If you notice that your pet is straining without successfully passing a bowel movement or you see that your cat's stools are small and hard, constipation is probably the explanation. There are a number of possible underlying causes of this problem, and a few different ways to provide your cat with relief. Here are the key facts that you should know about understanding and treating a constipated cat. Reasons for your cat's constipation Dehydration Firstly, it's important to think about whether your cat might be dehydrated, as dehydration prompts the cat's body to conserve as much water as possible (leading to dry stools). Dehydration can develop due to a lack of regular drinking, habitual eating of dry food (i.e. kibble), or underlying health problems such as kidney disease or thyroid problems. If you think that your pet is drinking enough water and you feed the cat moist food, you should visit your vet so that blood tests for underlying conditions can be conducted. If a condition is found, appropriate treatment for that disease should improve your cat's hydration and thereby tackle the constipation. Bowel obstructions Is your cat particularly hairy, or prone to finding and chewing items that could be dangerous? In either case, it's possible that a bowel obstruction of hair or a foreign object is preventing the cat from defecating. However, obstructions can also occur because of internal growths like tumors and polyps. A scan performed at your vet practice should reveal whether constipation is caused by an obstruction, and if one is found then it may need to be surgically removed. If your cat habitually swallows large quantities hair, make a habit of grooming them more regularly so that less hair is available. Meanwhile, try to keep potentially chewable items hidden away from your cat's reach to prevent ingestion. Side effects from medication If your pet is on medication, one of the drugs could be causing constipation. Constipation is one of the most common side effects of antihistamines (for treating allergies or itching), diuretics (for heart disease), and antibiotics. In some cases, it may be possible to try a different type of medication if the constipation is very severe, but in other cases your vet may suggest regular doses of a stool softener to encourage bowel movements. Rarer causes It is also worth noting that constipation may also be caused by certain types of cancer, a diet that is particularly low in fiber, an abscess around the anal area, or a neurological problem that has caused nerve damage in the cat's lower body. When you report constipation to your vet, always ask about all possible causes. How to prevent constipation If you want to prevent repeated bouts of constipation, there are some smart things that you can do at home. In addition to feeding your cat moist food and making a fresh water supply constantly available, you can add canned or cooked pumpkin to the daily meals. Pumpkin is very high in both fiber and moisture, and many cats really like the taste.

What are hairballs?   A hairball, like the word implies, is a ball of hair that is a natural result of your cat’s healthy and meticulous grooming routine.   How do hairballs form?   There are tiny hook-like structures on your cat’s tongue that catch loose or dead hair while your cat is grooming himself. This hair is then swallowed. Though the majority will pass through the digestive tract with no problem, some can remain in the stomach forming a hairball as a result.   What are the common symptoms?   The only way your cat can rid the hairball is by vomiting. Because of this, you should expect hacking, gagging, or retching.   Do some cats produce more hairballs than others?   Hairballs are more frequent in long-haired cats, cats that shed a lot, and cats that groom themselves compulsively. Younger cats will initially produce less hairballs, but as they get older and become more adept groomers, you can expect the amount of hairballs to increase.   Are they dangerous?   Even though cleaning up your cat’s hairballs probably isn’t your favorite thing to do, it’s good to know that your cat is riding them from their body. If your cat is vomiting, gagging, or hacking without producing a hairball, they could potentially have a life-threatening intestinal blockage. These symptoms, combined with lack of appetite, lethargy, constipation, or diarrhea, are all reasons to contact your vet immediately.   Remedies   It’s a definite that your cat is going to groom themself, and although nothing can be done to prevent hairballs completely, there are things you can do to keep them to a minimum.   1. Brush your cat regularly.   image source The more fur you can remove from your cat, the less that will end up in their stomach. By combing or brushing your cat daily, you can both minimize hairballs and bond with your cat.   2. Feed your cat “hairball formula” cat food.   image credit There are several brands that are designed to reduce hairballs. These formulas tend to be higher in fiber, and contain ingredients to improve the health of your cat’s coat.   3. Try a hairball product. image credit There are a number of products available most of which are mild laxatives to help hairballs pass through the digestive tract. 4. Engage your cat.   image souce If your cat grooms themself excessively, you should try distracting them with a new toy or activity.

