Has your Ocicat recently been diagnosed with feline diabetes? If so, your vet may have already developed a plan for your cat’s care. If not, push for treatment to start right away. In some cats if treatment is delayed or is not given, there could be fatal consequences. For instance, a condition called Ketoacidosis could develop. This condition is a metabolic imbalance that occurs with unmanaged or poorly regulated diabetes. Ketoacidosis is caused when fat and protein is broken down due to a need for more metabolic energy. The excessive breakdown of these reserves causes a toxic by-product called ketones. While the ketones continue to build in the blood stream, the pH and electrolyte imbalance continues as well. Symptoms related to Ketoacidosis include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, and difficulty breathi ... Read more »

Do you own an Ocicat or another breed of feline? If so, did you know that cats can be prone to diabetes? Feline diabetes generally occurs when a cat’s body doesn’t produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is produced in a cat’s pancreas and is in charge of regulating the flow of glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. When there isn’t enough insulin the cat’s body starts breaking down fat and protein reserves as an alternative. Ideally, the energy source should come from glucose and not stored fat and proteins. As a result the cat may start to lose weight and develop high blood sugar. If you think your cat may have diabetes o ... Read more »

Did you know that durable, outdoor designed dog blankets come in different sizes, weights, and denier? If you are unfamiliar with any of these terms just give your local pet store or grain store associate for assistance. The weight or fill describes the thickness of the blanket. The denier; however, describes the durability of the blanket. For instance, the denier is the measure of the nylon fiber density in the blanket, which varies from blanket to blanket. A blanket with a 1200D means a 1200 denier and indicates the blanket is more durable than a blanket with a 600D. If your Papillon likes to play rough then you may want to consider a stronger denier. This will ensure the weave of the blanket is tight and durable. For older, less active dogs, you may do well with a lowe ... Read more »

There’s a lot of prep work that goes into showing your Californian rabbit. You need to prepare for all of the pre-show work, the actual setting up and taking down on the day of the show, and then actually showing your rabbit in front of the judges. There is a lot involved with showing and it may be beneficial for you to connect with someone with experience showing rabbits in order to learn all of the ropes. They can also tell you what to expect on the day of the show. For instance, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to unload and set up your rabbit’s station, check in with the secretary, pay fees, make any last minute changes, and have your rabbit in the right place and on time for his class. Please remember that your rabbit must have ID tags or tattoos from your vet Fort Collins, CO in left ear only.

... Read more »

It’s easy to see your dog like a member of your family, and your family is allowed free reign in your home. Does that mean your dog should be allowed in every room in your home as well?

There isn’t any harm in letting your dog have free reign in your home, but you do have to be careful. For example, if you store chemicals, tools, and hardware in the garage, you should always provide your dog with supervision. Otherwise, keep him out of the garage altogether.

If your dog isn’t a very good sleeper, it’s probably a good idea to leave him out of the bedroom. If you have a baby, you should keep your dog out of the nursery unless you provide them both with supervision as well.

For help training your dog in your home, click here, or call your veterinarian London, ON.

... Read more »