External Parasites Of Cats

Cats can harbor external parasites that feed off their blood or body tissues. Some of these parasites can be transmitted from pets to people and can thrive inside the home and outdoors. The most common external parasites of cats are ticks, fleas, mites, and lice.

Ticks

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites and are important carriers of disease such as Lyme disease and Ehrlichia.

Fleas

Fleas have well-developed jointed legs that enable them to jump several feet so they can easily transfer from one vulnerable host to the next. They are very prolific and lay eggs everywhere. Some pets are extremely sensitive to flea bites because of an allergen that is present in flea saliva. A single flea bite or two can make them suffer intense itching.

Mites

There are different types of mites that can affect cats. There are the skin mites that cause skin irritation, itching, and hair loss, and there are the ear mites.

Lice

A heavy louse population can cause anemia especially in pets with compromised immune systems and also in kittens.

Work with your Murrieta, CA vet in creating a preventive program that will be beneficial for your pet.

Aggressive Behavior In Cats

Although cats have been domesticated for a very long time, they have been known to display instinctive behaviors when subjected to stress or during social interactions. Unfortunately, these behaviors lean more on the aggressive side considering that cats are natural predators. A cat’s aggressive tendencies should be nipped in the bud before they can become deeply rooted. There are various factors that can trigger displays of aggressive behavior in cats. These include the following:

Status-related aggression

Cats are naturally inclined to form a social hierarchy in the household. This is common in multi-cat households. The most dominant cats occupy the highest rungs of the social ladder while the more submissive ones are on the lower rungs.

Play aggression

Have you noticed your cat playing? You will surely notice that they move as if they are hunting and stalking prey.

Consult your veterinarians Murrieta, CA if you have problems with your cat’s behavior.

Arthritis In Dogs

Arthritis is quite common in larger breeds of dogs and those that are overweight or obese. Affected dogs have inflamed joints and suffer from pain, mobility problems, and poor flexibilitry. In dogs, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. The joints that are mainly affected include the elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, and the vertebral column. Arthritis can develop as a primary condition or it can be secondary trauma, hip dysplasia, or other issues. There is also a type of arthritis that can cause severe deterioration of the bone and cartilage; it’s called rheumatoid arthritis and is caused by a defect in the dog’s immune system. Septic arthritis occurs when a joint has an infection caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi. Work with your veterinarians Murrieta, CA in managing your pet’s arthritis symptoms.

Symptoms Of Chocolate Toxicity In Dogs

The symptoms displayed by dogs that have eaten chocolate will depend to a large extent on the type of chocolate and the amount consumed. In general, consuming small quantities may not lead to any symptoms of toxicity. The toxic substances in chocolate, caffeine, and theobromine stimulate the nervous system and even with mild chocolate intoxication, a dog can appear agitated and excited. Other common symptoms of chocolate intoxication include panting, nervousness, and pacing. The dog may tremble or have exaggerated responses to external stimuli. Dark chocolate or unsweetened Baker’s chocolate contain higher quantities of caffeine and theobromine compared to white chocolate or milk chocolate. Ingesting large quantities of toxic substances can lead to severe signs such as seizures, urinary incontinence, coma, and even death. When it comes to chocolate toxicity, small dogs are at greater risk compared to large dogs because they can easily be poisoned with even small amounts of chocolate.

If your dog has had access to any type of chocolate, call your Edison Park, FL vet clinic immediately. Don’t wait for toxic signs to appear for it may be too late to save your pet.

Best Ways to Get Your Dog to Take a Pill

If you’re having trouble getting your dog to take a pill then you may want to try a couple of the following suggestions. First, try wrapping the pill in cheese or bread. If this doesn’t work, try placing peanut butter all over the pill. Dogs tend to swallow when it’s just peanut butter instead of sorting it out in their mouth and spitting out the pill like they do with bread or cheese. You can also purchase pill pockets from the store and place the pill in the pill pocket. These pill pockets are basically dog treats with a hole in the middle where you can place the pill. You can also try placing the pill in an apple slice or a dog treat you already have. If all else fails, gently open your dog’s mouth and push the pull on the back of the tongue. Hold your dog’s mouth closed and slightly upward so he will swallow. Call your Green Bay, WI vet clinic for more tips.

What to look for in a pet sitter

You have a pet in your life who loves you dearly and you think of her as an important member of your family. How can you make sure she is getting the attention and care she deserves when you can’t offer it to her yourself?

Your pet needs you to make sure you are able to understand her needs thoroughly and communicate them to another individual who can look after her in your absence. This will mean finding an individual you trust that is available during these times and offering him the opportunity to interact with your pet a bit. You want to make sure your pet is comfortable with the arrangement, so make sure to pay attention to how at ease she is with a potential caregiver prior to officially choosing one. Your local vet Orangevale, CA can help you offer your pet a wonderful place to call home.

How Long Does A Dog Sleep Each Day?

Did you know that puppies and senior dogs can sleep up to 16-18 hours a day? Puppies need all the energy they can get to meet the demands for growth and development, while senior pets are slowing down and suffering from age-related issues, like arthritis or joint pains. Another important reason why dogs seem contented to sleep all day is the lifestyle that they have as pets. With their basic needs provided to them, they don’t have much else to do. They don’t need to be always active or on guard for potential predators, find mates, walk far and wide to hunt for prey, etc. When neutered, their drive to reproduce is gone. Thus, there is a need to provide lots of opportunities for physical and mental stimulation.

Since there are also health issues that may be the underlying cause of your pet’s behavior, it is recommended that you bring your pet to your animal hospital Norwalk, CA for a checkup.