Here’s a sobering thought for every cat owner in charge of emptying the litter box: Felines deposit about 1.2 million metric tons of feces into the U.S. environment every year, a new study finds, and all that poop may pose an under-recognized public health hazard. No one's saying to get rid of the kitties, but scientists who study an infectious parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii say they've found that the eggs of the bug are more widespread than believed, and that cat owners should take precautions when it comes to kids' sandboxes and backyard gardens. That's even though there's evidence that fewer are becoming infected by the parasite and veterinarians say that responsible pet owners are actually at lower risk than others. It’s long been known that some cat feces harbor the parasite known as T. gondii, which can cause human illness. Pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems have been warned for decades to avoid cat box duty because the resulting infections can cause congenital problems and serious illness. But a new analysis by Dr. E. Fuller Torrey and Dr. Robert H. Yolken, scientists at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, finds that the parasite eggs, known as oocysts, may be more common than previously known – perhaps between three and 434 oocysts per square foot of soil, according to samples taken from places as diverse as California, China, Brazil, Panama and Poland. In addition, it may take just a single oocyst to cause infection, an alarming thought when one estimate shows that the dirt under a gardener’s fingernails could harbor 100 oocysts, reported Torrey, the lead author of the study in the journal Trends in Parasitology. “It may be a much bigger problem than we realize,” said Torrey, a psychiatrist who heads the Stanley Medical Research Institute in Chevy Chase, Md. There have been outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in healthy people, not just pregnant or immune-compromised patients, he said. And recent studies have suggested -- although not proven -- that there may be a link between high levels of T. gondii antibodies and development of conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD. “Some of us suspect that some of the important transmission may occur in childhood,” Torrey told NBC News. Cats acquire the parasite when they eat infected prey, such as mice or birds, and then shed the oocysts in their poop. Children may ingest oocysts present in sandboxes and backyard dirt, said Torrey, who wants better control of the cat population, including feral cats, and better covering and monitoring of kids’ play areas. “It should give you pause before you put your child in a public sandbox,” he said. Still, even Torrey’s paper notes that there’s little evidence that owning a cat actually increases risk of T. gondii infection. And he acknowledges that the incidence of human toxoplasmosis, as measured through antibody levels, has decreased steadily in the U.S. and Northern Europe during the past two decades. A 2007 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in U.S.-born people ages 12 to 49 dropped from about 14.1 percent to 9 percent between 1999 and 2004. That decline could be driven in part by increased freezing of meat, so fewer people are becoming infected with T. gondii tissue cysts from raw beef, for instance, he explained. The CDC says that toxoplasmosis caused by eating infected meat is a leading cause of deaths form foodborne illness in the U.S. Overall, however, the CDC estimates that although 60 million men, women and children in the U.S. may be infected with the T. gondii parasite, very few have symptoms because the human immune system typically keeps illness at bay. “This is not considered a big problem,” Torrey admitted. Indeed, responsible cat owners are likely at lower risk than others, said Kimberly May, a veterinarian and spokeswoman for the American Veterinary Medical Association. Those owners empty litter boxes frequently, wash their hands and keep kids away from cat feces, she said. The bigger risk for T. gondii comes from gardening without gloves or failing to follow those precautions. "We are concerned that cats are being the scapegoats for this," she said. No question, the number of cats in U.S. homes is on the rise. Between 1989 and 2006, cat ownership increased about 50 percent, from 54.6 million to 81.7 million pets. During the same time, dog ownership rose by 38 percent, from 52.4 million to 72.1 million dogs. In 2012, 86.4 million cats were owned in the U.S, compared with 78.2 million dogs, according to statistics from the Humane Society of the United States. The number of feral cats in the U.S. has been estimated at at least 25 million, but could be much higher, Torrey noted. With about 1 percent of cats shedding oocysts at any given time, perhaps 55 million oocysts per day, it could be a more serious problem than is now recognized, Torrey contends. Oocysts can survive up to 18 months and perhaps longer, he noted. “This should raise the public health concerns about the number of T. gondii oocysts being distributed in the environment, especially as we do not know the limits of oocyst viability or the true relationship between these oocysts and the human diseases with which they have recently been associated.” That’s a view downplayed by infectious disease experts, including Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of the department of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. He said that the recognized risks of toxoplasmosis infection are well known – and well communicated to the people who may be most affected, including pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. But the links between the infection and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are tenuous, he said. “The association has been discussed, but it has not been completely accepted by everyone,” he said. “If people were convinced of that, we would have acted on it.” Still, Torrey said he worries about what future research will confirm and wants pet owners to be proactive now. Cats are nice pets, said Torrey, who emphasized that his intent was not to anger feline fans. But when his young granddaughter wanted a kitten, he advised her mom to say no. “I don’t think that they are ideal pets for children,” he said. “I don’t think we know enough.”
