Stop Your Cat from Scratching and Answers to Other Weird Cat Behaviors

Posted on March 9, 2017 - 10:56 am by
Taste of the Wild

Few animals have inspired more internet videos than the cat. Why? Because cats keep us baffled with their oddball behaviors. Why does your cat scratch doors? Why must they always push things off the counter? And what makes them curl their upper lip and hold their mouth open as if in a daze? Well, we have some answers to your questions about Kitty’s baffling habits.

There’s a Cat at the Door

Have you been forced to banish your cat from your bedroom so you can get a good night’s sleep? Well, your cat wants in. And they are not shy about letting you know. But why do they want in so badly? It could be that your cat just wants to cuddle. Or more likely, they have learned that you feed them in the morning when you wake up, so the sooner they wake you, the sooner they feast. Logic!

The answer? Try giving them a cozy bed sprinkled with catnip in another room. Or initiate a play session before bed so they can chase a feather toy or laser pointer until they are exhausted enough to sleep through the night. You can also provide them with a food puzzle or timer box to distribute their food without bothering you.

Some cats scratch at doors simply because they like the texture. Scratching helps remove the outer sheath of their nails, allows them to mark the object with the scent glands in their paws, and it’s a great way to stretch. Give your cat a more acceptable alternative with a scratching post or climbing tree, and trim their nails regularly.

What’s Up on the Counter Must Come Down

Another popular kitty behavior is pushing pens, TV remotes and glass vases off of the counter (or any other high surface). What’s up with that? Typically, it’s a bored kitty trying to prod some object into motion, leading to a game of chase. Better yet, the sound of things shattering usually brings a human to the scene — so your cat gets attention — and the naughty behavior is reinforced.

There’s a two-part solution: (1) Ward off kitty boredom with scheduled playtime every day and (2) Try to keep them off the counters. Determine which feathered or furred toys they prefer and rotate them throughout the week to keep them interested. Then, make the counters less attractive as a perch by covering them with surfaces and textures cats typically don’t like, such as tin foil or cardboard.

Smelling with Their Mouths

Have you ever noticed your cat sniff at your shirt, then hold their mouth open with that faraway look in their eyes? It’s called the flehmen reaction, and it’s their way of getting a better whiff of the scent — with their mouth. Cats have a unique batch of sensory cells called the Jacobson’s organ, located on the roof of their mouths. By drawing a scent into their mouth and over the organ, your cat can better interpret the scent in question.

There’s no need for a solution to this, but now you know why it happens!

Your Cat Kneads You

Does your cat rhythmically paddle their front paws into you like they are kneading bread dough? Also known as “making biscuits,” it’s an instinctive behavior that usually starts when a newborn kitten kneads their mother’s chest to start the milk flowing. Cats often continue this behavior later in life as a way to calm themselves down, to mark you with the scent glands in their paw pads or just because they feel comfortable with you.

What about your cat’s other weird behaviors? That may just be their way of keeping you guessing.

Everything You Should Know About Cat Constipation

Posted on February 23, 2017 - 7:25 am by
Taste of the Wild

It’s fairly common for cats — especially older ones — to become constipated. They may strain in the litter box to no avail, or eschew the box entirely because it reminds them of the uncomfortable ordeal. So why is your cat backed up and what can you do about it?

What’s behind it? It could be anything

Stress is a factor. Some cats may stop defecating because their litter box isn’t to their liking. They may not like the litter scent or consistency. Or it’s just not tidied up often enough for them. Adding a new baby, pet or workmen to the household can also cause stress that — you guessed it — makes it hard for cats to do their business.

In older cats, diseases such as kidney failure can cause them to become dehydrated, which can lead to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Cats with arthritis may have difficulty climbing up and down stairs to reach the litter box or have trouble squatting. Other causes include diets low in fiber, trauma (such as a fractured pelvis), certain drugs, gastrointestinal obstructions and even lack of exercise.

