From: Dr Andrew Jones

Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed

A common question I have been asked lately is about the Cat flu.

It’s going around, and more often than not a visit to your veterinarian will result in antibiotics. But little else.

And its a virus… antibiotics are NOT effective. In fact this approach can cause problems.

Reactions to the antibiotics can include vomiting, diarrhea and severe allergic reactions, as well as liver disease and immune mediated disease,

Resistance can develop to the antibiotic so it may not be effective when your pet needs it.

Does this Sound a little CRAZY to you? There is a better way, and I’ve included a few solutions in this article.

Cat Flu

SIGNS

The most obvious sign is a cat with a runny nose, often accompanied by swollen and runny eyes. Most cats will also be sneezing.

CAUSES

Two feline viruses are responsible for most cases of cat flu. Some cats can be infected as kittens and constantly harbor the virus, making them prone to repeated infections. In most cases, the virus will run its course in 7-10 days, so supportive care is needed.

SOLUTIONS

KEEP HER EATING. One of the best ways to help your cat’s immune system is by ensuring adequate food intake. Warm up her favorite canned food, or add a small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of garlic. If her regular food isn’t appetizing, then switch to canned tuna.

ORDER UP FLORIDA. Humidity is fabulous for easing congestion and improving breathing. Use a humidifier or put your cat in the bathroom and turn up the shower.

WIPE AWAY. Use a damp cloth to wipe crusted discharge around the nose and eyes.

OPEN THE AIRWAYS. For some cats with severe nasal congestion I have used Pediatric Otrivin. Use one drop in each nostril 3 times daily for 3-5 days.

HERBAL. Boosting the immune system is what is most important in recovering from the flu. ECHINACEA and Lemon Balm are the most important.

SUPPLEMENTS. Vitamin C has antiviral activity.

The more you read, the more you can see how CRAZY our pet health care system has become.

If your pet has a virus that won’t respond to antibiotics, then DON’T give them.

But you have to be aware of ALL the options.

To your pet’s good health,

Dr Andrew Jones

http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com

Dr. Andrew Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/cat-flu-and-antibiotics-106967.html

Herbal remedies for ferrets or any other animal for that matter are in large part not discussed often enough. While there are a few products created especially for ferrets for disease, you don’t often find the supplements for animals that you can for human consumption.

Herbal remedies can be found with the aiding of cancer in ferrets, which they are especially apt to get. Ferrets are naturally carnivores, so they are logically drawn to meat that is high in fat content, which is the main source of energy and protein. It then goes without saying that herbal remedies for ferrets can be required depending on the diet.

What is Considered Herbal Remedies for Ferrets?

Although there is no set of officially created herbal remedies for ferrets does not mean that there are no herbal remedies for ferrets. Every living and breathing creature on Earth must have a well balanced diet in order to suppress diseases and disorders. This is no different when considering herbal remedies for ferrets.

Fish meal is considered to be a herb and is often found in manufactured ferret food content however, fish meal is not good for ferrets as it contains an enzyme that can destroy both vitamins B and B1 which are essential in healthy daily living. When selecting ferret food or seeking remedies, it is imperative that you try to find food that is high in animal fat protein and that steers clear of the free radical oils and enzyme that deplete the ferret’s vitamin content of his body.

How to Use Herbal Remedies for Ferrets

Although it is hard to find specific remedies for ferrets, animal fat contains many essential nutrients that can aid in the healing and restoring of what is disrupting your ferret. The way in which we house and keep our pets demands a ‘package’ of food sort of like a ‘one size fits all’ food that we can just pour out of a box or bag. These reasons are the reasons for herbal remedies because as in humans, a lot of the nutrients are lost in the processing and then replaced with chemical replacements.

This leads to disease not only in humans, but ferrets too. One ferret owner was so concerned about the chemicals and having to detox the pet ferret, the pet ferret was give nearly a whole diet of raw whole carcass meat in the morning and also removed the pet from the inside of the family home. Since the ferret owner made these drastic changes in the environment as well as diet, there have been no more ferret health problems for the owner’s pets and making the need for herbal remedies unnecessary.

