Feeding Senior Pets

Dogs are generally considered to be in their senior years when they are about 7-12 years of age. Large canine breeds enter the golden years earlier than smaller breeds of dogs. As for cats, they are considered to be seniors when they are about 10 years of age. Considering that they have entered a new lifestage, there is a need to switch to an appropriate diet to help keep them happy and healthy. Distinct body changes soon take place as they enter their senior years. Their metabolic rate decreases which is due in part to an overall decrease in the lean body mass as their body fat increases. This is one reason why senior pets tend to gain weight even if they are consuming the same quantity of food just a few years back. Your pet’s diet is just one of the important topics that you should discuss with your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD during your pet’s wellness check.

Heartworm Testing In Dogs

Experts recommend heartworm testing for dogs during late spring or early summer. It is during this time of the year when mosquitoes are very active and are able to transmit the organism that causes heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis. There are 3 developmental stages in the lifecycle of heartworms - adults, microfilariae, and larvae. The adults live in the pulmonary artery and the heart while the microfilariae are present in the peripheral blood. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, they can pick up the microfilariae which eventually mature to stage 3 larvae inside the body of the mosquito. This maturation usually takes about 3 weeks during warmer weather. When the infected mosquito feeds on a susceptible dog, it injects the stage 3 larvae. Inside the body of the dog, it will take 6-7 months for the stage 3 larvae to mature into adult worms. Before a dog is placed on heartworm preventatives, they should undergo testing for heartworm. Ask your veterinarians Oconomowoc, WI about the best way to protect your pet against heartworm disease. 

Why your pocket pet needs plenty of exercise

You have a pocket pet in your life and you want her to enjoy herself day in and day out. This makes you want to find ways to help make this happen, and she seems to get excited to move about. Does she really enjoy exercising that much?

Your pocket pet is likely made to move, as her wild counterparts can cover a lot of ground in one day. Most pocket pets will need quite a bit of exercise in order to stay healthy and this means that their bodies will crave movement. You will find that their playtime activities tend to involve exercise as it can feel good to roam about freely. This is why it’s so important for them to get time outside of their enclosures each day as they will need to get moving. Your local McHenry, IL veterinarian can help you care for the pets in your home.

Vomiting In Cats And Dogs

While mild and isolated cases of vomiting are not really much of a concern, severe or persistent bouts of vomiting need to be checked out by a veterinarian. There is a very long list of potential causes of vomiting. On top of the list are a dietary indiscretion, sudden changes in the diet, heavy parasite load, poisoning, a side effect to medication, infections, food intolerance, and a whole lot of other issues. Because there are so many potential reasons, a visit to your vet clinic is highly recommended, especially in serious cases. But if your pet appears active and alert with only occasion vomiting, the problem may resolve on its own but be sure to monitor your pet closely. After each vomiting episode, offer water in small amounts frequently to encourage your pet to drink. Food is best withheld for several hours after an episode. When there are vomiting and diarrhea, veterinary attention should be sought immediately because the animal may be at risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Certain health issues may cause chronic vomiting and a visit to your veterinarians Ellicott City, MD can help identify the underlying cause so the appropriate treatment can be given.

Does My Senior Cat need Diapers All Day?

If your senior kitty has incontinence issues that are sporadic or he cannot control his urination at all then yes he should wear the diapers all day. However, it shouldn’t be the same diaper. You should change your cat’s diaper every couple of hours if he is soaked. If you use a feminine panty liner in the diaper then he can go longer as it will soak in the urine and keep your cat dry. A fresh diaper will help your cat feel fresh and confident as well. Whether we realize it or not, senior cat’s wearing diapers may have moments of sadness or depression related to his age or the diaper. Keeping him changed gives you opportunities to love on him constantly and keep him dry. Use washable diapers and simply wash them in a free and clear detergent. Talk to your vets Salem, VA for more tips.

Panting In Cats

While it occurs very rarely, panting in cats often indicates an underlying serious problem. The most common causes of panting in cats include exposure to extreme heat, extreme stress or anxiety, experiencing severe pain, respiratory problems, allergies, or heart problems in which respiratory distress is a consequent symptom. Other important causes of panting in cats include asthma, heartworm disease, respiratory infection, and neurologic disorders. Unlike dogs, cats don’t usually pant after exercise. Considering the potential causes of panting in cats, a trip to the veterinarians Norwalk, CA should be considered if your notice your kitty panting, especially if it continues for a considerable length of time. If panting is caused by heat, stress, anxiety, or strenuous activity, it usually resolves once the animal has cooled down and rested. However, if it continues, it may be an important sign of an underlying health issue that needs prompt veterinary attention.

Pain Management Tips For Dogs

There is a wide range of pain management solutions that are used in dogs. While there are pet owners who give human pain medications to their pets, this is not advisable because most of these medications are not safe for use in pets. You should first consult a veterinarian before giving any human medication to your pet. The most common painkillers that are frequently prescribed for pets include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiate painkillers. Drugs that are used for pain medication in pets should only be used under a veterinarian’s supervision because of their potentially serious side effects and drug compatibility reactions. In addition to medications, there are also supportive pain management protocols such as physical therapy, massage, and warm compress. Acupuncture and acupressure have also been shown to give favorable results. There are also glucosamine preparations that can be administered for specific types of pain. You can also ask your veterinarian Roanoke, VA about the latest technology for pain management in pets such stem cell therapy, laser therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy.