Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
If your cat is hyper after being spayed, there are a few key things you can do to try to help. Learn what to do if your cat is acting hyper after being spayed with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
Cats make clicking noises with their teeth when in the vicinity of potential prey, such as birds, squirrels or moving toys. This instinctive behavior is sometimes referred to as chattering and is seen in both domesticated cats and feral cats. While this sound is normal if made occasionally, if you observe your cat consistently clicking his teeth together, this could indicate a dental problem, which requires the attention of a veterinarian.
With ear mites being a major cause of ear infections in cats, pet owners need to look for excessive ear scratching and head-shaking as symptoms that the biting bugs have taken up residence. Treatment of the tiny parasites is easy and inexpensive, but it needs to begin at the first sign of discomfort; it can take up to three weeks to destroy all the mites, and they are highly contagious among furry pets. If left untreated, these small creatures can damage a cat's eardrum, causing a host of serious problems for cats.
Cats with digestive system issues may have special dietary considerations until they are well. Diarrhea and parasites are two health concerns that commonly affect felines. Though diarrhea can have many causes, several types of parasites often result in diarrhea until they are treated and eliminated. During the treatment process, cats benefit from diets that are gentle on their healing digestive systems.
Neutering is the term used to describe a routine veterinary procedure in which male cats and other animals are surgically altered through removal of their testicles. Upon completion of the procedure, male cats are no longer able to reproduce. Removal of the testicles leads to positive changes in behavior among male cats and can help improve their longevity. Un-neutered cats retain the ability to reproduce, and they're liable to exhibit behaviors that are undesirable to pet owners.
Excessive diarrhea in cats can sometimes be taken as a sign of a few distinct things. Stop excessive diarrhea in cats with help from an expert in animal behavior in this free video clip.
Making a cat's nose and whiskers with makeup is something you can accomplish in just a couple of moments. Make a cat's nose and whiskers with makeup with help from a makeup expert in this free video clip.
A cat's insatiable curiosity can sometimes lead to trouble, and other times to some messy situations. When a cat gets dirt on its nose, it will occasionally sneeze to get the dirt off. When that doesn't work, it is up to you to clean out your favorite feline's nose. Cleaning its nose will allow you to inspect it for signs of respiratory illness or infection. Removing dirt that is lodged in a cat's nose can seem tricky, but with a steady hand and some common household items, your cat will soon be ready for its next adventure.
Cats are common house pets, and no matter the breed or environment some cats share common traits due to heredity. One of those is the primordial pouch, sometimes referred to as "spay sway" by owners who notice it once the cat has been spayed or neutered. While many owners may worry that the drooping stomach affects a cats' healths, primordial pouches are quite natural, and it's something that many cats have.
Cats always seem to be on the lookout for trouble, and many of them find it in the form of houseplants. Some cats enjoy digging in the dirt around plants, playing with the leaves and even eating them. While this is generally harmless behavior, some plants can poison cats that ingest them. Before you let your cat run loose indoors or outside, determine which plants in your home or on your property are safe and nontoxic.
Cats are meat-loving animals, but are known to sample plants from time to time. Many cats munch on plants out of boredom or to get your attention. Cat owners must take care to place plants inside their homes or yards that are not toxic to cats, if ingested. Camellia is a good choice for homeowners, as it does not produce plant poisoning symptoms if ingested.
While hairballs look disgusting, they are formed because a cat is constantly grooming itself. During the grooming process, loose and dead hairs are caught by the tongue, ingested and may eventually turn into part of a hairball. Hairballs will appear long and cigar-shaped once vomited out by your cat, and are easy to identify because they are made from a mass of hair. There are natural remedies available to pet owners that should help prevent hairballs from occurring.
Government agencies and private nonprofit foundations provide funding to help pay for cat spay/neuter services. Spay/neuter services help to control cat population and prevent the cruelty or abandonment of unwanted animals. Spay/neuter services may be subsidized or offered for free to families who cannot not afford the high cost of the operation.
