Articles
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Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria, plaque, tartar, decomposing food particles, or death of tissue. Treatment of halitosis in cats involves eliminating the cause(s). The teeth need to be thoroughly cleaned and polished under general anesthesia. Teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease or tooth resorption need to be extracted. Reducing the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and resulting halitosis can be achieved by using VOHC-accepted products.
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Halloween can be fun for the whole family, but it can also be a scary or dangerous time for pets. Costumes, candy, and noises can cause problems such as stress, poisoning, and anxiety. Keep them in mind when planning your holiday and talk to your veterinarian if you need help with anxiety issues.
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Age is not a disease, but many changes occur as cats age that can result in diseases or disabilities. It's important to spend time with your cat to keep their stress low and monitor for changes. Regular veterinary examinations and discussions about your cat's behaviors at home will allow your veterinarian to provide recommendations on how to keep your senior cat healthy.
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The holidays add excitement to the winter months, but we cannot forget about the indoor and outdoor toxins that pets frequently encounter at this time of year. Keeping your pets healthy and safe will help keep your holidays as stress-free as possible.
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An increase in your pet's breathing rate while resting quietly or sleeping is an early clinical sign that your pet may be developing heart failure and needs to see your veterinarian. In general, all normal dogs and cats have a breathing rate of between 15-30 breaths per minute when they are resting. Resting breathing rates that are consistently greater than 30 breaths per minute are increased and considered abnormal.
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Home renovation can be arduous for every member of the household. Awareness of possible construction site problems will help homeowners avoid pet-related issues. A little planning can make the renovation process run more smoothly everyone.
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Taking care of a paralyzed pet comes with many challenges. This handout reviews the needs of a paralyzed pet and how an owner can help them at home.
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Hospice is supportive care provided to individuals in the final phases of terminal disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice care recognizes that death is a part of life and focuses on maximizing the quality of life for the patient during whatever time remains. The veterinarian coordinates and oversees medical procedures, medication prescription and delivery, and comfort care, but the day-to-day hospice care happens in the home. With planning, forethought, and honest communication, it is possible to provide a dying pet with a reasonable and acceptable quality of life as the end of life approaches.
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Open, honest, and direct communication with your pet's veterinarian and veterinary healthcare team, throughout your pet's life, lays the necessary foundation for effective communication as the end of life approaches. As soon as a life-limiting disease is diagnosed, it is time to begin a dialogue about treatment options and how the approaching end of life will be handled. Delivery of hospice care is as individual as the pet and the family. Applying hospice and palliative care principles to our pets as they approach the end of their lives can be an emotionally rich and satisfying experience.
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House training is best accomplished with patience and positive reinforcement. Teaching a cat to be well house-trained makes them a more enjoyable pet and a welcome guest. Many cats nearly house train themselves, but it's important to meet cats' needs to ensure they maintain desirable habits for a lifetime.