Have you noticed your cat moving to one side, tilting their head or other similar symptoms? They may be suffering from ataxia, a sensory dysfunction that affects the coordination of the limbs, head or trunk. Generally when your cat's brain and spinal cord are compromised this prevents their ability to communicate with the rest of the body's nervous system which is what will cause many cases of ataxia and loss of balance. While cats are typically elegant and graceful creatures, they are not exempt from balance issues. If you notice one or two instances where your cat is being a little clumsy, it is probably nothing more than that. But if it's beginning to occur on a fairly regular basis, then it may be something more serious. There are three different types of ataxia that all affect the nervous system in various ways: sensory, vestibular and cerebellar. Sensory ataxia This is when the spinal cord is slowly compressed. A cat with this type of ataxia will often be misplacing their feet and experiencing progressive weakness. Vestibular ataxia This is when the nerves that carry information from the inner ear to the brain are damaged. Some signs that indicate this may be what your cat is experiencing include: changes to the head and neck, problems hearing, falling or rolling over, changing eye movements, weakness in the legs and drowsiness. Cerebellar ataxia This is when your cat's motor skills and activity are affected. You will notice that the limbs, head and neck are uncoordinated. They may be also stepping oddly, having tremors of the body or head and the body swaying. Symptoms There are various symptoms that could indicate that your cat indeed has ataxia, many of which are listed above, but let's recap here: Lack of appetite Nausea Weakness of the limbs (can affect one or all of the limbs, or just the limbs on one side of the body) Stumbling or swaying Excessive sleepiness Changes to behaviour Tilting head to one side Not responding to being called Abnormal eye movements Causes There is a huge variety of conditions that could be the cause of your cat's ataxia: Cysts Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) Inflammatory diseases Middle ear or fungal infections Cancer Degeneration of spinal cord and nerves Malformation of spinal cord Anemia Low potassium Low blood sugar Spinal cyst Blockages of blood vessels (blood clot) Encephalitis - acute inflammation of the brain Ear infections Ear mites Neurological disorders Other causes for loss of balance include arthritis, senility and Alzheimer's disease. In other cases, medications used to treat other conditions can cause a loss of balance. And sometimes, it's just old age causing your cat to not be as coordinated as they once were. Treatment What's important to note is that many of the conditions above are degenerative so if you suspect something is up, don't hang around to see if it gets worse-take your cat to the vet ASAP. Your vet will need to know thorough details on your cat's health and what symptoms they are experiencing. Most likely, blood tests and urine samples will be taken to try and make an initial diagnosis. Medical imaging including X-rays and ultrasounds will also be required to see the exact location of any diseases and to evaluate it's progression. Feature image credit  

Puppies, like babies, receive complete nutrition from their mother’s milk. Eventually though, they’ll need to be weaned off which typically begins around the four week mark, when mama dog’s milk is no longer 100% sufficient. By 7-8 weeks, the puppies should be completely weaned from their mother and eating solid food regularly, and by solid food I mean puppy food. To answer your question, yes puppies need puppy food. Because puppies grow so fast, they need to take in more calories and more nutrients, and puppy food has just that. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend specific brands, but in general quality puppy food is high in protein, calcium, and calories. Look for brands that list meat as the first ingredient. Most brands will have a feeding chart printed on the bag for you to use as a guide. The amount of food recommended for your puppy will likely change on a weekly basis as they grow. When choosing a puppy food, also make sure to select the type right for your breed. Large-breed puppy food is different, with less calcium and phosphorus than other puppy food to help prevent future skeletal issues. When a puppy is almost at their expected adult weight, it’s time to switch to a food that will work to maintain their weight and nutrition. Generally, smaller dogs reach maturity faster, around 9-12 months, while larger breeds can take up to 12 -18 months. If you feed your dog puppy food for too long, your dog will be taking in more calories than they need, and could be at risk of obesity. If you have any questions on weaning your puppies or choosing a brand of puppy food, remember to consult your veterinarian!   Feature image credit

