Dealing With Cat Allergies

Cats are one of the most loved pets in the world, no question about it. More than 50% of all households in the United States own dogs and cats. Although cats are loved animals, cat allergies are one of the common forms of allergies. Statistics in the past have shown that over 10 million people in the U.S. alone have allergic reactions to cats - especially their fur.

The biggest cause of cat allergies is dander. The dander, is dust that is produced by the body of the cat. Dander is basically shed skin that comes off of cats, normally in the form of small flakes. Although dander can irritate your skin, it can also get into your immune system as well, resulting in a variety of symptoms and almost immediate allergic reactions.

The dander, once in the immune system, is perceived to be a threat. Even though it isn’t classified as a disease, it’s more of a reflex by your body and your immune system. Cat allergies occur quite often due to cats having allergens that are spread throughout their blood, urine, and saliva. Although a cat may not be present at the time, the excretions probably still are.

Cat dander, urine, and saliva, are found throughout the home of cat owners. Cats constantly groom themselves, which involves rubbing their saliva into their fur. When they do this, they spread their dander and allergens around. Although you may try, there is really nothing that you can do about it. Cats have a natural instinct to groom or bathe themselves, no matter how many baths you give them, you simply won’t stop them from grooming.

Normally, when someone is taking an allergic reaction to cats, he or she will wheeze, cough, sneeze, itch, have watery eyes, or a difficult time in breathing. Different people react different ways to cat allergens, meaning that some symptoms may not occur at all. Fever and chills is very rare, although it can happen. If someone who has cat allergies comes down with fever and chills, you should contact a doctor immediately. Chances are, it isn’t an allergic reaction to cats, but instead another type of disease that a doctor will need to identify.

Cat allergies are normally treated with antihistamines and decongestants. Those that experience asthma attacks or other forms of allergies, normally take antihistamines. Decongestants on the other hand, are normally used to cure coughs and swollen nasal passages. Sometimes, doctors will recommend allergy shots as well. Allergy shots can help to prevent the attack, especially if someone is really allergic to cats. They are a good form of treatment and prevention, and they can also help to decrease the risk of allergies affecting the individual.

If you suspect that you have cat allergies, you should always make it a point to visit your doctor. He will be able to further diagnose your situation, and give you the best options available for treatment. If you do indeed suffer from cat allergies, the best way to stop the attacks is to get rid of your cat.

Getting rid of a cat can be a very tough thing to do. If you have become allergic to your cat’s fur, there may be no other way to prevent attacks than to get rid of him. Although doctors can give you medicine and shots, it will only do so much. Cat allergens are no fun, especially if you develop them years after owning your cat. Cats are great animals to own - although cat allergies are something we could all live without.

Top 10 Spring Tips for Pet Owners

(ARA) – Planting a garden, spring cleaning, fertilizing the lawn -- we all have lots of work to do with the coming of spring. But pets also have health and safety needs this time of year that their owners should know about.

“I see it all the time in my clinic in the springtime. Animals get into fertilizers and pesticides, those used on a home or on a farm, and it makes the animals sick,” says Dr. James Cook, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “People need to be aware of these potential hazards. Along with better weather, the spring brings with it the use of a number of common lawn chemicals and the blooming of plants that can be hazardous to pets.”

Here are the AVMA’s top 10 spring hints for pet owners:

*Fleas and ticks

They can be tiny, little more than a pinhead in some instances, but they grow and spread quickly once they find a host. The preventative treatments that you may have discontinued in the winter should start early in the spring to keep your pet’s coat, and your home, free of pests.

*Lawn fertilizers

Lawn fertilizers are very toxic to pets. Store fertilizers in a place far from where your dog or cat -- and children-- can get at it. After applying it to your lawn, follow manufacturer instructions on how long you should wait before allowing your pet into the area. If you see a sign posted on a lawn that tells you to keep your pets off, abide by it.

*Pesticides and herbicides

It’s probably not surprising that these chemicals can be toxic to your pets, but, even when they’re not lethal, there are some long-term health concerns. Studies indicate the use of pesticides and herbicides may be tied to increased rates of specific forms of cancer in dogs. If your pet is exposed, wash them with soap and water immediately and call your veterinarian.

*Cocoa bean mulch

It’s becoming common to mulch a garden with the fragrant spent shells of cocoa beans. But just like chocolate, dogs like to eat them and they are toxic.

