving your dog regular health checks can be synchronized with your dog’s grooming schedule. You should already be grooming your dog regularly as this help you detect any problems as well as establishing a strong bond between you and your pet.
Skin and Coat:
The majority of dogs shed, with only a few exceptions. If your dog appears to be shedding hair, this is generally normal, but if he seems to be experiencing excessive hair loss or fur coming out in clumps resulting in bald patches, chances are there’s something wrong with your dog. Your dog’s skin and coat condition indicates the animal’s general health condition. Poor health usually results in poor skin and hair condition and monitoring your pet’s skin and coat can tell you a lot about your dog’s general health.
Inflamed or reddened skin, bald patches, dandruff, hives and scabs are indications that your dog has a health problem or even an allergy. Dogs can experience allergic reactions to different substances and their surroundings, just like humans. Allergic reactions in dogs usually manifest themselves in changes in skin and coat condition.
Every time you bathe or brush your dog you should make it a point to run your fingers through his coat to feel for any abnormalities. Look through your dog’s fur for any signs of fleas or ticks. Fleas and ticks can cause serious damage to a dog’s health and even one flea bite on a sensitive dog can result in a persistent allergy. Insect bites can cause secondary bacterial infections in dogs that make them extremely uncomfortable and hard to treat. This will end up costing you a considerable vet bill as well, so it is always better to detect these problems before they develop.
Ears:
Once you’ve finished thoroughly examining your dog’s coat you should take a look at his ears. A dog’s ears should look pink and clean. You can use a penlight to examine the dog’s ear canal. If you find any scabs, redness or swelling in the ear canal this is an indication that something is wrong. Ear mites usually produce a dark waxy substance in the ear which your vet can treat with over the counter topical medication. You should check to see if there are any foreign objects in your dog’s ear canal or excessive wax.
]]>
Never insert anything in your dog’s ears or try to clean them with a cotton swab; you can easily end up damaging your dog’s eardrums. If you want to clean your dog’s ears out, you can use some light olive oil, slightly warmed. Place a teaspoon of this into your dog’s ear and massage the ear, then allow the dog to shake any excess oil out. Of course make sure you do this in an appropriate area to avoid making a mess.
If you allow your dog to run in fields or you take him hiking in the woods, bits of foxtail and other plant debris may enter the ear canal. If this happens you should not attempt to remove them yourself, take your dog to the vet to have them removed as you could risk damaging your dog’s ears.
Eyes:
Next, take a look at your dog’s eyes. They should be bright and clear with no mucous, redness or puffiness. If they look cloudy or you suspect ulceration on the surface of the cornea you should take your dog to the vet immediately as these could be signs of a serious problem. If there is excessive discharge or crustiness around the eyes this is also a reason to visit the vet.
Nose:
The next thing you should do is to examine your dog’s nose. It should be slightly moist and cool, however some dogs have drier noses than others so you’ll have to discover what is normal in your dog. There should be no discharge or crustiness in the nose.
Teeth and Gums:
Surprisingly enough, many dog owners don’t understand the importance of proper canine dental hygiene and many people mistakenly believe that it is normal for their dog to have “doggie breath”. Nothing could be farther than the truth and excessive bad odor emanating from the mouth could be an indication of dental problems, digestive problems or kidney disease.
You can examine your dog’s gums and teeth by gently pulling back his lips. Your dog’s gums should be pink in color. The teeth should be clean and free of tartar and plaque. Gently press a finger to your dog’s gum to check for any signs of anemia. The area you pressed your finger against should turn white but quickly return to its normal pink color right away.
Although dogs aren’t as prone to dental cavities as we are, they are susceptible to gingivitis and gum disease. Plaque and tartar buildup can cause serious secondary infections in your dog. Badly maintained gums can allow bacteria to enter your dog’s system and cause kidney and liver failure so never neglect your dog’s dental hygiene.
If you’ve never brushed your dog’s teeth before now is the time to start. Getting a dog accustomed to having his teeth brushed isn’t difficult. You’ll need enzymatic toothpaste especially formulated for dogs and some patience. You can begin by allowing your dog to taste the toothpaste (most dog toothpastes are palatable to dogs), and then you can begin by gently massaging your dog’s gums with your finger. Do this for a few seconds every day until your dog is comfortable with this routine. Next try introducing a soft bristled toothbrush with some toothpaste and gently brush your dog’s teeth. Do this for a few seconds a day and your dog will eventually become comfortable with having his teeth brushed.
If your dog’s teeth are in poor condition or there is tartar buildup, you will need to take him to the vet for a professional cleaning.
Feet and Limbs:
You should routinely check your dog’s feet and limbs for any signs of swelling or injury. You can do this by gently rubbing your hands down your dog’s legs to detect any cuts, lumps or signs of pain. After hiking in the woods or a run in the fields, you should examine your dog’s paws for any burrs or foreign objects and remove them.
General Physical Condition:
You should be able to lightly feel a healthy dog’s ribcage; if you can’t feel your dog’s ribs this can be a sign that he’s overweight. If your dog has a thick and heavy coat, rub your hands along his sides to feel for his ribs. Some dog breeds are naturally thin but to be on the safe side regularly monitor your dog’s weight. Sudden changes in weight are almost always a sign that something isn’t right with your pet.
Gently pinch and pull the skin of your dog’s scruff, if it isn’t flexible and doesn’t spring back into position this is a sign that your dog is dehydrated. If you suspect your dog is dehydrated you should take him to the vet immediately, dehydration can quickly kill a pet.
Bowel Movements:
Make it a point to regularly check your dog’s anal glands. Infections can occur in a dog’s anal glands and any swelling or redness is an indication that your dog may be suffering from impacted anal glands. Familiarize yourself with your dog’s elimination habits as any sudden changes in elimination or urination could be a sign that the dog is ill. If abnormal elimination or urination persists longer than 24 hours take your dog to see the vet right away.
Behavior:
Drastic behavior changes in dogs usually mean something isn’t right. If you’re usually playful dog suddenly seems lethargic or reluctant to play this could be a sign he is sick. A normally gentle dog that seems to have changed into a grumpy, bad tempered individual seemingly overnight might be a sign that the dog is in pain. If you feel your dog is behaving out of character it may be best to take him to the vet for a quick checkup, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Tony is an avid pet lover and also writes articles for Chazhound.com: A site online boutique that sells exceptional dog beds!
Article from articlesbase.com
Find More Dog Articles