An interior graphic detailing six different causes of constipation in cats.

Signs of a problem

In general, healthy cats should defecate at least once a day. Cats that stop eating for any reason will obviously have less in their digestive tracts, so they may go less often. But if four to five days go by without evidence in the litter box, it’s time to be concerned.

In addition to straining in the litter box, constipated cats may often experience vomiting, loss of appetite and depression. That’s when it’s time to see your veterinarian.

How to remedy the situation

The treatment for your kitty will depend on the severity and the cause of the constipation. Obviously, if there’s an underlying health condition, such a gastrointestinal obstruction or fractures, those need to be addressed.

With mild cases of constipation, your veterinarian may recommend adding a small amount of plain canned pumpkin (not the spiced pie filling) to your kitty’s food every day for additional fiber and moisture. He or she may also recommend switching to a diet with more fiber.

Despite what you might hear online, do not give your cat mineral oil because it can cause vomiting and your cat may subsequently aspirate (inhale) the oil.

For cats that are dehydrated, providing subcutaneous fluids, encouraging drinking and/or switching to a canned diet that contains more water can help reduce the occurrence of hard, dry stools. Still other kitties may need laxatives, stool softeners or medications to improve intestinal motility. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend an enema to loosen up and remove the “logjam.”

It could actually get worse

Cats who are chronically constipated may develop megacolon, a serious condition in which the colon diameter becomes so distended that the tissue loses its ability to move contents along. In those cases, surgery may be needed to remove that segment of the digestive tract.

That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your eye on the litter box and seek veterinary help sooner rather than later.

Is It OK to Kiss Your Dog?

Posted on February 9, 2017 - 11:22 am by
pet kisses

A kiss is a kiss… or is it? Are “licks” from dogs the same as kisses? And are there any health dangers to you from dog kisses?

Dog Kisses Can Be Signs of Affection…But Probably Not

Dog licks can have many purposes and meanings. Researchers who study wolves, coyotes and other wild canine ancestors believe that pups lick the mother’s muzzle after a hunt to compel her to regurgitate a little prey. Some dogs lick the faces of other dogs, possibly to detect if they’ve sampled any treats or as a welcoming gesture.

Dogs lick you because they like the taste of the salt or other signature flavors on your skin that make you, well, you. If dogs lick you on the mouth or lips and you praise them and deliver a kiss in return, you might encourage your pet to offer even more dog kisses.

Of course, when you’re bestowed a dog lick that is accompanied by a sweeping tail wag or a snuggle on the couch, it’s quite possible it’s out of pure affection.

Do Dog Kisses Come From a Clean Mouth or a Potty Mouth?

Have you ever heard that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s? If so, consider this: Many dogs think the litter box is an open snack bar, and dogs and cats are especially fond of gnawing on decaying vermin. They clean their nether parts with their tongues. And chances are, they’re not getting their teeth cleaned nearly as often as you are. Are pets’ mouths cleaner than humans’? Suffice it to say that the “cleaner mouths” legend simply isn’t true.

Dog Owners Could Contract Disease by Letting Dogs Lick People

In fact, pets can swap more than spit with you because their saliva can contain bacteria, yeast, viruses and parasites that can pose a risk to humans. Bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., E. coli and Campylobacter spp. can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in people. And Pasteurella spp., a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouths of healthy cats and some dogs, can lead to widespread infections in humans.

Pets can even transmit parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and Giardia spp. through a kiss, although it’s not very common.

While these organisms aren’t usually absorbed through the skin if a dog licks your arm or leg, some are more easily transmitted through open wounds in the skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes. The overall risks of catching something serious from kissing your pet is relatively low, but it’s best for immune-compromised people to avoid letting a dog lick hit their lips.

A Dog Lick Might Lead to Something Worse, Like a Bite

Care should also be taken when allowing young children to show affection toward pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children 5 to 9 years of age are at greatest risk for dog bite injuries. Some pets, like people, may not appreciate being hugged or may be fearful of sudden movements around their face or head, and they may resort to biting as a way to get people to back away from them.