Did you know that cockatiels are among the most popular of pet birds? Normal cockatiels are gray, with white patches on the wings. They have a yellow/white face with a bright orange patch over the 'ear'. Variations include : Pied (varing white patches cover body), Pearl (each feather retains gray color, with white intersperced), Lutino (Bird white with yellow/white/ orange face), and Albino (white bird). Another popular bird is the Budgie also known as the Parakeet. The life-span of Cockatiels is usually around 15 – 20 years, however, it has been reported that some have lived up to 30 years! Having one bird is fine, but you must spend a lot of time interacting with the cockatiel on a daily basis. Having two birds will make it a little easier, but they will bond with each other, and may not bond with the owner. I have often heard people say, “I don’t want a bird, they are dirty!” This is simply not true. If a bird’s cage isn’t clean, it’s the fault of the owner, not the bird! All pets require care. One thing that I do want to mention, is to never keep your bird in your kitchen. A friend of mine has a cockatiel that she used to keep in her kitchen. I asked her why she had it there, she said that because she spends a lot of time in her kitchen/dining area. Her bird did end up getting sick. The kitchen is generally a poor choice for your cockatiel’s cage. There are a number of fumes in the average household kitchen that can be toxic for birds. A good place the cage is where you and your family spend time so that you can interact with the bird. Cockatiels are vocal creatures. Some make very loud noises. It may sound like they are screaming, but it’s just the natural sounds of the bird. When you arrive home your bird may make noises at the excitement of seeing you. How to tell the sex of your Cockatiel: Males tend to have a brighter facial color. Females have a duller facial color, and have barring under their tails. This method of sexing becomes more difficult in the variations of birds. Feeding your Cockatiel: A seed diet is not adequate, but tends to be high in fat and deficient in vitamin A, calcium, and protein. Seeds can be part of a healthy diet but only a minor percentage. There are other human foods that birds like. Millet is another great food. For a well nourished bird include a variety of fresh fruits crisp or lightly steamed veggies and other table foods in your bird’s diet. Always serve them chopped, sliced, diced, minced and mashed. There are human foods that you can give your Cockatiel: Cooked chicken/ turkey; Eggs/hard boiled/scrambled; Cottage cheese; Yogurt; Asparagus; Beets/beet tops; Broccoli; Brussel sprouts; Carrots; celery; corn; chicory greens; cilantro; collard greens; green/yellow beans; kale; mustard greens; peas and pods; parsley; pumpkin; red/green sweet pepper; romaine lettuce; spinach; turnip greens; water crest; yellow squash; zucchini; bananas; berries; cantaloupe; cherries; cranberries; honey dew; kiwi; mango; oranges(seedless); papaya; pineapple; watermelon; cook pasta; cooked brown rice; dried fruits; whole wheat toast; oatmeal; cheerios; rice krispies; grape nuts; Un salted popcorn; and animal crackers. Foods you should never give your Cockatiel: Avocado, chocolate, coffee, lima beans, milk, sodas, sugar, teas, rhubarb, leaves from potatoes, tomatoes, egg plants, bean plants, alcohol, salt, greasy foods, tobacco, fruits seeds or pits from, apples, apricots, oranges, cherries, or peaches. Tips on caring for your Cockatiel:
Your cockatiel needs to have fresh water every day. Change the water every day, even if it looks full. If you find any droppings or feathers in the water cup, change the water, so your bird will not get sick.
