Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not only common among humans but also among animals particularly cats. Basically, the IBS that is experienced by people is the same type that cats also feel.
The Irritable Bowel Syndrome among cats is the same gastrointestinal disorder that is also felt by human. The large and/or small intestines are also affected. IBS in cats usually affects the contractions of the digestive tract resulting to irregular bowel movement. Aside from that, IBS also interferes with the normal distribution of food and waste material inside the cat's body resulting to the accumulation of toxins and mucus in the cat's intestines.
These accumulated toxins often obstruct the normal function of the digestive tract. In the process gas and stool are trapped causing bloating, constipation and distention. It is also surprising to note that the same IBS factors in human have been identified to cause the same effects among cats. Factors causing IBS such as stress, overuse of antibiotics, poor eating habits, bacterial, and viral infection, parasites and food allergies were found to affect cats as well.
Likewise, a blockage is also very common among cats since they love to chew as well as swallow objects. This too can trigger IBS symptoms.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Cats
It would be surprising to note that cats and humans exhibit the same Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. And here are some of them:
• Constipation among cats is just like in humans. It is also exhibited by hard, small, pebble-like stools, which make bowel movement very difficult.
• Diarrhea is a more frequent bowel movement wherein the stool is often soft and watery. Cats with IBS usually experience successive loose bowel movement alternating with constipation.
• Abdominal pain is also common among cats with IBS. The pain can range from mild to severe.
• The presence of mucus in the stool is also a common sign of IBS.
• Another symptom of IBS that may be observed in cats is vomiting and nausea.
• Gas pain or flatulence is also an indication of IBS in cats
• Bloating
• Intolerance to certain types of foods
• Anorexia which most of you may think is only common to us human but surprisingly is also exhibited by our feline friends.
Treating Your Cat's Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Since Irritable Bowel Syndrome involves many factors, it is very important that you have your cats examined by a veterinarian. This way you will know what's triggering IBS symptoms in your pet cats. In case you prefer to apply natural methods in controlling your pet's IBS symptoms still it is better to consult first a veterinarian before applying any type of IBS treatment to your cat to avoid further complications.
A change in your cat's diet is also a good way to control Irritable Bowel syndrome. However make sure that you consult a veterinarian or a nutritionist to provide your cat with a personalized diet and program.
Feeding your cat with the right type of food is still the best way to control your cat's Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Cats like humans prefer different types of foods. There are some cats that like eating raw food while there are some that prefers home cooking or canned food.
It is very important that you try to experiment with foods that work for your cat. If you can keep a food journal in which you can jot down foods that your cat needs to avoid then so much the better. This will guide you on the proper food to give your cat and in turn keeps IBS symptoms in control.
2008年8月24日星期日
2008年8月19日星期二
Pet May Be Suffering From Dog Food Allergies
Food allergies are not exclusive to humans, but they can be difficult to diagnose in pets, especially when dog food allergies appear to manifest quickly. The biggest problem of course, is the pet's inability to communicate the symptoms effectively, and they are many times confused with other ailments.
Symptoms of dog food allergies may include excessive scratching, hair loss, skin infections as well as ear infections. Most times antibiotics used for skin infections will clear them up briefly, but they will reoccur when the antibiotics are stopped. An animal with itchy skin that does not seem to improve with the use of antihistamines or steroids, may be suffering from food allergies.
There is also a difference between food allergies and food intolerance. An intolerance to certain foods may cause symptoms such as diarrhea or frequent bowel movements and vomiting. Fortunately, whether the animal is suffering from food Allergy or food intolerance, once the proper diagnosis has been made, they can both be treated.
Since most dog food is made from beef, chicken, wheat, eggs, soy and dairy products, it should be no surprise that most food allergies are caused by one of these ingredients. When pet food companies began producing lamb and rice formulations, many dog allergies seemed to disappear. Most veterinarians agree that it is not because of something special in the lamb and rice formula that reduced the incidences of food allergies in dog , rather it is the fact that the dog's diet was changed and the animal has not developed an intolerance for the new food.
Dietary Change To Test For Food Allergies
Once other causes have been ruled out, such as flea bite allergies, intestinal parasites, yeast or bacterial infections a dietary change may be needed to reduce the symptoms of dog food allergies. A new food source containing protein and carbohydrate should be the only diet of the pet for at least 12 weeks to determine which of the ingredients in their old pet food was causing the allergic reaction.
