Cats
The Ultimate Guide to Pet Dental Health
Good dental health is essential for your pet’s overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked. Just like humans, pets can suffer from plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay, leading to pain, difficulty eating, and even systemic health issues affecting their heart, kidneys, and liver. Periodontal disease is one of the most common medical conditions in pets, affecting over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three. The good news? It’s preventable. Regular professional cleanings, at-home dental care, and early detection of problems can help keep your pet’s mouth healthy and pain-free. This guide covers everything you need to know about pet dental care, from recognizing signs of dental disease to understanding the importance of anesthesia-assisted cleanings and at-home maintenance tips. Read on to ensure your pet enjoys a lifetime of healthy smiles.
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Winter Pet Safety: Tips to Keep Your Pets Warm and Healthy in Freezing Temps
Winter can be tough on pets, with cold weather posing risks like hypothermia, frostbite, and exposure to toxic de-icing chemicals. Pets need extra care during the colder months to stay safe and healthy. Here's a complete guide to keep your furry friends warm and comfortable this winter.
Cats
How to Keep Your Cat Off the Countertop
Instinctively, cats are climbers and love being high up off the ground. In the wild, cats love to explore vertical spaces, and they will often climb trees, rocks, or other objects in search of the perfect perch. But what do you do if your cat has started using your counter as their preferred space for climbing? Read on to learn more about this behavior and the steps you can take to keep your cat off the counter.
Cats
Diarrhea in Cats
Diarrhea in cats and kittens may occur from a multitude of underlying causes, ranging from benign to more serious reasons, and involve mild to severe symptoms. Read on to learn what signs and symptoms to watch out for, and when seeking medical treatment for your cat may be necessary.
Cats
Senior Cats 101: Common Health Issues in Senior Cats
While aging itself is not a disease, as cats grow older, they may develop age-related illnesses. Here’s a list of the most common conditions senior cats may face and what symptoms to look out for.
Cats
Vomiting in Cats
Occasional, single episodes of vomiting in cats and kittens are a completely normal occurrence. However, if you find that your cat is becoming sick for a prolonged period of time, it may be an indication of an underlying condition. Read on to learn more about vomiting in cats and how it is evaluated and treated.
Cats
Carsickness and Motion Sickness in Cats
If you have experienced travel sickness or seasickness, you may be familiar with the nauseous feeling and upset stomach that motion sickness can cause. Motion sickness can also cause unpleasant symptoms for your cat when they are in a place with a lot of back-and-forth movements, like a car or a boat. Read on to learn about symptoms to watch for in your cat and how to manage them.
Cats
Allergies in Cats
Does your cat seem itchy? Do they sneeze often? Do you notice an increase in itching and sneezing during specific seasons of the year? If so, your cat may be experiencing allergies. Read on to learn more about allergies in cats, and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Cats
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Cats
The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a progressive disease that may lead to congestive heart failure or blood clots. While there is no cure for HCM, there are treatments available that may help to improve and maintain your cat’s quality of life. Read on to learn more about this disease and how it affects cats.
Cats
Hypercalcemia in Cats
Calcium is an important part of your cat’s health, but too much calcium, also known as hypercalcemia, may become a toxic and emergent health situation. Read on to learn more about how hypercalcemia might come about, and how to identify the signs and symptoms of this condition in your own cat.
Cats
How to Check Your Dog or Cat for Lumps
It's not uncommon to notice a bump or lump on your pet's skin. Perhaps you feel something abnormal while petting your dog or cat, or spot an unusual swelling while cuddling up. While not all bumps are concerning, as a pet parent, you’ll want to monitor your pet for skin changes. This can help you spot a potential problem before it becomes severe. You can check your dog or cat for lumps while grooming them, bathing them, or whenever you can make time to inspect their whole body with your eyes and fingers.
Cats
Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis) in Cats
A decreased appetite, even for just 2 to 7 days in cats, can lead to a rapid metabolization of extra fat cells. When this happens, an influx of fat cells enters your cat’s liver and may cause a blockage, resulting in a condition known as hepatic lipidosis (also referred to as fatty liver disease). This can be a life-threatening disease, but if caught early and treated appropriately, your cat can make a full and successful recovery.
