Due to modern health care innovations, dogs, like humans, are living longer than ever before. This means we can now enjoy many more years of play and cuddles with our canine pals than we might have done in the past. However, with this increased life span we have also seen a rise in the number of dogs affected by cognitive dysfunctions like dementia.    Physical changes in the brain and its chemicals resulting from the aging process lie at the heart of canine dementia or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) as it is also known. Studies of suffering dogs have shown brain lesions evident on scans similar to those displayed by human sufferers of Alzheimer’s. Essentially, these brain changes lead to differences and deterioration in how your dog thinks, learns and remembers.   Image Credit   You dog may have dementia if they: Seem to become lost or disoriented in the house or backyard they used to know well Fail to respond to their name or other training commands they used to Wander the house endlessly without purpose Struggle to learn new commands or how to navigate about new places Become increasingly withdrawn and sleep a great deal Seem to forget their housetraining and have increased accidents Fail to recognise family members Incessantly bark for no apparent reason   Image Credit However, it is important to note a dog displaying one or a number of these behaviours does not necessarily have dementia. Some dogs become increasingly deaf as they age, meaning their lack of response to commands could derive from their inability to hear them correctly. A loss of the same bladder control they had when younger can lead to accidents rather than confusion over where they are supposed to go.   A vet diagnosis is essential to establish whether or not your beloved senior is suffering from CCD or is simply aging gracefully. If your dog is affected by dementia the drug Anipryl has been shown to be extremely helpful in a number of cases. Supplements and vitamins such as omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants can be also be useful by supporting brain function also.   Image Credit No solution however will entirely turn back the clock. Keeping your elderly dog’s life comfortable as well as showing patience and compassion is the best way to help keep them happy as they live out the remainder of their days in your care.  Try to maintain a solid routine of feeding and exercise to keep things as simple as possible and avoid moving around your furniture and other objects in your dog’s world to keep down their levels of disorientation. Most of all, enjoy the time you have together while you still have it and thank them for the years of love and loyalty they have shown to you with patient affection.   Feature Image Credit

Cats are like us in many ways – they enjoy a stretch, a nap in the sun and some peace and quiet. They can also experience an increased appetite. Cold weather, greater activity, growth periods, pregnancy and lactation are all possible, and normal, causes of increased appetite.   Polyphagia is the term used for an increased consumption of food. Your vet should investigate any change in appetite that results in a change in your cat’s weight as it could be related to a medical condition. You should always consult your vet if your cat loses their appetite, whether accompanied by any weight change or not.   Often older cats will experience polyphagia and this is a normal part of the aging process. Your cat could beg constantly for food due to learned behaviour or overfeeding.   Food that is of poor quality will mean that your cat needs to consume larger amounts to meet nutritional and dietary requirements. Always give your cat quality food that has the right nutritional value. Your vet will be able to provide brand suggestions.    Some medications, such as those containing steroids, may lead to increased appetite. Your vet and the information on the medication’s packaging will indicate if this is expected. If it is not an expected side effect then consult your vet.   Medical conditions Some diseases or conditions are associated with increases in appetite and will result in weight gain or loss. Intestinal parasites or worms  Hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s disease – more common in middle-aged or older cats and is caused by the excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal gland. Often associated with increased thirst and urination. Hyperthyroidism – usually occurs in older cats and results from a tumour of the thyroid gland. Other symptoms include weight loss, vomiting, increased heart rate and increased activity.  Acromegaly – the overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland usually as a result of a tumour. Diabetes mellitus – due to an insufficient production of insulin in the body or when cells don’t respond to insulin.  Usually also accompanied by excessive thirst and urination.  Diabetic ketoacidosis – caused when the body can’t utilise glucose and instead begins to break down fat for energy. Insulin producing tumors (insulinomas, liver tumors) – these cause a lowering of blood sugar levels.  Conditions associated with malabsorption or maldigestion such as inflammatory bowel disorders, intestinal cancers and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency where there is insufficient pancreatic enzymes for complete digestion. Accompanying symptoms to look out for : Weight loss or gain Increased thirst Increased urination Change in body shape Muscle weakness or degeneration Vomiting Diarrhoea Changes in behaviour   Feature image credit  

