Fall is one of the favorite seasons for furry pals due to its crisp air, colorful foliage and sweet aroma of the seasonal plants lingering in the environment. Though the season is welcoming, it has potential health hazards for your furry pals, about which you may not be knowing. It is essential to learn about these dangers and protect your pet from the unconditional situations.
Let us look into some of the major things that you need to take care of in Fall.
Less Hours Of Daylight
Shorter days mean fewer hours of daylight and we have to cut-short some of our day activities when visibility is poor. Dog owners have to take their furry pal on walks either during the dusk or dawn. This brings in the added risks of accidents due to low visibility.
During winters, when taking your furry pals on walks in the darkness of early morning or evening, it is crucial to be careful of your pet. Reduced light means it is challenging for drivers to see animals, which may lead to accidents at times. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close observation on your pooch on a walk and control by having a leash and collar or chest harness. Make him wear reflective collars as well as a tag with a microchip for a safe return in case of missing incident.
Leaves – A Catastrophe to Handle
It’s a pleasure to just move around and listen to that rumbling sound coming out of the dried leaves. Dogs love to run about the foliage and have fun time. But the furry animals are not aware of the danger of this debris. These dried leaves are the source of toxicity if your fur pal lick any substance from the ground or their paws.
There may be fleas, ticks as well as bacteria and mold growth on these leaves. And, if your pet ingests any of these micro-organisms, it would be creating dangerous condition including vomiting, diarrhea, sickness or even tapeworm infection.
It is better to remove the foliage and cut short the dried grass in the lawn to keep away those nasty parasites. Moreover, ensure that your pet remains indoors, separate from the yard work.
Plants and Mushrooms
Mushrooms and other toxic plants are seasonal plants of the Fall and they are wildly found during this time. Your furry pal may succumb to toxicity if any of the part – leaves, stem or flower, any of these is ingested by them. Mushrooms are wildly found in yards. Though most of the wild mushrooms are non-toxic, there are a few which are highly toxic, and when ingested cause challenging situations.
Therefore, try to remove any unwanted plants and mushrooms from your yard and avoid your pet from moving around in the yard until you remove it.
Fatality due to Rodenticides
Falling temperatures drive rodents out of their shell in search of shelter for cold into your homes. People mostly use rodenticides to kill these creatures and keep them away from their homes. However, at times your dog or cat are likely to feast on these chemicals, and may encounter grave danger. Rodenticides cause critical conditions like hemorrhages, uncontrolled bleeding, and blood in vomit.
If you suspect that your cat or a dog has ingested rodenticides and find any toxicities, immediately contact your vet or poison emergency center for immediate help.
Before your dog or a cat fall to any of the dangers of the season fall, ensure all the care and take precautions to avoid any unfaithful circumstances.
Pet Wellness embraces many areas of a healthy happy pet so in appreciation of Stress Awareness Month learn how you can identify and eliminate pet stress to give him a longer, happier, healthier life.
April is Stress Awareness Month and this applies to all living things, big, small, human or not – particularly our pets. Are you surprised to read that animals have stress? Stress affects our dogs and cats and various type pets across the board. Pet stress just like people stress causes health problems, decreases the quality of life, causes depression, and shortens life span.
For these reasons, amongst others, it is necessary for pet owners to practice another part of pet wellness which is finding out if their pet is stressed, identifying the stress factors, and using the necessary techniques to eliminate the stress and increase the quality of their pet’s life.
Pet Stress Signs
Many pet stress signs can also be signs of other problems so do not just assume it is stress. It’s important to look into all the avenues in order to efficiently help your pet and save yourself and your pet future health problems and chunky vet bills.
1. Itching
Itching is a sign of several things such as fleas, ticks, lice, or skin allergy but it can also be a sign of stress if your dog or cat is itching himself more than normal. Eliminate the possibility of fleas, ticks, lice and allergy first, and then consider that it could be your pet is stressed. Natural health care for pets treatments offers effective allergy itching remedies that can be administered at home. Treating itching and discomfort from allergies and eliminating the allergy source will also keep your pet from suffering from stressed caused by discomfort – from ongoing itchiness.