While vaccination is the only way to prevent your dog from contracting fatal diseases like parvovirus or hepatitis and regular flea, tick and worming treatments should be given to prevent those nasties occurring - it's also important to give your dog regular health checks to make sure there are no tell-tale signs that your dog's health is compromised. 1. Ears Your dogs ears should be clean and free from odor. If your dog has a build up of wax you can remove it gently using cotton wool. Like humans, a dog's ears are sensitive so never poke anything directly into the ear canal because you can push wax further down and even perforate the ear drum. Your dog's ears will need to be cleaned regularly to prevent infections - especially breeds with floppy ears like spaniels. If you spot any odor, swelling or a thick brown or green wax, bring it to the attention of your vet. 2.  Eyes Check for ingrown eye lashes or other hairs that may be in your dog's eyes. The eyes should be bright and clear with the same size pupils. There should be no excessive discharge, redness, runniness or irritations. If you see anything like this, then you should visit your vet. 3.  Nose A dog's nose can be pink or black, and often will change between the two throughout the year. Generally, the nose should be moist and cool and should be free from obstructions that can impair breathing. Look out for crusting, discharge, bleeding and excessive sneezing as these could be signs of illness. 4. Mouth It may be a little tricky, but lift your dogs lips and check the gums. They should be pink. If you spot dark or redder areas or if they're bleeding and swollen there may be a problem. Check the mouth and tongue for growths, lumps, cuts and sores. Teeth should be clean and white - and none loose! They should also be free from yellow plaque and tartar. If your dog has bad breath there may be a digestive problem or bad teeth. 5. Feet Check to see if your dog's nails need a trim. Excessively long nails can cause problems for your dog. Be sure to use special dog nail clippers or a file and take extra care as sometimes nail clipping can cause bleeding. A healthy nail should be smooth, short, white or black and free from splitting. If your dog's nails look rough and break easily you may need someone to have a look at them. Check your dog's feet for cuts, grazes, lumps, growths, splinters or seeds. 6. Tail Look underneath your dog's tail for any signs of discharge or soreness. It's possible that the anal glands need to be emptied by your vet. 7. Coat & Skin You should groom your dog regularly, particularly so if you have a long-haired breed. Regular brushing not only keeps them looking neat and tidy, and their coat shiny, but it helps to stimulate the oils in their skin. Your dog's skin should be free from flaking, dandruff or sores and should be pink or black, depending on the breed. Your dog's coat should be shiny with no broken hair. At this point you should also be checking the coat for evidence of fleas and ticks. 8. Body You should do a full body check of your dog by running your hands over every part of their body. Your should be looking out for cuts, lumps, inflammation and any signs that your dog is in discomfort. 9. Weight Like in the human population, obesity is a big problem for dogs. When doing a full body health check, you should also be checking your dog's weight. You should be able to just feel the ribs - not more. Your dog should have a 'waist' between the ribs and hips and the belly should not be hanging. Monitor for any weight gain or loss and if you are ever unsure, consult your vet. 10. Eating & Drinking It's not unusual for dogs to go off their food, but if it goes on for more than 24 hours then you should be visiting the vet. Similarly, if your dog's thirst increases for no apparent reason, then you should be also getting in touch with the vet. 11. Digestion Look out for changes in appetite - this can of course be hard if your pooch is a fussy eater, however there may be a digestion issue if there is sickness or choking while your dog is eating. 12. Going to the toilet Since your dog is presumably on a constant diet, their urine and stools should be of a similar consistency - so checking their waste is a good key to knowing what condition their health is in. If your dog's urine is dark, cloudy or has blood in it then you should see your vet. Diarrhea and constipation or blood and mucus/clear jelly in their stools are other causes for concern. 13. Walking When you take your dog out for a walk keep and eye on their movement to see if they are limping, are stiff or appear overly tired. If they are coughing or panting a lot, these are other symptoms that may need a closer check on. 14. Energy & Attitude This is a good way to get an indication to how your dog is feeling. Is there tail and head down? Are they skulking in corners or digging holes to lie in? These could be good indications that there is something wrong with your dog. Remember, it's important to keep on top of regular health checks at home to keep a close eye on your dog's health. Since they cannot tell you how they are feeling, it's your job to make sure nothing sinister is going on. You know your dog best, so don't forget to follow your gut instincts if you don't feel like everything is ok. Feature image credit  

