Sunday 4 December 2022

Older dog chest coughing

   Why is your dog coughing?

There are many reasons why your dog could be coughing. It's always best to see a veterinarian if your dog keeps coughing day after day. This is especially important if you can't readily identify a cause for their coughing, such as the presence of allergens in their environment.

Some dogs may cough briefly and stop. However, other dogs may cough and their coughing may be accompanied by difficulty breathing. It's important to see a veterinarian if a dog is coughing and can't breathe well. Persistent coughing along with difficulty breathing is a sign of congestive heart failure in dogs.

Congestive heart failure in dogs is a serious condition. However, if it's diagnosed early, your dog will have a better chance of living for several more years.

Dogs with congestive heart failure cough persistently because fluid starts to build up in their lungs. They also cough because their trachea is irritated. When a dog has congestive heart failure, their trachea can become irritated as their heart becomes bigger and pushes against their trachea.

When a dog is diagnosed with congestive heart failure, veterinarians will usually prescribe diuretics that help to reduce the buildup of fluid. This helps to reduce the coughing. 

A holistic veterinarian may also recommend natural diuretics for dogs that can be used as a part of their treatment regimen. However, natural diuretics for dogs should not be used to replace prescription diuretics when a dog has congestive heart failure.




Tuesday 11 October 2022

Can cats eat baby food during illness?

  Can cats eat baby food if they're sick? 

Cats can eat meat based baby food if they're ill. Cats can only eat meat-based baby food if its free of additives.

Sick cats should also only be given a moderate portion of meat based baby food. So, meat based baby food can't be used as a regular or daily substitute for regular cat food.








Tuesday 2 August 2022

Hydrate Cats with Arthritis

 All pets should drink water daily. Most dogs and cats should have ready access to water. This should be at a spot in their home where they feel comfortable drinking without being harassed or otherwise disturbed. 

Water consumption is also important for cats and dogs with arthritis. An arthritic pet often has wear and tear in their joints that results in pain.

 When a pet is properly hydrated, this also helps to keep their joints hydrated. That decreases pain and supports mobility.

 Studies have shown that onega three fatty acids can benefit older cats that have reduced mobility due to arthritis. It decreases their discomfort.


More

Liquid meal replacement for cats  

Natural diuretics for dogs with congestive heart failure


Tuesday 19 April 2022

Medicare Troop Limit

 If you exceed the TrOOP limit, your Medicare plan will cover most of your prescription drug costs. Caps will be in place on the amount you'll be required to spend on drugs. 

For all Medicare plans in 2022, this cap equals $3.95 for generic drugs and 5% for retail medications. No matter what type of Medicare policy you have, the cap on brand-name medications is $9.85 

Monday 28 February 2022

Thursday 18 November 2021

Does dietary protein contribute to bladder stones?

    Can high protein dog food cause a urinary tract infection?


If your dog or cat has a urinary tract infection, you may be wondering if high protein food has contributed to that health condition.


There currently is not a lot of evidence pointing to high protein in your dog's diet as a direct cause of urinary tract infections. However, having a lot of protein in their diet can change the acidity of your dogs urine. That is, dogs that have a high level of protein in their diet tend to have more acidic urine. 


When a dog's urine is very acidic, they're more likely to form bladder stones. The problem is that when a dog forms bladder stones, these bladder stones make it more likely that they will develop urinary tract infections. If your dog has bladder stones, they will tend to have cloudy urine or smelly urine.

  

More

Cat Ensure

Natural diuretics for dogs



Saturday 6 November 2021

What to plant in a cat garden

  Medicine garden plants for dogs are safe for them to nibble on. These herbs provide health benefits to your dogs whenever they decide to chew on a leaf or two. 


All the garden plants that are toxic should be avoided. Your dogs can use safe plants to self medicate.

If a dog is feeling slightly distressed or emotionally upset, they can usually identify an herb that will help and can chew on a bit of it in order to feel more of a sense of comfort.


Dogs and several other animals are good at self medicating. This means that your dog will use their senses to find the plant that they may need at a particular time. 


If you have already observed a dog nibbling on grass whenever they feel ill, it's self medication in progress. By having a variety of plants in your garden, your dog can select the one that is best for their needs at a particular moment.


Mint is a good plant to have in a sensory garden for dogs. Mint as you already know is popular among humans because it helps to calm the stomach. Many people drink mint when they're feeling nauseous. 


Similarly, lavender also helps human beings to feel more relaxed at times when they're under stress. It has the same effect on your dog so it can be included in your sensory garden.


More

Liquid meal replacement for cats  

Natural diuretics for dogs with congestive heart failure