Better V-Day Gifts Than Dog Licking

Still, few pet owners will begrudge their pets some type of licking behavior on Valentine’s Day. Chances are, your dog may appreciate a new squeaky chew toy or catnip mouse even more than a smack on the lips. Offer a sign of affection that doesn’t encourage excessive licking!

Is It OK to Kiss Your Dog?

Sure, you can kiss your dog. Do dogs like kisses? It’s hard to say for sure, but dogs tend to understand that you’re offering affection. But letting your dog lick back, especially on your face or near your mouth, can be detrimental for both human health and pet health. As hard as it is, do what you can to discourage dog kisses and even puppy kisses. If you’re having trouble stopping your dog’s licking, it might be a good idea to consult a dog trainer. If you aren’t sure if your dog has a healthy mouth, consult your veterinarian.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Pet’s Anal Glands

Posted on January 19, 2017 - 8:25 am by
Taste of the Wild

How could that ghastly scent emanate from your lovely cat? And why does your dog shockingly splay and scoot their rear along your Berber carpet? Few people consider anal glands when they sign up for a pet, but, like it or not, they’re part of the package.

What Are Anal Glands?

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small pouches located under the skin at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions around the anus. Normally, when pets defecate, the pressure on the anus causes the sacs to release an oily substance with an unmistakably fishy (or other unpleasant) stench.

The prevailing theory is that your pet’s wild ancestors used these scent glands to mark their territory with a signature aroma or as a defense against predators. Although both dogs and cats still have anal glands, domestic pets generally have little need for them today. Except, of course, to sniff out messages left by other pets on the block.

How Will I Know If My Pet Has a Problem?

Occasionally, the anal gland ducts can become blocked, which can lead to impaction and rupture. Or they can become inflamed and infected. Some pets may also develop certain types of cancer associated with the anal glands.

When one or both glands don’t empty naturally, your dog may drag their rear across the carpet in an effort to hasten the process. You may catch a potent whiff of the discharge when you inadvertently startle your pet, causing them to express a bit onto your couch. Because this condition can be painful, your pet may lick or bite at the area. And if an anal gland ruptures, you may notice an ulcerated area with bloody discharge near the anus.

Any time your pet pays too much attention to the nether parts or your sweet dog becomes a stinky dog, it’s time to see your veterinarian.

How Are Anal Gland Problems Treated?

At the clinic, the doctor will manually express the anal glands and check for other problems.

If the sacs are infected, a liquid antibiotic may be infused into them. In more severe cases, your pet may need oral or injectable antibiotics, or pain (or other) medications to help reduce the swelling. Your veterinarian may also recommend warm compresses to help relieve pain and encourage fluid drainage.

Sometimes (like if cancer is discovered), surgical removal of the glands and even radiation treatment may be recommended. Anal gland removal may also be possible for pets with chronic problems, but because of the many muscles and nerves in the area, and the potential for fecal incontinence, it may be worth consulting a surgical specialist.

Can Anal Gland Problems Be Prevented?

Some pets never seem to have problems with their anal glands, while others need to have them periodically expressed. If you’d like to save a little money at the clinic, your veterinarian will be happy to show you how it’s done. However, most people eschew the mess and stink and let others don the latex gloves.

Diet may also help with this pet health problem. Switching to a high-fiber diet, or adding fiber such as psyllium to the current diet, may help produce firmer stools to encourage the glands to empty naturally during defecation. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s right for your pet.

Does My Pet Really Need Flea, Tick and Heartworm Preventives in the Winter?

Posted on December 29, 2016 - 9:32 am by
Pet Preventives in Winter

Old Man Winter is here for the long haul. One benefit of the frigid temps that winter brings, you’d think, would be an end to the fleas, ticks and heartworms that plague your pets during warmer seasons. Do you really need to keep giving those parasite preventives for pets all year long?

