Campylobacter Infections in Dogs and Cats

Campylobacter infections can occur not only in cats, dogs, and humans but also in other warm-blooded animals. The primary avenue by which the infection is transmitted to susceptible animals is through ingestion of meat and meat products that have been contaminated and/or uncooked. Directed contact with contaminated fecal materials is also an important mode of infection. Pets that are placed on a raw diet program can have higher risks of acquiring the infection.

The number of cases of Campylobacter infections tends to be higher in puppies and kittens that are under 6 months old. Infected pets suffer diarrhea which is brought about by the action of the toxin produced by the causative agent. Other signs include vomiting, fever, and sudden loss of appetite.

Fortunately, you can protect your pet from Campylobacter infections by several ways. These include giving only premium quality diet and/or cooked food, storing pet food at an appropriate temperature to avoid spoilage, not giving raw or unpasteurized milk to your pet, and avoid mixing raw meat with other foods.

You should call your veterinary clinic Mt. Airy, MD if your pet’s diarrhea has been going on for a day, more so if it is accompanied by other signs of infection. 

Parasites in Pets - Fleas And Ticks

Parasites depend on other animal (the host) for their nourishment. Pets have both external and internal parasites. Fleas, ticks, and mites are the most common external parasites, while tapeworms, roundworms, heartworms, and hooksworms are common internal parasites of pets. A heavy parasite load, external and/or internal, can increase the host’s risks to serious health issues that can have a negative impact on their quality of life. Dogs that don’t receive regular deworming throughout the year, immune-compromised pets, and very young puppies and kittens are vulnerable to the effects of a heavy parasite infestation. Protecting your pet against parasites should be done throughout the year and not only during certain seasons. External parasites can cause a great deal of irritation, itching, and skin problems. There may also be loss of blood, hair loss, and hotspots. Fleas are also known carriers of tapeworms.

Work with your vet Green Bay, WI in creating a year-round parasite preventive program that targets both internal and external parasites. 

Are You Guilty Of These Pet Training Mistakes?

Is your pet’s training seems to be at a standstill? You may be thinking why you are not getting the results you desire. In order to address the issue, start by taking a break from training your pet, take a step back and evaluate the program and the process. This will give you a different perspective of the whole thing and help you straighten out what seems to be getting in the way of your dog’s learning process. Unfortunately, many pet owners are guilty of some mistakes when training their pets. And these mistakes can certainly affect a dog’s ability to learn and comprehend. One of these mistakes is in the use of treats to reinforce desired behavior. While positive reinforcement is an important tool in pet training, pet owners should know when a treat should be given and when to stop giving them. If you are too generous with the treats, your pet will soon learn to perform certain tasks or follow commands when there is a treat. Experts recommend that treats be gradually withdrawn once the dog has fully learned the behavior and/or is consistent in responding to specific commands.

Keep your pet healthy and active by bringing him regularly to your vet clinic Happy Valley, OR.

Common Health Issues That Can Cause Blindness In Dogs

Vision loss in dogs can be congenital or it can be a result of illness, trauma or acquired illness that can affect their sense of sight. Certain dog breeds have higher risks of becoming blind or suffering from eye problems. Vision problems can affect dogs of any age. In senior dogs, it could be part of the aging process as vital organ systems start to deteriorate. Cataract and glaucoma are just two of the most common problems associated with vision problems in dogs. Diabetes is a common predisposing factor of cataract formation and glaucoma. Dogs with cataract have a cloudy eye lens. Glaucoma is a painful condition because of the increased pressured inside the eye. Another important cause of blindness in dogs is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). It is hereditary in certain breeds of dogs and is many caused by retinal degeneration. Unfortunately, there is no successful treatment for PRA. Early detection of eye problems can go a long way in improving prognosis particularly if it is not a congenital problem. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your veterinarians London, ON if you notice changes in your pet’s eyes, behavior, and/or health. 

Does Your Orange Tabby Have Black Spots On His Nose?

Many adult and senior orange tabbies or calico cats have black spots on their lips, nose, and around the eyes. The first few spots tend to appear on the cat’s nose and lips, growing in number, and some increasing in size with time. The average size of the spots is about 1 mm or less but since they are very close together, they create a distinct discolored spot that is hard to miss. The phenomenon is called Lentigo simplex. The good new is, it is completely harmless. They are accompanied by hair loss, redness, and abnormal changes in skin color. The spots are not-elevated, not painful or itchy.

Because of the possibility that a cat can be suffering from a skin condition that needs prompt veterinary attention, so it’s a good idea to have the spots checked out by your veterinarian Anderson, IN. More so, if the spots are elevated, and appears to be reddish and inflamed.

Dental Health Care For Cats

Tooth and gum problems are very common in cats thus there is a need to take a proactive approach in protecting your pet’s dental health. Truth be told, the health status of the mouth exerts an important effect on the overall health of cats. Infection in the mouth and its associated parts are important sources of microorganisms that can be carried by the blood circulation to major organs of the body where they cause infection.

Foul-smelling breath is often an early sign of a dental problem in pets. Decaying teeth, inflamed gums, and infections in the mouth can cause bad breath or halitosis. Affected pets may also exhibit excessive drooling and may lose their appetite because of the pain.

Regular dental visits at the vet’s and a regular home dental regimen can go a long way in promoting your pet’s dental health. If you spot any signs of tooth and gum problems, make an appointment with your vet clinic ckerington, OH sooner rather than later.  

Precaution Should Be Observed When Applying Anti-Flea Products On Cats

Cats are extremely sensitive to some active ingredients or anti-flea products. Exposure to these ingredients may cause irritation of body tissues as well as toxicity. Thus, when your cat has fleas, application of anti-flea products should be done carefully, making sure that the instructions of your veterinarian are met. During administration of flea shampoos, spot-ons, or powders, be careful around the eyes, ears, and genitalia of the cat. If there is a need to use a sprayer or fogger inside and outside your home, make sure that all pets are removed from the premises and only returned after the time indicated on the product label has passed. Before application of flea products, food and water bowls, toys, beds and beddings, etc. should be removed. Make sure the product that had been applied has dried up completely. Properly ventilation after the application is also very important. Allow air to move in and out of your home by opening all the windows and/or turning on exhaust fans. If you have just applied flea product, be sure to keep a close eye on your pet. Signs of toxicity like incoordination, lethargy, vomiting or weakness should be brought to the attention of your vet Tipp City, OH.