For pet owners, the main hazard of hairballs from their cats is the unsavory appearance and smell of the hairballs themselves. For cats, however, hairballs are a natural part of life. Hairballs can, however, sometimes be dangerous, and it helps to know the potential hazards of hairballs so you can help keep your cat healthy.
Hundreds of years ago cats crossed the ocean to North America with the Europeans. Since then they have become a popular pet and companion. In the wild a cat will usually live between 2-5 years. Domestic cats live much longer, sometimes up to 17 years. During old age many cats will face health problems. If your elderly cat is having balance problems you need to see a veterinarian to get an accurate diagnoses. Some conditions causing the imbalance may be treatable, but unfortunately others are not.
Cats often nibble on plants and flowers in the home or outdoor garden. These plants can include carnations and pansies. While many plants are safe for consumption, some plants can cause serious health effects if they're eaten by your cat. You must make sure your pet does not have access to poisonous plants or flowers. Even if the plants are not poisonous, they may still cause adverse effects if ingested.
Cats are mysterious creatures. Many cat habits baffle human owners, such as the ritual of shaking their feet when they go out in the cold. Cats, however, don't always perform this ritual. When they do, they usually have good reasons.
Scottish terriers are known for being devoted and well-mannered little dogs that can sometimes be stubborn but still make loyal pets. This breed of dog is small in stature and enjoys a fair amount of exercise and independence. Scottish terriers can have a tendency toward skin problems such as mange and other conditions brought on by things like allergies and environment. Treat these issues in a timely manner to ensure the health of your Scottie.
Onion tops are toxic to cats, as are all parts of the onion. Onions are members of the allium family of bulbs, which also includes garlic, leeks, shallots, lilies and other plants. Although alliums have many health benefits for humans, including alleviation of asthma symptoms, ingestion of onion tops by cats can lead to illness and death. It is essential to keep your cat away from green onions, and to be aware of the signs of onion toxicity.
As your cat's caregiver, you are the person responsible for ensuring its needs are met. It can be alarming to note a sudden change in your cat's physique and overall well-being. There are a number of reasons your cat might suddenly drop weight and still remain hungry. Whether your cat has stopped eating entirely or eats but is constantly hungry, intervention is needed.
Cats enjoy playing in the garden and sleeping or playing among your plants. Given the number of household plants that can be toxic to animals, you need to ensure that your garden remains safe for your feline. The lavender plant in its natural form will not poison your cat if ingested in small quantities. Keep products such as essential oils made from lavender away from your cat because these could make your pet ill.
Many owners of ailing cats prefer treating their pets with homeopathic or natural remedies rather than with prescribed antibiotics. A number of natural and homeopathic treatments are available for weight loss and hair loss, although you should always have your cat examined by a veterinarian to determine whether the problem lies in the thyroid gland before starting a course of treatment. Some vets may be opposed to natural and homeopathic remedies, but will usually be cooperative if you explain your wishes clearly. Alternatively, many states now have holistic vets who can provide expert advice on alternative treatments.
Cats need proper nutrition to promote their health and happiness. Meeting your cat's nutritional needs will extend its longevity. To meet your cat's nutritional needs, find foods that have an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) label, which will guarantee that your cat's nutritional needs will be fulfilled.
Anal prolapse is the protrusion of the red mucous tissue lining of the rectum. Anal prolapse can occur briefly after your cat has a bowel movement but usually corrects itself after a few minutes.There is no known specific cause for this condition in cats, however veterinarians check for ailments that cause irritation and discomfort and work to resolve them. With proper diagnosis and treatment, Anal prolapse can be controlled or eliminated.
Foxglove is a type of plant from the Digitalis family with colorful, bell-shaped flowers. All Digitalis plants are sometimes referred to as foxgloves, the most recognizable of which is the common foxglove. Gardeners should be careful when including foxglove in their garden, however, because it is extremely dangerous to humans and animals.