What is it? Canine parvovirus is a seriously nasty dog disease. First described in the 1970s, parvo results in death in 91% of untreated cases. The disease works by attacking and destroying cells in regions such as the stomach and intestines, with usually lethal results for the infected dog.   Who can catch it? Whilst Parvo can affect dogs of any age group, puppies are especially vulnerable to infection between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks of age.   Image credit For unknown reasons, the Doberman and Rottweiler breeds are more susceptible to the disease than others. Whilst other animals can be affected by parvo, it is not transferable to humans.    How is it caught?   Image credit Parvo is highly contagious and extremely resistant to eradication. It is transmitted to dogs through accidental ingestion of the faeces of another infected dog. It can be carried on a dog’s hair and feet, as well as items it has been in contact with such as bedding and crates. It can also catch a ride on the shoes and clothing of human handlers and transfer that way onto other dogs. Often dogs catch it by going for a walk in their local area where an infected dog has been roaming as well.   Symptoms   Image credit The first symptoms of parvo is typically lethargy which is then followed by loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody). Vomiting and diarrhea usually lead to dehydration which can make the dog vulnerable to secondary infections which worsens their condition further. However it is important to note some symptoms may not be present in parvo affected dogs – some puppies have fevers of up to 106°F (41.1°C) and others none at all.   Treatments    Image credit  If you suspect at all a dog may have parvo an immediate trip to the vet is an absolute must. Intravenous fluids to restore water into the dog’s body after dehydration is essential, as is medication to control vomiting and diarrhea.   Blood transfusions and more intensive medical care may be involved in seriously affected animals.   Antibiotics to protect the dog in its vulnerable state from septicemia and secondary bacterial infections are also required, as they are the usual cause of death.   How well the dog recovers is largely dependent on the strain of parvo they have caught and the age and previous health state of the dog – as well as how quickly treatment was sought. Puppies with parvo are not hopeless cases. The majority, under proper veterinary supervision, recover without suffering long-term effects.   Prevention   The best treatment is prevention. Vaccination is the absolute best way to prevent parvo and it's simple to receive at your local vet.   Image credit   If an infected dog has been on the premises, thorough cleaning of the areas it has been to is also essential. Parvo is a tough virus that is undeterred by most household cleaners and can survive without a dog for months and months by itself on surfaces. It is best to use a strong bleach solution to scrub the room and objects, left on for at least twenty minutes before being washed off.     Feature Image Credit 

Alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage therapy, homeopathy and chiropractic services, have become widely popular when it comes to treating human ailments. Now pets are accessing the same treatments through holistic veterinary medicine, which focuses on healing animals through using minimally invasive techniques.   Image credit   The largest holistic vet body, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) is a proponent of using gentle methods that create as little stress in the patient as possible.   The word ‘holistic’ is key to what holistic vets do, focusing on the entire animal rather than specific body sections in need of health. Also considered is the pet’s lifestyle over its entire life, behaviours, dietary history and emotional stresses. Image credit    Prevention is one of the major focuses of holistic vets, with practitioners of massage and chiropractic services providing sessions for many animals when they are in good health in the hope of offsetting problems before they emerge.   Image credit  Many holistic vets specialise in a particular area of alternative treatment, such as botanical medicine or nutraceutricals, which they use alongside more traditional medical health solutions.   An integrative approach, using aspects of pharmatological medicine and Eastern inspired treatments, is often said to have great results for pets.    Feature Image Credit  

We often take out insurance for our home and contents, for our cars, when we go on holidays and to cover our own medical expenses. But what about our pets? Like us, pets are living longer and are also benefitting from medical advancements, meaning for the first time, they can access medical treatments and drugs they never were able to before. But of course, it all comes at a cost. Like other forms of insurance, pet insurance pays either fully or a portion of the costs associated with medical treatment on an insured pet. Policies and types of cover vary greatly between companies and location, with some even offering 'comprehensive' insurance, which helps cover costs for things such as routine check ups and even in some cases, if the pet dies, is lost or stolen or is involved in an accident. Policies are continually evolving to keep up with medical advancement, so some even cover medications and alternative therapies, or boarding costs (if owner is hospitalised). Pet insurance is certainly on the rise, making the market more competitive - however there are still more pets uninsured than are, with many pet owners either not considering insuring their pet worth it or find it all too expensive. Fortunately, pet insurance companies