How to Determine the Cause of Cat Behaviour Problems

June 30th, 2009



Living with a cat that seems intent on making your life a misery can be very hard. Having a cat that is scratching carpets or furnishings can become very expensive in replacing all those damaged items. Having a cat that refuses to use its litter box can make for a smelly house. Having a cat that is aggressive towards visitors or even other members of the household can be very embarrassing. Don’t despair; even the worst cat behaviour problems can be cured turning your fur ball into the perfect pet cat.

Cats are not spiteful and will not punish you for doing something to them, if they are behaving badly then there is a reason for it. The way to solve cat behaviour problems is by discovering the underlying cause first and then fixing it. There are many possible underlying causes of cat behaviour problems and I am going to discuss a few of the more common ones here.

Possible Cause 1 – Medical Reason

If your cat’s behaviour has changed suddenly from the perfect pet cat into a psycho cat then it could be because of a medical reason. The most common change in behaviour is the avoidance of their litter box. This could be due to a urinary tract infection which makes it painful to pass urine. Your cat will then associate its litter box with pain and will avoid using it and instead find elsewhere. If a cat is in pain then it may also become aggressive and temperamental due to the pain that it is in. If you suspect a medical problem seek medical advice from a veterinarian.

Possible Cause 2 – Environmental Changes

If your cats behaviour has suddenly changed and it is not medical then it could be down to some environment changes. These can be things like moving house, getting another cat, the birth of a new baby. Even a new cat in the neighbourhood can cause cat behaviour problems. The most common change in behaviour for these types of causes are spraying indoors and scratching furnishings. This is a cat’s way of letting the new cats (or baby!) know that this is their territory.

Possible Cause 3 – You Cat is simply the boss!

If your cat has always behaved this way then it is because he feels like your home is his territory and he is the boss of it. This will mean that your cat will be aggressive to anyone that dares to trespass on their territory. Also as he is boss of his territory he can do as he feels within it which includes scratching and toilet areas.

So how do you solve such problems I hear you ask! Well, it’s not necessarily as hard as you may imagine. If you think that the change in behaviour may be due to a medical reason take your cat to the vet and tell them your concerns. In many cases once a cat has had treatment then its behaviour improves almost instantly. If you think that your cat is behaving badly following an environmental change then it’s simply a matter of reassurance and simple retraining techniques. However, if your cat is just ruling the roost then some serious retraining is required to get your cat under control and you back in control of your home. Article source

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How to Stop Biting Cats

June 25th, 2009


Next to litter box misses, biting cats are one of the biggest behavioral problem for their owners. Most cat owners do not understand this behavior among their cats thus they tend to fail to deal with it properly. Many feel that biting the cat back is a good way to discourage this behavior, but usually end up receiving a second bite or a lovely scratch or two in return.

One of the best ways to stop biting cats is to never allow the behavior in the first place. Using your hand or foot as a ‘spider’ or other type of monster while playing with your kitten lets her know that attacking and biting is acceptable. Little teeth become big teeth and a cat who is taught to play this way as a kitten will usually want to play the same game in adulthood. My husband played with our female cat when she was young by rubbing his foot on her stomach until she attacked. Now fully grown, she will still periodically lay on the floor near his foot and bite and scratch it. He yells and I smile sweetly and mention that I told him that it was a bad idea ages ago.

Always be aware of your cat’s body language. If she is laying comfortably on your lap while you are petting her, pay attention to what she is trying to say. When she has had enough or you have touched a sensitive area, she will give warning before the impending bite. Signals will include a flattening of the ears, a flick of the tail and her head will turn towards your hand. When you notice this happening, stop the petting immediately. If you are still unsure, stand up to force her to jump down.

Cats who are stalking pretend prey will also bite. Again, body language will tell you everything. Before attacking, she will crouch down, flatten her ears, her pupils will dilate and she will swish her tail or wiggle her bum. Although this is only her way of honing her skills, the attacks can hurt if you are the target. If you see her preparing to pounce, divert her attention by rolling a toy across the floor or placing a stuffed animal between you and the cat. Allow your cat to wrestle and play with the toy and praise her. Another great cat toy is one that you can pull along the floor and let your kitty run after it.

