Caring for a shy feline friend

You have a cat in your life who needs to be able to enjoy her time in your care and you know that she will need to be able to comfortable in your home for this to happen. How can you care for a shy feline friend?

Looking after a cat who is on the shy side tends to bring up a few specific challenges. You will need to be very vigilant with a pet like this, as her needs may be a bit more difficult to recognize. It’s also important to get to know her personality and determine how you can help her feel safe and secure by your side so she will be able to come out and interact with you on terms she can accept. Your local vet Dunn, NC can help you offer your pet a wonderful place to call home.

Heartworm In Dogs

Heartworm disease affects both cats and dogs, but primarily dogs. It is caused by the mosquito-borne parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis. The adult heartworms dwell in the right chamber of the heart and major blood vessels that connect the heart and lungs. The presence of the worms has a negative impact on heart function and lung capacity. Heartworm infection can cause death in pets.

Some cats and dogs that carry heartworms don’t show any clinical symptoms, making them asymptomatic carriers. If clinical signs are manifested, the problem is already well-advanced and is more difficult and challenging to treat. Affected pets may have a chronic cough, have poor tolerance to exercise and in rare occasions, sudden death may occur.

Prevention is very important than treatment when it comes to protecting your pet against infection. Talk to your vet Ellicott City, MD about the best way to protect your pet against heartworms. Learn more here.

Feeding Pet Chinchillas

In their natural habitats in the South American Andes Mountains, chinchillas eat grass, tree barks, and other types of low-growing plants. Their diet is rich in fiber and calcium which promotes healthy teeth and bones.

In order to meet their dietary needs as pet, there is a need to mimic their natural diet. Thus, pet chinchillas thrive with good quality Timothy hay that should be available at all times. Provide fresh fruit and veg as treats or snacks, however, do give them in moderation because the high moisture content of these foods can increase the risk of bloating, diarrhea, or colic. Complete the diet by feeding a moderate amount of chinchilla pellets. If available, pelleted forms are better than the mixed formula because chins are likely to pick out only the tasty parts and leave other stuff behind which can lead to a poor diet.

Know more about your pet’s dietary needs by consulting your vet Columbia, MD .

Your Cat and Milk

Most people think that a cat drinking a saucer of milk is an idyllic image. Your cat will nurse her mother’s milk but once she is weaned, she should get enough vitamins and minerals from her food. Thus there isn’t a need to supplement her diet with milk or other dairy products. Cow’s milk can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or stomach cramping since many cats are lactose intolerant. Your cat may be able to handle milk without any issues. You may find it nearly impossible to keep your cat away from milk because she just loves it. If you feed your cat a balanced diet, any extras, including milk, will throw off this balance. Thus it is best to avoid giving your cat milk and other dairy products. If you must give your cat milk as a treat, give her very small quantities. Learn more from your veterinary clinic Newmarket, ON.

Are Rabbits Territorial?

Like most pets, rabbits can be territorial at times. Rabbits may feel threatened by the other rabbit and even lash out in an attempt to keep his home safe. If your rabbit is used to being on his own and then another one is added he may also be territorial when it comes to food. Your rabbit is used to his routine and his food bowl. When another rabbit is introduced he may fight to protect that food bowl and push the other rabbit away. If your rabbit is on his own and is territorial with you then you need to address it. If he lashes out for food, hold the food back until he calms down. Feed at the same time every day so he won’t think he has to fight for it. Talk to your veterinarian Marion, IA for more tips on how to recognize and address territorial habits in your rabbit.

Picking Up Your Dog

You need to learn how to pick up your dog without injuring him. Wait until he is calm and won’t wiggle away unless there is an emergency. To pick up a small dog, start place one hand under his chest as you support his rear end with the other hand and forearm. If your dog is larger, use your entire arm rather than just the hands to lift him from underneath. Avoiding injuring your back by bending your knees to lift your dog and pick him up if you can manage his weight. You can better support your dog by holding him close to your body. Never pick up your dog by a limb, his tailor the scruff of his neck. Don’t pick up your dog as you would a small child by his front legs. You could injure your dog using these methods. Contact your vet Newmarket, ON to learn more.

Bumblefoot In Pet Rabbits

Bumblefoot is technically called ulcerative pododermatitis. The condition is characterized by a skin infection that commonly affects the rabbit’s feet (back) and hocks. Because of the location and symptoms that are manifested, bumblefoot is also called “sore hocks”.  

Without proper medical intervention, the infection can penetrate deeper into the tissues of the skin where it can be filled with pus and there is severe inflammation. When this happens,  serious complications can set in such as  swelling of the tissues of the joint (synovitis) which can progress to infection of the bone marrow (osteomyelitis). Death of bone tissues and breakdown of bones can occur when there is loss of blood supply to the bones. 

There are many potential causes of ulcerative pododermatitis. These include the following:

• Pressure sores
• Excess friction and exposure to constant moisture
• Exposure to urine, feces, soiled litter
• Obesity
• Excessive feet thumping

Sudden changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior should be checked out by a veterinarian London, ON veterinarian sooner rather than later o click here.