FOOD TO AVOID

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-Food To Avoid
Grapes and raisins
Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
Human vitamin supplements containing iron
Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Large amounts of liver
Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
Marijuana
Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
Milk and other dairy products
Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Moldy or spoiled food, garbage
Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
Mushrooms
Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)
Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.Pits from peaches and plumsCan cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems
Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock.
Raw eggs
Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw fish
Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Salt
If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
Sugary foods
Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table scraps (in large amounts)
Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Tobacco
Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Yeast dough
Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

WHAT DISEASE SHOULD YOUR DOG BY VACCINATED AGAINST ?

Adapted from
http://www.healthypets.in/
Todays Tips-What disease should your Dog by Vaccinated against?
There Eight important Disease your dog should be vaccinated against.These are Canine Distemper,Infectious canine Hepatitis,Canine parvovirus infection,rabies,Leptospirosis and the three most common causes of Kennel namely Canine adenovirusis,Canine parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

WHAT TREATMENT IS USED FOR KENNEL COUGH?WHAT CAUSES IT?

Adapted From
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-What Causes Kennel Cough & What Treatment is used for it?
Kennel cough can be caused by a number of different airborne bacteria and viruses. If your dog is diagnosed with kennel cough, your veterinarian will likely prescribe an antibiotic to help prevent any secondary bacterial infection and a cough.

HOW COMMON DOES HEPATITIS OCCUR IN DOGS & IS IT SERIOUS?

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-How common does infectious hepatitis occur in dogs and is it serious?
The infection with the canine adenovirus type 1 is commonplace. The infection is most common in dogs that are unvaccinated. Some dogs only show signs in which a slight fever is detected while others die suddenly, having shown few, if any, signs beforehand. The infection with the canine adenovirus type 1 is commonplace. The infection is most common in dogs that are unvaccinated. Some dogs only show signs in which a slight fever is detected while others die suddenly, having shown few, if any, signs beforehand.

WHAT OTHER DOG DISEASE COME WITH OLD AGE?

Adapted from
http://www.healthypets.in/
Todays Tips-What other dog disease come with old age?
Kidney failure, progressive thickening and distortion of the mitral valve of the heart, bacterial infections of the urine, enlargement of the prostate gland in males, periodontal disease, degeneration of the cartilage lining the joints, slipped discs (Dachshunds account for about 70% of these cases), obesity, constipation, urinary and/or fecal incontinence.

Is parvovirus infection a killer illness?

Adapted From
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-Is parvovirus infection a killer illness?

Parvo is a major life-threatening disease in dogs, although it is not as fatal as it was when if first showed up in dogs in the late 70's. Aggressive treatment for parvo has shown to have a high success rate in infected dogs. Parvo is responsible for two distinct disease syndromes: the most common is an enteritis seen in dogs from weaning onwards, and the other is a heart condition of young pups.

IF YOUR DOG KEEPS SHAKING HIS HEAD DOES IT MEAN THER IS ANYTHING WRONG?

Adapted From
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips- If Your dog keep shaking his head does it mean there is anything wrong
Yes, almost certainly the external ear canal of one or both of his ears is severely inflamed, a condition known as otitis externa. Ear mites is another culprit and will cause your dog to to considerable head shaking and ear scratching. Foreign bodies in the ear canal can be responsible for ear irritation also. To identify and treat the cause the dog should be examined by your veterinarian.

HOW SHOULD DEAL WITH HEAT STROKE IN DOGS

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays tips-How should deal with heat stroke in dogs
Immediately apply cold water to the dog's skin. If the animal is unconscious, it can be carefully placed in a cold bath or a small pool. Usually, there is an obvious improvement within five to ten minutes. Make sure you don't lower the dog's body temperature too much. If you have a rectal thermometer (and if you don't it is a good idea to get one) use it to determine your dogs temperature. When the dog's temperature has fallen to 102.5 F it is wise to stop the treatment. A dog's normal body temperature is around 101.5 F. Dry the dog and let it rest in a cool place with plenty of drinking water. If your dog's temperature begins to rise again....get the animal to your veterinarian.