The common cold and flu virus knows no boundaries in infecting humans. Regardless of your age, skin color, or nationality, you can become infected by illnesses that disrupt your life and make you feel miserable. Your dog is no different. Whether your dog is small or large, it can become infected with a number of common illnesses. The following list covers the 10 most common illnesses that affect dogs around the globe.   Giardia Giardia is a disease named after a water-borne parasite that is commonly found in open water sources across North America, such as lakes, ponds, and stagnant pools of water. Your dog can easily become infected with this disease by drinking from infected water sources. The resulting symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as weight loss or trouble gaining weight. Fortunately, giardia can be prevented with monthly heartworm medications.   Distemper Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that impacts your dog's respiratory and nervous systems. Distemper can be as mild as causing a simple fever and fatigue, but can also progress to cause coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If left untreated, distemper can lead to death. Vaccinations from your veterinarian can prevent it.   Parvo Better known as Parvovirus, Parvo is considered one of the most contagious dog illnesses. Parvo affects your dog's bowels, leading to diarrhea and vomiting that can be so severe that your dog could ultimately die from the illness. The infection is common in dogs of all ages, but puppies are particularly susceptible to the disease. Parvo is typically transmitted through contact with feces, but a readily available vaccination from your vet can protect your dog.   Coronavirus Coronavirus is another virus in dogs that leads to diarrhea and vomiting. Diarrhea alone is the most common symptom, though severe cases of the virus can present with diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and constant water drinking. Some dogs have been known to contract both parvo and coronavirus at the same time. Again, a simple vaccination can protect dogs from this disease.   Hepatitis Similar to hepatitis in humans, the disease impacts a dog's liver function. Symptoms of hepatitis in your dog include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Serious cases of hepatitis can lead to permanent liver damage in your dog. Once again though, a vaccination can prevent hepatitis in dogs.   Lyme disease If your dog spends a great deal of time outdoors near wooded areas in the summer months, Lyme disease is a serious concern. This bacterial disease has an irreversible impact on your dog's health, including symptoms such as arthritis, lameness, fatigue, depression, and loss of appetite. When left untreated, Lyme disease can result in permanent heart, kidney, and brain damage. Vaccinations are available to protect your dog from this disease.   Rabies This is perhaps the most dreaded dog disease. Rabies is a viral infection that attacks your dog's brain and is, in many cases, deadly. The most common form of contraction is through a bite from rabid wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, and bats. Unlike many other diseases, rabies can be passed to humans through a bite or scratch. A vaccination against rabies is not only readily available, it is mandatory across North America.   Leptospirosis This is another disease carried by wild animals, but unlike rabies it is a bacteria and not a virus. Common forms of infection include consumption of contaminated water or interaction with an infected wild animal. If your dog is infected with leptospirosis, you'll notice a high fever, jaundice, and potential hemorrhaging noticeable as blood in the dog's feces. There is a vaccination to protect against this disease.   Kennel Cough If you've ever put your dog in a kennel while you hit the road for a summer vacation, you are no doubt familiar with kennel cough. The Bordetella virus is responsible for kennel cough, though other organisms have been known to cause kennel cough. The disease is highly contagious and spreads most frequently through dogs in close contact with other dogs. Symptoms include severe coughing spells with the potential for vomiting, gagging, nasal discharges, and watery eyes. A vaccination is available for this disease, though it is not automatically given to your dog by a vet like many of the other vaccines mentioned above.   Parainfluenza Last but not least, parainfluenza is a strain of kennel cough that is highly contagious and presents with symptoms similar to the flu. This disease can easily be contracted through contact with another dog, and not just at the kennel. Parainfluenza can be contracted at the park, beach, or off-leash dog park. Feature image credit  

