Before applying any flea or tick medication to your pet cat, make sure that the product has been recommended by your veterinarian for use in cats. Even with pet owner education, there are still many cases of accidental poisoning of cats by their well-intentioned pet parents. Some pet owners use dog flea medication on their cats without consulting their veterinarian or taking a closer look at the label.

Flea and tick medications that contain pyrethrin are often the most common products that are implicated in cases of severe poisoning in cats. These chemicals are indicated safe for dogs, but they should never be used for cats. However, some household insect sprays, topical flea sprays and shampoos may contain pyrethrin in very low concentration and can be safely used for dogs and cats.

Cats are unable to handle high concentrations of pyrethroids, thus they are prone to poisoning when exposed to products that contain these chemicals.

... Read more »

Did you know that cats like the American Curl have better night vision than humans? The American Curl and other cat breeds can even see better than dogs when it comes to night vision. Dogs, for instance, can see about five times better in the dark than humans. Cats on the other hand have much better night vision and are able to see at least six times better in dimmer surroundings. How does this work? In general, the retina in a cat’s eye is different than the retina of a human. For instance, the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptors known as cones and rods is different for cats. Cats have a much higher concentration of rod receptors and lower concentration of cone receptors. This enables them to see more light, but less color at night. Talk to your vet Clive, IA to learn more about the way you American Curl’s eyes operate.

... Read more »

Climate changes have created an environment where mosquitoes that transmit heartworms thrive and increase in number and distribution. Mosquitoes should now be considered a year-round health hazard and not just a summertime pest. Thus even if a dog is placed on a year-round heartworm preventative, the possibility of exposure to mosquitoes still exists.  

Some mosquitoes have evolved to be able to lay eggs that can survive the extreme winter conditions. The eggs hatch when environmental temperatures elevate even for just a short time. Also, many mosquito species are hardy enough to live through the winter. They remain hidden and protected in logs that are hollow or in animal burrows. As the weather starts to turn warmer, the female mosquitoes begin looking for hosts to feed on. Once they have eaten a full blood meal, they start to lay eggs again.

Asking assistance from your Montgomery, TX veterinary clinic, the Lake Conroe - ... Read more »

Did you know that pet insurance is available for just about all types of pets including Golden Retrievers? If you’re considering pet insurance, be sure to ask your vet what plans he participates in. Pet insurance is different from plan to plan just like human insurance. It’s important to do your research and read plan options carefully to determine what particular coverage your Golden Retriever needs. Check to see if the plan is limited to certain breeds and whether or not it covers breed specific conditions. For instance, if Golden Retrievers are prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia then you want to make sure the insurance plan covers it. Talk with other Golden Retriever owners to find out what plans they have. When it comes to pet insurance be thorough and take your time to find the best coverage. Don’t forget to consult with your vet Clive, IA before signing up as well.

... Read more »