It’s important to remember that there are some canine and feline illnesses that science still has no explanation for. In many cases, there simply wasn’t anything you could do different to protect your pet’s health.
Cats spend an average of 2/3 of every day sleeping. Female cats tend to be right pawed, while male cats are more likely to be left pawed. Both humans and cats have identical regions in their brains that are responsible for emotions.
Tying up, or exertional rhabdomyolsis (ER), is a serious condition in which a horse's muscle tissue breaks down. It often strikes after a sudden increase in horse's workload, and manifests as a stiff gait, soreness, and cramping.
Do you know how to introduce tooth brushings to your dog? First, it’s important to get him or her used to the idea of his or her mouth being handled. Massage his or her lips with your finger for 30 to 60 seconds once or twice a day for a few weeks. Then, move on to his or her teeth and gums.
The history of veterinary science goes back to ancient Mesopotamia, where, in 3,000 BC, a man named Urlugaledinna dedicated himself to animal care. In fact, Urlugaledinna was so adept at saving and healing ill or injured animals that he became famous for it.
If your horse’s teeth have developed sharp points, at some point they will need to be floated. Floating is a dental procedure that removes these points so his or her normal chewing patterns can be restored to prevent ulcers, bit discomfort, and to allow for proper nutritional intake.
Do you know how your pet’s stem cells can help them? Adult stem cells are capable of dividing into many different cell types, making them usable as a treatment for joint injuries, ligament and tendon damage, and fractured bones.
Upper respiratory illnesses are fairly common in cats, as these are similar to a common cold for them. The good news is that indoor cats seldom get this, and instead, it is usually free-roaming cats who have been exposed who come down with it. Sneezing, coughing, and even a fever are tell-tale signs of illness.
For most people, it’s important to have a good relationship and a feeling of complete trust with their veterinarian. If you are choosing a vet, talk to pet owners you trust for recommendations. Visit the office and talk to the vet. It shouldn’t take look to get a feeling for whether you and the vet are a match or not.
As your cat ages, its sense of smell deteriorates, which tends to make food less appealing. Heating your cat's food in the microwave for a few seconds can make the food's odors more pungent and stimulate your cat's appetite.
It's fairly easy for your horse to get sores and cuts that can then make it virtually impossible for the animal to grind feed. That can create nutrition issues that can become serious if not addressed.
Pets can suffer from sunburn, too, even though they're covered in fur. Look for a sunscreen that doesn't contain zinc oxide (Desitin) or salicylates (aspirin), because these can be toxic to your pet. Try not to allow your pet outside during the most intense times of the day, from 10am to 3pm.
Have you ever wondered how high your cat can jump? Folk wisdom says a cat can jump six times its length, or more than eight feet. Is that true? Measure your cat's next high jump to see if you've adopted an Olympic feline athlete.
Horses generally look forward to being exercised. If your horse suddenly seems reluctant to work, he may be trying to tell you something. Let our veterinarians examine your horse and diagnose any problems early on.
Puppies are born blind, deaf, and toothless. The first sense that they develop is touch. A dog’s entire body, including their paws, is covered with touch sensitive nerve endings. They can also hear sounds four times farther away than a human can.
Compared to dogs and humans, cats have extraordinary hearing because they are able to hear ultrasonic sounds. Rodents use these sounds to communicate with each other, and while cats are able to hear them, dogs and humans cannot.
Being familiar with possible mouth problems will help you know when there might be a problem with your pet. For example, periodontal disease is a painful infection between the tooth and the gum that can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Signs are loose teeth, bad breath, tooth pain, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
Just like people, pets function best when they have checkups and preventative care as well as treatment when they are ill. It's a good idea to schedule a regular checkup at least once a year to make sure everything's functioning properly and head off any problems before they become major concerns.
Did you know that your cat is born with just two fewer teeth than dogs, but the dog ends up with many more adult teeth than cats? Dogs have 28 baby teeth, while cats have 26. Dogs will end up with 42 permanent teeth, while cats will have 30.