Dane Stanton
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/all-the-secrets-about-herbal-remedies-for-ferrets-110177.html

If you want to know exactly what your cat is being fed each day, then the best way is to prepare a homemade cat food recipe yourself. However, for your cat to remain healthy, it is important to ensure that your homemade cat food recipe includes sufficient animal protein, calcium, phosphorus, iodine and vitamins. This is usually obtained from red meat, liver, kidney, heart, chicken and sometimes milk.

Generally, raw food contains more nutrients as cooking destroys some vitamins, especially vitamin B. If you are squeamish about feeding raw food to your cat and intend to feed your cat cooked food instead, then you may need to provide pet food supplements in your cat’s diet. Your vet will be able to advise you on appropriate pet food supplements, based on your homemade cat food diet.

Here are some important ingredients which you should incorporate into your homemade cat food diet:

INGREDIENT #1 – Meat and Meat By-Products

Both red and white meat contains protein, B-group vitamins, fat and energy. Highest sources of protein are beef, chicken (meat) and liver, followed by heart, chicken skin, lamb, kidney and chicken necks.

All types of meat are deficient in vitamin A therefore, it is good to feed liver to your cat as it is rich in vitamin A. However, liver should not be more than 10% of your cat food diet as too much vitamin A can lead to skeletal problems and other abnormal bone growth. If you are worried about an overdose of vitamin A, feed cooked liver to your cat instead of raw liver. Or as a rough guide, feed raw liver not more than once a week.

INGREDIENT #2 – Fish

It is good to have a mix of the 2 main types of fish: white fish and fatty/oily fish (such as tuna). White fish is leaner but is weak in vitamins A, D, E and K.

Fatty and oily fish on the other hand, contain high levels of vitamins A and D but your cat may suffer a case of steatites (a painful inflammation of fat deposits under the skin) if it is fed too much fatty fish.

In the case of fish, it is advisable to cook the fish first. Raw fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme which destroys thiamine, an important vitamin B. Cooking destroys thiaminase and helps to retain more vitamins in the food.

Whole fish (including the bones) is very nutritional cat food as fish bones contain calcium and phosphorus. However, to prevent fish bones from getting caught in your cat’s teeth or throat, it is good to soften the bones first. You can do this by pressure cooking, boiling or stewing.

INGREDIENT #3 – Eggs

Eggs are high in animal protein, iron, vitamins, fats and carbohydrates and are ideal to include in your homemade cat food. However, too much may be harmful as the egg whites contain avidin which destroys a B vitamin that is essential for good hair and skin health and proper muscle function.

As a general guide, feed raw egg not more than once a week. If you feed the egg yolk only, then you may increase this to no more than 3 times a week.

INGREDIENT #4 – Milk, Cheese and Yoghurt

Dairy products are high in protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and the B vitamins.

Kittens generally like warmed milk and cream. But as they mature, they become lactose-intolerant and may develop diarrhea. You can get low-lactose cat milk which is available in supermarkets. Cream is fattening and too much may result in an obese cat.

Cheese may be a better dairy alternative as it does not contain lactose. However, some cats do not appreciate the taste and will not eat it.

INGREDIENT #5 – Fats and Oils

Fats are essential in your homemade cat food to ensure your cat’s skin doesn’t become itchy, dry and scurfy.

Good sources are safflower or corn oil and fish fats. Safflower is the preferred choice.

INGREDIENT #6 – Vegetables

Vegetables provide vitamin C and some are rich in B vitamins. It also provides fibre which should form about 5% of your homemade cat food diet. Mix vegetables with meat or fish and cook it as a stew. Most cats will eat the vegetables if cooked this way.

