Find a List of Common Cat Problems, Signs, Symptoms and Remedies. Click Here

Cats can suffer from arthritis just as we humans do, and it mostly affects older cats. There might not be any cure (depending on the type of arthritis), but there are always treatments.

Most cats are naturally exceptionally nimble and athletic animals, but as you might expect their joints, ligaments and bones are susceptible to accidental damage, and to the wear and tear of everyday life.

On the other hand, giving thanks to their buoyancy, sense of balance, ability to land on their feet and built-in shock absorbers – their forelegs are not connected by bone to the rest of their skeleton, cats do not suffer from as many orthopaedic troubles as they might if they didn’t have all of these great qualities.

Arthritis conditions in cats take place most generally as an end result of accidents.

Cats can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which plainly means joint inflammation.

However, arthritis is much more compound than a simple inflammation, so this plain name is relatively confusing.

For example, check out the wide range of signs of arthritis in cats:

• Stiffness, Limping

• Favoring One Limb (especially after resting)

• Not Wanting to Climb Stairs or Jump

• Noticeable Pain, Different Gait than Usual

• Nervousness, Aggression, Depression

If you notice more than one of these symptoms in your cat, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Usually, as the owner, you notice these things right away and know that something isn’t quite right.

Alternatively check out these cat pain treatments here. Learn more

Causes

Many things can cause arthritis in cats. Main reasons are old age, trauma, infections, immune system disorders and even developmental disorders.

Cats most commonly suffer the following two forms of arthritis. One is traumatic arthritis and this may be caused by a sudden injury to a joint, such as following a vehicle accident, the consequence of a fight or play with another cat or animal, or because of an awkward fall.

The second is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is well thought-out by professionals to be the end result of a joint failure that can occur for nearly any reason. Cats’ shoulder and elbow joints are those most regularly pretentious in older cats. Common causes are repeated episodes of traumatic arthritis, and also joint dislocation or fractures involving joints that occurred in the past and made the joints more vulnerable to disproportionate wear and tear.

What to Expect During Your Trip to the Vet

Your vet will conduct a regular examination, and comments from you on your cat’s problems. Your vet might take some tests to rule out anything else such as blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.

Treatments

If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatments available. Some you can do at home such as gentle massage, weight control, exercise, and warmth. Some medications may be prescribed for your cat such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Corticosteroids, Vitamin C, and/or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).

There are numerous different kinds of joint diseases that your cat could have, too.

These include:

• Feline progressive polyarthritis (which affects more than one joint)

• Feline Dysplasia

• Bacterial Arthritis

• Oseoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

• Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament

• Luxating Patella

• Hip Dysplasia

• Intervertabral Disc Disease

• Hyperparathyroidism

Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the disease, there are plenty of  treatments available. Your cat can live out the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being generally happier!

By: Jean Morgan -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information on pet health visit Natures Healthy Pet

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Our pets are as important as our family – so ensuring their health is a high priority.

It’s essential to take certain measures to take care of the safety and well being of our canines.

> See FREE book: "Healing Your Pets At Home"

Maintaining a check up schedule with your pet doctor is a straightforward and effective course . In doing so, we are able to take preventive strides to keep our pets from becoming infected with heart worm. Heartworm is a parasitic worm that infect dogs and cause very life-threatening health issues.

Frequently occurring symptoms of heart worm disease will include diarrhea, loss of weight, and throwing up.

There are some different types of heartworm medicines that can safeguard your canine from this potentially fatal disease. An example is Heartgard Plus. It works by defending against the vital tissue stage of heartworm. It’s also a crucial role in blocking a developed case of heartworm disease. Lufenuron is a heartworm medications that is used to help treat a developed case of heartworm infection. You’ll also be provided with the additional benefit of flea control with this product. An additional medicine that’s often prescribed is Interceptor Heartworm Medicine.

> Natural worm treatment alternative for dogs you can do at home. Learn more

You can protect the state of health and liveliness of your pet with heartworm medicine. Always make sure that you take your pooch to see a pet doctor before using any pills. Because all heart worm treatments should be prescribed by a veterinarian, visit with them to decide upon the right one. They will give their suggestions about dosages and schedule to medicate your canine. Your animal doctor will determine the correct dosage for your canine based on its weight & size. Knowing about side effects of the treatments is critical to ensure your pet’s state of health.

