Why You Should Consider Fostering a Cat | Professional Pet Sitting for Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill and the surrounding areas http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services Thu, 09 Jul 2020 18:40:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.18 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cropped-Logo-32x32.jpg Professional Pet Sitting for Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill and the surrounding areas http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com 32 32 Why You Should Consider Fostering a Cat http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/why-you-should-consider-fostering-a-cat/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/why-you-should-consider-fostering-a-cat/#respond Sun, 31 Jul 2016 00:08:44 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=779 foster catIt’s a sad fact: according to the Humane Society, 2.7 million adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year. You can help by fostering a cat, which means taking a cat into your home while a shelter or rescue group looks for a suitable “forever” home. Whether you’re currently pet-free or a veteran cat parent, here are a few good reasons to foster a cat:

  1. YOU COULD SAVE A CAT’S LIFE.

It’s that simple. There are more homeless cats than there are spaces in no-kill shelters. By welcoming a foster cat into your home, you’re saving a life.

  1. YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT ADOPTING A CAT.

If you’re considering adoption, fostering lets you experience pet parenting so you can be more certain you’re ready for the long-term commitment.

  1. YOU ALREADY HAVE PLENTY OF CATS.

Fostering a cat is a great option for pet parents who love cats, but who don’t want to add another permanent feline resident. Be sure to talk to your shelter about how to introduce a foster cat to a multi-cat household.

  1. YOU LOVE KITTENS.

The rambunctious kitten phase is great fun, but it’s not for everyone. If you love playing with and caring for kittens—but you’re not interested in getting another adult cat—fostering young cats is a great option.

  1. YOU LOVE ADULT CATS.

It’s typically much harder to find a permanent home for adult cats, so there’s a lot of demand for foster families willing to take adult cats that are waiting to be adopted. If you like things on the quieter side, fostering an older cat may be for you.

  1. YOU LOVE A SPECIAL CHALLENGE.

Often, pet parents feel drawn to cats with illnesses, disabilities, or other special needs – but taking them on permanently can be daunting. Providing a foster home for a sick or disabled cat allows you to help, without taking on more than you can handle.

  1. YOU WANT TO BECOME AN EXPERT PET PARENT.

You’ll learn a lot from fostering a cat – like how to handle a variety of cat temperaments, how to socialize young or feral cats, and how to help cats get along in a multi-cat household. This will improve your life with the cats you already have, and any cats you adopt in the future.

  1. YOU ALREADY ARE AN EXPERT PET PARENT.

If you have lots of experience with cats, you can help a foster cat become an ideal pet by socializing it, teaching it to tolerate grooming, teaching it good litter box habits, etc., which will give your foster cat the best chance for a long, happy life with a loving family. Who could say no to that?

There are lots of good reasons to foster a cat. If you love cats and have the time, energy, and resources to spare, helping a homeless cat make the transition to a permanent home might be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

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Homemade Flea Prevention Treats http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/homemade-flea-prevention-treats/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/homemade-flea-prevention-treats/#respond Sun, 31 Jul 2016 00:00:52 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=774 dog rolling in grassFleas can be a serious health concern for pets and their parents. Not to mention, having to deal with a flea infestation can be very frustrating for everyone involved. Anyone who’s researched flea treatments may know that many of the over-the-counter and prescription medications are full of ingredients you may not want to give to your pet. The surface sprays and powders can also contain chemicals that may not be safe for your pets, yourself or your family. There are natural ways to prevent fleas, and one of those ways is with homemade flea prevention treats.

These treats are simple to make and the ingredients are wholesome and offer many benefits for your pet’s overall health. With no chemical ingredients, you can be sure this recipe is safe for your family and your precious pets. The recipe is simple and cost effective. It will also save you the time and money involved with treating fleas in the event of an infestation.

This recipe requires two simple ingredients: coconut oil and brewer’s yeast. Coconut oil can be found at nearly any grocery store and is becoming more readily available due to all the health benefits for pets and humans alike. It’s best to buy unrefined, virgin and organic coconut oil. Brewer’s yeast, not to be confused with other active yeasts, can be found in most pet stores or ordered online.

Recipe Ingredients

1 1/8 cups coconut oil
1/2 cup brewer’s yeast

Directions

Mix the two ingredients in a blender and pour into a cake pan. Place in the refrigerator and allow to chill until solid. Once solid, pop out of the pan and cut into 48 equally sized squares, as the portion size for this treat is one teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight, once per day. The recipe can be modified based on the size of your dog and the pan you’re using.