The food source must be completely different from what the animal was used to and cannot be supplemented with treats or other types of food if the test is to be effective. Once it has been determined the pet is not having an adverse reaction to the new diet, different foods can be added to help develop a more diverse diet. However, any addition must go through the same test procedures and if any reaction is noted, the new addition will need to be eliminated.
Symptoms of dog food allergies may include excessive scratching, hair loss, skin infections as well as ear infections. Most times antibiotics used for skin infections will clear them up briefly, but they will reoccur when the antibiotics are stopped. An animal with itchy skin that does not seem to improve with the use of antihistamines or steroids, may be suffering from food allergies.
There is also a difference between food allergies and food intolerance. An intolerance to certain foods may cause symptoms such as diarrhea or frequent bowel movements and vomiting. Fortunately, whether the animal is suffering from food Allergy or food intolerance, once the proper diagnosis has been made, they can both be treated.
Since most dog food is made from beef, chicken, wheat, eggs, soy and dairy products, it should be no surprise that most food allergies are caused by one of these ingredients. When pet food companies began producing lamb and rice formulations, many dog allergies seemed to disappear. Most veterinarians agree that it is not because of something special in the lamb and rice formula that reduced the incidences of food allergies in dog , rather it is the fact that the dog's diet was changed and the animal has not developed an intolerance for the new food.
Dietary Change To Test For Food Allergies
Once other causes have been ruled out, such as flea bite allergies, intestinal parasites, yeast or bacterial infections a dietary change may be needed to reduce the symptoms of dog food allergies. A new food source containing protein and carbohydrate should be the only diet of the pet for at least 12 weeks to determine which of the ingredients in their old pet food was causing the allergic reaction.
The food source must be completely different from what the animal was used to and cannot be supplemented with treats or other types of food if the test is to be effective. Once it has been determined the pet is not having an adverse reaction to the new diet, different foods can be added to help develop a more diverse diet. However, any addition must go through the same test procedures and if any reaction is noted, the new addition will need to be eliminated.
2008年8月12日星期二
Dog Training: How To Stop The Chewing Problem
Many people have begun the task of getting there dog or puppy into a dog training school. There are a lot of aspects that are gone over in dog training classes. Unfortunately, one part of dog training that is not gone over very well in dog training classes is chewing.
It is hard to go over a chewing problem in dog training classes because dogs often have nothing to chew on or destroy while in the class! If you are one of those people who are in dog training classes, but you still need help with chewing, please read on.
This type of dog training can be for dogs young and old. Many people find this part of dog training to be more common in puppies. But older dogs have been know to need this type of dog training because they love to chew things up while their owners are away!
To begin this type of dog training, you must first realize that all dogs chew. Dogs need to chew. So when you begin, make sure you have several things that are ok for your dog to chew on. Then begin your dog training by keeping all of your dogs chewing toys in one location.
This way, your dog will learn to associate this spot with his or her chew toys. You must do this in order for this type of dog training to work. Try to have the dog toys in a "toy box" for your dog.
During this dog training, never spank or hit your dog if you catch it chewing on something it is not allowed to. Instead, for effective dog training, praise your dog and pet it when it chews on what it is supposed to chew on.
It has been shown that dogs respond much better to positive praise and positive dog training. If the dog continues to chew on things that it shouldn't, verbally reprimand it. Your tone of voice will be enough punishment and is the only punishment necessary for this kind of dog training.
Another method of dog training you can try is to put a taste deterrent on the items your dog shouldn't chew. This Dog Training chew deterrent is called "bitter apple" and it is available at most pet stores.
These are the most effective means of dog training that will teach your dog not to chew on inappropriate things. If you follow all of these aspects, your dog training should go more smoothly.
Dog training can be a fun and rewarding experience...as long as all of your favorite things aren't chewed up in the process! Keep calm and be patient to achieve good results.
It is hard to go over a chewing problem in dog training classes because dogs often have nothing to chew on or destroy while in the class! If you are one of those people who are in dog training classes, but you still need help with chewing, please read on.
This type of dog training can be for dogs young and old. Many people find this part of dog training to be more common in puppies. But older dogs have been know to need this type of dog training because they love to chew things up while their owners are away!
To begin this type of dog training, you must first realize that all dogs chew. Dogs need to chew. So when you begin, make sure you have several things that are ok for your dog to chew on. Then begin your dog training by keeping all of your dogs chewing toys in one location.
This way, your dog will learn to associate this spot with his or her chew toys. You must do this in order for this type of dog training to work. Try to have the dog toys in a "toy box" for your dog.