"Heal Your Dog Naturally" is written by leading expert in naturopathic animal medicine, Sara Rooney

It might be worth taking a look at because it could end up saving you a lot of money in vet bills … Click here

Heart worm is among the major killers of canines each year. The very best method to defend against heartworm is with the use of specially designed pills. A yearly check-up with your pet doctor can reveal any problems or symptoms of heartworm. Give your canine the best life possible by taking him or her to the veterinarian for yearly heart worm disease check-ups.

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If you are worried that something is seriously going wrong with your pets heart then there are a few things that you can check before rushing off to the local animal hospital.

Although some of the early stages of heart failure, or congestive heart failure in cats and dogs have no visible signs, heart failure can be diagnosed through an evaluation by a vet.

There area few very similar things to look for in both cats and dogs with mild to moderate heart failure can sometimes experience heart enlargement, coughing, lethargy and difficulty breathing.

If some really severe heart failure is going on you can usually tell by the animal having difficulty breathing (even when at rest), fainting, not wanting to exercise, loss of appetite and weight loss. Do check to see also if your pet is drooling more than it usually does as this can be a sure sign that something could be wrong with its heart.

If some of these symptoms to exist then it is best to go directly to your local animal surgery and have your vet take a look at your pet.

There are ways that your vet may check to see if your pet has heart problems are EKG, chest x-rays, blood testing, or a heart ultrasound. The ultrasound is going to be the one to be of the most use to you as it gives your vet the ability to be able to see and measure the extent of the heart disease.

If the worst comes to the worst and there is something wrong with your pet then it is not to worry as there are many vets now that are experts in pets cardiology enabling them to even a pacemaker into your pet.

If you are really thinking that your pet could be suffering from one or some of these symptoms then it is best to at very least to see that it is checked out just to double check to see if it is a heart condition or not. If left untreated it can result in worse problems or even death of a pet which as everyone who has gone through that knows it is not easy to have a pet pass away at all.

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How about the use of glucosamine for treating dog arthritic joint pain .

In 1999, glucosamine was the top-selling dietary supplement in the United States, with annual sales of US $288 million. It has become an immensely popular dietary supplement around the world.

It has proven itself again and again though its potential for repairing damaged joints and slowing the progression of arthritis.

Since glucosamine works so well for human arthritis, it is natural to ask: ‘What about dog arthritis?’ Is it safe? Is it effective?

The answer: Yes, it appears to be both safe and effective.

The main safety concern comes from animal studies in which large amounts of glucosamine were given to rats and other animals intravenously, for short periods of time. Under these extreme and usual conditions, glucosamine tended to decrease insulin levels and/or induce insulin resistance. When researchers tested humans with large amounts of intravenous glucosamine, the same thing happened. Hence a concern arose that glucosamine could cause diabetes or make diabetes worse.

Normal therapeutic doses of glucosamine given orally have never been shown to have an adverse effect on insulin levels, insulin resistance or blood sugar levels. Even in diabetic rats and type 2 diabetic humans, normal therapeutic doses of glucosamine taken orally have been shown to have no significant effect on insulin, insulin resistance or blood sugar levels.

Cosequin is the brand name of a glucosamine and chondroitin formulation made to treat dog arthritis, cat arthritis and horse arthritis. It is taken orally and appears to have an excellent safety record.

Cosequin has been seen to have an excellent safety profile. In safety studies, Cosequin given at twice label recommended levels for 30 days in healthy dogs had no adverse effects on blood sugar levels. No clinically significant effects were seen on any biochemical parameter in these studies.

Although no change in blood sugar control would be expected for a diabetic dog, as with the addition of anything new to a diabetic’s regimen, it is advisable to monitor closely.

By: Barbara Allan

Here are some comfortable options for helping relieve the pain of dog arthritis

Doggie Stroller – Allow Your Pampered Pet to Relax!

You can well adorn his wardrobe with the most stylish and fashionable clothes and accessories, and also get him a comfortable dog house and a cozy bed.

The Best Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

These beds provide excellent support and at the same time are extremely soft and comfortable. Typical dog beds are usually one or the other, but only memory foam gives the capability to provide both. 

Dog Beds: Invest Wisely

Dog Bed Just as people appreciate a comfortable bed, dogs appreciate a comfortable dog bed. My dog currently has 3 dog beds; all located in different rooms, and all used throughout the day.

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Barbara Allan is publisher of the website ArthritisArticles.org where expert authors provide info on arthritis treatment and more. Click here for more information on glucosa

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If Dogs are man’s best friend, Felines are female’s favored friend! Sure men own cats, too, but that is not the point here.

