What is an Insulinoma? Tumors of the pancreas (insulinoma) can cause excess secretion of insulin, thus lowering the blood glucose (sugar) level to a point that a ferret can become ill. Unfortunately, this is a relatively common problem in middle aged and older ferrets. Symptoms Some ferrets do not show any symptoms while others exhibit lethargy and weakness. There might be a decrease in appetite and weight loss. These symptoms might even come and go over a period of months. Some ferrets will have increased salivation and even a glazed appearance to the eyes, and might even collapse or have seizures. Diagnosis Some ferrets are diagnosed as having an insulinoma when an abdominal surgery is being performed for other reasons (adrenal gland disease, spay, liver disease ). This is especially true for the ferrets that are not showing any symptoms of this disease. For those ferrets that are symptomatic of insulinoma, the diagnosis is made based on history, examination findings, and diagnostic tests.
We all know how our cats have their own funny and quirky personalities. Some cats pounce more than others, while other cats jump in boxes. And, then, some cats have to paw their water and stir it all around before they even drink it! Why, in fact, do our cats’ paw at their water bowl? Cats will sometimes paw at the water bowl to check the water levels Your cat may use her paw to find where the water is in the bowl. The close up vision of cats is much weaker than their long distance vision so when he or she is right in front of the water dish, she might not see the water level. Therefore, by checking where the water starts and moving it will cause the water to ripple and splash. Once your kitty is satisfied where the water is, then he or she will commence. Cats just want to have fun! Cats like to play. Moving the water with a paw may be one way a kitty keeps herself entertained. If your cat likes to do this, you might think of investing in a pet water fountain. That way, you can keep your cat entertained and you won’t have to clean up all the water on the kitchen floor! Your cat might be expecting moving water If your cat regularly drinks from the sink, then he or she will expect water to move. So when water is still in a dish, it can be unsettling for you kitty who then feels the need to give it a whack or a push. To read more on this story, click here:Why Do Cats Paw At Their Water Bowl?
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Why it is so important to treat each animal as an individual. How Ethology Can Help Improve End of Life Care for Animal Patients: Part 1 in a 3 Part Series Pain is arguably the most important clinical and ethical issue in end of life care for companion animals. Research suggests that many companion animals—perhaps numbering in the millions—are not being treated for pain or are being treated inadequately. [i] A significant portion of missed diagnoses, misdiagnoses, undertreatment, and overtreatment likely can be tied to incorrect behavioral assessments, particularly on the part of pet owners but also, perhaps, on the part of veterinarians. Pain is a quintessentially personal experience. Indeed, the most common medical definition of pain is “what the person says it is.” A large body of research has explored how the experience and expression of pain can be influenced by gender, age, past experiences, and cognitive priming. Even individual personality can influence how people experience and express pain. For example, people who rate high on “extraversion” are more likely to express their experience of pain yet may, at the same time, experience pain less intensely than introverted individuals. People who score high on “neuroticism” have higher emotional stress responses to pain than those who score low. [ii] A similar dynamic appears to be at work in nonhuman animals, with individual personality shaping the experience and expression of pain. (Personality can be understood as individual differences in behavior that remain stable over time.) This has important implications for the assessment and effective treatment of animal pain. To read more on this story, click here:Personality and Pain in Animal End of Life Care
House Rabbit Society is an international, nonprofit animal welfare organization based in Richmond, California. Our mission has two parts: Through our fostering program, volunteers rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent adoptive homes for them. Through education, we seek to reduce the number of unwanted rabbits — and to improve bunnies’ lives — by helping people better understand these often misunderstood companion animals. In line with our mission, we are against the exploitation of rabbits. To visit their website, click here:Thinking About Getting A Pet Rabbit?
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Cat hair loss can be caused by medical or behavioral issues.
There are different causes of hair loss in cats, some are quite normal, while
others can indicate an illness that requires medical attention. Hair loss in
cats is also known as "Alopecia," which means excessive loss of hair.
Alopecia is not a disease, but a symptom.
Cats normally shed, with more hair loss during warm spring
and early summer months. Although, excessive amounts of cat hair loss is not
normal and can indicate some type of underlying disease.
