Q: What are vaccines?
A: Vaccines are health products that trigger protective immune responses in pets and prepare them to fight future infections from disease-causing agents. Vaccines can lessen the severity of future diseases and certain vaccines can prevent infection altogether. Today, a variety of vaccines are available for use by veterinarians. Q: Is it important to vaccinate? A: Yes! Pets should be vaccinated to protect them from many highly contagious and deadly diseases. Experts agree that widespread use of vaccines within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals. Even though some formerly common diseases have now become uncommon, vaccination is still highly recommended because these serious disease agents continue to be present in the environment. Q: Which vaccines should pets receive? A: When designing a vaccination program, veterinarians consider the pet's lifestyle, related disease risks, and the characteristics of available vaccines. "Core vaccines" (e.g., rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus infection, canine distemper, canine parvovirus infection, and canine hepatitis) are recommended for most pets. Additional "non-core vaccines" (e.g., feline leukemia, canine kennel cough and other vaccines) may be appropriate based on the pet's particular needs. Q: How often should pets be revaccinated? A: Veterinarians have traditionally vaccinated annually; however, they are now learning that some vaccines induce immunity that lasts less than one year, whereas others may induce immunity that lasts well beyond one year. The AVMA recommends that veterinarians customize vaccination programs to the needs of their patients. More than one vaccination program may be effective. Q: How does my pet's lifestyle affect its vaccination program? A: Some pets are homebodies and have modest opportunity for exposure to infectious disease, whereas others have a great deal of exposure to other pets and/or wildlife and infectious disease by virtue of their activities. Still other pets live in geographic areas that place them at greater risk for contracting some infectious diseases. Differences in lifestyle illustrate the importance of customizing a vaccination program to individual patients. Q: Are there risks associated with vaccination? A: Vaccines have protected millions of animals from illness and death caused by infectious diseases. All medical procedures, however, carry with them some risk. Fortunately, in the case of vaccination, serious adverse responses are very infrequent. Veterinarians minimize risk by carefully selecting vaccines on the basis of a pet's individual needs and by choosing appropriate injection sites. In an effort to find ways to prevent even these limited numbers of adverse responses from occurring, the AVMA is working with government and industry to redefine how information regarding adverse responses is gathered, analyzed, and disseminated. Q: Is serologic testing useful to evaluate immunity to some diseases? A: Theoretically, tests that measure antibody response (i.e., serologic titers) may help veterinarians determine the need for revaccination in some cases. Unfortunately, veterinarians cannot be certain that a specific concentration of antibody is always protective or that a lower concentration leaves an animal unprotected. This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Redistribution is acceptable, but the document's original content and format must be maintained, and its source must be prominently identified.
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You know what they say about curiosity and cats. Well, that’s not far from the truth in some cases. Cats do tend to be curious creatures, choosing to play with or chew on things that perhaps they shouldn’t. Let’s talk about some of things that can get cats into trouble.
