Archive for the ‘Feline Care’ Category
Understanding the Telltale Signs of Pain or Discomfort in Animals
As animal lovers and caretakers, it’s our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our furry friends. One crucial aspect of this responsibility is being able to recognize signs of pain or discomfort in animals. Unlike humans, animals can’t verbally communicate their distress, making it essential for us to be vigilant and observant of their behavior. Let’s explore some common signs that may indicate your pet is in pain or discomfort. Changes in Behavior One of the most telling signs of pain or discomfort in animals is a noticeable change in their behavior. This may include increased agitation, restlessness, or irritability….
Preventive Care: Spring is Here! Keeping Your Pet Healthy as Seasons Change
As the vibrant colors of Spring emerge and temperatures begin to rise, pet owners must adapt their care routines to ensure their furry friends stay healthy and happy during the seasonal transition. Spring brings new opportunities for outdoor adventures, but it also presents unique challenges that can affect your pet’s well-being. From allergies to parasites, let’s explore preventive care tips to keep your pet thriving as the seasons change. Schedule a Veterinary Check-Up A comprehensive veterinary check-up is the first step in springtime preventive care for your pet. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to assess your pet’s overall health,…
Understanding Common Health Issues in Aging Pets
As our beloved pets age, they may encounter a range of health issues that require attention and care. Just like humans, aging pets are more susceptible to certain conditions and ailments that can impact their quality of life. Understanding these common health issues is crucial for pet owners to provide the best possible care and ensure their furry companions enjoy their golden years to the fullest. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common health issues in aging pets and recommend veterinary services to address them effectively. Arthritis and Joint Pain Arthritis is a common condition in aging…
‘Tis the Season: A Guide to Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but amidst the festivities, it’s crucial to consider the safety and well-being of our furry companions. From festive decorations to indulgent treats, the holiday environment can pose potential risks to our pets. Here’s a guide to ensure your pets stay safe and happy during this season of merriment. Deck the Halls with Pet-Friendly Caution 1. Christmas Trees and Decorations The twinkling lights and ornaments adorning the Christmas tree can be enticing to pets. Ensure that your tree is securely anchored to prevent any accidental toppling. Avoid using tinsel, as…
Caring for a Senior Pet: What You Need to Know
Pets are cherished members of our families, providing us with unconditional love and companionship. As our pets age, they require special care and attention to ensure their golden years are happy and comfortable. Senior pets, just like senior humans, have unique needs that demand careful consideration. In this article, we will explore what you need to know about caring for a senior pet and why seeking care from a trusted veterinary hospital like Old Farm Veterinary Hospital is crucial. Understanding Senior Pets A senior pet is typically considered to be in their golden years around the age of seven for…
Is My Cat Overweight? Signs of Feline Obesity
If your cat is a big fan of food, you may have noticed him sporting a few extra pounds. While this extra weight is certainly adorable, feline obesity can cause health issues if left ignored. These include a weakened immune system, diabetes, osteoarthritis, bladder stones, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, anesthetic complications, and more. What Causes Obesity in Cats? Indoor cats are at the highest risk to be overweight, as well as those aged between 8 and 12. Other factors include the breed, lifestyle, and underlying health issues. For example, if your cat does not play with other cats, they have less opportunity…
How to Treat Eye Infections in Kittens
Sleepy cats are known for their slow-blinking eyes, which is a sign of trust and affection. But if your furry friend is having trouble keeping his eyes open, the reason could be far less cute. This could indicate an infection. Kittens are especially prone to eye infections due to their immature immune systems. If you suspect your kitten has an eye infection, it’s crucial that you act fast. Early detection is essential for preventing long-term damage to your cat’s eyes. If left untreated, an infection of the eyes could lead to vision problems or even blindness. Symptoms of a Kitten…
How to Trim Your Cat’s or Dog’s Nails at Home
You know the sound: Your pet is walking across a wood or tile floor in your home and you hear that click, click, click of their nails hitting the ground. This can, at best, be an annoying sound and, at worst, a sign that your floors and furniture are getting damaged or your pet could be hurting. While many pets don’t need their nails trimmed by their owners (cats especially if they’ve got enough scratching posts around), some dogs and cats need a little bit of help. Older cats may not use the scratching posts enough, putting them at risk…
Scratching Behavior in Cats: What You Need to Know
Whether you’ve got a tiny little kitten or a fully grown senior feline, you’ve likely seen some version of scratching behavior in your cat. But the degree to which your cat scratches—and what they scratch—is different from one cat to the next. Scratching is a normal, healthy behavior for cats to engage in. However, it can be troublesome if your cat is tearing up your furniture and belongings. We’ll cover the basics of cat scratching behaviors and how to discourage problematic scratching in your cat. Why Do Cats Scratch? At the most basic level, scratching is a cat’s way of…
Pet Having Surgery? You’ll Need These Post-Op Care Tips
No one wants to see their pet have to go through surgery, but sometimes it’s necessary to improve their quality of life. To give your pet the best chance of a speedy, full recovery, it’s important that you practice proper post-operative care. Here are some tips to keep in mind when taking care of your pet after surgery: Follow the Instructions Your pet will be sent home from the vet’s office with a list of important instructions. You need to follow these to the letter, including isolating your pet if necessary, keeping them from jumping on and off furniture, and…
How to Keep Your Pets Safe Around Household Cleaners
Whether you’re gearing up for a big fall cleaning session or you’re just trying to maintain your home’s fresh appearance, chances are you’ll use some sort of household cleaners. And, if you have pets, it’s important to be careful about which cleaners you use and how you use them. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your pets safe around household cleaners: Ingredients to Watch Out for There are a wide variety of household cleaners out there, ranging from industrial-grade solutions to those marked “non-toxic.” But because there are so many, and because substances affect dogs and cats differently…
What to Do If Your Male Pet Is Having Urinary Issues
When your pet has an accident in the house, it could easily be nothing. Maybe he was unable to get outside quick enough, or his litter box was dirty. But if the issues persist, and other symptoms begin to emerge, it could be a red flag that something is seriously wrong. Other urinary symptoms include blood in the urine, straining to urinate, and abnormally small or large amounts of urine. They may be accompanied by lethargy, fever, pain, or restlessness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your male pet, contact your vet right away. Read on to discover…
What a DNA Test Can Tell You About Your Pet
In recent years, DNA testing for cats and dogs has increased in popularity. This process can be a bit expensive for something unnecessary, so if you’re considering this test, you might be wondering if it is worth it. How Does Pet DNA Testing Work? First, let’s explore how DNA testing works. A sample is taken either through an oral swabbing or blood draw. Then, it is sent to a laboratory to be analyzed, and in 3 to 4 weeks, the results will be available. Some DNA tests can be purchased over the counter at pet stores, but your vet can…
My Cat Is Spraying! What Should I Do?