Just like human beings, cats may become constipated when passing stools is difficult, infrequent or impossible altogether. While healthy cats typically produce bowel movements once or twice a day, a cat experiencing constipation defecates once every two or three days, according to WebMD. If your cat is constipated for two weeks or more, it is most likely chronically constipated, and you should take it to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. To avoid further complications, a chronically constipated cat should be treated as soon as the constipation problem is discovered.
Keeping an animal healthy is a major responsibility of pet owners, and small cuts or scrapes need to be treated to prevent infection. For cat owners, treating cuts on the nose can be a bit complicated due to the tendency of cats to lick their noses. If your cat suffers a cut on the nose, treat the wound quickly to help it heal properly.
Cat owners know hairballs are a common problem. Cats' rough tongues pull fur from their bodies while grooming. They swallow these small bits of debris and fur. Most of it is expelled in their feces, but some of it becomes compacted in the intestines. Large hairballs cause retching and gagging, which eventually leads to vomiting. Hairballs are not serious, unless they occur frequently or prevent your cat from eating or using the litter box. Several homeopathic remedies exist for preventing and eliminating hairballs.
Many animal lovers presume that it is less tedious to maintain a pet bird in comparison to a larger animal such as a dog or cat. However, you will be surprised by the additional problems of dust and health that birds are capable of bringing into your home! Undoubtedly, birds make beautiful pets, especially the ones with colored feathers. Nevertheless, if you opt to bring one home, be prepared to handle the mess created by bird dander.
A cat's paw pads may be burned because of exposure to heat or chemicals. The burns may be severe or mild, depending on the time of exposure and the intensity of the burn's cause. The cat will lick the wounded pads, and they will be red, blistered and swollen. In severe cases, the cat may suffer from shock. Administer first aid help and take your pet to the veterinarian. The treatment of the burn depends on its severity.
Because puppies usually move quickly and easily on their four legs, it is easy to overlook the hard wear their paws may be subjected to. The pad on the pup's paw is tougher than the sole on a human's foot, partly because it becomes hardened by use. However, it is not immune to injury or soreness. A dog's paws are not the equivalent of human shoes. They are particularly vulnerable to being cut by glass or sharp stones or affected by extremes of weather. You may notice your puppy licking it's paw a lot and it may even avoid walking.
Rearing young kittens, particularly when the mother is absent, can be a lot of hard, round-the-clock work. A few pointers from experienced foster cat parents can let you know what to do at home to solve a these common health problems and when it may be necessary to visit the veterinarian when you identify bloating or dehydration in your kittens.
The spruce-fir moss spider is a species of spider first discovered in 1923. The spruce-fir moss spider was given its name because it primarily inhabits the mossy areas beneath the forest canopy of the Appalachian mountain region in the Eastern United States. The spruce-fir moss spider is currently endangered and has been known to biologists for less than 100 years. Consequently, relatively little is known about the spider. Its primary source of prey is uncertain but is presumed to be an insect known as the springtail.
Like humans, cows are susceptible to infection from bacteria, fungi and viruses. Some infections produce visible and characteristic skin lesions. Knowing what type of infection is affecting your cattle allows you to react appropriately. If you notice skin lesions on a cow, separate it from other animals and contact a veterinarian for a professional diagnosis.
A skin ulcer is a sore that results from tissue breakage, often accompanied by pus. Skin ulcers can fester and cause the skin to disintegrate if not treated. These types of ulcers affect many species, including sheep. When sheep develop skin ulcers, it is most likely due to a condition called pizzle rot.
Travel, weather, trips to the veterinarian and unfamiliar people or places are a source of stress for cats. Medications exist to help felines cope with the stress in their lives; however, some cat owners feel that holistic and natural remedies work better. There are herbs that will help felines deal with stress. Try several different remedies to see which works best for your cat. Cats tend to hide signs of illness. If your feline friend seems unusually stressed, it may be a good idea to have a qualified veterinarian check it out.
The plaintive wail of your favorite feline companion when it has a hairball may just be the most human-like sound you'll ever hear emanate from its throat. Hearing that sound may either frighten you silly, drive you to extreme empathy or simply prepare you for what is to come out. Regardless, hairballs can cause health problems, including vomiting and diarrhea. While there is no real cure for them, hairballs can be prevented and treated.