One of the quintessential pictures of a cat is that of playing with a ball of yarn or string. Certainly, some yarn or string can keep a cat entertained for hours. But there’s also a dark side to this obsession. Cats that ingest string, yarn, or similar linear objects can suffer from severe intestinal damage. These foreign bodies can cause intestinal obstructions or even perforations that can be life-threatening. Sometimes the string actually gets looped around the tongue before being swallowed, anchoring it in place in the mouth as the rest of the foreign body (e.g., the string) attempts to move through the intestinal tract. This can cause even more damage. Like string and yarn, cats also like to play with other objects that dangle and/or swing. This interest may include electrical cords. Needless to say, biting into an electrical cord can have a serious effect on an unsuspecting feline. In the best of circumstances, a painful electrical shock may occur. Worst case scenario is a fatal electrocution. I’ve seen cats that have survived but sustained serious burns and damage to teeth and other mouth structures. There are a number of plants and flowers that can be dangerous for your cat. These toxic plants and flowers may be found in the home as potted plants or in bouquets containing cut flowers. At the top of the list of toxic plants is the lily. All true lilies are extremely poisonous for your cat, so much so that I would not even recommend keeping them in a household with cats. All parts of the lily are considered to be toxic, even the pollen. These plants are so dangerous for cats that even rubbing up against the plant and getting pollen on the hair coat and then grooming can lead to a life-threatening poisoning. Typically, exposure to lilies causes acute kidney failure for affected cats. While lilies are certainly one of the most toxic of all plants for your cat, there are a number of other plants and flowers that can be dangerous as well. If in doubt, keep the plant in an area where your cat cannot access it, or get rid of it. Catnip and cat grass, however, are perfectly for safe for cats and many cats enjoy these plants. Antifreeze is another potential threat to your cat. Traditional antifreeze, if ingested, can cause kidney failure. Even a very small amount can be toxic for a cat. And to make matters worse, the non-pet-friendly varieties have a sweet taste that apparently many cats find tempting. Pet-friendly antifreezes are available. However, even these, if consumed in large enough quantities, can still pose a threat to your cat, though poisoning with pet-safe antifreeze is much less likely to occur than with regular (non-pet-safe) antifreeze. Keep all antifreeze locked in a secure location where your cat cannot access it. Keep your pet cat indoors and consider restricting access to your garage, in case of a car that is leaking antifreeze. Another potential threat comes in the form of candles, tart warmers, and/or potpourri. Open flames pose an obvious threat. But the fragrances and particularly the essential oils that are part of so many of these products can pose a danger for your cat, also. There are other things that can pose a threat to your cat as well. But these are some of the most commonly encountered and some of the most deadly. Medicating a cat is sometimes one of the most challenging tasks a cat owner must face. But with a little advance preparation, it doesn't have to be difficult.
Before you attempt to medicate your cat, get all your supplies together. Have the medication handy, along with a treat to make the experience more pleasant for your cat, and a towel for wrapping your cat if necessary. To give a liquid medication, place your cat on a flat surface, facing away from you with his hindquarters against your body. You should already have the medication drawn up into a dosing syringe. Use your free hand to tilt your cat’s head up slightly. Place the tip of syringe in the back corner of your cat’s mouth, squirting the medication in the space between the cheek and gums. Be sure to reward your cat with a favorite treat afterward. To give a pill or capsule, hold your cat in the same position you would to give a liquid. Using one hand, steady your cat’s head and tilt it slightly upward. Grasp the pill or capsule between your thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand. Use your middle finger to open your cat’s mouth and slide the pill down the center of the tongue to the back of the mouth. Alternatively, you can use a pill gun (a device used to hold the pill or capsule and place it in the mouth), again placing the medication on the tongue at the back of your cat’s mouth. Continue to hold your cat’s head in a slightly tilted position with the mouth closed until you see your cat swallow. Follow the pilling procedure with a treat for your cat. If your cat struggles and attempts to scratch, wrap a thick towel around your cat’s neck and front legs to protect yourself from your cat’s claws. If medicating your cat is difficult, you may try hiding your cat’s medication in food. Liquid medication can be mixed in with wet food or with gravy or tuna juice. Check with your veterinarian first though, to be sure that this will not affect the efficacy of the medication. For pills or capsules, you can purchase pill pockets which can be used to hide a pill or capsule inside. The pill pocket with the medication inside is then offered as a treat. Alternatively, you can try making your own pill pocket by wrapping the pill or capsule in a bit of cheese or inside of a ball of canned food. However, many cats will simply nibble around the medication, rather than actually taking the medication. If your cat does this, you will need to either manually medicate your cat or find another alternative. In many situations, there may be other alternatives available. Many medications can be compounded, producing a liquid with a pleasant flavor. There are special compounding pharmacies that can do this if your veterinarian is unable to formulate the flavored medication in the hospital. Some medications are also available as a transdermal gel. This special medicated gel is able to be absorbed through the skin rather than requiring oral administration. Typically, these medications are applied to the inside of the tip of the ear. Methimazole, a medication frequently used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats, is frequently dosed as a transdermal gel. Transdermal patches are another alternative that may be an option with some medications. These are patches with medication embedded in them that are affixed directly to the skin. The medication is then released from the patch through the skin in a time-released manner. Fentanyl, a potent pain reliever, is often dosed as a patch. Unfortunately, not all medications lend themselves well to transdermal applications. However, your veterinarian will be able to help you choose a medication delivery system that is manageable for you and can also demonstrate how to go about medicating your cat. Before setting off on that island getaway or action-packed tour, there’s still one big question that all pet parents must consider before saying bon voyage: Who’ll watch your pets?
