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Ensure your cats enjoy the holidays by thinking about them in advance and from their perspectives. Let's take a look at some safety tips. Instead of purring, many cats would say “bah humbug” about the holiday season. More than anything else, cats disdain unpredictable change. Cats don’t have calendars or explanations for what the holiday season means. And if they did, I suggest most cats would become like bears and hibernate throughout all the holiday commotion. “We have to go back to who cats are and what their origins are,” says Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, a feline specialist and co-chair of the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ Cat Friendly Practices program. “When there’s an unexplained and unexpected change within their territory, it may be a potential threat. And if that change is perceived as a threat, cats will likely take one of two choices: either hide and assess what’s happening, or chase off the intruder.” Then there are the cats who seem to enjoy it all. Feline-specialist veterinarian Dr. Drew Weigner, incoming president of the nonprofit Winn Feline Foundation, adds, “Some cats do welcome every guest into your home — they’re social and love all the visitors.” Whether your cat isn’t a fan of strangers or welcomes them with open paws, it’s better to be safe than sorry during the holidays with these rules of thumb, er claws. 1. Keep kitty away from the front door With doors constantly opening and closing, what you never want is for an indoor-only cat to bolt out an open door. “Don’t expect your guests to think about how important it is to not let the cats sneak out,” Dr. Colleran adds. 2. Create a soothing safe room If you’re expecting a lot of company for a large gathering of family and/or friends, sequester the cats into a safe room. (This is true even for social cats until all your company has arrived, when the front door is no longer opening and closing.) Most cats will be more content in a safe room until the party ends. It might help to turn on soothing music or music specifically made to calm cats (there is such a thing). “It’s also a good idea to plug in a Feliway Classic pheromone diffuser to diminish anxiety,” says Dr. Colleran, who is in Chico, California. “Absolutely, even behind a closed door the cats’ routine is now interrupted, and they can smell and hear all those intruders — so the assumption is that they are still stressed.” 3. Let hiding cats lie To feel safe, some cats prefer to hide when there’s company. Dr. Weigner notes that everyone, it seems, wants to say hi to a family dog, but people aren’t always as determined to find the cats hiding under a bed. “Never force the cats to meet your company,” he says. Or worse, allow cat-loving Aunt Matilda, who thinks of herself as a “cat whisperer,” to crawl under the bed to “soothe” the fearful cats. Aunt Matilda will only further terrify them. Also, if there are young children visiting, make sure there’s adult supervision. And never force the cats to interact with children if they’re not inclined to do so. 4. Leave it up to the cat Always allow the cats to be in control and to decide to greet guests when and if they’re ready. That’s why cats gravitate to the one person in the room ignoring them (often because he or she is allergic or doesn’t like cats). If the cat runs from Uncle Joe taking over the second bedroom for Christmas, it’s not personal. “Unfamiliarity can be perceived as threatening, even if Uncle Joe doesn’t mean to be a threat,” Dr. Colleran says. Uncle Joe may also reek of unfamiliar cigar smoke or something else — who knows about Uncle Joe — and that will only confound the fear. (Note: Asking Uncle Joe to refrain from smoking isn’t unreasonable.) 5. Separate furry visitors A trend today is traveling with your pet(s). Even for those few cats who may prefer to hit the road with their people, it may not be fair to expect to stay in a home with resident cats. But all friends and relatives aren’t fair. It’s certain that your cats wouldn’t invite the feline intruder. Definitely, visiting cats should be sequestered in the guest room — and the door scrupulously kept shut. “Even when the visitors go home, the Feliway that’s already plugged in should stay plugged in because the cats who live in the home will know who’s been in that room, even after thorough cleaning. And Feliway may calm their frazzled nerves. If visitors are of the canine persuasion, says Dr. Weigner, who is in Atlanta, Georgia, “Make sure the dog is always on leash, and it may be necessary to use flea protection for your cats since dogs might bring unexpected guests with them.” 6. Watch your cat’s behavior Make sure your cat is eating and using the litter box when house-guests visit. If not, or if you feel your cat’s quality of life is being impacted by fear, contact your veterinarian. There are nutraceutical supplements and pharmaceuticals that can help lower anxiety. Thumbnail: Photography ©Mark Rogers Photography. -
One of the benefits of working at home as a freelance writer is spending more time with my cats — but countless times, they have messed up my typing and even accidentally shut off my computer by rubbing their faces and butting their heads on my hands. So, what gives? Why do cats rub against you? This universal cat behavior is a compliment, experts say, because your kitty is communicating with you and marking you as his kin. “Cats define their worlds through scent,” says Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant in California, who is also known as The Cat Coach. “It’s one way they identify their families, their friends and also their enemies. When a cat is rubbing up against you, what they’re doing is exchanging your scent. It’s reinforcing that you are part of [their] group. It’s very sweet.” Why do cats rub against you? Long-lasting messages from scent mingling. Cats have scent glands that secrete pheromones in several parts of their bodies, including their cheeks, tails, foreheads, paw pads and anal areas. When they rub something or someone, they deposit this scent and it sticks, says Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant in Texas. “Scent