Feline Heartworm

Dog owners are well aware of Heartworm disease and have been giving their pets the recommended preventive medication for years. Cats are also susceptible to this deadly disease. It is less commonly diagnosed in cats because there is often only one worm present, making the antigen test appear negative. This disease is most commonly misdiagnosed as Feline asthma. Feline heartworm disease is also hard to detect because symptoms don’t usually appear until 2-3 months after the cat has been infected. People have also reported that their otherwise healthy cat has suddenly died. Symptoms of Feline heartworm disease can include the following:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Anorexia
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Some cats show no signs at all, but die suddenly

Adult heartworms in cats live for 2-3 years and then suddenly die which can potentially cause fatal embolisms. There is no approved treatment if a cat is diagnosed with heartworm disease, so prevention is key. Your vet can recommend many preventive solutions to guard against heartworm. Medication can come in the form of a monthly oral medication, or topical treatment. Even if you have an indoor only cat, you should protect against heartworm. It has been said that indoor cats are at higher risk than outdoor cats, therefore, all cats should be on preventive medication.

Since there is no approved treatment if your cat should be diagnosed with heartworm disease, your vet will want to have follow-up checkups every 6-12 months to monitor the disease. If you suspect your cat has any symptoms, contact your vet as soon as you witness them. Your vet will be your best resource for preventing and monitoring feline heartworm infection.

Does a computer know your dog better than you?

In a study that featured Hungarian Sheep Dogs, computers and humans, it would appear…..YES! Recently scientists have been testing artificial intelligence software to determine what a dog’s bark means. 14 dogs were used and 6 distinct bark types were taped. The six types of barks were:

Dogs barking at strangers

Barks during a fight (with a trainer and protective clothing, not dog fights)

Barks for walks

Barks for balls

Playtime barks

Barks while the dog was left alone and the owner walked out of sight

After an analysis of the different barks was complete, it was found that humans and computers were relatively similar in identifying the different barks. The computer identified walk and ball barks better, while humans were able to identify play and alone barks better than the computer.

The computer could identify which dog made each bark 52 percent of the time. In the past, scientists have found that humans can not reliably distinguish between individual dogs by their barks at all. Dogs were chosen for this experiment because of their long history of living and interacting with humans. In the future it is said that different breeds of dogs will be used in the experiment. Dogs bred for different kinds of work could have different types of barks. For the full article please see: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22689420/

New Year’s Resolution Follow up

Now is an appropriate time to check in to see how you are doing with your New Year’s Resolution. A month back we posted some ideas on how to get you and your dog in shape for the New Year. Are you as motivated as you were a month ago… Don’t be discouraged if you are not. This happens far too often, so think of this blog as a little reminder to renew your goals. In the last post: New Year’s Resolutions for You and Your Pet it was mentioned that you can feed your dog healthier treats and get more exercise. If these have lost their appeal, here are a few other ways to get in shape and have fun at the same time.

Dog Camp – Dog camps vary in nature depending on what you want to get out of it. While some are meant to hone a skill or sport, others will be more educational and fun. Think about what you your goals would be for a camp and research the options accordingly. Helpful information can be found here: Dog Camp .

Agility Competition – If you want to participate in a fast action and fun activity, check out dog agility competitions. Originally started in England to entertain during the break in horse jumping competitions, this sport is now its own entity. Dogs don’t have to be purebred, just smart and dedicated. This sport demands much training and time, so research thoroughly before getting involved. Check here for more info: Dog Agility

Dog Parks – Dog parks are a great way to exercise your dog and for you to meet new people. These parks can be found in a lot of different places and offer different amenities. Some offer toys, enclosed areas and washing stations. To find a dog park near you check here: Dog Parks

Any of these activities will help get you back on track with your New Year’s Resolution. The important thing is that the more you do with your dog, the more fun you will have with each other. Even if you go for 1 extra walk a week, your dog will be thankful.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

As humans, we regularly schedule dentist appointments every 6 months. When was the last time your dog or cat had their teeth checked? Did you know that oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets? Dental care is something pet owners often overlook as an area of concern for their pet. In recent years, vets have been checking your pets’ teeth as regular practice, and they recommend that they be examined at least once a year. With February being National Pet Dental Health Month, here are a few steps you can take to assist your pet with their dental health at home.

Start a routine – If you have a new puppy, this is the best time to start. This can be an easier task than if started later in life. I have found if you experiment with different flavors of pet toothpaste, you should be able to find one that your pet likes and sees as a treat everyday. Do not use human toothpaste as it can upset your pets’ stomach. If you have an older animal, it may take a little longer for your pet to get used the brushing, but it is possible. Use patience and a lot of praise.

Do your part at home – Look for signs of dental disease. Common signs that there may be a problem include:

· Sudden pawing at the face and mouth

· Depression

· Bad Breath

· Change in chewing or eating habits

· If your dog is primarily an indoor dog, broken teeth can be a sign of a dental problem. (not as much for outdoor dogs that chew on very hard objects)

Schedule Regular Check-ups – As a pet owner, you should be taking your pet into the vet on a regular basis. If your vet doesn’t already check your pets’ teeth, ask them to do so. Your vet can clean your pets’ teeth, and evaluate the dental health of your pet. They will also be able to recommend a food that will help clean your pet’s teeth as they eat.

80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. With regular check-ups and home care, you can make sure your pet has healthy teeth.