Cats
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) in Cats
Immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in cats is a critical, life-threatening illness that occurs when your cat’s immune system begins attacking its own red blood cells. IMHA requires immediate medical attention and treatment. Read on to identify the signs and symptoms of this disease so you can seek out veterinary care right away, and learn about IMHA causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Cats
Asthma in Cats
Much like asthma in humans, feline asthma is a common respiratory disease that is incurable but is generally manageable with medical intervention. It has a variety of underlying causes, and it may occur at any time. Asthmatic attacks may be life-threatening, but knowing what signs and symptoms to look out for and when to seek treatment may help keep your cat safe and living well.
Cats
Can Dogs and Cats get Monkeypox?
With monkeypox becoming a concern due to the recent spread of the virus in the United States, many pet owners are wondering how this disease might affect their own cats and dogs. Read on to find out more about how monkeypox may affect your dog or cat and what steps you can take to keep your furry family members safe and healthy.
Cats
Heartworm Disease in Cats
Although it is preventable, heartworm disease strikes millions of pets in the United States each year. The condition is caused by parasitic worms that spread through mosquitoes. The worms are called "heartworms" because of their tendency to reside in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels of infected animals. However, when heartworms infect cats, they are more damaging to the lungs than the heart. As the worms grow, spread, and eventually die, heartworms can cause potentially fatal complications. Learn more about how to prevent and manage heartworm disease in cats.
Cats
Triaditis in Cats
Triaditis is a condition in cats involving three different organs. The term is used when a combination of three diseases occur together: pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cholangiohepatitis. Medical management and recovery involve addressing all three diseases. Cats may have a good prognosis when the condition is less severe and properly diagnosed and treated.
Cats
Cat Dental Care – How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
Regular brushing of your cat’s teeth is an important habit to incorporate into your daily care routine. At-home dental hygiene can help minimize the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which can also prevent your cat from developing systemic infections caused by the bacteria harbored in the mouth. While it may seem like a daunting task, read on to learn how to acclimate your cat to toothbrushing.
Cats
Liver Disease in Cats
Liver disease is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the liver that typically cause damage or inflammation. Live disease can be primary or caused secondarily by another condition, infection, or toxicity. If left untreated, liver disease can have serious health consequences for your cat. Knowing the signs and symptoms of liver disease and when to seek appropriate medical care from your veterinarian can be vital in your cat’s recovery.
Cats
How to Stop Cats Scratching Furniture
All cats engage in scratching for a variety of reasons. The instinctive urge to scratch can become a problem for some cats when they start targeting furniture and valuable household items. Fortunately, there are many ways that cat parents in this situation can resolve the issue. The first step is to create or buy scratching posts that your cat can use instead of the couch or carpet. Then, you’ll need to create an environment where your cat prefers scratching the posts over other household items. This enrichment of your cat’s environment will help improve the issue.
Cats
Feline upper respiratory infections (cat flu)
Feline upper respiratory infections describe a group of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections that affect your cat’s upper respiratory tract. You might refer to them generally as “cat flu.” Your cat can have one or a combination of upper respiratory illnesses, the most common of which are feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Upper respiratory infections are very contagious among cats, but they usually have a good prognosis when properly diagnosed and treated.
Cats
Senior Cats 101: Tips to Keep Your Senior Cat Healthy
As your cat gets older, their needs will change and they’ll require extra care from you to stay healthy. Read on to learn our top tips on nutrition for senior cats, changes you may need to make around the home, as well as their ideal routine to keep them comfortable and happy well into their golden years.
Cats
Urinary Obstructions in Cats
A urinary obstruction (UO) in cats, also known as a urethral obstruction or a blockage, is a life-threatening condition where the urinary tract becomes blocked. It’s predominantly seen in male cats, and requires emergency veterinary care. As a cat owner, make sure you’re familiar with the signs of a urinary obstruction, such as straining to urinate, so you can seek medical care immediately.
Cats
Lymphoma in Cats
Feline lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in cats, and typically affects the gastrointestinal system. It is most often seen in senior cats, and the prognosis and treatment depends on the type of lymphoma diagnosed – small or large cell lymphoma. Small cell lymphoma may be managed for some time with medication, whereas large cell lymphoma typically requires surgery and chemotherapy, and has a poorer prognosis.
Cats
How Do Pets Help With Anxiety and Uncertainty
As all pet people know, our pets provide a great deal of support in trying times. With the pandemic and current events increasing levels of uncertainty, anxiety and stress amongst many of us, we’ve never needed our pets more. Read on for some specific tips and ways you can relax with your pet to reduce levels of anxiety.