Some bird noise is very loud but is not screaming, it’s just the natural sounds of birds. Since they are very vocal creatures and you can expect them to greet dawn and sunset with enthusiasm. They may get rowdy just before mealtimes and especially, if you work and the house is empty all day, when you arrive home.
Offer foods that have different colors shapes, textures and flavors also vary the presentation.Some birds get startled in their sleep and awaken in a panic. They may start trying to flee the cage and bumping into toys, feeding bowls and their perch.
Don't ever give food from your mouth, or kiss your bird. This is harmful to your bird since your mouth carries germs that can make your bird sick.
Cockatiels are very dusty. They use a powder to keep their wings water proof. After petting the bird, one normally has a powdery finger.
Signs that your bird may be sick:
Birds often pretend to be fine when someone is watching nearby (survival instinct), so observe very carefully
Sleeping excessively. Like people, birds who sleep a lot more than usual may be in trouble.
Any sign of blood, is a bad sign. If your bird is bleeding, you need to stop the bleeding immediately, and contact your Vet.
If a normally playful bird doesn't play very much any more, it may well be sick.
There is an island where rabbits rule. They are well fed, free from predators, and spend their time lounging around getting photographed by fawning humans. So where is this bunny paradise? It’s a small island in the Seto Inland Sea called Ōkunoshima, two miles off the coast of the Japanese city of Takehara, in Hiroshima Prefecture. These days, though, it’s most often referred to by its nickname Usagi Jima, which translates to Rabbit Island and is so named for the hundreds of feral rabbits that call it home. It’s a bit of a mystery how all these bunnies ended up on a tiny island whose previous claim to fame (infamy, actually) was as the spot where the Japanese Imperial Army manufactured thousands of tons of poison gas during World War II in a facility so secret the island was removed from all Japanese maps. According to The New York Times, the poison—mustard gas, phosgene and other types—was used against Chinese soldiers and civilians in the 1930s and 40s during the war in China, killing about 80,000 people by some estimates. Some believe the island’s terrible history may hold the key to why rabbits now call it home. Back in 1929, when the army began manufacturing chemical weapons, rabbits were brought to the island and used to test the effectiveness of the poison gas, according to The Guardian. This gave rise to the belief that workers may have released the captive animals onto the island following the war. Most experts disagree with this version of events, though. Ellis Krauss, a professor of Japanese politics at the University of California San Diego, told the website The Dodo in a 2014 interview that the original rabbits were wiped out after the war: “The test rabbits were all euthanized by the Americans when they came to the island during the Occupation… about 200 of the poor things were being [used] in experiments by the Japanese,” said Krauss. So if these rabbits aren’t the descendants of the test bunnies, where did they come from? About eight rabbits may have been released by a group of school kids back in 1971. With no predators to worry about—cats and dogs are banned, as is hunting—these fast-breeding mammals may have multiplied (as they are famous for doing) to their present population of around 1,000 animals. There may be an unfortunate side effect of the newfound popularity of Rabbit Island. According to researchers who spoke with takepart.com, all the visitors feeding the feral bunnies has led to an unsustainable population boom that has destroyed the island’s ecosystem. Similarly, what and when the rabbits are fed is wreaking havoc on their health resulting in only a two-year lifespan. They are often given cabbage, not the best choice for bunnies since it can cause bloat and is low in fiber, something the animals need a lot of to stay healthy. The boom and bust cycle of being fed a ton of food on sunny days during holidays and nothing at all on rainy days when no one comes to visit is compounding the problem since rabbits need a steady amount of food and there is very little vegetation left on the island for them to eat when tourists aren’t around. Here’s some from Rabbit Island— see for yourself:
