Ringworm Infection in Pets:

Pet ringworm, as the name suggests, might cause most people to believe that it is caused due to worms. However, it is the result of a fungus. Ringworm is a common disease which is not restricted to human beings but even animals. It is most often seen in cats but also frequently seen in rabbits, dogs, chinchillas and hedgehogs. In fact all mammals are susceptible to it. In humans, it generally results in the reddening and inflammation of the affected area and is in the form of a ring. In case of pets, it may not always be the same. In fact some pets may be silent carriers of the disease without showing any symptoms and spreading it to others. Pet ringworm is caused as a result of 3 fungi. They are:

• Microsporum canis
• Microsporum gypseum
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Almost all the cases of ringworm in cats and dogs are caused by the fungus microsporum canis. Ringworm causes severe itching and can also result in the pet losing tremendous amount of hair. Pet ringworm results in baldness in patches especially on the paws, ears or the back. It may also be seen on your dog’s face and tail. Normally the symptoms are circular patches of broken hair in the form of circles which grow darker than normal hair. There is a high possibility that people interacting with the infected pets might get infected too. Hence, proper precautions and treatment is a must.

The easiest way to diagnose ringworm is through the Woods lamp also known as ultraviolet lamps. In this case, almost 50% of the microsporum canis species will become fluorescent under the light of the Woods lamp. Children are more prone to get infected with ringworm hence to prevent it from spreading it is advised that you trim your pets’ hair, especially around the bald spots. Also, it is essential to wear gloves while treating them or playing with them. The vacuum cleaner bag also needs to be changed every time after it is used. A regular visit to the veteran is a must where you can get more tips on pet health care. It is also important to keep yourself updated with the various pet health information and pet health issues. It is recommended that every time you get a new pet you take them to the vet in order to check if they are infected with ringworm.

Ear Care for Pets:

Having an ear that is painful can be very unsettling for any pet. Ear infections in your pet can range anywhere from mild to chronic. Some of the symptoms of an ear infection include discharge from the ear. This can be black or yellow in color. Other symptoms include the pet being unnaturally lethargic and irritable and persistently scratching its ear. Also, soreness of the ear canal or redness underneath the ear flap along with bad odor emanating from the ear, vigorous shaking of the head or constant tilting of its head to the side can all indicate the presence of a ear infection. The exact nature of the problem can be ascertained by closely inspecting the ear under magnification and further by taking a microscopic smear of the ear wax. A thorough examination and scrutiny would be needed to look for any foreign objects like ticks or cotton balls that might have got into the ear canal, or for growths, cysts, pus, inflammations and canal wall changes.

Mild ear problems can be caused by ear mites called Otodectes cynotis. Their presence can cause a fair amount of discomfort and hence leads to excessive scratching of the afflicted ear.  This is among the easier infections to diagnose and similarly easy to cure. Chronic ear infections make the animal extremely irritable and even if it improves it can recur.  If an ear infection is left unattended it can perforate the ear drum before it proceeds to travel to the brain, where damage caused can be extensive and severe. Some other causes include dank, moist environments leading to the ear canal then becoming a perfect breeding ground for microorganisms like yeast and bacteria to multiply. Staph bacteria are the predominant bacteria involved in most ear infections. Excessive or low secretion of hormones can further harm your pet’s constitution, thereby leading to various other ear infections. Some pet’s ear problems can be hereditary. Diseases like Primary Seborrhea, Dermatomyositis and some types of tumors in the ears fall into this category.

Some common remedies involve clipping and trimming excess hair present near the ears. Try to prevent debris of any kind accumulating in the ear. Ensure you clean it regularly. In the case of yeast infections a proper antifungal can be prescribed to eliminate the problem. Antibiotics can also be recommended depending on the severity of the infection. If the problem is hormone related or due to allergies, then various kinds of therapies or medical treatments can be undertaken. In the case of dogs specifically, it has been noted that a high percentage of them who suffer frequent ear inflammations or ear infections suffer from some kind of food allergy.

Home Pet Euthanasia:

Pet euthanasia is the act of painlessly and humanely terminating the life of your pet. The Greek translation of euthanasia literally means ‘good death’. There are various places where this can be practiced like veterinarian clinics, animal shelters or at home. The methods used when practicing euthanasia are aimed at causing the least amount of pain distress and discomfort to your pet. When practiced at home on one’s pet, euthanasia is referred to by euphemisms like ‘putting to sleep’, ‘laying down’, ‘putting down’ or ‘putting out of its misery’.

Some of the reasons why euthanasia is practiced is if you have an aging pet who is unable to enjoy life the way it used to, or if your pet is suffering from a terminally ill condition or has been injured severely such that even after recovery it will not be able to live a full and comfortable life. Other reasons include rabies, unnatural aggressiveness and violence. Also if your pet has been involved in causing another human a serious or fatal injury, then owners opt to put them down or may be required to do so by the law.

