Barbara Hinney and her colleagues from the Institute for Parasitology at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, screened 298 fecal samples taken from cats across Austria for single-cell intestinal parasites, so called enteric protozoa. A release from the university explains that the samples came from private households, catteries (cat boarding kennels), and animal shelters. Of… Continue reading Diarrhea in Cats
Tag: Pets
Habits of Highly Effective Pet Owners
Being a good pet owners starts from the moment you are thinking about getting a pet all the way through your furry family member’s life. To ensure you enrich your pet’s life as much as he or she does for you, below are key habits to ensure you an effective pet owner. They do their… Continue reading Habits of Highly Effective Pet Owners
“Tom and Jerry Syndrome” Causes Seizures in Older Cats
When the charity International Cat Care asked veterinary neurologists at Davies Veterinary Specialists, UK, for help with several inquiries it had received regarding cats having seizures, seemingly in response to certain high-pitched sounds, the answer was that the problem was not documented and little, if anything, was known about it. Mark Lowrie and Laurent Garosi… Continue reading “Tom and Jerry Syndrome” Causes Seizures in Older Cats
Retirement Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely: 9 Great Ways to Stay Connected
Retirement can be a difficult time as you adjust to a new life away from the 9-to-5 grind you’re used to. And if you’re not careful, retirement can become an extremely lonely time, especially if your social life was once wrapped up with your work life. Thankfully, retirees can find companionship in a variety of… Continue reading Retirement Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely: 9 Great Ways to Stay Connected
Flame Retardants May Make Cats Sick
It’s well known that flame retardants have potentially harmful effects on children, but now, it turns out, they may also affect cats. Investigators for the American Chemical Society (ACS) found that cats with hyperthyroidism had high levels of certain flame retardants. The finding was published in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology. The researchers… Continue reading Flame Retardants May Make Cats Sick
Pet-Transmitted Diseases: How to Avoid Them
Researchers are now making recommendations on how people can minimize the transmission of disease from pets. Investigators from The Ohio State University and partner institutions have compiled information for more than 500 studies worldwide to make the recommendations. The study was published in CMAJ, The Canadian Medical Association Journal. Among the nearly 20 diseases people… Continue reading Pet-Transmitted Diseases: How to Avoid Them
If Your Pet Is Diagnosed with Cancer: What You Need to Know
Any pet owner who has been told their animal has cancer knows the two emotions: anxiety for the beloved pet’s life, and hope for an effective treatment. “Many people consider their dogs and cats members of the family,” says Food and Drug Administration veterinarian Lisa Troutman. “Just as FDA reviews drugs for humans for safety… Continue reading If Your Pet Is Diagnosed with Cancer: What You Need to Know
Caring for Diabetic Cats
Just like humans, more and more cats are becoming diabetic, and a panel of experts has issued some guidance on caring for these felines. Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes is believed to be linked to obesity in cats, experts say, although medications and other illnesses may also be factors. Although feline diabetes is easily diagnosed, experts… Continue reading Caring for Diabetic Cats
Are Your Pet’s Medicines Safe?
The federal Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) receives reports of accidental medication overdoses in pets as part of the agency’s overall system for monitoring drugs used in animals. Some of these reports involve pets getting into their own medications or medications for other pets in the household. A lot of pet medications are flavored to… Continue reading Are Your Pet’s Medicines Safe?
Medicines and Your Pet
Your 9-year-old German Shepherd is limping, and you think that arthritis may be setting in. A trip to the veterinarian proves that you’re right—it’s osteoarthritis, a degeneration of the cartilage and bone that affects joints. The veterinarian prescribes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are a class of drugs extensively used in both human and… Continue reading Medicines and Your Pet
Dogs and Our Health: The Benefits of our Furry Friends
For thousands of years, dogs have been domesticated and bred to have qualities humans deemed suitable–a literal transformation from wild animal to man’s best friend. They are our companions, friends, family, and service dogs. That feeling we get when we see our furry friend jump with joy, give us a kiss (and accidentally hit us… Continue reading Dogs and Our Health: The Benefits of our Furry Friends
The Best Ways to Avoid Falls
Many things can cause a fall. Your eyesight, hearing, and reflexes might not be as sharp as they were when you were younger. Diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can affect your balance. Some medicines can cause you to feel dizzy or sleepy, making you more likely to… Continue reading The Best Ways to Avoid Falls
The Neurobiological Basis of Human-Pet Relationships
People who have pets often refer to themselves as “pet parents,” but how closely does the relationship between people and their non-human companions mirror the parent-child relationship? A study done by a group of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers looked at young mothers who also had dogs but here at ThirdAge we’re betting that a… Continue reading The Neurobiological Basis of Human-Pet Relationships
When Your Pet Has Cancer
Any pet owner who has been told their animal has cancer knows the two emotions: anxiety for the beloved pet’s life, and hope for an effective treatment. “Many people consider their dogs and cats members of the family,” says Food and Drug Administration veterinarian Lisa Troutman. “Just as FDA reviews drugs for humans for safety… Continue reading When Your Pet Has Cancer
Should Your Pet Take Supplements?
Our pets are like our family, right? Even pet food manufacturers now refer to “pet owners” as “pet parents” in their marketing! This humanization trend has been fueled by us Baby Boomers who are refocusing our discretionary spending on our pets rather than spending it on feathering our now empty nests. So it’s no wonder we “pet parents” are now pondering the question of vitamins and other supplementation for Fido and Fluffy. But what’s the real scoop of pet supplements? Good idea or bad?
Fight Fleas And Ticks The Right Way
Fleas and ticks can be real problems for pets – and for their owners. In animals, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration, flea bites can cause flea allergy dermatitis , an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva.
Keep Pets Safe On The Fourth
The Fourth of July weekend, with its barbecues, firecrackers and fireworks, is a festive time for millions of families. And it’s also a time to remember your animal companions. The experts at the ASPCA have some strategies for making the holiday a relaxing time for the furry friend(s) in your home.
Don’t leave alcoholic drinks within reach of pets. Alcohol can poison animals. Your pet could also go into a coma, the ASPCA says. In severe cases, fatal respiratory failure has occurred.
Keeping Your Pet (and Yourself) Healthy
We Americans love our pets – and we’ve got millions of them. According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are 164 million owned pets across the country, in 62 percent of our households. But while pets provide love, comfort and companionship, they may also have health issues, and some of them can affect us. Here, from the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC), are some tips on keeping your pet (and your family) healthy.