Most Common Causes Of Cat Hair Loss:
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Cats may experience flea bite hypersensitivity, which is
caused by an intensive reaction to the saliva of the flea. They will go to any
lengths to reach the agitated skin, including biting off hair in the bothersome
areas. Common symptoms include extreme itching, redness, scaling, and hair
loss. In some cases, the infected area can become infected, which will require
more intensive treatment.
Atopy:
Some cats are also allergic to pollens and allergens like
dust, mold, smoke and tree pollen. This causes redness and itching around the
ears and feet. The cat will excessively lick and bite the skin which eventually
leads to hair loss. Initial treatment include reducing the exposure to the
allergen, steroids, anti-histamines and special shampoos. Your vet may also
prescribe medication to temporarily relieve the worst of the itching. In most
cases, the fur will grow back.
Poor Nutrition May Cause Cat Hair Loss:
Hair loss due to poor nutrition often affects the whole cat,
although it may affect areas that are easily worn and over the back and hips
where hair follicles have shorter growth cycles and longer inactive periods.
For a healthy hair, it is important that your cat food
contain nutrients that support healthy hair and skin, such as: vitamins,
minerals, antioxidants, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Remember, poor
nutrition will make your cat's hair dull, loosen, and it will fall out.
Food Allergy Dermatitis:
Another cause of cat hair loss is food allergy. Common food
allergies are caused by grains (wheat, corn, soy), meats and fish (beef, lamb,
pork, salmon), milk and yeast. In addition to hair loss, cats may also show
other symptoms such as: reddened ears, excessive licking on the feet, itching
and blistering and infection in certain areas. By feeding your cats with
nutritious and balanced diet they will live a long and healthy life.
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine (hormone)
disorder that cats experience, which will cause hair loss, weight loss, and
skin lesions. This disorder is diagnosed with a blood thyroid level check, and
it can be easily controlled with medication or radioactive iodine therapy.
Ringworm:
Ringworm can also cause cat hair loss. Cats can contract
ringworm directly through contact with an infected animal, or indirectly
through contact with contaminated bedding, dishes, toys and other materials.
Your veterinarian can perform tests and determine if your cat has been infected
by this fungi. In cats and dogs, common symptoms of ringworm in include skin
lesions that typically appear on the head, ears and forelimbs. Ringworm can
cause flaky bald patches that sometimes look red in the center.
Psychogenic Dermatitis:
Psychogenic dermatitis, also called feline psychogenic
alopecia, occurs when a cat licks himself excessively, due to anxiety, stress,
fear, or boredom. The excessive liking can cause cat hair loss, skin
irritation, and open sores.
Be sure to identify and address the stress factor or factors
that is causing your cat to experience psychogenic dermatitis. If your cat
developed open sores, your veterinarian can prescribe oral or via injection
medications that are designed to stop your cat from licking. In addition to
medications, you can also use bandages or obstructing collars. Remember, to
prevent this issue, be sure to identify and remediate any and all environmental
factors that is causing stress to your cat.
How is the cause of cat hair loss diagnosed?
If you notice your cat losing its fur and you believe it is
more than usual, it is best to take your cat to the vet to get a diagnosis for
the loss of hair. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical
examination and pay take a closer look to the area. He will ask you questions,
such as: if the cat has been scratching, itching, how long it has had symptoms,
if it has recently had any medication (topical flea/worming products, injection
etc).
Other diagnostic tests include:
Fungus culture - To look for ringworm.
Food elimination trial - Your veterinarian will place your
cat on a food trial which usually lasts between 8-12 weeks. During this time,
you must refrain from giving your cat any other foods, vitamins, minerals or
chewable medications apart from the prescribed diet.
Specific blood tests to check for hyperthyroidism.
Specific blood tests to check for Cushing's disease.
Skin scrapings - These are studied under a microscope to
look for mites.
Once a diagnosis is made, the vet will be able to prescribe
the necessary medication to prevent further loss of hair.
Please note, this is purely informational, the best
source of advice and treatment regarding cat's hair loss, is your veterinarian.
