Lungworms In Cats – Signs, Treatment And Prevention

A pet owner must always be aware of the possible culprits which can cause diseases in their cats. One such foe to kitties is lungworm.

What Is A Lungworm?

Lungworms are hair-like parasitic worms that cause respiratory tract infection, bronchitis or pneumonia in cats. The most common species that affect cats are Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, and the one that infests both the felines and canines are Capillaria aerophila. These parasites can cause tremendous damage to the lung tissue and can live in the body for almost two years. Their larva can be detected in the feces and this disease is more common in outdoor cats that are at higher risk of picking up the worms through rodents.

How Cats Get Infected?

Lungworms in Cats are transmitted through rodents like snail, mouse, rat, frog, slug, bird or lizard. These rodents may contain lungworms which can be transmitted to cats’ gastrointestinal tract once they prey on it. These lungworms then traverse through the gut linings which then migrate to the lungs. After reaching the lungs, they transform into adults and lay eggs. These eggs can be seen in the feces of the cat or they may even cough it out.

What are The Symptoms Of Lungworms In Cats?

Heavily infested cat may exhibit symptoms like:

·        Shortness of breath

·        Wheezing

·        Loss Of Appetite

·        Wheezing

·        Weakness

·        Lethargy

·        Breathing through Mouth

·        Fever

·        Pulmonary edema

·        Air In Plueral cavity

·        Interstitial Emphysema

Treatment Of Lungworms In Cats

Various tests are required for the diagnosis of the worms in cats. These may include: Fecal Examination, tracheal wash, Complete Blood Count (CBC) and X-rays. Once the lungworms are detected, deworming treatment is recommended by the vet. Products like Advocate Cat, Panacur, Revolution For Cats and many more work quite effectively against lungworms. Your vet may also prescribe some antibiotics for treating other worm related infections and inflammations.

Prevention Of Lungworms In Cats

·        Cats must be mostly kept indoors so she doesn’t feed on rodents or other transmitters of infections from the surroundings.

·        Scoop the feces immediately and don’t leave it for other time even if you are super busy.

·        Keep your garden clean and remove any fecal matter or unnecessary dirt from the lawn regularly.

·        Spray rodent repellent in the yard.

·        Consult your vet if you see any signs of lungworms in your kitty.

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Tips To Encourage Active Lifestyle For Your Dog

Nowadays most of the dogs have become couch potatoes! They are spoon fed and are hardly involved in physical activities. This is why obesity rate of pets is drastically increasing day by day and they are contracting more diseases. So if you don’t want your dog to have that kinda sedentary lifestyle, you will have to be super active yourself. You cannot take your dog out unless you yourself put in some efforts. If you really want your furry pal to get in the action mode, you have to figure out activities that will encourage your dog to burst out those extra calories. Getting some exercise to vent out his energy will also prevent him from getting edgy and bored. So, follow these tips.

Plan Your Day

Strategize your whole day in a manner that you have time to involve your pet in some physical exercises like running, jogging or simply walking. You can take him along when going shopping down the street or go to his favourite park. This way you will also get some time to spend with your dog and will give those muscles some toning.

Play Fetch

Fetch is a great way to have fun and exercise together. It helps the Fido to run for the ball and bring it back to you. Fetch involves lots of running which keeps the pet fit.

Take Him In The Pool

Swimming is another calorie shedding exercise which you can do along with your dog. It is an intensity workout yet fun for both you and your dog. However, be vigilant while your dog is in water.

Play Hide And Seek

What can be more fun than playing hide and seek? You can play it with your Fido when you don’t want to go out and in fact, involve your kids as well.

Go Camping On Weekends With Your Dog

Exploring the woods is certainly interesting. It indirectly helps dogs to walk more while they get into the mode of discovering the place. However, make sure you apply a good flea and tick repellent so he doesn’t contract any parasites. While in the woods, do keep a watch on him all the time.  

Taking Him To Beach

Beach is the best place to enjoy a walk with your pet. You can also run along the seashore to give some exercise to your muscles. Beach is also a perfect place to play Frisbee with your dog.

Changing a lifestyle into an active one completely depends on you. Introducing these activities in your pet as well as your life will help both of you stay active, energetic and stress-free. This way you also get to spend quality time with your pets and prevent their boredom. . It will also improve his joint health by eliminating stiffness. Moreover, such activities are known to improve stress levels in pets so if you aren’t doing them already, start today. If at all he has joint issues, give him supplements and reduce the intensity of exercise. But, do not skip it completely.  

