Jorbins.com: Pets

(Article) - Caring for My Diabetic Dog is not as Hard as I Thought it would be.

Jorbins.com — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:12:19 GMT

About a year ago I took my then 10 year old dog Meisha in for her annual check up. She had lost a bit of weight which I though was good since last year the vet had said she needed to lose a few pounds. He questioned me on the weight loss and I told him we were being more careful with table scraps and working on getting her more exercise.

We discussed Meisha's health and any changes I might have seen. With the exception of a fatty growth on her side that the vet said was no big deal I told him everything was good. He did request to do some blood work since she was getting older. I really didn't see the need but I agreed to it anyway.

Imagine my surprise when the blood work came back and showed that my dog was now diabetic. I immediately got concerned but the vet reassured me that she was still very healthy and we had caught it in time. She had not yet exhibited any of the signs of diabetes such as frequent urination, drinking more water than normal, and it hadn't affected her internal organs. I felt much better about that and was thankful that we had done the testing.

When our vet started talking about the treatment of canine diabetes I got real apprehensive. He informed me that she would have to have insulin shots twice a day and it was important that they were as near to 12 hours apart as possible. He educated me that pills do not work effectively and Meisha would have to have the injections.

I questioned him more on this and was relieved to learn that I would not have to test her blood sugar myself but that he would take care of the regulation of that. He would keep her for 24 hours to get her monitored and then I would bring her back in a month to check on it and then every 6 months after that unless there were problems. We talked about the cost of the insulin and figured it would run about 30 dollars or so a month. (Which proved to be a close estimate).

I then left her at the vet so he could get her insulin regulated, he told me when I picked her up he would give me lessons on giving her the shots. I was very nervous about giving them to her, I wasn't sure if it was something I would be able to do or not. I can now say a year later it is no big deal, but it does take a solid commitment to her health. Before if I was just going to be gone overnight I could leave her in the fenced back yard with the neighbors keeping an eye on her, but now she needs to be boarded every time.

But the biggest hurdle that both she and I had to overcome was the twice daily shots. She didn't like getting them and I didn't like giving them. I found myself dreading the evening shot hours before I actually needed to give them to her. I knew something needed to be done to make it easier so I started buying some canned dog food and at shot time I would mix a little in with her regular food. When she had her head down eating that was when I would quickly give her the shot. This system worked so much better for both of us. Rarely did she yip because I had hurt her. I think now she almost looks forward to her shots because she gets to have some yummy food.

Occasionally she will rebel a bit and although she really wants her food she moves around so it is not easy to give her a shot. This is usually not a problem anymore but occasionally she will move wrong when I am giving it to her and then it hurts her a bit. Then she really squirms around the next time so it can be a battle for both of us. What I do now when this happens is I switch from the canned food to something a little bit tastier such as actual table scraps the next time or two that I give her a shot. This helps because then she "forgets" that sometimes it hurts a little.

It has been over a year and Meisha has not had any additional health problems. You would not only never know that she is diabetic, but that she is 11 years old. She is still extremely active and loves to play.

Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Dogs

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My vet just said my dog is diabetic.

(Article) - Dog & Puppy Names

Jorbins.com — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:31:41 GMT

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Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Dogs

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My vet just said my dog is diabetic.

(Article) - Choosing a dog that is right for your family.

Jorbins.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:31:41 GMT

When choosing a new dog consider a young adult dog. Many people mistakenly believe they need to get a puppy if they wand a solid bond to form.

By spending a reasonable amount of time playing and getting to know your dog a bond can be created rather quickly. In no time at all, a matter of months, your dog will feel like part of the family.

Many advantages are apparent when adopting an older dog. The dog is usually housebroken, it is less likely to chew up your possessions, and you can see for yourself how they behave as an adult dog.

Also most people who have to give up their beloved pet are more concerned with finding the right family than in price. So consider creating an abundance of happiness when adopting your new pet. Your family's, the dog's, and also the previous owner will be comforted knowing their pet is going to a loving home.

Of course your local shelter usually has some very lovable dogs that just need a loving home.

Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Dogs

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My vet just said my dog is diabetic.

(Article) - Ten Things Your Dog Wants You To Know

Jorbins.com — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:31:41 GMT

1 - My life will probably only last 7 to 14 years. It will hurt me more than you know if I have to be away from you for longer than a day or two.

2 - If you have patience with me and give me time to learn what you would like from me, I can promise you, you will never be disappointed.