MGM Resorts defended its safety practices Wednesday after amateur video surfaced showing a lion attacking its trainer inside its habitat at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, as horrified visitors to the hotel looked on. The video shows two trainers along with a lion and a lioness inside the habitat. The trainer was treated and released from the hospital after the incident earlier this month, MGM Resorts spokesman Gordon Absher said in a statement Wednesday. The video shows two trainers along with a lion and a lioness inside the habitat – a popular attraction at the hotel that opened more than 13 years ago. At first, the lions appear relaxed, lying down as the trainers stand nearby. The male lion then shifts his body weight and looks at the trainer nearest to him before the camera turns its focus to the other lion and second trainer. The lions couldn’t hear the noisy crowd outside the sound-proof enclosure. Moments before the attack they appeared calm. The male lion even yawned, and then started glaring at one of the trainers. Another trainer noticed something might be wrong and approached the lion. Then came the attack. Gasps are then heard from onlookers and the video reveals the male lion wrestling with the trainer closest to him. With help from the other trainer, the man gets away, even as the lion appears to continue to stalk him. The lioness may have been trying to stop the attack.
Two trainers are alone with a lion and a lioness inside the habitat.
The lion suddenly attacks the trainer closest to him.
The other trainer tries to stop the lion with help of lioness
He finally escapes from the male lion wrestling Watch video:
As a pet parent you may wish that your feline friends were able to speak in clear English. However, it may be easier for cat parents to try and decipher the various noises their pets make. Cats communicate a variety of messages using body language. Examples include arching their backs as a signal of fear or aggression, and slowly blinking to signal relaxation. A cat that chooses to lie with its stomach and chest exposed conveys trust, and comfort (this is also typical of overweight cats, as it is more comfortable for them); however, a cat may also roll on its side or back to be able to defend itself with all four sets of claws. Usually other signs (like ears and whiskers folded backwards) give an indication of the cat's overall mood. Flattened ears mean that the cat feels threatened, and may attack. A cat with its ears forward and keeping still while focusing on another cat (or other attacker) is being defensive and in a very alert state. Mouth open and no teeth exposed suggests a feeling of playfulness. Meows are typically requests for human attention, as cats rarely meow at one another. According to the pet expert, lower tones of meows mean the cat is requesting something with more fervor. Most people know that a purr means a cat is happy, but this sound should not be confused with a growl, which may indicate that a cat is preparing to attack. Growls are usually followed by hisses, which are also known to be aggressive feline noises. Although, their body language reveals a lot about what they're thinking. They also vocalize with many different sounds. Cats that are confident face forward when looking at other cats or humans, while more timid cats will stand sideways and turn their heads to observe, according to the news source. Did you know that?
Cats vocalize with chirrups, purrs, growls, hisses, and meows
A purr is a sound made by most species of felines. A tonal buzzing can characterize differently between cats. Purring is often understood as signifying happiness; however, cats sometimes purr when they are ill, or during tense, traumatic, or painful moments.
Domestic cats purr at a frequency of 25 to 150 vibrations per second.
A cat with its tail pointing up but puffed out means it wants your attention.
Cat Moods: The Happy Cat You can tell from a cat's tail how happy it is because you've already seen this a million times. A cat will follow you into the kitchen with it's tail pointing straight in the air when it thinks it's getting a treat. The happy cat tail is pointed up like the angry cat tail, except the tail is deliberately dainty. A cat with a big fluffy tail can be misunderstood by other cats that aren't used to it. It may look like it is ready to fight all of the time! The Ambivalent Cat A cat trying to decide if it likes you might keep its tail slightly lower, or curved. The cat is trying to decide if it likes you enough to put its tail straight in the air, or if it should tuck it down as a non-aggressive act of submission. The Angry Cat A cat flicking its tail usually means that the cat is slightly annoyed. It can indicate interest, but you'll be able to tell by its ears. If the cat is actually happy, its ears will be up and alert. Otherwise, big flicking motions show that the cat is annoyed.