If your cat starts crying all the time, your first response may be distress and worry. However, many owners become annoyed when there is no apparent cause for constant crying. Since there can be serious underlying medical problems when a cat cries, it is vital to investigate the issue properly. The following advice will help you deal with the wide range of reasons why a cat might become excessively vocal. 1. Health issues Before considering psychological causes, it's smart to visit your vet so that your cat can receive a full checkup. If you have an elderly cat, an overactive thyroid gland may be the reason for increased vocalization, and this can be treated with a careful balance of medication. Kidney disease is also a common cause in older cats, though it can strike pets of any age. Slowing the progression of kidney disease requires careful monitoring and changes in diet. In principle, any illness that might lead your pet to feel hungry, confused, thirsty or sore can cause constant crying, so a thorough physical examination and a wide range of blood tests will probably be required. 2. Loneliness If physical problems have been ruled out, it's time to start looking at your cat's mental health. Sociable cats may be crying for attention, especially when the house is quiet at night. Sadly, many cats that are used to having other feline companions can become especially vocal when their friend passes away, as they sense that something has changed. If you want to discourage your cat from crying, you can set a precedent of only paying the pet attention during quiet periods. However, it is important to balance this idea with adequate care; you should never neglect your cat's emotional needs, and you should spend time giving affection and engaging in play every day. 3. Looking for food If your cat is consistently vocal when you enter the kitchen or when it is nearly time for a meal, you may be able to reduce this crying by providing the food when the cat is quiet. If you give treats, you might also want to consider stopping this practice until your cat's interest in food no longer gives rise to constant mewing. Once again, an elevation in hunger levels should be investigated by a vet, as eating without feeling full is a warning sign of certain health problems. 4. Boredom Some cats cry because they are not feeling appropriately stimulated, so think about whether you are providing enough fun activities for your pet. There should be places from which your cat can watch the outside world and plenty of standard toys, but smarter cats may also enjoy the challenge of puzzle-based toys. 5. Stress Finally, think about whether any major changes might be stressing your pet, as there is a link between stress and crying. Common examples include a new home, a new baby, or conflict in the home. You can make things easier by offering extra affection and demonstrating soothing behavior. Feature image credit

There a lot of other factors that affect a dog's behaviour, but many people also believe that diet can also be influential. For dog lovers, what you feed your dog is a polarising topic, and many pet owners get very passionate about it, and while there's no real right or wrong answer, all owners should strive to find the best diet for their dog. All dogs are individuals and will react differently to different foods, much in the same way we do - so it seems quite likely that diet can contribute to behaviour. We are generally very conscious about what we feed ourselves and our family - for example you wouldn't feed your child a breakfast full of sugar and lots of preservatives, just before they go to school? So shouldn't the same logic be applied to our much loved pets? There are various schools of thought about what diet is best for an energetic and obedient dog but again, we can't stress enough that there isn't one answer and it will come down to trial and error and observing how your dog behaves when eating certain diets. Lifestyle, finances and preferences will also play a role in what diet you'd like to feed your dog, much in the same way it affects our own meal time. Different diets, different results Let's take a look at how some of the most popular diets can potentially affect your dog's behaviour… Commercial dog food This is a popular option for doggy parents the world over and in general the high quality options do provide your dog with a well rounded and balanced meal, with key nutrients for a happy and healthy dog. However, the cheaper the variety, the more likely fillers in the form of grains and cereal will be present and it's said that a high intake of carbohydrates can affect blood serum levels which is thought to cause aggressive tendencies, mood swings and hyperactivity. However, by avoiding the cheapest food available, you should be completely fine to feed your dog commercial dog food. Raw feeding A lot of people like feeding their dogs a raw diet. Dogs seem to enjoy it because they get to enjoy plenty of raw meat and bones, but one of the setbacks from this diet is a lack of calcium which can lead to health issues such a dental problems. Dental issues can also lead to behavioural problems - including aggression and lethargy. Organic Lots of people enjoy eating a diet full of organic ingredients, and you can't deny the benefits. So it's no surprise that many dog owners also like feeding their dogs organic food. Organic dog food can be bought from many online sellers or pet stores (or you can make it yourself), and its major pro is that it doesn't contain any chemical additives, but includes all the nutritional benefits you get from other commercial dog food varieties. Generally, feeding your dog organic should eliminate and curve any behavioural issues and if after a few months, no changes have been cited, then a consultation with your vet should be on the cards. Natural A dog's diet that is all natural is similar to the recently popular "Paleo" diet, where you feast on what your ancient ancestors ate. People who feed their dog this sort of diet, generally give their dog animal carcasses, meaty bones and scraps from the butcher. While it resembles nothing of what most people feed their dogs these days, it's said that this type of diet is kinder to the digestive system and reduces unpredictable mood swings. Variety is the spice of life Some dog trainers and behaviourists believe that some poor behaviour from dogs can stem not just from what's in the food, but the repetitive nature of it, calling it the "monotony effect." It's said the monotony effect can cause begging and boredom, so even if your dog is hungry, they may refuse to eat it because they are tired of the same thing! If this is something you are experiencing, consult your vet. If you plan to change up your dog's diet, remember to introduce the new food gradually so not to upset their stomach. Don't get tripped up on treats Everyone loves a treat, including your pal and usually these treats can be incredibly high in sugar, potentially causing hyperactivity. If you think your dog is hyperactive, then a good way to help is to eliminate what dog treats you are giving them. Remember to always read the label and choose one that is of a high quality. So in many ways it seems that the old saying 'you are what you eat' can really apply to our dogs too. Feature image credit

