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So, you've got this adorable little furball who's stolen your heart and become part of the family. You love them to bits, but remember: taking care of them is a big responsibility.   To keep them in tip-top shape, you should keep detailed medical records to remind you when it's time for vaccinations, fecal samples, and any special seasonal activities like grooming sessions. As your kitty grows older, parasites become a common concern. Ticks, fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms are the main troublemakers. However, with some control plans and medical assistance, your little feline can be spared from these pests. Your vet has medications to prevent these parasites from infecting your kitty and to eliminate any existing ones. To keep them healthy and happy, here are a few things you should do.   Tick Control Several topical and oral medications are available to prevent and treat tick infestations. If you find a tick, carefully remove it with tweezers or a tick removal tool.

Idiopathic epilepsy is a specific term that describes seizures in cats without a clear cause. It's also known as genetic or congenital epilepsy. Whether you call it epilepsy, a seizure, or convulsions, it all refers to the same thing: a sudden burst of overactivity in the brain's neurons that leads to involuntary muscle contractions, unusual sensations, abnormal behavior, or a combination of these events. Here's a breakdown of idiopathic epilepsy in cats, along with information on diagnosing and treating this condition. Seizures in cats can manifest in a variety of ways. They can range from mild twitches or facial tremors to your cat collapsing on its side, howling, clenching its teeth, losing bladder control, and flailing its limbs. Cat seizures usually come on suddenly and end on their own, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. Idiopathic epilepsy can occur in all breeds and mixed-breed cats. Since idiopathic epilepsy may have a genetic component, cats with epileps

Retirement is a time for relaxation and leisure, but it can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is especially true for seniors who have lost loved ones or are far from family and friends. Adopting a pet could be the perfect way for a lonely senior to meet new companions and bring joy to their later years. Beyond reducing loneliness and symptoms of depression, studies show that being around animals can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels—not to mention the extra exercise and social opportunities that come with having a pet.   Types of Companion Animals for Seniors Dogs : There's a reason we call them "man's best friend." Dogs are energetic, loving, and often a popular choice as companion animals. Besides cuddling with you on the couch, they also encourage you to go for daily walks and engage in fun activities. However, seniors who are less active should be cautious with young puppies. They can be adorable but might drain your energy. Older d

"A cat is a cat is a cat," wrote the American poet E.E. Cummings, and history seems to agree. The earliest signs of cat domestication date back 8,000 years, when evidence was found on the island of Cyprus of cats, mice, and humans being buried together. Apparently, our early human ancestors brought cats—and likely some stowaway mice—to Cyprus.   The lineage of cats can be traced back to ancient Cyprus and Egypt. Unlike dogs, which were domesticated due to their inherent cooperative nature, cats were domesticated in a more indirect way, around 4,000 years ago. A long time ago, the nomadic people of Upper Egypt settled in the fertile soil of the Nile Valley. Farming became a way of life, not just for Egyptians but also for tribes across Africa and the Southwest Asian regions where cats were eventually found. Since crops could only be harvested once or twice a year, the challenge was to store the grain without rodents and other pests eating it. Soon, people noticed that local ca

Naproxen is a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat pain and inflammation. However, it's easy for dogs to ingest a toxic dose of naproxen, especially when well-meaning owners administer it without knowing the dangerous consequences. Naproxen toxicity often occurs when a concerned pet owner gives their dog too much of the drug to relieve pain, not realizing it can lead to serious complications. Initially, toxic levels of naproxen can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. In severe cases, or with increased dosages, naproxen can lead to kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of Naproxen Toxicity in Dogs If your dog ingests naproxen, keep an eye out for these symptoms: Loss of appetite Vomiting Black, tarry stools Vomiting blood Abdominal pain Dehydration Weakness Lethargy   Diagnosing Naproxen Toxicity in Dogs Diagnosis is usually based on a physical examination and a history of your dog's exposure to naproxen. Blood tests are often performed

