Aging

How Do I Know When My Cat Is a “Senior”?

Most cats enter their golden years between 12 and 14 years of age. Many cats, especially those who are black, experience a graying of their coat as they age—but there are other, more subtle signs that your cat is aging.

Her hearing may not be as sharp as it once was, her fur may be thinner, and she may take a little longer to get up and out of bed in the mornings. It is also perfectly normal for an older cat to sleep more than she used to and to tire more quickly when playing. In healthy cats, these changes occur slowly, over time, at a gradual pace that you probably won’t even notice.

How Often Should My Older Cat See the Vet?

It is important that cats have an annual checkup or “wellness” visit with their vet. This is even more important as they age, so talk to your vet about whether such visits should become more frequent. ASPCA experts recommend that healthy senior cats see the vet at least every six months. During the exam, your vet will listen to your cat’s heart and lungs, take her temperature and examine her skin, fur, ears, eyes, mouth, teeth and internal organs. He or she may also order routine screening tests for early detection of problems.

Please note, certain signs of aging may also indicate the onset of disease or nutritional deficiency, so any changes in your cat’s behavior or appearance should be reported to your veterinarian.

What Health Issues Are Common in Older Cats?

There are many health issues more common to aging cats, including:

• Cancer
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Constipation
• Kidney and liver disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Dental disease
• Vision problems
• Skin problems or matted coat (due to increased difficulty in grooming)
• Urinary problems

What Diet Changes Will Help My Older Cat?

Cats, especially older ones, tend to love routine. But for the sake of her health, your vet may recommend the following diet changes:

• Talk to your vet about beginning a senior diet when your cat hits the age of seven. Aging animals undergo metabolic and body composition changes. Some of these are unavoidable, but others can be managed with diet. Cat foods formulated for seniors should be lower in fat, but higher in protein (ask your vet for a recommendation).
• More frequent feedings are easier on a cat’s digestive system than one or two large meals a day.
• Older cats may have decreased absorption of nutrients from their intestinal tract, and often lose more of them through their kidneys and urinary tract. Some vets feel that aging cats benefit from the addition of dietary supplements, also known as “nutriceuticals. Speak with your vet about whether your cat needs additional supplements for specific health issues.

What Can I Do to Make My Senior Cat More Comfortable?

• Older cats are unable to regulate body temperature as effectively as young cats, and should be kept warm, dry and indoors. Likewise, senior cats are extra sensitive to heat and humidity. Please take precautions to protect them from conditions that could cause heatstroke.
• An older cat may appreciate if you help brush her fur in hard-to-reach areas—this aids in removing loose hairs and stimulating circulation and sebaceous gland secretions.
• Cats like to seek out warm places to rest. Make sure your older cat's favorite soft bed or resting place is not in a drafty area of your home. You may also choose to provide extra blankets or an orthopedic bed.
• If your cat is losing her sight or hearing, remove obstacles and reduce her anxiety by keeping floors free of clutter. Be sure her litter box is easily accessible and try to keep her routine consistent to avoid any unnecessary stress. Nightlights may also help older cats with poor vision or eyesight problems navigate at night.
• If your older cat can no longer jump on her favorite windowsill, create a sturdy ramp or purchase pet stairs that allow her to safely reach that spot on her own.

What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About in My Older Cat?

If you notice any unusual symptoms, please don’t wait for your regularly scheduled checkup to see your vet. Call right away. Symptoms to watch out for and promptly report include:

• Urinary incontinence, straining or inability to pass urine
• Frequent urination
• Lumps, bumps or scabs on the skin
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing or open-mouth breathing
• Weakness or lethargy
• Drooling or bad breath
• Changes in weight, appetite, amount of urine produced or water intake
• Stiffness or limping
• Increased vocalization
• Change in vision or hearing
• Uncharacteristic aggression or other significant behavior change

Labor Day Safety Tips for Pets

1. Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals.

