Showing posts with label Problems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Problems. Show all posts

3 Ways to Avoid Noisy Cat Behavior Problems

Many cat owners interpret excessive meowing to be a behavior problem. While it may indicate an issue, there are 3 factors to consider when evaluating noisy cat behavior problems.

First, if you are not one to want a cat that's noisy, be sure to do your research as to the particular breed before adopting a new cat. Different breeds have naturally different vocalization tendencies. (Siamese cats for example, tend to vocalize more.)

Cat Dog Pet

If you do not have a noisy cat, and the excessive noise is something new that your cat has never done before, he/she is trying to tell you something, and it's best to first rule out a medical issue by taking him or her to the vet to get checked.

3 Ways to Avoid Noisy Cat Behavior Problems

Second, assuming it is not something medical, some cats vocalize in reaction to some kind of change or transition in its environment. Consider things from your cat's point of view. If you've moved, changed your normal routine, changed their food, have different people living with you or visiting, or have recently lost someone (including another pet), the cat maybe experiencing this "noisy cat behavior" because it is simply expressing his or her grief. Normally changing things back (as feasible) will help to end the noisy cat behavior problem, but in the absence of being able to revert back to the prior situation, extra love, playtime and attention will also help to ease the transition.

Lastly, as with any pet training, it is especially important when addressing noisy cat behavior problems, that you reward the good behavior to promote it, and avoid punishing bad behavior (or excessive noise) at all costs. That being said, if you don't want a cat that's noisy, ignore him/her as possible when he or she is vocalizing, and reward him or her with love, treats and playtime when they are not vocalizing. Cats, like dogs, do learn from positive reinforcement, whereas punishment often creates additional problems.

Remember your cat is using its voice for a reason, and it may not always indicate a problem. In fact, from my experience from working in a veterinarian's office, many noisy cat behavior problems resolve quickly with the right attention from their owners.

3 Ways to Avoid Noisy Cat Behavior Problems

If your cat's behavior doesn't seem positive and isn't caused by a medical issue, another option is to understand the way your cat thinks. By getting inside the mind of your cat, you're more likely to get to the root of the behavior problem and be better able to resolve it quickly so that you no longer have to worry about noisy cat behavior problems.

Hang in there and always approach the cat with the love, respect and patience it deserves. http://www.EndCatBehaviorIssues.com

Dog Anal Gland Problems - Stop This Grooming Procedure!

Pheromones are chemical messengers that help dogs and cats identify each other in the pack. That's why dogs sniff each other's butts, or another dogs poop they come across on their walks. The pheromones are released when a dog goes poop supplying much biochemical information needed to communicate with one another. They are released via the anal glands found inside the dog or cats rectum. Dog anal gland problems are common, with the common treatment being performed unnecessarily being the cause.

Causes

Cat Dog Pet

Dog Anal Gland Problems - Stop This Grooming Procedure!

The anal glands inside the rectum have a tiny duct that leads out to the anus. When the dog or cat goes poop feces enters the rectum, the colon expands, and these glands squeeze a little pheromones on the feces. When the duct that drains the gland becomes swollen shut the problem is created. In a nutshell what happens is that the muscle that does the work becomes weak from not operating on it's own, and therefor cannot perform on it's own. The area becomes agitated and swollen shut.

When your groomer provides your pet the service of excreting his anal glands he is playing with fire and your pets health and well being is on the line and so is your hard earned bucks because this procedure actually creates unnecessary trauma to the gland. Whether it's your groomer or your vet, excreting your dog or cats anal glands is a procedure you need to ensure your groomer and vet do not do.

In cases where there is an underlying inflammatory condition or low-grade infection that's already in the anal gland, sometimes gentle manipulation by an experienced veterinarian. It is extremely important that your vet knows when to stop squeezing so as to help the gland keep it's muscle tone so it can work on it's own accord preventing anal problems in your dog.

If anal gland muscle tone is lost through regular expression, do not have your veterinarian or groomer automatically express the glands. Tell your vet to check the glands regularly and to determine if the glands are of normal size, not too full, and whether the duct is working properly. In that case, it is best to leave them alone.

The GI Tract and Other Organs

Inflammation of the GI tract is the second runner up for anal gland problems in cats and dogs. It is important to remember that any disease in the gastrointestinal tract also effects these glands. For example Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Allergic Gastritis, allergies, and Allergic Colitis can all effect anal glands in your dog or cat.

