How to Manage Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Did you know that hypothyroidism can occur in dogs much like the way it occurs in people? If you notice that your dog is lethargic, gaining weight irregularly, become weak, losing hear, zoning out as if in a mental fog, etc. then call your vet to schedule an appointment. Your dog may have hypothyroidism which is clinically called Thyroid Hormone Deficiency due to the lack of T3 and T4 hormones produced in the dog’s body. The lack of hormones causes the metabolism to slow which causes the symptoms listed above. In order to treat this, your vet will need to run tests and identify the underlying cause. The cause will then be treated to help treat the hypothyroidism. Treatment may also be given in the form of medication or synthetic hormones. Your Michigan City, IN veterinary clinic may recommend a change in diet to reduce fat intake. Daily medication therapy may also be required. Visit this website for more information.

Poodles

Are you familiar with the poodle breed? When the poodle canine comes to mind do you think of small dog, tea cup size dogs, large dogs or somewhere in between? None of these are wrong. The poodle actually comes in a variety of sizes. The original poodle came from Europe and was first bred as a hunting dog. The name comes from the German phrase for puddles of water because breeders bred poodles and water retrievers to get their hunting dogs. The poodle was raised to be a working dog unlike today’s poodles which are often seen as fancy dogs that may not like to get their paws dirty. Today the poodle comes in different sizes as well including the toy poodle, miniature poodle, and standard size poodle. They love to run, play and may have a little ‘hunting’ gene in them. For more information on this breed, call your veterinary clinic Sugar Land, Tx or click here.

Secondhand Smoke and Your Cat

The dangers of secondhand smoke are well known. It is equally dangerous to your cat so if she is in a smoky home she is at an increased risk of respiratory issues and even some cancers. If she is an indoor cat, she is exposed to tobacco toxins at all times. She will also absorb toxins through her feet and body from any surfaces where smoke has settled. And your cat will ingest toxins while grooming herself or companion cats. Thus, the safest thing for your cat is to keep your home free of smoke. If this is impossible, air out your home frequently. Thoroughly wash all surfaces your cat frequents especially fabrics such as the carpeting, your bedding or your cat’s bed. Empty ashtrays promptly so your cat doesn’t use the butts as toys to bat around or eat them. Contact your vet Portage, MI to learn more.

Treating Diabetes In Cats

Cats that are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (insulin diabetes) will have an individual response to therapy. The treatment regimen for diabetes cases in cats is based to a large extent on the severity of the symptoms and whether the cat has other health issues that could complicate the treatment regimen.

Some cats may already be seriously ill when they are first diagnosed, so they will require intensive treatment and hospitalization for several days until the blood sugar levels are regulated and stable.

Oral medication and/or a high-fiber diet may be indicated for cats that are stable when diagnosed with diabetes.

Insulin injections are generally necessary for most cats diagnosed with diabetes to keep their blood glucose well-regulated. There is a need to establish the amount of insulin that will be given based on the cat’s weight and response to treatment.

Work closely with your veterinarian Washington DC in managing your pet’s symptoms.

Gerbil food basics

You have a wonderful gerbil in your life and you want to make sure you are able to offer her a happy life filled with healthy habits. How can you make sure she is eating the best food she can?

Your job as a pet owner is to try your best to understand your pet’s needs and then to go out of your way to meet them. This means taking the time to determine what your gerbil needs for nutrients and then matching these up with foods that can offer them to her. This will also mean making sure you are offering her a reasonable amount of food at each sitting in addition to keeping things within her range of preferences. Your local vet clinic Fort Collins, CO can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.

Why pocket pets have become so popular

You have noticed that a lot of people you know have pocket pets in their lives. Why have they become so popular?

Pocket pets have become popular pet options because they offer their owners the chance to interact with a furry friend without a lot of the stressors that keep other options from being chosen. They stay within their enclosures unless they are brought out to interact, they are relatively quiet, and many of them are small enough to be housed in apartment settings. This opens them up to a variety of households. They can also form relationships with their caretakers, which can be very appealing to potential pet owners. Their cuteness and curious natures have won over a lot of different people, and it shows in how often they are now found in home settings. For more information, please contact your local veterinarian Fort Collins, CO.

Mange Mites In Dogs

There are several species of mange mites that infect dogs. Some normally reside in the skin and hair follicles of dogs, while others don’t. When conditions are right, such as the presence of a health issue or a compromised immune system, mites living in the dog’s body can reproduce and multiply causing mild to severe skin infections.

There are 2 types of mange that commonly affects dogs – demodectic mange (Demodex canis) and sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabei). Sarcoptic mange causes canine scabies and is easily transferred between dogs. As for demodectic mange, there are 3 types that have been identified in dogs – the localized form which is confined to a certain spot or two, generalized form which affects a larger part of the dog’s skin, and demodectic pododermatitis which is confined to the foot and is often accompanied by secondary bacterial infections.

Any sign of skin problem should be checked out by a vet Washington DC.