2. Excessive shedding
The more pet stress there is the more shedding there will be. Shedding however is also common with poor quality dog food, poor diet, and can also be genetics, as well as a dog that is not getting enough sun light. Another condition of excessive shedding is when the pores of the dog’s skin do not close all the way allowing hair to fall constantly. This usually requires a vitamin such as Biotin to help. Or, your pet could be too stressed out.
3. Lethargy
A lethargic pet is always a sign that something is not right and needs to be looked into urgently. Lethargy can stem from depression, poor health, not enough exercise and unhappiness. Or, your pet’s stress is on fire. Usually a vet will request a stool sample in order to get to the root of this problem.
4. Aggression
A sick, injured or pet in pain may be aggressive if approached or stroked, outside of this your pets aggression could be stress related.
5. Lack of or no appetite
Pets that are stressed, sick, or depressed will often eat less or lose their appetite all together. This is another area, obviously that needs to be immediately addressed if noticed by pet owners.
6. Lack of interest
A dog or cat that suddenly shows lack of interest in things he was always excited to do or enjoyed doing is a sign of a sick, sad, or depressed pet. Check for sickness first then consider stress as a reason.
7. Passive behavior
The opposite of aggression, some pets will become passive when stressed.
8. Negative behavior
Often pets who are bored will dig, chew, or bark constantly. A stressed or sad dog will be destructive, this is also a common behavior of intelligent breeds who are not left alone for long periods of time or not exercised physically and mentally enough for their breed.
9. Change is bathroom habits
A dog that is house trained or a cat that is litter box trained who suddenly forgets this and goes in the house, could be stressed or sad. Consider the age of your pet and for how long he has been trained because accidents do happen and especially during the puppy stages or learning stages.
10. Sounds
Funny as it may be cats will often purr when they are stressed, sad or even dying – as opposed to a dog that will growl when unhappy or agitated.
11. Body Language
Many pets, particularly dogs and cats will have a change in body language such as slouching while they walk, hanging their head low, walking more slowly than usual, and laying down all the time. This could be a sign your dog or cat is not well, has an injury, is depressed, or experiencing pet stress.
Happy Pet Signs
1. Curious
2. Playful
3. Shows recognition of people he knows
4. Normal stools and bathroom habits that are rarely disturbed
5. Over all happy appearance and behavior
6. A healthy appetite
Just like people dogs and cats have different personalities and owners, with different lifestyles and different environments. Dogs and cats will handle their stress in different ways – some are more wound up and edgy while others go with the flow and may not be too bothered by things.
When a pet owner is stressed or depressed it can affect their pets, particularly a dog or cat, as these animals are very open to the feelings, spirit, and environment of their owners. If you are stressed, anxious, or depressed, it is highly likely that your dog or cat will be as well.
But there are other factors that can cause your dog or cat pet stress.
1. Pet wellness
requires pet owners to identify if their pet is stressed and take the necessary actions to improve the situation. Consider first yourself. Are you stressed more than the norm? Are you depressed, sad or feeling anxious and nervous? Remember that just like your kids, your pet will pick up on your stress and if it’s having a direct hit on your behavior, state of mind, actions and personality, it is certainly affecting your pet as well.
2. pet is sick
If your pet is sick and is not getting better this can cause him stress and unhappiness just as it would you. So keep an eye on your pet and be sure to take action on any out of the norm situations that may arise. Do not delay because you don’t know what the situation might be and it could be time sensitive, making all the difference between recovery or death. For pets that already have an illness or health issue stress can delay healing, and even cause the problem to become chronic if your pet is dealing with unrelenting stress.
3. Constant television
flashing lights, lack of visual stimuli, smoke or polluted living environments all can cause dog stress through his eyes. Consider turning off your television for some time during the day, easy lights in the evenings, toys and a stimulating, clean air environment.