communication not only signals something when the cat goes through the motions, but the smelly message lingers for long-term communication, too,” Shojai says. “For other types of communication, the cat and the other party must be present to see the friendly tail greeting, for example, or to hear the purr and hiss,” says Shojai, the author of more than 30 pet-care books, including ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems in Your Multi-Cat Household. “Vocal communication can only last as long as one breath at a time,” she says. “But scent continues to communicate, even when kitty has left the building.” Cat rubbing can also be a matter of claiming territory, but it goes beyond that, Shojai says. Territorial marking is more directed toward objects and spaces, and typically involves clawing and cheek rubbing. Why do cats rub against you? To mark members of their tribe. In colonies of feral cats, the felines mark each other as members of their tribe by rubbing and bunting their heads among themselves. This is a form of communication and acceptance, Krieger says. When cats transfer this behavior to humans, they are mingling their scents with ours, and also claiming acceptance. If a cat doesn’t like you, she probably will not rub against you, Krieger says. When cats rub you, they are saying, “You’re part of the group, I’m part of you, we’re all part of the same group,” she says. Do cats target different spots to rub on purpose? Cats don’t really target certain human body parts with different messages; they usually just go for whichever area is accessible, Krieger says. However, if a cat rubs your face, it feels more intimate and might be something a kitty only does if he particularly likes you. One of the most distinctive cat rubs is headbutting, which is when cats bump their heads on you with oomph. This, Shojai says, signals “I am your friend.” “Not only does the head rubbing/bunting behavior leave pheromone signals that identify friendly encounters, it also places the cat’s face and eyes in vulnerable positions,” she says. “So, it’s not only expressing friendliness, but also trust. Typically, it’s the most confident cat that offers the head-bunting behavior, too.” Cats also like to walk closely past us, rubbing their whole bodies against our legs. They often finish this by wrapping their tails around our legs. “This, again, is a friendly greeting between cats, and by extension, the humans they love and trust,” Shojai says. Want your cat to rub against you? Reinforce the behavior! As long as your cats aren’t knocking things out of your hands, you probably enjoy it when they rub up against you. Pet your cats when they rub against you to reinforce and reward the behavior, Krieger recommends. “When cats come up to you… and they haven’t seen you all day and they rub you on the legs — if you automatically pet them, you reinforce that behavior and you put your scent back onto the cat,” she says. “They enjoy the affection and they like that.” Tell us: Does your cat rub against you? Where does your cat rub against you? Thumbnail: Photography ©Fonrimso | iStock / Getty Images Plus. This piece was originally published on January 25, 2018.
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Peterson University, Peterson’s state-of-the-art training facility in San Leandro, is the destination of choice for students all over North America who desire the latest certified training from Caterpillar and other top manufacturers! Peterson University is a Caterpillar-recognized Regional Dealer Learning Center—our training materials, staff, operations, and administration were thoroughly audited by Caterpillar and authorized to provide the same training that Cat provides in its Peoria, IL headquarters. When you choose Peterson University for training, you’ll receive the exact same instruction that Cat provides its own personnel! We’re proud to be an authorized training center or partner with the following manufacturers and organizations: Caterpillar International Trucks Sullair Air Compressors Cat ISO Switchgear AVO Training Institute Eaton Drivetrain FranklinCovey SpeechSkills ZF Marine Products California Air Resources Board National Technology Transfer NPK Construction Tools Meritor Hendrickson Bendix UC Berkeley Haas School of Business
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“Well, I’m pleased to report that, to my shock, Toby actually pooped in the box the day I started following your plan for him and he hasn’t made a mistake since. I feel like this was so easy, that it’s almost unbelievable. I didn’t have to add or even move the litter boxes just as you said I wouldn’t. So what is your secret? My neighbor is going to call you now too. Evidently, I’m not crazy anymore for hiring a cat behaviorist! I will schedule our last call in a couple weeks. Thanks again and I hope your Costa Rica trip study was fabulous. Thank you for helping the cats of the world and their cat people too”. Best Regards, Toby & Chloe Cat – Steve S. California Our Clinic Testimonials Save Feline Lives. “Since the consultation with you on 8/24, we have made some great strides! Not one accident outside the box in over a week! All the kitties are using (advice removed) and I have not had to use any (advice removed)…this is huge! I have also been working on changing them all over to the (advice removed) you recommended, and that is proving to be their least favorite change. I will make it gradual so that I don’t stress them out. I have also put (advice removed) out for them, and (advice removed) different areas of the house. I double checked with the vet on Butter’s urine culture and it was clean so we aren’t putting her back on the prescription diet. She has finished the antibiotics and she is acting like she feels better, too. Charlie has also refrained from his inappropriate behavior. I have put a small, washable mat at the back door and he has not “marked” it. So, it looks like we may be another success story for you…YEA! Thanks again for the great advise and I’ll give you another update in a week or so”. Vivienne B. and Charlie, Clara, Fred, Dora, Butter, The Amazing Dottie M, and Liberty Page. Vivienne B. New York, New York
