Of the 62.4 million dogs in the United States, 18 million are age seven and older, therefore they qualify as “Seniors”. This represents almost one-third of our canine population. In fact, over 75% of our dogs and cats have passed middle age and are entering their “golden years”.
How do you know if the food you are buying is really any good? And can it be fed appropriately to your pet? To address these issues, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) was founded in 1909.
Lymphosarcoma is also known as lymphoma or non-Hodgkins’ lymphoma. It is one of the most common cancers treated in practice. Many different species develop Lymphosarcoma.
Pedicures for pets are important because overgrown nails can cause painful infections. Some dogs are active enough to wear their toenails down
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. Half of all dogs over ten years old die of cancer and the incidence is increasing.
Canine Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by worms called Dirofilaria immitus. These worms are “spaghetti-like”, grow up to 12″ long, and reside in the heart.
Canine Intestinal Worms
The most common intestinal parasites affecting dogs are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. In addition, roundworms and hookworms can be transmitted to humans.
Kennel Cough
Canine kennel cough is a highly contagious disease affecting the respiratory system of dogs. It is usually caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses. The disease is spread by direct contact with other infected dogs.
Puppy Shots or Vaccines
Vaccines help protect your puppy against many of the most serious potentially fatal diseases. Newborn puppies receive natural protection from antibodies in their mother’s first milk (called colostrum) while nursing.
Canine Distemper
A highly infectious viral disease of dogs, canine distemper attacks the lungs, brain and spinal cord. It occurs worldwide wherever there are dogs, with a death rate of 80 percent in puppies and 50 percent in adults.
Cancer in Dogs
Dogs suffer form a variety of cancers on their face and head. The mouth is a common site for cancer. Breeds with dark pigment, like black cocker spaniels and chows, are prone to melanomas in the mouth.
Vaccines for your Dog
PARVOVIRUS
Parvovirus was first diagnosed after it reached epidemic proportions in the United States, killing millions of dogs in the early 1980’s. Since then the virus has become manageable through vaccination but remains as the number one fatal infectious disease of dogs.
Cat Abscesses
An abscess is a pocket of pus under the skin. Pus is an accumulation of bacteria and white blood cells and indicates the presence of infection. The problem is detection because cat fur is so dense an abscess is easy to miss initially.
Cat Claws
Cats use their claws to climb, scratch, defend themselves, and hunt outside. They also use them to “mark” their territory, which is instinctive behavior. Provide a scratching post from day one and give your cat clear messages about which objects she may or may not scratch.
Bees, wasp, spiders, centipedes and other flying insects bite and sting cats. Most bites occur on the face which swells and is painful. Occasionally the paws are affected. Most bites go unnoticed and heal on their own.
External parasites bothersome to cats include fleas, ear mites, mange mites and walking dandruff mites. Notoedric mange is also called Feline Scabies and is caused by a microscopic mange mite called Notoedres cati. Notoedres mites in cats are similar to Sarcoptic mange mites in dogs. Notoedric mange causes intense itching. Lesions begin on the ear…
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by worms called Dirofilaria immitus. These worms are “spaghetti-like”, grow up to 12″ long, and reside in the heart. The Larval Form of this worm is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. Cats of all ages and breeds are susceptible but three to six…
Prepare everything in advance: use a figure-8 harness attached to a leash that can be fastened to the wall next to your tub or sink with a suction cup. This will secure the cat and leave both your hands free. BATHING YOUR CAT Place a non-skid rubber mat on the bottom of the tub or…
Food allergy is an abnormal or a hypersensitive reaction to a food ingredient which is usually a protein. 10-20% of allergies in cats are caused by food. CAUSES Beef, dairy products and fish, especially tuna and mackerel are responsible for almost 90 percent of food allergies in cats. These products cause a skin reaction as…
How Much Playtime Do Cats Need? Cats needs at least 10-15 minutes of exercise three to four times a day. The exact amount varies with age, breed, health and physical condition. Indoor cats need to play 3 to 4 times as much as outdoor cats to satisfy their needs for exercise. One hour of playful…
Twenty-Five percent of cats are clinically obese, which is defined as an excess accumulation of body fat. This is important because obesity can reduce your cats life span. Obesity also predisposes to Heart Disease, Skin Disorders, Arthritis, and Fatty Liver Disease, Cancer, Lower Urinary Tract Disease, and Diabetes. Obesity can either cause or result from Diabetes. In either case…
Cats are naturally finicky when it comes to food and missing an occasional meal is not unusual, but cats that stop eating completely even for a few days can develop a liver problem called Fatty Liver or Hepatic Lipidosis which is very serious. This liver disease perpetuates both the appetite loss and the cat’s illness.…
Proper nutrition is vital to good health and maximizes the quality and length of life. Commercially available premium foods are convenient and their composition is regulated by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA). The label should clearly state that the food is nutritionally complete…
Grooming is part of a cat’s natural behavior. Small amounts of hair are normally swallowed, some of which pass through the digestive tract and are eliminated in the feces. The rest mixes with mucus to form a hairball. Hairballs in the throat area are brought up by regurgitation; those in the stomach are vomited up.…
Vomiting that occurs occasionally in an otherwise healthy cat is generally not a cause for concern. Vomiting that persists for over 72 hours with or without signs of illness such as appetite loss, depression, lethargy, or diarrhea can indicate a more severe problem and should be addressed. The fluids lost during vomiting result in dehydration…
HOMEMADE DIET FOOD OPTIONS A cats diet is generally 60 to 80 percent protein, 20 percent vegetables and 20 percent grain. Homemade foods to fulfill these dietary requirements may include: Protein Sources: * Raw ground chuck * Raw organic chicken * Cooked chicken, turkey, lamb or beef Vegetable Sources * Use finely grated raw zucchini…
Cats are naturally fastidious and constantly groom themselves. Vomiting hairballs from time to time is pretty standard, as are occasional bouts of indigestion. As the years go by some owners notice that they are spending a little more time cleaning up hairballs or vomit piles. The litter box may contain more or less stool than…
The inside lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to be irritated, inflamed and/or infected. Any of these causes left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, including middle and inner ear damage and hearing loss. Most cats let you know that…
EYE TUMORS Seventy-five percent of eye tumors in the cat are malignant, aggressive forms of cancer (in dogs the ratio is reversed, 75 percent of tumors are benign and do not spread or become life-threatening). An Iris melanoma is the most common type of tumor affecting cat’s eyes. Older cats may develop a visible brown…
Feline Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by sudden episodes of breathing difficulty. Episodes are most often triggered by allergies or stress, which cause constriction of the airways. This leads to breathing difficulty, coughing and wheezing. A low-grade, chronic cough may be the only sign but an acute crisis can occur at any time…