4. Once again
just like with our kids the television can become a problem if not managed in the household. A constant, loud television can add stress through your dog’s ears. Loud noises, other dogs constantly barking, people arguing, children screaming, sirens, video games, thunder storms and slamming doors that are consistent in a pets environment are other stresses through sound can affect your dog.
Consider classical music for your dog or cat when you leave him home alone as opposed to television or the radio. Classical music is quiet, slow and relaxing and proven to be favored amongst dogs and cats. There is loads of pet music CD’s available these days that have clinically proven types of music most suitable and enjoyed by dogs and cats.
An antistatic cape can be used for help with dog that suffer from thunderstorm stress. Consider the noise level in your home and make changes for a calmer, quieter atmosphere if necessary.
5. Perfumes
excessive or irritating essential oils, hair spray, air fresheners, deodorants, and smoke are also stress culprits that cause anxiety or agitation through the dog’s nose. For health reasons and global warming signs it is preferred that people not use air fresheners in their homes or vehicles. Instead get to the root of the odor problem and try a natural freshener such as boiling are cooking a cinnamon stick. Don’t use perfumes, deodorants, hair sprays or smoke around your pet. Instead keep use of these items to one room to keep the rest of the house clean.
6. For anxiety and fear
pet owners will often consider a product called Dog Appeasing Pheromone. However, before you go that route consider Lavender aromatherapy, which has shown success in reducing stress, sadness and restlessness in dogs housed in shelters and dog pounds.
7. The mouth and digestive system
of a dog also play a part in stress. A poor diet, unhealthy teeth and gums not getting enough water, or having to compete for food are all sources of pet stress. Make sure your dog is getting regular dental checkups and regular cleaning. A safe and trusted eating environment, fresh clean water daily, a balanced healthy diet
8. Temperature and climate
are also sources of stress. A pet in uncomfortable, painful or isolated living conditions will have high stress levels.
9. Excessive exercise
poor training techniques, and injuries gone untreated can cause arthritis and joint disease. Poor training can also cause fear and lack of trust, all of which bring on stress. Exercise should be breed and age appropriate, fun and stimulating and moderate. Training should be age and breed appropriate and never on a hard core, cruel basis.
To protect against injuries, joint disease and arthritis, ensure your dog or cat receives body-benefiting treatments such as pet massage, cold or hot heating pads and swimming in the pool if possible. Make sure your dog is comfortable with water first and that you are with him when he is taking a dip.
Like a child, never leave your pet alone in or near water. Massages do not have to be expensive you can learn to do it at home, as well as many other natural health care for pets practices
In the spirit of stress awareness month remember that being a responsible and conscientious pet owner requires you put pet wellness into practice and keep abreast of any changes in your pet, just as you do yourself your children. Be aware of changes in behavior of any kind to be addressed and sourced to the root of the problem.
Stress
Stress is the not the cause for all problems your pet may encounter but it should certainly never be ruled out. Give your pet the quality of life he deserves by ensuring his meals, treats, exercise, training, lifestyle, treatments and environment are healthy ones and appropriate for his breed and age.
Giving your pet a wholesome pet natural diet, vegetable enhanced and free from poor quality food ingredients, unhealthy additives will maintain your pet’s inner and outer beauty as well as protect him from disease. Maintain his health further by doing your level best to eliminate pet stress and enhance the length and quality of your pet’s life.
The Manx is a solidly built cat with a compact body. It has a short back with longer hind legs than front. Although they are known for being tailless in reality there are Manx’s that have various length tails including full length. The main characteristic of this breed is their head which is round with large round eyes. It has a distinct ear shape which is describes as being cradle shaped when looked at from the back.
Before you decide to get a pet Manx cat, you need to learn all you can about them as they are a little different than most cats. They are very inquisitive and will want to check out every inch of their new home so give it free rein until it’s satisfied that everything is to its satisfaction.
