Pet Care Articles
With the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, Pet Poison Helpline has encountered a sharp uptick in calls concerning cases of nicotine poisoning in pets that ingested e-cigarettes or liquid nicotine refill solution.
Nicotine poses a serious threat of poisoning to dogs and cats and e-cigarettes back a powerful punch. The problem is that many pet owners don’t realize it.
Over the past six months, Pet Poison Helpline cases have more than doubled, indicating that along with their increased popularity, the nicotine-delivering devices are becoming a more significant threat to pets.
While dogs account for the majority of cases, nicotine in e-cigarettes and liquid refill solution is toxic to cats as well.
Nicotine poisoning in pets has a rapid onset of symptoms – generally within 15 to 60 minutes following ingestion. Symptoms for dogs and cats include vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, elevations in heart rate and respiration rate, ... Read more...
Think you know your pet‘s every unspoken wish? Think again. Your pet is unlikely to be capable of communicating her wants and needs in ways you might assume she would. Even those of you most in touch with your pets‘ feelings are likely missing a few cues here and there.
What Pets Keep Mum About
1. I hurt. Pain is probably the No. 1 thing your pet won’t communicate directly. Sure, she may limp, chew funny or shake her head, but whining, crying and carrying on (like we humans would) isn’t her MO. Slowing down, taking the stairs more tentatively, being reluctant to jump and struggling to rise are more than likely signs of true pain — not just “old age.”
2. I‘m scared. When pets get aggressive, owners often assume their pets are acting out because they’re being dominant, angry or just plain bratty. But the truth is often much simpler: They may be just plain scared. And fear must be dealt with differently — far ... Read more...
Story by Deborah Lucas
If your cat or dog has really bad breath that doesn't go away, it's a red flag that gum disease, and/or something more serious, could have set in.
That funky smell is caused by bacteria in your pet's mouth, lungs, gastrointestinal tract or internal organs. A trip to your veterinarian to find the cause will likely start with an examination of your pet's teeth and gums.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the most common disease in pet dogs and cats, according to the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Pets that don't receive good oral care from their owners usually start showing signs of gum disease around age 5. Soft dental plaque forms on the hard dental tartar on the surface of the teeth, just as it does in humans. Bacteria thrive in the plaque, irritating the gums.
Before you know it, your pet can have an infection that can spread far beyond its mouth.
"Bacteria can get into the ... Read more...
In recent years, pet owners have been tempted—perhaps guilted—into treating their beloved dogs and cats to products and services that run the gamut from $350 doggie strollers to pet tattoos, luxury doghouses , and gourmet pet cuisine. And how can anyone forget about the fitness-tracking dog collar and the Grumpy Cat-endorsed line of bottled coffee? (The latter was created for human consumption, natch.)
At some point, it would seem like pet marketers simply must run out of every dog-gone idea under the sun. But based on American pet spending—a total of $56 billion last year, and forecasts call for $60 billion in 2014—for entrepreneurial players in the pet economy, the best time to roll out new pet-related products and services is always right meow. Here, in celebration of National Dog Day on Tuesday, are some of the latest options to trot onto the scene.
Personal Trainers for Dogs
Crain’s New York recently reported on some of ... Read more...
By Lauren Swan
Going to the veterinarian's office is never a pleasant experience if your cat is ill — particularly if you are on a budget. Often, it is $50 or more just to walk in the door, and a BCB (blood test) is another $50-$200. Basic costs generally include vaccine boosters, a heartworm test and a fecal exam — which is about $100 total, not counting the office call fee.
For pet owners, this can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are a recent college graduate or still paying student loans. Then there is always the "what if" scenario, where you might wind up in the ER with your pet. One night in the pet hospital, on average, will run you $600-$700.
So what should you do? Anyone with a pet understands that you can't just leave them to suffer. They have to be taken care of, but how on earth can you plan for an emergency situations? Two words: pet insurance.
Pet insurance has become a common practice in Europe, and it ... Read more...
More than 70 percent of apartment renters reported owning pets, with cats and dogs as the most popular types, according to a survey.
Despite the high pet ownership numbers, the survey by Apartments.com found that it may still be hard for renters to find a pet-friendly apartment.
Nearly two-thirds of pet-owners in 2014 reported having some difficulty finding an apartment that allows pets, but the rental listing website said that may be changing.
“We see the rental industry moving toward accommodating the needs of this important and growing segment of renters,” Tammy Kotula, spokesperson for Apartments.com, said in a statement.
The survey found that apartment building's pet policies played a major role in the decision about where to rent for nearly nine out of 10 pet owners.
Seventy percent of pet owners said their choice of where to rent was influenced by nearby pet amenities, such as parks, veterinary facilities and pet ... Read more...