3 - Trust me with your life and have faith in our future together. If I don't feel that you honestly believe in me, I will suffer great emotional stress. My sense of self-worth is totally dependent upon your confidence in me.

4 - Don't stay mad at me for long or confine me to a cage to punish me. You have your friends, your job, and your recreation. I HAVE ONLY YOU!

5 - Talk to me about anything you want as frequently as possible. Even if I can't comprehend your precise words, I can understand the meaning of what you're telling me by the tone of your voice.

6 - Remember no matter how you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.

7 - When you consider raising your hand to hit me, remember I have teeth that could break the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8 - Before you scream at me for failing to respond to your commands as I usually do, take time to think about what might be wrong with me that would cause me to treat you differently. Maybe I haven't been eating right or drinking enough water. Or maybe my age is catching up with me and I just can't do what I used to do.

9 - Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels.

10 - Be there for me through good times and bad. Never say you can't handle taking me to the vets for stitches or surgery. Nothing could make me feel worse. Everything in my life is easier for me to deal with when I have you standing by my side. Remember my love for you is unconditional and it will last for your entire life.

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Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Dogs

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My vet just said my dog is diabetic.

(Article) - The Cat Lady Answers Your Questions

Jorbins.com — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:31:41 GMT

Tips for a new cat.

New cats may want some private space, so for the first few days put the cat in a room that can be closed off from the rest of the house. Put the litter box and food- one on each side of the room- cats will not eat where their litter box is.

It is better to put up a gate on the second day so the cat can see and here what is going on in the house. Remember to spend quality time with your cat, maybe early morning and again at early evening.

Why do get cats get in such funny positions?

A cat's body is very fluid because their skeleton is flexible and light and their bones are strong. Cats have 500 muscles. With this structure and support a cat can move both halves of their body in opposing directions.

Why does my cat jump when she hears my voice?

Speak gently and give a new cat plenty of time to get used to their new home. As she gains confidence she will feel comfortable and at home with her new surroundings and with you.

Why is my cat so independent?

Cats have a reputation for this, but they do get lonely if they're alone for long stretches of time.

Can I use a dog flea collar for my cat?

Be careful with pesticides, because they are poisonous, and never use a flea product intended only for dogs.

Can I train my cat to walk on a leash?

Choose a soft but sturdy harness instead of a collar leash. This is less threatening to your pet. Start in small periods of time.

Why will my cat eat only soft food?

If your cat shys away from hard food, she may have gum disease or another problem with her mouth. Check with your veterinarian.

Why does my cat knead?

A cat will often knead against a favorite spot when she is content. This is a throwback to kittenhood, when kittens knead against their Mother to stimulate the flow of milk.

Why does my cat need shots?

Shots are an absolute necessary precautionary measure for the health of your cat. Shots immunize cats against lethal viruses and diseases.

Why does my cat hide when company comes?

Indoor cats are exposed to visitors and strangers more than indoor-outdoor cats, and usually handle people a bit better. Some shy cats still run and hide, but most are right there to investigate the newcomer.

What kind of cat is best?

This is a very personal matter. I would need to know if the cat will be kept indoors, how many members of the family are there. Is it an apartment or a house? On one level or two. Send me the information and I will come back with a list of breeds that would fit your life style.

Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Cats

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Declawing cats.

(Article) - Enrich Your Pet Rat's Living Space.

Jorbins.com — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:31:41 GMT

The rat's living space is where he spends the majority of his time. In the wild, rats spend much of their time foraging for food and building nests. Activities, such as running, jumping, climbing, digging, and gnawing, are also important occupations for domestic rats, although most live in cages. An enriched cage environment should provide the necessary space and arrangement to support the rat's normal activities. For example, rats are "edge-users"; they like to stay close to walls and huddle into tight places. But rats also need to have room to stretch and stand upright on their hind legs.

According to studies performed with captive rats in laboratories, rats prefer an elongated, rectangular-shaped cage rather than a square cage. To allow for stretching and standing, the cage should have at least 9 inches of space between a solid bottom floor and the beginning of the ceiling or next level.

Wire floors cause foot problems in rats, and are generally considered unhealthy by veterinarians. The floors on all levels of a cage should be solid rather than wire mesh.

Because rats are "edge-users", the amount of open space within the cage is not as important as the use of space; rats prefer additional cubicles and walls inside the cage.