During this dog training, never spank or hit your dog if you catch it chewing on something it is not allowed to. Instead, for effective dog training, praise your dog and pet it when it chews on what it is supposed to chew on.
It has been shown that dogs respond much better to positive praise and positive dog training. If the dog continues to chew on things that it shouldn't, verbally reprimand it. Your tone of voice will be enough punishment and is the only punishment necessary for this kind of dog training.
Another method of dog training you can try is to put a taste deterrent on the items your dog shouldn't chew. This Dog Training chew deterrent is called "bitter apple" and it is available at most pet stores.
These are the most effective means of dog training that will teach your dog not to chew on inappropriate things. If you follow all of these aspects, your dog training should go more smoothly.
Dog training can be a fun and rewarding experience...as long as all of your favorite things aren't chewed up in the process! Keep calm and be patient to achieve good results.
2008年8月11日星期一
All You Would Want To Know About Lions
Lions have strong, compact bodies and powerful forelegs, teeth, and jaws for pulling down and killing prey. Their coats are yellow-gold, and adult males have long, dark, shaggy manes. Young lions have light spotting on their coats that will disappear as they grow up.
Considering Size, Male lions grow larger than females, reaching up to ten feet long (females reach up to nine feet long), plus a two- to three-foot-long tail. Male lions weigh from 330 to 530 pounds; females weigh 270 to 300 pounds. Lions stand between three and a half and four feet tall at the shoulder.
Except for a small population that hangs on in the dry Gir Forest of northwest India, lions now live only in Africa. They are found from the Sahara's southern fringe to northern South Africa, but are absent from equatorial areas dominated by moist tropical forest. The lion is listed as vulnerable on the World Conservation Union's (IUCN's) Red List of Threatened Animals. The Gir Forest population, which consists of about 300 lions, is listed as endangered.
Lions inhabit a wide range of habitats, from open plains to thick brush and dry thorn forest. Lions eat primarily large animals, such as zebra and wildebeest, weighing from 100 to 1,000 pounds. In times of shortage, they also catch and eat a variety of smaller animals from rodents to reptiles. Lions steal kills from hyenas, leopards, and other predators, but may also lose their catches to hyena groups. Lions may also feed on domestic livestock, especially in areas near villages.
Female lions usually give birth to a litter every two years. Females are receptive to mates for a few days several times a year, unless they are pregnant or nursing. Mating spurs ovulation. Females give birth to one to five cubs after a gestation of about three and a half months. Cubs nurse for six months, but start eating meat at three months. Due to varied dangers, including starvation during times of food shortage and attacks by male lions taking over prides, up to 80 percent of lion cubs die within their first two years of life. Zoo lions may live up to 25 years, while wild lions live about 15 years.
More than 10,000 years ago, lions thrived from North and South America to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, following climatic changes and after centuries of hunting and habitat degradation by people, lions live in scattered habitats across Africa (with the exception of the Gir Forest lions, which live in a park in northwest India). Within these areas, lions still face dangers, including habitat loss and hunting. Many have died from diseases such as distemper, which is spread by domestic dogs from villages near natural habitat.
Considering Size, Male lions grow larger than females, reaching up to ten feet long (females reach up to nine feet long), plus a two- to three-foot-long tail. Male lions weigh from 330 to 530 pounds; females weigh 270 to 300 pounds. Lions stand between three and a half and four feet tall at the shoulder.
Except for a small population that hangs on in the dry Gir Forest of northwest India, lions now live only in Africa. They are found from the Sahara's southern fringe to northern South Africa, but are absent from equatorial areas dominated by moist tropical forest. The lion is listed as vulnerable on the World Conservation Union's (IUCN's) Red List of Threatened Animals. The Gir Forest population, which consists of about 300 lions, is listed as endangered.
Lions inhabit a wide range of habitats, from open plains to thick brush and dry thorn forest. Lions eat primarily large animals, such as zebra and wildebeest, weighing from 100 to 1,000 pounds. In times of shortage, they also catch and eat a variety of smaller animals from rodents to reptiles. Lions steal kills from hyenas, leopards, and other predators, but may also lose their catches to hyena groups. Lions may also feed on domestic livestock, especially in areas near villages.
Female lions usually give birth to a litter every two years. Females are receptive to mates for a few days several times a year, unless they are pregnant or nursing. Mating spurs ovulation. Females give birth to one to five cubs after a gestation of about three and a half months. Cubs nurse for six months, but start eating meat at three months. Due to varied dangers, including starvation during times of food shortage and attacks by male lions taking over prides, up to 80 percent of lion cubs die within their first two years of life. Zoo lions may live up to 25 years, while wild lions live about 15 years.
