Did you know that epilepsy can affect cats and dogs? If you own a Maine Coon cat or a cat of any breed then you should talk to your vet about epilepsy and how it might affect your cat. In general, epilepsy is a brain disorder that can cause animals to have sudden, uncontrollable seizures. These seizures are most often recurring and may or may not cause the animal to pass out. If your Maine Coon is suffering from seizures, contact your vet immediately. Some experts believe seizures are an “uncoordinated firing of neurons” within the cerebrum portion of the brain. The reasons for this are unknown; however, it is thought that, like humans, the neurotransmitters are not in a “proper chemical balance” so the activity is not coordinated as it should be. Main Coons suffering from epilepsy may have periodic occurrences of seizures, convulsions, or even fits. If this happens, contact your veterina ... Read more »

Having a heart murmur is a serious condition, whether you’re a human or a canine. Here are a few signs that may indicate your pup has a heart murmur.

Some symptoms are more obvious than others. Less obvious symptoms include a lack of energy, severe water retention, and tiring easily. More obvious symptoms include an irregular heartbeat, elevated pulse, and a hacking cough.

Fortunately, a heart murmur doesn’t have to spell the end. Many animals live with the condition their entire lives without a problem. If the murmur is serious enough, you may have to consider surgery or medication. Even a simple dietary change may help.

If you’re worried that your dog may have a heart murmur, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian South Miami, FL. They can run a variety of tests and provide you with possible solutions.

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Going on vacation is an exciting time for your family, but it isn’t necessarily exciting for your pet. While you’re gone, you’ll have to decide if you should bring your cat with you or leave him behind. Is one option better than the other?

In general, it’s probably best if you leave your cat behind. Felines don’t do well with change. They can become extremely stressed out, destructive, and stop using the litter box, which are all bad behaviors if you’re staying in a hotel.

Instead, you should have someone check in on your cat every day or stay with him while you’re gone. If that isn’t an option, you can consider taking him to a boarding facility where they have the time and patience to deal with a stressed cat.

To discuss what to do with your pet during your next vacation, click here, or contact your vet South Miami, FL.

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When cats live under the same roof, they often share a group scent that helps them become more familiar with each other while developing bonds of friendship. The group scent is the social glue that holds them together as a group, making them more secure and comfortable in each other’s presence.

A social hierarchy exists in a multi-cat household, with one cat acting as the social facilitator. As cats get to know each other and become more at ease being in a group, positive social behavior is enhanced. You will notice your cats grooming and rubbing against each other, a behavior that is important in generating the group scent.

Sharing a group scent means living in an environment where cats have formed strong bonds of friendship. Cats are not really as social as dogs but most are happy living in the same household with other cats. 

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Orphaned kittens need all the care and commitment they can get from their owners. They need to be kept warm and comfortable, and fed a formula using a bottle during the first month of their life. When bottle-feeding a kitten, make sure that his belly is touching the table or on a flat surface. Never bottle feed a kitten that is lying on his back for this can increase the risk of milk going into the lungs. It will usually take 10-15 minutes for a kitten to be full.

Another responsibility that you have to undertake when caring for orphaned kittens is to help them eliminate until they are about a month old. Use a warm damp cotton ball or cloth to massage the lower body until the kitten pees or poops. Stimulation of their elimination functions should be done after they have been fed. Kittens can be potty-trained when they’re about 3 weeks old. Take note that kittens that are on formula won’t have solid waste.& ... Read more »

Any age of dog can be infected with intestinal worms including roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms. In order to protect your pet from the negative effects of a heavy worm infestation, parasite prevention should be a year-round program.

Although very young puppies and senior pets are more prone to the effects of intestinal parasite infestation, a heavy parasitic load can also affect the health and wellbeing of adult dogs. There are also parasites that can affect both pets and humans and can easily be transmitted.

Dogs can get intestinal parasites by ingesting parasite eggs from contaminated food or water. Viable parasite eggs can also be present in soil or fecal material. Very young puppies can get parasites from their mother while they are still in the womb or while nursing.

Know more about how to take care of your pet's needs by ... Read more »