are becoming more flexible in what they offer meaning they're able to cater to pet owners of all budgets and requirements. On some policies you can even deduct certain aspects of coverage depending on your needs. Pet insurance is becoming so popular, some companies will now offer it as an optional add-on employee benefit. As mentioned, the types of cover you can receive differs depending on where you live. For example in the United Kingdom, where insuring your pet is very popular, many policies will pay 100% of vet fees, where as other companies may offer a discounted rate for a policy if the customer chooses to pay an "excess" (the amount you agree to pay before the insurance company pays.) In the United States and Canada, policies can either pay off a benefit schedule or a percentage of the vet costs (sometimes as much as 90%), after reaching a deductible (the amount of expenses that must be paid out of pocket before an insurer will pay any expenses) - but again it depends on the the company and what policy is chosen. Even though it is health insurance, pet insurance is viewed more like property insurance, where by you have to pay the upfront costs and are then reimbursed once you put in a claim to your insurance company. However, in some instances where fees are very high, veterinarians and health practicioners will agree to allow payment to be delayed until a claim is processed or the insurer pays direct to them.   Choosing to take our pet insurance is no easy decision and it can be mind boggling to sift through the various policies and companies on offer. Your pet's existing health, their needs and your budget should all be considered when making a choice. These are some things to consider when purchasing pet insurance:     •    Does your pet have any congenital or hereditary conditions? Will they be covered?     •    How is reimbursement calculated?     •    Is the deductible on a per-incident or annual basis?     •    Are there any limits or caps?     •    Is there an annual contract that decides that anything diagnosed in the previous year of coverage is not considered a pre-existing condition in the new year. There are some great price comparison websites out there who can help make your choice a little easier. There are definite critics of pet insurance who think it be far wiser just to put away money each year in an emergency account which you can access if a situation should arise, rather than paying for coverage that you can't be sure you'll ever need. For other pet owners, pet insurance can offer peace of mind for when unexpected things come up and allows them to give their beloved pets the chance to access all the medical assistance they need to not only help any accidents or sudden ailments but to also access a variety of medical treatments to help improve their overall health, wellbeing and longevity. At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer - the choice is purely up to you and what you feel is best for you, your family, your pet - and your bank balance. Feature image credit  

Would you drink from a glass of water that had been sitting outside for a week? Or a cup that hadn’t been washed in a month? Dog bowls need to be kept clean just as much as our bowls, with unwashed bowls becoming a brew of bacteria and other nasties which don’t do your pet’s health any favours.   Image credit In a 2011 study conducted by NSF International, of the homes of 22 families, pet bowls were found to be the fourth dirtiest household item. They were found to contain high levels of yeast, mold and coliform bacteria (which includes Salmonella and E. coli). Eww! So how often should you clean your dog or cat’s water bowl? This depends on where it is kept and how many animals are drinking from it daily. Daily washing for an indoor pet bowl is ideal, especially after you pet has taken a drink after mealtimes.   Image credit If your water bowl is kept outside it should be cleaned more often – twice daily – as there is a much higher chance of contamination from insects and plant debris. Use by multiple animals also means the amount of washing you do should increase proportionally, with a greater amount of saliva bound to find its way into the bowl. Hand washing with a gentle detergent in hot water works well. A mixture of salt and baking soda is also a great solution, as it is kinder to dog or cat’s insides if any residue is left behind. A run through the dishwasher is also highly recommended.   Image Credit Bowl choice is also important when it comes to keeping your dog’s water squeaky clean. Ceramic and plastic bowls are porous, which means they absorb a certain amount of water they contain. This can mean they suck up bacteria and germs as well, and become secret breeding grounds that may affect your dog’s health. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are a better option as their finish prevents absorption.    Feature Image Credit 