As an animal lover, I’m appalled by a dark secret that is being kept for lucrative reasons. Unwanted horses are being imported, by the thousands, in a cruel fashion, loaded in cramped crates then flown across the ocean to Japan. Week by week, the horses are loaded from Edmonton and Calgary airports in Alberta and the Winnipeg airport in Manitoba. Japan imported 6.5 million pounds of horsemeat in 2016. The horses are being used for one specific purpose, a sushi dish called basashi. “The meat needs to be consumed within three days after being slaughtered in order to be eaten as sushi,” Ewa Demianowicz, campaign manager for Humane Society International, told The Dodo. Horses are also used for their oil that is put in beauty products and sold all over Japan and South Korea. To read more on this story, click here: A Disgusting Practice Is Killing Horses By The Thousands And No One Is Talking About It
Over the weekend, Dallas Police found itself dealing with one of its stranger cases in recent memory, when a 47-year-old woman fatally shot her husband in defense of the family cat. The scene unfolded on Saturday morning, but confessed-shooter-and-sole-survivor, Mary Harrison, says that incident stems from her deceased husband’s repeated abuse of a beloved family pet. The victim, Dexter Harrison, allegedly beat the poor animal repeatedly, so much so that it finally ran away. Worried sick, Mary plastered their Dallas neighborhood with “missing pet” pictures, and a well-meaning neighbor ultimately located the animal. Unfortunately, Dexter resumed his abuse as soon as the cat was returned home, which led his frustrated wife to finally shoot him in an effort to stop the abuse. Nor is this the first cat-related shooting that’s happened in Texas. In 2013, a different woman shot her husband for threatening to throw her cat over the fence. To read more on this story, click here:In Texas, A Woman Just Shot Her Husband For Beating The Family Cat
The internet was riveted by a video of a wolf chasing a dog through the woods that was taken by the dog's owner. The footage was shot in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. First, the dog is barking at something in the background. A huge wolf then leaps toward the dog who begins barking more frantically. The owner can be heard in the video shouting at the two. The owner is a fishing guide at the place where the video was shot, and he said they are used to having black bears come around from time to time. This giant black wolf that turned up for several days was a surprise. The man said he was inside with the lodge manager when they saw the wolf. He grabbed his camera while the manager grabbed a gun. The wolf actually caught up with the dog and threw her in the air, and the lodge manager had to fire into the air to make it stop. The dog had some minor injuries but recovered. The wolf returned two more times that day looking for the dog. Some of the many viewers of the video estimated the wolf must have been about seven feet long.
This dog’s owners could not stop laughing when they went to check in on him during his “work hours.” He was suppose to be guarding the sheep, but he had other ideas! Many dogs perform important jobs. Some sniff out bombs while others guide the blind. Dogs are invaluable when it comes to many things humans depend on. This dog takes his position very seriously. He is doing a great job when it comes to bonding with the staff. In fact, his bonding skills are so strong, his employee relationships have reached a whole new level. I think he would ACE those employee trust exercises “fur” sure! This hilarious encounter takes place in Italy where herds of sheep are guarded by all types of dogs. Even this type! Click twice on the video below:
(CNN) Robins, cedar waxwings and other birds in Gilbert, Minnesota, are flying into windshields, bumping into trees and looking mighty disoriented. Police there say there's no need to worry -- the birds are just a little drunk. "It appears some birds are getting a little more 'tipsy' than normal," Gilbert Police Chief Ty Techar wrote this week in a Facebook post. No, the town's birds aren't downing worm-flavored margaritas. Techar believes their confused state is the result of eating berries that have fermented earlier than usual due to an early frost. "Many birds have not migrated south, so it appears to be more prevalent than in past years," he said. "Younger birds' livers cannot handle the toxins as efficiently as more mature birds." Is this true? Are the birds really drunk? Yes, said Anna Pidgeon, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin's Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, who notes it's not a rare phenomenon. "It's more typical in late winter, early spring when berries that have been on branches ferment due to the yeast that's on them," she said. Robins and cedar waxwings rely primarily on fruit and are more susceptible to "getting drunk," said Pidgeon. (Yes, that's really her name.) Getting intoxicated can be quite dangerous for them, she said. To read more on this story, click here:Birds In Minnesota Keep Crashing Into Things and Police Think It's Because They're Drunk
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Ferrets are fun, cute and interactive animals, often
described as perpetual kittens. But to be a responsible owner you should first
decide if they really are the right pet for you.
