We've all seen a cat with its back arched, ears flattened, mouth wide open, with their tail flicking behind them. But why? A cat’s hiss is a way of informing you that it’s agitated and doesn’t want you to come any closer or something worse will happen. Many experts believe that cats hiss to mimic snakes- with the hope that it leads to the animal to back off. Your cat may feel that they, or something they're protective of, is being threatened. To alleviate the hissing, it’s important to observe your cat's situation next time they are hissing. Ask yourself questions like: Does this behavior occur when strangers come over? Do thhe only hiss when you are handling him?  Common reasons for why your cat may be hissing include: Introducing a new pet such as a cat or dog Redirected aggression Being in pain Over-petting Poorly socialized when young Strangers - both humans and animals alike Once you identify why your cat is hissing, you can work towards preventing it. If your cat is hissing at a guest in your house it may help if you allow your cat to smell something that that person has handled, so they become used to their smell. If your cat is hissing while you pet him, it's possible they're in pain so schedule an appointment with your vet. Lastly, if the hissing seems to be directed towards a new cat, keep them segregrated and provide them with seperate litter boxes, bowls, and toys. Eventually your resident cat will warm up once they stop feling threatened. Remember that when your cat starts hissing, the best thing you can do is to let them calm down on their own. Give your cat some winding down time, and try talking to them in a soothing voice which could help reduce the anxiety they feel when hissing. Feature image credit

Dogs are naturally territorial and like to patrol familiar areas. Therefore, most dogs are happy to patrol the yard or go for a walk to the park. However some other dogs feel the desire to explore further afield and will attempt to do it alone. Perhaps your dog has attempted to escape or has perhaps succeeded a number of times. The action of escaping, either by jumping or digging under the fence, managing to open the gate or even running through electric fencing may be all your dog needs to fulfil their desire and will then happily stay within your home's perimeter, while others will take off and go exploring. In either case, it can be gut wrenching for owners knowing their dog is trying to break free or has done so a number of times. First things first, before you figure out why your dog is escaping, you need to find out HOW they are doing it because your first priority is to keep them safe and contained. Is your fence transparent in any way? If your dog can see beyond your yard, it will give them a greater desire to escape and explore. Covering up the transparencies will reduce their urges. If your dog can jump great heights, introducing an electronic fence in addition to your actual fence is a good idea, and, vice versa, if your dog is able to run through electric fencing, doubling up with a physical fence can also reduce their ability to run away. Make sure any physical fencing you have is higher and sturdy enough to prevent your dog from jumping over it. Use materials that have smooth surfaces to prevent any potential climbing capabilities. Make sure there are no gaps that your dog can squeeze through. Fill in these gaps with chicken wire, large rocks or chain link - always be sure to keep any sharp points or edges out of reach from unassuming paws. Prevent your clever dog from opening fences by keeping them padlocked or alternatively install a self-closing system. Once your dog is extra secure, you can address the reasons why they are trying to or are escaping. Reasons why dogs escape: Separation anxiety Your dog's escaping act may be a symptom of a much larger separation anxiety issue. Your dog may be feeling anxious whenever they are away from you and this is just one way they display it. If signs like pacing, howling or trembling are present then your best option is treating the anxiety issues wholly rather than just the issue of them escaping. Chances are the desire to escape with be dulled once they are feeling more calm. Searching for a mate This reason is most prevalent in male and un-neutered or spayed dogs. What to do: If possible, have your dogs spayed or neutered! This alone might not the stop running away altogether but it does reduce the motivation. Exploration As mentioned at the start of this article, your dog may be simply fulfilling their natural desire to explore. What to do: If they haven't been, consider getting your dog neutered which decreases their roaming desires. Increasing amounts of exercise is a very good way to help your dog to stop escaping because a tired dog is more likely to take a nap than jump the fence! Fear Fear could be a very real reason as to why your dog is escaping. What they are fearful of varies, from certain people, the weather or even the location itself. What to do: Create positive associations with your yard, making sure every time your dog is there that something nice happens to them. If you know what the root cause of the fear is, eliminate it so it doesn't happen again. Also during this time, only allow your dog into the yard if someone is able to supervise them to make sure everything is going smoothly. If the problem persists, seeking anxiety medication from your vet is a good idea. Social contact Most dogs love other dogs and people and them escaping might be their way of finding some friends to play with. What to do: If your dog is spending more than three hours alone in the yard, the likeliness that they are lonely increases. A simple way to combat this is to spend more time interacting with your dog. The more time spent bonding and doing things together the less attractive running away becomes for your pet. You could also consider introducing a new dog to your household so your pooch has a constant companion. Importantly, remember to never punish or coddle your dog when trying to stop them from escaping. Feature image credit

