Cats

February 21 2022

Beyond Brushing: What you need to know about dental health

Of course, pet owners should brush their dog or cat’s teeth to prevent abscesses, jaw damage, and heart disease – in addition to simply keeping them healthy. This is also the first step in avoiding tooth loss and systemic infections.

There are other methods in addition to brushing teeth for those dogs who resist or aren’t particularly in favor of brushing their teeth.

Dog tooth wipes can be an easier option. Use them by rubbing the wipe against your pet’s teeth, but just know they will not be as effective in the crevices between teeth.

Dog dental treats. These specifically remove plaque buildup and will clean your pet’s mouth, which also freshens up their bad breath. Try different sizes, shapes, and flavors!

Dental treats will keep your pet’s mouth clean in addition to exercising their jaw muscles. Dog chews occupy your dog and keep them from chewing on other things but also benefit their oral health as well. By gnawing, your pet will scrape the plaque off its teeth. Some chews contain vitamins or enzymes for better dietary health. For pets who don’t need the extra calories, look for rubber or nylon toys.

Their diet also plays a factor – dry food (kibble) is less likely to become stuck between teeth, especially with larger kibbles. The friction of eating will clean the enamel and strengthen teeth and jaw muscles.

Regular pet checkups at your veterinarian should also include dental cleanings. Pets with anxiety can be anesthetized so they are more comfortable. Check their teeth yourself visually by lifting their lips and opening their mouth. You’ll be able to quickly notice any sores or plaque buildup. You can work with your pet to get them accustomed to having toothbrushes and your fingers in their mouth for oral checks, especially if you start young.

Cleaning cat litter box. Hand is cleaning of cat litter box with green spatula. Toilet cat cleaning sand. Man hand and cat litter box. Kitty litter. Plastic scoop and shovel. Cleaning cat excrement.

December 16 2021

Everything You Needed to know about Litterboxes

Cats, Pet Care

For litterbox-trained pets (cats and rabbits especially), new pet owners might wonder how to encourage a cat to use the litterbox, how many you should have, and general care for toileting needs. Since many pets end up in shelters due to toilet issues, we’ve broken down what you should know in this litterbox 101.

Size. In general, the bigger, the better. It should be about 1.5 times the length of your cat’s full-grown, adult size. Some cats might not like the lid as it keeps the odor concentrated inside (great for humans!) which can translate to feelings of being cramped or trapped. More gentle-natured cats will become startled by automatic ones when they activate, so you might need to stick to an old-school, stationary one.

Number. How many litterboxes should you have? One per cat, plus an extra, and at least one per floor of your home. Ideally, you want your cat to have one close by, regardless of where they are. For the more fastidious cat, they might choose to urinate in one and have their bowel movement in another.

Location. To avoid startling your cat while they are using the bathroom, keep litterboxes away from machinery, in quiet spots. Also, keep them away from their food and water or high traffic areas. Cats who get interrupted might feel unsafe and refuse to use the litterbox.

Litter. Opt for perfume-free as cats have powerfully strong olfactory senses, and use a soft, sandy one. Clumping versions make for easy scooping, and replace litter to maintain a constant depth which will allow them to bury their bowel movements. Three to four
inches of depth should suffice.

Scooping. Scoop frequently, every day if possible, as cats are particular and might refuse to use the litterbox if it’s dirty. This will also avoid odors wafting throughout your home.

With a litterbox that does not smell, is kept relatively clean, and provides a safe, quiet space for your cat to do their business, your cat is likely to happily use it consistently. If they stop abruptly or begin having accidents, talk to your vet, but make sure the litterbox is not contributing to the problems.

November 23 2021

Identifying Diabetes in Your Pet

Cats, Dogs, Health Tips, Pet Care

Similar to humans, dogs and cats can become diabetic with the inability to produce the insulin required to regulate blood sugar, but what are the indicators of diabetes to watch for? Here are some signs and when to contact your veterinarian.

Overweight animals have a greater chance of becoming diabetic. Read our post on ideal body weight to learn how to manage your pet’s weight. For overweight pets, your vet will have tips on how to safely adjust their food intake and increase their exercise for optimum health and to avoid diabetes.

However, older pets also are more susceptible to diabetes, typically emerging in dogs between seven and nine years of age. Related to the above point about their weight, older dogs especially reduce their exercise which can translate to additional pounds, increased glucose levels, and insufficient insulin levels. Some breeds are more prone to this disease, though, in addition to unspayed females.

One of the most common indicators is excessive, constant thirst which makes them urinate more frequently, often in the house or their bed. Take note of how much water they’re drinking, but don’t reduce it as they need that to stay hydrated. Pet owners sometimes expect a urinary tract infection to be the cause of the accidents. Regardless, when owners see changes like this, contact your vet for a checkup.