As the pet population and spending continues to grow, dog owners have more options for vacation care than ever. According to the American Pet Products Association, U.S. pet industry spending reached around $51 billion in 2011. The number of insured pet-sitter business is already at 10K nationally, and from 2010 to 2020 the number of animal care and service workers is expected to grow by 23%. So if your go-to move is usually traditional kennel boarding, it may be time to consider another option — in-home boarding. WHAT IS IN-HOME PET BOARDING?In-home boarding works like this: Pet owners search for a registered home nearby, namely through national website services catering to this need. It’s 24-hour care in the hands of trusted professional for an affordable rate. Most in-home boarding sites are free to browse, and they perform background checks on canine hosts to ensure they are qualified to watch your dog. When a pet owner finds a sitter or host that’s a match, they work with the service to connect with sitter and ensure that the potential dog watcher is a good fit for Fido, based on location, personality and daily routine. Payment is worked out through the service, and the pet parent brings the pooch over to the host’s house before they leave for vacation. In-home pet boarding services offer dogs individual attention, regular walks, trips to the park, and the opportunity to socialize with other dogs in the household. They can also keep up with your pet’s regular routine — including eating schedules, bathroom breaks, grooming necessities, and daily exercise requirements — so your pooch has less anxiety while you’re away. If your pup isn’t the easiest to handle, you can even opt for in-home pet boarding with a professional trainer! A number of national websites, such as DogVacay.com and Sleepover Rover, are culling perfect environments for pet owners to search for in-home pet sitters. DogVacay.com, founded by Aaron Hirschhorn and his wife, was born after the two experienced firsthand the stresses of finding trustworthy sitters at affordable rates for their two dogs. “DogVacay’s sitters offer in-home care, and most charge less than $25 per night,” says co-founder and CEO Hirschhorn. Kennels, he notes, can be anywhere from $35-$70 per night, depending on location. While price is certainly a consideration, how your dog will be cared for while you’re away is paramount. One DogVacay online reviewer (out of thousands of satisfied customers), Ethan C., said that his dogs “...who usually hate boarding of any kind (and make us feel horribly guilty about leaving them) came back exhausted from their play and walks, and looked at us as though we'd taken them away from a romping good time.” Hirschhorn adds that DogVacay isn’t just about connecting owners and sitters, but also ensuring quality through pet sitter reference checks, reviews, phone interviews, online training, and insurance policies (for both pet sitters and pooches). “During the pet owners’ time away, we also provide them with a daily email updates that include a picture of their dog,” says Hirschhorn. The in-home dog boarding service also provides a no cost, no obligation meet and greet for the pet and potential sitter to see if it will be a good fit. QUESTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT IN-HOME BOARDING PET SITTERS When deciding upon the in-home boarding spot right for your dog, Hirschhorn says some of the most important considerations are getting a feel for the environment and a sense of how your dog and the sitter get along. Keep these questions and consideration in mind when meeting with any potential pet sitter: 1. Is the pet sitter’s home clean and safe? Before you head out to tropical paradise, head over to the facility that you’re considering to confirm your pet will be placed in a pet friendly, secure home. 2. Are the pet-watchers/homeowners responsible and reliable? The same way that you would consider whether or not a family member or friend could do the job of watching your pet, do your due diligence on the in-home boarding homeowners. Read other customer reviews, and ask specific questions about their pet experience and daily routine. 3. Are there other pets in the house? If so, how many, and what types? If your dog loves to play with other dogs, consider whether this household is home to small pets or large dogs which may frighten your pet. Also consider if there are any other animals, such as cats, present in the household. 4. What’s the daily routine? If your pooch needs his pill at a certain time of day, or likes to go on long walks in the morning, be sure that the in-home boarding care will be accommodating. Consider feeding, medication, physical needs and hygienic needs (baths or teeth-brushing) when you ask about the schedule. 5. Provide full disclosure. In addition to interviewing the in-home dog sitter, providing an out-of-town contact number and asking about the nearest animal hospital, it’s a pet parent’s job to be open and transparent about a pet’s needs, says Hirschhorn. Share as much info about your pet’s personality, needs and medical history as possible to ensure your pet has a fabulous time on his vacation! Clawing/scratching is one of those undesirable behaviors that can get a cat in trouble, especially when the item the cat decides to shred is the owner’s expensive couch or carpeting. Often, this behavior results in a frustrated owner and the cat ends up being tossed outdoors or even surrendered to the local shelter. However, that doesn’t need to be the case.