Note: This works best as a preventative measure and is a great option to give pets year round, not only to prevent fleas but to aid in achieving overall health.

(Recipe courtesy of PawBuzz.com)

Brewer’s yeast provides your pet with:

  • A rich source of protein
  • Essential fatty acids
  • B-complex vitamins
  • B1 Thiamine
  • B2 Riboflavin
  • B3 Niacin
  • B5 Pantothenic Acid
  • B6 Pyridoxine
  • B7 Biotin
  • B9 Folic Acid
  • Chromium
  • Selenium

Coconut oil benefits for your pet:

  • Aids flea allergies and itchy skin
  • Minimizes doggy odor
  • Reduces allergic reactions
  • Creates sleek and glossy coats
  • Improves digestion
  • Increases nutrient absorption
  • Helps with colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome
  • Reduces or eliminates bad breath
  • Powerful antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agents
  • Helps prevent or control diabetes
  • Aids arthritis and ligament problems
  • Helps prevent infection and disease
  • Aids in increasing energy
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What You Need to Know About Canine Cancer http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-canine-cancer/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-canine-cancer/#respond Sat, 30 Jul 2016 23:46:10 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=771 canine cancerDogs are actually susceptible to many of the same types of cancers that afflict humans. However, the symptoms may be very different, and the treatment options are rather specific for the type of cancer diagnosed. We encourage pet parents to educate themselves on how to detect possible signs of cancer and other serious diseases their dog may contract.

Types of Canine Cancer

Dogs may suffer from many different types of cancerous growths. One of the most common is osteosarcoma, or bone cancer. Bladder cancer is also a common form of cancer in dogs. Brain tumors, lymphomas, lung cancer, skin cancer, and mammary carcinomas also occur, and the symptoms of these malignancies are quite varied.

Bone cancer in dogs usually occurs in one of the limbs. The dog may appear to be lame, and swelling often occurs at the point where the malignancy is developing. A brownish color or blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. Tumors in the brain can cause staggering, forgetfulness, a failure to recognize the owner’s voice or to follow commands. Lymphomas often have such symptoms of swelling of the glands in the neck, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Lung cancer is often accompanied by coughing, weight loss, and shortness of breath. Skin cancer signs include areas of color change, crusty lesions, and wounds that do not heal. Mammary carcinomas usually occur in older female dogs, especially those animals that have never been spayed. Symptoms include multiple swell points around the mammary gland and an irregular shape to the mammary gland or nipple.

Treatment Options

These include antiangiogenic, chemotherapy, anti-cancer diet, radiation therapy, and surgery. Antiangiogenic therapy involves the cutting off of new blood vessels formed in and around the malignancy. Chemotherapy is the introduction of drugs that actually destroy the cancer cells. An anti-cancer diet includes foods that are high in antioxidants, a blend of ingredients high in complex carbohydrates, simple sugars, and easily digestible proteins.

Radiation therapy for dogs involves the direction of high-energy electromagnetic radiation streams at the afflicted cells. This kills the malignant growths. Surgery may be recommended as the most effective treatment for tumors that are localized and when the malignancy has not spread to other parts of the body. Surgery is generally performed as a two-step operation. The first surgery removes the cancerous cells, and the second surgery removes scar tissue.

Dogs are family members; we love them wholeheartedly. Be proactive and observant when it comes to your dog’s behavior and overall appearance. Doing so may just save his life!

 

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What Exactly is Going On in Your Cat’s Head? http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/what-exactly-is-going-on-in-your-cats-head/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/what-exactly-is-going-on-in-your-cats-head/#respond Sat, 30 Jul 2016 23:39:51 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=768 catIt’s not surprising that scientists conduct more behavioral experiments on dogs than on cats. Believe it or not, there are groups and conferences dedicated to the understanding of our canine companions. However, since our favorite felines tend to be less cooperative and more skittish than dogs in social situations, it’s more difficult to study them in cognitive experiments and gain a deeper understanding of how they think. But, thanks to a recent paper released from the Oregon State University based on study findings on felines, we now know just a bit more about what’s going on inside a cat’s head.

Perception. Understanding cat perception ~ their ability to see, hear, smell and detect stimuli ~ is important because it provides clues on how cats perceive the world around them. For example, a cat’s ability to smell is particularly important to kittens, as they don’t have the ability to respond to sound until they are approximately 16 days old, and their ability to respond to sight doesn’t begin until approximately 21 days old. And scent cues are highly important to a cat throughout his life, as adult cats use their sense of scent to mark their territory, and to smell the territory of other cats. They also use scent to collect information on other cats.