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Small Door’s Summer Safety Tips for Pets
We want you and your pet to enjoy the summer by staying safe and healthy. Here are some top tips from Small Door’s Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Jamie Richardson, to prepare you for the season!
Cats
Arthritis in Cats and Dogs
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions of the joints that affects both dogs and cats. Up to a quarter of dogs may develop arthritis during their lifetime, and veterinarians believe it may be more prevalent in cats than previously thought. While the disease is most often found in senior pets, it can affect dogs and cats of all ages.
Cats
How to Prepare Your Pet for Your Return to Work
Our pets have loved having us around nearly 24/7 as we’ve been working from home and adjusting to life amidst the coronavirus. While it’s great to spend time together, it’s also important to prepare for life after this new normal. There are steps you can take now to prepare your pet for your return to work, when they can’t be with you all the time.
Cats
Managing Anxiety in Cats
Anxiety is a very real problem that can not only cause our cats severe emotional distress, but can also exacerbate or cause a number of medical problems, including urinary tract issues. Cats suffering from anxiety may also engage in unwanted behaviors, including urinating outside of the litter box or vomiting. Read on to learn more about the causes and symptoms of anxiety, and the things you can do to help treat and manage your cat’s anxiety.
Cats
Luxating Patellas in Dogs and Cats
Luxating patellas in dogs and cats are a common orthopedic condition that can cause lameness. Luxation occurs when the patella, or kneecap, slips in and out of the groove in the femur where it should normally reside. When this happens, you may notice changes to your pet’s gait, including lameness and signs of pain, however some cases can be asymptomatic. Depending on the grade of patella luxation and clinical symptoms, it is generally treatable with orthopedic surgery. Occasionally, a luxating patella can lead to other conditions, like torn cruciate ligaments, which is why it is important owners take the condition seriously and consult with their veterinarian.
Cats
Hypothermia and Frostbite in Cats and Dogs
Winter might bring to mind pleasant thoughts of tossing snowballs to your dog in the yard or cuddling with your cat beside a roaring fire, but it also comes with dangers. Just like humans, dogs and cats are susceptible to colder temperatures. Hypothermia and frostbite can affect all pets who venture outdoors for too long in the cold.
Cats
Are Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Safe for Cats & Dogs?
Between 5-10% of the US population follow either a vegetarian or vegan diet, for a range of health-related, ideological or religious reasons. It’s understandable that some vegetarians and vegans may feel uncomfortable feeding animal products to their pets, as it goes against their personal beliefs. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks these diets present for cats and dogs, and their potential to not meet your pet’s nutritional needs.
Cats
Everything You Need to Know About Worms in Cats
Discovering your cat has worms can be shocking and upsetting. Whether they’re external or internal, these parasites can wreak havoc on your cat’s health. But with proper diagnosis and treatment, worms in cats can be effectively treated and eliminated.
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How to Keep Dogs and Cats Safe when De-Icing
Ice melting agents like harsh chemical de-icers and rock salt are necessary in colder climates. While they help by melting snow and ice on driveways, yards and sidewalks, some are toxic and potentially fatal if ingested by dogs and cats, and need to be avoided as much as possible. Read on to learn about the dangers of de-icing, and ways you can protect your pets during wintertime.
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Ear Infections in Cats
Ear infections are a common feline condition, but can result in permanent complications if left untreated. They can have a variety of causes, and may affect the outer, middle, or inner ear. Regardless of cause, ear infections are typically a treatable condition. Identifying a possible ear infection quickly means you can treat it before it causes complications. Fortunately, the symptoms of an ear infection are generally easy to recognize.
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Everything You Need in Your Pet’s First Aid Kit
Emergencies can strike at any time, so it’s important to prepare a first aid kit for your pet that you can turn to in the event of a veterinary emergency or natural disaster. As these situations often arise without warning, having a kit with the necessary supplies can make all the difference and may even save your pet’s life.
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Winter Holiday Pet Hazards
The winter holidays are one of the best times of the year to get together and celebrate with family, including our furry family members. But amidst all the festivities, it may be easy to miss some of the hazards our pets face during the holidays. Here are some helpful tips to keep your pets safe over the next few weeks.
