We often think cats meow as a form of communication to each other, but it looks like we’re wrong about that. Cat behaviourists say that only kittens meow to their mothers; when they’re hungry, cold or scared. But once they get older, they use other vocalisations, such as hissing and growling, to communicate with one another. Meowing, it seems, is reserved for the communication with humans. Next, we have to consider the breed and individual temperament of the cat. Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats are very talkative. Also, sometimes cats simply enjoy listening to their own voices, while others cherish conversations with their owners. Here are a few reasons why your cat could be meowing to you: Sickness If your…
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Advances in Canine Cancer Treatments
It’s scary to know that canine cancer treatment costs are about the same as human cancer treatment costs. However, there are far fewer drug treatments specially targeted for dogs. Thankfully, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration have announced the approval of three new drugs to help dogs fight cancer. The usual practice for the treatment of canine cancer has always been to use drugs that were approved for use in people. However, these new drugs are specifically designed for pets. They are Palladia, for the treatment of mast cell tumours, Kinavet-CA1, also for the treatment of mast cell tumours, and Paccal Vet-CA1, for the treatment of mammary carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Unfortunately, there are no FDA-approved drugs to treat feline cancer…
Minimising Mess at Home with Bio Chum
We love our dogs, but there’s no denying they sometimes can create such a mess in our homes, what with their poop and pee, and dragging mud or grime into the house after a romp in the park. All this bacteria can cause infections or build up toxins in your home. Thus, it’s imperative to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in your household for the wellbeing of you, your family members and your pooch as well. Bio-active Stain & Odour Remover This proprietary organic formula with enzyme producing microbes is scientifically formulated to effectively removes stains and odours in both household, auto carpets and upholstery. It is specifically useful at removing urine, blood, vomit, faecal matter, other organic stains and odors. Once…
Dogs and Tear Stains
Like humans, dogs also produce eye gunk. Dog eye discharge and tear staining (those reddish brown streaks you see running down their eyes) are common problems, especially with certain breeds like Poodles and Malteses. Find out what causes them and how to fix them. What causes tear stains? Excessive tearing of the eyes may occur as a result of irritation to your pup’s eyes, or because his or her tears are not draining properly. For example, if a speck of dust enters your eye, you will tear to flush away the dirt. Likewise, a dog’s eyes will do the same to flush away anything harmful or irritating to the eye. When the eyes are continually irritated, chronic tearing may occur and this produces…
9 commonly seen eye disorders in dogs
It’s important to know what type of eye injury your dog may have. These are the 9 most commonly seen eye disorders in dogs. Conjunctivitis: One of your dog’s eyes will look red and swollen, and there may be discharge. Image credit: www.dogster.com Dry Eye: Low tear production can cause corneal inflammation, squinting and discharge. Image credit: www.cinqueportsvets.co.uk Cherry Eye: An enlarged tear gland will form a cherry-like mass on your dog’s eye. Image credit: www.petinsurance.com Epiphora (Tear stain): An overflow of tears creates stains on the dog’s facial fur. Image credit: www.animalfair.com Glaucoma: The cornea becomes cloudy and the eye enlarges due to increased pressure in the eyeball. Image credit: www.worldaccordingtomaggie.com Ectropion: A turning outward of the upper eyelid causes the lower lid to…
7 signs of Arthritis in Pets
Arthritis is very common in middle-aged to older pets, but even younger dogs and cats, under certain circumstances, can suffer from arthritic symptoms. Arthritis causes changes within the affected joints that can be very painful for the pet. This pain is responsible for the following signs associated with arthritis. Limping is a common sign of pain in limbs. You may see that your pet is favouring one or more of his legs, depending on which legs and joints are hurting. In some cases, the limp may seem worse when your pet first rises and becomes less noticeable as he or she “warms up” by moving around. Your pet may exhibit some difficulty moving around. He or she may have become reluctant to do things that…
5 best herbs for dogs
Herbs have long been used to treat and prevents ailments in humans, and apart from smelling good and adding oomph to your cooking, certain herbs are helpful to our canines too. Here are five that may help you save a few bucks on vet visits: 1. Aloe Vera Great as a treatment for burns, scrapes, and minor irritation, aloe vera can also be given internally to help with conditions such as gas, constipation, and infections. 2. Calendula Flowers The flowers of this easy-growing herb may be used to treat cuts, scrapes and wound, on both you and your dog. The flower petals, however, can be applied directly as a wound dressing or made into a tea to be used as an antiseptic wash….
9 benefits of multi-dog households
Image featuring @baileyandfergie Dogs are social creatures and living in a household with another dog may enhance each individual canine’s overall wellbeing. Each doggy gets constant companionship, increased feelings of security and reduces anxiety. Dogs need exercise and few of us can play with our dog the way another dog would. We’re not likely to jump into puddles of mud and wrestle, nor would we put our mouths around our dog’s legs while play-fighting. Increased exercise helps to keep our dogs from being bored, which translates to less destructive behaviours such as chewing on shoes or furniture. Increased activity also translates to healthier appetites, which ensure that your dog is consuming all the essential nutrients he or she requires. Having already house-trained your first dog,…
5 Safe Essential Oils for Dogs
There is such a huge variety of essential oils for dogs but it’s hard to know exactly which ones are safe for your dog. Here are a few must-haves: Bergamot has anti-fungal purposes and is very soothing. It’s great for ear infections caused by yeast or bacterial overgrowth. Carrot seed has anti-inflammatory, tonic and moderate antibacterial effects. It’s good for dry, flaky sensitive skin that is prone to infection. It can also rejuvenate and stimulate tissue regeneration, and is thus effective for scar healing. Chamomile is antispasmodic, analgesic and nerve-calming. It’s great for soothing the central nervous system and provides effective relief of muscle pains, cramps, and teething pain. Lavender is very safe and gentle and has antibacterial, anti-itch and nerve-calming properties. It…
10 best natural supplements for your dog
Pre- and Probiotics are mainly used to help improve your dog’s intestinal tract. But it is also useful for alleviating a number of ailments affecting skin, eyes, or nose. Flaxseed/ Fish/salmon oils are important sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are vital to a dog’s immune and nervous system. They aid in battling allergies and arthritis and many vets recommend them for inflamed skin conditions as it can reduce swelling. Fiber supplements are great if your dog suffers from chronic constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and other gastrointestinal tract issues. There are many varieties available so do check with your vet before giving them to your dog. Multivitamins are a good staple to have in your dog’s pantry if you’re unsure if your dog…