At What Age Should Your Cat Go to the Vet for a Senior Exam?

Most of us realize that regular visits to the doctor will help us and our loved ones to catch problems early, when treatment is most likely to affect the situation positively. In many cases, regular visits can help to prevent potential health problems completely. Like humans, cats are susceptible to a variety of illnesses, and regularly scheduled checkups and treatments can help to keep them happy, healthy and comfortable for as long as possible.

If your pet receives adequate health care already, your providers may have helped you to understand the changes he or she is going through as old age presents itself. Older cats face several types of health risks that do not pose significant danger to younger cats. Scheduling a senior screening makes good sense so that health intervention can be accomplished to keep your favorite feline well and comfortable.

Among the issues that older cats face are cancer, diabetes, kidney and liver diseases, and hyperthyroidism. These illnesses can have serious effects, including severe discomfort and even death. Making sure your elderly cat visits the doctor at least twice yearly can help to keep them feeling good for a longer amount of time.

Cat life expectancy is relative in regards to breed. Some breeds tend to live much longer than others. Generally, cats are considered seniors by age 12, but those with shorter life expectancies based on their ancestry may exhibit elderly behavior by 7. It is a good idea to begin discussing senior health plans and screenings with your vet when your cat is about 7 years old.

During these screenings, the veterinarian will consider a host of issues very carefully. Age-specific blood work, vision and hearing tests, and vaccinations will be maintained. Additionally, your vet may use ultrasounds and radiography to determine if there are more pressing health risks to consider. Too many pet lovers find out too late that their older pets needed extra tender loving care. Screenings such as the senior exam help to eliminate certain questions for your peace of mind and to address others for your pet’s optimum health.

Anyone who loves a cat understands that losing that pet may equal the emotional loss of saying goodbye to a human loved one. Having brought yours into the home and making him or her a part of your family, you accepted the obligation to provide for their healthcare willingly and regularly.

Scheduling the senior screening represents your attention to their lifelong health, and you can be proud of yourself as a pet lover if you commit yourself to such fine care. For more information on senior cat exams, please visit this website.

Dogs That Drool

 All dogs produce saliva, but some breeds have a tendency to drool excessively.

Your dog's slobbery kisses are a sign of affection, but do you ever find yourself grabbing for the mop when your dog greets you? If your pal's drooling is a bit much, he might just have an inherent tendency to spill saliva.

Some dogs are natural drool factories. If your best friend is of a bulky breed, there is probably little you can do to stem the flow of slobber. Even some medium specimens may be prolific producers of drool. These dog varieties have been selectively bred for large jowls, which contribute to the tendency to spatter spit. Their loose lips make it difficult to contain saliva. It has to go somewhere, and if their facial anatomy prevents them from directing it toward their throats, it ends up on whatever is in their path.

Many large dogs are sensational salivators. Great Danes possess a nobility and elegance that belies their slavering tendencies. This imposing but gentle dog takes a long time to mature, so be ready to clean up copious amounts of drool for the first two years of his life as he slowly learns to replace puppy excitedness with more refined habits. A St. Bernard, originally bred in Switzerland, is a muscular but gentle pooch once used to find and rescue lost travelers in the Alps. You won't have any trouble finding him, however – just follow the saliva smears. The sweet Newfoundland aims to please, but he's not the dog for you if you're a neat freak. His propensity for slobber is as boundless as his affection for his owners, and it's compounded by his tendency to pick up mud and burrs in his long coat. Be prepared for some serious grooming if you want him as a pet.

The largest breeds aren't the only ones who spill buckets of drool. The sluggish, low-riding basset hound can slaver with the best of them, and if you don't keep his ears and chin dry, you may be risking an infection. A boxer is another slobbery medium breed; this active and very friendly tail-wagger's tendency to drool is excessive, and it's exacerbated by boundless energy. With one good shake of the head, your boxer may have you scrambling to clean all four walls.

If you already own one of these notable drool-dribblers, you know how it feels to clean ropes of spit off your pup's muzzle and puddles of saliva from your furniture. These breeds may create a bit more soggy mess than some of their daintier cousins, but they have many other wonderful qualities that can make every dribble and smear worthwhile.

For information on a vet clinic in San Jose, visit this website.

What Dogs are Saying with their Barks

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How to Handle an Injured Cat

Cats are very resilient animals, but injuries can occur even to the healthiest ones. If your pet has encountered an injury or ailment, there are a few general guidelines you should follow in order to facilitate recovery and provide comfort.

Approach Cautiously

An injured animal may react differently than usual, even toward familiar people. When approaching a cat who has sustained an injury, be sure to move slowly and speak in soft, reassuring tones. When you are near the cat, stoop down and examine its body language.

If the animal appears agitated by pinning back ears or hissing, stop immediately. However, a cat which appears docile and meek may need physical comfort; softly pet the animal behind the head, then proceed to the neck, ears, and under the chin if the response is favorable.

Transportation

You may need to move the cat to seek medical assistance for it. If the cat can safely be picked up, situate yourself to its side, and reach over its body to cup your hand under the animal’s chest. Lift the cat firmly and secure it with your forearm and body, using your free hand to support its head and neck. Place the animal gently into a carrier, or lay him or her down on a towel or blanket, tying ends together to create a bag.

Conclusion

It’s tough to deal with animals in distress, but your goals should be to provide comfort and not to let the cat aggravate the injury further. Seek qualified assistance from a veterinarian if you believe your pet has been injured. Please visit this website to learn more about cat medical care in San Jose.

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Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere

Around the world, there are over 100 different rabbit breeds, with over half of the global population residing in North America alone. Rabbits are also native to parts of South America, Africa, Southeast Asia and Southwest Europe, as well as certain Japanese islands. Most breeds are known for certain shared characteristics, such as large ears, soft coats, and spring-like running movements which serve as their primary defense versus predators.

However, rabbits are also a very diverse species, with each breed separated by notable differences in size, color, and other aspects of appearance. Here are some interesting facts about the many rabbits of the world.

The Long and Short

While most rabbits are short-haired animals, some feature longer, luxurious coats similar to certain dog breeds. The Harlequin rabbit of France is one example, as is the Giant Angora breed from the U.S., which features long hair that can look almost wooly in appearance.

Big and Small

The Netherland Dwarf rabbit ranks as one of the very smallest, with an expected maximum weight of three to four pounds. Conversely, Europe’s Continental Giant breed can grow to be in excess of 16 pounds—that’s more than four Netherland Dwarf rabbits combined!

All Ears

Perhaps the most defining characteristic are rabbits’ ears, which are generally long and pointed upward in order to hear predators approaching. However, about a dozen different breeds known as Lops feature large, floppy ears which hang naturally at the sides of the head. While not as efficient for detecting danger, lops do make for very popular pets. If you’re interested to learn more about routine pet care in Morgan Hill, please visit this website.

Protect Your Rabbit From the Heat

 

Rabbits are particularly susceptible to heat stroke, so be sure to keep them in a cool, shaded place with plenty of water during hot days. Take them in to see a veterinarian immediately if you’re worried they’re suffering from it.