Most often we think of dogs as the ones to drag their bums across the carpet, but cats also do this when something is bothering them back there. What’s referred to as the “scoot”, cats will drag their bottoms across the floor usually when their anal sacs are irritated. The anal sacs, located on either side of the anus, collect fluid produced by the anal glands. This fluid needs to be emptied regularly, which typically happens during regular bowel movements. When the fluid isn’t emptied, the sacs can become impacted, infected, or even rupture. If your cat is scooting, it means they’re feeling uncomfortable. Other symptoms you may notice along with the scoot are straining to defecate, discharge, and scratching, licking, or biting around the anus. This is most commonly caused by irritation, likely because of diarrhea, or impaction, which is when the sacs become clogged with thick secretion from the glands. Other possibilities include allergies, parasites, matted hair, and tumors. Scooting isn’t something to be ignored. If the behavior is occurring frequently, you should make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. When the anal sacs remain unemptied, impaction could occur and lead to abscessation and/or rupture, causing your cat a great deal of pain. When you bring your cat in, the vet will manually empty the sacs as long as they’re still intact. If they are abscessed, your vet will drain them and then flush them with antibiotics. If your cat has these issues repeatedly, they may be suffering from a chronic anal sac disorder. In this case, it is possible to surgically remove the sacs. You should also talk to your vet about how to empty the anal sacs at home. Cats are known for hiding illness well, and anal sac issues are no exception. So if you notice your cat doing the scoot, it’s for the better that they are telling you something is wrong.   Feature image credit

Grooming, after sleeping, is probably the activity that consumes most of a cat’s day. It is thus likely an affront to feline pride that certain conditions can cause a cat’s coat to become unpleasantly greasy.   In cats, a greasy coat is far more than an aesthetic problem. It is a prominent symptom of a variety of health issues, from minor to life threatening. Therefore, a greasy coat means a trip to the vet is absolutely in order.   A cat feeling ill or in pain may neglect to groom themselves as usual due to the discomfort they experience when attempting to do so. Parasite infestation or ringworm is another potential cause. Feline hyperthyroidism, an overproduction of the thyroid hormone, is also known to cause greasy fur as the body is stimulated to secrete excessive amounts of sebum. Due to the large range of issues that can cause greasy fur a proper diagnosis is essential in fixing the underlying issue. Simply bathing a cat with greasy fur may fix the fur for a short time, but will leave the true health problem untreated.   Keep in mind simple feline curiosity can also be the cause of suddenly greasy fur - a cat climbing into garbage or crawling beneath an oily car could coat them in grime leading to the appearance of a greasy coat. Unless you are sure mischief has led to the greasy coat it is best to be on the safe side and visit your vet due to the seriousness of the potential instigators.    Feature Image Credit

Some dogs (looking at you, labradors) seem to have a never ending appetite for food – yet other dogs can be exceptionally fussy, turning up their nose at the dinner they have been lovingly served by their owners.    It can be frustrating as well as worrying when a dog leaves their dinner bowl untouched. Many owners fret that such behaviour will cause their pet to fail to receive the nutrition they require. In most cases, it is very unlikely a dog will make themselves seriously ill with their discerning tastes. A healthy but picky dog will not starve themselves to death with their appetite or lack thereof.   If you are concerned, a discussion with your vet will let you rule out any underlying medical conditions that may influence your pet’s interest in food. Generally, fussy dogs show a long-term pattern of rejecting food not up to their standards. Any sudden change from a usual pattern of robust appetite however is a red alert that something is probably not quite right.   Once you’re sure you simply have a picky pooch on your hands there are a few methods you can try to set them on the path of eating what they have been given without complaint.   Some breeds are known to be pre-disposed to fussiness over others, such as poodles and Yorkshire terriers. In most cases picky eaters are created, not born. Dogs not provided with alternatives from their regular balanced and complete food are apt to eat what they are given. However, if they find when they turn their nose up at their dinner they receive a tasty piece of meat or another treat they quickly learn to hold out to get something better than what they are first given.    To retrain a fussy dog to accept ‘normal’ dog food, provide them with what you wish them to eat. If they reject it, pick it up and serve it again for their next meal. Resist the urge to give them something else if they are stubborn. Dogs don’t have to eat every day to survive – wolves do not have regular meal times in the wild. When they are hungry enough they will eat. Praise them wildly when they do bend and eat to enforce the behaviour you desire.    Feature Image Credit  