Find out if ferrets are legal
where you live. Just because the pet store sells them doesn't mean that they
are legal to own in your area. They are currently illegal to own in Hawaii,
California, and New York City, just to name a few.
Learn what ferret
personalities are like. The word 'ferret' means 'little thief' in Latin. This
is an omen to you of things to come. They enjoy selecting household items; not
all of which belong to them; and hiding them in bizarre places. It may be your
slipper, your keys, your computer mouse, your wallet, or rolled up socks. Giving
them their own ferret-safe toys may help but will probably not completely
eliminate this behavior. Ferrets are very playful and inquisitive critters when
they're awake and need supervision to keep from getting into and/or eating
things they shouldn't.
Decide if you will be able to
let your ferret out of his cage for at least three hours a day. Ferrets can
sleep up to twenty hours a day, but they need to be out of their cage for
exercise regularly. They are not like hamsters or gerbils, they're a lot more
like little dogs or cats and can become depressed and ill if they don't get
out-of-cage time.
Decide if you can afford the
expense of owning a ferret. Between the cage, accessories, food, treats, toys,
litter, etc. your ferret could cost a huge chunk of change. Make a list of all
the things you will need to buy and add up the total cost. If all you do is buy
a cage, litter, and food you may be surprised with all of the other things you
end up needing to keep your ferret happy and healthy. Initial costs of a single
ferret can be up to $275. Similar to cats and dogs, they require regular flea
treatment, grooming, vaccinations, and a toy or two.
Find out if your house or
apartment is ferret safe or if you can ferret-proof your home. Ferrets can get
into surprising areas. They have insatiable curiosity and will not cease
seeking new places to wriggle into. Go on your hands and knees and look for
holes in the walls, in the closets, behind your refrigerator, under your
cabinets, under your furniture, and anywhere there might be a hidden opening
for your ferret to crawl into. The two most common areas are inside the box
spring under beds and inside furniture from underneath. Putting a sheet on the
bottom of a box spring fixes the bed problem and you can cut a sheet to fit the
bottom of furniture and staple it on, or you can take the feet off of furniture
so its resting on the ground. If you have a recliner, the safest thing to do is
get rid of it. There is no way to ferret proof a recliner and your ferret can
get caught in the gears and be squished when someone reclines not knowing he's in
there. When you bring your ferret home watch him carefully. He will show you
all the places you missed.
Decide if your current pets
and children are compatible with a ferret. Most dogs and cats will get along
well with ferrets. It is like bringing home another small dog or cat to them.
If your dog has a high prey instinct, (e.g. chases cats or squirrels) getting a
ferret may not be a good idea. Your ferret will not be friends with hamsters,
mice, gerbils, rats, rabbits, or any other small rodent. Your ferret will
probably see these creatures and think how nice their new owners are for
providing a good dinner. Birds and ferrets are also not a good mix and should
not be kept in the same house. Children under twelve should always be
supervised with a ferret to make sure it is handled properly.
Know that ferrets are only
'sort of' litter box trainable. In his cage a ferret will generally only 'go'
in one corner. This is where you place his litter box. But ferrets also have a
strong instinct to spread their scent over their territory, so they may have
'accidents' in other rooms of the house. Also, if a ferret is busy playing in
one area of the house and needs to go, he will likely just shrug his shoulders
and go in the nearest corner rather than trekking to his litter box and
interrupting his playtime. Many ferret owners place multiple litter boxes
around their home. Small corner litter boxes can be purchased and placed but
realize that to even start to train the ferret it must be watched AT ALL TIMES.
Decide if you have the
patience to deal with a ferret. Between stealing your socks, underwear, and
keys; eating your hamster; needing a litter box in every room and displaying
unending energy it's understandable that a ferret owner needs to be endowed
with a bit of patience. If you found your ferret in the bathroom shredding
every roll of toilet paper you own would you be more likely to say "Aww,
how cute! He destroyed my bathroom!" or would you say "DIE FUR
BALL!!!" Ferrets are delicate creatures and only live 5 to 10 years. If
you buy a ferret, consider it a commitment. And if you aren't prepared for
ferret ownership that is not the ferret's fault.
