Lambchop was an abandoned poodle found eating grass. He was saved by Miguel and Michael who gave him many years of love. This week Lambchop was euthanized for inoperable cancer.
Lambchop, abandoned poodle who found love
Lambchop was an abandoned poodle found eating grass. He was saved by Miguel and Michael who gave him many years of love. This week Lambchop was euthanized for inoperable cancer.
Take Your Dog To Work Day
Yesterday was Take Your Dog To Work Day. Did you?
What’s the purpose of Take Your Dog To Work Day anyway?
Were the cynics you work with sure that this was merely an opportunity to:
But, you’re no cynic. You know that’s not what Take Your Dog To Work Day is about; it’s about encouraging good dog press. You also know that the way to get good press is to have a delightful, well behaved dog. Is that what you took to the office?
And, to really prove that your dog knew what Take Your Dog to Work Day is really about—it didn’t hound the bottom-drawer doughnut stashers.
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What’s the purpose of Take Your Dog To Work Day anyway?
Were the cynics you work with sure that this was merely an opportunity to:
- increase use of Zoloft lozenge in cynophobics
- step in an innocent puddle
- view a dog in a couture outfit, proving it had the IQ of a fashionista
- prove the cleaners aren’t thorough because the dog hair remains for weeks
- terrify anyone who’d seen a gladiator film and knew your pet just wait for Cesar’s nod to rip out a throat
- harass the bottom-drawer doughnut druggies with their illicit French cruelers
- impress the babes
But, you’re no cynic. You know that’s not what Take Your Dog To Work Day is about; it’s about encouraging good dog press. You also know that the way to get good press is to have a delightful, well behaved dog. Is that what you took to the office?
- Your dog looked smart and well groomed, not merely cutesy, right?
- Your dog proved it was as potty trained as you are.
- Your dog had a glowing coat, smelled clean, and didn’t shed.
- Your dog cuddled with the cuddlers, but avoided the cynophobics.
And, to really prove that your dog knew what Take Your Dog to Work Day is really about—it didn’t hound the bottom-drawer doughnut stashers.
Stressed Cats Most Likely to Develop Urinary Problems – 5
Jessie & Jason are traveling with Blue, a cat that has a recently had a bout of bloody urine (hematuria). In the last few blogs, we’ve discussed:
Almost always, cats with bladder irritation, crystals, or stones are psychologically stressed.
A great deal of research has gone into what causes feline bladder problems, and while many contributing factors emerge--insufficient water intake, genetic predisposition common to Persian and Himalayan cats, etc--the single most important factor is stress. The idea that a pet may be stressed when all its needs are provided for is difficult for some cat families to understand. Some feel defensive when veterinarians suggest a cat is stressed, as if this means that the cat is not loved or not taken care of. The truth is that no matter how much we love cats, cat psychology and cat needs are not always clear to us humans. We may be providing everything we see as essential and miss something that cats require psychologically, and this predisposes them to become physically ill.
In Blue's case, the boxes, packing, and planning caused stress that manifest physically as a bladder problem. Jessie & Jason traveling from California to Vermont where they will marry, so this stress is unavoidable. What can they do to soothe Blue and lower her stress levels at while they are providing antibiotics to decrease bladder inflammation and increasing fluids?
To control stress in cats, we recommend using over-the-counter (OTC) “facial pheromones, ” such as Comfort Zone Feliway. These pheromones are available as sprays and as atomizers that disperse slowly into a room and are available on line and at most pet stores.
Two additional, and equally important, feline stress relievers are flower essences and homeopathic medications. Unlike pheromone products, flower essences and homeopathic medications are affected by how they are prepared and stored. Thus, while pheromones are widely available and nearly always helpful, flower essences and homeopathic medications are more difficult to find and helpful only when prepared and stored correctly. Think of them as being a bit like wine—it’s not too difficult to grow grapes and make wine, but special skills and storage are necessary to make wine that is exquisite.
One source of "exquisite" flower essence medications is www.SpiritEssence.com. Spirit Essence sells OTC remedies prepared by a veterinarian with special training and an innate sensitivity for cats.
The best homeopathic medications are obtained through a veterinarian and are not available over the counter because they are prescribed according to the nature of each individual cat. Although there are homeopathic medications available without a prescription that help some cats, few OTC homeopathics are exquisitely helpful.
By providing Blue with facial pheromones, flower essences, and homeopathics, Jessie & Jason increase the likelihood that their stressed cat will heal as they travel across country. Our hope is that they arrive safe and healthy after their 3,000 mile trip, have a wonderful wedding, and live happily ever after.
reade more...
- several causes for hematuria,
- feline urinary stones and crystals,
- diets and drugs for struvite and oxalate stones and crystals, and
- supplements for feline bladder problems.
