Daily Pet News
Cat Myths uncovered. Is milk ok?
Everyone has heard that cats always land on their feet. You probably have also heard that cats should drink milk. Although these are well known proverbs, they are also both not true. While cats do naturally fall feet first, they may not land on their feet for numerous reasons that we won’t get in to. And regardless how they fall, they can still break bones or damage joints, muscles, and other soft tissues. As for the milk myth, it is just that, a myth. Sure your cat may love it, but milk is not digested well by adult cats. Milk may cause digestive problems and diarrhea in adult cats. Once a kitten is weaned, they do not require milk and should not be given to them in large doses or regularly. Occasional milk and cookies shouldn’t be a problem; provided you HOLD the cookies.
Long live the dog
Long live the dog! That is precisely what is happening. As advances in technology and medicine are coupled with better knowledge and understanding we are all living longer. Humans, dogs, cats… all of us. Just last year Guinness’s oldest living dog died at 21 years old. And this year, if confirmed, we may find out that there is a living dog that is 26 years old. As your pet ages, it becomes more and more important to have regular wellness exams. Typically twice per year is recommended. However, breed, age, or risk factors may require more frequent reassessments. Physical examination, when coupled with diagnostic imaging and lab tests can catch a disease early on or before it manifests. Early treatment, or better yet, prophylactic treatment, is the best way to battle disease and illness.
Puppy Socialization molds your young pet
Puppy socialization is an important part of growing up. It is paramount in helping to develop a dog’s personality and behavioral traits. Socialization with other dogs as well as with humans should occur within the first three months of life. The sooner the better. Once a dog reaches three months, it becomes harder to mold. Puppy socialization also helps to stimulate the five senses. It serves as the exposure and desensitization to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch of everyday life. The bombardment of constantly changing situations helps to prepare your puppy for the rest of its life. The biggest danger in early socialization is the exposure to diseases. Once your veterinarian determines that your puppy is has sufficient immunity, your puppy is ready for socialization.
The better the chocolate, the more dangerous to your pet
Mmmm Choc-o-late…. I can’t get enough of it, but your pets can’t have it. Theobromine is the toxic ingredient in cocoa that can cause rapid heartbeat and potentially death in dogs. The purer the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. For example, a half a pound of milk chocolate may be fatal to a particular dog, whereas a half an ounce of bakers chocolate would be just as deadly to that same dog. While a small amount of chocolate may not harm your dog, it is best they avoid it completely.
Exterminate your Rats, not your pet
Rats! They’re pesky little rodents. If you have had mice or rats in your home, then you know what I’m talking about. To remove the infestation, the rats must be eliminated. Many choose to eliminate the rodents with rat poison. However, a poison does not differentiate between species. If your pet consumes enough of the rat bait, your pet could die. One veterinarian reported five canine deaths within one month. Alternatively, there are rat and mouse traps that you can set up in areas of invasion. The best way to eliminate your problem is to hire a professional. Pest control will determine how to trap and remove all rats and mice safely and permanently. If you decide to handle the problem on your own, be certain that the bait or traps are in locations that your pet cannot access. Use bait stations and always dispose of unused poison. Also, store excess bait and traps in locked closets. If your pet does consume bait, bring it to your veterinarian immediately possible. Even if your pet does not seem to be sick, it may be slowly dying. Rat bait typically takes three days to take full effect.
How to avoid tapeworms
Tapeworms infect your pets through fleas, which carry the parasites. They can also enter your pet if it eats an infected mouse or other creature. There is a belief that they come from bad food. Further, owners have been putting garlic on their pet’s food, to get rid of worms. The reality is that worms do not come from bad food and garlic is toxic to your pets. If you have questions about your pets, visit MyPetCARETV.com or ask your veterinarian.
Laminitis in horses
Horses commonly suffer from an inflammatory condition in the hoof called laminitis. In order to treat the condition properly, the causative factors must be removed. Failure to properly diagnose and remove the cause will lead to recurrence. The irritation to the lamina can be caused by infection, trauma, or micro-trauma from improper biomechanics.
Laminitis in horsesCanine Insomnia is real
Has your pet been working like a dog, but not sleeping like a log? Your companion may be suffering from canine insomnia. It sounds odd, but there are many reasons that your dog may be having difficulty sleeping. It could be an emotional problem, a physical ailment like arthritis or hip dysplasia, or could even be from a medication. It could also be due to inadequate exercise. The good news is there are several remedies that can help your dog, including homeopathic and pharmaceutical drugs. Your first step should be a simple change in daily and nightly habits. Try taking your dog on a daily walk to get its excess energy out. Then, make sure to take it out to do its business before bedtime. Remember, it is critical to your dog’s health that the reason for the insomnia be diagnosed. Also, never give your pet any medication, natural or other, without consulting your veterinarian. There are many herbs and natural remedies that we use as humans, everyday. Those same ones could be fatal to your pets.
Six million dollar cat!
Behold! The six million dollar cat! Recently, a two year old cat lost its hind legs in a freak farming accident. A neuro-orthopedic surgeon was able to attach metal prosthetics in a revolutionary procedure. The cat can now pretty much jump around and move as normal as can be expected. Hence the six… well maybe three million dollar cat… or three thousand dollar cat… Well, you decide.
Deadly Honey
Sea Turtles are being given honey by rescuers. No, they are not feeding the animals … Honey is a natural product that has killing properties. That is nothing will grow in it. As the turtles are found with gashes and cuts from traumatic accidents, the honey is being applied directly to the wounds. The honey acts as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. Further, it offers somewhat of a moist sticky barrier to outside contaminants and allows for faster and more comfortable healing. Honey works great on pets and humans as well. Just be cautious that your pet isn’t able to lick the honey as that could potentially add further irritation to a wound.
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