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A Guide To Buy Perfect Dog Bed: Way To Good Joints

A mattress that is comfortable, soft and goes with the sleeping pattern of your dog is as important as food and other supplements. A good quality bed provides perfect support to the spine and joints of the dog and releases pressure points. As a result, the dog gets up active and fresh. The better rest his body receives, the longer he stays physically healthy in his lifespan. Moreover, different dogs have different sleeping positions. Therefore, choosing a bed according to the requirement is of utmost importance. An over-padded bed also won’t be of any use as it could cause spinal issues and discomfort in dogs. It doesn’t sink as per the shape of the body. Thus, we must choose a good quality bed that has an ideal sponge and a good support. Avoid cheap mattresses that go lumpy after multiple uses. It will only harm your pet’s joints and spine worsening the situation if your dog is already old or is dealing with joint issues. So, go for a good quality product which is a perfect fit for your dog’s size. How to do that? Read On.

How To Choose A Perfect Dog Bed:

Take The Size Of Your Dog

Your dog’s bed should have enough space so he can stretch or relax comfortably. Therefore, you must first measure your dog’s length before zeroing in on any bed that you think would fit. Grab a measuring tape and take the length from his nose to the tip of his feet. It will give you the perfect size. Else if the dog sleeps curled up then consider the length between his nose and the posterior and while buying the bedding add extra 20 centimeters to it.

A pet with a weight of 0-5 kg may need 90cm*75cm of bed, 5-10 kg dog may require a 60*75cm walled bed or 90*75 cm pillow bed. A medium sized dog that weighs around 10-25 kg must be provided with a walled bed of 70*55 cm size or a pillow bed with 115* 90 cm measurement.

Observe The Sleeping Pattern

Some dogs sleep in a donut pattern where the body is completely curled up and rounded to feel warm and safe.  Round bed or square bed with high side padding is perfect for such dogs.

The Superdog position is when the dog lies on his tummy with the limbs stretched out. A large mattress flatbed with good padding is ideal for such snoozers.

Side sleepers have their body weight on the spinal cord and the legs are stretched out. Therefore, they need a bed that has side padding to support the body and equally good cushion for the pressure points like shoulders and hips in this position.

Check The Material Of The Bed   

You must always choose a pet that is water-resistant and washable. Beddings may have flea eggs or larva that could transform into adults easily as the pet sits on the bed. These parasites must be removed immediately else it may infest the dog making him ill. But you can only do that either by throwing the mattress away or washing it in the machine. And obviously, it is not feasible to change a good quality expensive mattress every month. Therefore, the material must be checked for durability. It should be made of superior quality materials.

Go For A Bed That Is Resistant To Molds And Fungus

Many dogs have the habit of sleeping outdoors. This increases the chances of the bed to get dirty easily and is prone to molds and fungus which is extremely unhealthy for the dog. Thus, in order to safeguard your Fido from getting the infection through the bed, choose a bed which is resistant to fungus and dirt.  

Dogs require perfect sized bedding not just for a comfortable snooze but to support his entire body. It is also a nest from where he gazes you at a distance and defines his own territory to feel safe and protected under the ceilings. So try and buy a high-quality bed that relaxes his tired muscles and joints after a long active day.

If you have a dog that is already dealing with joint issues, try replacing his current bed and start joint supplements to improve his condition. You sure gonna see the change!

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Ways To Discourage Cats From Scratching Your Furniture

Scratching in cats is instinctual. Though it may seem quite destructive to us this behavior is quite normal in cats. Scratching is a kind of exercise to their body and they generally scratch the furniture or household items to mark their territory. It also acts as a stress-busting activity for a distressed cat. Felines have an urge to claw your furniture as it seems to be the best and most accessible surface to scratch and leave its marking. However, if this behavior is incessantly damaging your household items, better stop it. You can also check if the culprit is not fleas.

1.    Use Spray To Deter Your Cat From Scratching

Scratching can be reduced in your feline by spraying them with water or lemon-water mix. Cats avoid the citrusy smell, therefore, spraying the cat with it will help eliminate scratching on furniture or upholstered beddings or corners of the sofa.

2.    Provide A Cat Scratcher To Your Kitty

Buy scratching boards or posts to satiate her clawing cravings. Keep the posts in the areas where your cat scratches the most. For instance, near the sofa. The cat will get distracted and will try to claw the post instead of tearing your brand new sofa.