Most commercially available cages are not designed for adult domestic rats, but they can be easily modified. With just a few modifications, a plain cage can become an enriched environment that provides the activities and security a domestic rat needs. For safety, start with a cage made from one inch by half-inch, powder coated wire. Remove or reposition any shelves that are too low to allow an adult rat to stand upright. Cover wire floors with Plexiglas or hard plastic to create a solid surface.

Additional "edge spaces" can be provided with any number of commercially available cage accessories, such as Chinchilla Bath Houses and corner litter pans (designed for ferrets). Hiding, playing, and nesting areas can also be made from children's toys, or household/hardware items such as large, plastic jars or PVC tubing and joints.

This is an excerpt from "Keeping Your Pet Rats Healthy: Enrichment", the first in a three part series of articles on enrichment for pet rats. The complete article is available from Rat Lovers' Association.

Rat Lovers' Market Place offers high quality pocket hammocks and cage accessories to enrich your rat's living space, as well as the very best food and nutritional products to keep your pet rat healthy.

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Lab blocks, treats, nutritional supplements, cage accessories and miscellaneous supplies suitable for domestic rats.

Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Rats And Mice

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Rats as pets?

(Article) - Kids and Dogs Safety Tip Sheet

Jorbins.com — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:31:41 GMT

Teaching children the do's and don'ts regarding animals is among one of the most important lessons you'll ever teach them. Animals are everywhere and though many are domesticated, this does not automatically make them safe. For example, in the U.S. alone, 1-2 million dog bites occur annually.

Today many homes are raising children along with the family dog. Naturally kids delight in hugging, petting, and playing with their pets. But unfortunately, many children grow up believing that all dogs are gentle and friendly like their pets, and commonly fall victim to a dog attack, simply because they'd never been taught when it's not okay to approach a dog.

Start teaching your children the following safety guidelines regarding dogs when they are quite young, and continue reinforcing these precautions frequently.

Never run up to a dog.
Never attempt to touch a neighbor's dog through a fence.
Never touch a dog that is growling, showing his teeth, or barking hysterically.
Young children must never approach dogs without a grown-up's supervision.
Always hold your hand out first and allow the dog to sniff your hand.
Never grab at a dog.
Don't approach a dog that is a watch dog protecting his property.
Never attempt to touch a dog that is eating or in possession of a bone or a treat of some sort.
Never hurt the animal by pulling it's tail or fur for example.
If the dog is leashed, ask the dog's owner permission to pet the dog first.
Keep your face away from the dog's, when approaching or playing with them.
Don't make loud noises or sudden moves when approaching a dog. Speak softly to it.
If a dog is chasing you, stop running, as this encourages him to chase you.
Avoid eye contact with an aggressive dog, and back off slowly and non-threateningly.
Do not touch, or attempt to touch, the animal's eyes.

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Copyright © 1997 by Sheila Blythe-Saucier. Founder and owner of Safety Net-Child Safety Consultants, Sheila Blythe-Saucier is in the business of protecting children from the hazards that exist in their homes and communities. An R.N. for the last 20 years, Sheila extensively researched and authored a child safety book, which lead to the development of her business. Through a home inspection covering over 600 hazards commonly found in and around homes with young children, parents receive an education on protecting their kids fully, in a few hours time.

Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Dogs

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My vet just said my dog is diabetic.

(Article) - Puppy Toys

Jorbins.com — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:31:41 GMT

Your puppy loves to play and will find it's own toys if you don't provide some puppy toys for it.

You want to keep your dog safe whenever possible so provide some safe toys for your puppy to play with. You also want to puppy proof your home from things that they may find interesting but would not be safe for them to get a hold of. Examples, rubber bands, string, ribbon, pantyhose, poisonous plants, fishing equipment, etc. You may consider putting up some of the things that you don't want chewed until the puppy is trained as well. Here are some tips to follow.

When purchasing a ball (or toy) for your pet make sure it is big enough that it can't be swallowed.

If you buy a squeaker toy you may want that to be a supervised toy as some dogs want to find the squeaker and will tear the toy apart until they find it. The problem then can be ingestion.

When providing a toy that was not made for a dog but for a child, check the label and make sure it doesn't say not for children under 3. This is usually a warning that the stuffing or insides of the toy cannot be digested and may contain harmful substances.

Due to human safety and training it is not recommended that you purchase tug of war toys unless it is used between two dogs.