More than 10,000 years ago, lions thrived from North and South America to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, following climatic changes and after centuries of hunting and habitat degradation by people, lions live in scattered habitats across Africa (with the exception of the Gir Forest lions, which live in a park in northwest India). Within these areas, lions still face dangers, including habitat loss and hunting. Many have died from diseases such as distemper, which is spread by domestic dogs from villages near natural habitat.
2008年8月7日星期四
Why It Is So Important To Socialize Your Pet
If you have a pet that you've had for a while and want to bring a new one into the home, you may worry about how your old pet will feel about the new one. Both dogs and cats can be extremely territorial and might not take to the idea of a new pet encroaching on what they feel is their home.
Usually if you have a grown dog and bring a puppy into the home, this is usually not too much of a problem. A puppy is extremely active and will want to play with the older dog that may just get annoyed and wish it would leave him alone. The older dog may also enjoy having someone to play with and may take to the puppy as readily as you do.
Cats are a bit different. Once they get older they get set in their ways and are no longer as playful as kittens. A kitten may approach the older cat just to have the cat swat it with a paw but usually the cat will not viciously attack. It may just slink off to a place where the kitten can't get to it so that it can go back to its nap and have a peaceful place where it won't be bothered.
The important thing to do when bringing a new pet home is to slowly introduce it to the other animals. When you bring home a kitten, its going to be a bit skittish anyway, not knowing where it is and assaulted by all the new sights, sounds and smells. Its better to segregate the kitten in a carrier or a room for a while until it adjusts. This could take days so don't feel the need to rush the kitten into meeting its new older brother or sister. Whatever room you first leave it in, you will find that it is likely to spend much of the time hiding from you. It may stay under the bed until you go to sleep and it feels safe. After a while, the kitten may climb into bed with you and curl up in your hair where it most feels as it did when it cuddled up with its mother. You will know when its time to introduce the kitten to the rest of the home because it will show an interest in leaving the room by howling or scratching at the door.
Once you let the kitten out, follow it around as it explores its new home and pay particular attention if it approaches the older animals in the home. If the older animal is a dog that starts to growl, reassure the dog with soothing words. Pick up the new kitten or puppy and approach the dog with it to show that you accept the new addition. This will reassure the dog that it's ok to have it around. Let the animals sniff at each other and if the dog shows irritation then take the newer one away for a while. Don't rush trying to make them become friends.
Older cats may never actually become friends with newer ones but they can accept them and be able to live with them in a civilized manner.
Usually if you have a grown dog and bring a puppy into the home, this is usually not too much of a problem. A puppy is extremely active and will want to play with the older dog that may just get annoyed and wish it would leave him alone. The older dog may also enjoy having someone to play with and may take to the puppy as readily as you do.
Cats are a bit different. Once they get older they get set in their ways and are no longer as playful as kittens. A kitten may approach the older cat just to have the cat swat it with a paw but usually the cat will not viciously attack. It may just slink off to a place where the kitten can't get to it so that it can go back to its nap and have a peaceful place where it won't be bothered.
The important thing to do when bringing a new pet home is to slowly introduce it to the other animals. When you bring home a kitten, its going to be a bit skittish anyway, not knowing where it is and assaulted by all the new sights, sounds and smells. Its better to segregate the kitten in a carrier or a room for a while until it adjusts. This could take days so don't feel the need to rush the kitten into meeting its new older brother or sister. Whatever room you first leave it in, you will find that it is likely to spend much of the time hiding from you. It may stay under the bed until you go to sleep and it feels safe. After a while, the kitten may climb into bed with you and curl up in your hair where it most feels as it did when it cuddled up with its mother. You will know when its time to introduce the kitten to the rest of the home because it will show an interest in leaving the room by howling or scratching at the door.
Once you let the kitten out, follow it around as it explores its new home and pay particular attention if it approaches the older animals in the home. If the older animal is a dog that starts to growl, reassure the dog with soothing words. Pick up the new kitten or puppy and approach the dog with it to show that you accept the new addition. This will reassure the dog that it's ok to have it around. Let the animals sniff at each other and if the dog shows irritation then take the newer one away for a while. Don't rush trying to make them become friends.
Older cats may never actually become friends with newer ones but they can accept them and be able to live with them in a civilized manner.
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