Almost always, cats with bladder irritation, crystals, or stones are psychologically stressed.
A great deal of research has gone into what causes feline bladder problems, and while many contributing factors emerge--insufficient water intake, genetic predisposition common to Persian and Himalayan cats, etc--the single most important factor is stress. The idea that a pet may be stressed when all its needs are provided for is difficult for some cat families to understand. Some feel defensive when veterinarians suggest a cat is stressed, as if this means that the cat is not loved or not taken care of. The truth is that no matter how much we love cats, cat psychology and cat needs are not always clear to us humans. We may be providing everything we see as essential and miss something that cats require psychologically, and this predisposes them to become physically ill.
In Blue's case, the boxes, packing, and planning caused stress that manifest physically as a bladder problem. Jessie & Jason traveling from California to Vermont where they will marry, so this stress is unavoidable. What can they do to soothe Blue and lower her stress levels at while they are providing antibiotics to decrease bladder inflammation and increasing fluids?
To control stress in cats, we recommend using over-the-counter (OTC) “facial pheromones, ” such as Comfort Zone Feliway. These pheromones are available as sprays and as atomizers that disperse slowly into a room and are available on line and at most pet stores.
Two additional, and equally important, feline stress relievers are flower essences and homeopathic medications. Unlike pheromone products, flower essences and homeopathic medications are affected by how they are prepared and stored. Thus, while pheromones are widely available and nearly always helpful, flower essences and homeopathic medications are more difficult to find and helpful only when prepared and stored correctly. Think of them as being a bit like wine—it’s not too difficult to grow grapes and make wine, but special skills and storage are necessary to make wine that is exquisite.
One source of "exquisite" flower essence medications is www.SpiritEssence.com. Spirit Essence sells OTC remedies prepared by a veterinarian with special training and an innate sensitivity for cats.
The best homeopathic medications are obtained through a veterinarian and are not available over the counter because they are prescribed according to the nature of each individual cat. Although there are homeopathic medications available without a prescription that help some cats, few OTC homeopathics are exquisitely helpful.
By providing Blue with facial pheromones, flower essences, and homeopathics, Jessie & Jason increase the likelihood that their stressed cat will heal as they travel across country. Our hope is that they arrive safe and healthy after their 3,000 mile trip, have a wonderful wedding, and live happily ever after.
Supplements for Cat Urinary Problems or Feline Urinary Stones And Crystals – 4
Jessie & Jason are traveling with Blue, a cat that has a recently had a bout of bloody urine (hematuria). In the last few blogs, we’ve discussed Blue’s bladder, specifically feline urinary stones and crystals, diets, and drugs. Now, let’s cover supplements that help cats like Blue with bladder problems.
The most useful supplement for bladder cats is Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids can come from ground flax seed or from fish oils. For cats that are ill, use fish oils. For healthy cats, especially those with constipation, use ground flax seed.
Not all fish oils are equally healthy. Many fish oils contain heavy metals, PCBs, and other carcinogens. To avoid the inferior oils, buy supplements from companies that have the purity of their products verified by independent laboratories. Nordic Naturals is a company with the highest verifiable purity.
Cats are more inclined to accept pure fish oils, and they appreciate oils that are fresh, but some cats don't like fish oils even when they are the best. If Blue is one of these cats, supplement her with ground flax seed.
The second supplement for bladder cats is glucosamine. Glucosamine is normally thought of as an ingredient in joint medications but glucosamine also soothes the bladder. Blue could use Glyco-Flex, Dasuquin, or Missing Link as glucosamine sources. Missing Link is best for bladder cats with struvites because it acidifies the urine.
If Blue had hematuria because of a clotting problem, say from ingesting rat poison, she should not be given glucosamine. Instead, Blue would be receiving Vitamin K and herbal medications such as Yunnan Paiyo. Some veterinarians also feel cats with clotting problems should not be given fish oils, but the scientific data on the benefit of Omega 3s with clotting problems is unclear. It's not likely Blue has a clotting problem that caused hematuria because her urine is now clear rather than tan colored. In addition, Jessie and Jason don't report any signs of clotting problems: bruising, pale gums, rapid heart rate, lethargy, and black, tarry stools.
In a future blog, we’ll look at supplements to alleviate stress, the major factor in most cases of feline urinary disease. Stress is certainly a factor with Blue because she is driving across country in a 3,000 mile trip from California to Vermont.
reade more...
The most useful supplement for bladder cats is Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids can come from ground flax seed or from fish oils. For cats that are ill, use fish oils. For healthy cats, especially those with constipation, use ground flax seed.
Not all fish oils are equally healthy. Many fish oils contain heavy metals, PCBs, and other carcinogens. To avoid the inferior oils, buy supplements from companies that have the purity of their products verified by independent laboratories. Nordic Naturals is a company with the highest verifiable purity.
