Is It a Stroke or Old-Dog Vestibular Syndrome?

Posted on January 25, 2018 - 6:50 am by
Taste of the Wild

One minute your dog is fine, and the next they are staggering with their head listing to one side. It looks like the canine equivalent of a human stroke. What’s going on? While it could be a stroke or other serious condition, in a gray-muzzled dog, it’s often idiopathic vestibular disease, more commonly known as what’s called old-dog syndrome. And that’s actually good news.

Feeling Dizzy

Located in the inner ear and brain, the vestibular system helps dogs maintain balance and coordinate the position of the head, eyes and legs. Anything that disrupts this system can throw your dog’s balance out of whack. And in older canines, it’s not rare that this happens. This syndrome is considered to be “idiopathic,” meaning that no one knows, exactly, what causes it. While old-dog vestibular syndrome generally affects older dogs, it can occur in cats of any age.

You’ll know it when you see a sudden head tilt, loss of balance, falling or rolling to one side, circling, trouble walking and abnormal eye movement, often from side to side. As you can imagine, these symptoms are often accompanied by dizziness, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

Although these signs can be frightening, the good news is that most dogs recover from vestibular disease. While some retain a head tilt, they seem to regain their sense of balance and do just fine.

Strokes Can Have Similar Signs

Like humans, dogs can have strokes, but they typically aren’t as common as in people. Strokes can be caused by the rupture of blood vessels or blocked arteries in the brain. They can also be caused by fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE), or material that travels through the blood and lodges in a blood vessel, often in the spinal cord.

Like vestibular syndrome, a stroke or FCE can occur suddenly. With the latter, especially, a dog may leap after a tennis ball, yelp with pain and immediately have difficulty walking. This can occur in dogs of all ages. Signs of a stroke can be subtle but may also include head tilt, circling, weakness, paralysis of one or more limbs, loss of urine or bowel control and collapse.

To complicate matters, other conditions can cause signs similar to old-dog vestibular syndrome, including inner ear infections, hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone), toxins, trauma, infectious diseases or brain tumors.

Pinpointing a Cause

Because these signs can indicate a potentially serious disease, it’s important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. The doctor will perform a full physical exam, including looking for signs of inner ear infections and neurological problems. In addition to possible blood or urine tests, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays to help visualize the middle and inner ear, which can’t be seen on physical exam.

A Wait-and-See Approach

In many cases, the veterinarian may monitor older dogs before performing more tests. While the signs can be severe for 48 to 72 hours, those with old-dog vestibular syndrome often improve gradually over the next few days to weeks.

Dogs that don’t show signs of improvement in a few days typically require additional diagnostics, which may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) for evidence of a stroke or other brain lesions.

Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help reduce motion sickness. It may also help to hospitalize the dog, or limit them to an area of the house with soft carpeting and no stairs to help minimize possible injuries from falls. With prompt veterinary attention, most dogs with old-dog vestibular syndrome — and strokes — eventually recover.

Avalanche Rescue Dogs: The Search for Survivors

Posted on January 11, 2018 - 2:28 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Imagine being swept into a thundering, fast-moving avalanche. You’re catapulted downhill in a rumble of snow, then buried in darkness. The snowpack surrounds you like concrete, so you can’t free your arms to dig out. You’re not even sure which way is up.

Your only choice now is to stay calm and hope someone finds you. If you’re discovered within 18 minutes, there’s a greater than 91 percent chance of survival, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal. But at 35 minutes, that rate plunges to about 30 percent as the oxygen supply begins to peter out.

When the clock is ticking, an avalanche rescue dog may be your best hope for survival.

An Unmatched Sense of Smell

These highly trained canines can cover more ground much faster than their human counterparts. For instance, an avalanche dog can typically search 2.5 acres — roughly the area of two football fields — in about 30 minutes. To search the same area, it would take 20 people about eight times longer.