Is your pet sleeping more than is typical? Lethargy could also be a key indicator – the tiredness is called “diabetes fatigue”.

Has your pet lost weight recently? Dramatic and sudden weight loss could also point to an issue of which your vet should be aware. Since the body can’t access the glucose from food (because it stays in the bloodstream instead of going to cells), your pet will likely show greater hunger than is typical, combined with not gaining weight. Take care of overweight pets who lose weight quickly though, as it might be due to health problems and not simply becoming healthier.

Early detection and intervention are key to keeping your pet healthy and improving the quality of their life – as well as avoiding diabetic problems with eyesight and blindness or other infections.

June 9 2021

Why You Should Hug Your Cat

Cats

The calendar is full of obscure micro-holidays, like National Hug Your Cat Day (June 4) which coincides with adopt-a-cat month. Cats often receive a negative reputation for their independence and perceived lack of affection, but this doesn’t hold up under closer scrutiny. What are the benefits of cats as pets, and how do you introduce them to the rest of your family and other pets?

Cats are defined as aloof, contrasted with dogs’ perceived friendliness, but is this accurate? Hugging your cat every day gives benefits to both of you. Physical touch brings comfort, reduces stress and blood pressure, and generates feelings of wellbeing, connection, and security. This holds true for both pets and their owners – yes, even cats who exude self-sufficiency.

Cuddling your cat cultivates a deeper bond through releasing serotonin which directly contributes to happy thoughts and feelings. And the medical benefits don’t stop there – it’ll encourage your body to produce endorphins which will diminish human pain. For cats who tend to be tense, hugging will begin to release muscles and improve their circulation. Studies have also shown their ability to monitor blood sugar levels for diabetics. By lowering your cortisol levels, their happy purring from hugging you can relieve human anxiety as well.

Speaking about purring – what does it mean? Kittens begin purring at as young as two days old, using this while still blind for orienting themselves and communicating with the mother cat. Cats purr for a multitude of reasons – from contentment to anxiety, pain, and delivering warnings, and the frequency could give benefits to both their health and their owners’. Muscles and bones grow and heal best between 25 and 150 Hertz, the same level at which cats purr. It then serves as pain management and a form of self-medication. But it can also generate human responses as the frequency makes it next to impossible to habituate (become immune to) the sound. When most content, this vibration of cats’ vocal cords equates to a dog wagging its tail.

If your cat won’t accept hugs, can you increase trust, especially for rescued or more skittish cats? First, ensure they have a quiet, safe place with all their needs – food, water, bed, and litterbox. Speak to them quietly and softly, and move slowly. Sudden changes in their environment or loud noises will contribute to them startling more. And remain calm and patient with them.

Positive veterinarian doctor communicating with cute dog's owner in medical office

February 25 2021

Why Should I get my Female Pet Spayed?

Cats, Dogs, Farm Animals, Ferrets, Health Tips, Kittens, Pet Care, Rabbits

Pet overpopulation troubles many places around the country, especially from stray animals. How can you work to reduce this problem? By spaying or neutering your cat or dog. It’s a simple solution, but some people question why it’s necessary.

My cat is an exclusively indoor pet. Pets tend to be escape artists, sneaking out the door underfoot. They can then become difficult to find and if not spayed and in heat, might find a partner to breed. Owners then end up with unwanted kittens to feed, provide veterinary care for, euthanize, or give away. This also increases their tendency for becoming injured from cars or fights with other animals. Side note: this is also why rabies vaccinations are important, even for indoor pets.

Health risks for unspayed female pets. As pets age, reproductive organs also age, bringing with them more medical issues. For female cats and dogs, risks for uterine infections and breast cancer increase exponentially. In 50% of female dogs and 90% of female cats, these diseases will ultimately claim their lives.

Other issues with intact female pets. When female dogs and cats are in heat, they become vocal and can urinate more frequently than typical (marking). This time lasts, on average, for four to five days out of every three weeks. You’ll also need hygiene products during their menstrual cycles such as diapers and pads, and she might need to urinate more frequently.

When is the best time to spay? To avoid unwanted behaviors developing, most vets advise to spay prior to your dog or cat’s first heat; however, older pets benefit as well and will live a longer, healthier life.

What about the cost? Unplanned veterinary expenses add up fast. You’ll also need additional food, toys, pet beds, and yearly checkups, potential surgical procedures, and ongoing vaccinations. A simple spay is far less costly than all of those for the lives of multiple other pets. In addition, check into local county resources which might offer them at a lower cost.

Myths about spaying and neutering. A spay procedure will not make them fat! Overweight pets are a product of overeating and infrequent exercise. Monitor food intake and give them plenty of activity.

Can’t I use this to teach my children responsibility or the miracle of birth? There are a multitude of other ways to do both of these, and without putting additional strain on your household from more pets and the associated costs. Look to videos, books, and online resources instead.