Cat owners do need to realize that, even though the behavior may be irritating to us, it’s a perfectly normal behavior from the cat’s perspective. Cats claw for many different reasons. They mark their territory that way, using both visual and chemical messages. They also scratch to sharpen their claws, helping to keep those claws in tip-top condition. Clawing is used a means of stretching muscles to keep them healthy and supple as well. Scratching is a basic need for all cats. Your cat is not clawing your furniture out of spite or vindictiveness. He (or she, as the case may be) is clawing because he’s a cat. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to discourage your cat from using your furniture as a scratching post. Here are some tips.
Once your cat is regularly using the alternative scratching surface, you can slowly move it (a short distance at a time) to a more acceptable location, if desired. You can also remove the runner or whatever deterrent was used to make the original area unattractive to your cat. Households with more than one cat will require a separate scratching area for each cat. Scratching surfaces are an essential basic need for the feline and your cat may not want to share. There may be additional help in the future in the form of a pheromone product that simulates the pheromone released from glands in your cat’s feet (called the plantar pad glands) during the clawing process. These pheromones are used as a chemical marker and serve as a means for your cat to tell the world that your home is his territory. A recent study funded by a grant from the Winn Feline Foundation looked at a synthetic version of this pheromone (named the feline interdigital semiochemical, or FIS) and found that “the presence of FIS can influence and prime the location for this important feline behavior (scratching). It also gives specific, long lasting information to other cats. Using the semiochemical approach can modify the choice of areas selected spontaneously by cats. In the future, it could be used as a preventative measure for a cat arriving at a new home or control or change inappropriate scratching behavior.” “That is as likely as getting struck by lightning” is a common phrase when referring to an unlikely event, and for the most part it is true. In any given year the odds are only 1 in 500,000 of being lightning struck. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, reports an annual death toll for humans at about 51. But over the course of an 80 year lifespan the odds drop to only a 1 in 6,250 chance of being struck by lightning. And certainly living on the southern Florida coast increases the odds considerably.
Records for animals struck and killed by lightning are not nearly as complete. It is estimated by the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University that hundreds of livestock are killed annually by lightning. According to department spokesman Brent McRoberts, “the Department of Agriculture says lightning causes about 80% of all accidental livestock deaths.” He comments further that “livestock often huddle together under a large tree during a thunderstorm, which we know is one of the worst places to be.” Statistics for lightning strike in pets is virtually non-existent. But often their exposure and inability to find protection can be more limited. Dogs left out in large, open fenced yards may have little protection from lightning strike. Shelter in a dog house or under a tree would present greater risk. Dogs chained to metal poles, metal lines, or trees are at significant risk in a storm. Outdoor cats may seek shelter under or in the motor compartment of cars. If struck, the metallic body of the car conducts electricity, which could kill or injure the cat. An owner starting the car later presents an even greater potential for death or injury. NOAA advises that the best protection from lightning is a fully enclosed building. Warnings of potential storms should prompt pet owners to provide the protection of the house, garage, or barn for their pets. It is important that such enclosures be secure so the pets cannot escape to the outdoors. The sound of the thunder is far more frightful than the lightning for many pets; they will seek to flee and may be caught in the storm, or in much worse circumstances. Thunder can have the same effect as firecrackers and fireworks. Fear of loud noises stress many of our dogs unduly. We vets call it "storm phobia." You call it your worst nightmare. (The howling, the hiding, the destruction!). Read our article 10 steps to calm dogs afraid of thunder, lightning storms for details to help your pet if he or she suffers from this phobia. A common mistake made by pet owners is to wait until the last minute to think about protecting their pet. NOAA says one of the biggest myths people have about lightning is that it can’t happen if it is not raining. In fact, lightning can strike ten miles or more in front of a storm, from clear, blue skies. These "bolts from the blue" are common in all thunderstorms. If you are out with your dog and are caught by an unexpected storm, seek shelter as quickly as possible. NOAA advises that counting the seconds from a flash of lightning to the sound of thunder and dividing that number by 5 will estimate how many miles you are away from the storm. Estimates of five miles or less requires immediate action. NOAA suggests:
Preparedness is always better than trying to react during a crisis. Prepare a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for your pet before a storm. Consult your veterinarian for medications that might help calm your pet and reduce its fear of the storm. For more information go the NOAA website: Lightning Safety: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Do you prefer dogs' outgoing personalities to cats' independence? Are you partial to your cat's silly antics and think that dogs are too rambunctious? Turns out, your answers to these questions may reveal more than you think.