Summer is in full swing and families have migrated outdoors to enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. As you head outdoors more frequently now, so too do your household pets. Although most people believe cats to be indoor animals, there are a significant number of cats that are allowed the freedom to roam the great outdoors. As your cat spends more time outside, it becomes increasingly likely that it will interact with other cats.   Infectious diseases are not unique to the human race. Mad cow disease and bird flu are just a few examples of infectious diseases that impact the animal kingdom. It is important to be aware of the potential infectious diseases your cat could come in contact with, including the symptoms, so you can help your cat get the treatment it needs to remain healthy.   Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) FIV is very similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This infectious disease can lead to a number of different health problems because it lowers the ability of your cat's immune system to fight off disease. In a worst case scenario, FIV can lead to immunodeficiency syndrome. This condition is often referred to as feline AIDS. Once your cat is infected with FIV, it will be infected for life. However, FIV is manageable if detected and treated, and does not mean a death sentence for your feline friend.   Although FIV is from the same family as HIV, it cannot be spread to human beings or other animal species. The disease is spread primarily through bite wounds, meaning cats that spend a great deal of time outdoors, potentially fighting other cats, face the greatest risk of contracting FIV. Signs and symptoms of FIV include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and low white blood cell count.   Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) FeLV suppresses the immune system in your cat, and can lead to cancer, or cause other serious illnesses in your cat. FeLV is a particularly tricky infectious disease in cats because an infected cat can live with the disease for years without displaying symptoms. FeLV is found in the saliva, nasal secretions, bodily fluids, and feces of cats and poses a particular transmission risk to those cats that spend a lot of time outdoors or in direct contact with other cats. Kittens, because they already have weaker immune systems, face a greater risk of contracting the disease.   There is not guaranteed reaction from your cat's body to FeLV. After initial infection, FeLV begins circulating in your cat's bloodstream. Once this occurs, your cat can spread the virus to other cats. However, some cats have immune systems that are capable of warding off FeLV. In these cats, the virus no longer circulates in the bloodstream. Instead, the virus lives on in a latent form in the cat's body without harming the cat.   Upper Respiratory Infections This particular infectious disease in cats is most prevalent in kittens and is a term that actually describes a variety of diseases that can occur alone or together in your cat. The symptoms of upper respiratory infections, regardless of specific disease, tend to be similar. The primary areas of your cat's body impacted by these diseases are the nose and throat.   There are a variety of causes behind upper respiratory diseases, ranging from multiple forms of bacteria to feline herpesvirus 1. The signs and symptoms of upper respiratory infections include fever, nasal discharge, sneezing, runny eyes, reddened eyes, cough, gagging, and rapid breathing.   Feline Calicivirus Calicivirus comes in a variety of different strains that can infect cats in mild to severe ways, depending upon the specific strain and disease it leads to in your cat. Although it is extremely rare, there is a particularly virulent strain of calicivirus that can cause very severe illness and even death. Cats suffering from calicivirus often remain infected for a long time, and in some cases for life.   This disease frequently presents as a form of upper respiratory infection, either alone or in combination with another disease. There is a particularly rare form of the disease that impacts numerous bodily systems and functions, and is known as a systemic illness. Recent outbreaks of this particular disease have been noticed in cat populations that live together in large groups, such as shelters.   Signs of calicivirus in your cat can range from runny noses and watery eyes to sores on the skin, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fortunately, it is possible to protect your cat against calicivirus with various vaccines. The VS-FCV vaccine is designed to combat the most serious forms of calicivirus.  

