Feline flea prevention

Your cat needs you to help her stay flea-free so she can be comfortable day in and day out. This means that you will need to find the right way to prevent fleas from being comfortable on her. How can you do this?

There are a lot of flea prevention products on the market, so you will need to seek out one that will work for your pet as well as your family. Your pet needs an item that is safe, works well, and isn’t too cumbersome to utilize on a regular basis. You will need to find a prevention method that you are comfortable applying to your pet at the suggested frequency, keeps fleas off your pet and out of your home, and works with your pet care budget. For additional information, please contact your local Ashburn, VA veterinarian.

Buttercups and American Curls

Did you know that there are a variety of flowers that cats like the American Curl can play with and even eat? Likewise, there are also several types of flowers that are toxic and can hurt your cat if he plays with them or even eats them. Your vet can provide a list of both safe and toxic plants. On the list of toxic plants you may be surprised to find the Buttercup. This is a beautiful flower and is often used to decorate homes inside and outside. However, it’s deadly for cats. If your cat eats this plant, he may start to vomit, develop diarrhea, appear depressed, lose his appetite, become anorexic, develop hyper-salivation and even a wobbly gait. If your cat has any of these symptoms and you have this particular flower in or around your home, please call your Crown Point, IN veterinarian right away. Learn more here.

What are the Signs of Hypothyroidism in Dogs like the American Water Spaniel?

Hypothyroidism is a common illness that most often occurs in medium to large size dogs like the American Water Spaniel. It generally affects dogs between the ages of 4 and 10 years old and most often occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce needed T4 and T3 hormones. Without these hormones, your pup is unable to maintain a healthy metabolism. Symptoms associated with hypothyroidism often include lethargy, weight gain, weakness, hair loss or poor hair growth, mental or brain fog, skin infections that don’t heal well, seizures and even infertility. If your dog has any of these signs, notify your vet right away. He will need to see your dog to run tests and make an accurate diagnosis. These symptoms don’t always point to hypothyroidism. Only your vet can tell you whether the illness is the cause or not. For more information, consult with your Crown Point, IN veterinary clinic.

Dealing Withthe Smell of Cat Urine

Guests maybe quite sure there is a cat in the house because of a distinct cat urine odor. Household members may have become desensitized to it and they can no longer smell all but the most pungent odors. The biggest cause of bad cat odors is the litter box. To reduce odor, scoop the litter box daily. Completely change the litter about once every three weeks or more often if needed. Placing a room deodorizer near the litter box can help keep the room air fresh. There may be other odors caused by remnants of urine in places where your cat peed outside the litter box. Clean up the urine since it will become more concentrated over time. Commercial cleaners formulated for pet odors may neutralize the odor or you can try vinegar or baking soda. You may need to repeat the treatment or even replace your carpets if the odor is very strong. Learn more from your Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic.

Protecting Your Cat from Spiders

Your cat can become very ill if she runs into a dangerous spider. She may not be able to resist the creeping movement of a spider.Thus your cat will pounce and possibly try to eat the spider. The spider could bite your cat too. This is especially dangerous if your cat tussles with a venomous spider. Your cat could experience symptoms of a venomous spider bite such as paralysis, muscle tremors, pain, and trouble breathing. If you see your cat experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Your cat may vomit, or suffer from diarrhea and excessive salivation if she eats a non-venomous spider. It is difficult to identify spiders so seek medical attention if there are any symptoms. Clear away any spiders and their webs in your home. Seal up openings to avoid contact with spiders. Don’t allow your cat play with any spiders. Contact your Roanoke, VA vet to learn more.

Interpreting Your Cat’s Tail Language

Your cat communicates using her body language and vocalizations. You can understand how your cat is feeling by watching her tail. Your cat is happy and may be really happy to see you if she approaches with an upright tail and a relaxed or curious posture. She may also weave in and out of your legs and purr at you. If your cat is interested in what she is looking at, she may become alert and twitch her tail a little. However, she may be irritated and not want to be touched if she swishes and thrashes her tail. An angry cat will fluff up her fur, especially her tail, and she may arch her back. Your cat may be afraid if she keeps her tail down and pins back her ears. Take your cat’s warnings seriously so she doesn’t lash out and scratch or bite you. For more information, contact your Roanoke, VA veterinarian.