According to stereotypes, cats can live happily on a diet of milk and fish. But like dairy products, feeding fish everyday is in reality a very poor idea.   Many cats love the taste of fish and fortunately fish products can be a healthy addition to your cat’s dinner bowl. Yet it is important to keep the idea of ‘balance’ in the forefront of your mind when visiting the seafood market in order to spoil your kitty.   Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega 3. This is particularly the case with fish oil. Fish oil can assist with improving everything from eyesight to arthritis and thus owners should lean towards oily fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna when making their selection.   Despite the benefits, fish should always be a ‘sometimes’ food as overconsumption of fish can far outweigh the positives and lead to serious health problems. Vitamin E, which is essential in breaking down unsaturated fats in a cat’s diet, can be inhibited by a fish-heavy diet. Illnesses such as yellow fat disease or steatis are likely to result. It is commonplace for commercial brands to artificially add vitamin E to their seafood-based recipes to help compensate for this occurrence. Vitamin B can also be compromised by a fish-heavy diet. Certain species such as herring and carp contain thiaminase that actively destroys thiamine (vitamin B1).   When feeding fish it is also recommended it be cooked prior to being served to your cat. Raw fish is often high in bacteria and other contaminants that are neutralised through the cooking process.   Also note seafood is one of the leading causes of feline allergies and certain cats can develop an adverse reaction to eating fish. If you suspect this to be the case, consult your veterinarian and cease serving fish products immediately.    Feature Image Credit

Humans aren’t the only ones who can suffer from dandruff – dogs too can suffer from itchy, flaky skin that creates unsightly white dander that spreads through the coat and falls onto everything else.   Technically known as seborrhea, dandruff is composed of dead skin cells that clump together and fall from the skin. Since dandruff is itchy, dogs are likely to start scratching themselves more than usual leading to scabs or bumps developing as well as the flaky skin.   All breeds can develop dandruff, yet terriers such as West Highland, Scottish, Fox and Cairn are especially susceptible to the condition. Schnauzers, Dalmatians, English and Irish setters, poodles and pugs are also more likely to develop dandruff than other dog breeds.   Allergies are a common cause of dandruff. Dust, pollen, household cleaners and food varieties are all possible allergens that could instigate a skin reaction. Chyletiella mite infestation is another potential cause as well as fungal skin infections and bacteria.   Sometimes it is simply the environment in which the dog lives. An area with low humidity can remove the moisture from a dog’s epidermis and cause skin flaking. A dog that is not drinking enough water may also suffer from dandruff for similar reasons.    A vet can help you to determine the most likely causes of your dog’s dandruff. If allergies are suspected as the problem, removing the substance from their diet or your home may be the solution or a course of antihistamines. Daily brushing, which helps to distribute oil over the skin and through the coat, as well as the use of gentle oatmeal shampoos can also help relieve symptoms.  Feature image credit

Cystitis is a feline lower urinary tract disease that affects the urinary bladder and urethra of many cats. Cats that suffer from the condition usually display a frequent and strained pattern of urination as if an obstruction is present – however urine is in fact being produced frequently in small amounts.   A number of causes of cystitis exist, including:  Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) Bacterial infection Urinary crystals and stones  Cats are far more prone to cystitis than other species such as dogs due to their shorter urethra which enables bacteria to ascend from the perineum to the bladder with greater ease. Female cats are more likely to be affected than males.   Diabetic cats are prone to the condition particularly due to the higher level of glucose and protein in their systems. These substances promote bacterial growth in urine, leading to a higher risk of infection.   Another at-risk group are senior cats that usually drink less water than younger felines. This results in concentrated urine with higher levels of bacteria present, increasing the chances of infection. Likewise, sensitive cats who hold off urinating due to stress, a dirty litter tray or a refusal to go outdoors due to rain can be affected as their urine becomes increasingly concentrated the longer they wait.    As mentioned, frequent urination of small amounts is the most telling symptom of cystitis. Other symptoms are: Blood present in urine Excessive genital cleaning far beyond normal grooming patterns Urine with a strong unpleasant odour Sudden urination in areas other than the litter tray or outdoor areas Yowling near litter box Cystitis is a serious issue that must be addressed immediately as failure to act in a timely fashion can lead to death. A veterinarian can generally diagnose the condition from the above symptoms, though may also use other methods such as urinalysis, ultrasound or bacterial culture to identify the issue.   Treatment is dependent on the individual case. Generally the cat will be encouraged to drink increased amounts of water and be put on a wet food diet to further increase water consumption. A course of antibiotics may also be prescribed as well as painkillers of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in more serious cases. In an emergency situation the bladder may be emptied using a syringe by a vet as well and fluids inserted intravenously into the cat’s system.    Feature Image Credit  