Research local ferret rescues
and shelters. Consider adopting from a shelter rather than buying from a pet
store. Most shelter ferrets are healthy, very loving, and have a head start on
potty training.
Go to your nearest pet store.
In the US, most pet stores are supplied with ferrets from a large-scale breeder
in New York called Marshall. If your pet store does not receive their ferrets
from there, inquire who the breeder is. For ferrets from Marshall, there will
be a tattoo of two dots on the right ear meaning the ferret is de-scented and
fixed. If there is no tattoo, you MUST ask if the ferret is de-scented AND
fixed. Unless you are breeding, you NEVER want a whole ferret. Females will die
if not bred properly and immediately with care. Males will be EXTREMELY
aggressive and smell TERRIBLE. This is not a cat or dog, it MUST be fixed. If
the ferret is not fixed and you cannot "afford" to have it fixed, you
probably cannot afford to own the ferret.
Enjoy your new companion.
Average life expectancy of a ferret is 8-11 years (about that of a cat). Always
be sure to keep roughly $500 in savings specifically for ferret vet
emergencies. Ferrets as they age can develop malignant tumors that must be
treated immediately. They can also develop adrenal gland problems which causes
hair loss and eventual death.
You may be interested in
reading some of my other posts on Ferrets:
Ear mites are tiny, crab-like parasites that invade the
outer ears and ear canals of cats. There are many different types, but the most
common is Otodectes Cynotis, which is found in approximately 90 percent of all
feline ear mite infestations.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's possible
that your cat may have ear mites. A trip to the vet will be necessary to
confirm the diagnosis. If untreated, an ear mite infestation can become severe
and lead to partial or complete hearing loss for your cat. Ear mites are also
terribly uncomfortable for your cat. The sooner you can get this situation
treated, the happier and healthier your cat will be.
Signs that Your Cat May Have Ear Mites:
Excessive scratching of the ears
Fresh or dried blood inside of the ear canal which may
resemble coffee grounds. Small white dots might also be noticed: these are the
actual mites. Excessive shaking of the head
Dizziness and loss of balance
A lopsided appearance with your cat favoring one ear
Flattened ears and/or unpleasant odor
What does a cat ear mite infection look like? In this case
a picture really is worth a thousand words. Look for these things:
Ear mites on cats are not just found in the ears. This
parasite can travel all over the cat's body. Ear mites think other species are
tasty too, and they are very contagious. Without treatment, your cat's ear mite
infestation can spread to the family dog, rabbit or hamsters. All family pets
have to be treated if mites are found on just one animal. That's just one more
reason why a trip to your local veterinarian or pet health care clinic should
be scheduled if you suspect ear mites. Parasites are just one cause of cat
otitis (inflammation of the ear). Other causes include allergies, endocrine
diseases and tumors. Only a trip to the vet will provide you with a proper
diagnosis.
Two-Step Treatments For Ear Mites:
First you must treat the ears. Clean your cat's ears, then
apply ear mite drops to the ear canal for seven days. Ear mite medications are
safe and can even be applied to kittens. Your vet will probably begin the
treatment after diagnosis and then have you continue applying the drops from
home over the next week.
Because mites can be located outside the ear area, the
entire body of the cat should also be treated. The cat must be bathed with a
pyrethrin (anti-parasite) shampoo. These products are available everywhere -
pet stores, supermarkets or from your animal health care provider.
One of the most effective treatments for ear mites in your
cat is prevention. A monthly topical dose of Revolution (applied to the skin)
prevents an ear mite infestation from ever happening. In addition, Revolution
protects against fleas, hookworm, roundworm, and the extremely serious and
deadly heartworm. The only infestation is does not prevent is
"ringworm," which is a fungus and not actually a worm. There are
other medications to treat this syndrome in cats. Another product that protects
against ear mites is Advantage Multi. It is also applied on a monthly basis,
directly to your pet's skin.