If your cat does bite your hand, yell “Oww” or “No”. This will usually surprise her and she will let go. Pushing your hand towards her as opposed to pulling it away, as prey would do when trying to escape, is another way to make her let go easier. After you have your hand back, walk away from the cat and ignore her.

By being persistent and always discouraging or redirecting the behavior, biting cats soon quit using you as their main target. Article source

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Treatment for a Dog with Weak Bladder Syndrome

June 25th, 2009



You love your dog. Weak bladder symptoms, like leaking or peeing on the floor can be embarrassing for your dog and can try your patience, making you last out at your dog when it’s not his fault. In this article, you’ll learn how to put a stop to bladder control issues.

Symptoms of a dog with weak bladder problems can include dribbling and/or involuntary leaking of the bladder. Typically this is caused by an infection in the urinary tract or by bladder stones. By maintaining a proper pH in the bladder, you can prevent the formation of stones or crystals and the growth of bacteria (which cause urinary tract infections.)

Treatment for a Dog with Weak Bladder Syndrome

There are three steps to treating a dog that has trouble controlling the bladder. Since food and herbal remedies can control the pH of the bladder and since crystals and infections form when the pH is out of whack, the best course of action is to use food and natural remedies as a means of controlling the pH. Below are the three steps you need to take:

Feed your dog healthy, organic food. Most kibble is full of preservatives, additives and fillers. Don’t take my word for it: instead, read the label on your bag of kibble. A junk food diet of chemicals, animal by-products and the like will not only fail to give your dog the nutrients he needs, it will affect the pH level of the bladder. Feed your dog food that is natural. Although this food will cost more than junk food kibble, your dog will eat less because each morsel will be packed with nutrients.

Give your dog lots of fresh, clean water. Filter your water if you serve your dog tap water because it is full of chemicals. Water helps to flush out toxins.

You take care of your own health: take care of your dog. Weak bladder syndrome is be a sign that your dog is deficient in important nutrients needed to keep the bladder system healthy. A daily supplement that has proven ingredients like Berberis, Uva Ursi and Cantharis will stabilize the pH of the bladder and soothe inflammation. An herbal remedy made of these ingredients is strong enough to stop dog with weak bladder syndrome, yet gentle enough to give every day to dogs who seem to have recurring problems.

Bottom line: you love your dog. Weak bladder syndrome gets in the way of enjoying happy times together, so take care of this condition once and for all by following the simple steps above. Besides getting rid of this embarrassing/nagging problem, you will be improving your dog’s health and immunity overall. Article source

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Dog Cancer Symptoms

June 24th, 2009



If you are concerned about dog cancer symptoms, you’ll want to know the warning signs, so you can get your pet treatment as soon as possible. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death. In this article, you’ll learn common symptoms and their possibilities as well as what to do to keep your pet’s immune system strong.

Dog Cancer Symptoms

Below are a list of warning signs. Since these signs can be indicative of dog cancer and other less serious issues, take your pet to the vet immediately for a conclusive diagnosis.

  • Difficulty urinating, defecating, or blood in stool – this can be a sign of prostate cancer (which is rarely seen in dogs) or it could be something as simple as a digestive issue.
  • Rapid, unexplained weight loss – could be a tumor in the digestive tract.
  • A swollen mass – this could be something benign like a wart or cyst, but could also be dog cancer. A needle biopsy will determine whether the mass is cancerous or benign.
  • An open wound that will not heal – this is not always cancer. It could be an allergy to fleas or ticks or something you are putting on your dog’s coat, like shampoo or tick spray. A staph infection is another possibility.
  • Loss of appetite – this can be caused by a rotten tooth, chronic digestive issues or cancer.
  • Chronic stiffness of the limbs may be a sign of a pulled muscle, arthritis or bone cancer.
  • Foul breath, bleeding gums – could be a sign of dental caries and also dog cancer.

Bottom line: if your pet shows any of these signs, make an appointment for an office visit with your vet. If your dog has cancer, a course of treatment will be prescribed. In the meantime, do all you can to fortify your dog’s immune system. Doing this is simple: feed your pet healthy, organic food (processed kibble is to dogs what junk food is to humans), give your dog lots of water, daily exercise and plenty of love and attention.