The short answer: Yes. Believe it or not, many of these parasites are still active during the winter months, no matter how cold it may get. And year-round parasite preventives not only help safeguard your pet from disease, but they help protect your family’s health as well.

Frustrating Fleas

Outdoors, fleas can survive in temperatures in the mid-to upper-30 oF range. They can also ride out the winter on dogs and cats huddled next to the skin where it’s warm. Also, the flea eggs that fell into your carpeting and furniture last summer may develop into adult fleas in the temperate environment of your home this winter.

On dogs and cats, fleas can cause uncomfortable itching, especially in pets with flea allergy dermatitis, which results from a severe allergic reaction to flea saliva. And once fleas are in your home, it can take months to get rid of them, and you run the risk of the people in the house getting fleas as well. Because fleas can contain tapeworm larvae, pets can become infected when they accidentally ingest a flea during self-grooming, and children can also contract these tapeworms. Why risk it when monthly preventives can help protect your pet and keep your house from becoming a flea gathering place?

Tenacious Ticks

Contrary to popular belief, ticks don’t die with the first frost. Some are just less active, while others search for a new host during winter thaws when it’s above freezing. Still others can live year-round in homes and kennels.

As the deer and wild turkey populations have expanded across the U.S., they’ve carried ticks with them to more geographic areas. And ticks aren’t just limited to woody areas. Landscaping in our suburbs and cities has attracted coyotes, foxes, raccoons and other wildlife, all of which can carry ticks into the urban areas. Ticks can transmit disease-causing agents to your pets. And ticks are equal-opportunity parasites: they’re happy to share infective organisms with you, too.

Hardy Heartworms

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states of the U.S. This potentially fatal disease affects both dogs and cats and is very preventable. Mosquitoes, which transmit heartworms, can live year-round in many parts of the country. All it takes are a few days of temperatures above 57 oF, and the heartworm larvae can develop to the infective stage within the mosquito, ready to be transferred to pets with a single mosquito bite.

These insects can also live indoors and transmit heartworms, even in the winter. In fact, approximately 30 percent of cats that get heartworm disease are described as “strictly indoors” by their owners.

Worrisome Worms

Most heartworm preventives also contain medication to help eliminate intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. Pets can become infected in the winter if they catch and eat an infected bird or mouse. Some parasite eggs, such as those from roundworms and whipworms, can survive freezing temperatures. If they’ve developed to the infective stage and the ground thaws, they can turn into larvae which pets can pick up from the environment or even at doggie daycare. If that’s not worry enough, many of these intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be spread from pets to people.

An interior graphic detailing different facts about why winter can be a wonderland for common pests like fleas, ticks, roundworm and heartworm.

While many of us have enjoyed warmer winters in the last few years, once thing’s for sure: Parasites are flourishing in the more temperate weather, too. To help safeguard your pets — and your family — talk to your veterinarian about the parasite risks in your area. He or she can recommend the right preventives to help keep everyone in your home safe and healthy, all year long.

‘Tis the Season to Avoid Pancreatitis in Pets

Posted on December 22, 2016 - 8:41 am by
Pancreatitis in pets

With all the parties, events and gatherings this holiday season, who can resist those buttery rolls or that second helping of pork roast and gravy? Certainly not most of us. Nor our pets, who cast their beseeching brown eyes at us from under the tablecloth. And the holidays are all about sharing, right?

The trouble is, too much rich food can land some pets at the veterinary clinic with gastrointestinal upset. Of course, any abrupt change in your pet’s diet can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, but some pets may succumb to a more serious condition called pancreatitis.

What is pancreatitis?

Simply put, it’s an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ tucked where the stomach attaches to the small intestine. Normally, the pancreas is responsible for making and secreting digestive enzymes and insulin. But when it becomes inflamed, the digestive enzymes can literally start digesting the organ itself, leading to inflammation and abdominal pain. Severe inflammation can lead to shock and may be life-threatening.

