Paw Problems In Dogs -- Fungal And Bacterial Infections

There are bacteria and fungi which are normal inhabitants of a dog’s paw pads. Sometimes, these pathogens can multiply and cause infection when conditions are ideal. In fact, skin infections caused by bacteria and fungi are common in dogs and often affect their paws. A dog with a paw problem may be seen licking and chewing his paws persistently. There may also be swelling, pain, redness, and there may be oozing or pus. The infection usually localizes in the skin between the dog’s toes and other skin folds of the paws. Fungi and bacteria thrive in areas of the skin which is frequently moist. The nails of affected dogs may also have a brown discoloration. The most common types of fungus that cause paw infections are yeast and ringworm. Some infections involving the paws are sequels to allergic reactions. Any problem affecting your pet’s paws should be brought to the attention of a vet Sarasota, FL.

To know more, make an appointment here: https://sarasotaanimalmedical.com/

How Can You Tell If Your Cat’s Scratching Is Stress-Related?

When cats are exposed to stressors, the toll on their bodies will be reflected in their behavior. They are extra-sensitive to sudden changes in their daily routine as well as in their immediate environment. The arrival of a new pet or person in the home, the loss of a favorite human, re-arranging or house renovations, changes in the routine of the humans in the household, and moving to a new home are just some of the stressors that can have a profound effect in cats. So how can you tell if your cat’s scratching behavior is triggered by stress? 

You might notice a sudden increase and intensity in your cat’s scratching, especially on walls, arms and leg of furniture, and other vertical surfaces. Stress-related scratching is usually accompanied by distinct changes in the cat’s behavior such as hiding, potty accidents, excessive grooming, too much meowing, decrease in appetite, and displays of aggressive behavior towards other pets and humans in the household. 

Speak with your vet Sarasota, FL if you have problems and/or concerns with your pet’s health and/or behavior.

Can CBD Oil Be Use For Anxiety In Dogs?

Anxiety in dogs is fueled by behavioral and situational circumstances. Anxiety caused by situational circumstances are more common in dogs. This is triggered by certain activities or situations which are a deviation of what is normal. For example, the arrival of a new pet or person, travel, exposure to loud noises, etc. can cause anxiety in dogs. There are also dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. Being left home alone makes them nervous and anxious, paving the way for the development of undesirable behaviors like soiling, destroying things, excessive barking, and trying to escape. On the other hand, behavioral anxiety tends to be more deeply-rooted compared to situational anxiety. Affected dogs show increased aggression or anxiety. 

Although CBD oil can have positive results on either case of anxiety, using it along cannot fully address behavioral anxiety, because this problem requires medication coupled with professional training. Before using any medication on your pet, it is always recommended to consult your veterinarian Lakewood Ranch, FL. Learn more here: https://sarasotaanimalmedical.com/

Important Issues That Cats May Have With Their Litter Boxes

Litter box issues are among the top reasons why cats stop using their litter boxes and doing their thing somewhere else. Cats are known for being fussy and their high standards extend to their litter boxes. Here are issues that cats may have with their litter boxes:

• They find the litter box dirty and smelly -- A cat’s sense of smell if ultra-sensitive and what’s odorless to you may not pass their standards of cleanliness. Frequent scooping, frequent litter change, and keeping the litter box clean can go a long way in ensuring that your cat uses it.  


• Wrong location of the litter box -- Cats hate any disturbance or distraction when using the litter box, so it’s a good idea to place it in a spot where there is less household traffic. Don’t place the litter box near the cat’s food and water bowls as well as their bed because they don’t want to eliminate close to where they eat or rest.  


• Litter box is too small -- As a rule of thumb, the litter box must be at least 1.5 times longer than the body of your cat.  


• There is not enough boxes for all the cats in the household -- If you have several cats in the household, be sure to allocate one box for each cat plus an extra one. This is the minimum number of litter boxes to have so your furballs won’t feel that there is a lack of places to eliminate in.  


Do contact your vet Lakewood Ranch, FL if you have any questions and/or issues about your pet’s elimination habits.

Dementia and Your Dog

Your dog may display what appears to be signs of dementia as he ages. He may experience cognitive dysfunction, become disoriented, or his senses may show some decline. This is especially evident in his hearing and vision. Dementia may contribute to incontinence, sleep problems, trouble eating and disinterest while exercising or playing. These issues can be attributed to other conditions and diseases. Thus, you shouldn’t assume your dog has dementia before your medical professional checks for underlying health problems. Cognitive changes come gradually for the most part. Mental stimulation and changes in your dog’s diet can sometimes slow down his cognitive decline. Consider using food puzzles so your dog must figure out how to get the food inside. You can keep your dog healthier, both physically and mentally, through exercise and socialization. Be patient with your aging dog and treat him with kindness. Learn more from your vet clinic Cy-Fair.

Cat Dander And Allergies

For many years, it was assumed that the source of allergens in cats were their hair. But now it’s recognized that cat dander is the culprit. The dander’s light weight makes it easier to become airborne and be spread throughout the home. When examined under the microscope, cat dander is composed of dry skin of cats. The particles are about 1/10th of a dust mite’s size. The skin particles are not really the allergen but the factor that they contain which is known as Fed D1.  

Fel D1 is type of protein that is found in the sebaceous skin glands of cats, saliva, and urine. During grooming, the Fel D1 is spread on the cat’s body with their saliva. Studies have shown that Fel D1 production differ in cats. Cats t hat have not been spayed or neutered tend to produce more of the allergen. Intact male cats also produce more of Fel D1 compared to female cats. Some feline breeds also produce less of the allergen than other breeds of cats.  

If your cat suffers from persistent itching, make an appointment with your animal clinic Lakewood Ranch, FL so your pet can be examined and given appropriate treatment.

Causes Of Diabetes In Cats

Diabetes mellitus in cats is a condition that is characterized by the difficulty of the body to create or manage insulin, a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is important for glucose metabolism. It converts sugar into a source of energy for the cells. Any disorder in the metabolism of sugar has a negative impact on the animal’s health and well-being. There are 2 types of diabetes that can affects cats -- Type 1, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes develops when the animal does not produce enough insulin; Type II is characterized by the inability of the cat’s body to process insulin in a correct manner. There are also various factors that can increase a cat’s risk to developing diabetes, such as genetics, being overweight or obese, adverse reaction to certain medications, and certain medical conditions.  

If your pet has been diagnosed with diabetes, ask your veterinarian Leesburg, VA regarding the various treatment options that are available for your pet.