Fast Facts About Feline Ear Mites:
Ear mites are extremely tiny and not always visible to the
naked eye, so a vet will have to examine your cat's ears with a special instrument
known as an otoscope to confirm their presence.
A secondary infection can result if the ear mite
infestation is not treated. The sooner you bring your cat to the vet, the
better. Your family pet health provider will check the cat's ears and may examine
the discharge from the ears under a microscope.
Other animals can catch ear mites from a cat, but humans
cannot.
The ear mite life cycle from eggs to adult takes about 21
days. From the time your cat becomes infected to the time the ear mites reach
maturity, your kitty might be infested with hundreds or thousands of mites. A
quick visit to the vet and prompt treatment is the best solution.
A Chinese businessman purchased a Tibetan mastiff for $1.9 million in 2014. Similarly, in 2011, a red Tibetan mastiff by the name of “Big Splash” sold for a reported $1.5 million. Red Tibetan mastiffs are among the rarest and most expensive dogs in the world. The unconditional love you receive from man’s best friend is priceless. But you’ll likely have to pony up some cash if you want a dog in your life permanently, and if you’re purchasing one from a reputable breeder, that initial fee can be substantial. No matter how much your furry friend costs, though, you probably won’t pay as much as one wealthy Chinese businessman, who coughed up nearly $2 million for a Tibetan mastiff at a “luxury pet” fair in 2014, according to the Qianjiang Evening News. The price likely made the pup the most expensive one ever sold at the time. Tibetan mastiffs are a notoriously pricey breed. In 2011, one 11-month-old red mastiff by the name of “Big Splash” reportedly sold for 10 million yuan, or $1.5 million. Another one was sold for $600,000 to a Chinese woman in 2009. To read more on this story, click here:This Dog Breed Has Sold for Over a Million Dollars Multiple Times
1. Not Reading Up on Different Dog Breeds The most common mistake future dog owners make, according to Gina Spadafori, pet columnist and executive editor of PetConnection.com, is not doing enough research before heading to the breeder or shelter. "People end up with a pet that is inappropriate for their home, their living situation and their lifestyle," says Spadafori. "Dogs come in such a huge range of sizes, temperaments and exercise needs." Before you buy or adopt, consider your space, children, other pets and any allergies. If you have a particular breed in mind, pay attention to genetic traits. "Know what genetic diseases are possible in the breed or the mix of breeds you're getting," Spadafori says. "And do not get a dog from a breeder who did not do the genetic testing." To find out what tests each breed needs, visit CanineHealthInfo.org. 2. Assuming a Puppy Is Always Better Than a Dog Puppies are extremely needy, requiring ample amounts of time, attention, training and more. "When people think about puppies, they don't think about how much time and money is involved in that first year," Spadafori says. "If your real goal is to get a good dog, then pick one that is 1 or 2 years old." A number of breeders train dogs for shows, and if those dogs don't make the cut for whatever reason, the breeder will be looking to place that dog, who is already trained and socialized in a good home. Great dogs are also available at animal shelters. "It’s a mistake to think the older dog won't bond with you," Spadafori says. "The best dog I ever had I got at 2 years old. Rescue dogs know when they've found their forever home." 3. Not Making Exercise a Priority Dogs are physical animals, and need daily exercise for optimal health, which means their owners need to make time for that as well. "Dogs had a working role in the past. They herded cattle, they guarded stuff, they retrieved stuff…now they're born retired," says Marty Becker, DVM, author of Your Dog: The Owner's Manual. He recommends brisk walks, playing fetch with tennis balls and, for larger breeds such as golden retrievers, a Chuckit Ball Launcher. "A basic rule of thumb is that all dogs should receive at least 45 to 60 total minutes per day of physical exercise and 15 minutes of behavioral training to be happy, well-adjusted canines," says Michael Landa, CEO of Natural Pet Food brand Nulo. "And this is really just a starting point. The actual amount can vary greatly depending on the dog's age, breed and health status." 4. Not Reading Pet Food Labels While many people pick their dog food based on price, there are several other important factors to consider, particularly nutrition. "Pet food can have a huge effect on how your pet feels, which can translate into how your pet behaves," Landa says. The key is understanding the ingredient list. "The first two ingredients should be meat and meat meals. Dogs are carnivores. They really need high-meat diets, and that's the only way to guarantee you'll have a high amount of protein," Landa says, recommending brands such as Nulo, Wellness and Castor & Pollux. 