Some are hyperactive like Siamese and most of them don’t sleep a lot like a typical cat. They also like to be up high so when you lose them look high instead of low for them. Many times a pet Manx will be more like a dog than a cat as they will follow you around and are always looking for attention.
When you get a pet Manx that is free of Manx Syndrome (the spine condition) you’ll find they have few medical problems. Some of them do have sensitive stomachs so you will have to be careful about what you feed them. Anything new should be introduced slowly to make sure they don’t have a reaction to it. Some of the cats are very sensitive around the tail area so take care when brushing them or petting them.
Where you put your pets litter box is important as for some tailless Manx cats bathroom cleanliness can be a problem. Cats normally use their tails to help release feces but because your pet may not have a tail this may cause a problem. It may stick to the fur and your pet will clean it off with whatever is handy. This could be the furniture or carpet so if you don’t want to have to clean up all over the house, be forewarned.
In feeding your pet you should make the food for it if possible so that you know exactly what’s in it and how it’s prepared. If this isn’t possible then you should make sure your pet gets an all-natural type of food. This form of food is better for your cat as it helps to keep it free from harmful chemicals. Even the best cat foods have chemicals added into them such as preservatives. That is why it is important to stay all natural as well as raw to keep the cat healthy for years down the road.
The Manx cat has long fur and therefore will require a large amount of grooming time which it will enjoy. Brushing your pet everyday will keep its fur shiny and free of knots or mats. Cats keep themselves clean so you don’t need to bathe them very often which is good because most cats don’t particularly like water. Keep your cat away from diseases. Your pet Manx on the other hand will probably like water, to the point of playing in it, so bathing will be a treat for it.
You will also want to set up a visit to the vet to get your pet its necessary shots. If possible try to find a vet that practices holistic medicine and can help keep your pet on natural products and medicines. Keep track of the visits to the vet as you want to make sure that the shots are kept current and up to date. While visiting your vet, you want to also make sure that you ask about any flea and tick protection to keep your home free from fleas as well as ticks and other pests. Most areas of the world will have a problem with fleas during certain times of the year, but it’s possible to have fleas year-round. For this reason, you want to keep your pet protected all year long with natural pest control.
If you like spending a lot of time with your cat the Manx will be the perfect pet for all the family. They are good with children especially if they have been raised together. Their few negative habits are easily outweighed by the positive ones, so the next you consider get a pet cat think about a Manx, you won’t be disappointed. Good luck on your future endeavor of owning a Manx cat.
Hepatitis in dogs is a highly contagious viral disease. It mainly affects the liver. However, it can also affect various other organs.
Transmission
As you just learned, this disease is caused by a virus. This virus is known as canine adenovirus type 1, or CAV-1 for short. Most dogs get infected when they come into direct contact with an infected dog. Infected body fluids can also be a method of transmission. The virus can also be passed by parasites such as fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Symptoms
Dog hepatitis can be either severe or acute. Dogs with the acute form will experience vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. The disease can also cause swollen lymph nodes, pale gums, and yellowish eyes. If your dog’s liver also swells up, he may stop eating.
Dogs with the acute form of this disease usually recover after a week or so. On the other hand, the severe form is usually fatal. Common symptoms include bloody vomit and diarrhea, bloody nose, and bloody gums. Since severe damage is done to the liver, it can also result in a coma or seizures.
Treatment
Mild cases of hepatitis in dogs usually requires that your dog be hospitalized. Treatment involves giving intravenous fluids to combat dehydration that can be brought on by the diarrhea or vomiting. Additional supportive care may also be necessary.
Prognosis
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis in dogs. As mentioned, the severe form of this disease is often fatal, usually within a week. Sometimes, an infected dog can die within mere hours of showing symptoms. Dogs may be able to recover from the acute form.
Prevention
The vaccine to guard against dog hepatitis is usually given to puppies. However, it can also be given to adult dogs that have yet to be vaccinated. The vaccine can contain either adenovirus type 1 or 2. Although type 1 is responsible for this disease, a vaccine containing type 2 will also help prevent it.