February 4 2021

Dental Disease in Pets

Cats, Dogs, Health Tips, Kittens, Pet Care

As with people, taking care of dental health also benefits your dog or cat. Yes, pets can have dental disease, where plaque, bacteria, and tartar build-up on the teeth and get trapped by the gums. This causes severe pain and infection, but addressing it early is key.

What does dental disease look like? First and foremost, bad breath – and no, this is not normal. Teeth can also show yellow tartar buildup, and gums might be swollen and red. Your veterinarian should include dental evaluations in annual exams. Pets with advanced dental disease might display irritability, lethargy, and a decreased appetite.

How is dental disease diagnosed? X-rays reveal what might not be apparent when simply looking at your pet. Using anesthesia, your vet will take radiographs to ascertain the extent and how to treat it. Then they will thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth in a safe and comfortable way, removing the plaque from beneath the gum line where it thrives.

Why use anesthesia? Many pet owners reject dental procedures due to a fear of anesthesia; however, your pet will be awake and very likely agitated at the lights, instruments, and being held down. Using anesthesia means your vet can safely and effectively complete the procedure without the risk of causing your pet additional stress.

How do you care for your pet after the procedure? Afterward, your vet might prescribe a numbing medication so your pet can recover without being in constant pain. In addition, some simple at-home care will ensure oral health and reduce the need for surgeries later on.

How can you prevent dental disease? For newly-acquired pets, your vet should begin to address oral health at the first visit, watching as puppies’ or kittens’ adult teeth emerge and addressing any issues early. Regardless of your pet’s age or when they joined your family, brushing their teeth regularly is a big part of preventative care.

Look for pet toothpaste, not human ones which contain ingredients toxic to animals. Pair this with pet food which preserves oral health, especially those approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Too-hard products like synthetic bones might actually cause tooth fractures. And keep up with your pet’s yearly checkups! In this way, you can actively prevent problems and expenses which compound over time, the longer they go unnoticed or undetected.

January 19 2021

Is My Pet Overweight – and What do I do?

Cats, Health Tips

In this pandemic world where adults and children work (or school) from home, pets might get more food than in a more normative situation. Yes, pets can get overweight, and yes, like humans, obesity causes health problems for them. How do you know if your dog or cat has an ideal body type or needs to trim down a little?

Pets have genetics as well. Some breeds tend more toward slimness or toward a heftier body shape. Simply put, feel around the spine and ribs – you should feel both, with just a thin layer of fat between the skin and bones. Your pet should have a noticeable waist behind their ribcage with a minimal fat pad on the stomach. If you can’t feel their ribs at all, you have an overweight pet.

To check their weight at home, use your scale. For smaller pets, as with babies, weigh yourself alone first. Then pick them up, and subtract the difference, making sure to use the same scale consistently for best results.

However, feeding them too much people food or treats will put on the weight, despite genetics. Portion control, and using primarily pet food, will keep their meals in check. For questions, talk to your vet about how much your pet should eat and how many meals each day.

For those pets who need to slim down, track their meal, snack, and treat intake very carefully each day. This includes what they get from petsitters, neighbors, and other family members. To minimize treats, use healthier alternatives. Decide how many your pet will receive in a day, and communicate to anyone else who needs to know. Then stick to it!

Ask your vet about reducing meals by a certain percentage, and also about how many calories your pet needs each day to arrive at their ideal body weight. But be prepared for begging! And hold firm to your resolve. Alternately, look to diet pet food which will contain higher fiber, making them feel fuller without additional calories.

And exercise your pet, especially dogs, more to increase their activity level. As with pet owners, the combination of diet and exercise typically works for pets. Take it slowly, at 1-2% weight loss per week.

If, after all these things, your pet still isn’t coming down to their ideal body weight, consult your vet to have tests run. A low thyroid level or hormonal imbalances could factor into the equation.

Vet with dog and cat. Puppy and kitten at doctor.

August 27 2020

Which Vaccines Do My Pets Need?

Cats, Dogs, Health Tips, Kittens, Pet Care

Part of ensuring your pet’s ongoing health necessitates a yearly visit to your veterinarian, which also might include vaccinations and boosters. Here’s a breakdown of which vaccines you need, based on the type of pet.

Pet vaccines divide into two categories: core and non-core. All pets should have those in the first category, while the second depends on your pet’s lifestyle. Outdoor pets, or those who board often, might need additional vaccines to protect them.

What age should you get vaccines – and how young is too young? Most dogs and cats can have vaccines at 6 weeks of age. Core vaccines prevent your pet from suffering as a result of serious illnesses which are largely fatal if contracted. Discuss risk factors with your vet to determine which inoculations your puppy or kitten needs.