Object Permanence. This is a cat’s ability to “keep in mind” and object, even after it leaves a cat’s view (just as we humans can recall the appearance of an object in our minds after we no longer see it). Anyone who has ever placed a can of tuna on the counter, out of their cat’s sight, and witnesses Fluffy staring upward, knowing the can is there, understands cats have object permanence. Even more interesting, cats can not only keep an object in mind when it is no longer visible to them, but they can also reason about where it may have moved.

Physical Causality. So, do cats understand physics? Do they understand how objects in their world relate to one another? One study attempted to address these questions by giving cats the opportunity to tug on bits of string in order to access food. Some of the string was attached to food in a way that “made sense” (for example, the food was tied to the end of the string with no obstacles), while other pieces of string were laid horizontally to the food, or crossed over in a manner that did not make sense. Cats pulled on the strings indiscriminately, not seeming to understand any reasoning behind their actions.

Quantity Discrimination. This area has been researched very little, but it has been found cats can be trained to discriminate between two dots and three dots, indicating they can indeed tell the difference between quantities (at least in small amounts).

Social Cognition. Many of us think of domestic cats as independent, solitary creatures who choose to “hang out” with their humans. Their known for their finicky nature, and their interactions with us can range from aggressive to indifferent. Cats generally learn to socialize with other cats and with humans within their first two to seven weeks of life. Generally speaking, kittens who are exposed to more people during this critical period will grow to be friendlier toward humans as they age.

Indeed, cats are complex, sometimes misunderstood, creatures. But, hopefully with more studies like that from Oregon State University, we’ll soon have more insight in to what exactly is going on in their cute little heads!

 

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Reading Your Dog’s Body Language http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/reading-your-dogs-body-language/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/reading-your-dogs-body-language/#respond Sun, 26 Jun 2016 16:45:20 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=746 dog body languageAs we age, we learn to pick up cues from our friends, family members and acquaintances that give us an indication of how they’re feeling. For example, if your friend’s head is held low and her shoulders are hunched down, it is likely safe to assume she’s just not a happy camper; perhaps she’s sad or not feeling well. As humans we have the benefit of vocalizing our feelings, too, so determining how someone is feeling doesn’t have to rely solely on body cues. Unfortunately, we just don’t have that luxury with our canine companions; unlike humans, dogs rely solely on their body language to get their message across. Unfortunately, many pet parents simply aren’t proficient in understanding their pooch’s body signs, which can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, and may even weaken their bond.

Every parent wants to understand their child; even children of the furry persuasion. Here’s a little help when it comes to knowing what your canine mime is trying to say:

Front body lowered, ears up, mouth open, eyes wide, tail wagging up high. This is a classic invitation to play! It’s your dog’s way of saying “I’m friendly; let’s play!” You’ve likely noticed your pooch assume this position just before he runs toward you or in a random direction, displaying his eagerness to engage in some playtime. This happy mood may also be highlighted with random barking and playful jumps.

Head held high, eyes focused, ears pointing upright. This stance indicates the dog is trying to pay close attention to what he is seeing, smelling or hearing. He may be doing this to detect a possible threat to himself or his family, or just to focus all of his attention on something that peaks his interest. When you speak to your dog, do you notice his ears point up and his head tilts a bit? This is his attempt to hear you and understand you better, and to search for familiar words like “walk” and “treat.”

Head held high, ears pointed sharply upright, lip curl that reveals teeth. This is your dog’s way of saying “Back off!” This warning can be especially serious when combined with direct and intense eye contact, which means he is sensing a threat to himself or his family.

Eyes wide, nose wrinkled, hair along the back raised, tail tucked between back legs. If your dog displays this posture, he is frightened and feels like he is greatly threatened or he is anxious. Don’t mistake this stance with one of submission, as he is ready to attack despite his fear. If you notice the corners of his mouth pull back slightly, he is ready to bark and bite for protection.

Lowered body that is slightly leaned back, lowered tail that may wag slightly, quick glances, ears pulled back. This is your pooch’s way of saying “I surrender” when approached by a dominant individual or animal. His stance shows he is trying to appease and avoid possible confrontation, and his body is leaned back to allow him to make a quick retreat, if necessary.