Icterus or yellow skin, more commonly known as jaundice is when tissues throughout the body turn yellow due to high levels of bilirubin (a bile pigment) in the blood. You will most likely notice jaundice on the skin, whites of the eyes or gums. Jaundice falls into three categories: prehepatic, hepatic and posthepatic. Finding out what category your cat's jaundice falls into will help your vet figure out what the underlying condition and cause is. Jaundice usually signifies something wrong with the liver. Types of jaundice Prehepatic jaundice occurs before blood has reached the liver. Hepatic jaundice is when there is damage or disease to the liver. Posthepatic jaundice occurs after blood has passed through the liver. Symptoms of jaundice Yellow coloration of the skin Increased urination Weight loss Lethargy Loss of appetite Urine and stools have a orange appearance Increased thirst Vomiting Fever Paleness Diarrhoea Abdominal pain In severe cases symptoms may also extend to: Bleeding Confusion Causes of jaundice As mentioned, jaundice is a symptom of an underlying condition rather being a disease itself. Possible causes include: Hepatitis Excess fat in liver Tissue damage of liver Tumors Infection Incompatible blood transfusion Large volume of blood inside a cavity. Diagnosis For your vet to be able to come up with a proper diagnosis they will have to perform a number of tests including a complete blood count, a biochemistry profile and urinalysis. They will do a thorough physical examination and consider your pet's health history. Further tests involve: X-rays, ultrasounds and other radiographic studies - usually to get a better understanding of the size of the liver and to cite the presence of any masses or tumours. Treatment Treatment completely depends on what the cause is and the appropriate course of action will be determined by your vet. Feature image credit  

Choosing food for your cat can be a complex affair, as even expert opinions vary dramatically. Raw diets are increasingly more popular, and offal (i.e. the internal organs and entrails of animals) is often incorporated into these diets. Here's what you need to know about whether you should feel your cat offal, and some advice about how to approach a raw diet more generally. Raw diets and types of offal Some pet owners favor a raw diet of meat and offal instead of the processed food that you can buy in cans and bags. The thought is that a raw diet is more natural, and more closely represents the original diets of the cat's ancestors. One of the most popular approaches is the BARF diet which revolves around raw and minced meat combined with some vegetables (typically pureed). Around 20% of a cat's meat intake should be comprised of offal, as it is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Heart, liver and tripe are the forms of offal that are most commonly given to cats on a raw diet, as they are enjoyed by most felines and provided a wide range of useful nutrients. In particular, heart is a source of taurine, which cats depend on for adequate health. Before it was widely known that cats require taurine, many cats that were deficient in taurine went on develop potentially fatal forms of cardiomyopathy (which can lead to end stage heart failure). The dangers posed by offal Firstly, you should be vigilant about the quality of offal provided for your pets, as offal can contain potentially hazardous parasites. Ideally, you should look for HC grade meat sourced from a local butcher that you trust, as this meat will have been inspected for parasites prior to sale. Secondly, when you are feeding liver to your cat, it's very important to be aware of the amount of vitamin A that you are providing. Specifically, vitamin A is fat soluble, and cats only need a relatively small amount in their diet. If you feed your pet excessive quantities of vitamin A, this can lead to toxicity, the major symptoms of which are reduced appetite, tiredness, weight loss and constipation. Other cautionary notes about raw diets Many people who avoid raw diets are quick to mention that there are infection risks associated with raw offal and meat, especially chicken. While a cat's body is most likely capable of killing these bacteria in the stomach, it is very important to be careful when preparing a raw diet. Ideally, you should have dedicated utensils that you only use when dealing with your cat's raw meat and offal. In addition, never be tempted to feed your cat any cooked bones, as these can easily splinter into small, sharp pieces that can puncture key areas of your pet's digestive system. Finally, since it can be tricky to start a raw diet, make sure you get some advice from your vet and do thorough online research. Feature image credit