*Lilies

Lilies are a flower common in the spring, and they are very, very toxic to cats. Cats will often chew them, and even small amounts can lead to kidney failure and death.

*Rhubarb leaves

Rhubarb makes a fine pie and it’s a staple in many vegetable gardens, but the leaves are poisonous and can cause kidney failure. For a complete list of plants and plantings that can be dangerous to pets, visit www.avma.org.

*Rat and mouse poisons

Controlling vermin becomes an issue again in the spring. Be aware that the same properties of common rat and mouse poisons that make them irresistible to pests will also attract your pet. If consumed, these can be fatal to your animal.

*Cleaning products

Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many households, but make sure the cleaning products don’t hurt your animals. If the label states “keep pets and children away from area until dry” follow those instructions carefully, and store all chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

*Paint and paint thinners

If you’re putting a fresh coat of paint on the house, keep the pets away. Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or even if they come in contact with your pet's skin. Latex house paints typically produce a minor stomach upset, but some specialty paints may contain heavy metals or volatile substances that could be harmful if ingested.

*Preventative medications

Consult with your veterinarian about seasonal medications to keep your pet healthy. For example, in many parts of the country, heartworm medications for dogs are often discontinued in the winter. Springtime is the season to restart this medication to keep your dog free of this parasite. But keep in mind that manufacturer’s instructions warn that heartworm medications should not be given without first visiting your veterinarian to ensure that your pet has not developed the heartworm parasite. A simple blood test will give you that peace of mind.


For more information, visit www.avma.org. For a full-length video on common household poisons and hazards, visit www.avmatv.org.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Protect Pets with Smart, Safe Pesticide Use

(ARA) - Millions of pet owners are eagerly anticipating the warmer days and evenings ahead, especially knowing how much their furry friends enjoy a romp in the backyard or getting out for a longer walk in the park or around the neighborhood. People start thinking about what they will need to keep their pets safe during these and other activities.

This time of the year is also when insects and other pests become more active and bothersome to animals, so our pets need to be protected from the threats posed by fleas, ticks, rodents and stinging insects.

Pet owners especially rely on pesticides both inside and outside their homes to help protect against harmful pests. While pesticide products are beneficial for controlling parasites and other common pet-related dangers, the proper application, use and storage of these products is vital to protecting the health of dogs, cats and pets of all kinds.

“We rely on pesticide products like insecticides, flea collars and heartworm pills for our pet’s safety almost every day without thinking twice,” says Allen James, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. “It’s our responsibility to read and follow the label instructions regarding use and storage of all the pesticide products we choose to use so we get the positive benefits they can provide without any unnecessary, avoidable issues.”

By law, all pet, lawn and garden pesticide products must be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they can be sold in the United States. This extensive registration process often takes between eight and 10 years, costs hundreds of millions of dollars, and consists of tests evaluating potential short-term and long-term impacts on humans, pets and the environment in which they are meant to be used.

By the time a pesticide or a lawn and garden product makes it to the shelves in local stores, it has been registered, had its label approved by EPA, and is deemed not to pose any unnecessary risks to people, pets or local eco-systems when used according to label directions.

“When it comes to pesticides, it’s important to remember the label is the law,” James says. “These products can provide a world of advantages and protection that would be almost impossible to fathom without them, but they should be used and stored exactly as directed by the product label.”

After applying lawn and garden fertilizers and chemicals, keep pets out of the application area for the amount of time that may be specified on product label directions or until the spray has dried or the dust has settled. Giving them the time they need to dry and work properly can save accidental and costly risks to naturally curious and determined pets. Once these products are applied, it is important to store any remainder in areas inaccessible to pets such as high shelves in closed storage units and garages to avoid improper exposure.

If it is suspected a pet has been overexposed to a lawn and garden product, consult a local veterinarian, contact the manufacturer’s hotline on the product label, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4335.

“Our yards are places for fun and relaxation with family, friends and our pets,” James says. “With just a little bit of basic knowledge, care and attention to directions, pet owners can ensure that their healthy lawn is also a healthy environment for all.”

To learn more about how to keep pets safe and healthy, go to www.pestfacts.org

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Keep Your Doggy Warm by Buying Him a Sweater

In wintertime, your pooch may get cold. Most people don't like to see their pets shiver, so they're looking for ways to keep them warm. And bless you for doing so, as this will be beneficial to your pet's health. With all the love your doggy gives you, you owe him this at the very least!

