by VetDepot on May 17, 2013
Begging behavior can range from a minor irritation to a major annoyance depending on how often it occurs, how relentless it is, and who it’s aimed at. If your pet’s begging is driving you or anyone else in your household crazy, it’s time to do something about it.
Dogs and cats can beg for food, for attention, for a walk, to be let outdoors, or basically anything they want but need a person’s assistance in getting. Pets continue to beg because the behavior has been successful in the past. Every owner has given in to begging at some point, even if they’ve done so inadvertently. Sometimes we’ll comply because the behavior is awfully cute and not too pushy, at least to begin with. At other times, we might reward the pet through no fault of our own. For example, a dog that finds a few old crumbs under the kitchen table may associate his find with the begging that preceded it. Finally, people often reward their pet’s begging when they actually think they are reacting negatively to it. As illogical as it might seem, yelling or pushing a pet away that is begging for attention is actually giving them what they see- attention. Learn more…
Tagged as:
cat,
Dog
by VetDepot on May 14, 2013
Did you know that dogs and cats can get sunburned? Sunburns are painful, can worsen existing skin conditions, and can lead to various types of skin cancer. Your veterinarian may recommend a pet sunscreen or baby sunscreen for your pet. Dogs and cats that are more at risk for UV exposure include hairless and light-skinned breeds, shaved or short-haired pets, and outdoor or working breeds. Pets that have allergies or inflamed skin can be aggravated by sun exposure. Cats with white fur or pink pigment on their nose are susceptible to skin cancer. Some dog breeds are predisposed to skin tumors including, but not limited to, the boxer, pit bull terrier, bull terrier, bichon frise, poodle, and the schnauzer.
Sun protection is recommended for at-risk pets. Maybe have your pet wear a t-shirt and limit exposure during peak UV hours (10 am to 3 pm). For sunbathing indoor cats, you can place UV filters on windows or screens. If you take your pet outdoors, it is recommended to apply sunscreen before sun exposure. Make sure it is either a pet-approved sunscreen or one that is recommended by your veterinarian. Avoid products containing zinc oxide because they are toxic to pets and can result in zinc toxicity if ingested. Also, cats are more habitual groomers than dogs. Avoid any salicylate products and PABA ingredients in sunscreen for cats. Learn more…
Tagged as:
cat health,
dog health,
summer tips
by VetDepot on May 10, 2013
Like any pet, your hamster needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Obviously, a small cage doesn’t provide much space for physical activity, and you’re probably not taking your hamster out for walks around the neighborhood. Still, it’s easy to ensure your hamster gets all the daily physical activity required.
Exercise Wheel
An exercise wheel isn’t an optional accessory for a hamster, every one of these fluffy rodents needs one. Wheels provide entertainment and physical activity, staving off boredom and extra pounds. Many hamster cages come with wheels that mount on the side, but if your cage didn’t, be sure to pick one up for your pet’s habitat. Hamsters can’t safely use exercise wheels with wire bar rungs, so choose one with a solid plastic or mesh bottom. If your hamster’s back arches while running, the wheel is too small. Learn more…
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hamster,
pet health
by VetDepot on May 8, 2013
There has been an increased use of sugar alternatives, such as xylitol, in American households in recent years. Xylitol is not only a sweetener, but also has other human uses including reducing tooth decay, aiding in weight loss, and even helping with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, these health benefits do not translate to our pets. According to the FDA, xylitol is considered to be an emerging toxicity in dogs. The sweetener is dangerous to dogs because it causes severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hepatic necrosis (liver failure).
Xylitol is approved for human use and considered a safe sugar alternative for people. It is commonly used in sugar-free products such as candy, chewing gum, and baked goods and often a component to oral hygiene products like mouthwash and toothpaste. Xylitol can be found in over-the-counter-medications, vitamins, and throat lozenges. Xylitol is also available in bulk for at home baking. Other sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are considered safe. Sorbitol and mannitol have no effect on blood sugar, however, can cause diarrhea in dogs. Learn more…
Tagged as:
dog health,
pet health,
pet safety
by VetDepot on May 6, 2013
Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons for dogs and cats to be taken to the veterinary clinic. Some cases of diarrhea do require medical intervention, but others can be successfully treated at home. When an otherwise healthy, adult dog or cat develops mild diarrhea that is not associated with vomiting, abdominal pain, or lethargy, home treatment is a reasonable first step.