Surely there are various cues your canine companion has shared with you that help you understand his feelings and needs. Think of those cues as his form of sign language; since he can’t communicate with you verbally, he relies on his signs to inform you, and he relies on you to understand what he has to say. Pay attention and respond appropriately, and you’re sure to have an everlasting bond that you both understand, even without words.

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Road Travel Tips for You and Your Pet http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/road-travel-tips-for-you-and-your-pet/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/road-travel-tips-for-you-and-your-pet/#respond Sat, 18 Jun 2016 03:40:28 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=743 road tripSummer vacation time is near, and many pet parents want their four-legged friends to join in on the family fun. Traveling can be stressful for both you and your pet, but with some thoughtful preparation, a safe and comfortable road trip can be enjoyed by all. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Follow the tips below and you’re sure to experience a successful trip.

  • The last thing you need is a sick pet as your travel companion. Visit your vet for a medical check-up and to ensure your furry friend is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. A healthy pet equals a healthy start to your vacation.
  • Before hitting the road toward your vacation destination, take a trial run to see how your pet reacts. Does he get anxious or car sick? Those are behaviors that should be addressed prior to the big trip.
  • Invest in a pet restraint, whether it be a pet barrier, pet seat belt or travel crate. Each year, more than 30,000 vehicle accidents are caused by unrestrained pets in the front seat. Allowing your feline friend to prowl freely or your canine companion to sit in your lap is not only a distraction to you, but it is dangerous to your pet in the event of an accident. It is important to familiarize your pet with the restraint weeks or even months before travel time to ensure comfort and adjustment.
  • Most dogs enjoy sticking their heads outside the car window, but doing so can cause ear damage and risk of lung infection. They can also be hit by flying road debris. Always keep heads and paws inside the vehicle.
  • On the day of departure, feed your pet a light meal 3-4 hours prior to travel time. Don’t feed him in a moving vehicle, even if it is a lengthy ride, as this may lend to upset stomach and potty accidents. And try your best to resist the temptation of sharing your drive-thru burger and fries with your pet… that almost never ends well!
  • When packing for your pet, include an ample supply of his pet food, favorite toys, collar and leash, bedding, any necessary medication, and any other items that will make your pet feel at home.
  • Make frequent pit stops, ideally every 2-3 hours, for a potty break and a bit of exercise. Don’t forget to bring bags to pick up after your pet!
  • During your pit stops, provide your faithful friend with some fresh water. Take along a small cooler with ice cubes, which are easier on your pet’s tummy than large amounts of water.
  • Finally, NEVER leave Fido or Fluffy unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the interior temperature of a car can rise to over 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with a window or two slightly cracked. As well, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an invitation for pet thieves.

Obviously, not all pets are made for travel, and not all pet parents want the added responsibility of bringing their four-legged loved one along for the ride. In such cases, please contact The Poop and Nothing but the Poop at (856) 296-6206 for information regarding our pet sitting services. You can rest easy knowing your family member is being cared for by a trained professional who will provide him with the love and attention he deserves.

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Danger Could Be Lurking in Your Pet’s Soft Toys http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/danger-could-be-lurking-in-your-pets-soft-toys/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/danger-could-be-lurking-in-your-pets-soft-toys/#respond Fri, 27 May 2016 19:54:54 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=738 pets toysAs pet parents, we love to gift their four-legged family members with toys, but there is one option you may want to avoid. Catnip-stuffed mice, stuffed bears with squeaky centers, plush soft toys used for a good game of tug-o-war… they all appear safe. After all, what harm could a soft toy possibly do? While a pet toy may look harmless, you need to look for the unexpected to ensure your pet’s health and safety.

Strings

That stuffed mouse that your kitty would love to receive as a birthday gift has a long, stringy tail which poses a choking risk for your favorite feline. Worse yet, if the string is swallowed, it could cause a tear in your cat’s intestines, requiring emergency medical treatment and placing your cat’s life in a risky situation.

Paints and Dyes

You’ve likely heard the stories over the past several years of kid’s toys being recalled over chemical elements found in the paints that are used to decorate the toys. While this is a larger problem in kid’s toys, you still need to be watchful. If that soft rubber squeaky toy you purchased for your pooch has a painted design, that paint will wear off and end up in your dog’s system. Steer clear of paint; choose an unpainted toy instead.

