You are viewing entries tagged 'vet'.
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You may be seeking information to cure your cat’s bad breath because it bowls you over every time he yawns. But it’s also important to cure because halitosis in a cat often indicates a buildup of bacterial growth or a digestive disorder. The first thing to possibly try a new diet. Consult with your vet about a new food that has enzymes to help control the bacteria.
The next thing to tackle is his teeth. Powered pet toothbrushes and special pet toothpaste can really help but make sure to wait at least a half-hour after eating before brushing your cat’s teeth. Or try adding something like Dental Fresh with chlorophyll to your cat’s water. If his breath continues to be bad after treating the tartar and plaque, see your vet – it could indicate diabetes, kidney or liver disease.
Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
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Even the best of cats go wonky sometimes and decide your hand is a live mouse. Cat scratches need to be treated immediately because they can cause cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection, if left alone. This disease comes from cat saliva which is often on your cat’s paw from grooming.
First, wash with soap and water. Then apply a bit of hydrogen peroxide with a cotton ball until it stops bleeding. Apply an ointment such as Neosporin after that. Bandage the area with a bandaid or gauze secured with an ace bandage. At any sign of infection or flu-like symptoms, see your doctor.
If your cat has been scratched by another cat, clean it, apply hydrogen peroxide and press firmly until the bleeding stops. The danger for them is infection so watch it carefully as it heals.
Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
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U.S. cats are fatter and more unhealthy than ever. Turn your cat’s health around! Ask your vet how many calories your cat needs each day to reach their ideal weight. Feed your cat 2 to 4 small meals each day. Allowing free access to food all day long contributes to unnatural hormonal signals which make weight loss very difficult.
Avoid foods with inferior ingredients for cats such as corn and rice. Cats are carnivores and need a higher protein, lower carbohydrate diet to achieve weight loss. Pay attention to treats as a source of “hidden” calories. Deduct the calories given as treats from the total daily calorie amount.
Cats are often grossly overfed because treat calories are not accounted for. Weigh your cat every week or two and call your vet with questions. Stick to it – your cat will thank you for it!
Dr. Spector is a veterinarian, nutritional advisor & pet lover! For more information about pet health, visit us online at www.vcapets.com. |
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U.S. cats have reached monumental proportions with 57% being overweight or obese. Most people don’t see fat cats as a problem and they are thought of as “cute and cuddly,” but health risks of obesity are real and life threatening.
Obesity is the leading cause of preventable illness and death from conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart and lung disease. Cats need to be helped out of the “couch-potato-overeating”" lifestyle we have created for them!
Your vet can identify your cat’s ideal body weight and help you begin a plan of calorie restriction to reach that weight. Add 20 minutes of exercise a day using interactive cat toys and laser pointers. Monitor your cats weight loss progress every 2-4 weeks with your vet. You will need to make frequent adjustments to keep your cat on the right track to a healthy weight.
Dr. Spector is a veterinarian, nutritional advisor & pet lover! For more information about pet health, visit us online at www.vcapets.com. |
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Is it true that dry food is better for cats with dental problems because it helps remove plaque and that canned foods cause more plaque buildup?
NO! Many cats swallow dry food without chewing or if they do chew it, it often crumbles without much resistance, offering little to no abrasive action from chewing. Cats eating dry foods can (and do) develop heavy plaque buildup. Only if your cat has particularly bad plaque problems, despite proper at-home teeth brushing and veterinary dental care, should you ask your vet about a special dental diet.
Approved dental diets contain chemicals that bind and facilitate breakdown of plaque. A list of approved foods and dental treats that have been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup has been published by the Veterinary Oral Health Council at www.vohc.org.
Dr. Spector is a veterinarian, nutritional advisor & pet lover! For more information about pet health, visit us online at www.vcapets.com. |
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Yes, anesthesia is required for a thorough teeth cleaning that will help prevent periodontal disease. As cat owners are often reluctant about procedures requiring anesthesia, some groomers and vets are offering “anesthesia-free” dental cleanings. The American Veterinary Dental College advises against these procedures as they always result in suboptimal examination and cleaning and also increase the risk of injury to your cat’s mouth.
Dental health should not be neglected in cats because dental disease often results in tooth and gum infections, pain, loss of teeth and even organ damage. Talk to your vet about the best dental care plan for your cat.
Dr. Spector is a veterinarian, nutritional advisor & pet lover! For more information about dental health, visit us online at www.vcapets.com. |
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Bad breath is often an indication of periodontal disease. This serious condition affects 70% of cats by age 3, resulting in tooth and gum infections, pain, loss of teeth and even organ damage.
To avoid this common problem, owners must brush their cats’ teeth twice daily using special cat toothbrushes and toothpaste. For best results, being during kittenhood so your cat easily adjusts to the process of teeth cleaning.
If your cat is completely unwilling to allow brushing, ask your vet about dental wipes that help control plaque. In addition to daily tooth brushing, cats will require veterinary dental cleanings to avoid painful periodontal disease. Get a dental checkup at least once yearly.
Dr. Spector is a veterinarian, nutritional advisor & pet lover! For more information about dental health, visit us online at www.vcapets.com. |
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It used to be that when a pet lost the use of one of her legs, the only real option for the owners felt they had was to put her to sleep. Nowadays you see tripod dogs and cats all over and even pets who’ve even lost use of both of their back legs.
If your cat isn’t in pain, she can learn to adapt to paralysis, whether from illness or an injury. Cat wheelchairs are available now. There are also diapers for cats which is helpful since a disabled cat has no control over her elimination. There are also lifting harnesses and ramps. A great site to peruse is www.handicappedpets.com. And, remember, a paralyzed cat has just as much love to give as one with four legs!
Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
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Each year the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives tens of thousands of calls related to pets accidentally ingesting their owners’ over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Some human drugs – such as antidepressants and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Baclofen (a muscle relaxant) – can sicken or even kill your feline so keep medications off counter tops and securely stored in a cabinet or drawer. If both you and your cat are on medication, avoid mix-ups by keeping the vials in separate places.
Maryann Mott is a pet journalist and author. Her books and articles can be found at Petwriter.com and you can follow her on Twitter here. |
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Four years ago, our cat Schmeckie (unique name, I know) suddenly became paralyzed in her back legs. She started screaming, obviously very much in pain. There was no known trauma – she had been healthy moments before. It turned out Schmeckie had Saddle Thrombosis. In S.T., a blood clot sticks at the split in the aorta by the hind legs. Sometimes, if immediately rushed into surgery, the cat can be saved but paralysis will probably remain. About 1/3 of cats with S.T. die. Schmeckie was one of them.
There is no certain prevention for S.T. but having your cat checked for heart disease on a regular basis may help. If it does strike, don’t blame yourself. It is known as the “silent killer in cats” for a reason. |
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