Another one is anything that can cause soft stools. This could be medications, parasites or antibiotics. Firm stools are required to apply pressure against the colon wall that allows the glands to express pheromones. A pet having regular or recurrent soft stools or diarrhea can cause anal gland problems. The problem behind the soft stools needs to quickly be addressed and not left unattended.

Pet Allergies

If your pet is sensitive to allergens within his surroundings it is likely that gland problems can arise by causing tremendous itching to the anus making your dog or cat bite and scratch, causing the area to become irritated. If you think you have an allergenic pet you need to have the cause of the allergies investigated and controlled in order to eliminate the gland problem.

Ergonomic Problems

Ergonomic problem refers to anal glands set abnormally deep. When a dog or cat has anal glands placed to low inside, even healthy stools cannot suffice and effectively empty the pheromones during bowel movements. Once again, the glands in this case need to be regularly checked my the vet in order to determine if they need to be expressed manually.

Only extreme circumstances require the surgical removal of anal glands, but according to Dr. Karen Becker, Holistic Veterinarian this surgical procedure under the surgical definition of a "Salvage procedure", meaning it can host a whole other basket of complications.

The first issue at hand in treating dog anal gland problems is for the owner to identify the root problem causing the glands to swell. Determine if the problem is an inflammatory one or an allergic one, or soft stool. If your pet does not have anal gland problems make the choice to eliminate gland expression in your pets life so as to preserve the muscle and do away with anal gland problems in the future. Only in extreme circumstances of your pet needing relief, determined by a vet, should you have the glands expressed.

Dog Anal Gland Problems - Stop This Grooming Procedure!

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Dog Skin Problems - My Dog Can't Stop Itching!

We often hear of dogs with a chronic and insistent itching problem. And guess what? The problem can't always be prevented by a flea collar. There are a number of reasons why your dog might non-stop scratch and require some form of pet medication. Below I will list and try to explain 6 reasons why your dog might scratch himself.

1. Environmental Skin Disorders - Dogs with environmental skin problems are otherwise healthy, but present with signs of itchy skin and/or hair loss. By matching what is visible on the dog's skin with a probable environmental irritant - the cause of the skin problem can be determined and corrective measures taken. Contact with some plastics can create an environmental pet skin disorder.

Cat Dog Pet

2. Nutritional Skin Disorders - Correction of these cases of itchy dog should be a very simple and no pet medication is required. Unfortunately, many dogs and cats live their entire lives in less than optimum health because their caretaker feeds them the least expensive food in the grocery store and feels secure in doing so because of that "Complete and Balanced" statement on the packaging! Without proper nourishment this dog's entire body, not just its skin and coat, will be continuously under stress.

Dog Skin Problems - My Dog Can't Stop Itching!

3. Parasitic Skin Disorders - Pet owners most commonly associate dog scratching with fleas. Often, but not always, this guess is correct.

  • There are a number of highly effective and safe flea medications and natural flea remedies. Repeated exposure to fleas can trigger a hypersensitivity to the bite of even a single flea. In some cases a simple flea bite can turn into an allergy itch from the flea's saliva. It is very important to get rid of dog and cat fleas as soon as possible.
  • Cheyletiella mites are often called "Walking Dandruff" because upon close inspection it seems like little flakes of dry skin are actually moving about. These mites can be eliminated easily by using any common flea shampoo and no further pet medication is needed.
  • Sarcoptic mites can be a terrible problem and can only be solved under vet care and with pet medication. Also called scabies or red mange, they create very intense itchy skin, hair loss, and inflamed skin with multiple small scabs. Sarcoptic mite infestation, more than any other pest, is frequently misdiagnosed as Allergic Pet Skin Disorder.
  • There are also Demodex mites (mange). These parasites live just under the skin surface in the tiny hair follicles and oil glands of the dog's skin. Demodex mites can be seen on a skin scraping viewed under the microscope. Demodex is most commonly seen in young dogs. An older dog with these mites might have a different and more serious problem

4. Infectious Skin Disorders - Bacterial, fungal and yeast organisms can lead to awful skin and coat problems. Ringworm is an example of a Fungal organism. Yeasts can irritate an already diseased skin surface. Yeast infections typically create greasy, smelly and itchy signs in affected dogs. If a yeast infection is diagnosed, there's generally some other problem going. Bacterial problems rarely occur spontaneously on a dog with normal healthy skin.

Infectious pet skin disorders are often is so irritating that dogs will lick continuously at a spot and undo any healing that has taken place. These spots can spread rapidly to other areas of the skin through chewing, licking, biting and scratching of previously healthy areas.