Cats are more inclined to accept pure fish oils, and they appreciate oils that are fresh, but some cats don't like fish oils even when they are the best. If Blue is one of these cats, supplement her with ground flax seed.
The second supplement for bladder cats is glucosamine. Glucosamine is normally thought of as an ingredient in joint medications but glucosamine also soothes the bladder. Blue could use Glyco-Flex, Dasuquin, or Missing Link as glucosamine sources. Missing Link is best for bladder cats with struvites because it acidifies the urine.
If Blue had hematuria because of a clotting problem, say from ingesting rat poison, she should not be given glucosamine. Instead, Blue would be receiving Vitamin K and herbal medications such as Yunnan Paiyo. Some veterinarians also feel cats with clotting problems should not be given fish oils, but the scientific data on the benefit of Omega 3s with clotting problems is unclear. It's not likely Blue has a clotting problem that caused hematuria because her urine is now clear rather than tan colored. In addition, Jessie and Jason don't report any signs of clotting problems: bruising, pale gums, rapid heart rate, lethargy, and black, tarry stools.
In a future blog, we’ll look at supplements to alleviate stress, the major factor in most cases of feline urinary disease. Stress is certainly a factor with Blue because she is driving across country in a 3,000 mile trip from California to Vermont.
Cat Urinary Stones And Crystals struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, cystine, and calcium phosphate - Cat Urinary Problems 3
Our friends are traveling with a cat that has a recently had a bout of bloody urine (hematuria). We’re discussing bladder stones and crystals, which are one cause of hematuria.
There are 5 types of bladder stones: struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, cystine, and calcium phosphate. Two of these stones, struvite and calcium oxalate, cause 90% of all cat bladder stones (uroliths). In the past, struvite stones were the most common urolith, but today more cats have calcium oxalate stones. While any cat can have stones, Persian and Himalayan cats are especially prone to develop calcium oxalates.
Knowing which type of stone a cat has is important because treatment differs. For example, some stones can be completely dissolved with diet and other stones do not dissolve and must be removed with surgery. Struvites are stones that can be dissolved with diet. Struvites, which are common in young, male cats, are dissolved by decreasing magnesium in the diet and by acidifying the urine. Uroeze is prescribed to increase urinary acidity. Changing the diet to increase meat and decrease carbohydrates, such as flour and sugar, also helps increase urinary acidity.
Calcium oxalate stones don’t dissolve regardless of what we feed cats, and cats with these stones generally require surgery. After surgery, the formation of new calcium oxalate stones is prevented by increasing water in the diet and limiting calcium. To increase water intake, feed canned foods and supplement with moist food, such as sweet potatoes, canned pumpkin, and squash. Don’t supplement with yogurt or milk, which contain calcium. Cats with calcium oxalate stones are often prescribed Vitamin B6 and Urocit K. Urocit K (Rx) is potassium citrate, and it helps by raising the urine pH. When the urine is more alkaline and the pH between 7-7.5, calcium oxalate stones aren't able to form.
Generally, cats with any type of stone or crystal do better when fed canned or homemade diets because these diets are higher in moisture. Supplement with fish, oyster, pumpkin, yogurt, rhubarb. If your cat will only eat kibble, make sure it’s drinking.
Cats typically don't drink as much water as dogs do because they can concentrate their urine and hold more water they consume in their bodies. We measure the ability to concentrate urine by specific gravity. The cat’s average urine specific gravity is 1.045, which is much more concentrated than that of dogs and people—1.015. While it's normal for cats to have more concentrated urine than dogs and people, when cats have urinary problems, they benefit from having more dilute urine--so our travelling friends should be encouraging their cat to drink or to eat moist foods.
reade more...
There are 5 types of bladder stones: struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, cystine, and calcium phosphate. Two of these stones, struvite and calcium oxalate, cause 90% of all cat bladder stones (uroliths). In the past, struvite stones were the most common urolith, but today more cats have calcium oxalate stones. While any cat can have stones, Persian and Himalayan cats are especially prone to develop calcium oxalates.
Knowing which type of stone a cat has is important because treatment differs. For example, some stones can be completely dissolved with diet and other stones do not dissolve and must be removed with surgery. Struvites are stones that can be dissolved with diet. Struvites, which are common in young, male cats, are dissolved by decreasing magnesium in the diet and by acidifying the urine. Uroeze is prescribed to increase urinary acidity. Changing the diet to increase meat and decrease carbohydrates, such as flour and sugar, also helps increase urinary acidity.