Cats
Thanksgiving Food Your Pet Can and Can’t Eat
As you’re preparing your Thanksgiving feast, you may wonder what treats you can safely share with your pet. As the number of accidental poisonings soar over Thanksgiving and the holidays, with pets getting into delicacies intended for their humans, it’s important to know which tasty treats are safe and which to steer clear of.
Cats
How to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree
For many of us, a Christmas tree will be at the center of celebrations this holiday season, but it’s important to make sure you decorate in a way that keeps your pets safe. Read on to learn why cats are attracted to Christmas trees, what the dangers are, and how to cat-proof your tree and keep your kitty safe over the holidays.
Cats
Everything You Need to Know About Catnip
If you’re a cat owner, the chances are you’ve heard of catnip and its reputation for driving kitties crazy. But what actually is catnip? How does it work, and is it safe for your cat? Read on to find out everything you need to know about catnip.
Cats
Calming Pheromones for Cats and Dogs
Pheromones are natural chemicals released by animals (and people) that help members of the same species to communicate. Pheromone diffusers, sprays, and other products mimic these chemicals to help keep pets calm and relaxed.
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Emergency Planning for Your Pet
While it’s not something any of us like to dwell on, it’s important to know exactly what you’ll do in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. A vital part of any household’s emergency plan involves its pets! Read on to learn how to ensure your pet is safe if the worst happens, including all the steps you should take in advance, and what exactly to pack in your pet’s go-bag.
Cats
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a blanket term used to describe several conditions affecting the bladder and urethra of cats. There are a few different underlying causes of FLUTD, many of which exhibit similar symptoms, such as difficulty urinating and urinating outside the litter box.
Cats
Homemade Food for Pets
Over the past few years, as we’ve all become more aware of what’s going into our foods, more and more pet owners have turned to homemade diets for their pets. Whether it’s due to concerns about GMO ingredients, overly processed foods and filler ingredients, or simply a picky pet turning their nose up at kibble, there are a number of potential benefits to homemade pet food. However, there are also some downsides, and it’s important to know how to formulate homemade meals correctly, to ensure your pet gets the nutrients they need. Read on to find out everything you need to know about homemade pet food.
Cats
Managing Obesity in Cats and Dogs
Weight management can be a big problem for pets. Approximately 60% of cats and 55% of dogs in the United States are either overweight or obese. Not only can this impact your pet’s quality of life, making it harder for them to enjoy walks and playtime, but it can also lead to medical issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis and arthritis. Read on to learn more about the risk factors for obesity in pets, and how you can help your pet lose weight safely, if needed.
Cats
How to Give a Cat a Pill
Getting an unwilling cat to swallow a pill is a challenge many owners struggle with. Check out our video and step-by-step guide below on how to get your cat to accept medication – avoiding any claws, wriggling or spitting the pill back out!
Cats
Catios & Cat Enclosures for Indoor Cats
A ‘catio’, also known as a cat patio or cat enclosure, is a great way to solve the indoor/outdoor dilemma that many cat owners experience. Catios provide important enrichment to indoor cats, allowing them to observe and experience the outdoors and all of its sights, smells and sounds, without some of the dangers associated with being an outdoor cat.
Cats
Pet Insurance 101
When your pet suddenly gets sick or injured, pet insurance can make the difference between a difficult decision and life-saving care. With so many providers, policies, and add-on options to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Doing a little research upfront can help you find the best plan for you and your pet.
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Discouraging Unwanted Behaviors in Cats
While training is traditionally associated with dogs, it’s equally important to work on instilling good behaviors in a new cat, and discouraging unwanted ones, such as inappropriate scratching, biting, inappropriate climbing, aggression, territorial behaviors and urine marking. With practice and patience, your cat can learn to behave appropriately and positively, ensuring they remain well-mannered as they grow older.
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Cat Pregnancy Facts
No matter how isolated your female cat is, if she has not been spayed, there is always a chance she could get pregnant. Whether she is around an unneutered male in your home or briefly encounters one outside (cats can easily slip outdoors by accident), even a single encounter can result in pregnancy. So how can you tell if your cat is pregnant? And if she is, what are the next steps to take?
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Euthanasia – What To Expect
The decision to say goodbye to your family member can be one of the most difficult you’ll have to make. We’re here to guide you through the process with compassion. Knowing what to expect can make the process a little easier.
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Pet Travel Certificates Explained
If you’re planning a trip and your furry friend is tagging along, there are a few steps you’ll need to take in preparation. Planning ahead is key. From traveling to a different state to jetting to another country, requirements will differ based on your destination.
