Ear Mites in Cats

Did you know that ear mites are responsible for about 50% of ear problems in cats? Yes, these pesky parasites are very contagious, which means they can easily be passed from one cat to the next. Cats with ear mites tend to frequently scratch and shake their heads. There may also be buildup of thick wax and there may be dark debris from the cat’s ears. Cats that are constantly scratching their ears and shaking their heads should be checked out by the veterinarian because without proper intervention, there may be loss of hair and the skin around the ears may become irritated, paving the way for secondary skin infection. Although there are many products that claims it can be used to treat ear mites in cats, it is recommended that you bring your pet to your veterinarian Marietta, GA so a safe and effective medication can be given. Take note that cats can be extremely sensitive to certain medications.    

Cat Coats in the House

Does your cat spend a lot of time outdoors during the colder months? If so, you may have him or her wearing a coat for an extra layer of protection from the elements. Be careful that your cat doesn’t leave the yard wearing the coat. The coat could get stuck or hung up if your cat goes wandering in the woods, etc. When your cat comes indoors you may want to remove the coat. If your home is on the warm and toasty side definitely remove the coat. If you like your home a little cooler or you just warm part of the house then leave the coat on. You can place your hand between your cat’s fur and the coat to see if she’s too warm. Breeds that may need a coat include the Manx, Siamese, the Sphynx, etc. For more tips and suggestions, consult with your veterinarian Crown Point, IN. 

Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone To Joint Problems?

Most experts believe that a dog’s size and weight is an important predisposing factor of joint problems. The bigger and heavier a dog is, the higher chances it will have of developing joint problems. However, there are certain joint problems that are specific for certain breeds of dogs. Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to elbow dysplasia, while Rottweilers suffer from more knee and ankle problems. Newfoundland’s have also been shown to have the highest number of cases of cruciate ligament problems of all canine breeds. Breeding for specific traits has also paved the way for more undesirable traits, such as joint and bone problems. Joint problems can be treated in two ways -- surgical and non-surgical treatments. The surgical route may range from a simple arthroscopic cleaning to total replacement of the joint. Non-surgical treatment involves management of the dog’s weight and body condition as well as medications. You should work closely with your veterinarians Roanoke, VA in managing your pet’s joint problems. 

Ways to Keep Your Cat Warm in the Winter

When the colder months approach it’s a good idea to bring your outdoor cat indoors. If you don’t want your cat inside the house, set up a place for in the garage, porch, basement or other area where she will be out of the weather and any cold drafts. You may want to set up a corner for her in a room where you can place a litter box, blankets and a few toys along with a water bowl and food. Make sure she’s away from heater vents as these could be too warm. If your cat doesn’t have a very thick coat (i.e. a Manx, Siamese, etc.) consider having her wear a coat for extra warmth especially if she goes outdoors for a short time. Sweaters are not recommended since a cat’s claws could get stuck in them. Talk with your veterinarian Castle Hills, TX for more tips.

When to Report Possible Cat Abuse

If you suspect that a cat is not being cared for properly such as not being fed or even being beaten you should report the cat and owner to the local humane society or animal shelter. You may even call the police. You shouldn’t approach the owner unless you know the owner. Even then you should be polite and non-accusing. You may find the cat is ill which could explain its malnourished appearance. It’s hard to tell when to call and report possible abuse in case you’re wrong. But if you continually see a cat that looks underfed or beaten up don’t ignore your gut instinct. Report it to the authorities. It’s better to report it then to let it go in case the cat is suffering. Don’t investigate yourself. Let the professionals do it. You could also ask your veterinarians Bolingbrook, IL for his advice.

Questions to Ask at Your Ferret’s Vet Appointment

When you take your ferret in for his routine exam, plan to take a list of questions with you as well. This is your time to ask the vet any questions you may have about your ferret’s health, habits and routine. For instance, ask the vet if your ferret’s weight is on target or if your ferret needs to lose or gain weight. Tell your vet what you feed your ferret for meals and snacks to make sure it’s OK. Tell your vet how much you feed your ferret and how often. If there’s a correlation between what your ferret eats and his weight your vet can tell you and help you change the diet. Make sure your ferret is drinking enough water. If your ferret has any odd habits now is the time to mention them. Take advantage of your appointment with your veterinarian Cherry Hill, NJ by finding out all you need to know for ferret care.

How to Dress your Cat for a Walk in the Snow

Does your cat like to go on walks? If so, make sure you dress her appropriately for a walk in the snow. First, you and your cat should both wear some type of reflective or bright clothing and gear so that you don’t blend in with the snow. If it’s snowing you may want your cat to wear a rain coat to protect against the wet snow. If the snow is soft you will most likely have no problem walking in it. For icy pathways though your cat may need paw protectors to give her traction on the ice and to protect her paws from any chemicals used on the sidewalks to treat the ice. If it’s super cold your cat may need a blanket. Maine Coon’s are pretty well covered in their own fur but a Siamese may be cold because of her thin coat. For more tips and suggestions, give your veterinarians Hyattsville, MD a call.