While people rely on long probe poles or beacons that can pick up radio frequencies from the victims’ transponders, an avalanche dog locates buried humans using just his or her keen sense of smell. These dogs have proved so successful that many ski resorts now station avalanche rescue dogs on the mountainside with their ski patrol teams. The dogs ride the lifts with their handlers and are prepared to climb onto snowmobiles or jump into helicopters to reach an avalanche site in minutes.

Not All Saint Bernards

The concept of avalanche dogs may bring to mind the classic image of a Saint Bernard parting the snowdrifts. But in fact, other dog breeds are more commonly used today.

Trainers generally look for agile dogs with a strong hunting drive, such as Labrador retrievers, German shepherds and golden retrievers or crosses of those breeds. Herding breeds, such as border collies and Australian shepherds, may also excel at this work. The dogs have to be non-aggressive towards people and get along well with other dogs.

The dog must know basic obedience commands, be able to follow hand signals and work under cold and often stressful conditions. For example, when there’s no place for a helicopter to land, avalanche dogs and their trainers may be lowered to the mountainside from a long rope dangling from the helicopter. (This practice, called “long lining,” is allowed in Canada but not in the U.S.)

Years of Training

If they start as puppies, it may take two to three years for an avalanche dog to become fully trained. Even then, handlers must keep up the training on a regular basis.

Handlers, who are typically part of a search and rescue team and certified in first aid and avalanche rescues, train dogs to use their hunting drive to search out human scents under the snow. For dogs, it’s almost a game of hide and seek. Dogs receive a positive reward, such as a game of tug-of-war, for locating people hidden in “snow caves” or people-scented clothing buried up to 30 inches under the snow.

Dogs are taught to dig and bark to indicate their finding. Once the dogs successfully locate their handlers under the snow, the search is made more difficult by substituting strangers. Because multiple people may be caught in an avalanche, dogs are even trained to find several people in different snow caves.

Dogs may also learn additional skills, such as running between their handler’s skis to help protect their paws from the sharp edges of other skiers. They may even learn to ride on the handler’s shoulders to conserve energy when covering a lot of ground.

Avalanche dogs generally have careers that span 8 to 10 years. Their handlers have to keep a close eye on them and watch for signs of aging, pain or lameness. Then the dogs can retire into the warmth of home, content that they’ve done their job saving human lives.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Keeping Your Pet Active in the Winter

Posted on January 4, 2018 - 6:13 am by
Taste of the Wild

Tempted to pull the comforter over your head and not emerge until spring? You’re not alone. But getting active is the best antidote for cabin fever — for you and your pet. A little cold-weather exercise can help keep your pet in good physical shape. So here are some ideas to get your pet up and moving when the mercury tumbles.

Play Outdoors

If you bundle up your dog, there’s no reason he or she can’t go dashing through the snow with you. For dogs with thin coats or hairless breeds, look for a warm, comfortable coat that allows for easy limb movement.

Make sure to trim the hair between pads so it doesn’t collect ice balls. If your dog will tolerate booties, they can help prevent the buildup of snow, ice and potentially toxic ice melts used on roads and sidewalks. If not, rinse and towel off your dog’s paws once you come indoors.

When your dog is dressed for the cold, you can make trips to the dog park, hike in the woods or just make the rounds of the neighborhood. (Remember, many cats can learn to walk on a leash and wouldn’t mind getting out of the house, too.)

Have a dog that needs to burn off a lot of energy? Take up skijoring. For this sport, you cross-country ski while your dog runs ahead of you on a harness that is clipped to your waist.

Keep Moving Indoors

To help your pet get a workout inside, consider:

Doggie daycare — Drop your dog off for an action-packed day of chase with other like-minded mutts. Or invite one of your dog’s favorite pals over for a play date. Chances are, your dog will wear out and sleep soundly all night.

Cat trees — Help your cat stretch those muscles with a multi-level cat tree. Most cats love to be above the action, especially when they can watch the bird feeder outside the window.

Treadmills — If you’re not going to use it, your dog might as well hop on it. Start slowly with your dog on a leash and provide plenty of treats. Then work your way up to longer sessions each day. It’s a good, low-impact exercise to help maintain muscle mass and range of motion.