The treatment for Infectious skin disorders often include clipping the hair from the area to allow the air to dry it. The application of topical pet cream is helpful as is the administration of oral antibiotics.

5. Allergic Skin Disorders - These can be a challenge to diagnose, and once identified they can be difficult to treat. Food ingredients, synthetic and natural fibers, medications and pharmaceutical products, plant material and even dust all can trigger an Allergic Pet Skin Disorder.

Even common bacteria on the dog's skin can provoke an allergic reaction to themselves! Food allergies are so common that pet food manufacturers have invested millions of dollars in research for diets to help dogs and cats with food allergies.

The treatments of allergic skin disorders include topical medicated soothing baths and ointments. The use of oral antihistamines can relieve some of the itch. More effective in alleviating the discomfort of allergies is cortisone.

6. Neurogenic Skin Disorders - This group presents a major challenge to diagnose and treat. Although rarely seen in cats, in the dog something creates an impulse to lick at a specific area of skin. Characterized by persistent, obsessive licking and chewing at a specific area, the cause of these problems is unknown. Most cases have a suspected cause such as boredom, confinement, separation anxiety, family disruption, new environment, frustration or even a minor physical origin such as a tiny wound that catches the dog's interest. No specific pet medication can be used to prevent this skin disorder.

In summary, keep in mind that any dog whose skin and coat are not in good condition needs vet attention and possibly pet medication because that dog likely does not feel very well.

If your dog is suffering from Chronic Itching, all is not hopeless, but you must consult your vet as soon as possible.

I hope you found this information on pet skin disorders helpful. This article was condensed from a much longer article which can be found on the my-dog-has-fleas.com website at: dog skin problems

Dog Skin Problems - My Dog Can't Stop Itching!

J.Moore writes on pet issues for http://my-dog-has-fleas.com/

Causes of Dog Health Problems Bloody Stool Issues

Melena is the number one cause of dog health problems bloody stool issues. Melena and hematochezia cause the dog to have bloody stool. Melena is blood that the dog digested, and looks dark in color. Hematochezia is considered fresh blood in the stool and is considered minor compared to melena. Many health reasons result in a bloody stool and most tests by a veterinarian will confirm the problem.

This health problem causes a lack of energy and sometimes incontinence, as accidents happen due to the inability to move outdoors quickly. By restricting food, the dog will eventually stop the diarrhea and give the intestines time to heal. If the diarrhea results from infection or parasite, the problem will persist until proper medical is received. This condition affects all sizes and breeds of dogs no matter what you do to prevent it.

Dog

Causes of Dog Health Problems Bloody Stool Issues

Medications, infections, cancer and foreign objects digested by the dog. A metabolic disorder or hemorrhagic gastro enteritis may cause a dog to have a bloody stool. Some heavy metal or blood ingestion and gastrointetestinal ischemia are all causes of melena in dogs. Metabolic diseases cause ulcers of the stomach or intestines and can result from many different causes. If your dog health problems bloody stool issues arise with such signs as pale gums, frequent urination and thirst, lack of appetite and weight loss are all signs of problems along with dark black stools.

If the dog continues to have diarrhea for more than twenty-four hours, medical treatment is required. The first thing you can try is a bland diet of rice and potato instead of their regular food. This may help, but in case it does not, you may need to have a veterinarian determine the cause.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dog Melena

When you notice black or dark colored stools, you need to contact the vet for further tests. These tests will include urinalysis, a biochemical work up, stool sample diagnosis, blood work up, ultrasound and chest/abdominal x-rays. After these tests are concluded, the vet will determine the exact cause of the dog health problems bloody stool issues and discuss treatment with you.

If the dog does not have a severe health condition, they may be treated at home instead of an overnight stay at an animal clinic. A special diet of a bland diet that is specified by the vet and any medications prescribed by the veterinarian need to be dealt with at home in order to treat the dog health problem bloody stool issues. In most cases, medications are needed to block stomach acids and coat the intestines. If you do not see any improvement, you need to contact the vet for further treatments. .

Get treatment for your dog if this problem persists and stick to a strict diet and medication schedule for proper treatment of a sick dog. The dog will need plenty of rest and a calm environment in order to heal and come back to health.

Causes of Dog Health Problems Bloody Stool Issues

You can also find more information at Boxer dog health and large dog health issues. AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource to help dog owners identify their dog's illness symptoms and treatment options.

Dog Skin Problems - My Dog Can't Stop Itching!