ARE FLEA COLLAR SAFE FOR DOGS TO WEAR

Adapted From
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips- Are Flea collar safe for dogs to wear
Flea collars are not designed to eliminate a heavy infestation of fleas, they are useful chiefly to control mild infestations. A tightly applied flea collar can produce a zone of acute inflammation around the neck of some dogs and in a few allergic individuals it will also cause dermatitis elsewhere on the body. If your dog develops signs of neck irritation, especially in the first week, or poisoning from the collar (e.g. depression, vomiting, diarrhea, and staggering) remove the collar immediately.

What are the two important microscopic mange mites which afflict dogs?

Adapted From
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-What are the two important microscopic mange mites which afflict dog
Sarcoptes scabiei canis is the cause of canine scabies, other wise called sarcoptic mange, a highly contagious disease spread between animals by direct contact. Demodex canis is the cause of Demodectic mange which occurs in some of the hair follicles of almost all dogs. It is believed that some animals develop an immunity to the mites which restricts their spread, but where this does not develop the mites proliferate causing inflammation and hair loss starting at an early age.

DOG SOMETIMES EATS HIS OWN FECES WHICH IS HARMFUL BUT THERE IS A WAY TO STOP IT

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-Dog sometimes eat his own feces which is harmful
Coprophagia is a behavior problem and can be harmful if your dog eats other dog's feces which could infect your dog with parasites and various infections. Plus, the act is very disgusting. The best way to stop it is to not let your dog have access to the feces. You will need to remove the feces immediately after the dog defecates. You can also leash walk you pet, and move away from the feces as quickly as possible after your pet defecates. You can then reward your pet for good behavior with a tasty treat. Give your pet a wide variety of appropriate objects to chew and spend more time playing with or exercising him/her.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTONS OF RINGWORM IN A DOG

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips- Symptons of ringworm in a dog
The skin lesions that appear with Ringworm are vary, and do not necessarily form a ring. There will be hair loss, usually in small patches at first. Later the patches may disappear or appear at other locations on the skin. You may notice your dog scratching.

IS IT TRUE THAT DISTEMPER OCCURS ONLY IN YOUNG DOGS?

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips -Is It true that distemper occurs only in young dogs

No, although it is true that this age group is primarily effected. Dogs under a year old account for 80% of clinical cases and those under two years for 90%. Any dog or any age that is not vaccinated against distemper or has a weakened immunity is at risk of contracting this deadly disease

Adapted From www.healthypets.com

Today's Topic : How to Guide on Spoiling Your Pet Rotten

Your pet doesn't need to be a superstar to get spoiled. Just like celebrity pets your superstar deserves the best! However, unlike the stars there are plenty of ways you can spoil your pet without emptying your pocketbook. Celebrity pets are known for looking their best and always being in fashion. Take Paris Hilton and her dog, Tinkerbell. This dog is always in fashion, being carried around with the hottest and trendiest dog collars and accessories. Other celebrity pets such as Anna Kournkikovas dog Genie is the talk of the litter. After being featured in the new Canon camera ad this is one dog that knows what it means to be spoiled. Other celebrities such as Adam Sandlers dog, MaztoBall, play an important roll during special occasions such as weddings, often being fitted with custom outfits. However, your pet doesn't need to a celebrity to be treated like one. There are pleanty of ways you can make your pet feel like the star they are! If you want to treat your pet like a celebrity there are 8 must have items. Below is everything your VIP (very important pet) should have!

Your precious pet deserves a warm- comfortable place to sleep and what could be better that bringing home a SLEEP Bed by Otis and Claude! These beds come in a contemporary design that stylish to leave in any room. Perfect for dogs or cats, these beds come in colors that any pet can appreciate and with the reversible cotton cushion these cushions will go with any decor.


What's a bed without a home? If you have a cat that loves his privacy then the CLIMB by Otis and Claude is a must. Otis and Claude has created the first modular kitty condo that's both conventional and stylish. The CLIMB has perfectly placed holes top to bottom that are ideal for climbing. The convenient stackable feature allows you to adjust the height and configuration to keep your cat happy and your storing easy.

