Tips To Increase Your Cat’s Water Intake

Without adequate water intake, many cats suffer from low-grade chronic dehydration that can lead to serious health issues, like kidney disease, down the road. Here are some tips to help increase your cat’s water consumption:

• Consider investing in a water fountain specifically designed for cats. Many cats like to have a drink from running or flowing water. Cat water fountains are also designed with filters to remove undesirable tastes and odors that may be present in water.

• Add some flavor to your cat’s drinking water by putting in some low-sodium chicken broth. You can also freeze the broth-water combination for your cat to lick on. Some cats also like ice cubes. While experimenting with various solutions, be sure to have a bowl of fresh clean water that is available and easily accessible to your cat.

• Switch your pet’s kibbles with canned food because it has more moisture. You can also mix in a little warm water into your cat’s canned food to sneak in more water into your kitty. 

Dehydration can have serious complications. Bring your pet to your best animal hospital Plano, TX if he is displaying symptoms of dehydration.

Vestibular Disease In Dogs

Vestibular disease (old dog syndrome) often affects senior dogs. It is characterized by the inflammation of the inner part of the ear which can affect a dog’s sense of balance and direction. This is brought about by the inflammation of the vestibulocochlear nerve which can affect the brain’s ability to regulate balance. The tilting of the head is a dog’s way of trying to remedy the sensation. Vestibulocochlear nerve inflammation can be caused by an infection or in severe cases, a tumor. The good news is, vestibular disease is curable. Early treatment usually leads to full recovery. With appropriate treatment, full recovery is often achieved between 1-3 weeks. 

If your dog is showing symptoms of vestibular disease, a visit to your vet Plano, TX should be made. Your pet will be subjected to a thorough checkup and several tests will also be performed, like urinalysis, x-rays, and blood tests.

Or click this link: https://planotxvets.com/

Is Ethoxyquin Dangerous For Pets?

Ethoxyquin is a preservative that is added to protein meal sources in pet food. It’s a common additive in many fish meal products. It works to prevent rancidity and oxidation of the ingredients. But there have been concerns with ethoxyquin use in pet food. Various health issues have been reported inn pets such as allergies, some forms of cancer, infertility, behavior problems, organ failure, skin and hair coat problems, as well as deformed puppies. In pregnant dogs, studies showed a temporary but significant increase in the liver enzymes of pregnant dogs that are fed with ethoxyquin-containing pet foods. It is for these reasons that the FDA issued a policy for pet food companies to lower ethoxyquin content in their products. But there have been studies in rats that showed ethoxyquin’s protective action of the liver against cancer in rats that are fed aflatoxin. It’s a type of fungus that is a common contaminant of pet foods and can cause serious illness and death. 

If you have concerns about your pet’s food and diet, do speak with your veterinarian Frisco, TX. Schedule an appointment today!

Health Issues Of Havanese Dogs

Like other canine breeds, havanese dogs have the potential to develop certain hereditary health issues. These include Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, eye problems, deafness, luxating patella, hypothyroidism, and heart issues.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease generally affects small dog breeds. It is characterized by an inadequate supply to the femur head, causing it to degenerate.

• Patellar luxation occurs when the knee cap pops out of its normal position. The problem may be mild to severe which may require surgery.

• A common eye problem in Havanese dogs is cataract. Affected dogs have an opacity in the lens of their eyes that interfere with proper vision. Surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

• Puppies of the breed may be screened for congenital deafness using the BAER test. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for dogs that have the affliction.

If your dog has been diagnosed with a specific health issue, do sit down with your veterinarian Frisco, TX to talk about treatment options that are available for your pet.

Helping your cat feel loved

Your cat is a big part of your life and you want her to feel as comfortable in your home as she possibly can. This means taking the time to think about what you can do to help her feel included and well-cared for.

Your feline friend needs to become a part of your family, so try to involve her in your daily activities. This may be as simple as meeting her needs, adding in some playtime, and then petting her while you relax with her on the couch. You could talk to her while you go about your daily chores and take the time to periodically interact with her throughout the day as well. Your attention and consistent care will help her know that she is valued in your household. Your local pet clinic Jacksonville, FL can offer additional suggestions. Make an appointment today!

Keeping your dog in your backyard

Your dog is a big part of your life and you want to make sure you are able to offer her plenty of love and attention in order to make the most of her time in your care. How can you make sure she is able to spend time outside while still staying in your backyard?

Your dog needs to be aware of the boundaries of your property so she can stay within them. Some dogs will be able to stay within these parameters with some training and plenty of supervision, while others will need physical reminders. Barriers, like a fence, can really help her stay safely engaged with activities in your backyard, so be sure to offer her plenty to do within this space so she isn’t looking elsewhere for interesting things to check out. For additional information, please contact your local vet Jacksonville FL

Watch Out for Snow Balls on Your Cat’s Feet

As winter starts to wind down there may still be a few more snow showers here and there. This may not be a problem for people, but don’t forget that your cat and other pets may find the snow a little difficult to walk through. Snow this time of year tends to be damper and can cause snow to buildup on your cat’s feet. These snow balls may form on the bottom of the paw pads, in between the paws/nails and up on the leg. They are more bothersome than painful. However, the snow that builds up on the paw pads and between the paws and nails could be cause discomfort. Make sure you keep an eye on your cat and help clear the snow balls or wipe your cat’s feet to rid the built up snow. It’s not necessary for your cat to wear snow shoes just check her feet routinely. For more tips, call your vet Fort Collins CO.