Pointy Parts

Cats, and even ferrets, like to chase toys that dangle on a string from a stick. While these types of toys are intriguing and inviting to your furry friend when supervised, it is not advisable to leave them accessible when you’re not around to control, as the pointy ends can cause damage to your pet’s eyes, mouth and/or body.

Stuffing

Probably noticed the new trend in “stuffed” toys is the one with no stuffing in it at all; you know, those toy ducks, rabbits and squirrels that look like they’ve been run over with a steam roller. These are actually an ideal choice over an actual stuffed toy, as stuffing can be made of several substances that can be dangerous if swallowed by your pet. For example, some toys are stuffed with plastic beads that can be a choking hazard, while others are stuffed with cotton that can block your pet’s digestive tract. If you do gift your pet with a stuffed toy, keep a close eye on the seams to ensure your pet doesn’t have the opportunity to ingest any of the stuffing.

Small Parts

Ever notice those pet toys with small plastic eyes and noses? Often times, they are simply glued onto the toy, making it rather simple for Fluffy or Fido to remove and swallow them. While this in itself likely isn’t dangerous, it could be if the plastic part is broken, leaving sharp edges that could lacerate digestive organs. Rather that selecting a toy with plastic parts, opt for those with embroidery or felt pieces instead.

Keeping your pet safe is a big responsibility. Check all toys as if you were going to give it to a toddler. Could a piece be pulled off and swallowed? Are there any sharp pieces? Could that paint possibly contain lead? If you answer yes to any of these questions, choose another toy. As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

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Your Pet’s Upset Tummy http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/your-pets-upset-tummy/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/your-pets-upset-tummy/#respond Sat, 16 Apr 2016 13:58:38 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=710 pet sitting and dog walking servicesJust like with humans, stomach upsets are quite common in our pets. Often times, an upset tummy results in diarrhea and perhaps even a loss of appetite. However, in more serious cases, it can lead to vomiting and dehydration. So, as a concerned pet parent, when should you worry? And what situations warrant an emergency vet visit?

Unfortunately, our pets can’t tell us when they are experiencing tummy cramps or they’re feeling nauseous. For this reason, it is very important to be aware of the signs of an upset stomach, which include:

  • Increased salivation
  • Vomiting
  • Licking of the lips, lip-smacking, or swallowing more frequently than usual
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Grumpiness; not wanting to associate with family
  • Flatulence
  • Stomach rumbling
  • Sleeping more often than usual

When to Worry

For a mild stomach upset, your pet may not need to visit the vet, particularly if signs of stomach upset last less than 24 hours. If your pet is otherwise happy and bright, despite some symptoms, chances are there’s no need for worry. However, if your pet is elderly or very young, problems related to tummy upset tend to be more serious, and they become dehydrated quickly.

Visit the vet immediately if:

  • A known toxin has been ingested by your pet
  • Your pet’s abdomen is bloated
  • A foreign body such as a bone fragment or piece of string has been ingested
  • Your pet is vomiting or has bloody diarrhea
  • Your pet has lost weight, has become lethargic and his personality has changed
  • You notice your pet’s thirst has increased leading up to the tummy upset
  • His gums are yellow, pale or bluish in color
  • Your pet has vomited more than three times within a 24 hour period

What can Cause Stomach Upset?

 Commonly, ingestion of something nasty can be the culprit. Dogs are scavengers by nature and love to eat just about anything they find on the ground, such as feces, moldy objects, dead animals, etc. Thankfully, cats are more discerning than dogs, so this typically isn’t the case for them! For a mild stomach upset resulting from a questionable “snack,” provide your pet with plenty of fresh water to help flush his system.

Other common causes of stomach upset in our pets include: pancreatitis, motion sickness, stress, heatstroke, ingestion of a toxic substance, liver or kidney disease, parasites, and metabolic disease. When in doubt, have your vet check it out! It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

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Cat Flu ~ the Sneezy, Runny Nose, Squinty Eyed Virus Spread from Cat to Cat http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/cat-flu-the-sneezy-runny-nose-squinty-eyed-virus-spread-from-cat-to-cat/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/cat-flu-the-sneezy-runny-nose-squinty-eyed-virus-spread-from-cat-to-cat/#respond Thu, 07 Apr 2016 20:33:38 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=695 Chinchilla blanketCat flu is a common illness of the upper respiratory tract of cats of which 80% of cases are caused either Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) or Feline Calicivirus (FCV). Like the human flu, it is contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected carrier and, also like the human flu, there can be health risks associated with the infection.

What are the Signs?