Otis and Claude CLIMB is the first modular kitty condo that you won't want to hide in the closet. Not only does the Otis and Claude CLIMB allow your pets to survey lift from way up high but your pets can also hide, scratch and peek to their hearts content.
Perfectly place holes for climbing from top to bottom
Great color combinations; looks great in any room
Stackable for flexible configurations and easy storage
Fully Exterior Cotton Fabric; your kitty will love digging into it!

Every pampered pet should good even if he or she will be staying inside. Styling products such as Bamboo Grooming & Nail Care keeps your pet looking good all the time. These products are perfect for filing and clipping nails, removing thick winter coats and general grooming. Use the Bamboo FurBuster De- Shedding Tool as an all in one tool to take care of your grooming needs. With this tool in hand your pet will always look like a star.

When you're done freshening up your pet, give them a bath that won't make them run and hide. Hair stylist extraordinaire Paul Mitchell has created a line of shampoos and cleansers for the pampered pet in your life. Mitchell Shampoos by John Paul Pet, is your choice for high end salon grooming products. Paul Mitchell carries the products you need to make your dog or cat look his or his best.


Choose from a variety of shampoos including: Oatmeal Shampoo (for your pet with sensitive skin), Tearless Gentle Shampoo and Moisturizing Shampoo. All of the shampoos have matching conditions so you pets skin never looks dull.

If you, a pet owner that's always on the go then you'll love the convenient Waterless Foam Shampoo, Oatmeal Conditioning Spray and Detangling Spray. These products are great if you love to travel with your pet, simply spray and wipe clean with a damp cloth. It's that easy! On the go and need to get your pet looking fresh in a snap? You'll do flips for Paul Mitchell's Full Body and Paw Bath Wipes. With these wipes in tow your pet will feel they're getting the royal treatment.

Here's a tip if you really want to make your pet feel spoiled. For an extra special bath time treat, spoil your pet with a massage that will keep them relaxed and feeling like royalty. They'll thank you for it later!

Bring out the beauty in your pets' eyes by using Angels' Eyes. Angels' Eyes is the first product specifically developed for both dogs and cats to remove tear stains from the inside out. The supplement can also be used to eliminate staining around the mouth & coats due to licking. Angels Eyes is a must have for every pet.

When it comes to grooming your pet it's important that they not only good but that they have great dental hygiene. Just because you have a dog, doesn't mean you love their doggy breath. Keep your pet's mouth feeling fresh and smelling clean with products such as Ora-Clens from Pet Health Solutions and Tooth and Gum Wipes from Paul Mitchell. Make sure your pet is clean to the nines by using Ear and Eye Wipes. Specially formulated, these wipes are designed to help remove tear stains and matter that accumulates around your pets' eyes. Use this to keep your pet looking his or her best. After a nice bath nothing is better than making sure you smell great all day long. To make your pet feel special bring home "Designer" Doggie Colognes. Designer Doggie Colognes are perfect for keeping your pet smelling and feeling fresh between baths. These dog perfumes are 100% safe to use and will make your pet feel the celebrity they are. Designer Doggie Colognes and Perfumes come in irresistible scents like CK-9, Beautifur and Bono Sport.


Before the day is done bring out the sexy beast in your pet by treating them with Sexy Beast Canine Fragrance. This doggy perfume is the perfect combination of bergamont and vanilla- infused musk. What makes this dog perfume extra special is the extraordinary combination of natural patchouli, mandarin and nutmeg oil. One sniff of this perfume and your pet will know what it means to be pampered!


Every pet deserves to have a smooth and shiny coat. Make sure your dog or cat looks like they just got groomed by giving them supplements to help maintain their coat. Supplements such as Derm-Tabs and Alaskan Salmon Oil are a few options. Derm- Tabs (formally Shed Guard), is a tasty chewable tablet that is designed to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat. The supplement is also effective in helping to reduce unwanted shedding. Packed with natural vitamins and minerals Derm-Tabs is the best way to keep your pet's coat looking great all year round.


A unique alternative to supplements and other skin and coat supplements is Alaskan Salmon Oil. When used regularly, salmon oil can help to give your dog or cat a lustrous, shiny coat.