Governments and numerous health agencies have spent the last two decades raising awareness about the dangers of smoking. Citizens across the world have learned about what dangers smoking poses to their own health and the health of those around them. Secondhand smoke has been shown to have negative impacts on the health and well-being of those living with smokers.   Overlooked in all of these awareness campaigns has been the health and well-being of pets. Does your smoking pose a health risk to your dog? According to available data from the ASPCA, there are 71 million pet owners in the United States, and about one-fifth of those people are smokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke kills an estimated 50,000 Americans each year. Additionally, there are as many as four million children living in homes where they are exposed to secondhand smoke and in many of these homes there are also dogs.   Numerous studies have found that dogs, as well as cats, face health risks similar to those of humans exposed to secondhand smoke. These risks include decreased lung capacity, sinus issues, and cancer.   Exposure to secondhand smoke has been found to cause a number of health problems in dogs living with smokers. Cardiovascular disease, asthma, chronic lung infections, eye problems, and respiratory disease are some of the illnesses that dogs suffer from as a result of secondhand smoke.   It is also possible for dogs to develop lung cancer or nasal sinus cancer. A study from the State of Colorado found that dogs living with smokers had a higher incidence of nasal cavity tumors than dogs living in a home with no smokers. Dog breeds with longer noses, such as Collies, face a significantly higher chance of contracting nasal sinus tumors and cancer compared to breeds with short to medium noses.   Experts believe this higher rate of occurrence is linked to the longer nasal passages in certain breeds. Those dogs with longer noses have a greater surface area in the sinus cavity for toxins and carcinogens to be deposited before reaching the lungs. Additionally, all dog breeds are at risk for lung cancer as a result of those carcinogens eventually reaching the lungs.   Cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco release more than 4,000 chemicals in secondhand smoke. These chemicals include dangerous toxins like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, arsenic, benzene, chromium, nickel, and vinyl chloride. Each of these toxins poses a serious threat to your dog's health, increasing its risk for chronic illness and death. Feature image credit

It is frustrating when your cat refuses to use a litter tray, but it can also be cause for concern. As it turns out, your pet might be urinating outside of the designated area area due to medical reasons. Here's what you need to consider if you want to understand and fix the problem. Most cats care a lot about hygiene, and so a dirty or poorly filled litter tray could be so off-putting that it might prompt your pet to go elsewhere. If you think the tray could be cleaner, make a commitment to cleaning it at least once a day and see if your cat's behavior changes. If you have more than one cat, having several litter trays can help to ensure that one is always clean. In addition, think about where the litter tray is placed. Cats feel vulnerable doing their business, so if the tray is exposed or difficult to escape then they might choose to go somewhere more private. Furthermore, it might be worth trying a different type of litter to find out whether your kitty doesn't like the feel or smell of your current product. No matter what litter you use, most cats will prefer it to be no more than two inches deep. If your cat is of a mature age, then that may be the reason why you have seen a change in litter tray use. Firstly, some elderly cats can develop a degree of dementia that may leave them feeling confused about where they are or cause them to forget where they are supposed to urinate. Secondly, arthritis is a fairly common complaint in older cats, and the joint pain associated with the condition can make it difficult to get into the litter tray. If your cat has arthritis then it may need a litter tray with low sides. Certain health problems can strike a cat of any age and lead to a reluctance to use the litter tray. It can be useful to make an appointment with your vet and discuss all of the following: Urinary tract infections: If your cat enters the litter tray but does so more often than normal and only manages to pass small amounts of urine, a urinary tract infection may be behind the new tendency to urinate elsewhere. Interstitial cystitis: This inflammatory disease affects the bladder and makes your cat feel like urinating more often. As a result, your pet might start urinating in unusual places instead of (or as well as) the tray. Bladder stones: Bladder stones are very painful, so if your cat is suffering from this problem then you might hear crying when the animal tries and fails to urinate. In any of these cases, treating the underlying condition should eliminate the problem with inappropriate urination.