Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Why Is It Bad for Cats to Be Overweight?

 

If your cat is overweight, you may be wondering if it's bad for her.
The answer is yes—being overweight can cause serious health problems in cats.
Obesity in cats is caused by a combination of factors: genetics, lack of exercise,

and overeating. The first two are out of your control, but the third one is not!
There are many ways to prevent your cat from becoming overweight,

including feeding them smaller portions and increasing their exercise routine.


Some of the health issues associated with being overweight include:


  • Diabetes  

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol levels

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease


Signs Your Cat Is Overweight


  • Your cat is sluggish and lethargic

  • Your cat has difficulty grooming itself or maintaining its coat

  • You are having trouble seeing your cat's ribs because the fat covering them is so thick

  • Your cat has trouble jumping onto furniture or climbing stairs

  • Your cat has difficulty breathing 

  • Your cat has a potbelly 

  • Fur missing from your cat's back, sides, or tail 

If you have more questions or wish to schedule Fluffy for a wellness checkup, please don't hesitate to call us, your local pet clinic Cornelius, NC, anytime!

Monday, 16 October 2023

Chew Toys for Chinchillas

 



Chinchillas are lively and inquisitive animals that possess a significant amount of energy..

Providing toys and engaging activities can promote your chinchilla's well-being,

but it is crucial to prioritize safety as well.


Chinchillas, like other rodents, have teeth that continuously grow throughout their lives. It's essential for their dental health to gnaw and chew on things regularly. As a pet owner, you can provide safe chew toys for your chinchilla to fulfill their natural and necessary chewing behavior.


Chinchillas tend to prefer various types of branches for chewing but make sure you choose safe wood, such as willow, apple, poplar, and aspen tree branches. Avoid branches from cherry, citrus fruit trees, redwood, cedar, and other evergreen trees, as they may be harmful to your pet's health. In addition to branches, you can provide untreated wooden toys, which are available in pet stores' small animal or bird sections. Manzanita branches are also a suitable option for chewing, and some chinchillas may also enjoy chewing on pumice stones or mineral blocks.


If you have any concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with an animal hospital LaPorte, IN. Set an appointment here:


Monday, 11 September 2023

What Happens If Worms Go Untreated In Cats?



 Some common effects of untreated worm infection among cats may include

● Malnutrition and weight loss. Worms are parasites, and they rely on your cat for nutrition which leads to malnutrition and weight loss in your cat.

● Damage to the body organs. The heart and lungs are commonly damaged if your cat is infected with heartworms.

● Blockage and damage to the intestines. If the case is severe, worm infection can cause blockage to the GI tract, which can be fatal if not immediately treated.

● Chronic illness. Worm infestations can lead to chronic illness and a decreased quality of life for your cat if left untreated.

It's important to seek treatment from a veterinarian Downey, CA, if you suspect your cat has worms. Treatment typically involves medication targeting the specific type of worm, and hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases. By seeking prompt treatment and taking preventative measures, you can help prevent serious health issues caused by untreated worm infestations in your cat.


Saturday, 9 September 2023

How Hot Is Too Hot For Dogs? Keeping Pets Safe In Heat

 Summer is the season to swim on the beach to alleviate the hot weather. Aside from after yourself during this season, it is also essential to look after your pet. Pets maintain a higher body temperature compared to humans. It is around 100.5 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why they are more prone to heat stroke than humans. Once your pet reaches a body temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit, his life is in danger. This change in body temperature might look subtle and simple, but it is already fatal for pets. Thus, regulating and checking your pet's body temperature is necessary. 



Overheating among dogs might not be physically visible. It might be difficult to tell, especially when you're far from your dog. However, these signs can help you determine when your dog is already overheating:


  • excessive drooling with thicker saliva

  • strong urge to drink water

  • quicker heartbeat

  • rapid panting

  • experiencing breathing difficulty 

  • bright red gums or tongue

  • weakness

  • confusion


A severe heat stroke can cause your dog to suffer from organ failure, seizure, and even death. Once you notice your dog displays any of these symptoms, rush him immediately to veterinary clinic Ada MI.

Friday, 8 September 2023

What Can I Do To Help Relieve Or Prevent Stress In My Cat?

 Most pet owners would only want the best for their pet cat, including a happy, healthy, positive overall condition. However, because life is imperfect, stress and other negative situations may happen to your beloved cat.



If, for some reason, your cat experiences stress and anxiety, there are multiple things that you can do to try to alleviate the negative emotions that she feels inside.


Take a look at some of the tips that you can do to reduce your cat's stress:


●Consult a vet to eliminate any medical issue that may cause stress in your cat.

●Make your cat feel as comfortable as possible by providing her with a nice sleeping area, avoiding making loud noises, limiting guests in the house, etc.

●Never yell or shout at your cat.

●Make sure she is well-fed all the time.


Make an appointment with your veterinary clinic New Orleans, LA if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior.

Bad Associations And Early Training Could Be Causing Your Cat’s Litter Issues

 One of the most important yet challenging parts of being a cat owner is training your cat to use her litter tray to prevent her from creating a mess in your house. While most cats can easily follow litter training instructions, some cats tend to refuse to use their cat litter for several reasons.



Eliminating waste should be a pleasant experience for your cat and her environment must be conducive to pooping or peeing. If this is not the case, this may cause your cat to develop a negative feeling based on her experience, which may then prevent her from using the litter tray moving forward.


Another possible reason why a cat does not prefer using her litter tray is if she is not yet ready to do so. In some cases, cat owners start training their cats early, and unfortunately, if the cat's body is not yet prepared for this activity, it will result in unwanted outcomes.


Persistent litter box issues should warrant an appointment with your veterinary hospital New Orleans, LA to make sure that your pet’s behavior is not caused by an underlying health issue.

Jack Russel Terriers Children And Other Pets

 Always filled with energy and always on the move are the Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs). They’re popularly known as muscular small dogs with a strong prey drive and agility. They were originally developed to be hunting dogs – going after foxes and other small animals. 



Despite their determination and strong will, these pups have a soft side. Yes, that’s right. These pups are affectionate, sweet, and social. They love human interaction or companionship. That’s why they can make good family pets. But these dogs may behave too lively for little kids who don’t know how to behave well. Injuries or accidents may arise when you let your toddlers interact with highly energetic JRTs. Thus, supervise your children when around these dogs. 


JRTs may behave aggressively toward other pups (especially when they come with the same gender). Always remember exposing pups to socialization as early as possible is important. 


Consult your veterinarian New Orleans, LA about the best practices to safeguard your pet’s health and well-being.