3.    Trim Her Claws

Make the best use of a clipper and cut the sharp claws short thereby making them blunt. With blunt-ended nails, she won’t be able to tear or damage your household items.

4.    Cap Her Claws

There are rubber caps available for cats’ claws which may help in preventing her from tearing things. It may help you save your precious items from getting ripped off.

5.    Train Her For ‘NO’ Command

Whenever you find your kitty nearing your furniture in an attempt to scratch it, command her to stop there right away by saying ‘No’ in a raised voice. This will halt her right there and she will move away from the furniture or wherever she was heading to.

6.    Give Her Treat To Distract

Treats can entice any pet. Using treats to distract your cat’s attention from the clawed household item can prove very effective as she would be happy to have it. In turn, you will be able to distract her from her main target.

Scratching is an inevitable activity for cats. It gives them relief, therefore, you need to be careful when adding restrictions as it may increase aggression in cats. To calm her down from the stress, you can also use a diffuser so that she doesn’t go overboard with her instinctual ability. However, be patient with your cat as the behavioral transformation may take time.  

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Which One Is Better For Your Dog? Royal Canin vs Eukanuba

We have been feeding our dogs with the food products of these manufacturers for years and they have stood up to our expectations so far. However, new pet parents still find it bewildering as to whose products they must choose to provide a wholesome diet to their beloved furry pals. There are so many products available on the market that certainly is confusing to make the best choice out of all. Therefore, to sort out this dilemma we have made a comparison between the two most renowned brands of the pet food industry – Royal Canin and Eukanuba. Let’s have a peek-a-boo at the nutrition portfolio of the two brands and their pricing.

 The Key Differences Between Royal Canin and Eukanuba

There are many factors that play an important role in comparing the quality of the food products. We will go through them one by one to give to differentiate the two brands.

Royal Canin vs Eukanuba

1.     Crude Protein Comparison

While making an analysis, crude protein plays an essential role as protein is a primary requisite of every living organism. If we compare the protein content present in Royal Canin and Eukanuba, there is hardly a difference of 2%. Royal Canin's protein level varies from 25-30% whereas Eukanuba’s varies from 19- 29% according to the size of the dog.

2.     Crude Fat In The Products

Fats help in proper functioning and development of the dog’s body. They play a key role in vitamin absorption in the body, produces lipid compounds and are helpful in improving the skin and coat. Royal Canin and Eukanuba have 14-19% and 12- 18% fat respectively, without any major difference altogether.

3.     Crude Fibre Content

We all know how important fibre is for our digestive and intestinal health. Royal Canin imparts 1.5 to 1.7% fibre from its products whereas Eukanuba provides 1.6- 2.1% crude fibre.

4.     Comparison Between Food Ingredients Used

Eukanuba’s products generally use chicken meat or fish meal for protein and fat supplement. Corn is an essential grain which is used in almost all of their food products.

Ingredients that make the major source of nutrition in Royal Canin’s products are:

·                  Brewer’s Rice

·                  Corn

·                  Chelated minerals for absorption

Both the brands use some controversial products viz. Caramel, Pea Protein, Tomato Pomace which may cause allergy to some pets. Therefore one must choose the product after checking the complete ingredients.

5.     Safety Comparison

These two brands have been on the market for ages. People have used them successfully without much of a safety issue. Royal Canin had salmonella issues once but so did Eukanuba for melamine and excess vitamin D3. Therefore, overall, both have equal safety levels.

6.     Price Range

Although Royal Canin is a little expensive than Eukanuba, the prices vary per pound according to the moisture content present in the particular product.  Wet food will have more price than dry ones.

Conclusion

Royal Canin Dog Food and Eukanuba, both have ideal percentages of protein, fat and fibre content and are equally safe for dogs. It is up to the pet owner’s discretion to make a choice which is best for their pet. Some pets may have protein deficiency and some others may need more fibre in their diet. Therefore, it is wise to choose according to the nutrient which your pet requires the most. Either of the two brands is good for dogs so you can make your own choice freely. 

5 Springtime Health Precautions for Your Pets

Spring is a marker of new life and hope. It brings with it the landscape full of flowers and sunshine filling the hearts with joy and happiness. And your furry pals are no exceptions to welcome the season. But, with that gamut of happiness, spring has with it some hidden treasures that can be lurking the health concerns of your furry pal. Let’s have a look at some precautions that you should take to protect your pet from diseases during the spring season.