Cats are said to have nine lives, but we know that's just a saying, right? Cats might seem to have a bit of magic in them—they land on their feet, dart away from danger, and somehow avoid catastrophe. It's no wonder that they have a reputation for being mysterious and even spiritual. But in reality, cats have just one life, and it's up to us to make sure they live it to the fullest. If you want your feline friend to live a long and happy life, here are a few key things to keep in mind:   Spay or Neuter Getting your cat spayed or neutered is more than just preventing unwanted litters. It also reduces certain health risks and can even calm your cat's wanderlust, keeping them safe at home. By reducing the urge to roam, you lower the chances of your cat getting into accidents or fights. Plus, spaying or neutering can reduce the risk of certain cancers like prostate cancer in males and mammary cancer in females.   Regular Vet Visits No cat loves a trip to the vet, but regula

From our earliest interactions with cats, we've seen them as mystical, almost otherworldly creatures—either revered or suspected of being possessed. It's not hard to see why. Cats have this way of staring at you without blinking, as if they're seeing something invisible. They also tend to go from being calm to darting around the house for no apparent reason, or suddenly switch from peaceful to aggressive in a flash. Some of these traits can become more intense in cats with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, also known as FHS. Cats with this condition may exhibit bizarre behavior changes, hallucinate, and act as though they're in a manic or schizophrenic state, or even like they're "possessed."    Symptoms of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) Sudden bursts of bizarre overactivity or aggressive behavior. Frantically grooming their sides or tail (which could lead to hair loss). Tail swishing, tail chasing, or aggressively attacking their own tail. Dilated pupil

Estrogen toxicity in dogs happens when there's too much estrogen (a female sex hormone) in the body, either from an internal source or from external medication. This condition is most commonly seen in female dogs of breeding age and older male dogs. This toxicity can be caused by tumors that produce estrogen or by estrogen-like drugs, which are sometimes used to treat various conditions in dogs, like prostate disease, anal tumors, or urinary incontinence (a lack of bladder control).   Symptoms of Estrogen Toxicity in Dogs Signs that your dog might have estrogen toxicity include: Lethargy Pale gums (usually due to anemia) Bleeding from the skin, in the urine, stool, or from vomiting Fever Recurring or persistent infections Hair loss Males developing female characteristics   Diagnosing Estrogen Toxicity in Dogs To diagnose estrogen toxicity in dogs, veterinarians use various tests to find the source of the estrogen and determine its effects. Here are some common tests: Complete Blood

A biopsy is when a small piece of tissue is removed from your cat to be examined under a microscope. It’s typically done to get more information about a health issue or to confirm a diagnosis. This procedure usually requires anesthesia because it's invasive.   There are different ways to take a biopsy, depending on the type of tissue or organ involved. If only a small piece of tissue is needed, this is called an "incisional biopsy." If the whole tumor or growth is removed, it's called an "excisional biopsy." When the whole tumor is taken out, the outer edges of the tissue are checked under a microscope to see if the entire mass has been successfully removed. The biopsy results can tell you the type of tumor or disease happening and help your vet decide on the best treatment plan for your cat.   Vet Examination for Biopsy When your cat is sick, your vet will ask a lot of questions to understand what’s been going on. This can include your cat's age, when t

Culture and Sensitivity testing, usually abbreviated as "C&S," is a lab test used to identify the presence and type of bacteria causing an infection and to determine which antibiotics are likely to be effective in killing the bacteria. Samples for a culture can be taken from a cat's urine, blood, body fluids, pus, secretions, or tissues. The sensitivity test is a follow-up to the culture analysis. Once bacteria are cultured and isolated on a medium, they are tested against different antibiotics to find out which ones are effective. What Does Culture and Sensitivity Testing Reveal for Cats? A normal culture result shows "no bacterial growth," unless the sample is taken from areas where bacteria are typically present, like the nose or mouth. A positive result indicates that a microorganism or bacteria was found. In most cases, the specific bacteria can be identified (e.g., Streptococcus species). Sensitivity testing follows a positive culture result. Sensitivi