What are the signs of pancreatitis in pets?

In dogs, the signs can be mild and often mistaken for indigestion, such as a loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. But they can also be severe and life-threatening, including lethargy, abdominal pain and shock. Cats tend to have more subtle signs, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration and weight loss. For some pets, there may be a sudden onset of signs, while others may have chronic pancreatitis, with signs that ebb and flow.

What causes it?

In dogs, eating rich, high-fat foods is the primary cause of pancreatitis, although not the only cause. Miniature schnauzers appear to be prone to the condition, so there may also be a genetic component. Some medications, like those used to treat epilepsy, may contribute to pancreatitis as well.

In cats, high-fat foods are less of a direct cause of pancreatitis, but because it can be associated with other inflammatory conditions in the abdomen, such as inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation of the liver and/or gall bladder and fatty liver disease, it’s best to avoid sudden additions of rich or fatty table scraps. Trauma such as being hit by a car, infectious diseases such as feline distemper and some toxins and medications are also potential causes for cats.

In many cases, a specific cause may not be found. Although it can happen at any age in any pet’s life, middle-aged to older cats and dogs and those who are overweight are at higher risk for the condition.

How is it diagnosed?

Because the signs of pancreatitis can be similar to other conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. After a physical exam, your veterinarian will most likely recommend blood tests, X-rays or an abdominal ultrasound. Additional tests may also be recommended to rule out or identify other underlying conditions.

Treating pancreatitis

For mild cases of pancreatitis, your veterinarian may recommend outpatient treatment that may include anti-vomiting and/or pain medications and special food.

Pet nutrition is an important part of treatment. While it was previously believed that food should be withheld for a day or two, most veterinarians now try to encourage eating as soon as possible.

A special fat-restricted diet is generally recommended for most dogs. This can be problematic for cats, because these diets tend to replace fats with carbohydrates, which may be difficult for some cats to digest. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s right for your cat.

In severe cases of pancreatitis, the pet may need to be hospitalized and put on intravenous fluids. Some cats may require feeding tubes to help make sure they receive proper nutrition. Other underlying diseases that may be contributing to pancreatitis should be treated as well.

Pets with mild cases of pancreatitis usually recover with time. Severe cases can lead to medical complications. And pets may develop diabetes later as a result of the pancreatitis.

Can it be prevented?

Certainly, you can help prevent gastrointestinal upset by keeping your pet’s diet consistent and not overindulging them with treats during the holiday season. While pancreatitis may not always be prevented, it helps to substitute high-fat holiday treats from the table with fresh vegetables, including cooked carrot and squash or steamed green beans or broccoli. And your veterinarian can always recommend a treatment specifically for your dog or cat.

So as pleading as those big eyes might be, try to avoid indulging your little helper this holiday season. The best gift of all is short- and long-term health.

Destructive Behavior in Pets: It’s Not Spite

Posted on December 8, 2016 - 2:03 pm by
Destructive behavior in pets

When you’re not home, does your pet have their way with your belongings? Are the mangled boots, the peekaboo hole in the cashmere throw, or the gnawed window frame a statement of your dog or cat’s dissatisfaction?

While it may seem like an overt case of vindictiveness, rest assured that your pet isn’t doing it out of spite. In fact, there are plenty of reasonable explanations for this kind of behavior.

Your Pet May Be Bored

To you, the hours may fly by when you’re away from home. But for a homebound pet with no source of entertainment, it can seem like never-ending hours of solitary confinement.  Chewing, scratching or other behaviors may simply serve as an activity to fill their time.

So what can you do? Think about exercising your pets before you leave. Whether it’s a brisk walk for your dog or a laser pointer chase game with your cat, a little exercise can help work off pent-up energy. You can also try leaving indestructible toys at home or food puzzles to help keep pets occupied.