Check with your vet before giving your dog rawhide "chewies". Your vet may recommend that you supervise your dog with these toys and treats.

Rotate your dogs toys so there is always something new to play with.

Many of your dogs toys should be interactive. Such as a ball or frisbee to chase. You can also have hide and seek toys, hide toys around the house for your dog to find. This will not only make the toys more attractive but help spend pent up energy.

You should provide at least one soft toy that your puppy can carry around with it. Kind of a comfort toy. Keep in mind some are more sturdy than others and you should look for those that are machine washable.

An old towel or t shirt that smells like you can be very comforting to a puppy, especially if you are gone for awhile. Keep in mind it can be easily ruined so make sure you aren't planning on taking it back!

The best "toy" you can provide your puppy with is you. Any game that includes your attention will be a favorite.

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My vet just said my dog is diabetic.

(Article) - Catnip Toys

Jorbins.com — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:31:41 GMT

Catnip sprays are rarely strong enough to entice cats.

Catnip is not addictive and is totally safe for cats to smell, eat, or play in.

Kittens under 6 months of age do not respond to catnip.

Plain catnip can be sprinkled on carpet or a towel placed on the carpet. Even though we can't see or smell it your cat will be able to.

Some cats become overly aggressive and others become sedated when exposed to catnip. You will have to test to see your cats reaction.

When purchasing catnip toys you may want to consider those that are refillable.

A fun catnip game for your cat would be to turn a cardboard box upside down and cut a small hole in the side (like a mouse hole. Then place a catnip mouse inside the box by the hole and see your cat try to swipe at it.

Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Cats

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Declawing cats.

(Article) - What should you feed your cat to make sure he or she will have the necessary nutrition?

Jorbins.com — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:31:41 GMT

What is the ideal mix of food to help your cat live to the limit of it's life span?

To answer these questions, one should look at the diet of a feline in it's natural habitat. In the wild, a cat eats almost exclusively animal tissue. However, they would normally eat the entire body of the animal, including it's stomach contents, which has many nutrients that are simply lacking in an animals muscle tissue.

Another question many cat owners have is: Is fresh meat the best possible food for cats? Not necessarily. Fresh meat will not provide a balanced diet for a cat, as they are extremely protein dense while being very low in vital nutrients such as calcium.

Alternately, some cat owners have asked, "Is it O.K. to feed my cat an exclusively vegetarian diet?" The answer to that question is a clear cut no. Cats cannot produce the nutrients it needs from an exclusively vegetarian diet in the same way that humans can. Being a highly specialized hunter, it has simply lost that ability during the course of it's evolution { Major skin problems are often the result of a deficiency in certain essential fatty acids which can be found in animal flesh alone.

Another problem is that a deficiency of the amino acid taurine, a vital building block for proteins in the body, which can cause both blindness and heart failure. Cats are simply born carnivores.

Is it o.k. to give a cat only dry food? According to petshub, the answer is yes, providing that you ensure that fresh water is available at all times. Dry food is generally more convenient, hygienic, and affordable than canned or fresh food. It also exercises the teeth and reduces the buildup of tartar, which can grow into a severe problem in cats that are fed a soft and mushy diet.

For more information, go to http://www.premium-cat-food.com.

Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Cats

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(Article) - A Disease That Could Be Silently Stalking Your Dog

Jorbins.com — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:31:41 GMT

(ARA) - It's no secret that warm weather brings back parasites that can threaten the health of dogs. Common infections such as heartworm and Lyme disease, and sometimes newcomers like West Nile virus, can be top-of-mind during seasonal veterinary checkups.

However, just below the radar is a potentially deadly disease that can infect dogs and threaten their owners. It's called canine ehrlichiosis, and veterinary testing is proving that this dangerous bacterial blood infection is far more prevalent than originally thought.

What is It?

* Canine ehrlichiosis, commonly referred to as E. canis is an infectious blood disease that is transmitted in saliva of the brown dog tick.

* E. canis is diagnosed most frequently in areas having natural brown dog tick populations.

* While E. canis is most common in the southeastern and south-central United States, it is prevalent in other parts of the country, including northeastern states such as, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, mid-Atlantic states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, and southwestern states such as Texas, Arizona and Oklahoma.

In humans, ehrlichiosis was first recognized in 1986, making it the most recent tick-transmitted disease to emerge in the United States. Human ehrlichiosis is likely to be underreported because only 19 state health departments require notification of the disease and no nationwide surveillance program exists. Similarly, canine ehrlichiosis is often under-diagnosed.