Dog Toy such as The Bettie by Otis and Claude is a great way to give you precious pet a toy that is both hip and fun to play with. The unique three pronged ends are perfect for holding treats. This is one dog toy that any dog and owner can appreciate. Best of all they come in fun colors like Leapin Lavender, Keep Away Kiwi, Old Yeller and more!


If your pup has a "nose" for the finer things in life they will love the Rita Ball. This functional toy is one you won't mind lying around the house. Made of durable, non-toxic rubber this ball will keep any dog entertained for hours! The center core feature allows you to place you pets' favorite treat in the middle. The Rita Ball is perfect all year round, whether it's a sunny day at the beach or a rainy day at home.


For your special kitty give them a toy that will always be a hit. The Original Panic Mouse is a classic toy that will never go out of style. This cat toy changes direction in unpredictable motions, leaving your pet entertained for hours! Winner of the APPMA's Best Cat Toy in 2002, this is one cat toy that your kitty will not be able to resist.


To be really styln' your pet needs some "bling-bling", and we don't just mean any "bling-bling". Charms and Pendants are a unique way of giving your dog or cat that extra sparkle they deserve. These pet charms are sure to make you pet the talk of litter.


Choose the right charm for your dog or cat by picking from an array of styles including: Heart Charms, Bone Charms or a Star Charm. All of the pendants have rhinestones and are made of porcelain. For your extra special pet give them a charm that will let every dog know who they are with the Initial Rhinestone Pendant. Regardless of which charm you choose your pet will look sophisticated and classy.
Add some shimmer to your pets' neck with sparkling collars. Every kitty deserves to have a special "necklace." Puttin' on the Glitz Collars are not only fashionable but practical. The collar comes with plastic, breakaway buckle for safety and conveniently adjusts to fit your pets' neck. This cat collar is defiantly the cats meow!



Treat your precious pooch with a meal fit for royalty! Liver Biscotti is a wonderful way to show your pet how much you love them. The dog treat is full of flavor that will make any dog salivate with hunger. What's great is these treats are small so they're perfect when you want to give your pet an extra special something without over feeding them.

When you're giving your pet a treat, give them one that's not only delicious but nutritious. Joint Treats are the perfect canine treat that contains ingredients such as Glucosamine, Creatine & MSM, all of which are designed to help keep joints healthy. Your dog will give these treats two paws up. Best of all, they'll be eating a treat that's good for them.

For your VIP bring home Kitty Kaviar. Kitty Kaviar will make your cat "purring" for more. Made of all natural fish, this is one cat treat that your pet will never get sick of. The mouth- watering fish- like aroma will entice all felines. Kitty Kaviar is perfect as a meal or when you want to give your pet an extra special meal.



When you need to get away with your pet be sure to do it in style. Just because you're traveling with your pet doesn't mean you can't do it with style. Pet Flys Fashionable Pet Carriers are cute, fun and chic! Pet Flys Carriers are perfect for the dog or cat in your life. The carriers are approved by most airlines for in-cabin pet travel and are perfect for pets on the go! With Pet Flys in hand you'll never have to worry if you dog or cat is comfortable.

The carrier comes with special features such as interchangeable handles, a Peek-a-boo roll up flap, Indestructible wire window, Fur-lined removable hard bottom insert and blankie to snuggle. Pet Flys are easy to clean and completely cool! If you looking to give your pets paw a break, then Pet strollers are the way to go. Designed for helping pets with mobility restrictions, these strollers are a great way to treat your pet to a beautiful day outside with family or friends. With pet strollers being all the rage these days, your pet is sure to be the hippest one around with this in hand.


No pet should be left with out the right clothing. The clothes make the pet! Don't leave your pet out in the cold, bring home Pet Flys "Ready 2 Ride" Pet Apparel. Pet Flys has created designer clothes perfect for any pet! These fashionable clothes will keep your best friend in style all season long. Choose from a variety of styles including sun dresses and wife- beaters.