It's an easy point to drive home time and again, but bringing home a new puppy has a lot in common with welcoming a human baby into the family. There are a lot of growing pains that puppies and their owners will have to go through as both sides adjust to the new environment in the home. One of the most difficult hurdles to conquer during those early weeks and months is teething.   Puppies, just like human babies, have a set of puppy teeth that grow into place, fall out, and get replaced with full-size adult canine teeth. During this period your puppy is going to be irritable, whiny, and is going to become obsessed with chewing on anything it can get its mouth on. How can you survive teething in your puppy? More important, what can you do to ease its pain during the process?   Why puppies chew Human beings come into this world with poor motor skills and limited sensory capabilities. Children learn by experiencing the world around them. Your puppy is no different, except for the fact that it is born with a strong sense of taste and smell. Puppies naturally experience the world by placing things in their mouth and chewing on them.   By the time your puppy is 12 weeks old, its final puppy teeth will have pushed through the gums and come into place. However, just a few short weeks later your puppy will start losing those teeth. As those teeth begin to fall out, and begin to be replaced by adult teeth, you will likely notice your puppy chewing on anything and everything.   Your puppy isn't doing this to be bad, or even necessarily to experience the world. Your puppy is doing this to relieve the pain of teething. This makes it important for you to be attentive to chewing habits starting around 16 weeks. With a few helpful tips you can protect the valuable items in your household and instill proper chewing habits in your pup at the same time.   Good chewing vs. bad chewing During teething, you are going to notice your puppy chewing on anything it can get its teeth on. Be attentive and watch what your pup is chewing on. When you notice it chewing on a shoe, the leg of furniture, or a TV remote, correct it with a stern "no." Follow that up by providing your pup with a proper chew toy to reinforce that the other item was bad, and this substitute is good/acceptable.   Provide an outlet for chewing The best thing you can do to protect the valuables in your home is provide your pup with plenty of acceptable chew toys. This applies to the life of your pup, but during its teething phase it is even more important. It is going to be chewing randomly throughout the day to relieve the pain associated with teething, so the more toys you have available for it to chew on the better.   Some good ideas for chew toys include rope bones (good for chewing, resistant to wear and tear), Kong toys (hard rubber, resistant to wear and tear), and other toys made with tough rubber that is resistant to wearing down quickly.   Simple remedies When children are teething, most parents offer them something cold to chew on. It helps numb the pain of teething. Your puppy can benefit from the same methods. An inexpensive option is to soak a washcloth in water and stick it in the freezer. Additionally, keep large, chilled carrots handy in the fridge. Give your puppy one of these as a nice treat that can also help sooth sore gums.

Ouch! One moment you are cuddling your soft purring kitty and the next moment their teeth are embedded in your finger. What is behind cats and finger nipping?   Image Credit   Rarely is your cat actually being aggressive when they dig their teeth into your finger. If we had thick fur and stretchy skin like a cat, a nip wouldn’t hurt all that much. Between littermates and mothers and kittens, biting and chewing is regular and acceptable behaviour. When your cat nips you on the fingers, it is probably simply expressing his or her affection for you as they would to another cat.   Whilst it's sweet and lovely that your cat is being so affectionate, the nipping probably needs to stop - especially if they are accidentally drawing blood!   Image Credit Since their intentions are positive, it is best not to reject their well-meant gesture with shouting and scolding. Placing them on the ground and stopping your cuddle session can work quite well as your cat learns chewing leads to the end of their special time with you for a while. It may take some time but eventually the association will become firm.   Chewing behaviour in kittens can also be related to teething, your fingers simply being convenient ‘chew toys’ for your kitten to relieve their discomfort on. If you suspect this may be part of the problem try providing alternatives for them to gnaw on, such as special cat toys or chewy treats.   Image Credit   Persistence and clear rules set down fairly and firmly will eventually put an end to the problem, as your kitten or cat learns their love bites aren't desired and are best either stopped, or reserved for toys.     Feature Image Credit  