One good way of keeping your doggy warm on cold autumn and winter nights, is by buying him a trendy pooch sweater. There are a lot of choices when it comes to dog sweaters nowadays.

One of the more popular dog sweaters is a pooch sweater with a hood. These come in many styles, such as fleece, knit and cotton blends. Plenty of choice to go around, so there's no reason for your doggy not to own one! Next to keeping your pet warm, they also them him look much cuter than he already is. So that's two reasons to buy your doggy a sweater.

Next to different materials, dog sweaters also come in many shapes. We're talking v-necks and turtle necks here. There's almost as much choice in dog sweaters as there is in people sweaters, if not more!

You can find a lot of dog sweaters online by using the search engines. If you look closely, you will see that many come with discounts as well. Especially if you buy a few of them at a time. You can save a lot of money by shopping smart.

Shopping for dog sweaters online not only gets you discounts, it also saves you time and gasoline. Talk about double savings!

When it comes to dog sweaters, you can find the very largest selections online with a few clicks of the mouse.

So when you are looking to make your doggy the most fashionable pooch on the block, fire up your browser and start searching!

Looking for more information on dogs? Come visit http://thedoggyblog.net for daily dog updates!

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Cats And Feline Diabetes

Cats are one of the most popular pets in North America. They are loving pets, capable of providing you years of companionship. Like other pets, cats can sometimes get sick. There are several different types of ailments that cats can get, one of which is feline diabetes. Feline diabetes is a serious disease, although it can be treated by a veterinarian.

Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. The cause of diabetes is actually quite simple. Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood. The level of blood sugar in the body or the animal is kept under control by hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces. When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, diabetes is to blame.

The symptoms of feline diabetes will vary. The most common symptoms include an increase in urine and an increase in thirst. Other symptoms of feline diabetes include a loss of appetite, weight loss, and a poor coat. An increase in thirst is easy to detect, as you can easily notice the water dish empty throughout the day.

If you don’t get your cat treated for feline diabetes immediately, the cat will eventually become inactive, vomit on a regular basis, and eventually fall into a coma. On the other hand, if you get the diabetes treated in time, the cat will more than likely lead a normal and healthy life. Keep in mind that treatment doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time and dedication.

Cats that have feline diabetes will need to be given food at the same time every day. They should be prevented from going outside as well. If your cat has diabetes, you’ll need to give him insulin shots once or twice or a day. Once your veterinarian checks your cat, he will tell you how many shots and how much insulin you need to give your cat.

Before you give your cat his insulin shot, you should always make sure that he has some food first. If he hasn’t eaten and you give him a shot anyway, he could end up with a hypoglycemic shock. This can also occur from too much insulin as well. A hypo can be really dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. If your cat gets a hypoglycemic shock and you aren’t around, he may end up dying.

If you have to give insulin shots to your cat due to feline diabetes, you should always keep a watchful eye on him after you have administered the shot. After your cat has been on insulin for a period of time, your vet may reduce the amount of insulin. Even though he may have to stay on insulin the rest of his life, he will lead an otherwise healthy life.

Top Five Gift Ideas for Your Perfect Pooch

(ARA) - From the doggie kisses to the warm snuggles, your dog has always brought a smile to your face and provided you with unconditional love when you needed it the most. Tis the season of giving, so don’t forget the four-legged friend in your family when it comes time to put up your holiday decorations or place the presents under the tree.

The best gifts are those that capture the spirit of the season and honor the essence of our four-legged friends -- fun, generous and unique. But since your dog can’t tell you what’s on his wish list, you’ll just have to trust your dog-loving instincts to help you sniff out the perfect gift. For a little inspiration, here are five ideas for spot-on holiday gifts for your perfect pooch:

1. Photos with Santa

Santa loves children, but he also has a special place in his heart for animals, especially reindeer and of course, dogs. Plan a road trip to your nearest pet specialty retailer to give your dog some much-needed face time with the ultimate gift-giver. Plus, your dog will also get a chance to socialize with some of his doggie friends when the photo session is over. The best part is that professional photographers take the pictures and they are able to snap the photo at just the right time when your dog has his ears perked up and his tongue lolling. The experience isn’t complete, though, until you make a stop in the apparel aisle to pick out a nice Christmas sweater for your canine companion. You want to make sure your dog stays cozy and warm as the weather turns colder.