The fat cat is a common image in pop culture. It tells the tale of a rich society that indulges its pets, and its people, a little too much. When your cat begins to tip the scales, it's time to get serious about diet and nutrition. Obesity is associated with a number of health conditions that can shorten your pet's life. Why cats get fat Cats live a different life to their ancestors. Most cats spend a lot of their lives indoors with limited opportunities for physical exercise. They no longer have to stalk prey for their dinner and many cats are fed on an "at will" basis, with food available to them throughout the day. In addition, some types of cat food may be high in carbohydrates, a food component that cats cannot easily metabolize. The carbohydrates get stored as fat and lead to increasing weight problems. Problems with obesity Unfortunately, obesity becomes a circular problem. Increased weight leads to bigger appetites, which leads to more eating. Increased weight also leads to less exercise, which serves to keep fat cats heavy. Obesity in cats is linked with increased risk of heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. The extra weight puts more pressure on tender joints as cats age, as well as making the heart and vascular system work harder. Diabetes in cats is a growing problem that can cause kidney disease and an early death for your pet. Maintaining a healthy weight will ensure that you will enjoy your cat's company for years to come. Early intervention Managing small weight problems is much easier than getting your cat to lose a large amount of weight. As soon as you notice a bit of chubbiness around your cat's middle, take a proactive approach to weight loss to ensure your pet's continued good health. Find out what's in your cat's regular food and consider changing to a different brand and type. Pay attention to how often the cat eats and how often you dole out treats. Notice your cat's exercise level during the day. Think about how you can make your cat more active. Sometimes, another cat can provide the mental and physical stimulation to keep a cat on the move. As always, talk to your vet about the best ways to control your cat's weight. Your vet can help Regular veterinary visits will allow your vet to monitor your cat's weight over time, which can help alert you to weight problems before they become more difficult to manage. Your vet can also advise you on the best ways to limit foods to ensure that your cat gets the best nutrition while controlling calorie intake. They can also recommend some foods that are low calorie or specific to your cat's particular health needs. Ways to keep your cat slim and trim · Feed your cat at specific times of the day in the amount recommended by your veterinarian. Avoid leaving dry food out for continuous eating. · Choose high-quality cat food that offers 45% protein, 40% fat and only a small amount of carbohydrates to provide the best nutrition for the average cat's needs. · Avoid giving cat treats, which are low in nutrition and high in calories. · Ensure that your cat gets daily exercise with a cat tree, chasing toys and other equipment. Interact with your cat for play on a daily basis. · See the vet regularly for vaccinations and an overall checkup of your cat's health. Feature image credit

Many dog owners are reasonably worried when their canine companion decides to forgo its meals. Loss of appetite in a dog is not uncommon; however, it is still important to keep an eye on the situation and try to understand the reasons behind the dog’s aversion to food. The following are a few reasons why your dog may be avoiding its meals. 1. The Weather Sometimes the weather can affect a dog’s appetite. Hot weather, in particular, may render a dog less hungry than usual. Loss of appetite in heat is common in humans too. It’s important to make sure the dog is getting plenty of water throughout those hot days so that it doesn’t dehydrate. If your dog doesn’t perk up after a day or two, you might want to consider the possibility of other issues. A visit to the veterinarian might be in order. 2. Illness When a dog doesn’t feel well, it could certainly avoid its food. While one day may not cause much concern, two days or more should alert owners to possible problems, especially if the dog typically enjoys a healthy appetite. Again, make sure the dog has access to water. If the situation does not improve, and the dog appears to be more lethargic than usual, call your vet to determine if an immediate appointment is necessary. Many dogs may be sick without showing many outward signs. Lack of appetite is one sign that may surface when dogs become ill. 3. Vaccinations Many parents often find that children feel unwell after vaccinations and also lose their appetites for about a day. Dogs may behave similarly. Give them access to water and simply allow them to rest. They may not feel much like exercising either. Usually after a day, however, this situation resolves itself. If the dog continues to avoid its food by the second day, you might want to place a call to the vet to be on the safe side. 4. It Wants Something Better If you’ve been spoiling your dog with table scraps, it may snub their nose at their dog bowls in the hope of getting something better like steak or chicken. If the dog is well in all other regards, this is a situation that may work itself out when the dog becomes hungry enough to resort back to its own food. You might encourage your picky eater by moistening its dry dog food with some wet food. If you know your dog is a picky eater and not sick, you shouldn't worry. 5. Nerves If you are traveling with your dog, it is very common for them to experience a bout of nerves. In many such cases, dogs will ignore their food while trying to make heads or tails of what’s going on. While some dogs can eat anywhere and at any time, other dogs get used to their routines and may not feel comfortable eating in a brand new setting. These are some common reasons why dogs will avoid eating. Again, if their lack of appetite persists, you should schedule a check up to make sure that nothing is seriously wrong with them.  