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Cats are wonderful creatures and loving pets. But sometimes you may find yourself ripping your hair out because your pet cat has attacked your lounge or done its business in the kitchen instead of its litter box. These are common behavioural problems of cats and in fact all animals. You can solve these issues by training your cat to do the right things all its takes is a little patience and persistence. Cat training can be a fun and exciting way to interact with your pet and teach it the right things to do. In the end once your cat is fully trained he or she will be a well behaved star. Why Does My Cat Do This? This is the question all cat owners ask themselves on a daily or hourly basis. Cat training is the perfect way to stop you from asking this most common question. We at Hollywood Paws offer cat training programs which will help cat owners exceptionally by turning your cats into well trained and behaved pets and stars. Here are 4 simple steps on how to achieve the best from cat training! Cats tend to be overactive creatures which when bored cause destruction. You firstly need to set up a play and fun time for your cat to ensure it that he or she is loved. Daily play session and even relaxing massages can help relax your pet cat. All cats need attention and one of the most common problems which are caused by not enough attention is the cat stops using its litter box. Eliminate this problem just by setting up daily playtime sessions. One of the most proven cat training techniques is REWARDS! By helping your cat succeed in daily minor tasks will help your cat realise that what he or she is doing is right therefore it will be rewarded with a snack or toy. If your cat loves clawing into your lounge or pillows they are probably doing so because they frustrated and bored. Cat owners can follow this simple step in cat training by finding something which your cat is scared of or doesn’t like. Place this object onto the lounge where the cat love to claw and he or she won’t even think about clawing your lounge again. If your cat decides not to do his business in his litter box then don’t yell at him or throw him outside. Just offer him a little more attention and play time and he will be going straight to his litter box and doing his thing. Your Cat the Social Animal Socialization is an important part of cat training. This technique of cat training can improvise the follow attributes which will benefit your pet cat immensely; Coordination and Balance Coordination and balance are to vital parts of cat training. To implement this cat training technique, owners can let their cats interact with other animals, let the play outdoors and find toys or cat stands which they can climb up and down. Learn how to fight and attack their prey. Eg; insects, other cats. Cat’s natural instincts are to fight or attack their prey. But if they are cooped up indoors they will not use their natural intuition which may lead to them fighting their owners or guests. By taking your cat outdoors they will be able to practice their natural ability. This form of cat training is highly important for your cats self esteem. Acceptance from humans and other animals If you ever have guests enter your home or outdoors make sure that they pay some sort of attention to your pet cat. This will help the cat by you training them to welcome visitors and not attacking them. Learning how to interact with humans and other animals If your cat doesn’t like the sight of strangers or other animals this form of cat training can be helpful and result in your cat being well trained. Teach your cat that it is ok to play with other animals and seek affection off strangers; you can do this by putting them in contact with friendly dogs, humans and outdoor life. Stop them from bitting their owners or other animals around the home If your cat loves to bite and attack then this behaviour is normally caused by boredom. Cats have a lot of aggression and if they do not release it they become feisty. You can stop them from doing so by having play sessions. Play sessions are vital for cats because this is how they release their aggression. Use some fun toys and a little soothing massage and your cat will love the attention and give you cuddles instead of bites. Learn how to be comfortable and welcomed around strangers. Cats can be very territorial of their homes and if someone unusual enters their territory they become feisty and aggressive because hey think they are being attacked or replaced. To solve this issue introduce you cat to guests and make them feel comfortable by including them in your activities with your guests. By cat training your pet using socializing techniques such as play session and interaction with toys you will be helping your cat to release his or her aggression as cats are known for their aggressive behaviour. Talking to your cat constantly will give him or her great idea of who you are. Using you voice in a deep tone will notify the cat that you are unhappy with their behaviour. Over long periods of time they will recognize this and refrain from what they are doing. Cat training should not be like boot camp it should be a fun and exciting interact process which will help turn your cat into a well behaved pet that is loved by all the family, friends and other animals. Cat Training at Hollywood Paws Does your cat come when you call? When you tell her to stop scratching the sofa, does she listen? Does your tabby heed your demands that he stop doing his business in the hallway instead of the litter box? Stop laughing! Despite what you might have heard, cats can be trained. HollywoodPaws’ resident cat trainer, Karen Thomas, is living proof – and she’s ready to teach you the basics of feline-friendly instruction. With the right system of rewards and commands, your kitty will go from standoffish to standing at attention. What’s more, our advanced instruction can turn some exceptional cats into screen pets! You might even qualify to become a studio animal trainer. Want to Make Your Pet a Star? Ever thought of seeing your cat in a cat or dog movie? Cat training is essential if you want your cat to be an actor. Contact HollywoodPaws for more informtion.