INGREDIENT #7 – Grains

Grains provide carbohydrate, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Good sources are:

Wheatgerm – thiamine, vitamin E
Yeast – B vitamins, minerals, recommended for older cats
Rice – most cats will eat this and it is a good base for mixing with meat and fish
Wheat, oats, barley – higher protein content and less fattening than rice

INGREDIENT #8 – Water

Lastly, and probably more important than any of the above, a fresh clean supply of water must always be available. Generally, your cat will need about 40ml of water per kg of body weight. However, environmental temperature, your cat’s consumption of dry food and ailments may require you to adjust accordingly.

Your cat is an individual and will have its own likes and dislikes. Different pedigrees may also have different requirements. It is always advisable to check with your vet and seek professional advice before preparing your homemade cat food.

Rona Limsy
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/8-musthave-ingredients-for-your-homemade-cat-food-recipe-111334.html

http://www.ratsratsrats.com/71/rat-food/

http://www.ratanooga.za.net/diet_foodlist.asp

http://www.ratanooga.za.net/RNGuide_TextOnly.pdf

http://www.rmca.org/Resources/faqs.htm#TOC ( scroll down to the links on diet)

For cat owners, there’s nothing more terrifying and distressing than to find out that your beloved feline companion has developed a malignant tumor or tumors. In order to give your cat the best chance to survive a case of feline cancer, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Also, having a basic understanding of cat cancer and the steps involved in fighting the disease can help make the process of diagnosis and treatment less confusing and overwhelming.

What is Cancer?

Cancer involves the unregulated proliferation of cells resulting in the formation malignant tumors. This type of uncontrolled growth occurs when gene mutations are caused by damaged DNA. Typically, any damaged cells would be destroyed by the animal’s immune system; however, cancerous cells are able to avoid destruction by the immune system and, therefore, continue to grow in their unregulated manner. These cells then form a mass known as a tumor, which can either be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are the cancerous ones, and they can be very aggressive and dangerous.

Types of Cat Cancer

There are so many different types of cat cancer that it’s not possible to discuss all of them here. Cancer can originate in and affect almost all parts of the feline body; however, there are certain types of cat cancer that are more common than others. These include bladder cancer as well as various abdominal cancers which can affect the kidneys, intestines, spleen, and liver. Feline leukemia and malignant skin tumors also affect cats quite frequently.

Causes

In most cases, it’s impossible to identify one or more particular causes of cancer in a feline patient. The potential causes and triggers of this disease are numerous and encompass both genetic and environmental factors. For example, hereditary defects and toxic chemicals can both play a role in the development of cat cancer. Radiation and viruses such as the Feline Leukemia Virus are also known to increase a cat’s risk of developing cancer. With so many potential triggers and contributing factors, the cause of feline cancer in a particular cat will often remain unknown.

Common Symptoms

Since there are so many different forms of cat cancer, the type of the disease that is affecting a particular cat will determine the type of symptoms and warning signs exhibited. For example, excessive drooling and trouble with eating could be signs of mouth cancer while stiffness and difficulty with movement could be symptoms of bone cancer. However, even though the warning signs of cancer will differ with each type of the disease, there are certain symptoms that are common to various forms of cancer. These warning signs include weight loss and loss of appetite, abnormal and firm swelling, a lack of interest in daily activities, trouble with eating, an offensive odor, and unusual stiffness or lameness.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of cat cancer will be reached through an evaluation of symptoms and clinical signs as well as the results of various diagnostic procedures. Since there are so many different types of feline cancer, there are a number of diagnostic tools and tests that may be necessary to confirm and identify a particular case of this disease. Certain tools and tests that may be employed include blood tests, biopsies, x-rays, and CT scans. Once the presence of a particular form of cat cancer has been confirmed, the veterinarian will also need to evaluate the stage of the disease in order to implement an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment

When a cat has been diagnosed as having cancer, the necessary treatment plan will depend on a number of different factors, including the type of cancer present and the stage of the disease. Examples of treatment methods frequently used for various forms of cat cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is part of a holistic health approach to treatment and is often used in conjunction with other treatments. This particular form of therapy involves using a variety of natural supplements to boost the cat’s immune system in order to provide the animal with a greater ability to fight the cancer as well as to withstand other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy. In some cases, treatment for cat cancer will successfully eradicate the disease but, unfortunately, in other cases treatment will only serve to slow the progress of the cancer.