There are many signs of cat flu to be aware of, including:

  • sneezing
  • runny nose and eyes
  • drooling
  • lethargy
  • loss of appetite
  • fever
  • coughing
  • loss of audible noises
  • pneumonia

FHV can cause a severe and potentially life-threatening illness. Ulcers may form on the surface of the eye and the eyelids may become inflamed and swollen, becoming stuck to the surface of the eye. It can also lead to long-term eye complications causing pain and affecting vision and/or long-term infections following damage to the nasal passages and sinuses.

FCV usually causes a milder form of cat flu. In kittens, it can cause lameness and a high temperature. In adults, sometimes the only sign of an FCV infection is painful ulcers, found on the tongue, roof of the mouth or the nose.

What are the Health Risks?

Healthy, vaccinated adult cats often only experience mild symptoms when contracting cat flue. However, if you are a pet parent to a very young or very old cat, one who is immunosuppressed or has not received proper vaccinations, a simple case of cat flu can quickly turn life threatening. This is especially true if secondary bacterial infections set in.

Some complications of cat flu include:

  • dehydration
  • respiratory difficulties
  • starvation, especially as cats lose their sense of smell due to the infection
  • permanent eye damage
  • miscarriage, in the case of a pregnant cat

How Can Cat Flu Be Treated?

Left untreated, symptoms of cat flue can worsen quickly, so take your cat to see a vet immediately if you suspect she has cat flu. While there are no drugs that can specifically kill the infection, there is treatment that is aimed at alleviating the symptoms and fighting off the secondary bacterial infections.

How Can Cat Flu Be Prevented?

The simplest way to prevent your cat from developing cat flu is by having him or her vaccinated as a kitten, and ensuring yearly boosters. Yes, it is possible for a vaccinated cat to contract cat flu, but the symptoms will be much less severe and easier to treat.

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Healthy Coat = Healthy Pet! http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/healthy-coat-healthy-pet/ http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/healthy-coat-healthy-pet/#respond Thu, 31 Mar 2016 01:57:14 +0000 http://thepoopandnothingbutthepoop.com/?p=682 Healthy Coat PetIf you’re one to use sprays, spritzes, special shampoos, softeners and serums on your pet’s coat thinking it will make it healthy, think again! Yes, the results may look fabulous for a few days, but long-term you may be destroying Fido or Fluffy’s coat with the products you are using on it.

A good coat doesn’t come from products used on the outside; it starts from the inside! Proper nutrition, exercise and overall pet happiness is the basis for a good, healthy coat; not a cabinet filled with expensive, scented grooming products.

Nutrition is Key!

Good nutrition is the number one key to the life of your pet’s fur and its ability to regenerate. Feeding your canine or kitty a high-quality diet may be all that is necessary to maintain his or her healthy coat. But, if you find food alone to be insufficient, try a dietary supplement such as digestive enzymes added to your pet’s food. Natural mixtures are preferable over processed products as they are more easily digested and absorbed by your pet’s system.

H2O is the Way to Go!

Additionally, hydration is key. Providing adequate clean water throughout the day is extremely important as it flushes out the toxins from your pet’s system. Simple, clean, clear, fresh water – with nothing added to it – is best so the liver and kidneys don’t have anything to filter.

Hydration is also primary in feeding your pet’s existing coat. When bathing, don’t use thick, heavy conditioners. For the average pet, a light spray of moisturizer on the coat followed by a thorough brushing is all that is needed to support the natural oils in your pet’s coat, and also keeps him or her smelling fresh.

Brushing is Best!

Regular brushing is very important for the health of your pet’s coat. Brushing helps to spread the natural oils over the skin and through the strands of hair. These oils protect the skin from environmental hazards like the sun, wind and dirt, and keeps the hair moisturized. Brushing also increases the blood flow that feeds the skin and coat. Even if your pet is short-haired and doesn’t require brushing to maintain grooming, brushing twice per week will benefit his or her coat health greatly.

Happy Pets are Healthy Pets!

It’s a fact ~ pets that are happy tend to be healthier. Spending more time with your pet can truly change his or her overall health. Take Fido out for a weekly run; groom Fluffy two or three times per week; make Fido and Fluffy part of your daily routine; include them in family activities.

A Quick Rundown:

The key ingredients for a healthy coat include: a quality diet, natural supplements, lots of water, moisturizer, brushing and a happy pet. Follow this simple recipe and Fido and Fluffy’s coats are sure to be shiny and strong in no time at all!

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