What are the Symptoms?

* E. canis has three phases -- acute, subclinical and chronic.

* Signs of the disease will vary with each state making diagnosis of E. canis nearly impossible based on symptoms alone.

* Acute Phases -- signs are similar to symptoms of many other more common diseases and are often mild, going unnoticed by a pet's owner. Signs include: fever, discharge from eyes and nose, lack of appetite, depression, weight loss, and swollen lymph glands.

* Subclinical Phase -- while this phase can last for years, dogs may never show any obvious symptoms.

* Chronic Phase -- this stage can be either mild or severe. If mild, the disease appears to mimic a vague illness and dogs show signs of obvious weight loss. If this phase is severe, signs include eye disease, spontaneous nosebleeds, retinal bleeding, and swelling of limbs.

Is it Easily Diagnosed?

"There are more cases of E. canis than most dog owners, and even some veterinarians realize. Left undiagnosed and untreated, the disease can be extremely debilitating for pets, even fatal," says Dr. Rick Alleman, associate professor of Clinical Pathology at the University of Florida, presently studying the effects of ehrlichiosis in humans and domestic animals.

* E. canis is notoriously difficult to diagnose without a veterinarian-administered test.

* IDEXX Laboratories has developed an in-clinic veterinary testing tool called the SNAP 3Dx test. This three-in-one tool can screen for E. canis as well as heartworm and Lyme disease.

Can E. Canis be Prevented? Treated?

A 2003 survey conducted by IDEXX Laboratories found that E. canis is widespread across the continental United States. Only North Dakota and Washington have no reported incidences. A vaccine to protect your pet against E. canis infection is not available, but pet owners can reduce the risk of infection by controlling ticks or avoiding tick endemic areas.

E. canis can be treated, although both treatment and outcome depend on the severity and progression of the disease. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in limiting severe disease. Your veterinarian can prescribe the most appropriate medications for treatment, which may include antibiotics, steroids, fluid therapy and blood transfusions.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Dogs

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(Article) - Is Your Dog At Risk for Osteoarthritis?

Jorbins.com — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 GMT

(ARA) - While 10 million dogs currently suffer from the chronic pain of osteoarthritis, it is now understood that millions more may be at risk of developing the disease. While many dog owners think the disease only affects older animals, veterinarians point to things you wouldn't necessarily think of as leading risk factors: obesity and breed.

Research now confirms what many veterinarians have believed for years -- overweight dogs are at greater risk for arthritis. Dr. Brian Beale, a veterinary surgeon and canine arthritis expert at Houston's Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, says that obese dogs can develop arthritis sooner than lean dogs. An estimated 15 million U.S. dogs are considered overweight, and they comprise the largest group of dogs at risk for canine arthritis.

A dog's breed can also greatly affect the chance of developing the painful disease. Seventy-percent of the 16 million golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and German shepherds (the country's three most popular breeds) are genetically predisposed to the disease.

"Dogs experience pain the same way humans do, and arthritis pain is the most common form of pain they encounter," says Beale. "Unfortunately, many dog owners don't realize their pets are suffering."

Beale says the signs are often subtle and easily overlooked or misinterpreted. Symptoms of pain may include limping; difficulty moving, walking, running, climbing or jumping; and sensitivity to physical contact.

"A dog that fails to jump in bed with his owners at night after doing it for years, or one that suddenly struggles to get in the car, may be dealing with arthritis," Beale explains. "If you see these signs, get to a veterinarian. We can properly diagnose the disease and begin professional treatment."

Thanks to advancements in medical research, dogs can now benefit from the same coxib class of pain control as human arthritis sufferers. Deramaxx chewable tablets -- by Novartis Animal Health -- have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the control of pain and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis. It is the first and only drug that controls canine arthritis pain and inflammation in a way similar to its human counterparts, Celebrex and Vioxx -- two drugs that have revolutionized the treatment of human arthritis.

"The first step in controlling the pain of canine arthritis begins with a visit to the veterinarian," says Beale. "A simple conversation followed by a brief exam can lead to that important diagnosis, and treatment options can include diet, exercise and pain control such as Deramaxx."

For more information about the benefits Deramaxx has to offer for your pet, log on to www.deramaxx.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Filed In: Pets | Pet Types | Dogs

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