Saturday, January 10, 2009

Can Bladder Stones In Cats Be Prevented?

If you've ever had any experience with a cat bladder stone, you want to know why this happened to your cat and how to prevent it from happening in the future. By the time you've finished reading this article, you'll have a better understanding of bladder stones in cats.

Where Do Cat Bladder Stones Come From?

Researchers have several theories on this. The most commonly accepted one is that they form due to high mineral levels in your cat's urine. This can be due to a bladder infection or from his diet. When the mineral levels get too high, crystals form. These crystals grow and form stones in your cat's bladder. These stones can be very small, about the size of a grain of sand, or they can grow to the size of a small pebble.

If a stone blocks one of your cat's ureters (the tube leading from the kidney to the bladder), or his urethra, a urinary blockage can occur, making it difficult or impossible for him to pass urine.

Tips For Preventing Bladder Stones In Cats

The most important thing you can do is to start feeding your cat a high quality canned food. Cats who eat dry food exclusively are more prone to developing bladder stones because they are usually chronically dehydrated. Cats are made to get most of their water from their prey. A mouse is over 90% water, so a cat in its natural environment doesn't need to drink as much water.

Most canned foods have a moisture level of about 78%. You can see that feeding your cat canned food will help prevent him from becoming dehydrated. A cat that is dehydrated will have very concentrated urine, which can lead to the formation of bladder stones.

Be sure your cat always has plenty of clean fresh water available. It's best to give him filtered water to be sure it's pure. A cat that drinks plenty of water will have dilute urine, which is helpful in preventing bladder stones.

Some cat owners give their cats a supplement containing cranberry. Cranberry is great for making the urine more acidic and preventing the formation of bladder stones. It also helps to prevent cat bladder infections, too.

Herbal Pet Remedies Can Help Prevent Cat Urinary Problems

People have been using herbal remedies like uva ursi and barberry to treat and prevent urinary problems for centuries. Homeopathic remedies are in great demand as well.

Now cat owners are asking if these herbal pet remedies can help their cats. The answer is yes. The advantages of these remedies is that not only are they safe and effective, but they're inexpensive, and don't have any side effects.

However, it's extremely important to buy products that are formulated especially for animals. You'll want to purchase herbal pet remedies only from reputable companies that stand behind their products.

Natural remedies for cat urinary problems can help treat and prevent the problem of cat bladder stones. This is an easy way to keep your kitty healthy.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Bring A Dog Hunting

Hunting dogs are indeed the best doable ally of the seeker, as they sniff and search for eradicate in the deepest and darkest brush of the forest. There are many different possibilities for a hunting dog grouping that you can take on your next tumble. The group of dog you should take on your hunting tumble should be honestly related to the category of hunting you forecast on. If you forecast on hunting fur-course animals, for example, you would be more happy with a pursue than you would be with a terrier. Regardless of what dog you prefer to take with you on your next hunting trip, you can be certain that you will have made a new associate by the end of the journey.

The most normal central category of hunting dogs is the harass. Hounds are actually separated into two categories from there: the sighthound and the aroma harass. As their names entail, each sub category of dog print refers to a certain flare that the dog tends to be more proficient in. Sighthounds, like the Whippet, are adapted to hunt because of their visual acumen. They perform a system that is known as coursing, referring to the notion of spotting the murder from a long vastness and following it in a vivacious pursuit. Scent hounds, like the Coonhound, work by sniff somewhat than espy. They tend to collect up on a locate of the kill from the ground and chart that trail, hopefully to the kill. Scent hounds often work in packs and are regarded as having some of the most precise noses of all other dog types.

The next classification of dogs worn for hunting is the gun dog. These dogs are worn commonly by brisk choice hunters with shotguns. There are three sub categories of gun dogs: flushing spaniels, pointing breeds and retrievers. Again, their names reflect the particular knack that the dog has to agreement the seeker. The retrievers, once known as water spaniels, are great for ruling and receiving shot or killed resolute for the seeker. If the seeker kills a duck, the retriever heads over to pluck it up and brings it back to the huntsman. The pointing breed, such as an English setter, tend to "argument out" the quarry by pointing at upland birds or other upland animals being hunted. The pointing breed of dogs sometimes also help flush the kill out from their trouncing recognize. The flushing spaniels, such as the English Cocker spaniel, are used to locate and pounce the kill for the seeker. They are qualified to continue close to the hunter, ensuring a simple kill.

