posted by Tess on Jul 27
What is a seizure?
Although Seizures are often thought of as dramatic events, there are a number of different types of Seizures, some of which may appear to be quite subtle.
A generalized Seizure (Also known as grand mal Seizure, fit or convulsion) generally causes an acute decrease in state of consciousness, repeated movements of the body, excessive salivation, vomiting and often a loss of bladder and bowel control. This event may last from 30 seconds to a few minutes. It is generally followed by a period of drowsiness, difficulty walking or seeing as well as changes in behavior which can last around 24 hours. This is known as the “Post-Ictal” period.
The other main type of Seizure is a focal motor Seizure which is a much less dramatic occurrence. A focal motor Seizure will cause just a repeated twitching movement in either the face or limbs and usually only lasts a few seconds. These type of Seizures may often go unnoticed especially if they involve fairly innocuous movements like swallowing.
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posted by Tess on Jul 24
Vegetables in your dog’s Diet, and minor amounts in your cat’s Diet, can enhance their health and provide a rich and diverse supply of nutrients, enzymes, healthy fibre and antioxidants. In the wild, dogs and cats would have acquired plant foods through the semi-digested remnants in the stomachs of their prey vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
Canines possess a greater ability to break down plant matter and synthesize relevant nutrients therein. Because of this, although classified as carnivores, they are in fact omnivorous and are not solely reliant on animal meat for sustenance. Wolves can be observed eating fallen fruit and berries, and first consume the stomach and intestines of their prey where plant foods can be found.
Felines on the other hand are obligate carnivores and are unable to manufacture essential nutrients from plant matter. These include the amino acids taurine and arginine, and the fatty acid arachidonic acid. Unlike omnivores cats also cannot convert vitamin A from beta-carotene in plants and need animal-derived sources of vitamin A such as liver. Accept for smaller prey which cats eat whole, in the wild the stomach and intestines tend to be avoided, yet organs such as heart, liver and lungs are enjoyed.
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posted by Tess on Jul 22
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas that affects the body’s ability to control its blood sugar levels. The pancreas is responsible for producing a hormone called insulin which keeps blood sugar levels balanced.
Glucose is produced from the breaking down of starches and carbohydrates. It is absorbed through the wall of the digestive tract and passes into the bloodstream.
Insulin allows glucose to leave the bloodstream and enter the body’s tissue where it is then used as energy for the cells. With diabetes, the body either produces insufficient quantities of insulin or does not utilize insulin effectively. Glucose then builds up in the bloodstream and causes an elevated blood sugar level.
High levels of glucose can lead to a number of complications such as cataracts, liver and kidney disease, increased infections, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders and even coma and death.
What are the symptoms of Diabetes in cats and dogs?
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posted by Tess on Jul 20
In 2004, my wife and I moved from Washington to Arizona. Although the 1,500-mile drive looked to be uneventful, one catch was that we were taking our domestic longhaired cat along for the ride. Now that the experience is behind us, I’m able to offer these three tips to making your cat move a success.
* Sedate – We mentioned our moving plans to a vet, and he recommended sedatives for the cat. Though she wasn’t too keen on taking the pills, I highly recommend them. With just one small pill a day, our cat was able to quietly sleep on the floor of the back seat in the car for the entire day. They wore off after about 12 hours, and she was back to her normal self at night.
* Be Steady – Provide a consistent environment for the cat each day and night. We made a small, dark, cave-like environment for the cat in the back seat that seemed to help reduce her normal fear of the car and reduce the sense of being in motion. When we stopped in motels, we gave My Lenaptalf (her name) the same food and a small litter box with the same litter she was used to.
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posted by Tess on Jul 18
When your dog gets bitten, either by another dog or another animal, then that bite wound can be potentially very dangerous. Animal saliva is filled with bacteria that can cause infection through the wound. In addition, even small bites can severely damage your pet’s underlying tissue.
