Cat Health – Dog Health – Pet Clothes |

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Even though it really is "earth friendly"…I think it’s kind of odd.

I think it is great! I belong to some wolf rescue groups and also adopt wolves and wolfdogs when I have a spot open, the fur they shed can be used for making clothing or other items such as scarves, shaws, throws or blankets etc. It is also very smooth to touch and great for cold weather, why waste some of the best material in nature for cold weather clothing?
It is also a good way to remember a loved family member after they pass, since dogs/wolves live such shorter life spans than humans we sometimes lose great companions and it is a very difficult thing, while collecting their fur while they are alive from brushing it can be made into great items, and a way to help with that loss, a part of them will be with you. And YES, it is washed before being used.

I don’t believe making clothing from your pet’s hair is odd, heck I have long hair that is smooth and nice to touch, and even keep mine that comes out while brushing to either donate it to make wigs for children with cancer or combine it with those from my pets for clothing or other items.
Why wouldn’t you use it? Now that is what I find odd.

I want to make them home made food and wanted to put a supplements vitamin.

You shouldn’t need vitamin and mineral supplements if you’re giving them a balanced diet according to their species.
Your idea of feeding home-made foods is very commendable as I assume you wish to feed them the best and most naturally as possible, however, study up on your pets nutritional needs and which foods you could supply this from.

I just put my Rottweiler on Shark Cartailage and some Calcium supplements. He’s 160 lbs. and loves to play! Think this will help with his joints?
Vitamins are not pills. You can’t overdose on them and they won’t hurt you.
He gets one of each a day.

Calcium in the right amount will be good for his bones, not necessarily his joints. As for joints: I’m not sure about shark cartilage, but glucosamine and chondroitin are so widely accepted as being effective that even people take them as supplements for arthritis!

Don’t get me wrong, I love Yahoo answers, but you should really double check with your vet or the package label for the right amounts. There IS such thing as vitamin toxicity:

Vitamin toxicity is a condition in which a person develops symptoms as side effects from taking massive doses of vitamins. Vitamins vary in the amounts that are required to cause toxicity and in the specific symptoms that result. Vitamin toxicity, which is also called hypervitaminosis or vitamin poisoning, is becoming more common in developed countries because of the popularity of vitamin supplements.

This is from a human website, but we’re all mammals!

My dog used to bite his paw and the white hair around turned pink. I started giving him yogurt every day and after about 2 weeks, his fur that has been growing in has stayed white rather than pink. (the pink is from red yeast growing in wet fur).

I am sure it’s the yogurt as nothing else has changed. Has anyone else experienced and improvement in your dog’s health as a result of feeding yogurt or anything else you were told was good for your dog?

I give my dogs live culture yoghurt every day. I do this from the first day I bring them home as puppies. None of them have ever had a problem with allergies.

We will see posts where people say not to give dogs yoghurt because they are lactose intolerant. A few dogs are, most are not. I’ve never had a lactose intolerant dog in the last 29 years. This includes the many rescue dogs I’ve had here as well as my own dogs.

I have a mama cat and she seems like she is not feeling good. She does eat and everything I noticed she does not want to be touched underneath her belly, she will not let her kittens feed either. Is this signs of some sort of infection?

Well, sorry, I don’t have a magic ball that enables me, a non-vet to diagnose cats over the internet.

Why don’t you take her TO THE VET? If she isn’t letting her kittens nurse then THEY WILL DIE. That would be the responsible thing to do. But then, if you were a responsible pet owner your cat wouldn’t have had kittens, would she?

Just like humans, animals also need a balanced diet that contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water. However, for a healthy diet these are only the starting point. Vitamins and minerals are also needed by pets to keep healthy. Theoretically everything our pets need for a healthy and balanced diet is provided through high quality food. However, the question remains as to what is healthy and balanced? Each pet is different and needs a different vitamin supplement. Particular pet vitamin supplements may be needed by working animals, stressed out pets, sick or on restricted diets pets or animals recovering from surgery.

The highly polluted environment that we live in harms not only use but our pets as well. Less physical activity is accomplished by pets today than they used to. Important nutrients are destroyed by cooking and processing the food, so it is very important to look into a pet vitamin supplement. A pets state of health in certain situations can be improved by larger doses of pet vitamin supplements. It is always necessary for a balance however since an excess of nutrients can have the same effect as a deficiency. Metabolism can also be helped by a pet vitamin supplement.