In addition, you should also give your dog a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. Look for one that contains the full complement of vitamins and minerals and essential herbs like Mistletoe and Milk Thistle which are full of antioxidants and can assist in the fight against dog cancer symptoms. These herbs also help remove toxins from the body.

Since animals cannot make health decisions, it is up to you to make the best choices for your dog. Paying attention to any changes in your dog’s behavior, habits and mobility can make for an early diagnosis of diseases like dog cancer. Early detection and treatment can be life-saving. Make sure to take preventative measures as well by following the suggestions listed above and by making sure that your dog gets the vitamins, minerals and herbs needed for a long and healthy life. Article source

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Pet Meds – The Advantage of an Online Pet Medication Site

June 23rd, 2009



Do you have a pet dog or cat in your house? Have you always invested your time and money taking care of them the way you take care of your kids or yourself? For sure, you don’t really care much of how much money or time you spent on your fur-covered friend or your very purr-ty tabby or your lovable majestic African grey parrot. You will always try to see to it that you give them the best in the world even for their health’s sake and their welfare. Sometimes, you even go for the jugular by letting them go through under the knife if there is a need. You even carefully choose the best pet medications for them no matter how expensive it going to be. But, pretty soon, you will end up thinking about all of these things when the cost of pet medications will seep through your brain….and your wallet. But there is an alternative answer for your query. Why not try to switch to an online pet pharmacy instead of going to your vet? Is there really a pet medication advantage to it?

Jack thinking about pet meds.

In this very busy, complicated and modern world you’re living in today, you can’t help but accept the fact that nothing getting any cheaper. Even basic services for humans and animals alike are getting very expensive and if you have a pet of your own, you will surely invest your time and money for them, if you do care for them dearly.

If technological breakthroughs and latest discoveries and latest medications for pet are getting quite expensive, how about turning on these technologies themselves and take full advantage of it? Pet medications bought in an online pet pharmacy is the most affordable way to give your pet the best care possible.

Everyone loves their pets and that includes you. They’re fun to be with, their cuddly, their cute and always full of unconditional love. They will give you love no matter what it takes but unfortunately, for some animal-caring humans, giving back the love that these animals bring can be very expensive.

Online pet pharmacies tend to offer discounted pet medications. This will help you save a lot of money and time especially your pet needs quick medical attention. This would be an advantage to those who live in far-away places, far from veterinarians and animal hospitals. If you’re spending hundreds of dollars on pet medications alone, do you think it’s time that you switch to online pet pharmacy?

For sure, as a pet owner, you will always complain that it can be very difficult to find prescription pet medication. But with the advent of the Internet, everything can be done is just a couple of minutes.

You may never know if or when your pet might become sick. When you have quick access to online pet medications, you could save your doggie’s or your tabby’s life.

One of the advantage of availing the services or switching to pet medication sites is that you can get yourself informed for all information regarding pet diseases, the latest medications and even first-aid procedures in real-time and you don’t have to wait for your vet to come around or go out in the middle of the night heading off to his clinic with a dying pet animal in your arms and you wouldn’t want that to happen to you now, would you? So, avail of the pet medication advantage and your pet will surely thank you for it. Article Source

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Possible Side Effects of Pet Medication and How to Overcome Them?

June 23rd, 2009



In these modern days, whenever our pets get to feel ailments, we immediately rush to pet pharmaceuticals to buy pet meds, or if there is still time, we undoubtedly rush him to his veterinarian for a fervent check up. Maybe that is how modern medicine has influenced us in treating any types of illnesses. But have we thought of the possible side effects of pet medications?

Pet medications are known to cure any pet diseases, whether it be serious or not at all. These medicines are introduced to us by experts and have been given to us as prescription medicines whenever we consult the help of pet doctors. However, there are also pet remedies that need not to be bought with prescription. These types of treatments are called generic medicines and have been widely used by pet owners who believe that their pets don’t need to be consulted to any vets at all. These meds can cure and are proven safe though.