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We are dedicated admirers of the German Shepherd, located on the West Coast of the US, in a semi rural setting, perfect for raising this magnificent breed of dog. We have owned and loved German Shepherd Dogs for the last 30 years. Our first introduction to this breed was through a 3/4 GSD mix we called Timber. She was so awesome in her temperament, size, obedience and loyalty that we knew there would be no other breed for us than the GSD. Although Timber was spayed at an early age and never bred, our family of GSD's has grown. Since our first positive experience with this breed, our goal has been to produce the ultimate GSD, with temperament & health at the top of the list. We pride ourselves in having awesome size, temperament and health in all of our dogs. We breed for an oversized dog, with a straight back. Some of our females through the years have weighed up to and over 100 pounds! With an average being 80-90 pounds. Our males have topped that weight, and generally reach at least 100 lbs, but generally go over that. Although we pride ourselves with this large size, we never compromise the integrity of the structure and health of the dog. Their health and temperament are equally impressive. We produce a nice "pet" GSD, as the size of our dogs disqualifies them from the smaller conformation show dogs. We have been breeding GSD's for 25+ years. Our dogs are very versatile in their abilities. The majority of our pups have gone into pet homes where they live out long, wonderful lives being the ultimate family companion. Even though our GSD's are primarily pets, they have the capability to do just about anything that is asked of them. For instance, we have had quite a few of our pups go as search & rescue dogs, therapy dogs, & service utility dogs for the handicapped or physically impaired. Coupled with the eagerness to please & the easy going temperament that we strive for, as well as the large size that comes from our lines, they make the perfect dog for whatever the need be. My daughter, my husband & myself have comprised "Salhaus German Shepherds" for the past 25 + years. But we have a new addition to Salhaus & to our family. Our daughter was recently married to a wonderful young man. So now he & our daughter are "combining forces" to continue helping us produce the outstanding dogs we've become known for, all these years. See my beautiful kids below & also a picture of the "senior members" of Salhaus (my husband & myself.)
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Our adoption process is designed to help you and the right dog find each other. Our goal is to place each dog into a permanent, safe, and loving home. To adopt a German Shepherd Dog from us, you must: 1. Live in Northern California. 2. Complete an Adoption Questionnaire, either online, or by mail. If you do not own your home, you must also have your landlord complete the Landlord Permission Agreement. 3. Be interviewed by an adoption counselor. 4. Allow a home visit by an adoption counselor. 5. Be approved for adoption. 6. Choose, and be chosen by, the right dog. 7. With our approval, sign our Adoption Agreement, and pay the associated fee. After we receive your online Adoption Questionnaire, we will call you to begin the adoption process. We encourage potential adopters to come to one or more Adoption Days, because that is the best way to meet several German Shepherds and to find your new companion. If you attend an Adoption Day and choose a dog, you may be able to adopt the same day, if all adoption requirements are met. If you cannot come to any Adoption Day, we can still assist you, this may take longer because the people who will help you are volunteers who usually have jobs, and scheduling meetings with dogs can be complex because our dogs live in many homes and kennels. Important Note About Dog Descriptions Please remember that the descriptions of dogs (of Dogs Available) have been written by GSRNC volunteers and are usually based only upon our observation of the dog since the time it was rescued. While we try to provide dog descriptions that are fair and accurate, the nature of our work involves contact with dogs whose background and history are unknown to us. GSRNC cannot warrant or guarantee any dog's future behavior. For example, if we say that a rescue dog gets along with children, cats, or other dogs, this statement is usually based upon the fact that one of our volunteers has observed the dog interacting with his or her own children or pets. While this information may be helpful, we cannot be certain of how a dog will do with the children or pets in your home. If you are considering adopting, we encourage you to come to one of our Adoption Days and meet our rescue dogs. Ultimately, only you can decide whether one of our dogs is right for you. Explanation of the Dog Levels 1 – "Fireplace dog" Couch potato, super easy, low energy and no issues. This level of dog would do well in any home regardless of owner experience. (We rarely come across this level of dog.) 2 – “Easy Large Breed Companion Dog” Low to moderate energy, needs some exercise but it is not a daily requirement. This dog will do well in most homes. The dog gets along with most other dogs, gets along with most other people and have been successfully been around children. The dog has no real behavioral issues that need to be managed or dealt with on a daily basis. This dog is an easy family dog. 3 –“Standard Large Breed Dog” Moderate energy, needs daily exercise of some sort to thrive and stay happy. This dog will do well in many types of homes, but some situations will not work for this dog. This dog may not get along with some types of dogs. This dog may be reactive to some other dogs while on leash. It may have too much energy to be around small children while unattended, and may have some behavioral issues that will require formal training or daily monitoring for the dog to successfully live happily in a family. These issues are normally minor such as fence climbing, prey drive, minor separation anxiety, nervousness in crowds, or other minor behavioral traits. A Potential Adopter for a level 3 dog must have prior, recent large breed dog experience and be able to demonstrate the ability to successfully deal with the level 3 dog that they wish to adopt. 4 – “Experienced Ownership Required” Moderate, high or very high energy/drive. Needs an experienced owner familiar with working breed behavior to provide direct leadership and proper management. Level 4 dogs typically have a challenging behavior, but are good dogs. These dogs might be dog-reactive with most other dogs or dog-aggressive, may have to be an only animal in the home, maybe have moderate separation anxiety. The dog normally needs daily physical and mental stimulation, etc. This level of dog is not an average pet. (We try to limit the number of level 4 dogs in our program.) A Potential Adopter for a level 4 dog must be able to demonstrate the experience and ability to safely manage and care for a level 4 dog. 5 – “Competitive or Working Dog” This is a dog that has an intense focus to ‘work’. It could be a dog that provides Search and Rescue services, could be a competitive Flyball or Agility dog, or has other working abilities. These dogs can be strong, pushy, dominant, and/or have extreme energy/drive. They need a professional handler or an owner who has the experience to provide a demonstrated commitment to the dog’s ‘working ability’. A Potential Adopter for a level 5 dog must be able to demonstrate the experience and ability to safely manage and care for a level 5 dog.