2. An Ornament to Get Your Dogs Barking

Show your dog how much you love him by paying tribute to him on your tree with a special ornament. Purina Dog Chow is celebrating the upcoming release of the Fox comedy “Marley & Me” with a limited edition holiday ornament featuring the most rascally dog in America, a yellow lab named Marley. The ornament celebrates the upcoming release of the Marley & Me movie on Christmas Day and depicts Marley riding on a sled and crashing into a snowman. This collector’s item will be available in specially-marked bags of Purina Dog Chow brand Dog Food and Purina Puppy Chow brand Puppy Food this holiday season. Visit www.longliveyourdog.com to find out more about how you can get your paws on one.

3. Stocking Stuffed with Treats

Make a personalized stocking for your dog with his name on it, and then stuff it with his favorite treats. Don’t be surprised when your dog skips his morning ritual of nuzzling you with his cold nose, and instead follows the scents of his favorite snacks and heads straight for his hanging stocking. To really get your dog drooling, fill the stocking with a variety of delicious selections like crunchy bones, mouth-watering bacon-flavored strips and long-lasting chews. Keep some extras on hand because your dog is sure to want seconds.

4. Toys that Make Noise

A dog can never have too many squeaky toys, especially since dogs have a natural instinct to chew. Pamper your dog’s playful side by placing a variety of sweet-sounding toys in a decorative box that can be easily accessed by your curious canine. Consider toys of different materials like rubber or rope that will pique your dog’s interest. Then, when your holiday guests start to arrive, pull out the box and your dog will be busy for hours.

5. Winter Wonderland Walk

Some gifts won’t fit under the tree, but those are the gifts that dogs love most. Carve out time after your holiday feast to take your dog for a walk around the block. With all of the commotion around the holidays, your dog will be excited for a little one-on-one time with his favorite human companion. This is another great time to break out the doggie Christmas sweater to really get your dog in a festive mood.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Save Pets from Stress During the Holiday Season

(ARA) - ‘Tis the season for holiday cheer with Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching quite near. End-of-the-year festivities may bring friends and families closer, but with all of the season’s hustle and bustle, many pets may become overwhelmed and confused or exhibit negative behaviors resulting from unfamiliar sounds, smells and visitors that surround them before the New Year.


“Holidays can be a hectic time for everyone, including the family pet, which is why it’s important to make sure pets receive the attention and care they need amidst this busy time of year,” says certified veterinary technician and dog trainer, Gayle DiMenna. “Providing consistency for your pet by maintaining the same feeding and exercise schedule will lessen your pet’s stress and confusion.”


“During the holidays we always have friends and family over, which is difficult for our dog who is very shy and tentative around strangers,” says Jill Diffendaffer, pet parent to beagle-dachshund mix, Gracie. “We’ve found over the past couple of years that by planning ahead for guests and setting aside some play time for Gracie, the holidays are much more enjoyable for everyone.”


To ensure your pets have a happy, safe and low stress holiday, take extra care for your pet and plan ahead with these simple solutions:


* Try to maintain your pet’s usual routine, including consistent feeding, play and exercise schedules.


* If possible, try to exercise your pet, especially dogs, before guests come over to help decrease any hyperactivity and stress.


* Consider leashing your dog before opening the door for visitors to ensure greater control over your pet and to prevent escapes.


* Dogs tend to pant more when they become stressed. Be sure to keep water readily available to prevent dehydration.


* Prepare a quiet place for your pet to use as a retreat when holiday activities and guests become overwhelming.


* Try a pheromone-based product, such as Comfort Zone with D.A.P. for dogs and Comfort Zone with Feliway for cats, which can calm and soothe pets having trouble coping with holiday stress.


* Never leave your pet alone with unfamiliar children, regardless of how well behaved your pet is, to avoid potential incidents.


* Make sure your pet wears his tags at all times in case he escapes from the house or yard.


* Do not let guests feed your pet food from their plates, which can be hazardous to your pet’s health. Instead, leave treats out for your guests to give to your favorite furry friends as a reward for good behavior.


Pet parents looking for additional tips and advice can visit www.petcomfortzone.com for more information.


Courtesy of ARAcontent