Many uncomplicated cases of diarrhea in dogs and cats develop because the pet has ingested something unusual or contaminated. Diarrhea initially develops because of the material’s direct effect on the gastrointestinal tract but can continue long after the initial insult has passed because of disruption to the population of bacteria that normally colonizes the large intestine. Successfully addressing both the early and late effects of dietary indiscretion is essential if a pet’s diarrhea is to resolve quickly. Learn more…
Tagged as:
cat health,
dog health,
pet medications
by VetDepot on May 2, 2013
While people are sniffling and sneezing from all of the spring pollen, dogs might be experiencing the effects too. Many canines suffer from pollen allergies – both inhaled and on their skin.
Keep track of when your dog seems to itch or lick. If it is the same time every year, it may be pollen associated. Mild cases can be managed with home care. More severe cases will need medical therapy and some dogs will benefit from desensitization injections.
Atopy is the term for inhaled allergies in dogs. Terriers are especially prone to this problem and will often get worse with each allergy season. Many of these dogs will require medical treatment. Make sure that other causes of skin irritation are minimized. Use flea control products to reduce external parasites. Rule out food allergies and contact allergies from bedding or household cleaning products. Learn more…
Tagged as:
allergies,
dog health,
pet medications
by VetDepot on April 30, 2013
Do you ever wonder what’s going through your pet’s mind? With Christopher Rozzi’s new book, Tiny Confessions: The Secret Thoughts of Dogs, Cats, and Everything, you don’t have to wonder any longer. Rozzi is an artist, comedian and writer from New York City and his newest creation, Tiny Confessions, is set to be released on May 7, 2013.
Here’s our interview with Rozzi:
Who or what was the inspiration for Tiny Confessions?
Tiny Confessions definitely developed in a very organic way. My father gave me an iPad for Christmas and told me about an art app that he had read about that could print out high resolution images. He’s very into technology. Soon after, I saw a woman on the subway drawing on an iPad with a stylus. I had never thought of that! Then a friend of mine who buys prints on Etsy told me that I should do paintings of dogs and cats, which are quite popular. I was trying to find a way to combine my comedy and art together in a way that was fun for me. I could never work on something that I didn’t believe in or that didn’t have some kind of humor to it. Learn more…
Tagged as:
book review,
cat,
Dog
by VetDepot on April 29, 2013
With the arrival of spring, many families are hard at work cleaning up their home and yard. This is a good time to work on “cleaning up” your pets too.
A good procedure is to start from the tip of the nose and go to the tip of the tail. Check your pet’s teeth for any discolored areas, inflamed gums or broken or cracked teeth. A buildup of plaque or tartar suggests you have not been consistent with dental care over the winter. There are many chews, toothpastes and other dental products for dogs and cats that can help get your pet’s smile back on track.
Feel carefully behind ears and in the armpit area for any small mats that may have built up with the wet winter weather. Trim these carefully – slipping a comb in between your pet’s skin and the mat when you go to cut, then guiding the scissors over the comb. You can also try a mat splitter for areas where you want to save the coat. Check the hair around the paws and in between pads as well. Learn more…
Tagged as:
cat health,
dog health,
grooming,
pet health
by VetDepot on April 26, 2013
April 27 has been designated as World Veterinary Day in honor of the veterinary profession. The theme of this year’s World Veterinary Day is vaccination. Keeping pets updated with their vaccinations protects them from dangerous diseases like parvovirus. Some vaccinations, like the rabies vaccination, protect against zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be spread from animal to human).
This day also serves as a great reminder to make an appointment with your vet if your pet is overdue. Annual veterinary checkups ensure an animal’s vaccinations are always up-to-date, that pets are at a healthy weight, and are also a great opportunity for pet owners to discuss any questions or concerns with a professional. Learn more…
Tagged as:
cat health,
dog health,
pet medications,
veterinary care
by VetDepot on April 24, 2013
Ibuprofen is popular human pain reliever that can be potentially lethal in dogs and cats. Common brand names for this over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory include Motrin and Advil. Ibuprofen is a common toxicity in pets because of its accessibility in the household. Dogs and cats are more sensitive to the side effects of ibuprofen and exposure could result in stomach ulceration, kidney failure, liver failure, and neurological signs. Signs of poisoning are dose-dependent, meaning that the more ibuprofen ingested, the more severe and widespread the effects on the body. As a general rule with NSAIDs, cats are more sensitive to the side effects and require lesser doses to achieve same level of toxicity in dogs.
With as little as 10 mg of ibuprofen per pound of body weight, stomach ulceration can occur, causing vomiting, stomach bleeding, and dark tarry stool. Learn more…
Tagged as:
cat health,
dog health,
pet safety