If you've ever seen a cat go wild as if possessed, then chances are they were probably under the influence of catnip. Catnip is also known as catmint, catwort and field balm - whatever you call it, it has the power to make even the most docile or grumpiest of cats awash with total happiness and bliss - plus it's pretty amusing to witness! What is catnip? First off, catnip is not a drug. Rather, it's part of the mint family, which boasts 250 species. It originally came from Europe and Asia and it was always destined to be loved by cats as it's derived from the Latin word 'cataria' meaning 'of a cat.' Essentially when the leaves of the plant are broken a chemical and essential oil called nepetalactone is released which many cats seem to respond to in a very, very positive way. Why do cats love it? It's a bit of a myth to say that all cats love catnip. The reality is around half of all cats don't respond at all to it. It's an inherited trait, so not all cats end up with the catnip-loving gene. If you're unsure whether you have a catnip lover on your hands, you'll know by six months of age. Kittens and older cats don't respond either to it's minty goodness. Interestingly, it's not only domestic cats that can fall under the spell of catnip - big cats like lions easily succumb to catnip's powers. We wonder if keeping some catnip in your pocket would help if you came face to face with a lion out in the wild? Essentially, what happens is the chemical nepatalactone mimics a cat's pheromones causing a surge in a cat's brain that makes them want to rub up against the smell. And boy, do they go wild…   Image credit What are the side effects? Some typical reactions include:     •    Eat, lick, roll around or sniff the catnip     •    Rubbing themselves against the catnip     •    Playing with the catnip     •    Generally acting bizarrely     •    Rolling and flipping     •    Meowing or growling     •    Hyperactivity     •    Agression It is possible for cats to overdose on catnip which can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. If they've had a bit too much catnip they might also be unresponsive, twitch, make random noises or excessively drool. It that's the case, remove them from the catnip - but don't worry, catnip wears off in around 15 minutes and cats do return to their normal selves. These above reactions are all caused when a cat sniffs catnip, however, if they end up eating the catnip they may in fact become very mellow and sedate. Is it safe? Catnip is incredibly safe and bears no threat to your cat's health. It's also not possible for your cat to become addicted. However, as mentioned above, if your cat becomes a bit of a frequent user they may experience diarrhea - so you may have to make access limited.   Image credit How can it be used? Once you've witnessed what a powerful effect catnip can have on your feline - you'll soon realise that you can use it to your advantage as a trusty training tool. If you want to curb any naughty behaviours or entice your cat to use something like a new bed, a sprinkle of catnip can go a long way. Similarly, you can also make bored kitties entertained by making simple catnip flavoured toys  - try sprinkling an old sock with a bit of catnip. It's important to note that dried catnip is generally more effective and more enjoyed by cats than it's spray form counterparts which are just not as strong. You could also consider growing some in your garden, so you have a near-constant supply of the stuff. Any dried catnip that you're not using should be stored in the freezer to preserve it's potency. Can humans use it? Despite being popular with cats, catnip can also be very useful for humans too. Catnip has similar properties to chamomile so it can be made into a tea to provide calming effects. It can also be used to help sooth ailments like:     •    Mosquito bites     •    Upset stomachs     •    Headaches     •    Coughing     •    Insomnia     •    Muscle aches and pains     •    Chills     •    Haemorrhoids     •    Toothache It can be used as a:     •    Anaesthetic     •    Anitbiotic     •    Anti-Rheumatic     •    Antispasmodic     •    Astringent     •    Diuretic Please note, pregnant women should completely avoid catnip as it can induce uterine contractions. Feature image credit