Vitamins

Natural and synthetic are the two main groups of vitamins. Food sources contain the natural vitamins while synthetic ones are produced in labs to mirror their natural counterparts. There is no difference chemically, but a synthetic pet vitamin supplement will contain only the isolated substances that work more effectively in cases of deficiency. Other nutrients are included in natural pet vitamin supplements and can provide additional benefitsAmino Acids Supplements Information.

Minerals

To ensure proper chemical balance in body fluids, blood and bone formation, proper nerve function, as well as muscle tone regulation then minerals are also required. As with vitamins, mineral supplements should only be taken in reasonable amounts otherwise they may do more harm. For example, excessive amounts of zinc can deplete copper.

Balanced Diet

Correcting deficiencies or just improving your pet’s diet can be accomplished with a pet vitamin supplement. However, you should remember the important fact that minerals and vitamins work in combination. In addition to any treatment you should find a pet vitamin supplement that has well balanced minerals and vitamins. You can choose from a wide range of diet options today to ensure your pet’s health. To improve their diet and keep them healthy you have lots of opportunities. A lot of support and help to enable your pet’s immune system and boost its functioning can be offered by pet vitamin supplements. There are a large variety of forms and shapes to nutritional supplements so that they will respond to your pet’s needs for nutrients. For both cats and dogs there are multivitamins that are available as tablets to chew or powder that can be mixed in their food. There is also the whole food option which is used to develop a natural pet vitamin supplement.

All pets are different and have different needs, there is no wonder pet vitamin supplement that will work on all pets. Going to the vet is definitely the best option if you want to ensure a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet for your pet. You vet will be able to examine your pet and give a pet vitamin supplement that will respond to your pet’s specific needs Vitamins Diary.

Kum Martin
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/choosing-a-pet-vitamin-supplement-81587.html

One thing to keep in mind is that our metabolism and animals’ are different. There are some supplements that are fine for a human but can cause damage to a cat or dog. Always consult your vet before giving vitamins or supplements to your dog or cat.

Remember, vitamins and supplements for your pets shouldn’t be used to replace seeing a vet. Your pet cats and dogs should have regular checkups and be taken to a vet if they appear to be ill. You should make sure you always inform your vet of any type of vitamins or supplements you are giving your pet.

This is especially true if you cat or dog is being treated for a condition which requires medication. This is because some medications will act adversely when taken with other types of medication or supplements. Always consult your veterinarian and ask for their recommendations before starting your pets on vitamins or herbal supplements.

Listed below are some of the common vitamins and supplements that are being given to pets to promote health and treat ailments.

Glucosamine and Chondroitan- These are well known and are commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat pets who are suffering from arthritis and joint pain. They are known to help rebuild cartilage and thicken joint fluid which cushions and protects the joints.

Milk Thistle- This has been used for pets with liver problems such as hepatitis. It is suppose to protect liver cells from toxins.

Ginger- This has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and also for stomach problems. It has been known to help animals with car sickness and with digestive problems, including diarrhea and gas.

Vitamin C- This vitamin is a powerful anti-oxidant which is said to help combat the aging process and cancer. It has also can be used for hip dysphasia, arthritis and urinary tract problems.

Echinacea- This supplement is said to improve the immune system and helps to fight off infections and diseases.

Slippery Elm- The bark of this tree is used to help the digestive system in pets who suffer from upset stomachs and constipation.  It has also been known to be used as a cough suppressant.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids- The oils from cold water fish have been known to be beneficial to pets. They have been used to aid in treatment of heart disease, cancer, allergies, arthritis and kidney disease.

Choline- This supplement can be helpful to pets that have cognitive disorders and seizures.

There are certain vitamins that seem to help different parts of your pet’s body. For example Vitamin A is used for healthy skin and coat.  Vitamin E helps to ease the discomfort of arthritis and cancer. Vitamin D is essential for bone development, and nerve and muscle functions. Vitamin B helps with growth and metabolism.

Make sure you read the directions thoroughly and always give the recommended dosage to your pet. You might want to consult with your vet on the dosage for your particular pet. Remember, even though a vitamin or supplement is considered natural that doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe. Always closely monitor your pet after you have given them any new type of vitamin or supplement to watch for signs of an allergic reaction. The items listed above are just a few of the different varieties of supplements available for use on pets. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on which type of product will work best for your four-legged companion.

To make sure your pets stays healthy and will enjoy a long life, you might want to consider buying pet insurance in case there will be unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you might want to get pet insurance on your four-legged companions.