If your cat seems to be avoiding their dinner bowl, and when they do give in and eat, seem to do so using only one side of their mouth, have a look at their pearly whites. Cats have quite fragile teeth – particularly the canines, which can be susceptible to breakages and can cause a variety of problems and diseases.    Teeth mismatching in length on either side of the jaw likely signifies a fracture. Additonally, if a tooth is displaying discoloration, such as a pink, black or brown tip, your cat may indeed have dental issues in need of addressing.    Image Credit Cats commonly break their teeth in jumps gone wrong, where the cat misjudges a distance and ends up smacking their jaw upon landing. Car accidents are another typical way feline teeth are battered as well as catfights where the cats unintentionally smash their teeth together. A trip to the vet is vital if you suspect or spot a cracked or snapped tooth as not only can breaks be terrifically painful, they can also lead to serious health issues if infection sets in. Don't wait for serious symptoms to develop – any tooth breakage is serious automatically and requires treatment.   Lack of treatment will allow bacteria to seep into the sensitive pulp beneath the enamel casing of a broken tooth. This will cause the tooth to die, and the area to become a bacterial haven which gradually leaks out through the bottom of the tooth and attacks the jawbone. Blood vessels will form a roadway for bacteria to reach the rest of your cat’s body, such as the liver, kidneys and heart. Not a pretty picture!      Image Credit Not only that, but it will be epically painful for the afflicted cat, as the exposed pulp is rich in nerve endings.   Your vet will likely take dental radiographs with your cat under anesthesia to determine the extent of the problem. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve creating crowns for the tooth, a root canal, or complete removal. A diet of soft food will likely also be recommended.    Feature Image Credit

Puppies can be hyperactive super-charged balls of fun – but sometimes they can put all that energy into worrying. Here are our tips on how to best calm your little friend down:   1. Ignore your pup until they start acting a little more sensible   Image Credit   It may sound harsh, but if you speak to your puppy every time they jump on you and cry their behaviour is reinforced by your attention. Puppies can even prefer scolding and act out purposefully to attract your gaze rather than suffer being left to themselves. Gently ignoring them when they are too silly for their own good can be the best deterrent for over-rambunctiousness or whining.   To encourage positive behaviour - whenever they are quiet, give them a treat or praise them for being a good dog.   2. Give them a work out   Image Credit Exercise not only improves you puppy’s health, it can also be a great way to use up extra energy and excited nerves. Afterwards your puppy will probably be more than happy to curl up and go to sleep in a nice soft spot in the house.   3. Practice the art of re-direction   Image Credit When your puppy starts worrying, one solution is to distract them with something else you would prefer they focused upon, such as a chew toy, or practice your newest training command.   4. Create a puppy retreat   Image Credit   Does your puppy have somewhere pleasant to relax? Make sure you have a cosy puppy corner a dog would love to spend time in, with a soft bed and some favourite toys. Dogs prefer to be in proximity to their ‘pack’ so place it far enough away they avoid the traffic of the family home, but can still see and hear you.   A ticking clock wrapped in a towel or a sock can be a good addition to a puppy’s bedding as the tick mimics the sound of their mother’s heartbeat and is something they find naturally relaxing. A hot water bottle to keep them warm and remind them of the feeling of being curled up with their brothers and sisters can also be a helpful addition.   5. Establish a strict routine   Image Credit   Like most animals, dogs thrive on predictability. It may sound boring, but a daily schedule that stays about the same can be comforting to dogs young and old. Feeding, exercising and playing in a routine manner can help to calm over-excited and nervous pups.   6. Keep your cool   Image Credit   It is important when trying to get your puppy to relax you set a good example and remain calm and collected no matter what mischief they get up to. If you get frustrated and shout it is more likely to encourage hyperactive behaviour than discourage it. Being calm and consistent with your responses is the way to get the best out of your pup.   Feature Image Credit  