Laser pointers — Both cats and dogs love chasing that fast-moving dot around the room. Try building an obstacle course so your pet can run, leap and stretch while in pursuit.

Food Puzzles — Pets may not have to hunt for their own food, but there’s no reason they can’t work for it. Place some kibble inside a food puzzle and let your dog or cat put their mind and paws to work. You can even split up your cat’s kibble and hide it around the house so they have to walk from room to room to find it.

Toys — Even if you’re watching TV, you can exercise your pets with a game of fetch. Few dogs or cats can resist a tennis ball or catnip mouse arcing through the air. Or tie a toy to a string and draw it across the floor to bring out your pet’s predatory drive.

Of course, exercising your pet is only part of the challenge. But once you get them off the couch, it’s easier to get yourself moving, too.

The Revealing Science Behind Pet Adoption Choices

Posted on December 7, 2017 - 6:49 am by
Taste of the Wild

When choosing a pet to adopt, what makes you more drawn to one dog or cat over another? Obviously, you may have a preference for certain breeds, coats or activity levels. But what else influences our adoption choices?

It probably comes as no surprise that puppies and kittens have a better chance of finding a home than their older counterparts. In a Priceonomics study of pets listed on the Petfinder website, 95% of puppies were adopted, but the percentage fell to 76% for adult dogs and 68% for seniors. While 82% of kittens were adopted, the older cats had a harder time finding a home, with just 60% of adults and 54% of seniors adopted.

But are there other, more subtle factors that influence which dogs or cats you choose? Lucky for you, scientists have pondered the same thing.

For Dogs, the Eyebrows Have It but Their Tail Tells No Tales

According to a 2013 study, dogs who raised their eyebrows were adopted faster than those who didn’t. In fact, the eyebrow raise appeared to have the most influence on how quickly a dog was adopted. A dog who raised their eyebrows 15 times while meeting a person was adopted almost twice as quickly as one who raised them five times.

Evolutionary psychologists theorize that raising the eyebrows makes a dog’s face appear more like a puppy, a behavior wolves may have exploited during the domestication process long ago. At the same time, they caution that eyebrows are often raised when humans express sadness, so it’s possible that elevated eyebrows simply tug a bit more at our heartstrings.

In addition to examining the influence of different facial expressions on the speed of adoption, the scientists also looked at the duration of tail wagging and how often the dog came to the front of the kennel, in close proximity to the human. Surprisingly, the longer a dog wagged its tail, the less quickly it was adopted.

With Cats, It’s a Different Story

If facial expressions can impact the speed of dog adoption, can the same thing be true for cats? In 2017, scientists studied shelter cats for numerous facial, body and tail movements, as well as whether cats approached the front of the cage during the encounter with a person.

As it turns out, no amount of eye batting, head turning or ear swiveling had a significant impact on how soon cats were adopted. What’s the most important factor, according to this study? Cats who rubbed their bodies on furniture and toys more often were re-homed about 30 percent faster than those who didn’t.

Can Shelters Use This Research?

Since many potential pet owners first shop for pets online, is there anything shelters can do to tip the scales in certain pets’ favors? Yep!

A study that reviewed online photos of Labrador retriever mixes found that there’s no mystery here — photo quality had the greatest impact on the speed at which dogs were adopted. Also, dogs found homes sooner if they looked directly into the camera and if they were portrayed standing up in an outdoor location.

Another study looked at the popularity of cats, based on number of clicks, on Petfinder. In this case, the only photographic variable that had an influence on cat popularity was the inclusion of toys. Photos that included toys tended to receive more clicks per day, which may be one way to spotlight cats who may otherwise be overlooked.

Whether looking at adoptions in person or online, a number of factors play into your decision. No matter what the research says, find the pet that’s right for you. Even if it’s a tail-wagger!