For dogs, core vaccines include rabies and boosters, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus (types 1 and 2). Dosages vary based on your dog’s age and, for puppies, are typically broken up into a series if received between six and 16 weeks old. Your vet might recommend some of the non-core vaccines – like parainfluenza, Bordetella, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and canine influenza.

Similarly, cats need a series of vaccinations, and dosages for kittens (between six and 16 weeks of age) differ from those given to adults. For cats, they should receive all the core vaccines: rabies, feline distemper, feline herpesvirus, and calicivirus. Additional non-core cat vaccines are for feline leukemia virus and Bordetella.

Keep your cat or dog healthy long-term by following the recommended vaccination schedule! This will protect them from viruses and bacteria, other health issues, and can also boost their immune system. And indoor-only pets are not automatically excluded – they can catch airborne bacteria or germs through windows or doors, or carried in on your clothing. And inside cats can be escape artists, sneaking out the door under your feet.

Lastly, make sure to stay away from animals you know or suspect have infections as well as avoiding environments that might carry more diseases.

August 3 2020

How to Prepare Pets for an Emergency

Birds, Cats, Dogs, Emergency, Ferrets, Fish, Kittens, Livestock, Llamas, Microchip, Pet Care, Pigs, Rabbits, Reptiles, Snakes

Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters can occur with little notice. It is important to make sure you are prepared well in advance. If you wait until you are in the moment to gather needed supplies, you may miss something in your haste. We have prepared a simple list of things to consider when making your own emergency plan.

1. Identification
It is important your pet has proper identification. An ID tag on their collar that includes your address or phone number as well as having your pet microchipped can ensure a safe and quick reunion should you become separated from your pet. Place recent photos (from multiple angles) along with a full description of their markings in a waterproof folder.

2. Food & Water
Prepare at least 5 days of food that will keep in a Ziploc bag. Make sure you have potable water for each of your pets. One gallon per person is recommended. However, most pets won’t likely need that much on hand. Don’t forget food and water bowls and a can opener for wet food.

3. Medications & Records
Make sure you have a minimum of two weeks’ worth of any medications you or your pet may need. A 30-day supply would be even better. Keep your pets up to date on all necessary vaccines ahead of time and store a copy of their medical records in waterproof folders. If you need to evacuate to a shelter, you may need to prove their vaccine history before admission.

4. Contacts
Keep a list of all emergency phone numbers including your veterinarian and emergency hospitals. Also take note of pet-friendly hotels, shelters and local boarding facilities in case you need to evacuate your area. If possible, make housing arrangements in advance for you and your pets before a storm hits. Make reservations ahead of time and print out directions.

5. Safety
Locate and keep handy pet carriers, leashes and harnesses, flashlights with extra batteries, weather radio, and first aid kits of the human and pet variety. You will want these things handy in case of injuries, power outages, and emergency travel.

While we hope you never need to take these precautions, but Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It is better to be prepared than to be caught unaware.

June 10 2020

Tips For New Kitten Care

Cats, Health Tips, Kittens

Congratulations – you have a new kitten! What next? From how to introduce them to your existing household pets to behavior, basic shopping list, and feeding schedule, here are The Pet Professional’s top tips for how to best care for your new kitten.

What to buy
In preparation for coming home, create a safe, quiet spot to place food and water bowls, a bed, and the litterbox. A basic shopping list for your new kitten should include kitten-safe toys, cat brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, a cat carrier, and a scratching post. Also don’t forget about a collar, ID tags, and a microchip if they get lost.

What to feed your new kitten
At your first vet appointment, talk about your new kitten’s feeding schedule. Ask how often they should eat as well as amounts and what type of food. Put them on a consistent feeding schedule, based on age, and purchase a kitten-friendly formula to provide all the calories and nutrients needed. Many new owners wonder if they should give kittens milk to drink. Discuss with your vet, but more than likely they just need water.

New kitten socialization
New kittens should absolutely be socialized! But when should you introduce them to the family? Make sure the vet checks for disease or parasites first. After you get a clean bill of health, you can begin gradually introducing your new kitten to people, objects, and other pets. Monitor interactions to ensure positive experiences, but this is the perfect time to start bonding through play and touch.

Changes to behavior
Sometimes pets’ behavior can change and alarm new owners. If your new kitten is not eating, talk to your vet. Warning signs that she could have contracted an illness include lack of weight gain, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, or sneezing. Watch their behavior closely so you know when they are feeling off.

Litterbox
Lastly, litterbox training. When new kittens seem to avoid using the litterbox, check to ensure the sides are low enough to step over. Also place the kitten inside following meals to encourage them to use it. Many do not like having the litterbox too close to food bowls – you can try moving it a little further away from where they eat.

Bringing home new pets is fun and rewarding. Rely on your vet for medical advice, and enjoy your new family member!