Prevention

Since the potential contributing factors with respect to the development of cat cancer are so numerous, it can be difficult and even impossible to predict and prevent cancer in many cases. Yet, there are certain steps that pet owners can take to help lower the chances of their feline friends developing this terrible disease. Often, a holistic health care approach is very beneficial in this regard. By promoting and protecting your cat’s overall health with a good diet, a healthy living environment, and natural supplements, you will be boosting the strength and function of your pet’s immune system. As a result, your feline companion will have a stronger defense against cancer and all other feline medical problems and will be more likely to live a long and healthy life.

Catharine Wells
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/cat-cancera-brief-explanation-293466.html

http://www.grapeseedextractguide.com/Grape_seed_extract_for_dogs.htm

http://www.accentonpethealthcare.com/cq30.html

Oh,and to answer your question,I think as long as you give the correct dosage,you can give the human products.I buy the human equivalent of Cosequin ( Cosamin) for my dogs – my vet told me to because it’s cheaper and yet it is made by the same company! I’ve given my dogs many human nutritional supplements and they have never suffered any side effects.Of course I check to see if it is safe for them first.

Dorothy S – I believe you are referring to GrapeFRUIT seed extract. I buy it as well.It is a potent anti-viral,anti-bacterial,anti-fungal agent. But it comes from grapefruit,not grapes,hence the name Citricidal ( grapefruit is a citrus fruit.)

http://www.nutriteam.com/servlet/the-Citricidal/Categories

Does this sound like your dog? He or she is constantly scratching at their ears, one particular spot on their body, or scratching, biting and licking themselves all over. Your pet may even be rubbing their whole body against furniture, the carpet, and any other rough surface.

During a grooming session with your dog, if you observe red, scaly, or flaking patches of skin, or open sores that may be bleeding or that have a discharge, it could be a sign of a skin disorder. Also, if your dog is shedding more than usual, and you notice they have bald spots where clumps of fur have been pulled out, your dog may have a skin condition.

There are several possible conditions that can cause irritation to your dog’s skin and also make his coat dull, lifeless and weaken it enough that he may lose large amounts of his fur even with minimal scratching. Some skin and coat ailments in dogs are harder than others to treat than others. However, your persistence can end your dogs suffering from the intolerable itching and pain of inflammation, infections, and other conditions affecting the health of his skin and coat.

Fleas and ticks are a primary source of skin irritation in dogs, cats, and other pets. These blood-feeders are also carriers of serious diseases such as heartworm and Lyme disease. Other microorganisms like mites, chiggers, and fungi’s can cause canine mange and other skin afflictions in dogs. Dirt and debris picked up from your dog’s environment and held against the skin by his coat can irritate his skin. Chlorine and other pool chemicals, as well as microbial organisms living in bodies of water that dogs come into contact with swimming or by drinking, can cause skin and coat problems. Dogs can develop food and other allergies the same as people do and this can result in uncomfortable skin and coat issues for them. There are even psychological and behavioral reasons some dogs develop skin and coat problems. It is always best to have your veterinarian evaluate and conduct tests on your dog to determine the exact cause of his skin and coat problems and to help decide the best treatment plan for your dog.

Treatment Options

When fleas and ticks are the problem, you will want to treat your dog with a product designed to kill these blood-thirsty pests (adult and their eggs) immediately and that continues protecting your dog from them for 3 to 4 weeks between applications. Some well known medications for treating flea and ticks on dogs include collars: Powerband flea and tick collar, and Preventic tick dog collar, orals: Capstar and Sentinel flavor tablets, topical solutions:  Frontline Plus, Advantage, Revolution, and Advantix, sprays: Virbac long-acting knockout and Frontline flea and tick spray, and shampoos: EctoKyl CA, Adams, and Soothe 3x flea and tick shampoo.