While it's important that your pet is in style and fashionable it just as important they are flea and tick free. Flea and Tick medications such as Advantage Flea Control for Dogs, Frontline Top Spot, Frontline PLUS, Program Flea and K9 Advantix are great choices. Ensuring that your pet is flea and tick free is the best way to make them feel like a VIP year round.

TOO MUCH BARKING

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays tips -Too Much barking
Barking is the dog's instinctive means of giving a warning and it would be against your interest to discourage it. However, once you have been alerted, your dog should realize that his job is done. So select a word of praise, such as "Good Dog" or "Okay", or command such as "quiet", and give your dog a pat to indicate that he must now be still.
Hysterical barking such as during a thunderstorm, can be treated by reassurance, companionship, distraction, or if all else fails by tranquilizers from your veterinarian. Barking at a strange object can be quickly stopped by showing him that there is nothing to fear.
Barking from boredom or in order to attract attention is best treated by eliminating the cause. If you give your dog plenty of attention and exercise, you can insist on quiet behavior the rest of the time. Obedience training is of great indirect benefit due to the self-discipline it imposes and the mental and physical activity it provides.
Whining, barking, or howling when left alone should not be tolerated. It is easier to prevent in a puppy than it is to correct in an adult dog. However, even a lonely barker can be cured in an afternoon or evening if you arm yourself with patience and whatever acting talent you possess.
You must pretend to leave your dog alone, telling him to "Guard the house", and that you will be "back soon". As soon as your dog starts to bark or howl, you must burst furiously into your home, saying "Bad Dog" or "No!" A single experience may be enough to make it clear to your dog that his barking displeases you.

Adapted from www.healthypets.com

Today's Topic : Ear Infections in Dogs

CANINE: EAR INFECTIONS

Can dogs get ear infections? Yes, ear infections are a common problem in dogs. The ear is divided into three distinct sections, the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear is the part you can see. It includes the ear canal from the earflap, called the pinna, to the eardrum. Bacteria and yeast that are normally present in small numbers cause infections in the outer canal. Floppy eared dogs like cocker spaniels and Labradors, or breeds that have hair naturally growing in the canal, like poodles, are more prone to ear infections. The problem may be seen in any breed though. How do I know if my dog has an ear infection? Odor and signs of pain are the two most common symptoms of an ear infection. A dog will shake it's head or rub it's ears on the furniture. If you look in the ear you will see a yellow or dark discharge. The skin is often bright red or even bleeding. Is an ear infection the same as ear mites? No, ear mites are microscopic insects that bite the animal and feed on it's blood. Ear mites cause a great deal of itching and leave a crusty black material in the ear canal that is actually dried blood. Ear mites are not as common in dogs as they are in cats. Puppies are at greater risk for developing ear mite infections. How do I know which kind of infection my pet has? Ear infections are a serious, potentially chronic health problem that needs to be seen by your veterinarian. By collecting the material inside the ear and looking at it under the microscope, your veterinarian can determine if the problem is due to mites, bacteria, or yeast. Bacterial infections often require culture and sensitivity testing to determine what kind of antibiotics will control the infection. Another possibility is that the infection is secondary to a tumor in the ear canal. This may require aggressive surgery to treat. How will my veterinarian treat an ear infection? The treatment options depend on the results of the examination and laboratory results. After examining the ear canal with an otoscope, the veterinarian may take a sample for cytology and culturing. The cornerstone of any treatment involves cleaning the ear thoroughly. In cases where the animal is in pain the veterinarian might recommend anesthetizing the pet. After the ear has been cleaned, an appropriate antibiotic or anti-yeast agent is placed in the ear. Some cases will also require oral medications. Your veterinarian may also check for other underlying causes for the ear infection. For example some pets may have a thyroid condition. Allergy is still another cause of chronic ear infections. Is the prognosis good? Yes, after making an accurate diagnosis, and selecting the proper method of treatment, most cases of otitis externa can be cured. The important point to remember is that the problem can easily reoccur if the inciting conditions are not resolved. A little prevention goes a long way in managing ear problems. Your veterinarian can recommend effective cleaning solutions and ointments to help keep your pet comfortable and happy. Are there ever cases that can't be cured? Yes, sometimes there are underlying anatomic conditions that keep the treatment from working. For example, if the canal is too narrow, or the cartilage becomes mineralized due to long term inflammation. In this case surgery is usually indicated. The procedures range from doing a lateral resection, which involves removing about one half of the external canal, to a total ablation, which involves removing the outer and middle ear. These are aggressive procedures that may be necessary in very bad cases. How do I clean my pet's ears? Start with a good quality ear cleaning solution. Your veterinarian can provide this for you. Never use water or hydrogen peroxide. Other home solutions may be used if recommended by your veterinarian. It may be necessary to have someone help you. First, lift the earflap and fill the canal as if it were a funnel. Then massage the canal to work the debris loose. Take a tissue and wipe the canal as deep as your finger can reach without forcing. Repeat the entire procedure until the solution you pick up on the tissue is free of wax and debris from the ear. Never use ear cleaners or place any thing smaller than your finger in the ear. This may damage the eardrum, and only serves to pack the wax deeper into the canal. Consider using a muzzle to prevent the dog from biting during the ear cleaning procedure. The animal may display discomfort or resist having the ears cleaned. If this happens, stop immediately and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have the ears flushed.