Cats
Sarcoptic Mange in Cats
Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by tiny mites known as Notoedres cati (also known as feline scabies). Cat mange causes extreme itching and scratching, discomfort, hair loss, sores, and more.
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Why You Should Microchip Your Pet
You can think of a microchip as your pet’s form of identification. Microchipping your pet vastly increases the likelihood of reuniting with them when lost, as collars and ID tags are not foolproof. However, what many owners don’t know is that it’s equally important to make sure the microchip record is kept up to date with your current contact information.
Cats
CBD for Pets: Everything You Need to Know
The use of cannabidiol, or CBD, is well researched in human medicine. The benefits and effectiveness for animals is not as widely known, but there are a variety of ways that CBD could potentially help your pet.
Cats
Dehydration in Cats & Dogs
Dehydration is a serious concern for both us and our pets, particularly during the summer months. If your pet doesn’t take in enough water on a warm day, dehydration may come on quickly, so it’s important to know the signs, how to treat it and when to call the vet. Read on for all this, and tips on how to keep your pet well hydrated.
Cats
Vaccine Schedules for Cats & Kittens
Vaccinations are a crucial tool to help keep your cat healthy. They help your cat build immunity to protect them against serious infectious diseases, and help to stop the spread of those diseases. As immunity fades over time, it’s really important to administer vaccine boosters to your cat throughout their life, at specific times. Read on to learn more about cat vaccines and schedules.
Cats
How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Cat
Toys play an incredibly important role in stimulating your cat, helping to maintain their behavior and well being, as well as providing exercise. They’re particularly crucial for indoor cats, who may not enjoy as much stimulation as their outdoor counterparts. With hundreds of options available, it can be tricky to figure out what toys are best for your cat. Check out our tips below to keep your feline friend entertained and safe.
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Preparing Your Pet for Fireworks
Summer and July 4th bring warm weather and fun celebrations, but they also bring stressful situations like fireworks. The loud noises and vibrations of fireworks can cause many pets to feel anxiety. It’s important to learn ways to help your pet through the stresses that come with fireworks.
Cats
How to Litter Train Your Cat
Many young cats learn to use litter boxes from their mother, and as the instinct to bury their feces is quite strong, many cats will naturally gravitate towards the litter box to do their business. However, some cats may need a little help learning where to go.
Cats
Bladder Stones in Cats
Bladder stones, scientifically known as cystoliths or cystic calculi, are a common condition for felines. These stones range in size from microscopic to several millimeters (or even larger!) in diameter, and can have mild to life-threatening side effects in cats. Bladder stones in cats are formed when minerals and other substances clump together, or aggregate. This can lead to mild or serious complications, including irritation of the bladder lining, urinary tract infection, and urethral obstruction. All cat owners, especially owners of male cats, need to understand the signs and risks associated with bladder stones to help reduce the risk of a life-threatening obstruction.
Cats
What To Do if Your Pet is Overheating
With summer around the corner, it’s easy for your pet to become overheated on a hot or warm day. They are wearing fur coats, after all! It’s important to look out for signs of overheating and learn what to do if you suspect heatstroke.
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Kitten 101: Introducing a new cat into the home
A kitten or cat of any age needs time to adjust and adapt to a new home. This is especially true when you introduce a new cat or kitten to your existing pets. While cats tend to be more solitary creatures than our canine friends, they are often found in familial groups in the wild and do enjoy company. It’s important to be patient and consistent when introducing a new cat to your feline family.
Cats
Kitten 101: Creating Positive Behaviors
Instilling good behaviors in your new kitten takes practice and patience. It’s important to be consistent and make sure they learn appropriate, positive behaviors to grow into a well-mannered adult cat. There are four key processes you can use to help your kitten learn these good practices: socialization, habituation, stimulation, and training.
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Cat and Kitten Nutrition 101
With hundreds of pet food brands, crazy treat trends, and confusing ingredients, it’s hard to know what’s best for your cat. In an age of technology where it’s so easy to be misled and get inaccurate answers online, we’ve put together a comprehensive nutrition guide, complete with all the information you need to plan for your cat’s diet.
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Euthanasia and Quality of Life Assessment
Euthanasia can be a very difficult, emotional, and uncomfortable topic to think about. But when a pet is suffering from a painful or debilitating condition, it is one of the most loving and humane things we can do for them.