5. Doling Out Too Many Treats Obesity is a huge problem with dogs, especially in the United States. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. "Everybody gives treats; veterinary nutritionists give their pets treats," Dr. Becker says. However, he cautions that treats have their place, and should be used sparingly. Instead of special snacks, Dr. Becker recommends taking their regular food and giving it to them away from the bowl, which turns it into a treat. Or just give your pet more words of encouragement or "emotional Milk-Bones," as Dr. Becker calls them, such as: "You're a good boy," "That's a good girl!" “They go crazy, their tails wag and there are no empty calories." Whatever approach you take, Dr. Becker advises that treats should never account for more than 10 percent of your dog's daily caloric intake. 6. Babying Your Dog Too Much Dressing them up, talking baby talk and sleeping with your dog may sound like good ways to show love, but that’s not always the case. "It may be good for us, but it is not the best thing for your dog," Landa says. "People think it's really cute to have their dog sleep with them in bed, but dogs are pack animals, so if you're letting your dog into the bed without permission, your dog begins to think of itself as on par with the pack master." This makes it harder to enforce rules and control bad behavior. "You're telling him on the one hand that he's equal to you, and on the other that he's not, so it can create anxiety," he says. Boundaries and rules make dogs happier because they know exactly where they fit in. If you do want to sleep with your dog, Landa recommends only letting him on the bed when you invite him, so that there is a clear division of authority. 7. Washing Your Dog Only When Dirty Bathing your dog can be cumbersome, but it’s essential for his or her health. Veterinary dermatologists recommend bathing your dog once a week to get rid of spores, dust, dust mites and even MRSA, the highly resistant staph virus. "Most of the time humans give MRSA to pets, and pets act as a reservoir and ping-pong it back and forth. A new study showed that bathing was more effective for getting rid of it than using antibiotic treatments," Dr. Becker says. Plus, a clean coat makes for an even more huggable dog. 8. Not Brushing Their Teeth Sometimes you don't even want to brush your own teeth, let alone your dog's. But according to Dr. Becker, this is one of the biggest problems in canine health. "The number-one thing we diagnose is periodontal disease,” he says. “So if you do daily oral care, or even a few times weekly, you'll be saving yourself money in the end." Brushing every day is the gold standard. But if you can't, there are alternatives, such as a dental vaccine against periodontal disease, as well as oral health products, like the C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit and C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews. "Dog's teeth are not only used for chewing, they are their front hands, that's how they pick up something and carry it," says Dr. Becker. More important, they need their teeth to regulate their body temperature. "If those teeth aren't in place, they can't pant, and if they can't pant, they can't regulate heat 9. Passing on Parasite Control Parasite control isn’t a pleasant topic, but it’s a necessary one. Year-round coverage is essential; to prevent parasites, get a veterinary checkup every six to 12 months, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's guidelines. Ask your veterinarian what parasites your dog is at risk for, it will depend on your pet's lifestyle, location and anything that's going around the neighborhood. In addition, have a heartworm test performed annually, and a fecal examination at least twice a year to make sure your pet’s system is clear. 10. Being Unprepared for Serious Illness Understanding your dog’s breed and its healthcare needs is important, but it’s especially important when it comes to recognizing the symptoms of serious illness. "Have a basic list of symptoms handy," recommends Spadafori. "Knowing what is and isn't an emergency will save your dog's life and save you a lot of money." And if your pet is sick, don’t waste time trying to help him yourself. "If you are worried your dog is critically ill, you need to get hold of a vet. You cannot go online and get a diagnosis or a cure," she says. "People think they're saving money by not going to the vet, but then you're going to end up with a very sick dog and spend a lot more money." Before an emergency arises, inform yourself by researching your dog at DoggedHealth.com or at Animal.Discovery.com.
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