Labradors are one of the most loyal of dog breeds, making them quite loveable. But is it possible you love your Lab just a little too much? 1. Do you buy your English Lab puppy at least three toys a day? May be a bit much… 2. If you let your Labrador drink the last of your Australian shiraz, you may love them a wee too much. 3. This guy is in complete control at all times, sometimes rendering his parents useless. 4. Building a resort for Labrador puppies also may be a sign you love these dogs too much. 5. This Labrador’s dad gave him a nicer jersey than even he has! To read more on this story, click here: 14 Signs You Love Your Labrador…Too Much
Rickets is a vitamin D deficiency or otherwise known as calcium, it's rare for cats to get it, but they do. If the kitten has bowed legs that could be a sign. The only thing a vet will do is change the cats diet and possibly add a vitamin supplement, but since cats only need a small amount of vitamin D, it will be small doses. It could have been caused by not the right nutrition, or simply a defect in the cats gene coding. Few people imagine that such a thing as rickets exists among kittens, just the same as with growing children, resulting in deformed spines and crooked legs. This is caused by improper feeding on foods which are not bone forming. The first symptoms are lameness when jumping, and in bad cases the kittens become unable to walk at all, and cry when the spine is touched near the tail. If steps are not taken immediately to effect a cure, the cat has to be destroyed or the spine becomes shortened and a lump forms near the tail on the back, the legs become bowed and enlarged at the joints. Excessive milk and cereal feeding can cause rickets, as the animal becomes too fat and the legs are not strong enough to carry the weight. Very lean meat, free from fat and gristle, with no other diet, will also result in rickets. Kittens bred from old cats are very subject to this disease, and need more than an ordinary diet. To learn more about rickets, please read: Disorders Associated with Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D in Cats
Do you know why animals get rickets? Rickets is a deficiency of vitamin D. They get it from not having enough vitamin D in their diet. It could also be a deficiency in phosphorus, calcium or simply that the animal is not getting enough sunlight. Rickets have the same causes in dogs as they do in humans. Diet is very important to your pet. Try adding Cod Liver Oil to meals daily and make sure your dog gets plenty of sunshine. There are cases where this treatment helped tremendously! If you dog has rickets they must be under a veterinarian's care immediately and receive treatment to prevent permanent bone deformities. For more information on rickets, please read:How to Treat Rickets in Dogs
RENSSELAR, N.Y. (NEWS10) - A local group is calling for a statewide cat licensing law. This comes after a Selkirk man was bitten by a stray cat that tested positive for rabies last week. The group, Responsible Animal Care USA (RAC), without licensing, there is mechanisms to ensure that cats have had the appropriate vaccinations to help prevent the spread of dangerous disease and illness. “By allowing cats to roam-free without proper identification, there is no way to confirm if the animal has been vaccinated, if it is owned, and where it resides, said Robert Strong, RAC president and Bethlehem resident. This only complicates a growing homeless cat problem facing communities around the state and across the country.” RAC says cat licensing could also provide local governments additional revenue to expand services that include cat management. To read more on this story, click here:Local Group Calling for Statewide Cat Licensing Law
Nabisco's parent company redesigned Barnum's Animal Crackers boxes to show the animals roaming free — and not in cages — after pressure from PETA. These cookie critters are tasting freedom. After spending 116 years behind bars, the majestic beasts on boxes of Nabisco Barnum’s Animals Crackers are no longer being depicted in lock-up. Nabisco’s parent company, Mondelez International, redesigned the snack's packaging in response to pressure by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA, which has denounced using animals in circuses, wrote a letter to Mondelez in the spring of 2016 calling for a redesign, according to AP. “Given the egregious cruelty inherent in circuses that use animals and the public’s swelling opposition to the exploitation of animals used for entertainment,” PETA wrote to the food giant, “we urge Nabisco to update its packaging in order to show animals who are free to roam in their natural habitats.” Mondelez agreed and started working on a makeover. Rebooted cookie boxes, which declare “new look, same great taste,” are on U.S. store shelves now. The new boxes have the same lettering and color scheme, but a zebra, elephant, lion, giraffe and gorilla wander side-by-side outside, instead of being confined in circus boxcars. To read more on this story, click here:Nabisco Animal Crackers Boxes Got A Makeover And Now The Animals Are Roaming Free
The call from the train operator came in just before 11 a.m. on Monday to the New York City subway’s command center, an alert unusual even for a system accustomed to morning commutes with delays: There was a breaking situation unfolding on the tracks. Two goats were on the lam.