WHAT IS SARCOPTIC MANAGE?DEMODECTIC MANAGE?

Adapted From
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-What is sarcoptic manage and demodectic manage?
Sarcoptic mange is commonly known as scabies and is caused by an external parasite that burrows deep into the skin. It is vary contagious. Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite called Demodex canis. These mites naturally live inside hair follicles and only cause problems in some dogs. Demodectic mange is not contagious.

What happens to the dog if he/she has frostbite?

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-what happens to the dog if he/she has forstbite


Frostbite is dangerous because it normally goes unnoticed beneath fur. It affects ears, feet, tail, scrotum and mammary glands. After the initial numbness, pain and skin sloughing may occur.

WHAT ARE THE ANAL GLAND OR SACS

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-What are the anal glands or sacs
The anal sacs are two small pouches situated on either side of, and a little below, the anus. They vary in size from a pea to a walnut. A small duct, or tube, leads from each to open at the anus. In their walls are numerous glands producing a secretion (very pungent and unpleasant smelling to us) that is stored in the sacs. When the dog passes a motion some of this liquid is squeezed out of the sacs to be deposited on the stool so that other dogs will be able to identify it.

What is a proper way to give dog a tablet or capsule?

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tip- Proper way to give dog a tablet or Capsule
Often the easiest way a dog will accept a tablet or capsule is to conceal it in a tidbit of meat or cheese. You could also crush the tablet and add it to something appetizing like sardine oil or his favorite can dog food. If this doesn't work then the thing to do is to open the dog's mouth, place the tablet at the back and ensure that it is swallowed.