Cat diarrhea (and vomiting) is so common, many say it is epidemic. Why?

Domesticating Cats is Behavioral.  Domesticating their diet is…

(To fully grasp the following information, it is important to note that decades of dependency on chemicals and inorganic fertilizers have not only destroyed the top soil (and the subsequent nutritional value of commercial fruits and vegetables), they have seeped into rivers, streams, and found they way into the water table we drink and bathe with. Water puddles likely contain bacteria, discarded food residue, disease carrying bug larvae, as well as human and animal spittle containing any number of pathogenic organisms…)

Feral and outdoor cats hunt small animals and birds. Unfortunately, the ones they’ve been eating over the last 50 years are increasingly diseased, and weakened from various environmental stresses. This seems to make an argument for commercial pet foods, however many pets refuse to eat it. The problem is so common that many manufacturers have resorted to spraying recycled restaurant grease on dry foods, just to add some ‘flavor’!

The ongoing dog food/dog treat recall has provided some insight into what is in dry foods, as well as how pet food manufacturers think. They say they added more wheat gluten because it is a source of protein- only it’s not a protein that cats or dogs need, but it is profitable.

Find recommended pet food information for dogs here and  for cats here

Wet pet foods are not any better! They contain heavily processed low quality overcooked meats from animals injected with growth hormones and antibiotics.

Commercial pet foods are both convenient and cheap. But what is the ultimate cost to your pet’s health and your wallet?

Pet Diarrhea and Vomiting is the Number 3 Reason People Take Their Animals to the Vet

Today, a virtual epidemic of GI related health issues ranging from eating disorders, vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea, IBS, spastic colon, to constipation can be traced directly to commercial cat food! According to industry statistics, diarrhea is the number 3 reason people are taking their animals to the vet.

Stress is another cause of diarrhea. Cats prefer peace and quiet to loud noises. Travel also stresses cats, as it often means leaving familiar territory, beyond which are unfamiliar noises and smells, different air quality, humidity, water, possibly even food- any one of which can throw off your cats’ now delicate GI balance.

Veterinary ‘Care’

If you take kitty to a vet, rarely do you have any idea why it has diarrhea. To assure speedy results, they are likely to prescribe an antibiotic with broad-spectrum kill capabilities, and advise you to withhold food or water for 24-48 hours. This is a case where the remedy needs a remedy!

Antibiotics kill all the bacteria- including the ones your cat needs for digestion. One thing you can be sure of, between no food and water, and the side effects of toxic antibiotics ravaging their immune systems, kitty is going to be in for a very rough couple of days. So if not antibiotics, what then? Non-dairy Probiotics!

Cats supplement their diet by eating grass, and especially the soil around the grass roots, which once contained soil-based organisms (SBOs)- non-dairy probiotics.

SBOs are ‘The Missing Link’ to restoring and maintaining GI health. Without a daily supply of SBOs, to help break foods down so they are can be absorbed proper digestion and elimination cannot take place. Foul smelling gas is an early warning sign.

SBOs are highly effective when the diarrhea or vomiting is routine. However, if intestinal inflammation is present, neither SBOs nor medications are likely to restore balance. It is vital to resolve inflammation first!

Herbal anti-inflammatories are more effective than steroids to resolve inflammation, but unlike steroids, they do not require weaning off. Unresolved intestinal inflammation quickly leads to immune disorders/diseases.

Have you noticed that the ‘slippery slope’ to poor health begins with the GI tract? According to The Royal Society of Medicine Great Britain, ‘Fully 90% of all chronic disease is caused by an unhealthy intestinal system’.

By administering SBOs as a daily supplement, you can prevent most cases of routine diarrhea while preventing 90% of all chronic disease from getting a foothold.

The food you feed your pets needs to be reasonably close to what they once ate in the wild; that is if you expect them to stay healthy. Buy organic chicken, meats, and fish, very lightly saut them and mix 50/50 with pet foods they are eating. Mix with less pet food each day. After one week they should be on 100% sauted food. Next, do the same with raw meats.

Unless your cat/dog is extremely sick, you should see immediate signs of recovery.

A Healthy Pet is a Happy Pet

By: Robert Hart

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more cat and dog health articles or short videos go to www.vitalityscience.com Robert Hart is coowner of Vitality Science, experts in cat/dog GI health issues . He has authored articles for Fido Friendly print magazne, Ani-Med, The Pet Professor, and numerous pet newsletters. He also hosts Vitality Science Groupies forum at Dogster.com

Dog Supply Search

Pet Nutrition Basics for Dogs Cats  Dog Separation Anxiety – Most Common Problem In Dogs. by Mirjam T. A hard to deal with behavior problem but also most common is dog separation anxiety. 