Spraying is one of the most concerning and unpleasant behaviors cats can display. Also known as urine marking, this happens when a cat aims urine at a vertical surface, without squatting, and with the tail straight in the air. It is most common in unneutered males, but also occurs in neutered males, as well as spayed and unspayed females. Unfortunately, spraying is one of the leading causes for cats being dropped off at shelters. But if you have noticed your beloved furry friend is doing it, don’t give up hope. With the help of this article, and the consultation of…
What You Need to Know About Houseplants & Your Pet
Houseplants are a great way to bring a little extra life, greenery, and air filtration into your home. Green thumbs swear by them, but what happens when your love for plants comes at the expense of your pet’s safety? It’s true – certain houseplants can be toxic or even deadly when ingested by cats and dogs. And because our furry friends don’t know any better, it can be very difficult to keep the leaves of houseplants out of their mouths. Here is everything you need to know about houseplants and your pet: Toxic Houseplants to Avoid There are many common…
When Should I Bring My Pet to Veterinary Urgent Care?
If you suspect something is wrong with your pet, you know to take him to the vet. But during more urgent health crises, it is not always obvious what to do. In the human healthcare system, there are different options for receiving medical care, and which one you visit depends on the severity of the issue. The same is becoming true for our furry friends, as more veterinary urgent care centers open up across the country. These clinics are designed to treat health emergencies in pets that are not life-threatening. They typically work by appointment, so you can keep the…
Chocolate Toxicity & Your Pet: What You Need to Know
Humans love chocolate, especially on holidays such as Christmas or Valentines Day. But for our furry friends, chocolate can be a dangerous chemical with potentially life-threatening effects. If your cat or dog consumes chocolate, it may not always be fatal. The effects depend on the size of the pet and the amount of chocolate consumed. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, especially considering that it can still cause lasting health problems for your pet that may be difficult to treat. Read on to discover everything you need to know about chocolate toxicity and your pet. Why…
What You Need to Know About Kennel Cough
As the seasons change, it’s common for your dog to sniffle and sneeze a little bit if they suffer from allergies. However, if your pet is experiencing persistent, harsh coughing, it could be a sign of kennel cough. This is an extremely common and contagious disease in dogs. Though it is not deadly, if it is left untreated it could lead to further health complications. This is especially true for senior and immune compromised dogs. Read on to learn everything you need to know about kennel cough: What Is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is…
What You Need to Know About Diabetes in Pets
Diabetes is a common disease that many people and pets live with. While the initial diagnosis may be frightening, the good news is that treatments are available. When caught early enough, you can expect your pet to live a long and healthy life even with diabetes. Here is everything you need to know about your diabetic pet: Causes of Diabetes in Pets In a healthy body, glucose is turned into usable energy through insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When insulin production is too low, or if the body grows resistant to it, the glucose is unable to be…
Should I Microchip My Pet?
As a pet owner, you do everything you can to keep your pet safe. In recent years, you might have heard of microchip implants for cats and dogs. This technology is becoming increasingly common, but you might still have questions about the procedure, its potential risks, and whether or not it is worth it. In short, many vets, animal rescues, and pet sellers highly recommend microchips. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about implant microchips. What Are Microchips, & How Do They Work? A microchip is a small electronic identifier, about the size of a grain of…
Are Wellness Exams Necessary If My Pet Is Healthy?
Many pet owners know that wellness exams are essential for new puppies and kittens to establish their health, de-worm and vaccinate them, and discuss spay and neutering options. They also know to visit the veterinarian if the pet shows signs of illness. This could include limping, changes in diet, or lethargy. But some pet owners may be skeptical about regular wellness exams when their pet seems totally healthy. This brings us to the question: Are wellness exams necessary? The answer is YES. Wellness exams are just important for pets as they are for people. Humans must visit the doctor or…