Calcium oxalate stones don’t dissolve regardless of what we feed cats, and cats with these stones generally require surgery. After surgery, the formation of new calcium oxalate stones is prevented by increasing water in the diet and limiting calcium. To increase water intake, feed canned foods and supplement with moist food, such as sweet potatoes, canned pumpkin, and squash. Don’t supplement with yogurt or milk, which contain calcium. Cats with calcium oxalate stones are often prescribed Vitamin B6 and Urocit K. Urocit K (Rx) is potassium citrate, and it helps by raising the urine pH. When the urine is more alkaline and the pH between 7-7.5, calcium oxalate stones aren't able to form.
Generally, cats with any type of stone or crystal do better when fed canned or homemade diets because these diets are higher in moisture. Supplement with fish, oyster, pumpkin, yogurt, rhubarb. If your cat will only eat kibble, make sure it’s drinking.
Cats typically don't drink as much water as dogs do because they can concentrate their urine and hold more water they consume in their bodies. We measure the ability to concentrate urine by specific gravity. The cat’s average urine specific gravity is 1.045, which is much more concentrated than that of dogs and people—1.015. While it's normal for cats to have more concentrated urine than dogs and people, when cats have urinary problems, they benefit from having more dilute urine--so our travelling friends should be encouraging their cat to drink or to eat moist foods.
Cat Urinary Problems Caused By Feline Urinary Stones And Crystals - 2
Friends are traveling with a cat that recently had an episode of blood in the urine (hematuria) and we’re covering one cause of this problem: feline urinary stones and crystals.
First, what’s normal for a cat?--never mind that there are no normal cats.
A 12-lb cat should be:
· ingesting about 12 ounces of water,
· using the litter box 2/day, and
· urinating up to 1 cup a day, but
· never passing blood-tinged urine.
Because our friends’ cat has blood in the urine, it could have several health problems. We’ve chosen to cover one of these problems: feline stones and crystals.
Stones & urethral plugs are fairly common in cats, especially Persian and Himalayan cats. We might automatically assume that any cat with stones, crystals, or cells that aggregate around these materials and form plugs in the urethra would have bacterial infections, but this is not always the case. In fact, cats with urine or bladder stones or crystals that are less than 10 years old rarely have bacterial infections. In cats that are older than ten, about half will have bacterial infections when they have stones, crystals, or urethral plugs.
Whether cats have bacterial infections or not, penicillin based antibiotics are given because these antibiotics decreasing inflammation. If we can decrease inflammation, we make the cats more comfortable.
In tomorrow’s blog we’ll cover why it’s important to know which type of stone a cat has.
reade more...
First, what’s normal for a cat?--never mind that there are no normal cats.
A 12-lb cat should be:
· ingesting about 12 ounces of water,
· using the litter box 2/day, and
· urinating up to 1 cup a day, but
· never passing blood-tinged urine.
Because our friends’ cat has blood in the urine, it could have several health problems. We’ve chosen to cover one of these problems: feline stones and crystals.
Stones & urethral plugs are fairly common in cats, especially Persian and Himalayan cats. We might automatically assume that any cat with stones, crystals, or cells that aggregate around these materials and form plugs in the urethra would have bacterial infections, but this is not always the case. In fact, cats with urine or bladder stones or crystals that are less than 10 years old rarely have bacterial infections. In cats that are older than ten, about half will have bacterial infections when they have stones, crystals, or urethral plugs.
Whether cats have bacterial infections or not, penicillin based antibiotics are given because these antibiotics decreasing inflammation. If we can decrease inflammation, we make the cats more comfortable.
In tomorrow’s blog we’ll cover why it’s important to know which type of stone a cat has.
Cat Urinary Problems
Friends are traveling across country with a cat that is developing bloody urine. Hematuria or blood in the urine is never normal. Hematuria is rare in cats, but bladder problems are not.
The most common cause of bladder problems in cats is stress, and we suspect stress is a big factor with this cat because the family is in the midst of moving. Stress increases cortisol levels, and cortisol alters bladder cell function so that the bladder becomes hyperirritable. Cortisol also blocks the immune system and bladder infections are more likely.
But because this cat had blood in the urine, it has more than simple stress-induced bladder disease. This cat may have problems with bladder stones or crystals, cancer, rat poisons, etc. Over the next few days, we’ll cover a common cause of hematuria—bladder stones and crystals.
Giving Dogs Commands--Say It Once
Today while driving with Debbie I learned why we give dogs commands more than once. I leaned this because Debbie repeats repeats driving instructions--sometimes twice, sometimes more than twice. I now realize that the person giving the instruction has already physically performed it in their head. They don't understand why when the words leave their mouth the behavior doesn't materialize--and they repeat the command quickly to get the image in front of them to match the image in their head.
From now on, when I ask dogs to do something, I'll picture the act slowly taking place in my mind after the words leave my mouth. I'll be less inclined to repeat instructions.
Everyone with a dog should drive with Debbie. I can't wait to see what I learn from her next.