Karen Corey
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/common-natural-supplements-and-vitamins-for-pets-712119.html

If you have pet allergies, you’re not alone.  According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 10 percent of Americans may be allergic to animals.   Of these allergy sufferers, many may have asthma and 20 to 30 percent of asthma sufferers have pet allergies.  These asthma sufferers include kids with childhood asthma.  The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) explains that allergic asthma (caused by allergens such as dust mites, cat and dog dander and other environmental allergens) is the most common form of asthma in children.   What can you do if you, your child or someone in your family has pet allergies?  This edition of the Allergy Control Products series on “The Secret to Living with Allergies” covers top allergy relief action steps for help with pet allergies. 

Step 1:  Understand where Pet Allergens are found and the Hurdles in Tackling Pet Allergies
Pet allergen, the allergy-causing material from dogs and cats that triggers allergic reactions, is not actually the pet hair but instead a protein present in the animal dander (made up of flaky skin cells and dried saliva).  Pet allergens are particularly small and ‘sticky’.  These allergens are found to the greatest extent in homes with pets, however, their sticky nature means that they often travel on clothes or in other ways to places where pets have never been allowed (such as offices, schools, and other public places). 

Depending on individual factors including the severity of the pet allergy, you may face the very difficult decision of finding a new home for your pet.  If this happens, removing pet dander will require thorough cleaning as pet dander is difficult to eliminate throughout the home, and it can take as long as 20 weeks for pet dander to no longer cause allergies.  If you keep your pet, it is important to take the action steps outlined in Steps 2 – 9 to help reduce your exposure to pet allergens.

Step 2:  Don’t Allow the Pet in the Allergic Individual’s Bedroom
To reduce exposure to pet allergens, keep the pet out of the bedroom.  This room is where we spend much of our day while sleeping and is where the greatest levels of allergens can be found.  Hands and clothing should be washed after any contact with your pet.

Step 3:  Cover Pillows, Mattresses and Box Spring with Allergy Encasings
Protect yourself from pet allergens that have built up in the bed by covering pillow, mattress, box spring and even the comforter with allergy encasings.  Choose an encasing with a small pore size (under 5-6 microns) that will effectively block the small pet dander particle and keep allergens contained within the bed.

Step 4:  Wash Linens and Any Un-Encased Bedding Every Week in Hot Water
Any linens, pillows, blankets or comforters that aren’t encased should be washed weekly in hot water (130-degrees F) to remove allergens.  If you have had to remove your pet, consider replacing bedding items with new purchases that are free from pet allergen build-up. 

Step 5:  Remove or Treat Carpets to Eliminate a Large Allergen Source
Allergens fall into the weave of the carpet, accumulating to create a large allergen source.  Remove the carpet to prevent continued exposure, or treat carpets to denature allergens and vacuum thoroughly.

Step 6:  Clean Your Carpet with a HEPA Filtration Vacuum, Designed to Contain the Small Pet Dander Particle
The tiny pet dander particle can pass through the standard bag of many vacuum cleaners and exhaust back into the air.  HEPA vacuums, with high filtration bags and superior containment of allergen particles, should be used. 

Step 7:  Use HEPA Air Cleaners and Purifiers to Capture Airborne Allergens
Although large dust and mold allergens can settle to the ground more quickly, small pet allergens remain airborne longer.  HEPA air cleaners and air purifiers are particularly good for these allergens. 

Step 8:  Use Central Furnace Filters or Place Filter Media Over Vents in the Bedroom
Filter air with a central furnace permanent or disposable air filter.  Airborne allergen particles are captured by the air filter before circulating throughout the house.  Cover vents in the allergic person’s bedroom with filter media that further traps airborne particles before entering the room.

Step 9:  Reduce Dander by Giving Your Pet Frequent Baths
Although studies have demonstrated that washing pets with water removes some surface allergen, the effects are temporary and may not last long enough to reduce symptoms.  Specially-formulated pet shampoos can be used to help remove dander.

Colleen Finnegan
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-secret-to-living-with-allergies-part-8-top-allergy-relief-steps-for-help-with-pet-allergies-721693.html

Dogs, just like humans, have a variety of conditions that can affect their health. Unfortunately, dogs can have bone and joint problems, eye problems, nervous disorders, digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, as well as hereditary diseases and even cancers. As a dog owner, the health of your pet is always a concern. The good news is that by following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your dog will be healthy and any conditions that arise will be noted and treated as early as possible to obtain the best possible outcome.

The following list is a general outline of the suggestions that most vets recommend for ensuring your dog’s health. Remember that some breeds may have additional needs that are health-related, so be sure to research your breed and be aware of any conditions or dog health risks that may be prevalent within the breed.