Still another general typeface of hunting dog is the terrier. Terriers are used to track mammals, for the most part. These animals, such as the Lakeland terrier, are used to locate the actual den of the animal and spring or capture the animal. Some terriers are bred to kill the animal at the animal's den. Many of terriers are used to pursue what are known as "vermin species." The vermin species submit to groundhogs, hunted by the Jack Russel terriers, or the harass or fox, hunted by the Fell terrier. The authority of some of these hunts is in mistrust, so you may want to curb your district regulations before you set ahead and rummage a fox.

There are many particulars that make using hunting dogs a popular choice for hunting. Whether you want a sighthound or a fragrance hound, you can be confident that your companion hound will be working for you at finding your prey. Using a gun dog cannot only provide great companionship, but it can convey prey right to your approach and exactly take the ferret out of hunting. Terriers not only make a spirited hunting companion, but they also make for a kind domesticated animal. Make surely that you deem the hunting dog type before you go out on the track so that you can carry the best probable breed with you and land the best kill for this hunting term.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Protect Your Dog From Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a contagious disease that affects animals as well as humans. Caused by a group of organisms called lepterospira interrogans (within such species there are different strains), the disease can lead to chronic liver and kidney disease and even death in dogs. Eight of the different strains give off different types and levels of disease which depends upon the animal that they infect. The disease causes more problems in dogs. Not until recently, the vaccines that were available are only for two types of bacteria namely, Leptospirosis canicola and L. icterhaemorrhagiae, has virtually wiped out the clinical ailment associated with these strains between the immunized dog population. Vaccines for two other additional types of bacteria, L. grippotyphosa and L. Pomona are now readily available.

The leptospira organism Leptospires grow well in water, appearing in a spiral shaped long body with hooks on both ends. They are called "aquatic spirochetes". They are of two species, Leptospira biflexa and Leptospira interogans which cause disease in animals and humans. Leptospira interogans is divided into strains based upon antigen (stimulates the production of antibodies) types, providing very little cross immunity opposed to one serovar and the host, which is the dog that has developed resistance to one strain either by vaccination or through former infection, will not be capable in repelling an infection brought about by a different strain.

Sources of infection Bacteria carriers are generally rats and other rodents, though an infected dog can also be a source of infection. The most significant means of transmitting the disease is through urine ingestion and other forms of bacteria will penetrate very thin skin.

Leptospirosis transmission The disease is transmitted when the animal comes in contact with the urine of other infected animals, through bite wounds and absorption of an infected tissue.

Indirect transmission happens when dogs wade in or drink contaminated water or food. Since stagnant water provides a very appropriate environment for the leptospira, dogs that wade in it get infected. Infections are common in the fall and in summer because the survival of the organism is highly reduced by freezing.

During the first four to twelve days following the infection, the dog will have fever and experience shivering, vomiting, appetite loss, depression, conjunctivitis and pain.

In severe cases, the infected dog may develop hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) eventually become depressed and die even before a kidney or liver breakdown. A microscopic agglutination test is performed on a blood sample of a suspected animal from a laboratory. This can test for individual strains and the animal's level of antibody (titer) to combat these strains.

Depending on the titer's level, a positive diagnosis to the precise and specific strain can then be made. It will be helpful if many samples are drawn and tested as titers may have negative results in the first ten days after the infection, and former immunization shots may give an elevated titer and should be taken into consideration during the interpretation of the titers.

In dogs that are severely infected, they are expected to shed the leptospira organism in their urine, thus when a urine sample is taken and cultured, it can give a positive diagnosis. This is not the best way however, because the individual getting the sample may be at risk.

Treatment Treatment usually will consist of antibiotics, fluid replacement for rehydration through intravenous as well as controlling the dog's vomiting through antiemetics and other problems related to liver or kidney infections. Note that dehydration must be correct within six to twelve hours.

Penicillin or one of its byproduct is the antibiotic that is given to treat early infection, after which, doxycycline is used for cure and prevention of possible continuing carrier state.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Skin Disease In Cats

Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn't caused by any type of worm. It's actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.

