Do’s And Don’ts To Feeding Pumpkin To Cats

Pumpkin offers valuable nutrients to cats. It is also a good source of fiber which can help promote the health and function of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Before offering pumpkin to your cat, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do feed the following to your cat

l  Pumpkin seeds -- these can be given fresh to cat after the seeds have been cleaned and roasted for about 350F for an hour. Don’t add any salt or spices to the pumpkin seeds. Grind the pumpkin seeds before mixing them to cat food.

l  Canned pumpkin -- Make sure that the product is 100% pumpkin without any spices, additives, artificial colors, fillers, sugar, etc.

l  Fresh pumpkin -- Bake fresh pumpkin until soft. The seeds should be removed and the pumpkin allowed to cool before giving to your cat.

Don’t feed the following to your cat

l  Pumpkin skin -- because it may not be digested well and the cat may suffer from digestive upsets

l  Pumpkin stem -- it’s prickly and may not sit well with the digestive tract.

l  Raw pumpkin

l  Canned or fresh pumpkin or pie that has been added with fillers, spices, sugar, artificial coloring, and preservatives.

l  Jack-O-Lantern that has been left outdoors -- These are viable spots for growth of molds and/or bacteria that can cause illness to cats.

Symptoms of digestive upsets should warrant an appointment with your pet clinic Mt. Airy MD immediately.

Misunderstood Pitbulls

Pitbulls are one of the most misunderstaood canine breeds. But do you know they are actually affectionate and loyal dogs? In fact, they were once called as “nanny dogs” because they are very gentle around kids. It’s the negative media coverage that is painting pit bulls in a negative light. Yes, these dogs are strong and can be stubborn, but with proper training and a strong alpha leader, these dogs make great pets and buddies.

As to the question, “are pit bulls dangerous’?, a quick answer is no. A pit bull that receives proper training, neutered, socialized, and properly raised will be just like any dog breed out there. People should be aware of the fact that any dog has the potential to be a threat in the wrong situation.

Your vet clinic MT. Airy MD is a valuable source of information about your pet’s health and behavior.

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.