Cat Diseases on the Rise

Pet health care is more sophisticated currently than it has ever been in the past. We have vaccines at our disposal to prevent many common viral diseases. We have flea and tick products that are more effective and more easily used than previous products. We have quality foods available that fit the needs of almost any pet and pet owner. We have a wide variety of technology that can detect many diseases early in their course when treatment is most likely to be successful. Despite all of this, preventable illnesses are still on the rise for our pet cats.

There are some very troubling statistics regarding cats and their health.

• Obesity has increased with 58% of all cats reported to be either overweight or obese. Even more disturbingly, many cat owners are unable to recognize that their cat has a weight problem. The majority of cat owners with overweight or obese cats believe their cats to be within a normal weight range. Even more disturbingly, many people are amused by the image of a fat cat. Too often, the health risks involved with increased weight are overlooked or ignored by cat owners.
• As a result of the weight issue, diseases like diabetes are on the rise as well. The incidence of diabetes in cats has increased by 16%, affecting roughly 64 of every 10,000 cats.
• Dental disease also is a major problem for many cats. The majority of cats (70%) exhibit some degree of dental disease by three years of age. If left undiagnosed and/or untreated, the cat’s mouth will only get worse with age. Dental problems can be quite painful for an affected cat. Dental disease can easily impact your cat’s quality of life.
• Fleas also are being seen more commonly in cats, with a 12% increase in the number of cats diagnosed with fleas. Fleas can cause a variety of problems for cats. Cats with flea allergies can become extremely uncomfortable as a result. Fleas can also carry parasites and other diseases that can be transmitted to your cat. Similarly, internal parasites are more common now as well.

These statistics are particularly worrisome because these are diseases that are preventable with proper health care. Unfortunately, the number of cats visiting their veterinarian for an examination has decreased in recent years. Cats as a species see their veterinarians much less often than their canine counterparts.
Many cat owners mistakenly believe that routine veterinary visits are not necessary for their cat and only bring their cat to their veterinarian when symptoms of illness occur. One of the problems with that strategy is the fact that cats are masters of disguise when it comes to illness. Symptoms, depending on the disease, can be so subtle that even the most observant cat owner may not immediately notice. By the time the symptoms become obvious, it may be much more expensive to treat the cat. Worse, it may even be too late to save the cat in severe instances.
What can you do to protect your cat?

• Schedule regular veterinary checkups for your cat. Your cat should have a thorough examination at least once to twice a year. Cats with chronic illnesses may require more frequent examinations.
• Feed your cat a quality diet and keep your cat lean. Avoid overfeeding so that your cat does not become overweight.
• Talk to your veterinarian about what you can do to care for your cat’s teeth. Even if your cat will not allow brushing, there are options that can help.
• Use a safe effective flea and tick product to keep these pests away from your cat.
• Have your cat’s fecal sample checked periodically and take appropriate measures to control intestinal parasites.
• Talk to your veterinarian about whether your cat needs heartworm prevention as well.

Being proactive with your cat’s health by practicing preventive health care will not only ensure your cat a longer, happier life but also will save you money in the long term.

Thanks PetMD!

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Dog Car Sickness & Motion Sickness: Warning Signs & Prevention Tips

You did it! The pet-friendly hotels are booked, the trip is planned, and your car has been packed with enough supplies to keep your pet happy, fed, and feel like it’s a home away from home. Hooray! A trip with your pet and you’re both excited.
Everything has been taken care of except maybe one thing, what if Max gets sick while on the road? What will you do? Can you prevent this?
If you’ve ever been motion sick, you know it feels terrible and can take a while to feel better. Dogs don’t have a way to let us know they are starting to feel funky and they don’t turn that fine, fine shade of olive green that we do. It’s also not easy to keep an eye on him and the road. There are some precautions you can take to help cut down on the occurence of your dog being sick and also some signs to watch for. There is hope. We know how gross it can be and cleaning a car is not easy.

Signs Of Motion Sickness in Dogs

• Inactivity but not quite the same as “settling down”
• Listlessness and seeming “down”
• Uneasiness and nervous
• Yawning
• Whining
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting

It’s not easy to distinguish some of these signs from your dog just being a little nervous, tired, or uneasy. Especially if your dog associates the car with trips to vet, nervousness can appear in the form of yawning and whining without sickness following. Some dogs may not show any of these symptoms and may simply vomit without any signs and then lay down and whine.

What Can You Do?

If you’re in the middle of driving and you notice your dog starting to fidget and seem “weird” it could be a good idea to pull over and let him take a small walk for a few minutes. The fresh air and lack of motion can help stop a problem before it starts. Also, make sure the air flow in the car is fresh, keep a window cracked, keep the vents open, and do not smoke in the car.
Other Tips to Help Prevent Motion Sickness

• Invest in a dog seat belt or carrier and face your dog forward
• Limit your dog’s food and water before travel and during pit stops
• Keep air flow going in the car to regulate the pressure from outside the car and inside
• Try giving your dog a jellybean, as the sugar can limit the nausea
• Talk to your vet about medications that might help alleviate motion sickness

Don’t forget the first aid kit and other doggie supplies in case your dog gets injured while away. Also, it is a great idea to do some research of the places you are going and find the local 24 Hour Emergency Vet, local pet stores, and other info.
Happy travels!

