Rabies is a viral disease found in many wild animals. It can be transmitted to dogs, cats and even humans. It is usually spread from a bite and exposure to saliva of an infected animal. There is no cure and rabies will result in death. Thus it is of vital importance that you protect your cat from rabies. Fortunately, there is a vaccine to protect your cat. And of course, you should work to prevent your cat from having contact with wild animals. Consider getting even indoor cats vaccinated since there is a chance your cat could slip outside inadvertently. Some communities even require vaccination of all cats against rabies infection by law. If a wild animal bites your cat, seek medical attention even if she has been vaccinated. Take precautions such as wearing rubber gloves and caging your cat immediately to p ... Read more »

Dog booties protect your dog’s feet from the frigid ground and ice and snow in the winter. They also prevent ice balls from clumping in your dog’s pads and protect your dog’s feet from damaging deicing chemicals and salts. However, getting your dog to wear his booties may be difficult. Your dog may resist them on or kick them off. And he may walk with a funny high step showing his displeasure. Don’t wait till the middle of winter to help your dog adjust to booties. Purchase booties that fit well. Put a bootie on one foot for a few seconds, then remove it while providing a treat and lots of praise. Let him walk around with just one bootie on. Move the bootie from foot to foot. Then add another bootie until all four are on. Be patient and don’t punish your dog during ... Read more »

Some cats have higher risks of developing skin cancer. These are those with light-colored skin, eyes, and hair coat. However, skin cancer can affect any breed of cat. Knowing how to protect your pet from the sun’s ultraviolet rays is very important in preventing skin cancer. And early detection of sympotms can go a long way in ensuring a favorable prognosis.

In cat, skin cancer can come in so many shapes, and it is often hard to predict where and when it develops because it significantly varies from cat to cat. But the following symptoms are almost always present in feline skin cancer.

Lumps and bumps on the skin

Skin abnormalities are characteristic of skin cancer. Lumps, bumps, and mole-like spots on the skin are often present. Take note, however, that not all bumps, lumps, or moles are due to cancer, but it’s wort ... Read more »

Cats can develop ingrown claws, too. It is a common problem that affects the claws of cats. Senior cats or those living sedentary lifestyles are more prone to developing ingrown especially of the front claws.

An ingrown involves a claw that has grown overly long and curves back to dig into the cat’s toes or paw pads. Just like in humans, ingrown can be painful, and affected cats often pick or chew the affected foot to try to ease the discomfort. The cat’s ingrown claw can also pierce the footpad paving the way for infection, which can further complicate the problem.

In general, cats with easy access to scratching posts or pads won’t need trimming. But when your cat’s claws have grown quite long and is causing ingrown problems, you should have your vet care Covington, GA have a look at it.

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It’s important to have your cat fixed for many reasons, and many vet clinics make it affordable, so most people choose to have their feline friends spayed and neutered. You just have to make sure that you take good care of your cat’s stitches after his surgery.

Do not allow your cat to go outside while he’s healing. Keep him indoors for at least two weeks. If you let him out, you increase the likelihood of him developing an infection.

Do not bathe your cat and try not to get him wet. He should avoid strenuous exercise, so leave the toys in the drawer until he’s completely healed.

If your cat wants to chew on his stitches, he may have to wear a cone until they dissolve or they can be removed. Your veterinary clinic Colorado Springs, CO will tell you more about how to care for your cat’s stitches.

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‘Quality over quantity’ should always be the mantra of pet owners when buying pet food products. Premium quality pet food made by well-established and reputable companies are formulated to meet the dietary needs of specific lifestages.

Aside from the normal array of basic options for specific lifestages, there are also pet foods that are formulated for canines with special dietary needs. These are the ones which are prescribed by veterinarians for pets with underlying health conditions or those that benefit from a special diet that will fit in their lifestyle. There are a variety of special diets formulated for dogs. These are grouped into the following categories:

Pet food appropriate for your dog’s size

Pet food for small dogs have smaller chunks so they won’t have a hard time eating and digesting bigge ... Read more »

Giardia sp. is a water-borne parasite. Birds get them from drinking or bathing in water sources that are contaminated.  Budgerigars are one of the most common groups of birds that suffer from giardiasis, which is often considered as one of the most common waterborne infections in birds.

Birds suffering from giardiasis may persistently scratch at their flanks and legs. They may also pull at their feathers and vocalize loudly. They really act like they’re in pain. There may also be distinct behavior changes, such as engaging in pica or eating items that are not considered as food. They may also have foul-smelling diarrhea that contains excessive amounts of mucus. Affected birds also lose their appetite which can lead to considerable weight loss. They also appear depressed and lethargic.

Fortunately, an anti-protozoal medication can be used to treat cases of giardi ... Read more »

Snakes that live in enclosures that are poorly maintained have higher risks of developing respiratory problems. Another important predisposing factor of respiratory problems in snakes is exposure to certain stressors in their immediate environment.

Snakes suffering from respiratory problems manifest coughing and wheezing. They breathe with their mouths open, and often have a runny nose. If your pet snake is exhibiting any of these symptoms, try increasing the temperature in its enclosure; doing so has been shown to kick-start the immune response of snakes. If there are other snakes in the enclosure, make sure to quarantine the one that’s sick to protect the other snakes from getting the infection.

Snakes suffering from mouth rot have also higher risks of developing respiratory infections. Bacterial infections are important causes of respiratory problems in snakes, but fungus, ... Read more »

Like humans, cats possess distinct personalities—some are friendly and outgoing, while there are those that are timid or shy. However, an overly timid or nervous kitty should be a cause for concern. Knowing the underlying cause of your pet’s behavior and personality will empower you to take steps to help your pet overcome them.

Your kitty may have suffered pain and neglect in the past and their experiences have made them highly suspicious of people. With time, patience, and effort, you can help your pet overcome the emotional and psychological damage, and help your pet become more self-confident.

Some cats suffer from specific phobias, such as a fear of loud noises, thunderstorms, lighting, and fireworks. Certain sounds and behaviors may upset and make a cat anxious even if these are not directed at them.

Cats that that did not exper ... Read more »