We often hear of dogs with a chronic and insistent itching problem. And guess what? The problem can't always be prevented by a flea collar. There are a number of reasons why your dog might non-stop scratch and require some form of pet medication. Below I will list and try to explain 6 reasons why your dog might scratch himself.

1. Environmental Skin Disorders - Dogs with environmental skin problems are otherwise healthy, but present with signs of itchy skin and/or hair loss. By matching what is visible on the dog's skin with a probable environmental irritant - the cause of the skin problem can be determined and corrective measures taken. Contact with some plastics can create an environmental pet skin disorder.

Dog

2. Nutritional Skin Disorders - Correction of these cases of itchy dog should be a very simple and no pet medication is required. Unfortunately, many dogs and cats live their entire lives in less than optimum health because their caretaker feeds them the least expensive food in the grocery store and feels secure in doing so because of that "Complete and Balanced" statement on the packaging! Without proper nourishment this dog's entire body, not just its skin and coat, will be continuously under stress.

3. Parasitic Skin Disorders - Pet owners most commonly associate dog scratching with fleas. Often, but not always, this guess is correct.

  • There are a number of highly effective and safe flea medications and natural flea remedies. Repeated exposure to fleas can trigger a hypersensitivity to the bite of even a single flea. In some cases a simple flea bite can turn into an allergy itch from the flea's saliva. It is very important to get rid of dog and cat fleas as soon as possible.
  • Cheyletiella mites are often called "Walking Dandruff" because upon close inspection it seems like little flakes of dry skin are actually moving about. These mites can be eliminated easily by using any common flea shampoo and no further pet medication is needed.
  • Sarcoptic mites can be a terrible problem and can only be solved under vet care and with pet medication. Also called scabies or red mange, they create very intense itchy skin, hair loss, and inflamed skin with multiple small scabs. Sarcoptic mite infestation, more than any other pest, is frequently misdiagnosed as Allergic Pet Skin Disorder.
  • There are also Demodex mites (mange). These parasites live just under the skin surface in the tiny hair follicles and oil glands of the dog's skin. Demodex mites can be seen on a skin scraping viewed under the microscope. Demodex is most commonly seen in young dogs. An older dog with these mites might have a different and more serious problem

4. Infectious Skin Disorders - Bacterial, fungal and yeast organisms can lead to awful skin and coat problems. Ringworm is an example of a Fungal organism. Yeasts can irritate an already diseased skin surface. Yeast infections typically create greasy, smelly and itchy signs in affected dogs. If a yeast infection is diagnosed, there's generally some other problem going. Bacterial problems rarely occur spontaneously on a dog with normal healthy skin.

Infectious pet skin disorders are often is so irritating that dogs will lick continuously at a spot and undo any healing that has taken place. These spots can spread rapidly to other areas of the skin through chewing, licking, biting and scratching of previously healthy areas.

The treatment for Infectious skin disorders often include clipping the hair from the area to allow the air to dry it. The application of topical pet cream is helpful as is the administration of oral antibiotics.

5. Allergic Skin Disorders - These can be a challenge to diagnose, and once identified they can be difficult to treat. Food ingredients, synthetic and natural fibers, medications and pharmaceutical products, plant material and even dust all can trigger an Allergic Pet Skin Disorder.

Even common bacteria on the dog's skin can provoke an allergic reaction to themselves! Food allergies are so common that pet food manufacturers have invested millions of dollars in research for diets to help dogs and cats with food allergies.

The treatments of allergic skin disorders include topical medicated soothing baths and ointments. The use of oral antihistamines can relieve some of the itch. More effective in alleviating the discomfort of allergies is cortisone.

6. Neurogenic Skin Disorders - This group presents a major challenge to diagnose and treat. Although rarely seen in cats, in the dog something creates an impulse to lick at a specific area of skin. Characterized by persistent, obsessive licking and chewing at a specific area, the cause of these problems is unknown. Most cases have a suspected cause such as boredom, confinement, separation anxiety, family disruption, new environment, frustration or even a minor physical origin such as a tiny wound that catches the dog's interest. No specific pet medication can be used to prevent this skin disorder.

In summary, keep in mind that any dog whose skin and coat are not in good condition needs vet attention and possibly pet medication because that dog likely does not feel very well.

If your dog is suffering from Chronic Itching, all is not hopeless, but you must consult your vet as soon as possible.

I hope you found this information on pet skin disorders helpful. This article was condensed from a much longer article which can be found on the my-dog-has-fleas.com website at: dog skin problems

Dog Skin Problems - My Dog Can't Stop Itching!

J.Moore writes on pet issues for http://my-dog-has-fleas.com/