Need Therapy? The Cat Will See You Now

Posted on November 30, 2017 - 6:52 am by
Therapy cats

When it comes to helping people, dogs get all the glory. It’s not hard to find awwww-inspiring photos of dogs helping vision-impaired people across the street, warning owners of an upcoming seizure or dutifully carrying the newspaper to the disabled.

But what about therapy cats? Do cats just lack the altruism gene? Did their reputation for being aloof inspire the saying, “Everyone needs a dog to adore them and a cat to ignore them”? Many cats, as it turns out, do help people — just on their own terms.

Therapy Cats vs. Service Animals

A service animal, as defined by the American Disabilities Act, is a dog or miniature horse trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. Although many cats can be trained, they generally aren’t, as yet, considered service animals.

Still, cats have a lot to offer. A purring cat can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and trigger the release of oxytocin, the feel-good “cuddle hormone.” Children raised with cats may be less likely to develop allergies. By providing companionship and nonjudgmental affection, cats can also help relieve depression and loneliness.

That’s why, more and more, cats are being used as therapy animals. Unlike service animals, which tend to live with the patient, therapy animals generally stop by for a visit, whether it’s at a nursing home, prison or physical therapy facility.

Animal-Assisted Therapy vs. Animal-Assisted Activities

Therapy cats tend to fall into two categories. The first is used for animal-assisted therapy (AAT). In these cases, a health or human services professional creates a goal-oriented plan to meet specific physical, emotional, cognitive or social needs of a patient.

In a physical therapy setting, for example, handling a cat may help a patient regain motor skills following a hand surgery. A therapist may choose to include a cat in a therapy session to help, for example, extend the attention span of a child with autism spectrum disorder.

The second CATegory of feline-aided therapy is called animal-assisted activity (AAA). In these cases, the aim is generally to improve the patient’s quality of life. Often, the handler is the cat’s owner who has been through training and has had the cat certified. The handler may bring the cat to places like rehabilitation facilities, schools and nursing homes.

In patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s, for instance, cats have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, soothe agitation and decrease feelings of isolation. When real cats aren’t available, long-term care facilities have even taken to using battery-operated cats. Petting the soft fur may calm patients, and built-in sensors respond to touches by triggering the robotic cat to purr, close its eyes or roll over on its back.

The Making of a Therapy Cat

Organizations like Pet Partners help screen cats and train volunteers to become therapy teams. Typically, they look for cats with calm, laid-back temperaments who are gentle and tolerant of being handled by different people in various environments. Retired show cats, for example, tend to make good therapy cats because they’re used to frequent handling and noisy surroundings.

Cats should usually be at least one year old, current on vaccines and considered healthy, based on a veterinary exam. Once the cat is certified and the owner has been trained, the team may make supervised visits before they are free to make visits on their own.

Think your cat has what it takes to be a therapy cat? Check out Pet Partners or look for feline therapy organizations near you.

What Happens to Military Dogs When They Retire?

Posted on November 16, 2017 - 12:41 pm by
Military Dogs

For decades, dogs have served side-by-side in combat with U.S. soldiers. They detect explosives and weapons and even root out enemy forces. In fact, one canine hero even participated in the raid of Osama bin Laden’s home in Pakistan. Military dogs assist on patrols, leap out of helicopters with Navy SEALs and save countless lives.
But what happens when their careers are over?

Combat Canines Left Overseas

As recent as the late 1990s, military working dogs (MWD) that were retired from service due to age or medical reasons were considered “surplus equipment,” no longer part of the military and ineligible for transport home at taxpayers’ expense. It was often assumed these expertly trained dogs would never adapt to civilian life. As a result, they were often euthanized or turned over to foreign allies in combat zones.

The public gradually became aware of these tragedies after one military handler rallied to bring his canine partner Robby home, only to meet with defeat and see the dog euthanized. As a result, “Robby’s Law” was enacted in 2000, requiring that MWDs fit for adoption be made available to previous handlers, law enforcement or families that met qualifying criteria.