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Human Food That Makes Good Pet Treats
When you’re stuck indoors, sometimes you need to find creative ways to make the most of what you already have. First toilet paper disappeared off store shelves, and now pet food is becoming a hot commodity. If your dog or cat can’t get a fix of their go-to treats, here are some human foods you can safely substitute.
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Pet Supplies You Need For Self-Isolation
With empty shelves in the stores and panic buying rife, many people are thinking about stocking up in case they need to self-quarantine or are faced with a shelter-in-place order. And while there’s no need to go crazy, it’s not a bad idea to have some supplies on hand, and that includes stocking up for your pets. But what do you actually need to make sure your pets are safe and happy when it comes to a self-isolation period? Read on for our comprehensive guide.
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Common Household Pet Poisons
It can feel daunting to keep your furry friends happy and healthy with so many toxic things around – especially in the household. With so many of them right under your nose, use this list to pet-proof your home and learn what to do if your pet has ingested any poisonous products.
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How to Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors
Being stuck at home is disappointing for both you and your dog. We all know an active dog is a happy dog, but even if you can’t get out as much as you’d ideally like to, there’s still plenty you can do at home to help keep your dog stimulated and entertained. Check out our tips below for how you can keep your dog entertained indoors.
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How to Play With a Kitten
Playing with your kitten is not only fun—it’s an important part of the bonding process between you and your new pet! Kittens need plenty of playtime and socialization to grow into happy, well-adjusted adult cats.
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Hypothyroidism in Cats
Hypothyroidism in cats occurs when a cat’s body is either unable to effectively synthesize thyroid hormones at all, or produces thyroid hormones in such a small quantity that they are unable to do their job.
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Neutering a Cat: Everything You Need to Know
Veterinarians recommend neutering most male cats. Unless you plan to breed your cat responsibly and are prepared to keep him indoors, neutering will reduce the risk of unwanted behaviors, health problems, and feral cat populations. Feline neutering is a common procedure and complications are rare. Still, any procedure that involves surgery can cause anxiety for pet owners. We will go over the risks and benefits of neutering your cat, as well as how the procedure is performed, so that you have all the information you need prior to his surgery.
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Can Dogs and Cats Get Coronavirus?
With the recent outbreak of coronavirus, it’s understandable to be concerned about the risks to yourself and your pets. Read on to find out everything you need to know about coronaviruses and COVID-19, whether your pets can catch it, and how to best protect yourself.
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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV (Feline AIDS)
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), also commonly referred to as feline AIDS, can pose a serious health risk for cats. FIV may result in reduced immune function, which, as with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can lead to a variety of other associated conditions. There is no cure for FIV.
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Spaying a Cat: Everything You Need to Know
Making the decision to spay your cat can bring up lots of questions. What are the advantages of spaying your cat? When is the best time to spay? How do you care for your cat once she’s been spayed? In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know to make this decision, as well as what you can do to prepare for your cat’s spaying.
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Pet Dental Health Myths
When it comes to our pets, an element that often causes confusion is dental health. There are many myths and and a lot of misinformation out there about how to keep your pet’s teeth healthy! This Pet Dental Health Month, we want to bust some of the most common misconceptions.
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Why Do I Need to Take My Indoor Cat to the Vet?
It’s a common misconception that indoor cats don’t need to go to the vet. While it’s true that contagious feline illnesses are often contracted via contact with animals in the outside world, there are nonetheless many reasons that regular vet visits are important for indoor cats, from the administration of legally required vaccines to catching issues before they become serious.
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Preparing Your Pet for a Vet Visit
Not many people like going to the doctor, but at least we understand when and why it’s necessary. You can’t say the same for animals—which is why going to the vet can be at least as unpleasant for them as a doctor’s visit is for us. But read on for tips on how you can prepare your cat or dog for a vet visit, and make it as stress-free as possible. (For both of you!)
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Coccidia in Cats
Coccidia can infect any cat. Very young and very old cats, cats living in crowded conditions (such as shelters and breeding facilities), and cats that are stressed are the most susceptible to developing an infection. Learning to recognize signs of coccidia can help you get your cat the medical help they need.
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Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?
As a pet owner, you may have to make a decision about whether to spay or neuter your pet. There are naturally many considerations that go into making this decision, but the right answer ultimately depends on your pet and your goals.