If you’re away for eight hours or more, consider a doggie daycare facility where your dog can cavort with other like-minded dogs. Or hire someone to take your dog to the park or play with your cat in the middle of the day. There are even remote cameras that enable you to watch and talk to your pet remotely and dish out treats to reward good behavior.

Destructive Behavior in Pets Could Be Anxiety

Pets can become destructive if they suffer from stress and anxiety, and separation anxiety is a real issue. Here, the absence of a favorite human can cause severe distress that leads to barking, whining, trembling, potty accidents in the house and the destruction of windows, doors and, often, your possessions.

Dogs can also be afraid of loud noises such as fireworks, gunshots and thunderstorms. If a thunderstorm occurs while you’re at work, for example, a dog with a storm phobia may try to chew on a door or leap through a window in an attempt to escape. Barking, pacing and destruction of property can also be signs of noise phobias.

In both cases, dogs can physically injure themselves either from trying to escape from the house or kennel or from compulsively licking or scratching themselves. The important thing to know is that these pets are experiencing profound distress. Punishment should be avoided because it will likely make the situation worse. The best thing you can do is work with your veterinarian to identify the cause of the anxiety. Depending on the severity of the problem, your veterinarian may recommend that you take your pet to a behaviorist, or possibly prescribe medication.

For separation anxiety, behavior modification can include changing your departure cues. For example, picking up your car keys so they’re not always associated with leaving, teaching independence, providing rewards when leaving and ignoring the pet on return until they’re calm. For dogs with noise phobias, it’s about teaching them the noise doesn’t have to be frightening. Pairing a recording of thunder at low volumes with a treat and gradually increasing the volume can help some dogs learn to stay calm.

Doggie Daycare pet anxiety graphic

Compulsive Behaviors

Some pets may indulge in compulsive behaviors while you’re gone. Oriental cat breeds such as Siamese, Burmese and Birman can have a particular fondness for wool, and as a result, they may suck, chew and swallow parts of your favorite sweater or socks.

This behavior can also lead to compulsive licking of other fabrics as well as paper and plastics. In some cases, cats may also lick the hair off themselves, leaving bald patches. Swallowing large amounts of these items could lead to a gastrointestinal blockage that requires emergency surgery.

While experts believe that wool sucking may have a genetic component to it, there can also be an underlying medical condition contributing to the problem. In these cases, it’s best to work with your veterinarian to pinpoint the cause and determine the right treatment, which may include stress reduction, behavior modification and possibly medication.

Where There’s a Cause, There’s a Cure

A pet’s behavior is rarely caused by mood or emotions. There is almost always a root cause for a cat or dog’s actions, and with a little digging and a lot of compassion, you can figure out what is bothering your furry friend and take steps to fix it. And, as always, consult with your veterinarian before giving up!

Litter Box Scoop: Why Does My Cat Urinate So Much?

Posted on November 24, 2016 - 2:03 pm by
Frequent urination in cats

Cats have been dubbed the masters of disguise for their skill at masking the signs of illness. Fortunately for their owners, cats can’t always bury the evidence even if it is a pain getting rid of the smell of cat pee. In fact, leaving behind larger amounts of urine, or urinating more frequently in general, may be your cat’s way of hinting at a serious health issue.

What Goes In Must Come Out

If you’re finding more urine in the litter box, it usually means your cat is drinking more, too. On average, a healthy 10-pound cat usually drinks about one cup of water a day.

An interior graphic explaining that if your cat drinks more than a cup of water per 10 pounds of body weight, you should call your veterinarian.

If you suspect that your cat is urinating more, try to determine how much they drink in 24 hours. Measure fresh water into a bowl in the morning, and then keep track of how many times you refill the bowl, measuring each time. The next morning, measure how much is left in the bowl. (For homes with more than one cat, you may need to isolate the cat in question in their own room during this time.) If your cat drinks more than a cup of water per 10 pounds of body weight each day, you should call your veterinarian.

A number of diseases can make your cat thirstier. The most common are kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism, an overproduction of thyroid hormone. Of course, hot weather can make your cat drink more too, so increased urination doesn’t always indicate a health problem.