Even then, discharged handlers in the United States had to come up with thousands of dollars to transport dogs in combat zones back home. Mission K9 Rescue, a nonprofit organization, solicited donations to help rescue and reunite these dogs with their owners. Even private citizens helped out as a way to repay these human and canine heroes for their service.

Finally, the passage of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act means retired dogs overseas now get a ticket home to the U.S., and their handlers get priority when it comes to adopting them.

Bringing Canine Heroes Home

Today, Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, serves as both a training facility for military dogs and the U.S. headquarters for dogs returning from service. Three types of dogs are available for adoption here: young dogs that don’t pass the aptitude test for serving in the military (50 percent don’t qualify), older dogs that have finished their military stint, and those who have been retired early due to illness or injury.

Dogs returning from service tend to be large breeds like German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador retrievers or mixes; breeds that may have conditions such as arthritis or other medical issues. Like their human counterparts, some dogs may also show signs similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, so they’re screened to make sure they have a temperament that can manage family life and don’t have aggressive tendencies.

Dogs not deemed fit for family life are generally channeled into work with law enforcement or the TSA, where they can put their training to good use rather than being euthanized.

Still, more than 90 percent of returning MWDs go home to live with their former handlers. Occasionally, when a handler is lost in battle, the handler’s family may choose to adopt the dog. Others are available for adoption to private citizens, but there’s a long waiting list. Applicants are carefully screened to find the right match for the right dogs. Some MWDs, for example, adjust better in homes without cats, children or other dogs.

Other organizations also bring home stray dogs befriended by service people in war zones. Although these dogs didn’t serve in a military capacity, they did provide emotional support. In either case, reuniting dogs of war with their military companions can help both adjust to life outside the trenches.

Eek! The Frightening Side of Halloween Chocolate

Posted on October 19, 2017 - 11:42 am by
Dogs and chocolate

If your kids (or, ahem, you) overindulge in chocolate, you may wind up with a stomach ache. But pets who partake don’t always get off that easy. Dogs and chocolate are an especially dangerous combination — even a small amount can be toxic. While the confection can be poisonous for cats too, they tend to be less attracted to chocolate — perhaps because they can’t taste sweetness.

Dark Chocolate Is Most Dangerous

For dogs, chocolate contains two potentially toxic substances — caffeine and a chemical called theobromine — that dogs can’t metabolize as easily as humans. As a general rule of thumb, the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains, so the more dangerous it can be. Unsweetened baker’s chocolate, for example, contains up to 450 mg of theobromine per ounce, compared with milk chocolate which contains up to 60 mg per ounce. Although white chocolate contains even less than milk chocolate, it’s still best to keep it out of your pets’ reach.

The Amount Eaten and Size of Dog Matters

If your dog scarfs up your stash of trick-or-treat candy bars, it’s important to contact a veterinarian immediately. The doctor will want to know what type of chocolate was eaten, an estimate of how much was eaten, your dog’s weight and how long ago the chocolate was probably consumed.

A Great Dane that eats a small amount of chocolate may show mild signs, but the same amount could be fatal for a Pomeranian. Timing can be critical, too; if your dog just ate the candy, your veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting before much of the chocolate is digested.

Signs of Chocolate Poisoning

Depending on the type of chocolate, the amount eaten and the size of your dog, signs of toxicity can range from mild to severe and life threatening:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Panting and pacing
  • Seizures
  • Death

After assessing your dog’s condition, your veterinarian may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal to coat the digestive tract and prevent further chocolate absorption, or recommend additional supportive care.

Other Trick-or-Treat Bag Dangers

Halloween goodies can contain other substances that are potentially toxic to dogs including raisins, macadamia nuts and xylitol, a natural sugar-free sweetener often found in gum, mints and other candies.

Too many sweet, fatty treats can also lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that may require hospitalization. Since dogs don’t bother unwrapping candy before binging, large quantities of candy wrappers could cause a digestive tract obstruction that could lead to surgery.

When in doubt, call your veterinarian or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661.

The best plan is to keep Halloween treats well out of the reach of your pets. They can still share in the festivities — just add a few teaspoons of plain, canned pumpkin (with no added spices) to their evening meals. Now, if only it were that easy to keep Halloween treats out of your paws.

