Did you know that cats like the American Wirehair have been known to develop feline diabetes? If your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes then you may have to take him in for routine checkups or routine blood sugar level checks. Monitoring your American Wirehair’s blood sugar may be split between you and your vet. Routine monitoring is required as your American Wirehair’s blood sugar levels may change over time and require an increase or even a decrease in medications. If your American Wirehair starts to show increased appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss, call your vet. It’s important to always report to your vet as changes in your wirehair’s condition could occur suddenly and require immediate treatment. If your American Wirehair needs regular testing on a daily basis, ask your veterinarians Marietta GA if a home glucose or sugar testing kit would be suitable.

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Did you know that diabetes mellitus is another name for sugar diabetes? This disease can develop in various cats including the American Wirehair. It most often develops in two different types including insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).  Experts suggest that around one-half to three-quarters of American Wirehairs with feline diabetes require insulin injects once the disease is identified. The remaining American Wirehairs most likely have non-insulin dependent diabetes but may require injections to control the disease. Four classic symptoms of sugar diabetes include an increase in appetite, weight loss, increased urination, and increased water consumption. Diabetes most often occurs in older, obese American Wirehairs and is commonly seen in males more often than females. This does not mean; however, that younger American Wirehairs or females cannot have diabetes. If you notice any of the classic symptoms in your Americ ... Read more »

One of the most important things that responsible pet owners can do for their pets is to make sure they get to visit the vet clinic at least twice a year for routine veterinary examinations. This is one of the best ways to take a proactive approach in your pet’s health and wellbeing. These are also opportunities to catch any potential problems early, which equates to less expense compared to dealing with health problems that are already well-advanced.

Another benefit of bi-annual vet checks is being able to stagger vaccination schedules so pets don’t have to receive several doses in one sitting.

However, there are still pet owners out there who don’t think that their pets don’t need to make these visits to the veterinarian. But pet owners should keep in mind that animals do age faster than humans.

Taking your pet to your ... Read more »

There are various opinions that are forwarded to explain why cats eat grass. Some think that the grass causes irritation of the esophagus and stomach, thereby triggering the vomit reflex so the cat can get rid of the hairballs in his stomach. There are also those who believe that cats need the fiber in grass. Whatever may be the reason, eating grass is considered a natural feline behavior. But pet owners should be concerned when their cats “graze” on grass that have been sprayed with fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals that can be harmful or toxic to cats. 

To prevent any unfortunate incidents, cat owners can buy cat grass from pet stores. These products are not expensive and often have replanting kits to ensure regular supply of grass available for your furball. This is the best way to provide pesticide-free grass for pet to munch on. Cat grass can be grown inside your home; it is safe for ca ... Read more »

The grooming habits of cats can increase a cat’s risk of hairballs being formed in their stomach. While grooming keeps their skin and hair coats clean and healthy, hairballs can have negative implications on their health and wellbeing. Fortunately there are ways to prevent or reduce the risk of hairballs.

Even if cats spend a good part of their day attending to their grooming routine, they will still need some grooming help from their humans. Whether you have a long-haired or short-haired cat, make sure to brush your pet every day, using grooming tools that are appropriate for your dog’s hair coat. Brushing helps remove loose hair before they can be swallowed by your cat when he grooms himself. There are many types of grooming tools and knowing more about your pet’s grooming needs can help you pick the right tools and learn how to use them properly. You can also check with your Richardson, TX veterin ... Read more »

Did you know that ferrets like the Panda ferret may be prone to various eye conditions and illnesses over the course of its lifetime? Talk with your local ferret breeder or veterinarian to learn about eye conditions and symptoms to look out for. Insulinoma is a common disease in ferrets ages two and up. This disease occurs when the cells of the pancreas develop into tumors. The tumors in the pancreas can cause an excessive production of insulin which can in turn cause the ferret to have low blood glucose levels or hypoglycemia. The tumors are often called nodules and can be as big as 1cm. The tumors may occur one at a time or in groups. They are a recurring problem and require frequent check-ups. It may be recommended that you check your Panda’s blood glucose levels at the age of 2 to help detect the onset of Insulinoma. Talk with your pet clinic Marietta GA for specific details.

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Chewing is a normal canine behavior. Many pet owners may have problems with their pets’ chewing habits, but instead of getting mad, there are ways to control a dog’s urge to chew with proper training, lots of positive reinforcement, as well providing the right toys to chew while discouraging from chewing on other items.

Here are tips from the experts to help you deal with your dog’s chewing habits:

• Variety is very important when choosing chew toys for your dog. This is especially important if you don’t know what chew toy your dog likes best. Be quick to reward your dog with a favorite treat or two when he chews on the toy.
• To discourage your dog from chewing on other items other than his chew toys. You can apply a preventive spray product that has a bad taste and will discourage your dog from chewing on the item. ... Read more »

Veterinarians recommend that dog owners should brush their pet’s teeth as often as possible – some recommended a daily brushing, some say 2-3 times a week. Brushing a dog’s teeth is the most effective technique of preventing tooth and gum problems, and promotes oral health. This is especially true if you have a dog that is prone to bad teeth, like miniature poodles.

When choosing a toothbrush for your dog, make sure that it is not so rigid because it can hurt your dog’s gums. The ideal toothbrush is one that has soft bristles and can easily fit in your dog’s mouth. Frequent brushing prevents the build-up of plaque before it hardens into tartar (dental calculus). If your dog has tartar, it can only be removed by placing him under general anesthesia.

If you have a dog that does not take well to the tooth brushing routine, wrap gauze around your finger an ... Read more »