Raccoons are a common presence in urbanized areas. Properties that are located near bodies of water, forests, and woods, also commonly experience nuisance raccoon problems. Although raccoons are truly innocent and fascinating mammals, they pose several dangers and should be controlled in a safe and humane way. If you still think raccoons are not a threat, continue reading to learn the top 3 biggest dangers raccoons pose to society.
1. People
The first and most significant risk posed by a wild raccoon presence on your property is the risk of harming people, especially children. Raccoons are known carriers of several viruses and infectious diseases, including serious ones like Rabies, leptospirosis, Distemper, and raccoon roundworm, as well as less serious ones, like lice, fleas, ticks, and more. Although raccoons do not generally bite or attack, they will if they are provoked. For instance, young children who may stumble upon a baby raccoon in the yard that they think is abandoned, but in actuality, the mother raccoon is nearby and ready pounce if she feels her pup is in danger.
2. Pets
Pets are often victims of raccoon attacks because they unintentionally provoke them simply by being curious and taking a sniff. This is why pet vaccinations are so vital for the safety of your dogs and cats. This includes vaccines for Rabies, leptospirosis, Distemper, Lyme disease, and raccoon roundworm. It is also vital to give your pet a flea, tick, and heartworm medication regularly.
3. Property
Raccoons are very clever, and they have excellent memories and problem solving skills. This is one reason why they are common offenders of attic and crawl space invasions. They can use their human-like paws to grasp, rip, and pry. They tear down attic insulation, chew up electrical wiring, soil floorboards and ceilings with their droppings, and more. However, even if raccoons cannot access the inner parts of a home or building, they can still cause a load of structural damages to a property. They will tear up lawns looking for grubs, wipe out gardens, pry off siding, rip off roof shingles, rummage through garbage cans, steal bird seed and pet food, and so much more.
Dealing With a Raccoon Problem
If you have a raccoon problem, you will need to take control by eliminating whatever it is that attracts them to your property. For example:
Only take the garbage cans out to the driveway on the morning of trash pickup day, do not leave pet food and other sources of food and water outside (bird baths, squirrel feeders, bird seed, pet food bowls, stored bags of pet food, etc.), installing motion lighting or sound machines to scare raccoons away, putting up fencing to protect your gardens, and eliminating shelter options like compost piles, log piles, pet houses, and more. You will also need to contact a licensed raccoon removal and control company to inspect your property and ensure there are no entry points for raccoons to enter.
Good dog grooming is more than just having a smart dog. You can handle potential health problems. So, dog owners need to learn how to groom their dogs. It helps to identify the health issues at an early stage and get it treated successfully.
Dog’s eyes
Dog’s eyes should be shiny, white, and crust-free. Eye-lids have to be pink and always trim their hair, so they don’t get in its eyes. If you notice tear-stained fur or squinted eyes or discharge, or unequal size pupils, it is time for a visit to the vet.
Eye discharge
• Clear discharge – It can be allergies due to wind blowing or dust entering the eyes and is treatable.
• Watery discharge – Mucus from a single or both eyes is due to some foreign matter like an eyelash.
• Pus-like discharge – A yellowish-greenish colored discharge indicates severe infection.
Watery or mucus discharge is a sign of a condition called conjunctivitis. It is an inflammation of the dog’s eye lining. The causes are due to –
• Allergies
• Birth-defect
• Foreign matter
• Tear duct issue
• Injury
• Tumors
• Dry eye
• Distemper and more
Signs of conjunctivitis
• Red eyes
• Over blinking
• Crusty eyes
• Keep eyes closed
• Squinting
• Rubbing the eyes frequently with its paws
An excessive teary or watery eye is also a condition called Epiphora. This condition infects the skin or makes the fur release a terrible odor. A vet can help you diagnose the cause of conjunctivitis. Treatment can include irritant removal, antibiotics, pain relief lotion, antihistamines, or saline washes. Birth defects get treated with surgery.