Herding Dogs: From Home on the Range to Home

Posted on October 12, 2017 - 6:41 am by
Taste of the Wild

It’s a scene branded on your mind by movies (cue the harmonica) for generations: The mounted cowhands crack their whips, the lowing cows kick up dust as the trusted herding dogs nip at their heels in the sunset. Long an essential part of cattle drives and farm work, today herding dogs are more likely to be found as family pets, dashing around backyards and dog parks.

Part of Cowboy History

When America was mostly a wide-open range, herders of cattle and sheep seeking work migrated from countries such as Scotland, France, Spain and Australia, bringing their trusted dogs with them. These high-energy dogs usually had a knack for driving livestock over long distances, through all kinds of weather and terrain. Often doing the work of several cowhands, herding dogs could round up lost animals, keep predators (and cattle rustlers) at bay and confidently show animals many times their size who was boss.

A Class of Their Own

Today, the breeds traditionally used to drive animals are classified in the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group. As expected, the group includes breeds such as Australian cattle dogs, Belgian sheepdogs, border collies, collies and Shetland sheepdogs. Perhaps more surprising is the inclusion of breeds like Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh corgis.

In general, these breeds tend to have a natural “urge to herd” and may even gently round up children scattered in your backyard. Dogs in the herding group typically respond well to training. Since they usually require regular exercise, enrolling them in canine sports such as fly ball, agility and even herding trials is a good way to help them work off extra energy.

Working Dogs Today

Herding dogs are still used on ranches, farms and the occasional dude ranch, where they may herd, gather, sort, fetch and hold livestock. Although some dogs may exhibit these skills by instinct, most need to be trained to work with the handler and put those behaviors to proper use.

Successful herding dogs also need to learn to approach livestock with confidence so cattle won’t challenge them. And while the dog must be in control of the livestock, the cowhand must be in control of the dog.

Herding Competitions

Even when a herding dog’s only job is to be the family pet, herding trials can help them develop and maintain the skills for which their ancestors were originally bred. Depending on the breed, training usually starts at 10 to 12 months of age or when the dog is physically mature and knows basic obedience commands. During a competition, dogs may herd anything from cattle and sheep to goats, geese and ducks.

Rounding Up the Fun

While they’re often no longer “put to work,” these dogs can be fun and loyal companions for children. As long as they get the exercise they need, they’re perfect family pets.

Related Post: Which Sport Is Right for My Dog?

Related Post: Channel Your Dog’s Pent-Up Energy with Agility Training

Digesting the Many Possible Causes of a Pet’s Upset Stomach

Posted on October 5, 2017 - 11:48 am by
Common causes of vomiting or diarrhea graphic.

For many pets, trouble at one end of the digestive tract or the other is fairly common. In fact, upset stomachs and diarrhea are two of the top 10 reasons dogs and cats are taken to the veterinarian, according to Nationwide pet policyholders in 2016.

Sometimes, the cause is relatively innocent. Maybe you ran out of your dog’s normal diet and had to abruptly change food rather than making a gradual transition. Or your kids fed your pet too many table scraps. Perhaps your cat spent the morning chewing on grass. Or one of your pets (no one will say who) surfed the kitchen counter and polished off the plate of leftovers, not to mention the tin foil.

Whatever the cause, you shouldn’t always assume it’s a minor issue that will pass on its own. In some cases, vomiting and/or diarrhea can be signs of serious or even life-threatening conditions, such as bloat, gastrointestinal obstruction or toxin ingestion, that require immediate medical attention. When in doubt, call your veterinarian for advice.

Common causes of vomiting or diarrhea graphic.