Home Pet Grooming.

Once you have the foundation of good health your home pet grooming regimen serves to maintain that health rather than as an attempt to compensate for health problems. In other words a nice shiney coat begins with good nutrition 

Holistic Vet and Pet Nutrition

Dr. David Gordon, Holistic Veterinarian and Susan Blake Davis, Pet Nutritionist provide expert advice on how to enhance your pet’s health with nutrition, supplements and holistic pet care.

Pet Nutrition Guide

The dog/cat food your pet eats effects his or her life. A lot of problems come from poor diet, and are easily solved by simple changes to your pets diet. A lot of non-specific pet problems like itching and dander are most likely food

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You may already know that bladder infections in dogs are a very common problem. But quite a few dog owners have questions about canine urinary tract infections. Here are  answers to your questions on pet health .

What Is Canine Cystitis?

It’s a bladder inflammation caused by bacteria infecting your dog’s bladder. Your vet may refer to it as an “ascending” infection. Most of the time the bacteria that cause bladder infections in dogs come from the dog’s own intestinal tract. The bacteria start out at the skin around the anus, and “ascend” through the urethra to the bladder.

Are There Other Causes Of Canine Urinary Tract Infections?

Yes. Your dog may have bladder stones, which can make it easier for him to develop a bladder infection.

Other factors include tumors in the bladder, not being able to empty the bladder completely, and diseases like diabetes or Cushing’s disease. If your dog is being given drugs that suppress the immune system, like cortisone or chemotherapy, he may be more prone to a bladder infection.

What Symptoms Should I Be Watching For?

Blood in your dog’s urine, straining to pass urine, and frequent urination are common signs of a bladder problem.

But sometimes it’s not so obvious. If your dog is acting restless and wants to go out all the time, or starts urinating all over the house, this may not be a behavior problem. It could be signs of a canine bladder infection.

How Does Your Vet Diagnose Canine Cystitis?

Ideally, your vet will run a urinalysis first to determine if there are bacteria or bladder stones in your dog’s urine. If bacteria are present, the next step should be a dog urine culture and a sensitivity test.

A urine culture is necessary to identify which bacteria are present. The sensitivity test tells your vet which antibiotic is the best one to do the job.

Do I Really Have To Give My Dog ALL The Antibiotic?

Absolutely. If you stop treating bladder infections in dogs too soon, the infection can come back. Plus, stopping the treatment too soon encourages antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

If your dog has side effects from the antibiotic, contact your vet. Don’t just stop giving your buddy the medication.

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Bladder Infections?

It’s possible that it’s the same infection that was never completely eradicated. A dog urine culture and sensitivity test should be done before you treat him again. After treatment is over, you can see if it was successful by repeating these tests.

How About Natural Remedies For Pets?

People have been using safe, effective, natural treatments for bladder infections for centuries. Many dog owners ask if  natural remedies for pets can help dogs with canine cystitis.

Make no mistake about it, the answer is yes. But you do need to be sure you’re using remedies gentle enough for animals, not people. Do your homework and purchase your remedies only from a company with a great reputation for producing the highest-quality herbal remedies for pets. These remedies are safe and effective, and are easy to give your dog every day to prevent bladder problems from happening in the first place.

Take the next step and learn how these remedies can help protect your best buddy from canine urinary tract infections.

By: Darlene Norris Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Here you can discover how herbal and homeopathic remedies can help prevent and treat painful canine urinary tract infections. Find the best place to buy these remedies at naturalpeturinaryhealth.com

You can find more information about dog health and natural healing by visiting the following sites

Dog Health: Natural Healing
Every dog owner wants to ensure that his or her dog lives in the pink of health. It is only natural for us to wish for our dogs’ good health because, after all, they are our best friends. However, despite of having the best interests in

Puppy can’t sleep – Pet Forums Community
Cat Sleep, mjs_geckos, Cat Health and Nutrition, 6, 09-01-2009 05:54 PM. too much sleep? woolley, Dog Health and Nutrition, 9, 30-09-2008 07:49 PM. How much does your puppy sleep? finoni9, Dog Health and Nutrition

Dog Insurance
If you feel as though it would be difficult to handle unexpected veterinarian bills, consider investing in dog insurance. Then you can rest assured that your dog’s health and well-being are covered, regardless of the situation.

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