2. Always assign a dog guardian. No matter where you're celebrating, be sure to assign a friend or member of the family to keep an eye on your pooch-especially if you're not in a fenced-in yard or other secure area.

3. Made in the shade. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water, and make sure they have a shady place to escape the sun.

4. Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of paws' reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing-or even kidney disease in severe cases.

5. Keep your pet on his normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea.

6. Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingesting any of these items can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression in your pets, and if inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia.

7. Never leave your dog alone in the car. Traveling with your dog means occasionally you'll make stops in places where he's not permitted. Be sure to rotate dog walking duties between family members, and never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.

8. Make a safe splash. Don't leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers.

Source: http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/labor-day-pet-safety-tips

Car Sickness In Pets

Does your dog throw up in the car when you go for rides? He may be experiencing typical motion sickness, just like some people do. Motion sickness usually begins very shortly after starting the car ride. The dog will begin to drool and then vomit. It’s not serious, but certainly not something that we like to clean up! To solve the problem, first try acclimating the dog to car rides. Do this by simply putting him in the car for a few minutes each day without going anywhere. Then try just going down the driveway and back, and the next day going around the block. Gradually build up the distance and time the dog rides in the car. 

 Sometimes this will help to decrease the dog’s anxiety over riding in the car and may help to decrease vomiting. If that doesn’t work, there are some over-the-counter medications you can try. The medication will need to be given about an hour before the car ride. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation as to what drug to try and the dosage for your pet.

(Never give any medications to your pet without your veterinarian’s advice!) These drugs are safe, with drowsiness usually the only major side effect. But since your dog isn’t driving the car, that shouldn’t be a problem! If over-the-counter drugs don’t work, your veterinarian may be able to suggest another method for curing the car sickness.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/general_health/car_sickness.aspx

Hot Weather Tips to Help Your Pet Stay Cool This Summer

Summer means enjoying the weather, and for most, with your pet! Remember to keep your pet healthy this summer by keeping them safe in the summer’s high temperatures.

Here are just some of the ways you can help ensure your pets have a safe summer:

Visit the Vet. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. Pets should also be given a blood test for heartworm every year in the early spring. The deadly parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is recommended that dogs and cats be on a monthly preventive medication year-round. 

Keep Cool. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so give your pets plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Also make sure your pet has a shady place to escape the sun, and when the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. 

Know the Symptoms. Some symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

Summertime is the perfect time for a backyard barbeque or party, but remember to keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death. Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments.” Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol. 

Water Safety is Pet-friendly. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure pets wear flotation devices while on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset. 

Source: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-offers-hot-weather-safety-tips-help-pets-beat-heat-during-dog-and-cat

Disaster Preparedness Tips

You may have heard about, if you were not part of, the natural disasters that have happened around the world.  One thing we know for sure is that hey can happen at any moment, so it is important to be well prepared. 

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

Here are 3 easy steps that will help you get started on disaster preparedness.

Step 1: Get a Rescue Alert Sticker to let people know pets are inside your home. 

Step 2: Arrange a Safe Haven in the event of evacuation.

Step 3: Keep an Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits handy and make sure everyone in your home knows where it is kept. 

Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness

Pet Emergency Supply Kit

What you include in your pet’s emergency supply kit is as important as having one available in your home.  Also, it is a good idea to inform your family where the kit is, in case of an emergency. 

It is important to have an emergency supply kit for your pet, including

a pet identification form with photos, a microchip number, shot records, food, water,

veterinarian and emergency contact information (including one contact outside of

the emergency area,) first aid supplies, and a three-week supply of medications.

Keep the emergency kit in a sealed, waterproof bag or container

A pet emergency supply kit is a must have for any responsible pet owner. 

Crufts Dog Show

"Crufts" is the world’s largest dog show held in Birmingham, England. With nearly 28,000 canines shown in four days, this is a must-watch show for dog lovers. Crufts will be streaming LIVE on YouTube from March 6-9.