We should take note that we could not administer any pet drugs to our beloved pets, unless, if it is prescribed by their vets. This works most to those pets who have unknown allergies yet, since some of these pet meds may contain ingredients that are not good for them. On the contrary, generic pet remedies are called ‘generic’ because they have been proven safe for all. But how sure can we be if it is not still given to our pets as treatment? Basically, the results follow obviously after a thing is done.

Any medication should be taken with a right dosage. You can not just diagnose something to your pet if you are not sure of what the proper amount of medicine should be given to him. One unlikable result due to improper giving of dosage would be over dosage. This one can be a hazard to your pets because if not treated immediately, this can eventually result to death.

Another side effect, if improper dosage is given, is the trigger on allergies and other infections. In most cases, as mentioned above, some animals have these ‘hidden’ allergies. These allergies would just appear when triggered by something that can offend the immune system. So let us be very careful in giving them shots.

Well, there are a lot of side effects of pet medications when excessive dosage has been given. Another one that contributes to any unwanted situations in treating pets is, giving treatments even if you still don’t know what the medicine is made up, or is it apt for his health condition or not.

The best option you could get to avoid hazards in giving not suitable pet meds is to consult the veterinarian. It is our utmost duty as responsible pet owners to submit our pets to their doctors for a regular check up. Pets are just like humans; they still feel illnesses and experience aging. The only difference is that, they can not tell us directly whether they are feeling something bad in their system.

Pet meds are very helpful in easing out the pain our pets experience whenever they have illnesses. Nevertheless, loving our pets means taking care of them heedfully. As these pet remedies can solve any pet health issues, we should inculcate into our minds that no matter how good a medicine is, if improperly administered, possible side effects of pet medications may occur. It is important then to consult or ask the help of veterinarians, and conduct a little research about the medicine too. Be sure to follow all the necessary instructions to avoid casualties. Article Source

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Common Pet Medications

June 23rd, 2009



There are lots of veterinary and pet medication websites to be found on the Internet nowadays, and all claim to be the foremost authority and source for your pet’s needs. Buying medication for your pet is okay, as long as you know exactly what you’re buying and the proper amounts to administer to your pet. Thus, the professional advice of a registered veterinarian is invaluable. The information to be found in this article does not intend to replace the care of a professional; its purpose is to be used as an educational guide to your pet’s medications only.

Adequan
In treating arthritis, injections are given twice a week for 4 weeks for a maximum of eight injections. Injections are given intramuscularly. Dogs, cats, and horses are the usual patients.

Buspirone Hydrochloride
In veterinary medicine, buspirone has been especially helpful in the treatment of phobias (such as fear of thunder, people in uniform, etc.) and in the treatment of urine marking in cats.

Carprofen
Carprofen is a member of the class of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the same class as such common over-the-counter remedies as Advil (ibuprofen), Orudis (ketoprofen), and aspirin. The chief use for such drugs in the dog has been pain relief, usually joint pain or post-surgical pain relief.

Cephalexin
Cephalexin is a good broad spectrum antibiotic, which means it is useful in most common and uncomplicated infections.

Chlorpheniramine Maleate
It’s an antihistamine and it’s used for acute inflammatory and allergic conditions such as snake bites, vaccination reactions, blood transfusion reactions, bee stings and insect bites, and to manage itchy skin.

Clemastine fumarate
Clemastine fumarate is one of the more effective antihistamines albeit relatively expensive. Its efficacy makes it a common first choice for itchy skin. It has found to be helpful in 30% of itchy dogs and 50% of itchy cats.

Diazepam
There are many uses for this medication since it is effective as an anti-anxiety medication, a muscle relaxant, an appetite stimulant, and a seizure control drug.

Diphenhydramine
Most obviously, diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and it’s used for acute inflammatory and allergic conditions such as snake bites, vaccination reactions, blood transfusion reactions, bee stings and insect bites.

Enrofloxacin
This medication may be used in either dogs or cats to combat different types of infections, especially those involving Pseudomonas.

Fenbendazole
In dogs, it is useful against roundworms, hookworms, and the more difficult to treat whipworms.

Griseofulvin
This medication is used to treat ringworm, a fungal infection of the skin involving fungi.