The white goats with brown heads spent the morning trotting along the N train line in Brooklyn, making their way from the Fort Hamilton Parkway stop toward the 8th Avenue stop, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the subways.
“We’re told they were munching grass,” said Jon Weinstein, a spokesman for the M.T.A. They were tranquilized and captured just before 1 p.m., according to the M.T.A. Fortunately, the portion of the Sea Beach line the pair chose for their ramble has been closed to train traffic for station rehabilitation. They did, however, graze close to an electrified third rail. By 11:30 a.m., subway crews joined by the police had corralled them onto one of the closed tracks, according to the M.T.A. Riders experienced temporary service changes to the southbound N train. Around noon on Monday, the police boarded an empty N train, which ferried officers down the track to retrieve the wayward herbivores.
Where the goats came from is unclear, though there are a number of slaughterhouses in the area where they were found. Other animals, like cows, have absconded from slaughterhouses in the area in the past. “They do not have names as far as we know,” Mr. Weinstein said. They might by now. Jon Stewart, the comedian, and his wife, Tracey, picked up the goats in Brooklyn and transported them part of the way to Farm Sanctuary’s shelter in Watkins Glen, N.Y., a spokeswoman said. “There, they will receive medical examinations and the world-class, individualized care,” Farm Sanctuary’s spokeswoman, Meredith Turner-Smith, said in a statement. Both goats are male, and are of the Boer breed, which is commonly raised for its meat, Ms. Turner-Smith said. Mr. Stewart, the former host of “The Daily Show,” and his wife have been supporters of the shelter since 2015, when they opened Farm Sanctuary’s fourth location at their farm in New Jersey. Tracey Stewart is also on the board of directors of the farm animal protection organization that operates shelters in New York and California.
Houston, Texas - In the 800 block of Azalea in the Garden Oaks neighborhood, you'll often spot two Yorkies, a cat and a neighbor who everyone seems to know. "He's a pretty laid back guy, very friendly," Mark Klein said. "From day one he has been an amazing neighbor and he is an amazing neighbor," Tina Sabuco said. Charlie George moved into the neighborhood more than a decade ago. He often strolls the street with his two dogs and cat. "I try to walk the dogs every morning and every evening," Charlie said. But lately his neighbors have noticed he is having a hard time during his walks, a set back due to leukemia. Charlie was diagnosed three years ago. "So we thought it would be nice if there were chairs for him to rest along the way," Sabuco said. Sabuco helped effort "Chairs for Charlie." There are now lawn chairs in front of more than a dozen homes, with a sign that reads, "Chairs for Charlie. Or for others in need of a rest." "Ours is a very cozy chair and it rocks a little bit, so if he ever wants a rocking experience, he can sit in our chair," Georgia Lister said. The chairs come in all shapes, sizes and colors. The chair in Klein's front lawn is blue. "Well that's his favorite color, so we got a blue chair for Charlie," Klein said. Charlie found the chairs during one of his walks this week, after returning from the hospital. "It made it real for me that people really care about me and they're looking out for me," Charlie said. They're also looking out for his wife, Sandra, who often accompanies him on the walks. One front lawn has two yellow chairs, one for Charlie and one for Sandra. "It's incredible, the support," Sandra said. "I think it's really important when you're going through something like this that you feel the love." It's a street full of good neighbors, giving Charlie the strength to keep going. "I intend to walk to the end, God willing," Charlie said.