While you may be tempted to limit your cat’s water so there’s less to clean up in the litter box, you should never do this without consulting your veterinarian first. This can lead to severe dehydration and make matters worse. It’s better to keep filling the water bowl to keep up with your cat’s thirst.

Changes in Urination Could Be Signs of Something Bigger

Frequent and apparently painful urination can be the sign of a partial or full blockage of the urethra, the tube that channels urine from the bladder to the outside. This tends to occur more often in male cats because their urethras are typically longer and narrower than those of female cats.

These cats tend to void smaller amounts of urine than their large-volume counterparts. They may strain, cry out in pain and even leave evidence of bloody urine. Because the cat may associate the litter box itself with pain, it may avoid the box entirely and urinate in other areas of the house.

When to See Your Vet

If you suspect your cat may have a urinary blockage, it’s a medical emergency, and your cat needs to see the veterinarian immediately. If confirmed by the veterinarian, your cat will most likely require anesthesia and emergency care to unblock the urethra.

If your cat’s not straining to urinate, but just appears to be urinating more, it’s still important to schedule a veterinary visit in the near future. Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, a urinalysis and possibly X-rays or other tests to help determine the cause of the problem.

The Role of Nutrition in Urinary Health

In many cases, your veterinarian may recommend a special diet to help support your cat’s health. For example, some therapeutic foods have been shown to help slow the progression of kidney disease and extend the cat’s lifespan. Other diets may help put diabetes into remission, so the cat no longer needs insulin. Still other foods may help reduce or eliminate the need for hyperthyroid medications and even help urinary blockages from recurring in the future.

All of these make for a happier, healthier kitty. So your cat may leave fewer hints about their health in the litter box.

Adopting Pets with Chronic Illness

Posted on November 17, 2016 - 6:21 pm by
pets with chronic illness

Of the 7.3 million dogs and cats that enter U.S. shelters each year, those with chronic health issues are at a distinct disadvantage. Among those considered “less adoptable,” these pets can take four times longer than average adoptable pets to find a home, according to research by Petfinder.com. For some dogs and cats, the wait is more than two years.

And that’s a shame, because pets with chronic illness have lots of love to offer. Thinking about pet adoption? Here’s why you should consider a special-needs pet.

It Could Literally Save a Life

While about 2.7 million animals are adopted from shelters each year, about the same number are euthanized, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Despite the growth in no-kill shelters and rescue organizations, pets with chronic diseases may be overlooked and ultimately put to sleep because crowded facilities simply cannot afford to keep them all.

By adopting a special-needs pet, you could give that dog or cat years of life it may not have had otherwise.

Many Chronic Diseases Are Manageable

Just because a health condition can’t be cured doesn’t mean pets can’t live with it for years. Take arthritis, for example. With weight and pain management and regular, low-impact exercise under the guidance of a veterinarian, pets can live long, happy lives.

Cats with feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus often have many good years ahead of them. Since they can be contagious to other cats, they’re perfect for single-cat families who will keep them indoors.

Other chronic conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disease and allergies can often be managed with nutrition and/or medications. Even chronic behavior problems like separation anxiety may be addressed with patience and the help of your veterinarian.

Any Pet Can Develop a Chronic Disease

When you bring a pet into your life, it should be a lifetime commitment, through sickness and in health. If you were to adopt a healthy puppy, there’s no guarantee that it won’t develop a chronic disease. When you adopt a special-needs pet, you have the advantage of being able to talk to a veterinarian before you sign any papers. That way, you can know in advance what kind of veterinary care and financial commitment will be needed, as well as what the long-term prognosis is for the condition.

Hospice Care: Adoption with a Purpose

Unfortunately, some homeless pets are diagnosed with terminal illnesses, such as cancer, that may limit their life spans. What could be more meaningful that opening your heart to give them a comfortable, loving home for the last months or weeks of their life?