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You can learn a lot about your cat's health from his poop. Whether you’ve just adopted your first kitten or you’ve shared your home with cats for years, watch for a few key signs when you scoop out the litter box. Cat Poop: What’s Normal? Most cats will poop at least once a day. If they’re healthy, their poop should: Be deep brown in color Feel not too hard or too soft or mushy Not smell too foul, though some odor is normal Diarrhea Diarrhea is not uncommon for cats, and there are many reasons why your cat might have it. Sometimes, it comes and goes quickly. Other times, it can last for days, weeks, or months, or come back on a regular basis. Diarrhea that lasts for 24 to 48 hours probably won’t cause a problem, but if it lasts longer, your cat can get dehydrated, which can be dangerous. Some common causes of cat diarrhea include: Changes to their diet or food allergies or intolerances Inflammatory bowel disease Colitis Hyperthyroidism Worms (intestinal parasites) Pancreatic disease Cancer If your cat has diarrhea that lasts more than a day or two, see your veterinarian to figure out the cause. Call your vet right away if the diarrhea is black or bloody, or if it happens along with fever, vomiting, sluggishness, or a loss of appetite. The treatment your cat will need depends on what’s causing his diarrhea. Some will need prescription medications, such as metronidazole or prednisolone, to control inflammation. Your vet may recommend a special diet if she thinks a food allergy or intolerance, IBD, or colitis is the problem. To prevent diarrhea, don’t give your cat dairy products like milk or yogurt -- many cats can’t digest them properly. Also, if you switch the brand or type of food you give him, be sure to introduce it over several days by mixing it with smaller and smaller amounts of the old food until he’s eating only the new stuff. Constipation When a cat is constipated, he’ll strain a lot when he tries to poop or won’t be able to produce anything for the litter box. You don’t need to worry if it only happens sometimes. But if it’s more common for your pet, you should contact your vet. Cats can get constipated for a number of reasons, including: Over-grooming, which leads to extra hair in the digestive tract Kidney problems Feline megacolon -- when the colon gets very large and its muscles no longer squeeze, making hard, dry stool build up inside Something blocking their colon, such as string or bones Diets that don’t have enough fiber Problems inside the colon, such as tumors or narrow places Spine problems or pain To ease your cat’s constipation, your vet may suggest that you give him more fiber, such as by adding canned pumpkin to his regular food. Or she might tell you to change to food that’s easier for your pet to digest. It also helps to make sure he gets more exercise and drinks more water so that waste will move through his system more readily.
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Feline Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention, and Diet Tips 3
davidtrump posted a blog entry in Cat Health
Q: Will diabetes shorten my cat’s lifespan? A: It sure can, because it can be associated with infections, with peripheral nerve disorders, and other problems. If it’s poorly controlled you can get into some pretty severe emergency situations. But I can tell you that we see lots of diabetic cats that are older that are managed for many years and they can get into their late teens. It requires a lifelong, daily commitment, but it’s something that can be done. Q: What does it cost to care for a diabetic cat? A: Most clients probably spend about $20-$30 a month on insulin, syringes, and other supplies. It’s not terribly expensive once it’s being managed. Q: What are the newest treatments for feline diabetes? A: There are newer insulins that are being evaluated. Some of the insulin analogs that are available for treating human diabetics are being looked at in diabetic cats and they have some promise. These provide more blood sugar control, often with fewer side effects. People are constantly trying to find new and better ways to care for diabetic cats. -
Feline Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention, and Diet Tips 2
davidtrump posted a blog entry in Cat Health
Q: If caught early enough, can my cat be cured of diabetes? A: It’s usually not cured. Some cats, when you start treating their diabetes and you get their blood sugar under control and get them on a reasonable diet and get them in a better body condition, their diabetes actually goes into remission or partial remission. There are cats that stay that way for many months. Some might even stay that way for years. It can happen. But for the most part diabetes is a disease that we control and don’t really cure. Q: Can I prevent my cat from getting diabetes with diet and not letting her get too fat? A: Nobody can tell you that you can prevent your cat from getting diabetes with diet because those studies haven’t been done. There are some commonly held beliefs, based on a handful of clinical studies, that support the use of low-carbohydrate diets in helping diabetic cats control their blood sugar better. And we do know that obesity is a risk factor. But there also are some breeds of cats that get diabetes more than others do, so that suggests there may be a genetic component involved as well. Q: Will it be better for my cat if I cook for her instead of buying her food? A: It’s hard to make a decent, balanced diet for a cat if you’re cooking it. You have to make sure they get all the amino acids that they need, and their needs are different from dogs and people and other omnivores. You have to know what you’re doing. Q: Should I only feed her dry food or just wet food or both? A: That’s the raging argument right now. It’s fairly controversial. If you think about what a cat’s natural diet would be, they’re carnivores. So the diet they would eat, if they were running around outside eating the animals that they prey upon, would be a very high-protein, very low-carbohydrate diet. So the argument is, that is what they have evolved to eat and that is healthier for them. So why do we have dry food for cats? Because it’s more convenient for people. Some people just don’t like dealing with canned food. And there are a gazillion cats that eat dry food and don’t get diabetes. We see 20-year-old cats that eat dry food. -