While it’s not the most glamorous bird fact, do you know that almost all species of psittacines can, and will, regurgitate to their favorite person? In the wild, this behavior is reserved for the bird mate that they breed with, plus for feeding their offspring.
Did you know that dogs only sweat from the bottom of their feet? This is why they pant so heavily, it is the best way for them to discharge some heat and cool down.
The Egyptians were the first people to domesticate cats after realizing how much value they had in their abilities to hunt and scare of vermin that were infiltrating their farms. Cats have remained popular for this reason all throughout history.
Your pet’s dental hygiene is extremely important. We can show you what products to use and how to brush your pet’s teeth at home. However, there are treats and toys that help keep teeth and gums healthy and regular checkups can catch the beginnings of plaque buildup before it becomes too serious.
Have you ever wondered why the person who doesn’t like cats sometimes draws the attention of your feline friend? Because cats prefer interacting with humans who don’t make eye contact, the one person not interested in the cat just might be the cat’s best friend.
Obesity isn’t just for humans -- dogs can get overweight as well. Talk to your vet about the best way to keep your dog in shape, including adequate exercise, limited treats, and the best food for your breed.
Catnip is a common additive in cat toys because it is known to cause excitement in cats. This is because the plant has a chemical that is very similar to chemicals in dominant female cats’ urine.
Dogs and cats have a different proportion of rods and cones in their eyes than humans. This is why they see a much less vivid representation of the colors most humans perceive.
Did you know that a cat's tail is a good indicator of its mood? If the tail is quivering near you, your cat is in a very good loving mood. If your cat's tail is thrashing, your cat is in a very irritable mood.
Cats refusing to use the litter box can be a behavior problem or a health issue. If clean litter and additional boxes don’t fix the issue, bring your cat in for a checkup to make sure it isn’t a symptom of a bigger problem.
Do you have a new puppy? Hopefully, you have chosen a completely healthy animal and will enjoy a lifetime of fun. But it is crucial to bring your puppy to a veterinarian to check on its health and to make sure that your new best friend has all of its immunizations.
Spaying or neutering your rabbit is a good way to keep it healthy and avoid behavioral problems. Neutered rabbits are less territorial and will not be prone to marking territory and spayed females have lower rates of cancer.
Fighting like cats and dogs? On the contrary: cats and dogs can in fact get along. According to Animal Planet, tranquility in a multi-pet household is best achieved if the cat is under 6 months old and the dog is under 1 year old when the two are introduced.
Vomiting is one of the most common ailments cats are treated for. If it’s just a one-time occurrence, however, it could just be that your cat ate something that disagreed with it.
Seek a vet’s advice when choosing a pet. Ask them to do a pre-purchase examination before you lose your heart to a particular animal. Animals adopted from reputable rescues will have already been vet checked.
Necrotic pulp is pulp that has been exposed for a long time. This occurs mostly in dogs when they experience a dental fracture that, through time and lack of treatment, has become a tooth abscess or periapical granuloma. If your pet has this, then he or she will require endodontic treatment, which may include a root canal.
Bear in mind that horses are long-lived, averaging from 20 to 25 years. As with humans, preventive medicine is the most effective; make sure your horse has regular physical examinations and proper dental care.
As your cat matures, he can lose some of his sense of taste, which may lead him to lose weight. You can help by feeding a highly aromatic diet, and warming the food a little so that it's more attractive to your cat.
If your pet has accidentally gotten into your medication. then call animal poison control immediately and then get him in to see the vet as soon as possible. Each year, thousands of pets accidentally consume medications that prove fatal.
Working with your vet to find the most effective treatment for your pet is essential- but it becomes even more important the more serious the disorder being treated is. Even if there is no cure, it is possible that a holistic vet may have a plan that can offer at least some relief and extra time.