If you’re really inspired, you could help your new companion with a bucket list.

Chances Are, You’ll Get Rescued, Too

A chronic disease rarely stops a dog or cat from lavishing love on the people around them. Your kindness will no doubt be repaid many times over with kitty head butts, the happy dance at the front door and simply quiet companionship on the couch. What are you waiting for?

Work With Your Vet to Choose an Over-the-Counter Food for Your Diabetic Pet

Posted on November 10, 2016 - 8:02 am by
Taste of the Wild

A diabetic pet can be expensive. There’s the cost of the insulin, the syringes and the frequent veterinary visits. So do you really need to pay for a prescription diet, on top of all that?

Not necessarily.

It depends on several factors, including whether your diabetic pet is a cat or a dog, their weight and any other health conditions.

Cats usually have type 2 diabetes, meaning their bodies may be unable to properly use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Sometimes, this type of diabetes can be reversed, meaning the cat can go into remission and insulin injections are no longer needed. And diet can play a big part in that.

Dogs, on the other hand, tend to have type 1 diabetes, which is a deficiency in insulin. Diet may help manage the condition, but it usually can’t lead to diabetic remission.

Because there are many factors to consider, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian when choosing a food for your diabetic pet.

For Diabetic Cats, Protein’s Where It’s At

In studies, diabetic cats given insulin and a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet were more likely to go into remission than those fed a high-fiber, moderate-carbohydrate diet. Because cats are obligate carnivores, the high-protein diet more closely mirrors a diet they might eat in the wild.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a canned formula. Compared with dry diets, canned foods tend to be higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates.

If you switch your diabetic cat to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, it’s important to do so under the guidance of a veterinarian. With this type of diet, your cat may need less insulin over time. Giving the same amount of insulin could put your cat at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. While cats in remission no longer require insulin, it is important to keep feeding the high-protein diet to reduce the likelihood of them becoming diabetic again. With this type of diet, your cat may need less insulin over time. However, it’s important to always work with your veterinarian to ensure you aren’t putting your cat at risk for hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

For Diabetic Dogs, Fiber May Help

Unlike cats, diabetic dogs do not require a high-protein diet, but they may benefit from a diet that’s high in fiber. This type of diet can slow absorption of glucose from the intestines, so there are fewer spikes in blood glucose directly after a meal.

A diabetic dog that is well controlled on insulin and is a normal weight may be fine on complete and balanced over-the-counter foods that are appropriate for the dog’s age and health. Again, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to make sure a diabetic dog is receiving the nutrition they need.

Weight Is Another Issue

While weight loss in an overweight pet is usually a good thing, it can also be a sign of diabetes. If that’s the diagnosis, and the pet’s condition becomes controlled with insulin, the weight loss should slow down or stop. However, if the pet remains obese, your veterinarian may recommend a special (either OTC or prescription) diet. For animals who are diabetic, obesity can make their cells less sensitive to insulin. In these cases, a weight management diet that helps them gradually lose weight might be best. A high-fiber, low-fat and low-calorie diet may be beneficial for both dogs and cats. The high-protein diet mentioned above may also help cats drop the additional pounds.

Many pets that have diabetes for a long time before they are diagnosed may actually become too thin. In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend a high-fat, high-protein diet to help them back to a normal weight, or keep them on the same diet but in increased quantities.

Take Other Health Conditions Into Account

If your pet has other health conditions, such as kidney or digestive tract disease, your veterinarian may suggest additional adjustments to your pet’s diet. A cat with advanced kidney disease, for example, may benefit from a diet that is somewhat lower in protein and phosphorus than the high-protein foods typically suggested for cats with diabetes only.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes in a pet isn’t a death sentence, and it’s certainly not a death sentence for your wallet. While some cases require more complicated measures as far as diet goes, it very well may be possible to buy what your pet needs over the counter. Since every pet is unique, it pays to work with your veterinarian to land on the diet that works best for your pet.

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