Better Safe Than Sorry

While it’s never a bad idea to seek veterinary help when your pet is under the weather, these signs may indicate that it’s time to start the car because there may be something more serious going on:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea several times an hour or many times a day
  • Severe lethargy
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal swelling (in dogs)
  • Blood in vomit or feces
  • Loss of appetite for more than one day

While it may be tempting to give your pet over-the-counter vomiting or diarrhea medications, don’t do it unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Many products that are relatively safe for human use contain ingredients that can be toxic for pets.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your veterinarian will start by giving your pet a thorough exam. He or she may also recommend blood work, X-rays or other diagnostic tests. For serious conditions, your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization, intravenous fluids, medications and in some cases, such as digestive tract obstructions, surgery.

If your pet’s condition is less serious, the doctor may recommend conservative treatment, which may involve withholding food for 12 to 24 hours to give the digestive tract a chance to rest (cats should never have food withheld for more than 24 hours).  Then your pet may be started on a bland diet, such as boiled hamburger or chicken and rice or therapeutic diets that are available at your clinic. Your veterinarian may also recommend anti-nausea medications or probiotics to help restore the normal balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.

Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so your veterinarian may recommend subcutaneous fluids. It’s also a good idea to replace the water in your pet’s dish with ice cubes. This will help prevent your pet from drinking too much water at once, which may upset the digestive system.

As the vomiting and diarrhea subside, you can gradually transition your dog or cat back to his or her regular diet. And that will help you both feel better.

Litter Box Confessions: What to Do About Urinary Accidents

Posted on September 28, 2017 - 4:11 pm by
How to clean cat pee image

When your cat snubs the litter box, it’s usually not out of revenge. But he or she may be trying to tell you something’s wrong — with damp, fragrant messages on your bedspread, in the potted plant or even in your running shoes.

Here’s how to interpret what your cat is trying to say. We’ve even included a few tips for cleaning cat urine.

First, See Your Veterinarian

Urinating outside the litter box signals a number of medical conditions, including feline lower urinary tract disease, urinary tract crystals or stones,  or an infection or even partial blockage of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside. Urinary accidents can also happen because of conditions that make your cat pee more frequently or with greater urgency, such as kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone).

Older cats with painful arthritis may avoid the litter box if the sides are too high to climb over or if they have to ascend or descend flights of stairs to get there.

Urine Marking vs. Urination

Your veterinarian may try to determine if your cat is marking or just urinating. Cats may “spray” in the house to communicate to other cats in the household or neighborhood cats that may stroll through your yard. It’s a way of marking their territory. Urine marking differs from urination in a number of ways. Typically, cats mark on vertical surfaces, often backing up to the stereo or doorway with their tail up and quivering. The volume of liquid is usually smaller than what you’d typically find in the litter box. And the urine often contains additional substances than lend a muskier scent to the spray.

Although any cat may mark, including female, neutered or spayed cats, it generally happens more in intact (unneutered) male cats. If your cat is marking, you’ll need to remove the scent and work with your veterinarian to help eliminate this behavior.

Litter Box Issues

If there are no underlying medical issues and your cat isn’t marking, it could just be that your cat is fussy about his or her litter box. Here’s how to address some of your cat’s possible concerns:

  • Abide by the 1 + 1 rule. You should have one litter box for every cat in the household plus one more. So if you have three cats, you should have at least four litter boxes.
  • Size matters. The litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat (excluding the tail). If you have an older cat, consider a box with lower sides. Many cats will avoid covered boxes.
  • Keep it clean. Scoop the litter at least once a day or even more often if you have multiple cats. Discard the litter about once a week and wash the litter box with a mild dishwashing soap.
  • Try different litters. Some cats are finicky about their litter and may prefer a different texture or perhaps unscented litter.
  • Location, location, location. Cats like privacy, too. So avoid placing the litter box in high-traffic areas.

Is It a Behavior Problem?

Sometimes, cats turn their tails up at the litter box because they’re stressed out. Any changes in the household, such as the addition of a new baby, construction workers in the house or bullying by another cat in the family, can upset the cat’s routine and lead to accidents. If this is the case, work with your veterinarian to devise a plan to help minimize your cat’s stress — and hopefully, his or her extracurricular urinating activities.

SaveSave

SaveSave