Eye discharged if ignored can cause loss of vision, so visit the vet as soon as possible!
Dog’s ears
Spaniels or basset hounds have drooping ears, so are prone to suffering from ear issues. It doesn’t mean other dogs cannot develop infection nor have mites in their ears. Therefore inspect their ears after every fifteen days for dirt buildup, foreign matter, or odor.
The ear canal has to be clean and pink. Remove any visible dirt with canine ear cleaning liquid. A dog that swims a lot is prone to an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe products that help to keep its ear canal dry.
Ear discharge
• Blackish-brown crusty discharge – The dog has ear mites, which make them shake and scratch their head.
• Reddish-brown or yellow waxy discharge – It is an ear infection due to allergies, ear wax overproduction, excessive swimming, polyps, etc. Other signs are inflamed ears, head shaking, scratching, and fruity/bad odor.
Ear infection types
• Otitis Externa [Outer side, which gets treated with antifungal lotion, antibiotics, or ear drying solution]
• Otitis Interna [Inner or middle ear gets infected. Vets may flush the ear or recommend surgery in severe condition]
Ear discharge can cause balance issues, hematomas, severe pain, and even deafness. So, make an appointment with the vet for treatment!
Dog’s dental hygiene Dog’s teeth need a regular brushing along with a healthy diet routine. Even chewing toys can help to maintain their oral health. Even give regular home checks to identify any signs. Bad breath is a sign of illness disease, so a breath test is recommended. Lift its lips to examine the teeth and gums. Teeth must not show brownish tartar, and gums need to be pinkish. Brush the dog’s teeth using the proper technique twice or three times every week.
Mouth disorders
• Periodontal disease – Infection between the gum and tooth can cause pain, tooth loosening, nasal discharge, and sneezing.
• Swollen gums – When food gets trapped between teeth and tartar build-up, swollen gums develop.
• Gingivitis – Gum inflammation due to tartar, plaque, and bacteria accumulation below the gum line. Bad breathe, bleeding, swollen & red gums are signs of gingivitis.
• Proliferating gum disease – A genetic condition where gums develop over the teeth. It needs treatment to avoid infection.
• Halitosis – Food particles trapped between teeth is a great situation for bacteria to grow. Bad odor is its first sign, which gets eliminated with proper brushing.
• Salivary cysts – Under the tongue or near jaw corners, large blisters filled with fluids get developed. The vet will remove the infected saliva gland to drain the cyst.
• Mouth tumors – In the gums, you will see lumps. The vet will diagnose and surgically remove the malignant tumor.
Always look for canine toothpaste and toothbrush, or ask your vet!
Dog’s nail care
• Dogs that are more active outdoors don’t need trimming because their claws wear down. Indoor dogs do need nail care.
• Long nails can cut into the toe pad skin and cause pain or infection.
• You will need to trim nails regularly to avoid it cutting the skin.
In case you accidentally cut in, apply septic powder to stop the bleeding. Many dog owners find nail trimming intimidating, so they visit a vet or pet dog groomer.
Dog’s fur and skincare
• Check for fleas or ticks, if your dog after your dog returns from outdoors.
• Monitor for dandruff, which is caused due to skin infection and parasites.
• Brush dogs coat regularly to remove dead hairs, which can form mats and possibly affect its heart.
• Hair brushing will also stimulate skin oil distribution across the coat.
• Choose the right hairbrush.
• Bathe the dog gently with canine skincare products to maintain oil level.
• The use of proper shampoo helps to avoid multiple health issues and keeps the dog feel pleasant.
• Brush the coat before bathing to eliminate loose hair or mats, which can entrap shampoo and cause skin irritation.
• Choose a healthy diet and skin nourishment supplements to nourish the dog‘s coat and fur.
Besides the dog’s appearance, the other benefit of proper dog grooming is better health and well-being of your pet!