Being responsible for the health and wellbeing of a cat is a huge responsibility and a large part of that is your ability to feed them a balanced and nutrient rich diet to promote longevity, energy and a healthy weight. Coupled with this, deciding on how and when to feed your cat can also bear an impact on their wellbeing - so what are you supposed to do? Repeat after me: routine! Routine! Routine! Whatever method of feeding you choose to use - stick with it. Cats thrive on a steadfast routine and in their case, variety is certainly not the spice of life. Firstly, it's important to consult your vet about the amount and type of food your cat should be eating. The amount will not only be based on their age but their size and usual energy output. You will have to monitor your cat's energy and adjust the amount of food they receive. If your cat is a true lazy bones, you should be thinking of reducing the amount they eat, whereas if your kitty is full of beans, they could probably benefit from an increase in diet intake. Feeding methods Free-choice This is a very common way to feed your cat and is popular with both owners and cats alike. Free-choice feeding is when the allotted amount of food is left out for cats to graze on whenever they feel like it. Cats like it because they usually prefer small meals throughout the day. Owners like it because there's not much effort required, which is particularly handy if you work long or random hours. A free-choice feeding regime works best for dry food because it is less likely to spoil. However if your cat is very fond of food, this is not the method for you because free-choicing can often lead to obesity. Portion-controlled Like humans who have a 'healthy appetite', cats can often benefit for some portion control. Portion control feeding involves a cat's daily recommended amount of food to be measured out and given, either in one or two meals. If you opt for two meals, leave around 8-12 hours between each meal. This method is particularly useful if your cat needs to loose a few pounds, however the only trouble is you'll have to make sure you are available at the same time(s) each day to dish out meal time.   Timed-feeding Timed feeding requires a greater level of commitment from you and probably some protests from your cat! This method is a great way to get a snap shot of your cat's true amount of food intake and will help combat any over eating. Like the portion controlled method, you dish out up to two meals a day for your cat based on the amount of food that is required for them, except you only leave their bowl out for no more than 30 minutes. Once the allotted time is up, you remove the dish out of view, including any left overs. It might be a rude shock for your cat at first, but they will soon learn that they don't have all day to graze. Additional tips: When and how you feed your cat is totally up to you, however if you have a cat that likes to wake you up very early, then feeding them late at night should put a stop to any very early wake up calls. Following on, it's important that before you give your cat their final meal for the day (or their only meal) make sure you engage in some non-food related bonding time, such as petting, brushing, playing or a nice cuddle. This is crucial because you don't want your cat to only regard you as their food source, which can also help with any early morning cries for food. If you still are unsure as to when to feed your cat, choose times of day that are less chaotic for you and the rest of your household. So if your mornings are busy with taking children to school or getting ready for work - either feed your cat before everyone else is up or wait until much later in the day - just remember routine, routine, routine! Feature image credit  

Is your dog weighing much less that it's supposed to? It's important for dogs to maintain a healthy weight and in fact, an underweight dog can be at risk as much as an overweight dog. First things first, whether your dog is a new addition or been a life-long companion, you must take them to the vet so the cause of this weight loss can be investigated prior to any new weight-gaining diets beginning. Some potential reasons for weight loss include: Parasites Underfeeding (dog is burning more calories that being fed) A food intolerance Intestinal obstruction Problem with teeth or gums Intestinal worms Digestive disorders Kidney failure If your dog appears weak and lethargic and you see all of your dog's bones sticking out, even the head and facial bones, take them to the vet immediately so medical treatment can commence. Once your pooch has been thoroughly investigated by your vet and any illnesses have been treated, you can begin the task of adding more weight to your dog's frame. Bear in mind, it can take around six weeks for a sufficient weight gain to be achieved. Either your vet can inform you or you can figure out for yourself how many calories your dog will require each day. Depending on your dog's size, the amount of calories can range from 450 calories right up to 2400 calories a day! There are various methods you can adopt, purely dependent on your preferences and your dog's needs, but never, NEVER feed your dog one large meal and no meals one hour prior and post exercise to prevent bloat and other devastating gastric complications arising. It's recommended you feed your dog around four small meals a day, approximately six hours apart. Ways to increase your dog's weight: Even if they're no longer a youngster, feed your dog high-quality puppy food. Add healthy human foods to your dog's food to promote weight gain. Try a few spoonfuls of pasta or rice to add a bit of bulk. Low-sodium chicken broth or sauces and gravy especially made for dogs can make human foods more delicious. You should never use human sauces and gravy for your dog's meal as they are very bad for them. Make sure the food you give is of a high quality. If it's dry food you're using, you can add hot water, allow it to cool and your dog will love its mushy consistency! Add cottage cheese, pumpkin, sweet potato, green beans and apples (no core or pips) to your pooch's meal to promote weight gain. A classic way to get your dog to put on weight is to make them "satin balls." Made with cheap hamburger meat, it helps dogs to put on weight quickly because it is high in fat. The other ingredients also have nutritional benefits so while they are high in fat, your dog is not missing out on other key nutrients. If your dog is up to it, they should be getting plenty of exercise. If you are unable to take them out for a walk, then make sure you fit in plenty of play time around the house or garden. Additional tips: Whenever your dog eats, make sure you praise them. It will create positive associations (especially useful for fussy eaters) and encourage further eating. Never leave out unlimited amounts of food, no matter how underweight your dog is. The right amount of food to stick with is the amount of calories your dog should be ingesting based on their ideal healthy weight. Weigh your dog twice a day. Note the weight, the amount you fed your dog and how much of it they ate. This helps you to monitor and gauge whether your new weight-gaining feeding plan is working. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of fluids. Feature image credit