It’s estimated that 39 percent of U.S. households own dogs and 33 percent own cats. But since dog owners tend to have just one pooch and people who have cats often have more than one, the pet cat population in the United States of 93.6 million is larger than the pet dog population of 77.5 million. So, what makes someone a "dog person" or a "cat person"? Emerging research suggests that your background, environment, personality, and stage of life help determine whether you are more likely to own a dog or a cat. Dog People vs. Cat People: What’s the Difference? If you love animals in general, there’s a good chance that you naturally lean towards either dogs or cats. In a recent study from the University of Texas at Austin, 46 percent of respondents described themselves as "dog people," and just 12 percent were self-described "cat people." Of the remaining respondents, 28 percent described themselves as lovers of both dogs and cats, while 15 percent said that they were neither. Whatever you think your reasons are for being a dog person or a cat person, you might be surprised to learn just how many factors actually play a part in your preference — and what your dog-loving or cat-adoring tendencies say about you. The Austin study also surveyed volunteers to find out what types of personality traits were more common in self-proclaimed dog people and cat people. The results found that people who say that they are dog people tend to have more extroverted, agreeable, and conscientious personalities than those who consider themselves cat people. The analysis also revealed that while respondents who described themselves as cat people tended to be more neurotic than dog people, they also tended to be more open to experiencing new things. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom polled households to find out more about cat and dog owners. The researchers found that people who have more education are more likely to own cats and less likely to own dogs. They also found that older people and people who ever lived in a household with a dog were significantly less likely to own a cat. Households with young children were more likely to include cats, while larger households tended to include dogs. What Your Pet Preference Says About You As this new evidence emerges, it seems that a person's answer to the question "Are you a dog person or a cat person?" may say a lot about his or her background and personality. Researchers believe it may be that some people naturally mesh better with the characteristics of a dog, and others mesh better with a cat. If you are a dog person, you may share or be drawn to characteristics common in dogs. Dogs tend to be:
June has been designated as Adopt A Shelter Cat Month. Needless to say, a whole month dedicated to raising awareness about shelter cats that are in need is a great thing. But, if you are thinking of adopting a cat, there are some things you should consider before you actually bring that furry feline friend home with you. Are you prepared to take responsibility for your new cat for his (or her) entire life time? Cats can live up to 20 years or longer. When you adopt a cat, you should be prepared to house, feed, and care for that cat for that entire time. That requires both a time and financial commitment. Litter boxes need to be scooped daily. Food and water dishes need to be washed daily, and cats need to be provided with fresh food and water daily as well. Your cat will also require attention and exercise (through interactive play) on a daily basis. There are financial responsibilities that come with adopting a cat also. Your new cat will require not only food, litter, toys, scratching surfaces, bedding, and other needs, but regular veterinary care as well. Consider your living situation Do you rent or own your home? If you rent, be certain your landlord allows cats before you make the commitment. Bringing a new cat home only to find out that you have to return the cat to the shelter can be stressful for the cat and heartbreaking for you and your family. What type of cat do you prefer to adopt? Of course, all cats require frequent grooming and other care. But some people have a breed preference, prefer a certain coat color or pattern, or like short-haired or long-haired cats better. Still others would prefer to make the decision based on personality, which is what I would recommend. Do you want to adopt a kitten, an adult cat, or a senior? What age do you prefer? This time of the year, kittens abound. Most shelters and rescues will have no shortage of babies and many people prefer to adopt a kitten so that they