The technical name for a protruding rectum in pigs is rectal prolapse. The condition occurs in other farm animals, but it is more prevalent in pigs. Prolapse originates from abdominal pressure, which forces a breakdown of the naturally weak pelvic muscles. Since the pelvis normally holds the rectum in place, a decrease in pelvic muscle strength allows it to fall.
Frostbite is a medical condition that occurs when exposure to the extreme cold has occurred for an extended period of time. Small or young animals, such as kittens, can be particularly prone to developing frostbite. Frostbite can cause damage to appendages (toes), ear flaps, the nose and the tail, which may require surgical amputation.
Dogs get lumps and bumps in various places, and it is not always clear what the cause of the lump is. It is best to get a veterinarian to examine your dog and decide whether the bump needs attention. A white bump on the dog's ear flap is most likely to be an insect bite, a wart or skin tag, a cyst, or an aural hematoma.
Dogs are susceptible to a number of skin and coat problems including allergies, parasite infestations and infections. Dogs frequently shake their heads when they are experiencing problems in their ears or around their faces. When a dog is shaking its head and bleeding, this is a sign of a serious skin or coat problem that requires immediate veterinary care. Contact a veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis.
Black specks in your dog's eyes can either be normal and not harmful, cause problems later down the road for your dog or indicate a disease such as cancer. There are certain things to observe that will help you determine whether you need to immediately bring your dog to a veterinarian ophthalmologist or if you can wait until the next checkup. Even benign tumors and cysts may need to be removed if they causes pain and vision loss.
Spay and neuter voucher programs exist throughout the U.S. and either discount or negate the cost of spay and neuter procedures on pets. Vouchers are pre-purchased before the surgery, usually at a reduced rate, and presented at the time of the surgery in lieu of cash payment.
A bloated stomach can be a symptom of several diseases, but it can also indicate a less serious condition, such as a worm infestation. It's important to seek veterinary advice immediately if a cat has a distended abdomen, because timely medical intervention can help to save or prolong your pet's life. Vomiting, lethargy and a poor appetite are additional symptoms that can indicate diseases such as cancer, congenital heart failure and end-stage liver or kidney failure.
Vaseline, a brand of petroleum jelly, is incredibly difficult to remove from a dog's hair, as it is not water soluble. Given its oil base, you must wash out Vaseline with a substance that absorbs grease. The best way to ensure that all Vaseline has been safely removed from your dog's fur is to use a combination of vegetable oil, cornstarch and liquid dish soap.
Psyllium is a naturally occurring substance found in seeds of Plantago plants. It is commonly used as a bulk-forming agent in laxatives for people and animals. Kittens with gastrointestinal problems can take psyllium in a number of forms to ease their suffering and ultimately correct the problem.
Diarrhea is not an uncommon ailment in kittens, as their delicate systems are still growing and developing. A sudden change in diet can cause havoc in the digestive system of the kitten, but this is easy enough to remedy with a little tender loving care and some careful feeding.
Older cats can develop diseases, like hyperthyroidism, that affect their daily habits and overall health. Radioactive iodine treatment offers relief from hyperthyroidism. But cat owners should be aware of the treatment's aftereffects. since radioactive elements are involved.
Several natural home remedies can settle a cat's upset stomach. In many cases, home remedies are a fine choice for simple upset tummies. Indicators that your cat is suffering from a stomachache include diarrhea, vomiting, straining to eliminate, excessive gas and bloating. If you think your cat is suffering from a condition more serious than a common tummyache, however, home remedies are not a good solution. In that case, see your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the ailment and prescribe a remedy.
Small white or brown flakes on your cat's coat indicate that it suffers from dandruff. This condition is usually the result of dry skin caused by the cat's diet or its environment. However, it can also result from a more serious underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, according to the website VetInfo. After ruling out these conditions with your veterinarian, take measures to alleviate your cat's dandruff by treating its skin.