If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even though it's a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it's contagious.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Cat Scratching.

Cat scratching is normal behavior for a cat, and you need to re-direct his scratching to appropriate objects. The consensus from the various Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is that de-clawing is cruel and unnecessary. However, if you feel that you must either declaw your cat or give her up, we would rather see your cat stay in her home and be your lifelong companion. Scratching is an instinctive behavior for cats. It helps cats shed small sheaths on their claws, and also is a way of scent marking objects in the house or outside Scratching is also an instinctive method of marking territory. Each scratch leaves secretions from glands in a cat's feet, a scent the gets other cat's attention.

Scratching and climbing are highly enjoyable feline activities and are part of the essence of being a cat. It takes care of his claws and helps keep his muscles toned and healthy. Cat scratching is an innate behavior and because of this, you cannot get your cat to stop the scratching by chasing him away, squirting water, hitting or scolding. Regardless of what you do, they will still need to scratch. Since your cat will want and need to scratch, provide her with a variety of scratching posts and teach her to use them. Scratching is important, biologically, for your cat. So you can't really punish her for clawing the furniture, unless you have provided her with an alternative like a scratching post.

Covering a favored scratching area with tinfoil, sand paper, double-sided sticky tape or plastic carpet runner (pointy side up) makes the surface unappealing to scratch. Once the scratching habit has been broken and the cat has learned to prefer the post, the covering can be removed. Cover that corner of the couch with double-sided sticky tape that is completely unattractive to your cat (the tape can easily be removed for entertaining company). This will repel your cat away from your couch and right there is a post that they will love. Covered with carpet or sisal our cat scratching posts are made only from solid wood, and all they have sturdy bases that ensure stability. Put some of our cat scratching posts near a sunny window or draft-free corner, and your cat will leave your furniture untouched.

You can make your own scratching post by wrap the rope to the top, and drive several nails in to secure it. You can put some carpet on top of the post to give it a finished look, or you could run the rope over the top, and coil the rope to an end there. Wrap the post with the sisal, making sure it is tight and that there are no spaces between each row. You can tap it down with your hammer to ensure that it is tight. Carpet may not be the best of surfaces, it does not stand a lot of laceration, and it may lead your cat to think it is OK to also scratch at your floor covering!

Train your cat to scratch her post on command. Stand by the post with a treat in hand. Training is more commonly associated with dogs and cats are seen to be an easier type of pet to own. However, as many cat owners have found out - owning a cat can actually be an extremely frustrating experience!

Praise them whenever you see them using the new post, and gradually bring it closer to a preferred location, away from his old favorite. You may want to set it up near his regular resting place. Praising her when she goes for the real one? And can you move what you get to a prominent place? Praise him and tell him 'Good Kitty' and stroke him to make it an enjoyable pleasant experience. You will have to be diligent at first and try to catch him in the act of scratching your furniture.

Punishment in both cases is counter productive. Punishment after the fact won't change the behavior, may cause her to be afraid of you or the environment, and may elicit defensive aggression. Used by itself, punishment won't resolve scratching problems because it doesn't teach your cat where to scratch instead.

You can also try trimming there nails, one or two at a time, reward her with affection or food, and then let her do as she wishes. Cats are not strong on patience or restraint. Trim only the clear tip of the nail. Do not clip the area where pink tissue is visible or the slightly opaque region that outlines the pink tissue. Trim only the clear tip of the nail. Do not clip the area where pink tissue is visible or the slightly opaque region that outlines the pink tissue.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Is Your Cat At Risk For Feline Bladder Infections

Let's face it. Until your cat is one of the lucky ones who comes down with a cat bladder infection, you probably don't even think about feline bladder infections. But they can be prevented, with a little care on your part. Here's how.

Does Your Cat Drink Enough Water?

It comes as a shock to many cat owners to find out that their cats are chronically dehydrated. Cats don't always drink a lot of water. This is because your cat's ancestors lived in the desert, where there's not much water around. Cats are meant to get most of their water requirements from their prey.