·        Weekend Warrior Syndrome

Your pets won’t have their best physical flexibility after several months of inactivity.

After several months inside, your dog may have gained weight, lost muscle tone and be a little stiff in the joints. You can gradually increase their level of activity but for starters, you should begin with his favorite outdoor activity like a gentle game of fetch or short runs or hikes.

Spring Pet Food Feast

Spring is full of colorful plants and flowers. And during this season your pet tends to eat more junk. They eat flowers, new grass and anything they find attractive. So, keep a tight watch on your pet during the spring season.

·        Toxic Lawn Treatments

With spring setting in, people tend to start working on lawns in order to make their garden bloom with wonderful colors. Adding on those fertilizers, pesticides or weedicides may be good for your plants, however, they are toxic to your pets. After treating your lawn, ensure to keep your pets away from the lawn at least for two days. Try not to use unsafe garden products on your lawn.

·        Ticks

Spring season barges in with fleas and ticks. Keep your pet protected with fleas and ticks especially if it is a flea and tick region. This helps in controlling skin issues along with other flea and tick-related disease. Check for the best flea and tick treatment for your pet and start prevention in order to protect your furry pal from unwanted infestations.

·        Histamine Overload

Dogs and cats can also experience allergies like we humans do. You can see symptoms of allergies like sneezing, licking, chewing and excessive scratching that can occur due to dust, mold or pollen that are considered to be the most common triggers of allergies in pets. You should find appropriate treatment for your pet by consulting your vet if you suspect that he is having an allergic reaction.

Springtime is an enjoyable time of year for many of us. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to any health hazard, do not wait. Immediately contact a veterinarian for professional medical attention. Prevention is always the best medicine. Whenever possible, take proactive steps to help prevent health issues for your pet. Putting your pet on flea and tick treatments and heartworm preventives can help protect your furry pal from some of the most common health hazard of springtime.

How To Ensure Complete Wellness Of Your Pet?

A dog’s life as humans goes through a series of crests and troughs. The most common worries of a dog parent are the fleas and ticks, heartworms and worms. However, the battle does not end here only. It is not only about safeguarding your pet against fleas and ticks, and other illnesses through various preventative products, but also taking care about pet’s diet, grooming program and vet visits.

With the advancement of modern technology and continuous development in the field of animal health care, pet parenting has become easier and hassle free. Now with few random searches on internet, you can grab the best pet care products at affordable prices.

However, not only affordable pet products, the pet care also demand a conventional approach towards management of your pet’s overall wellbeing. This means that along with improving your pet’s health with fine medicines, the mental health of a pet is to be enhanced by spending time with him.

Thus, a complete overall wellness of a pet includes ensuring sound physical + mental health.

This equation of ensuring both physical health+ mental health of a pet can be achieved by paying heed to following details

·         A pet first needs to be protected from his enemies present in his surroundings. This includes external parasites in the form of fleas and ticks, lice, etc. The blood-sucking pests are the most hated enemy of a furry pal. And, the best solution to fight them is the use of flea preventives such as Frontline Plus, Advantage dog, etc.

·         A pet is also vulnerable to internal threats in the form of worms, heartworms, etc. These are the threats, which can be prevented through products such as heartwormers and wormers.

·         After putting your pet under the protection of preventative products, you must ensure your pet’s proper grooming.

·         Grooming your pet not only improves your pet’s physical appearance but also make you aware about any underlying medical condition surfacing in your pet.

·         Proper grooming includes regular bathing of your pet, trimming the unwanted hair and nails, etc.

·         For enhancing pooch’s mental health, the best thing you can do is to spend quality time with your pet by including walking, playing, listening dog music, treats, toys, etc in his life.

·         For taking care of your pet’s diet, consult your vet and stick to the diet plan formulated by your vet considering your pet’s breed and age.

·         Most importantly, visit vet regularly for routine checkups to stay updated on your pet’s health.

·         Lastly, pet parenting is all about knowing your pet’s needs and requirements. Therefore, always pay attention to your pet’s behavior. Notice any uncommon behavior on part of him and consult vet if you feel any troubled waters.

As a pet parent, maintaining and ensuring the health of your pet can be achieved by paying heed to small details as mentioned above and visiting vet at regular intervals to eliminate any signs of pet emergency.