Thanks Petswelcome!

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Harmful Household Plants for Pets

Our pets sometimes do things that we wish they didn’t like sit on the table, scratch the doors, or chew on electrical cords. They use their sense of smell, touch, and taste to learn about the world around them and it can sometimes get them in trouble, especially when it comes to plants.

Ingesting even small amounts of plans that are considered poisonous to our pets can be extremely harmful.

Symptoms that your pet is ill

1. Irritation around the mouth and on the skin
2. Drooling
3. Diarrhea
4. Seizures
5. Lethargy
6. Unconsciousness
7. Vomiting

Please be aware: Lilies can be extremely dangerous for curious cats and within 72 hours a cat can experience kidney failure.
Lilies can be extremely poisonous. If you have them in your house, make sure your pets can not get near them. If you’re lucky maybe your pets don’t care. Mine don’t but I am cautious when bringing flowers into my house and watch the cats to see what peaks their interest.

Here is a list of some plants that are harmful to your pets

1. Aloe Vera
2. Baby’s Breath
3. Azalea
4. Autumn Crocus
5. Begonias
6. Bird of Paradise
7. Christmas Rose
8. Daffodils
9. Foxgloves
10. Geraniums
11. Holly berries
12. Ivy
13. Hydrangea
14. Laurels
15. Lilies
16. Marijuana
17. Mistletoe
18. Morning Glories
19. Nightshade
20. Tulips
21. Yews

 Thanks Petswelcome!

For more info and events, visit Pet Friendly North America!

Pet Travel and Government Regulations

Export: Take your pet from the United States to a foreign country.

The United States has minimal requirements for animals to be exported to other countries.  (However, please be advised that there may be certain re-entry requirements if you plan to return to the United States with your pet.) If you are taking your pet out of the United States to another country, whether permanently or for a visit, you should do the following:

• Contact the APHIS Veterinary Services Area Office in the State from which your pet will be transported. Your Area Veterinarian-in-Charge can provide you with the current regulations, tests, required forms, documents, and inspections.
• Contact the visiting country's consulate or embassy for information about any requirements that you must meet. A listing of consulates can be found at the U.S. Department of State website.
• Additional information on Pet exports
• International Export Requirements by Destination Country
• Frequently Asked Questions about Exporting Anim
  

Import: Bring your pet into the United States from a foreign country.

• Cats and Dogs
• Pet Birds
• Fish: There are restrictions for koi and goldfish based on spring viremia of carp and for other fish species that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia.
• Other Animals:  APHIS generally does not have animal health requirements for the importation of other non-livestock animal species, such as rodents or carnivores, provided they have not been inoculated with any pathogens for scientific or other purposes. Animals inoculated with pathogens for scientific or other purposes must be accompanied by an import permit (VS application form 16-3).  In addition, APHIS does not regulate the import of most reptiles, but there are exceptions.

Other government entities regulate the import of pets into the United States in certain circumstances and should be contacted.

• State Regulations and Import Requirements
  
• What you need to know about bringing animals into the United States
• Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States: Licensing and Health Requirements
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife if pet is an endangered or threatened species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
  

Useful Links

• U.S. Department of State Pet Travel Policies
  
• Disease restrictions - National Center for Import and Export (NCIE).
• U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) publication on pet travel
• Scam Alerts, Tips, and Facts

Thanks USDA!

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What to Do if Your Pet Gets Sick on Vacation

Taking the entire family on vacation can be awesome but it also takes a lot of planning.
Planning and prepping can help a lot and keep rough or scary situations within a realm of being ok. As you check to make sure you have your AAA card, phone numbers of your doctors and kid’s doctors, don’t forget your pet. Accidents can happen anywhere and it’s good to know what to do to so you’re not freaking out… too much.

1. Schedule a pre-vacation check-up with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy for travel and is up to date on vaccines. If you are planning to fly with your pet, this is imperative, as most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of your flight. If your pet does not already have a microchip, this is the time to get one.
2. Put together a folder of important information about your pet to bring with you in case you need to visit the vet on vacation. Even better, if you can, load the pdfs or documents onto your phone too. In case you can’t get back to the paperwork, you can email/fax it to the emergency vet.
3. Check that the microchip information is updated with the current vaccine information, the name and phone number of your home veterinarian, your pet health insurance information, and any other important information.
4. Research your veterinary options at your destination before you leave home. Look at vets who have daytime hours, night time, and the emergency vets. The last thing you want to do is end up lost and unsure.
5. Don’t forget to pack a first aid kit for your pet as well as for yourself. Small injuries can be bandaged and cleaned up if you can’t get to the vet immediately. It also cuts down on your pet’s pain and your anxiety.

Once you get to your destination, relax and have fun. If your pet is injured or becomes ill while on vacation, you’ll be prepared and able to handle the situation with a calmer mind. Having phone numbers and information about the local vets in the place you’re staying, paperwork of your pet’s health history, and a first aid kit will empower you. It’ll keep you level-headed and your pet will thank you for it.

Thanks Petswelcome!

For more info and events, visit Pet Friendly North America!