can watch the kitten grow into an adult. However, adopting an adult cat has some advantages that you may not have considered. Adult cats are sometimes a bit more sedate than kittens and finding a home for an adult cat is often more difficult than placing a kitten in a forever home. Adult cats may also require less veterinary care than a young kitten. While kittens require a series of vaccinations, worming, and other veterinary services in their first few months of life, an adult cat will have already gone through these procedures. Adult cats are likely to have already been spayed or neutered as well, whereas a young kitten may or may not be. Adopting a senior cat is another option. Depending on the individual cat, many seniors can still have many years to spend with you. Seniors are usually quite difficult for a shelter or rescue to place, so you will likely be saving a life and giving your senior a comfortable and dignified place to live out his final years. While I encourage you to consider adopting a shelter cat, adopting any animal is not something to be taken lightly. It is tempting, when faced with an adorable ball of fluff, not to resist the impulse. But an impulse purchase or adoption of a pet, which is after all a living being with specific needs, is never a good idea. Don’t despair if adoption is not right for you currently. There are many other ways you can help. Shelters and rescues are always in need of supplies. Cash donations are welcome but a donation of food or other supplies will likely be appreciated also. If in doubt, ask the personnel at your local shelter what would be most useful. If you have more time than money, consider volunteering at your local shelter. Whether cleaning cages, socializing cats, bathing and/or grooming, or performing some other function, you’ll still be helping. If you can’t make a long-term commitment to a pet but can keep a pet in the short-term, consider fostering. Shelters and rescues often find themselves in need of foster homes to house cats temporarily until a forever home can be located. Many cats do better in a home environment than in a shelter situation. Another way you can help is by passing the message on to your friends and family members. Do you know someone who could benefit from a cat in their life? Any pet (or person) can be affected by environmental allergens regardless of season. Most plants thrive, flower, and whither during spring, summer, and fall, so those are the seasons most associated with allergies.
Regardless of location, blooming flowers, dying plants, warmer or cooler temperatures, dryness, moisture, and wind cause allergens and other irritants to be dispersed into the atmosphere, which affect the eyes, nose, skin, and other body systems. How does a pet owner know if his canine or feline companion is suffering from allergies? Clinical signs include:
If you have a concern about your pet suffering from seasonal or nonseasonal allergies, make sure you schedule an appointment for a physical examination with your veterinarian. What can you do to help Fluffy slim down? Feed her the right foods, keep her active, and avoid these feline no-nos.
Our furry feline friends are experiencing obesity at alarming rates, often because owners fail to properly manage their cats’ diets and make sure they get exercise. In fact, about 58 percent of pet cats in the United States are overweight, which adds up to some 54 million chubby felines. And one in every five pet cats — about 20 million — has full-fledged obesity. Overweight cats may seem like cuddly lap-warmers, but their excess fat makes them more likely to develop a host of serious health problems, including:
And it is much more dangerous to operate on an overweight cat — these pet cats are more likely to die during surgery. They are less tolerant of high temperatures and are less resistant to contracting an infectious disease. Obese cats are twice more likely to die in middle age than thinner cats, between the ages of 6 and 12. 4 Factors That Cause Cat Obesity Veterinarians have determined a set of risk factors that may lead to pet cats becoming overweight. They include:
The Healthy Cat's Diet The building blocks of a healthy cat's diet include some truths that run counter to established beliefs. To feed your cat right, you should:
Help Your Overweight Cat Slim Down Here are some more steps you can take to help your cat either lose weight or maintain a healthy weight:
By following these dietary guidelines and keeping your pet cat active, you can help keep her from becoming a chunky kitty. |
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