We can learn a lot from dogs with disabilities! They can enjoy life to the fullest with just a little help from us. Every dog is a challenge, but also a learning experience, but most of all, a disabled dog is a joy. They appreciate everything life has to offer and never say "why me?" Just as you need companionship, dogs on wheels also need to know that you are there for them, remember they love you very much and shine in your praise and attention. Show you care by getting your dog a wheelchair. Train your dog to use the wheelchair by providing encouragement and praise. Take your dog to meet other dogs on wheels and pets around the neighborhood for playtime. Adoption The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), Washington, DC, frequently takes in animals who may have a harder time finding new homes. This may be because of ongoing medical problems. Or it may simply be due to an animal’s advanced age. It is our conviction that these animals are equally deserving of a good home, and that they have as much love and companionship to give as any animal. Products for dogs with disabilities Today it is possible to find help for any kind of special needs a dog may have. There are products available to make life better for your four-legged friend. For physical disabilities you can find wheelchairs, lifts, ramps, boots, orthotics, and the list goes on. You can buy a helmet for your pooch and take him for massage or acupuncture. If your dog suffers from a long term illness like diabetes or heart problems, there are many medications that can prolong the quality of life for your best friend. Social Interaction One of the most difficult things to judge with a disabled dog is how much social interaction do they need? Are they getting enough? Too much? One thing I've noticed is that because dogs don't realize they are disabled, they will try and do everything they once did - even if they can't which may lead to frustration. The obvious solution is to find a way that your disabled dog can socialize with other dogs (if he feels comfortable doing that). If you have other dogs in your household, don't isolate him. He will enjoy their company. On the other hand you may need to protect him from "the pack". A pack senses the disabled dog is not 100% and may decide to finish him off. It's important you watch for clues and are aware because the disabled dog cannot defend himself should the pack attack. Only you will know the fine balance of your pack and what will work best. Disabled dogs would love the company of others and particularly their owners. Ideally you want his "space" to be near the busiest areas of the house (unless he is recouperating from surgery or some other temporary disability that requires quiet and rest). A disabled dog will enjoy watching the comings and goings, love the attention, and will do much better than a dog isolated in a spare bedroom with no interaction. Even dogs that can't get around in wheelchairs enjoy toys and your loving attention.
What is a hairball? A hairball is a small collection of hair or fur formed in the stomach of animals that is occasionally vomited up when it becomes too big. Hairballs are primarily a tight elongated cylinder of packed fur, but may include bits of other elements such as swallowed food. Cats are especially prone to hairball formation since they groom themselves by licking their fur, and thereby ingest it. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, that during a cat’s daily grooming regimen, they may inadvertently swallow loose hair, which generally passes through the digestive system into the cat’s stool. Some hair can remain, however, and collect in the stomach or small intestine, causing the cat to hack, gag or retch until he vomits the offending detritus. How to Recognize Hairball Problems:
Cylindrical (cigar-shaped) masses on the floor or furniture.
Constipation, or hard stools with hair showing.
Dry, matted coat
Frequent dry coughing or hacking, particularly after meals
Lack of interest in eating.
Depression or lethargy.
Why Don’t Dogs get Hairballs? Unlike cats, dogs are not particularly fastidious when it comes to cleaning themselves. Dogs can tolerate being dirty, stinky, and messy. Cats, on the other hand, groom excessively and don’t require baths. They have a naturally barbed tongue that grabs shedding hair. Because dogs don’t groom, they don’t develop hairballs The number one way to avoid hairballs on the floor and in your cat is brushing!
