pets world

Ear Infections in Cats

2009-04-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Unlike the human ear, cats have longer ear canals that move downward and then inward inside the ears. This complex anatomical structure makes ear-cleaning very difficult. Thus, cats are more likely to breed infectious microorganisms inside the ears that give birth to various ear infections and diseases. Sometimes, such problems may take chronic form by perforating ear drums and traveling to the brain. So, proper hygiene and requisite medical therapies are necessary to get rid of ear infections. In these lines, we have detailed about the various symptoms, causes and remedies of ear infections in cats.

Symptoms
More than often, your cat will display various signs that indicate an ear problem. Keep an open eye to the following symptoms

Constant rubbing or pawing of ears and head
Vigorous shaking of the head
Tilting the head to one side
Foul smell near the ears
Inflammation of the ear canal
Discharge from the ears
Irritable behavior or depression

Causes

Numerous predisposing factors may contribute to an infected ear in your cat. Understand what causes this problem, by going through the following lines

Allergic reactions to certain food or inhaling certain allergens
Presence of parasites like ear mites (Otodectes cynotis)
Free-living organisms like yeast and bacteria in the body
Presence of tumors inside the ear (like carcinomas and melanomas)
Foreign bodies like plant awns inside the ear
Some ear infections are congenital and hereditarily passed

Treatment

Depending on the causal factors, treatments may vary. Check out these remedies that can help in reducing various ear problems in cats.

Make sure to regularly clean your cat's ear with a good ear cleaning solution to cure ear infection and prevent recurrence.
Certain antibiotics and antifungals can be administered for treating bacterial and yeast infections in ears.
Corticosteroids are also prescribed, that are either applied topically, or given orally or through injections.
Hormonal replacement or hyposensitization is used for treating ear infections due to hormonal imbalance.
Various medicated ear drops are available to get rid of ear mites. Ask your vet for a suitable product.

As aforesaid, hygiene is the most important factor for preventing ear infections in your pet. Do a routine check of your cat's ears and carefully remove accumulated waste and debris from the ears. In case you notice any signs of ear infections, immediately notify your veterinarian.
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Dog Toys For Your Pet

2009-04-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

Dog toys should be fun, durable, and most of all, safe. There are many factors that contribute to the safety or danger of a dog toy. Many of those factors, however, are completely dependent upon your dog’s size, activity level, and personal preference. Another factor to be considered is the environment in which your dog spends his time. Although we can’t guarantee your dog’s enthusiasm or his safety with any specific toy, we can offer the following advice.

Be Cautious With Your Dog Toy Choices
The things that are usually the most attractive to dogs are often the very things that are the most dangerous. For example, some companies are selling dog toys that require your dog to push a long lever in order to receive treats. Avoid this type of toy as it poses a potential danger to your dog’s eyes. Sharp, pointy objects are always a bad idea when it comes to dog toys.
Also, dog-proof your home by checking for: string, ribbon, rubber bands, children’s toys, pantyhose and anything else that could be ingested.

Choose The Right Size Dog Toys
Toys should be appropriate for your dog’s current size. Balls and other toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your dog’s mouth or throat.

Make Sure Nothing Can Break Or Fall Off
Avoid or alter any toys that aren’t “dog-proof” by removing ribbons, strings, eyes, or other parts that could be chewed and/or ingested.

Soft & Squeaky Dog Toys Are Fine For Gentler Dogs
Our dog Daisy loved to carry around her plush dog toys. She was gentle with them and would never rip them apart. However, many dogs do like to play rough with their plush toys. If your dog likes to “rip apart” his or her toys, take note of any toy that contains a “squeaker” buried in its center. Your dog may feel that he must find and destroy the squeak-source and could ingest it, in which case squeaking objects should be “supervision only” toys. Remember that soft toys are not indestructible, but some are sturdier than others. Soft toys should be machine washable (ours are).

Avoid Rawhide Type Dog Toys
Rawhides soften when chewed and can become stuck in a dog’s throat. We do not carry rawhide toys – however we do carry a veggie rawhide called Sams Yams made from sweet potatoes. It is a tasty treat for dogs, but make sure to supervise them while they enjoy their treat.
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Introducing Cats to Dogs

2009-04-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

Introducing a cat to a dog is not always a cut-and-dried system. There are several factors you need to consider. The most important factor is the breed of dog that you are working with. If your dog is a cross-breed and the two breeds are not compatible within themselves, you will have a genetically confused dog. This can make for a bit of a problem when you want to introduce Fido to another cat. If you are not Alpha over your dog, then he does not respect you, he will not listen to you, and introductions to another cat should wait. Here are some more tips:

When you are introducing a cat to a dog, there are several factors to consider.

You cannot control the cat.
Your focus should be on controlling the dog.
You need to consider the breed of dog you are working with.
The dog should be obedience-trained, and respect you.
A puppy will become overly excited, and could hurt the cat unintentionally.
When it goes right, you praise, praise, praise. If it goes wrong NEVER punish!

Dogs are pack animals. They respond to other dogs differently. Don't make the mistake of thinking because he is accepting of other dogs in Obedience Class, that he will respond to a cat favorably right away.

If you have a purebred dog, be sure to research how this breed gets along with other pets. For example; an Afghan hound is a hunter. If an Afghan sees a cat outside, it will chase the cat. But inside the home, it will not. Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Bassett Hounds and Dachsunds are good with other pets. Do your homework on this issue.

Obedience classes are a must. If your dog has not been through an obedience course, do not attempt introductions. Here are a few tips to get you through that stage

Keep your cat isolated from your dog.
Make a safe and secure room for the cat.
Swap scents; using an old blanket or towel, give the item to your cat. Let her play on it, sleep on it, eat on it. Rub her with this blanket and then leave it in her room for 24 hours.
Remove the blanket and present it to your dog. Rub him all over with it, let him roll on it, sniff it, sleep on it for 24 hours, then switch and do the same thing again. This blends their scents, making them a bit more at ease with each other.
Use a soft plush dog toy, give it to the dog first, let him play with it, slobber on it and then toss the toy into the room with the cat. Just leave that toy there.

Obedience course completed?

You are now ready for the first meeting.

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