Petpourri
Animal news, product reviews, and other useful information for pet owners.
- Details
- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Petpourri
If you have a male cat, you've probably experienced their territorial rite of spraying. As I was moving out of an apartment many years ago, a neighbor's cat wandered into our place, walked through the rooms, and proceeded to spray a beautiful framed 18x24 photograph my husband had given me one year as a Christmas present. I was quite upset because not only was there no way to fix the damage but I did not think something like this would happen. We did have a cat in heat while we were living here and so her odor, I'm sure, was still spread around. But I had never witnessed this action from a male cat before (I grew up with a male cat in our home but he was an outdoor cat and again, I never saw him spray).
I recently read an article about cats spraying and found that yes, this is a territorial thing, especially if there was a cat in the home (could even have lived there before you). If your cat is having difficulty urinating and is instead missing the litter box, this could indicate another problem. Your cat could have bladder inflamation or cystitis. If the cat is older, arthritis could be making it difficult for your cat to urinate, especially if she is in a lot of pain. As always, consult with your vet if you suspect there may be a problem.
- Details
- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Petpourri
When we got our first dog, we were clueless about so many things and the ways to properly care for her. Fortunately over the years we've learned a lot about what and what not to do. And we are still learning. But one of the things we've learned and that we are adamant about in caring for our dogs, is not to over-immunize. Now, I'm sure your vet will tell you otherwise, but even our vet is saying they probably don't need it yearly (she recommends every 2-3 years). But we have found another system that works even better for us. We are having titers done for our dogs. There are pros and cons for having titers done as well, as I'm sure you'll find if you search the internet, but this is what works for us and I feel much better about caring for my pets this way.
Although titers are more expensive, it is well worth it to me to have a titer done (a blood test checks to see if your dog still has the immunities against the disease they are vaccinated for) instead of just giving my dogs a vaccination year after year after year, when they might not need it. Like we would do for ourselves, we are more interested in taking care of our pets in a more natural way, and that means not giving them vaccinations without question.
The important issue is to always give your pets the best care you can provide to keep them in the best health for many years to come.
- Details
- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Petpourri
I just read an article in Natural News (www.naturalnews.com) that I was quite surprised to learn about. It talked about the dangers of cat bites. Although not as common as dog bites (4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year), cat bites can be far more dangerous to humans.
The tiny little cat fangs are capable of injecting bacteria deep into joints and tissue. Dogs' teeth are blunter so they don't penetrate as deeply. Also, bacteria from a cat bite can include a common animal bacteria that is difficult to treat in humans with the patient ending up in the hospital. In a Mayo Clinic study, 8 of 193 patients needed more than one surgery. Of course, a patient with an immune deficiency disorder is even more at risk from a cat bite.
So, use caution when petting your cat!
- Details
- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Petpourri
Everyone loves a hero. Here at Help Shelter Pets we are particularly fond of people who put extra effort into saving those animals we call our pets.
For the past couple of weeks we have watched the Olympics and have enjoyed witnessing and applauding all of the USA Olympians. But one in particular, Silver medalist Gus Kenworthy, has stolen our hearts. As no doubt everyone has heard by now, he is in the process of adopting a litter of puppies and their mother that were abandoned and plans to bring them back to America with him where they will all be adopted.
Pups that stole Gus's heart are the lucky ones. Many more, who were displaced when construction began and the residents had to move out of the area, were left behind. Many of the people had to move to apartments that did not allow pets. These homeless pets, who were roaming the streets wondering what happened to their owners and their homes, have been rounded up and killed as the Olympics began in early February.
Many thanks should also be given to billionaire Oleg V. Deripaska who gave $15,000 to start a shelter and $50,000 for one year of operation expenses. Hopefully many more of the animals will be picked up and given new homes before long.
(Thank you publicphoto.org for the use of the image)
- Details
- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Petpourri
We don't always think about our pets needing dental care. But just like us, they do. Even though we give them crunchy food that supposedly is good for their teeth, they often need more attention and even regular teeth cleaning. Dental problems may not always be so noticeable in your pet. Here are a few important signs to look for concerning your pet's oral health.
1.) If your pet has bad breath, this is a sign that bacteria is trapped in the mouth.
2.) If your pet has loose or missing teeth, this can lead to bacterial infections, spreading through the mouth.
3.) If your pet is having trouble eating, most likely he may have an oral infection. It can also be a sign that there is a more progressive disease involved.
4.) Red, swollen, bleeding gums, are most likely caused by an infection.
5.) Yellow, stained, brown teeth are a first sign of dental problems. Tartar buildup leads to infections and gum bleeding.
Surprisingly, 80% of dogs and cats over the age of 3 suffer from dental disease. Keep your pet's teeth healthy by regularly brushing his teeth (with pet toothpaste only!) - start him when he is young so that he becomes used to having the toothbrush in his mouth. And bring him to your Vet for a complete checkup to determine if your pet needs a professional cleaning.