The average cat sleeps 15 hours a day, and that number is even higher for senior cats and kittens. However, if you notice that your cat is sleeping more than normal, it’s possible they are lethargic. Causes of lethargy can range from boredom to a sign of disease, so it’s very important that cat owners know the signs of a larger problem. Below is a list of possible reasons for your cat’s lethargy, and other symptoms you should look out for. Age: Naturally, an older cat is going to be more tired - especially after exercise or play. Unless you notice other symptoms, this is completely normal for a senior cat. Anemia: Pale gums and tongue are signs your cat's diet is lacking is essential nutrients and iron. Arthritis: It makes sense that a cat suffering from severe joint pain would prefer to spend their day in bed. Cancer: Cats are good at hiding disease. Sometimes there are visible lumps, but other times it’s simply a lack of appetite and/or listlessness. Depression: Look for a change in mood/personality especially if there was recently a major change in your cat’s daily routine, such as death of a companion. Kidney Disease: An increase in thirst and urination are signs of decreased kidney function. Obesity: Cats that are overweight tire easily after exercise or play. Typically a change in diet and exercise will help combat this. Lethargy could be a sign that something is wrong with your cat. Most of the health conditions above can be treated with medication or a change in diet. Since cats hide illness well, it’s important that you see your vet as soon as possible if you suspect something is off.   feature image credit

People tend to worry about sharing their flu with others, isolating themselves from friends and family until they feel better for fear of passing their illness on. Few wonder if their cat, curled up in bed with them while they rest, could catch their illness too.  A great deal of attention has been placed on flus passed from animal to human, such as bird flu and swine flu. Strains of influenza are able to evolve in animal populations and jump the species barrier to people, a process known as ‘zoonosis’. However ‘reverse zoonosis’, as it is known, is also possible, with disease transferring from human carriers to animals that they come into contact with. H1N1 virus, a recent influenza pandemic strain, had its origins in domestic animals. It has been revealed that H1N1 virus can also be given to animals by humans as well, with a cat being reportedly affected by the disease following infection by its owner. In Oregon in 2009, a woman was hospitalized and diagnosed as severely afflicted by the disease. Her pet, an indoor cat that was never exposed to other cats, environments or people, died of pneumonia stemming from the H1N1 infection which it had caught from their owner. Between 2011 and 2012 research identified a further thirteen cats and one dog affected by H1N1 which they appeared to have caught from humans. Some pet ferrets, who subsequently died, were also discovered to have obtained the disease from their owners. The animals displayed similar symptoms to human flu sufferers – they quickly developed difficulties with respiration and lack of appetite. Veterinary research by Oregon State University and Iowa State University suggests transference is possible in many flu strains and many cases have gone undiagnosed. This phenomenon is not cause for mass panic. It simply means that it is possible for your cat (even if it is relatively unlikely) to catch your flu. When sick, it is advisable to maintain good hygiene such as washing your hands before handling your cat and observing your cat for signs of illness such as sniffling or mucous discharge. In most cases, a flu is not serious, and you will both be better in no time.    Feature Image Credit