Skin Problems In Cats

Did you know that cats spend about 50% of their awake time grooming themselves? This daily routine helps keep the cat’s hair coat clean and free from any odors. It also keeps the skin healthy. With a cat’s fussy grooming habits, a sore or a scab on the skin can surely mean something is wrong and needs to be seen by a veterinarian.

Cats that are ill can stop grooming and may end up with dull and dirty hair coat. Some important causes that can interfere with their ability to groom themselves include:

Obesity - the extra pounds can affect the cat’s flexibility, making it hard for them to reach certain parts of their body during grooming.

Tooth and gum problems

Arthritis and other joint and bone problems

An ill cat won’t have the energy and desire to groom

Stress can cause cats to become anxious and engage in over-grooming in an effort to find relief and comfort.

A visit to your animal hospital Las Vegas, NV can help identify the problem.

Zinc Deficiency In Dogs

Dogs that lack zinc, an essential mineral, can suffer from excessive shedding and skin problems. The deficiency is technically called zinc responsive dermatosis. Zinc is just one of the important components that play an important role in the optimum function of the body, thus it should be a normal component of a dog’s diet. The absence or lack of zinc in the diet can pave the way for various issues that affect the skin which is the largest organ of the body, as well as metabolic and immune function.

There are several causes and risk factors for zinc deficiency in dogs. These include:

• A diet that is deficient in zinc
• Calcium-rich diets (because calcium prevents absorption of zinc by binding with it)
• Genetic predisposition of certain canine breeds such as the Alaskan malamute or Siberian husky. They are unable to absorb zinc properly.
• Diets that contain excessive amounts of zinc prevent normal absorption of the mineral.
• Diets that are low in essential fatty acids and total fat negatively influence the absorption of zinc.
• High-fiber diets (or plant-based diets) because plants contain phytate, a substance that can interfere in zinc absoption.
• Abnormal absorption of zinc in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

If your pet is ill, you should make an appointment to have him checked by a veterinarian Las Vegas, NV.

Why your cat needs some time alone each day

You have a cat in your life who you really enjoy spending time with. This makes you wonder – why does she seem to sneak off on her own every now and then?

Your pet may be an important part of your life, but she also needs some time to herself each day. This has nothing to do with your care, as she likely loves your company as well. She simply has a personality that requires a bit of time on her own each day and you might find that some cats tend to seek this out more than others do. Your pet will be heading off on her own in order to meet her needs as well, so take note of what she is up to when she sneaks off. She is likely to be in need of a nap. Your local vet Bolingbrook, IL can help you care for your pet. Visit this site for more information.

Collars for Cats

You may have noticed that there seems to be a huge selection of collars for dogs at the pet store, but did you know there are just as many options for cats? Do cats really need collars though? One of the main reasons for a collar is so that your cat can be identified. Whether the collar has the cat’s name and  your phone number stitched on it or the collar carries an ID tag, it’s an easy way to make sure your cat has identification on her at all times. When looking for a cat collar make sure you get one with a break-away function that way if your cat gets caught in a tree or under a fence and the collar catches it will break so your cat doesn’t choke. Ask your veterinarian Rochester, NY for help in finding a collar for your cat.

What to do when your cattle get sick

You have cattle to look after and you take your job seriously. What should you do if you think they are getting sick?

Take a good look at your cattle and try to determine if they are exhibiting any symptoms of sickness or showing any atypical behavior. It’s common for cattle to show changes to their eating patterns or activity habits if they aren’t feeling well. They may also have labored breathing or visible discharge from their eyes or nostrils. Make sure to contact a veterinarian immediately should you take note of anything that seems a bit off, as your cattle will need an evaluation to get the care they need. Offer any information you can to the vet to help him reach the proper diagnosis. Your professional vet clinic Mt. Airy, MD can help you care for your pet. Schedule an appointment today.

Scat Mats

Ever heard of the scat mat? This is a mat that can help train your cats to stay off the furniture. How does it work? First, you place the scat mat on your sofa, couch or chair. The mat is run by battery or electric cord. Set the mat to the voltage you want it. Start with a light voltage and only increase it if your cat is not responding. The voltage running through the mat is activated when your cat touches it. Your cat will receive a slight shock to warn her to get off the furniture. If this doesn’t work, increase the voltage so your cat will take the warning and stay off the couch. After your cat learns to stay off you can turn the voltage off and just keep the mat on the couch as a visible reminder.  Your veterinarian Webster, NY may even suggest removing the mat once it looks like your cat has learned her lesson.

Caring for a cat who tends to scratch a lot

You have a cat in your life who loves you very much and needs to scratch in order to keep her claws in great shape. This makes you wonder – how can you help her do this?

Some cats will need to scratch more than others, so you will need to take note of your pet’s needs as well as where she tends to scratch. This means taking the time to seek out places for your pet to scratch that will appeal to her. She may want to scratch vertical surfaces like the traditional scratching post or horizontal surfaces like a scratching mat. She may also prefer certain types of surfaces to others as well. Make a point to place these items in areas where your pet will be able to easily find and utilize them. For additional information, please contact your vet clinic local Westminster, MD .