Feline Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention, and Diet Tips
davidtrump posted a blog entry in Cat Health
An alarming number of cats are developing diabetes mellitus, which is the inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar, or glucose, levels .Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting ,dehydration, severe depression, problems with motor function, coma, and even death. To find out why so many cats are being diagnosed with diabetes, and what owners can do, WebMD talked to Thomas Graves, a former feline practitioner who is associate professor and section head of small animal medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Graves’ research focus is on diabetes and geriatric medicine. Q: How common is feline diabetes? A: The true incidence isn’t known, but it’s estimated at 0.5% to 2% of the feline population. But it’s also probably under diagnosed. Q: What are the signs of diabetes in cats? A: The main symptoms are increased thirst and increased urination. And while we do see it in cats with appropriate body weight, it’s more common in obese cats. Some cats with diabetes have a ravenous appetite because their bodies cannot use the fuel supplied in their diet. Q: What’s the treatment for a cat with feline diabetes? A: Diet is certainly a component. It’s felt that a low-carbohydrate diet is probably best for cats with diabetes. Treatment is insulin therapy. There are some oral medications, but they have more side effects and are mainly used when insulin can’t be used for some reason. There are blood and urine tests, physical examinations, and behavioral signals, which are used to establish insulin therapy. This is done in conjunction with your veterinarian. We don’t recommend owners adjust insulin therapy on their own because it can be sort of complicated in cats. Most patients come in every three or four months. It’s a good thing to make sure nothing else is going on. Q: Will I have to test my cat’s blood every day and give her shots ? A: Usually the blood tests are done during the regular visits with your veterinarian, although people can do them if they’d like. But the owners will have to give their cat shots. People are often afraid of that whole thing. But once you teach an owner how to do it properly, it’s something people find quite easy. Many people even find it a bit empowering, that they can do something like that to help their pet. -
Peritonitis Another possible cause of stomach swelling in dogs, this serious infection is usually caused by puncture or rupture of your dog's stomach or intestine, due to splinters from a bone, ulcers, tumors, or other causes. Peritonitis can also occur if the gallbladder or urinary bladder ruptures. Extremely painful, a dog with peritonitis may be listless, reluctant to move, have a swollen abdomen, or vomit. Shock is likely, so emergency treatment is crucial. Treatment for peritonitis may include intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain relief. Surgery will also be necessary to repair the puncture, remove the infected fluids, and flush the abdomen. Cushing's Syndrome A dog with a pot-bellied look may have hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by the overproduction of the hormone cortisol. More common in dogs 6 years or older, other signs of Cushing's syndrome include eating, drinking, and urinating more, as well as hair loss and increased panting. Cushing's syndrome is usually caused by the pituitary gland overproducing a hormone; less commonly, it is due to a tumor on one of the adrenal glands. There is a newer medication that treats both forms of Cushing’s syndrome. However, surgery can be done to remove the tumor associated with the adrenal form of Cushing’s syndrome. Ascites Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, often leading to swelling. Ascites can be caused by a wide range of problems, including heart failure, liver disease, kidney problems, or severe intestinal disease. Treatment for ascites varies depending on the condition causing it. Other Causes of Dog Stomach Swelling Stomach swelling in dogs can also result from the dog eating too much all at once, internal bleeding due to trauma or a ruptured mass, intestinal obstruction, or tumors. Severe roundworm infection in puppies can also cause a swollen abdomen. Tips to Prevent Stomach Problems in Your Dog To help prevent stomach problems, be sure to take your dog in for regular checkups so that your vet can keep tabs on the health of your pet's heart, lungs, stomach, bowel, and other organs. A quick exam of your dog's abdomen can also help you recognize some of the signs of stomach trouble. To examine your dog's stomach, feel for tenderness to touch, heat, stickiness, lumps, and of course, swelling. Take your dog to the vet right away if you notice any problems. -
Dog Stomach Swelling: Causes and Treatment
lindagray posted a blog entry in Blog about food and natural dog health nutrition