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Hookworms in Cats
Hookworms are one of the more common intestinal parasites that cats may develop. They invade and live in the cat’s small intestine, disrupting its digestive system.
CatsFeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the more common infectious diseases diagnosed in cats. Most people associate the word leukemia with cancer, because in humans it refers to a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. In felines, however, leukemia is a virus that can cause cancer. Since its discovery over 50 years ago, widespread testing and vaccination efforts have helped reduce its frequency.
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Giardia in Cats
Giardia is an intestinal parasite that can affect both animals and humans. These tiny organisms live in the small intestine and can cause serious illness in infected cats. Infection among cats and dogs is common, with a widespread rate of 5–15%.
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Pancreatitis in Cats
Feline pancreatitis is a relatively common but dangerous gastrointestinal disorder in cats. It occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, and pancreatic enzymes become overactive and injure surrounding tissues. Symptoms may appear suddenly, and acute pancreatitis requires rapid veterinary attention.
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Tapeworms in Cats
Tapeworms in cats are common intestinal parasites. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures for tapeworms can help you keep your cat active and healthy, as well as lower the risk of transmitting tapeworms to humans and other pets.
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Lyme Disease in Cats
Lyme disease afflicts dogs much more frequently than cats; cats thankfully rarely become infected or need to be treated like an infected human or dog would. Nonetheless, it’s important to be aware of the signs and know how to protect your other pets and family from Lyme disease.
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Cat Panting or Breathing Heavily (Dyspnea)
Cats can pant to regulate their body temperature, just like dogs do, although they do so much less frequently. Cats will also sometimes pant if they are undergoing a particularly stressful event, such as a car or subway ride. However, excessive panting, rapid breathing (tachypnea), or difficulty breathing (dyspnea) can also be a sign of a severe condition.
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Rabies in Cats
Rabies, a viral disease, dates back thousands of years. It is a lethal and highly transmissible viral infection of the nervous system that can infect many types of warm-blooded animals, including cats, dogs, and humans. In fact, over 30,000 people worldwide still die of rabies every year.
Cats
Bringing Your New Baby Home to Your Pet
Bringing a new baby home for the first time is exciting. But what about your “first” baby—the one with four legs and a tail? Introducing a new family member to the home can be challenging, especially if your pet is territorial. Read on for some helpful vet-recommended tips to ease the transition.
Cats
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Cats
Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a fairly common condition among cats. While UTIs are usually relatively easy to diagnose and cure, they can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated. Urinary tract infections can occur in both young and old cats.
Cats
Ear Mites in Cats
Ear mites can affect both cats and dogs, but are especially common in cats. Recognizing the symptoms of ear mites in cats will help you treat the condition before it leads to complications like infections or damaged eardrums.
Cats
Seizures in Cats
One-time occurrences of a seizure in your cat may be caused by a metabolic disturbance, head trauma, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), severe fever, or toxin ingestion, while repeated seizures can be an indication of epilepsy or other serious illnesses. While it can be alarming to witness, it is vital that owners remain calm during a seizure and contact their veterinarian or local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.
Cats
Do Dogs Need Flea and Tick Medicine in the Winter?
For a lot of people—and their pets!—summer means spending time outdoors. That also means flea and tick preventatives are especially important in the warmer months to keep your pets free of bites and infestations. But what about the rest of the year, when these pests seem to decrease in numbers: is it still important to apply preventatives?
Cats
Should Dogs and Cats Take Heartworm Preventatives
Heartworm disease is a serious, progressive and potentially fatal infection in pets, with few early signs of infection. For dogs, prevention is far superior to heartworm treatment – and for cats, there is no treatment for heartworm. Preventing your pet from becoming infected is better for their health, less expensive, and much less time-consuming than treating heartworm itself.
Cats
Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes mellitus in cats is a relatively common endocrine (hormonal) condition, especially as cats age, but it is treatable. To help you better understand your cat’s condition, we will examine the symptoms, causes, and management of diabetes in cats, as well as what you can do to help prevent your cat from developing this serious condition.
Cats
Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder that occurs most commonly in older cats. Cats with hyperthyroidism produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, which affects their metabolic rate and can cause potentially dangerous side effects.
Cats
Roundworms in Cats
Roundworms in cats are common intestinal parasites. While nobody likes thinking about parasites infesting their pets, knowing the symptoms and treatment options is vital for conscientious cat owners and can help you catch a parasite infection before it gets out of hand.