Did you know that a mouse is more than 90% water? A cat in the wild who is living on the animals he catches and eats gets most of his water from what he eats. This isn't true of our domestic house cats. Dry commercial cat food contains about eight percent water. So if your cat's diet consists exclusively of dry food, he could be heading for trouble in the form of cat urinary problems.

The problem with a dehydrated cat is that his urine is very concentrated. This puts him at a much higher risk of developing cat bladder stones and cat bladder infections.

The best thing you can do is to feed your cat a good quality canned food. Most canned cat food has a moisture content around 75 percent. The problem is that many cats are addicted to dry food, so it can be very difficult to get them to eat canned food. But with patience and persistence, it can be done.

Be sure your cat always has plenty of fresh, clean water available. It's best to use filtered water to be sure it's free of any contaminants. Change your cat's water several times a day so it's appealing to him. You wouldn't drink bad-tasting water with stuff floating in it, and your cat won't either.

Prevent Cat Bladder Infection With Natural Remedies For Pets

Humans have been using herbs to treat and prevent bladder infections for centuries. These remedies are still used on a daily basis in many parts of the world.

Homeopathic remedies have also been proven to be safe and effective in treating bladder infections in people, with no side effects.

Wouldn't it be great if there were herbal and homeopathic remedies for cats that would prevent cat urinary problems? Such a product would have to be made especially for pets, not people. It would have to be safe enough to give your cat every day, along with being effective for preventing feline bladder infections. Most importantly, it needs to be in a form that's easy to administer. Trying to give a cat a pill is not fun, either for you or your cat.

You'll want to purchase this remedy only from a reputable manufacturer who has years of experience in formulating natural remedies for pets. Do your homework to be sure that the company stands behind the safety and effectiveness of its products.

Do your kitty a favor. Prevent the pain and stress of feline bladder infections by using a safe and effective natural remedy for cats.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

How To Care For Pet Iguanas

Nearly thousands of people are currently keeping pet iguanas in their homes. But then certainly, there are a few valuable information to note of when intending to keep pet iguanas. The pet stores give pertinent information to the buyers of these reptiles especially when it comes to their behavior, caging, lifestyle, and diet. The internet also hosts the most worthy information about taking care of pet iguanas. So if you are a budding owner of pet iguanas, this article is just for you.

Iguanas are the most popular lizards that are taken home to be pets. They rank to be among today's pet "fads". They are even sold in the most affordable prices in several pet stores. They are not that difficult to take care of but of course they are to be highly maintained. Things such as veterinary medications, feeding techniques, caging tips, and many others are among the most particular things to consider when getting pet iguanas. Yes, the pet iguanas must be properly caged and well-fed so as not to risk their long life span. They become very huge that owners may think they will be hard to tame, feed, and control. At times, the bigger and matured iguanas can become really aggressive. They may also attempt several times to escape.

So what should you expect from a pet iguana? Obviously, what you need to give your pet iguana is sufficient tender loving care. Aside from that, you should also maintain right sanitation within its cage. You must be careful to handle your iguanas especially when there are children, pregnant women, elderly people, and not yet immunized individuals that try to be in contact with your pet iguanas.

Which iguana will be right for you to take care of? The "Iguana iguana" or the rainforest green iguana ranks to be the most-sought after pet iguana by many people. These plant-eating lizards find solace in the shrubby places. If you intend to have them as pets, you must create a homey environment for them. It will be utterly significant to provide branches that will allow them to bask under the heat of the sun that will be allowed to enter into their housing. More so, alternative heat sources can be utilized. You just have to be careful not to let your pet iguanas reach the bulbs and other heater devices or else they will get burned.

It is also important that you know of its digestive makeup. The iguanas are known to be Hind-Gut fermenters which mean that their lower intestinal tracts play a major role for their survival. Such digestive tract is held to be responsible for the production of the fatty acids, water reabsorption, vitamins, and many others. Malnutrition and uncleanness often result to sickness and death of the pet iguanas. Overall, you must learn how to cater to the food and habitat needs of your supposed to be pet iguana.

Like any other living being, the pet iguanas have their own taste preferences. They may or may not like certain foods that you will give. It is better to study the overall profile of your pet iguana so that it can live its life to the fullest. Having pet iguanas will give you some time to understand how animals of these species react and behave. Their existence actually lies on your own hand