Did you know that owning a cat can be good for your health? Owning a cat can reduce your risk of a heart attack by 40 percent, as well as helping reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Did you know that the Andean and California Condors are the largest flying land birds in the world? These black, majestic birds have a wing span as wide as ten feet, and the male Condor commonly weighs more than 30 pounds.
Will standing on wet ground alone increase a horse’s risk for developing thrush? Not always. Thrush is caused by bacteria and fungi, and wet conditions by themselves will not necessarily lead to thrush – however, standing in wet, dirty environments can.
As a bird's metabolism is naturally high, it is very important that it eats well on daily. Even one off day can indicate a problem, and in this case, it is best to make an appointment with an avian vet right away.
It’s important to have your household pets regularly checked for parasites. Fleas are the most prevalent of all the parasites and can pose serious health issues over the long term, including heart disease and infection.
Which purebred dog is the smartest? According to the American Kennel Club, the smartest dog is the Border Collie, followed by the Poodle and the German Shepherd. Rounding out the top 5 are the Golden Retriever and the Doberman Pinscher.
It's important to keep potentially harmful plants, foods, or medicines away from your cat. But if something toxic is ingested, make sure you know how to respond quickly. Call your veterinarian's emergency number or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
We understand that putting your pet on certain medications can be a difficult decision because of the potential for organ damage. Let’s discuss the holistic alternatives that may not put your pet’s health in further peril.
Exotic pets often require special techniques and sometimes even special tools to be treated effectively. If your vet doesn’t have them, your pet’s treatment could be either impossible or at least greatly delayed. Not what you want to hear when your pet is ill.
The best way to prevent colic is to feed your horse a proper diet and make sure that he always clean water available. Avoid sudden changes to the diet, and make sure he's de-wormed regularly, as recommended by your veterinarian.
The Greek word for cat is “ailuro,” so a person who loves cats is called an ailurophile. On the other end of that is ailurophobia or fear of cats. Famous ailurophobes include Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Henry II.
Lameness in a horse can be very difficult to diagnose without the proper training. Without knowing the source of the lameness, any treatment will likely be incorrect and ineffective.
As with humans, vaccinations are recommended for all cats. Whether you keep your cat inside or let your pet go outside, vaccinations keep your furry friend safe from a variety of viruses and diseases, from rhinotracheitis to rabies.
Lameness in a horse can be very difficult to diagnose without the proper training. Without knowing the source of the lameness, any treatment will likely be incorrect and ineffective.
Learning your pet’s individual personality can be the best way to know when they really need to see the vet in order to get well. Let’s talk about the most common behavioral changes to be on the lookout for and what they can mean.
No one likes to see their pet scared or in pain, but remember to stay calm and objective during your visit to the veterinarian. Some procedures, like blood draws and taking temperatures, can cause discomfort to your pet, but won't actually harm them when done correctly.
As with humans, vaccinations are recommended for all cats. Whether you keep your cat inside or let your pet go outside, vaccinations keep your furry friend safe from a variety of viruses and diseases, from rhinotracheitis to rabies.
You can prevent dental disease in your dog or cat. Regular vet check-ups and dental cleanings will go a long way in preventing other health issues from developing. Bacteria that is in the mouth can get into your pet’s blood stream through something as simple as a broken tooth. This bacteria then gets carried around throughout your pet’s body and can damage organs.
No matter how close we are to our cats, they're not people. Many foods and medicines that people take on a regular basis are poisonous or harmful to cats. If you have any doubt about what you're giving or feeding your cat, ask us.
Learning your pet’s individual personality can be the best way to know when they really need to see the vet in order to get well. Let’s talk about the most common behavioral changes to be on the lookout for and what they can mean.
No one likes to see their pet scared or in pain, but remember to stay calm and objective during your visit to the veterinarian. Some procedures, like blood draws and taking temperatures, can cause discomfort to your pet, but won't actually harm them when done correctly.
As with humans, vaccinations are recommended for all cats. Whether you keep your cat inside or let your pet go outside, vaccinations keep your furry friend safe from a variety of viruses and diseases, from rhinotracheitis to rabies.
