There are a number of medical conditions that come along with old age, but how old does a cat have to be in order to be considered elderly?

In general, cats that are between the ages of 8 and 10 are considered old. However, much of this depends on their health. A healthy, indoor cat may only be considered middle aged at 8, while an outdoor cat will definitely be considered old at the same age.

To help your cat age gracefully, make sure that your brush his teeth frequently. Gingivitis and gum disease are fairly common in older cats which can cause eating to become extremely painful.

Choosing a high-quality diet can help your cat feel spunky well into old age. The right vitamins and minerals can also support good eye health.

To make sure your cat remains healthy, schedule annual appointments with your vet Frederick, MD.

Cats will often sleep fifteen to eighteen hours a day. The main reason is that they are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. The rest of the time is for sleeping, for the most part. This explains the sudden bursts of energy when you’re trying to wind down for the evening or sleep in just a little later.

Your cat is a predator just like lions and other big cats. Their style of hunting is to stalk and creep toward their prey (even if it’s a mouse toy) and pounce or give chase without warning. This takes a lot of energy and all that sleep gives them the reserve they need. Also consider that your cat is dozing most of the time. Cats are light sleepers and need to be able to spring into action at a moment’s notice. For more information, visit the website of AnimERge.

It may be hard to believe that a little creature like a guinea pig can be aggressive or capable of lashing out in anger.  However, your vet has most likely come in contact with various American guinea pig breeds and other breeds that present signs of aggression. It’s important to note that American guinea pigs are not born aggressive. Instead, they generally learn the behavior. Sometimes signs of aggression may take on habits such as biting, scratching, or fighting for food. If this happens in your American guinea pig call your vet as there could be something else going on with your cavy’s health. American guinea pigs are generally social animals that enjoy good company with others. He may show signs of aggression if he feels lonely or afraid. In this case, it may be a good idea to bring another guinea pig into the mix. Your veterinarian Myakka, FL may recommend a companion. Visit this website ... Read more »

Did you know that cows require routine vaccinations? If your Jersey cow has not been vaccinated or is behind, please call your vet to schedule a farm call. Your veterinarian can help determine what vaccines are needed for your particular area and can determine how often they need to be administered. Vaccines for Jersey cows depend on region, types of cows in the herd, age, and purpose or use of the cows. There are numerous vaccinations available for beef cows and for dairy cows. Those vaccinations differ based on the age of your cows. It is suggested that a complete vaccination program be developed in concordance with your veterinarian Myakka, FL in order to ensure all of your Jersey cows are being vaccinated appropriately. Some herd operators choose not to vaccinate their cows, but this is usually because they have been operating a closed herd for quite some time. Click here for more details.

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As a Chinese hamster owner you may have read that hamsters can be given small amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of their routine diet. Be careful to do further research before giving your hamster these particular foods. Talk to your veterinary clinic Lakewood Ranch, FL about vegetables and fruits that should be avoided. In general, Chinese hamsters do enjoy a little variety to their diet, but not all fruits and vegetables are recommended. For instance, beans and potatoes can be potentially hazardous to hamsters. Feeding your hamster beans or potatoes can cause diarrhea in your hamsters, which in turn can lead to serious health issues. Always talk to your vet before feeding your hamster anything new especially when it’s a human food. If your hamster has eaten beans or potatoes watch him carefully for signs of gas or diarrhea and call your vet right away.

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Fatty liver disease or Hepatic Lipidosis disease can occur in various species of birds including Society Finches, Quaker parrots, lovebirds, cockatiels, budgies, and Amazon parrots. If you suspect your Society Finch is suffering from fatty liver disease, contact your vet to schedule a routine appointment. Your vet will most likely explain that fatty liver disease is a serious disease that occurs when large amounts of fat are deposited in the liver. Symptoms of fatty liver disease in birds including Society Finches may include a sudden loss of appetite, lethargy, and depression. Some birds may exhibit additional symptoms or no symptoms at all. Death can occur suddenly. If you notice your Society Finch is acting oddly, call your veterinarian Lakewood Ranch, FL right away. Abnormal behavior can have a variety of causes and it’s always best to have your vet look into it just in case there is an underlying dis ... Read more »

Flies can be a nuisance to humans and animals alike. It’s important to keep yourself and your animals protected from flies and other insects especially during the warmer weather months. Contact your vet staff for a list of suggested fly sprays and preventatives for your Suri alpaca. In general, there are quite a few spray-on fly repellents available. Some Suri owners prefer to use an all natural spray instead of sprays that are made up of a variety of chemicals. Your local livestock store should carry both. When shopping for a fly spray, make sure to find one that is designed specifically for alpacas and/or llamas. Some equine and cattle spray can be used on a variety of livestock. If you’re not sure what to buy, consult your vet Lakewood Ranch, FL. You may also want to look online for recipes on how to make your own all natural alpaca fly spray. To learn more, click here.

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