Petting-Induced Aggression In Cats

 

Cats tend to be very sensitive creatures.  Yes, they like cuddling with their owners, but they can only tolerate a specific level of tactile stimulation.  Too much stimulation can incite aggression, and this is something cat owners have to be aware of.  Your cat could like being cuddled and being pet for now, but after reaching her max tolerance, you will see signs before ultimately swipes or nips at your fingers.  Therefore, if you wish to cuddle with your kitty cat, be conscious and alert for specific changes in her body language, like ears flickering, tail lashing, skin twitching, a low growling sound, and ears laid flat upon her head.  Your cat could also change her position with no warning, stop purring, or perhaps even glare at you.  If you see any of these signs, stop petting her and move back slowly.

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior and/or health, make an appointment with your animal clinic Washington DC.

Dog Flu

Dog flu, or canine influenza, is an illness brought about by a virus of the influenza A-type.  It is a highly transmissible illness and dogs have a high probability of getting infected through direct contact with an infected dog.  There are other transmission vectors like exposure to surfaces and objects that are contaminated, secretions from the nose that get released when infected dogs cough, bark, or sneeze, and by persons who have had contact with a dog that is infected, and then moves over to a dog that is uninfected without taking steps to sanitize.

Dog flu symptoms are very similar to kennel cough (or infectious tracheobronchitis) symptoms.  Afflicted dogs have a cough that is very persistent, and there could be a fever, and thick discharge coming from the nose.  The infected dog could also seem lethargic and have some kind of discharge coming from the eyes.  The illness can have varying degrees of severity ranging from severe to mild.  It is also possible for some infected dogs not to display symptoms of the disease at all, but are very much contagious.

Dog flu patients usually recover after two to three weeks, but then there are some dogs that have resulting secondary infections, leading to pneumonia, thereby exacerbating the seriousness of the issue.  

Consult your vet clinic Washington DC about the best way to protect your pet from dog flu and other important health issues.

Does My Cat Absolutely Require A Booster Vaccination?

 

In your kitten’s first twelve months of being alive, she is to be administered the supposedly called ‘core’ vaccines for her protection against certain contagious illnesses that are critical and fatal. Before, it was thought that the vaccinations administered in that first year should be boosted with annual additional shots to keep the protection active. However, recent study evidence says that not every vaccine needs to get boosted annually. In addition, it cannot be proven that yearly booster shots are a benefit to all cats. To make sure that your pet cat’s protection against a certain illness is still active, your veterinarian could perform tests on her blood, measuring the levels of antibodies (antibody titer), determining if your pet needs a booster shot. One thing about these tests on antibody titer is that they tend to be more costly than the booster shots. It could stress out your pet cat too. Then, there is the possibility that high antibody levels do not necessarily mean that your pet is protected enough if exposed to a more potent mutation of the illness.

Seek the expertise of your vet Columbia, MD should any concerns and/or questions regarding vaccines cross your mind. Click their site and make an appointment.

Possible Causes of Seizures in Golden Hamsters

 

Over the course of its lifetime, some hamsters like the Golden hamster may experience seizure activity. If you own a Golden hamster you may want to talk to your vet about the possibility of seizures. Most hamsters will not present abrupt or strong outward symptoms like convulsions or fits. Instead, you may see your hamster tilting his head, walking in circles, having trouble walking, or falling on his back. If this occurs, call your vet right away. In most cases, a hamster may go into seizures of minor convulsions as a result of diabetes, brain injury, brain defects, poisoning, stroke, or even an inner ear infection. The inner ear, especially, is what helps control your hamster’s balance. If the inner ear is infected you will notice your hamster having extreme difficulty walking around. Click here to contact your animal hospital Marion, IA and learn more about possible seizure causes in hamsters like the Golden hamster.

Things to Know About the American Bobtail

 

The American Bobtail is one of the most domesticated cats. He may look like a cat ready to pounce on his prey, but in reality he’s quite loving, affectionate, and docile. He’s particularly fond of humans and loves to be handled. He also enjoys some independent time as well. Originating in the 1960s the American Bobtail is a fairly new breed that is in high demand. This particular feline is incredible smart and easy to train. His remarkable sense of being part of the human family makes him an excellent companion for people of all ages. The American Bobtail is known for his naturally bobbed tail, which can be anywhere from one to four inches in length. They have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If you are interested in bringing an American Bobtail home to your family, check local shelters or call your vets Mesa, AZ for assistance.

What to Know About the American Bobtail

 

Looking for a loving feline companion? If so, you may want to check out the American Bobtail. This breed is known for its unique bobbed tail that occurs naturally. The tail is usually between one and four inches in length. It is a genetic mutation and is not docked as in other breeds or in dogs. The American Bobtail is also known for its loyal, loving, and playful personality. It is unique in that it is the only domesticated cat not to have any set pattern, coat length or color. The American Bobtail can literally come in any shape or size. These particular cats have a lifespan ranging between 15 and 20 years. They are adaptable to just about any type of environment and are a fairly healthy breed. If this sounds like the cat for you, consult with your vets Roanoke VA for more information.

Heartworm Transmission in Himalayan Cats

 

Heartworm disease in cats is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes. A heartworm in a Himalayan cat is capable of invading the heart, lungs and blood vessels. The disease can cause permanent damage to the lungs and other main organs if it is not caught in the early stages. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquitoes. Adult female heartworms produce baby worms that circulate in the bloodstream. The mosquito picks up these baby worms when it sucks the blood from the infected cat. It takes 10 to 14 days for the baby worms to enter the infective stage. Once the mosquito bites another cat, it deposits the larvae into the cat. It can take 6 months for the babies to mature and they can live two to three years. There is no definite cure for heartworms in felines. Click to learn more or call your pet clinic Middletown, DE.