Exercise
All dogs need some level of exercise on a daily basis. Many of the small breeds will exercise indoors or will “self-exercise”, but other breeds simply do not. Owners need to realize that just turning the dog outside in the yard for a couple of hours a day may not be exercise either. Many dogs will simply find a shady spot to rest in until they’re allowed back in the house. Having a dog means that you’re willing to make a commitment to their daily exercise, whether that is going for a walk, jog, or just tossing the ball or Frisbee for 20 minutes. Watch your dog to be sure that they’re not over tired or injured during exercise, especially if there’s a lot of jumping or running involved. Encourage your dog to exercise even if they don’t seem to want to that day.

Diet
Feed only a good quality or premium dry kibble to your dog. Avoid the wet foods, as they are often not as nutritionally balanced as the kibble, plus they can cause both dental and digestive problems. If you are feeding wet food, consult with your vet and make sure that you are using the correct amount and type to balance the nutritional needs of your dog. Avoid feeding human food and too many treats. Human food or treats should be less than 5% of the daily food intake of your dog. Many vets and dog health experts recommend no human food and only select dog treats.

Some foods should be avoided completely. The following are harmful and possibly fatal to dogs:
· Chocolates
· Sweets and sugars
· Raisins
· Raw pork
· Raw fish
· Any kind of poultry that is raw
· Any kind of raw or cooked poultry bones
· Coffee
· Mushrooms
· Onions and garlic (in large quantities)

Dogs should always have free access to clean water and should never be kenneled or kept in an area where there is no water.

Attention to Detail
By carefully observing your dog on a regular basis, you can note any signs of discomfort or anxiety quickly. Watch for changes in your dog’s behavior, including their energy level and food and water consumption. Often the first signs of many conditions are a change in eating patterns. Any odd behavior should be noted and carefully monitored. Behaviors such as seizures, excessive salivating, excessive or abnormal tearing of the eyes or discharges from any part of the body should be immediately checked by a vet.

Routine Vet Visits
Be sure to keep vaccinations and other dog health precautions up to date with routine visits to the vet. In some areas, heartworm and other conditions require constant monitoring and the vet can provide this service. Before breeding your dog, be sure to have her or him completely checked for any genetic conditions or predispositions such as hip dysplasia.

Love and Attention
Last, but certainly not least, your dog needs your family’s love and attention. Dogs thrive when they feel they are a loved and involved member of the family. Dog health is linked to love and attention, as loving owners are usually more aware of changes in the dog’s health and well being and get professional help sooner.

In all cases, it is vitally important to talk to your vet about any concerns that you may have with Dog Health and be sure to know any conditions that are specific to the breed of dog that you own.

Terry Roberts
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-basics-of-dog-health-93721.html

No matter what breed of cat and no matter how well you look after your cat, like us humans, they will suffer from common cat health problems during the course of their life. As a cat owner, you will need to be aware of the most common problems, some of which can be avoided with the right awareness and by taking basic precautions.

The most common cat health problems are colds, bite wounds, digestive problems, urinary problems and diarrhea, and

eye problems.

Cats are sensitive to many respiratory viruses and infections such as the common cold and like humans they can usually rely on their own immune system to deal with it. However, if your cat is off its food and appears listless and in some distress then you should consult your vet for appropriate medication.

Cats, particularly Tom cats do fight a lot. Often with other cats and sometimes with dogs and more dangerously with the dreaded fox. This can lead to various wounds which will need treatment from a vet to avoid infections setting in. Eyes are particularly vulnerable.

Fleas are also a common cat health problem, especially if your cat is outside a lot. Tapeworm and other parasites are common problems Cat Health problems too and often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Your vet will have medication to deal with these issues.

Another common cat health problem, mainly associated with Tom cats that have not been neutered, is urinary tract infection. If your cat stops using the litter box, or the urine is particularly strong smelling then these are clear signs and your vet should be consulted without delay.

Although not normally a cat health problem on its own, hairballs or fur balls are very common and can lead to problems under certain circumstances. Cats naturally swallow fur from their constant grooming and although it will normally pass through the cats digestive system, there are times when it gathers into a fur ball and may become lodged in the digestive tract or intestine with serious consequences if not treated quickly. Symptoms are not eating properly, constipation and listlessness. Often a cat will cough up a fur ball if it gets caught in the throat. You can help prevent hairballs or fur balls occurring if you brush your cat regularly.

Feline leukemia used to be a very common cat health problem and was often fatal. These days, however, with modern vaccines available the disease can be prevented. Always have you cat vaccinated if there is a risk of infection because this is a highly contagious disease.

The main message here is to monitor you cat’s health, visit the vet regularly for check ups and take advice from your vet on suitable vaccinations.

Richard G M Taylor
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/cat-health-common-problems-69636.html