The death of a family pet is a tragic event that produces significant emotions in many animal lovers. As part of the grieving process, you need to decide what to do with the remains of your beloved pet. Many families and individuals will decide to bury their pet, but it is increasingly popular to have the family pet cremated after it passes away.   When your family pet passes away, the pet crematory or funeral home handling the pet cremation can make arrangements to pick your pet up from your home or veterinarian's office. The crematory will handle the cremation process, return the remains to you and your family, and even provide a certification of cremation in many cases.   You have three options when it comes to pet cremation. You can have your pet cremated in a private, individual, or mass cremation ceremony. In a private ceremony, your pet is incinerated alone and the remains you receive are those of your pet. Individual cremation ceremonies often include numerous animals in one process, divided by partitions. You still receive the remains, but there is the potential that some of the remains you receive belong to other animals cremated at the same time.   Mass cremations include numerous animals in the same process with no partition between any of the bodies. Remains are rarely returned to owners following a mass cremation. Instead, the facility often disposes of the ashes or spreads them around a memorial ground on the property.   There is no right or wrong way to handle your pet's remains following cremation. Many families will opt to keep the remains in an urn or other storage container within the home as a lasting reminder of their best friend. Additionally, you may opt to spread the ashes throughout a plot of private land. If you choose to dispose of the ashes on public land or in a local waterway, be sure to consult local regulations before doing so.   In recent years, the amount of money Americans have invested in paying respects to their deceased pets has been on the rise. The number of  aftercare facilities in the US has increased to roughly 700 as of 2012, compared to just a handful a decade earlier. Some funeral homes performs anywhere between 800 and 900 cremations each year, with an additional 20 funerals. Feature image credit  

There are a number of myths that exist about pets and their owners. Dogs are viewed as great family pets because their friendly nature makes them not only great companions for individuals, but also playmates for young children. Cats, on the other hand, are often viewed as grumpy characters best suited for individuals and couples that do not need playmates around the house.   The myth that cats are solitary animals capable of surviving with a lack of contact with their owners is a dangerous belief. Cats need the same levels of contact with their owners that dogs require to maintain a happy disposition in life. As a current or potential cat owner, you need to realize that cats do in fact feel abandonment and separation anxiety.   Causes Both cats and dogs need companionship. This companionship comes not only from their human owners, but also from other animals living in the home. By nature, cats are not solitary animals best suited for living life alone. Cats can, and do, form strong bonds with their owners or other animals in the home just like a dog.   When many pet owners leave town, for an evening or a long weekend, it is second nature to arrange for a kennel or pet sitter to watch after dogs in the home. However, when it comes to cats many will simply leave town for short periods and leave their cats home alone. This creates the same sense of abandonment and separation anxiety in cats that it does in dogs.   Signs Cats will express their abandonment and separation anxiety issues in a number of ways. One of the most common is to urinate and defecate outside of the litter box. In many cases, cats will urinate on the clothing or possessions of their owners. They are not doing this to punish an owner for absence, but rather to try and mix their scent with that of their owner.   It is common for dogs to howl or bark incessantly when suffering from separation anxiety, and cats have been known to do the same. Cats will express their stress over separation in much the same way, with loud vocalizations and constant "meows" that can irritate neighbors. Vocalizations also increase the stress on the cat as it saps its own energy with these continuous vocalizations.   Another clear sign of separation anxiety and abandonment issues in cats is a change in behavior. Some cats will become clingy, following their owners around in the house at all times for fear of losing sight of them. Even worse, other cats become reclusive in the home. They will mope around the home, hide under furniture, and actively avoid contact with humans.   Prepare Your Cat If you have a cat and spend long hours each day out of the home, there are steps you can take to prepare your cat to cope with extended periods of separation. Create spaces in your home where your cat can climb and observe the world around it. Purchase cat climbs and install shelves by windows to allow your cat to get higher up and not only watch over the room, but look outside and watch the world around it.   When you come home from work each day, carve out some time in your schedule to interact with your cat without distractions. This reinforces in its mind that you will return and show affection following any absence. Additionally, it helps strengthen the bond between you and your cat.   Finally, don't shower your cat with attention and affection just before walking out the door. It only serves to confuse your cat when you do this. Before you leave for the day, do not go out of your way to make a spectacle of leaving. If your cat is ignoring you, go about your business and get prepared to leave without acknowledging it. This helps your cat maintain an emotional balance and survive your departure for the day. Feature image credit