Stomach swelling in dogs can be a life-threatening emergency, or it can be as simple as your dog eating too much. To keep your canine companion in good health, it helps to know the signs of dog stomach problems and what you can do when they happen. Dog Stomach Swelling: Common Causes and Treatments Because stomach swelling in dogs can be dangerous, never try to diagnose the cause of your dog's stomach trouble yourself. If your dog's abdomen looks bloated or unusual, get your pet to a veterinary hospital or emergency veterinarian immediately, as timing can be critical. Some causes of stomach swelling in dogs include: Bloat / Gastric Dilation Volvulus Called "the mother of all emergencies," untreated gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) can be fatal to a dog within hours. Bloat happens when gas or food stretch a dog's stomach. GDV happens when the distended stomach rotates, trapping the gas inside, and blocking off the stomach's blood supply. Extremely painful, there doesn't seem to be one cause for GDV, though swallowing air plays a part; heavy exercise after a meal can be a trigger, too. The exact cause of GDV is still debated. A few of the many proposed things that can increase a dog's GDV risk include: Being deep-chested. Breeds like the Great Dane, St. Bernard, and Weimaraner are at the greatest risk for bloat; as a matter of fact, dogs weighing over 99 pounds have a 20% bloat risk. Though rare, small dogs can also suffer from the condition. Feeding your dog only one meal a day Using elevated food/water bowls. A family history of bloat/GDV Eating too quickly Being older; dogs between 7-12 years old are at highest risk. Treating bloat requires immediate emergency care and may include decompressing the stomach (releasing excess gas from the stomach), managing shock, and stabilizing the heart, often followed by surgery once stable. If your dog's abdomen looks swollen or distended, or if your dog seems uncomfortable, don't wait; rush your pet to a veterinary hospital immediately. Preventing bloat is hard because so many things may play a part in causing it, but a few things you can do that may reduce your dog's risk include: Feed your dog two or more meals daily Include canned food Make sure your dog rests after a full meal; no strenuous exercise on a full stomach -
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The National Police Dog Foundation promotes education and awareness, and raises funds for the purchase, training, and ongoing veterinary care for active and retired police K-9s. In 1998 the National Police Dog Foundation (formally known as the Ventura Police Dog Foundation) began as a local group helping to fund the K-9 program for the City of Ventura, CA. This local volunteer group quickly learned that the lack of resources that exists on a local level, also exists on a national level and that many K-9 agencies simply do not have the funds they need for their K-9 programs. This lack of funds effects both the ability for the K-9 units to protect their communities and the quality of life and health of these K-9 heroes. So the Foundation expanded to assist law enforcement agencies across the country and today is known as the National Police Dog Foundation. Click here to learn more or click on the specific fund below. We hope you’ll join us in this effort by supporting this noble cause. The National Police Dog Foundation assists law enforcement agencies with funding to purchase the very best K-9s. Currently, many K-9s for police service work, are imported from Europe which is the origin of most working breeds. However, after many years of importing excellent bloodlines from Europe, the United States now has the ability to produce dogs of equal quality. One of the many benefits of dogs bred in America is that they do not have to travel the many hours necessary to come to the US, saving them the stress of these long flights. The two most common breeds of K-9s are German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. There are four main uses of police K-9s:— Sentry and Apprehension: These dogs are used to provide security in sensitive or controlled areas, and for locating and apprehension of a suspect — Search and Rescue (SAR): These dogs are used to locate suspects and missing people and objects — Detection OR Explosives: Dogs are used to detect illegal substances OR to detect explosives. Note it is either one or the other. — Arson: These dogs are used to detect if the possible cause of a fire was arson. The initial training of K-9s and related training equipment can be very expensive. Many many hours of hard work goes into training and preparing the K-9s for the many different scenarios they will face in active duty. The National Police Dog Foundation assists law enforcement agencies to ensure that the handlers and K-9s are receiving the very best training and equipment. Dogs used in law enforcement are trained to either be “single purpose” or “dual purpose.” Single purpose dogs are used primarily for backup, personal protection, and tracking. Dual purpose dogs do everything that single purpose dogs do and also detect either explosives or narcotics. The Active K-9 Medical Fund offers grants that assist Law Enforcement Agencies and Handlers with costs related to emergency medical expenses for active K-9s. The National Police Dog Foundation is committed to assisting law enforcement agencies with the ever-increasing medical care costs for K-9s, both during their years of service and retirement. Most law enforcement agencies do not have a budget for serious medical issues for the K-9s. The Foundation’s grants help keep the K-9s healthy and on-the-job, thereby reducing the long-term costs for the departments. The Foundation’s network of veterinarians, that includes some of the country’s most valued specialists in many varying areas of health care, give discounts to active and retired K-9s. The Retired K-9 Medical Fund offers grants that assist Law Enforcement Agencies and Handlers with costs related to emergency medical expenses for retired K-9s. Most K-9s after active service go home with their handlers to become household pets. The ongoing medical care for the retired K-9s can be very expensive. The National Police Dog Foundation commends these handlers for their dedication to the K-9s and is proud to