Conjunctivitis is when the conjunctiva—the clear tissue lining the inside of your cat's eyelids and covering the white part of the eye—gets inflamed. Normally, the conjunctiva is moist and shiny, with tiny blood vessels visible through the translucent tissue. It acts as a barrier, trapping tiny particles in the air and helping to keep viruses and bacteria from getting into your cat's eyes. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye issues in cats. It could be the only problem with your cat’s eyes or it might be related to another condition or abnormality.   Causes of Conjunctivitis in Cats Conjunctivitis in cats can have many different causes, including: Viral infections like herpesvirus or calicivirus Eye infections caused by chlamydia Bacterial infections Problems with the cornea Issues with tear production Infections or abnormalities of the eyelids Contact with foreign substances like plant material, fibers, sand, or chemicals Environmental irritants Trauma to the eye Idio

What Is Lifetime Dog Insurance? Lifetime dog insurance is a type of pet insurance policy that covers your dog for its entire life. It's more common in the UK, but some pet insurance companies in the US offer similar coverage. The idea is that once you enroll your dog, the policy won't be canceled unless there's a specific reason, like non-payment.   How to Know if Your Dog Can Get Lifetime Insurance If your dog qualifies for pet insurance and you sign up with a company that continues to insure your dog as long as you keep paying the premiums, then you’ve got lifetime pet insurance. When you buy pet insurance, one of the key questions to ask is whether the company can cancel your policy for any reason. If they can't, then you're likely getting lifetime insurance. Always double-check these details before you sign anything.   How Much Does Lifetime Dog Insurance Cost? The cost of lifetime dog insurance depends on several factors. The biggest factor is the type of cover

If you're like many of us, you've been working hard, keeping an eye on your budget, and now it's finally time to plan that well-deserved trip. You've got your sights set on a seaside cottage, a road trip off the beaten path, or that cozy cabin in the woods you've been dreaming about for a while. But before you start booking your flights or lining up that perfect rental, there's a critical decision you need to make. When it comes to your furry family member, their well-being is the top priority. Should you take them along for the adventure, or is it better to leave them in the care of others? While taking your dog or cat along for the ride can be a lot of fun, not every pet is cut out for travel. It's essential to consider your pet's health, temperament, and emotional needs. Ultimately, ask yourself, "What will make my pet the happiest?" If you're unsure whether your pet should travel with you, it's time to consult your vet. This article

If your dog is constantly scratching, there's a good chance they're dealing with something called pruritus—basically, an itchy sensation that makes them want to scratch or chew on themselves. It’s caused by a chemical reaction in the skin that irritates the nerves and sends a "scratch me" signal to the brain. And here's the tricky part: scratching itself can make the problem worse by causing inflammation and inviting infections.   How much this itchiness affects your dog's well-being depends on how severe it is. Mild itching might not be a big deal, but if it's really intense, your dog could end up with some painful skin lesions or even infections. Plus, constant scratching can make your dog super uncomfortable and disrupt their sleep. Every dog has an "itch threshold," the point where the itching becomes unbearable, and they just can't stop scratching. Take a dog with a mild dust mite allergy; it might be fine most of the time. But if fleas

What Vaccinations Do Puppies Need? Vaccinations are designed to protect dogs from specific diseases. Typically, puppy vaccines come in multi-dose bundles like "DHPP," "DHLPP," or "DHLPPC." These letters represent the first letters of the diseases they protect against. Vaccines for dogs are usually divided into two categories: "core vaccines" and "non-core vaccines."   Core Vaccines Core vaccines are those strongly recommended or legally required to prevent pet diseases and promote health.   Canine Distemper (D): This highly contagious viral disease attacks a dog's respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. It spreads through the air or by sharing food and water with other infected animals, such as raccoons and skunks. Symptoms include cough, fever, eye and nose discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological signs like seizures or paralysis. Vaccination usually starts at 6 to 8 weeks and is part of the combined vaccine. Ca