Adapted from www.healthypets.com

Todays Tip : Kidney Disease in Cats

What Causes Feline Kidney Disease?
There are many potential causes for feline kidney disease. Cats can be born with kidney disorders or the kidneys can become damaged due to trauma, infections, kidney stones, tumors and toxins (such as antifreeze). All of these conditions are life threatening, but not very common. Age related chronic renal failure (CRF) is fairly common. There is no apparent underlying cause for this progressive disease. This condition is the most common cause of death in aged cats. The Importance of Kidneys The kidneys have several important functions. They help clear toxic waste products of protein metabolism from the body, keep electrolytes at normal levels, and control fluid balance to prevent dehydration. They also produce a hormone necessary for the production of red blood cells and are involved in the regulation of calcium and vitamin D. When deterioration of the kidneys occurs, they are not able to function normally Symtoms: In early stages of renal failure the body is able to compensate and symptoms may not be evident. As the disease progresses and imbalances become more severe, symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, dehydration, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, and vomiting may occur. Most signs of kidney disease do not occur until 75% of kidney function is lost. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the state of your cat’s kidney function through blood and urinalysis. In some cases veterinarians may also use x-rays, ultrasound and even kidney biopsies to gain more information about kidney function. Treatment: Chronic renal failure is considered to be an incurable disease. Recently kidney transplantation has become a reality in feline medicine. There are only a handful of veterinary centers in the country able to do kidney transplants. The procedures are very expensive and not all cats with kidney disease are candidates for transplantation. Most cats with CRF will not get transplants and we must regard the disease as a progressive one that cannot be cured, but can managed for months to years with proper veterinary care. One type of therapy your veterinarian may recommend is a change in diet. Several diets are formulated specifically for cats with kidney disease. They differ from other cat foods in that they are lower in protein. There are also adjustments in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. Your veterinarian can advise you on whether this will help your cat. An important part of the treatment for cats with more advanced disease is fluid therapy. Fluids given through an intravenous catheter or subcutaneoulsy (under the skin) help flush out waste products through the kidneys as well as restore hydration and correct certain electrolyte imbalances. This type of treatment does not always require hospitalization. Many cat owners learn to give their cat subcutaneous fluids at home. Depending on what other complications your cat has, your veterinarian may prescribe other medications. These include blood pressure medication, potassium supplements, vitamins, iron, phosphate binders, hormones to correct anemia, and drugs to treat gastrointestinal upsets. Once chronic renal failure is diagnosed your veterinarian will want to follow your cat’s condition with regular check-ups and testing. Your veterinarian will tailor a treatment plan specifically for you and your cat. It is hard to predict how quickly kidney disease will progress, but with early diagnosis and proper care some cats can enjoy a good quality of life for several years. Supplements: Azodyl slow down uremic toxin buildup and to prevent further kidney damage by providing natural Enteric Dialysis.through the use of beneficial bacteria that support kidney function. Epakatin for Dogs and Cats is a new nutritional supplement that safely and effectively supports kidney function. It helps slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease.

FIRST FOR YOUR DOG

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-First for your dog
There may be emergency and non-emergency situations. You should always try to distinguish between the two. Try to keep calm so you can assess whether you need the vet right away, or whether your first aid treatment is adequate for the time being and you can see the vet in the morning, or even not at all. If you can, practice as many of the first aid procedures as possible so you are familiar with them should you ever need to use them for real.Emergency procedureAs far as possible, start first aid treatment while on your way to the vet. For example, if you are trying to control bleeding, start at once but meanwhile get the dog into the car and get someone to drive you to the vet. Continue the treatment while you are traveling there. If there is no possible way you can get to the vet quickly and safely, get someone to phone for the vet whilst you carry on with the first aid treatment.

what are the effects of having your dog neutered

Adapted from

www.healthypets.in

Todays Tips-The effects of having your dog neutered
In the female it is called spaying and means the removal of the uterus and the ovaries and in the male it is called neutering and is the removal of the testicles. In the female the main change is that the typical behaviour shown during 'heat' and its possible sequel-a 'false pregnancy', will not occur. She will not produce a discharge and she will not attract every male dog for miles. Otherwise the female appears unchanged. In the male neutering reduces roaming in about 90% of male dogs, in about two-thirds it stops aggression between males, and in about 50% it stops urine-marking in the house. There is no evidence that neutering/spaying causes a dog to be less active or reduces its prowess as a guard guide. There may be a greater tendency for a neutered animal to gain weight but this can be checked by reducing its food intake. Spayed females may develop urinary incontinence later, either because of the lack of estrogen or because of a change in the position of the bladder. Surveys show that 10% of females become incontinent.

How old should a puppy be when it is first vaccinated?

Adapted from
www.healthypets .in
Todays Tips-How old should a puppy be when it is first vaccinated
Puppies usually lose all maternal antibodies soon after six weeks old, so this would be a good time to start vaccinations. Bordetella can be given at three weeks old and rabies shouldn't be given before three months old. Parvo vaccine should be given at eight weeks.

IF DOG APPEARS NO CONTROL OVER THEIR URINATION WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THIS?

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-If dog appears no control over his urination what could be the cause of this
The involuntary passage of urine producing constant or intermittent dribbling, of which the animal is often unaware, constitutes true urinary incontinence. It needs to be distinguished from conditions in which so much urine is produced that the animals's bladder is unable to retain it for any appreciable period and from dogs that are not adequately house-trained or in which training has broken down, and from submissive urination.