Meclizine hydrochloride
An excellent product for people that can also be used for car-sick pets, meclizine hydrochloride is generally used for nausea relief due to motion sickness.

Metoclopramide
Motility disorders are common and may be chronic or of sudden onset. When motility is reduced in the stomach, food pools there and creates a sensation of nausea and bloating.

Orbifloxacin
Orbifloxacin may be used in dogs and cats to combat different types of infections, especially those involving Pseudomonas. This medication is also active against Staphylococci, and thus is commonly used for skin infections.

Phenobarbital
In dogs and cats, phenobarbital is probably the first choice for seizure suppression. It is effective, safe if used responsibly, and is one of the least expensive medications in all of veterinary practice.

Phenylpropanolamine
Phenylpropanolaminecan be used to help control appetite or as a decongestant, but in veterinary medicine it is used almost exclusively for the control of urinary incontinance in the female dog.

Pyrantel pamoate is effective against numerous parasitic worms, such as roundworms, hookworms, and stomach worms. When a new puppy or kitten is adopted and has been said to have been dewormed, the chances are it is this product that was used.

Ranitidine
Ranitidine is useful in any situation where stomach irritation is an issue and ulceration is a concern.

Terbinafine
Terbinafine has activity against other types of fungi but at this time it is mostly used against ringworm.

Trimethoprim Sulfa
Trimethoprim sulfa is known by many names as it’s a commonly used antibiotic in both human and veterinary medicine. It’s become a popular choice thanks to its broad spectrum and inexpensive cost. Article Source

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The Do´s & Don´ts About Pet Medication

June 22nd, 2009



One way to determine your pets health is by regular visits to a qualified veterinarian. Depending on the situation, some pet medications require administration by a veterinarian while others may be purchased and given by the owner. Always ask questions of your veterinarian and, if needed, take a notebook to jot down some information.

Before administering any pet medication, always confirm a diagnosis with a licensed veterinarian. If the illness is minor, a simple telephone call may suffice. If it is a longstanding or reoccurring issue, then make an appointment to have your pet checked out. A serious problem may not be treatable with only one kind of medicine, but may be properly designated and given by the doctor.

If you are able to medicate your pet yourself, read and follow the manufacturer´s instructions thoroughly. The dosage amount often is decided based on the weight of your pet. Therefore, get a proper assessment of your animal´s weight before administering medication. An overdose may harm your pet while a less than proper dosage may not provide any relief.

Pet medication can be found in a variety of places, including a local department store´s pet food section or a specialty pet store. If none of these are found locally, a veterinarian´s office will likely have an appropriate inventory of pet medications, as do many online pet medication websites. When purchasing any such product, always make sure the medicine is used to treat the condition of your pet and is properly labeled. Do not use old medicine or any that was given to you by a friend or neighbor. Always purchase a fresh product before allowing your pet to consume the contents.

Most medicines are available in a variety of forms, including liquid or pills. If your pet has problems, or is resistant, to pills, hide them in his/her food or purchase the liquid version. Most pet medication is made to smell and taste good to the animal, so there shouldn´t be much resistance to the product. If your pet will absolutely not take the medicine, search for another brand and return the first product to the original store.

If finances are tight and pet care becomes too much for you to handle, ask your veterinarian if he/she offers a financing or payment plan. Sit down and explain your situation, the immediate need for your pet´s care and your willingness to make payments toward any treatment offered. By making a deposit and signing a paper agreeing to make payments, many veterinarians will accommodate a payment plan request. Be sure to have an offer in mind. For example, don´t simply ask to make payments, but rather specify how much you can pay each month and how many months it will take to pay the balance in full. This will show that you have given considerable thought and planning to the treatment, and payment, of your pet´s health care. Article Source

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Don’t forget your monthly heartworm disease prevention!

June 22nd, 2009

With a very busy schedule, I forget things a lot.  I’ve found a much better way to remember to give Jack his Heartgard. I’ve always had the little stickers on the calendar, but somehow still forgot!  Now I have it as a recurring event on my calendar in my phone.  It rings on the 15th of each month at Jack’s dinner time to remind me to give him his pill.  It’s perfect!

Get it from Jack’s!!

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