Treating his environment is also necessary for full protection and helping to prevent re-infestations. Mycodex Environmental household spray, Siphotrol-Plus Foggers, and sprays, and Virbac room, area, and yard applications are popular flea and tick products for your home and yard.

Many of these product for treating fleas and ticks on dogs can also irritate their skin so you may want to follow- up an application of a flea and tick control product on your dog with a bath using a medicated or emollient-rich shampoo for dogs.

Your vet may recommend treating your dog with products like, Animax Topical, Atopica Capsules, and Allergroom and Allermy shampoos to get rid of chiggers, mites, and other parasites.

When the problem is due to a food allergy or a pathogenic infection, your dog is likely to need to be placed on special diet, given prescription medications, and possibly treated at home with medicated shampoos and nutritional supplements, to help correct the problem and help his skin and coat to heal and stay healthy. Allergy shampoos, conditioners, lotions, sprays, and supplement products like Derm Caps in liquid and pill form, Welactin Canine Liquid, and Cyclosporin caplets among others can help sooth a dogs discomfort from irritated skin and promote healthy skin regeneration and a shiny coat.

Your dog’s diet may be to blame for his inflamed skin tissue and lackluster coat. Many brands of cheaper dog foods say they provide your dog with balanced nutrition despite not having the amount of protein your dog needs for healthy skin and coat and for his overall health. Buy dog food containing high amounts of proteins, fats, and other nutrients your dog needs for good health and consider adding supplements such as Omega3 fatty acids, Caps,( which has the Omega 3’s plus vitamins A, D,  and E,)  ACTIS Omega, and other supplements for dogs in tablet, capsule, or liquids to his diet for greater health protection.

Your dog cannot tell you that he has a skin condition that is causing him unbearable itching and pain. He can only continue to scratch at the irritation making it worse and potentially inviting infections to set in, until you take notice of his discomfort and take steps to remedy the source of his unhealthy skin and coat condition so that he can return to being the happy care-free canine you have come to know and love.

Cynthia Andrews
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/improve-your-dogs-life-with-skin-and-coat-medication-1328172.html

For Fido’s bones and joints to be healthy, there are specific medicines that veterinarians recommend. We will give you some of the more common ones.

Note that not only anti-inflammatory medicine are available; supplements specifically for the joints and bones are also available. These are medicines that can be purchased only upon prescription.

Medicines

Deramaxx®

Deramaxx® are chewable tablets that fall under the anti-inflammatory category. When your dog is diagnosed with osteoarthritis or underwent orthopaedic surgery, he or she may feel pain and show signs of inflmmation. Your veterinarian may prescribe Deramaxx® chewable tablets. These tablets help control post-surgery pain. You should ask your veterinarian to explain what Deramaxx® will do for your dog and the likely consequences and side effects that you can expect from this particular medication.

How the medicine works to control pain varies from dog to dog, but it is important to follow your vet’s instructions; otherwise your dog may feel pain again. If your dog limps, has lost interest in his or her usual physical activities, or has difficulty in walking, then he or she may be suffering from osteoarthritis.

While Deramaxx® is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it will help control post-surgery pain and inflammation and help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Your vet will not prescribe Deramaxx® if your dog has kidney problems, is vomiting, has blood in his stool or tends to dehydrate easily. Other disorders may also be present which your veterinarian will examine to decide if it is safe to administer Deramaxx®.

EtoGesic

Like Deramaxx®, EtoGesic is prescribed for dogs that have osteoarthritis or are suffering from post-surgery pain and inflammation. It is available in tablet form and should be administered as per your vet’s instructions. A dog will not be given EtoGesic if the following conditions are present:<ul>

Shawn Thomas
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/top-dog-medicine-for-healthy-bones-and-joints-640776.html