assists in the costs of Medical Care for the retired K-9s. It important to provide medical care not only for active K-9 officers but also continued care for the dogs after they retire. Unfortunately, the K-9s do not receive a pension. The Foundation’s network of veterinarians, that includes some of the country’s most valued specialists in many varying areas of health care, give discounts to active and retired K-9s. In 2017 we launched our K-9 Health Insurance Fund, which was established from an initial donation by Petplan pet insurance. The fund is supported by designated gifts from the public to the National Police Dog Foundation and a $50 donation from Petplan for each new pet insurance policy booked by the public using the campaign code NPDF10 at https://nationalpolicedogfoundation.org/petplan/. Pet parents who use the code can also receive a 10% discount on their new policy. The purpose of the fund is to offer grants to law enforcement K-9 units, ensuring the continued well-being of the K-9s. -
Your dog received all his puppy vaccinations, but what's next? The topic of revaccinating pets has sparked debate and we go over what you should think about. There are times when our dogs need vaccinations as well as pills or injections to keep them at their healthy best. But what happens after they receive this puppy vaccinations? Your dog has received all his necessary puppy vaccinations. Then a year or so later, you receive a reminder from your veterinary clinic to book an appointment for your dog to receive booster shots. If you question if these revaccinations do more harm than good, you’re not alone. Just like in children, the topic of revaccinating pets has sparked debate. Allergic reactions to booster shots have occurred in pets, as in people. They can cause swelling at the point of injection as well as diarrhea or vomiting and other symptoms. In response, the American Animal Hospital Association revamped vaccination guidelines after research suggests that core vaccines provide more than a year of immunity. However, the rabies vaccine, often given every three years, is mandatory by law. What’s your alternative to booster shots? The titer test. This blood-drawn test measures the concentration of disease-fighting antibodies in the blood, an indicator of the protective immunity status for your dog. Discuss this option with your veterinarian. (For rabies, some states won’t allow this test instead of the vaccine. See rabies challengefund.com for information on research into rabies vaccinations frequency concerns.) The bottom line: Discuss your dog’s lifestyle, age and health with your veterinarian as well as the pros and cons of each of these vaccines. Simply skipping booster shots without weighing all the options with your veterinarian can put your dog at undue risk for preventable diseases like parvovirus, distemper and adenovirus. Check out this lifestyle-based vaccine calculator Not sure which puppy vaccines to get? Certainly discuss your dog’s health, travel and activities with your veterinarian. But to assist you even more, the American Animal Hospital Association created a nifty program called the lifestyle-based vaccine calculator. Just go to this link: aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines/vaccine_calculator.aspx, and respond to a series of questions about your dog’s age and lifestyle habits. Thumbnail: Photography ©Evgeny Sofrygin | Getty Images. Editor’s note: This article appeared in Puppies, a special issue from Dogster magazine. Look for Puppies on a newsstand near you!
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Grooming supplies and food
lindagray posted a blog entry in Blog about food and natural dog health nutrition
Grooming supplies Your pup needs to stay clean and well-groomed, so it is essential to get grooming supplies before your puppy arrives. You need to clean and brush the pup’s coat, trim his nails, and brush his teeth from an early stage. Starting the grooming routine early helps your pup to learn how to behave during the process. Some of the grooming products that you will need include bristle brushes, conditioning spray, shampoo, towels, toothbrush and dog toothpaste, ear cleaning solution, and nail clippers. Food and treats Do not be fooled by your pup’s tiny body size. Puppies have huge appetites and a massive calorie requirement for their growth, so you need to have some food and treats when your pup arrives. The ideal food to get is puppy food like Nutro Wholesome food. Puppy food is much better than general dog food because it contains all the nutrients that your pup needs for a healthy development. Treats, on the other hand, are essential for behavior training and other forms of training. You give the treats to your puppy when he behaves well to condition him into repeating that behavior in the future. Food and water bowls Your pup needs feeding bowls when he gets home. There are many varieties to choose from, but the main ones are plastic, ceramic, glass, and stainless steel. Plastic bowls are the cheapest, but they are light and can harbor bacteria in cracks. If you decide to get plastic bowls, make sure that they are made from hard plastic and replace them immediately you notice signs of wear. Ceramic and glass bowls are heavier and durable if you can keep your pup from breaking them. You should go for dishwasher-safe bowls if you choose to go with glass or ceramic bowls. Stainless steel bowls are the most durable, but they are also a bit pricey. Conclusion: It is essential to get all these items and set them up beforehand so that your pup transitions smoothly to the new surroundings. In addition to getting all these items, you also need to puppy proof your home for the puppy’s safety. Move plant pots and cables out of the way and make sure that no tiny objects are lying around which your puppy might ingest.
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