Any time your dog gets bitten, whether it is a big bite or a small bite, it is always a good idea to take your pet to the vet to make sure that the problem does not get any worse. However, here are 5 things that you can do to keep your dog′s bite wound under control.
1. It is common for dogs to lash out when they are in pain. Therefore, the First thing that you need to do is to use a muzzle to protect yourself in case he suddenly snaps. You need to wrap your dog′s mouth closed before you begin to treat the wound. If you do not have a muzzle available, you can improvise one by using gauze or pantyhose. Be careful not to cover the nostrils. If your dog is having difficulty breathing or starts to get sick, immediately remove the muzzle.
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posted by Tess on Jul 15
Your pet depends on you for feeding, playing and discipline among other things and you as a pet owner depend on it for companionship and a connection with the animal world and in case of dogs, for household security and protection. Your pet is very special to you as you are to him. For these reasons and more, you should protect your pet from harm, and yourself from loss, by getting him a tag, lest it gets stolen or strays.
A pet tag is generally a small flat tag worn on Collars or harnesses by household pets like dogs and cats, usually with identifying information such as the owner’s telephone number so that the owner can be notified if the dog is lost or strays. Dog Collar tags hang on your dog’s Collar and provides all the necessary information for calling your dog, contacting you as the owner, and alerting people to your dog’s dietary restrictions if it gets lost or strays. Some dog tags also include vaccination information, such as when your dog last received shots and when is the next one due.
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posted by Tess on Jul 11
What are tear stains?
Tear stains are reddish/brownish marks found on the inside corner and just below the eyes of pets. These are most often found on animals with light-colored fur as this makes them more visible. Tear stains are caused by an overflow of tears which then react with normal bacteria found on the skin to produce the darkened color. Red Yeast is a common culprit in producing tear stains as this organism - like most fungi - thrives in the warm and damp environment just below your pet’s eyes.
Although tear stains do not generally pose any serious health risk, in some cases they may be associated with bacterial or yeast infections and are also unsightly and particularly undesirable in show dogs.
What is PetAlive i-Clenz?
PetAlive i-Clenz contains a blend of natural, cleansing ingredients in an herbal tincture and will effectively cleanse unsightly tear stains in pets as well as improve general eye and visual health.
Use PetAlive i-Clenz:
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posted by Tess on Jul 7
Does your pet come home from the park with fleas and ticks?
Are you looking for natural flea and tick pet care? Did you know that apple cider vinegar repels fleas and ticks?
To make the solution more fragrant, you can make a tincture of fresh and dried leaves such as rosemary leaves, calendula blossoms, rose petals, lavender, lemon peel, sage, comfrey and/or chamomile.
Loosely place the plant leaves & blossom in a small jar filling about one third full. Cover with vinegar. Leave the jar in warm place for two or more weeks. Occasionally shake the jar gently.
Strain the scented vinegar and add several drops essential oil of rosemary or lavender to enhance the fragrance. Store the vinegar in a cool dark place.
Pour a small amount of scented oil onto a damp cloth and wipe your pet’s coat. This not only is good as an insect repellent but also soothes the skin and improves the coat.
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posted by Tess on Jul 4
What are the symptoms of muscle and joint conditions?
Dogs:
* Overall stiffness especially after rest
* Whimpering when getting up
* Difficulty climbing stairs or climbing in and out of car
* Reluctance to exercise
* Lameness
* Unusual movements (for that particular animal)
* Disjointed or wobbly gait
* Swelling and tenderness in limb or spine
* Shying away from being stroked along their back
* Thickening of the Joints of the affected limb
* Favoring the use of one limb more than another
* Irritability
Cats:
* Overall stiffness especially after rest
* Crying when getting up
* Crying when being picked up
* Difficulty climbing stairs
* Reluctance to exercise
* Lameness
* Unusual movements (for that particular animal)
* Disjointed or wobbly gait
* Swelling and tenderness in limb or spine
* Shying away from being stroked along their back
* Thickening of the joints of the affected limb
* Favoring the use of one limb more than another
* Irritability
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