Choosing to practice pet euthanasia in one’s home at times seems right for what can be an extremely emotional experience. When practiced in its own home, the pet is more relaxed and at ease with its surroundings. It also gives the owner privacy and a chance to come to terms with the grief for what can be a fairly emotional time. At times opting to practice euthanasia in the confines of one’s home can work out to be more economical than in a hospital or clinic. Euthanasia can either be done by the pet’s owner at home itself if trained correctly or by a veterinarian. At times there are other groups or people trained to perform this service at home for you. When done by a veterinarian, the first step is to inject the pet with a tranquilizing drug. This puts the animal into a deep and irreversible coma. It allows the owner a chance to say goodbye before the final injection is administered. This next intravenous injection leads to respiratory and cardiac arrest. Thus death comes painlessly and quickly. The other ways to practice euthanasia include shooting. This is particularly in the case of large animals. For small animals like rabbits, their necks can be snapped and instant death can then occur when done the right way. Many owners can opt to either cremate the pet’s remains or bury them. There are special funeral homes that can perform these services if required.

Putting Pets to Sleep:

Sometimes the kindest gesture one can make for a pet that is grievously ill or seriously injured and can never regain a good life is to consider euthanasia. Euthanasia can literally be defined as peaceful death. It is the act of humanely and painlessly inducing death or allowing death to occur by withholding the medications and measures that are sustaining life. Establishing the right time or making the right decision is always hard. Sometimes euthanasia is practiced if the pet has become vicious or dangerous and is displaying unusually unmanageable and abnormal characteristics. If a pet is involved in causing grievous injury or death to a human then euthanasia is practiced. Normally if your pet can not enjoy its life the way it used because of a debilitating condition or is unable to respond to you the way it used to then it may be another reason. This is so especially in the case of terminally ill pets. Other causes can include rabies or old age. Letting the veterinarian evaluate your pet’s health, estimate its chances to recover and lead a normal life, can help in the decision process. Discuss all surgical options or medical ones and what the outcomes would be. You can also discuss the possibilities and effects of long term disabilities and problems. Sometimes your family members along with friends and the veterinarian can help you weigh the options and take the decision.

Euthanasia for pets is normally practiced by injecting a drug that induces death. If done by a veterinarian, the first step might be to administer a tranquilizing drug. This helps to relax the pet. Next the injection administering the euthanasia drug will cause the animal to fall unconscious. This is irreversible. Death then follows fast and painlessly. Sometimes for large animals shooting is the preferable option to an injection. Gas anesthesia is sometimes used when practicing euthanasia on very small animals.  At other times, cervical dislocation is a common method used to kill small animals like the rabbit. Here the neck is snapped from the spine. When done correctly it leads to death instantly. If the animal is small, then euthanasia is practiced in a hospital, veterinary clinic or in an animal home. At times, workers in an animal shelter are also trained to practice euthanasia. At other times, it can be practiced by the veterinarian in the pet’s home itself. This is normally the case for larger animals. The exception being when horses injured in a race or hunt need to be put down immediately. There are funeral homes for pets that specifically take care of cremation or burial of the pet’s remains, if required by the owner.

Acupuncture for Pets:

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese procedure involving the use of needles or massage to bring an ailing body back into balance. Acupuncture was first practiced on humans. Practicing it on animals and one’s pets was later derived from this practice. The aim of this practice is to insert fine needles into specific points with the intention of thereby correcting various imbalances that exist in the body. There are veterinary acupuncturists who perform this service for pets. Studies have indicated that acupuncture has proved beneficial for those pets suffering from conditions like arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders like vomiting or diarrhea, illness of the respiratory tract like asthma and other chronic conditions like kidney disease. It also addresses geriatric problems and behavioral issues.

Prior to initiating this procedure, the veterinarian will first conduct a check of the pets overall health, dietary habits, energy levels and activity levels. The veterinarian will also note any symptoms the pet might be displaying. Next a standard examination will be conducted on your pet particularly the pets tongue as this is considered a vital component of the diagnosis. The pet’s pulse is also examined and is used in the formulation of a diagnosis. The veterinarian will then proceed to check the pet for any visible sore points or swollen areas.  This helps design the final treatment to be meted. The needles used are similar to the ones used on humans. They are kept sterile and normally made from stainless steel. The procedure involves insertion of the needles into designated points on the body of the pet. These various points come together to form a specific formula. This is not usually a painful procedure. However an unusually sensitive pet or one in great pain may show some reaction. Depending on the severity or diagnosis the veterinarian may leave the inserted needles for a while. This duration can vary from pet to pet depending on their condition. Certain diagnoses may require additional treatment which involves the passing of a low electric current to the needles. Once the procedure is over and the needles have been taken out, most pets appear to be relaxed and some even doze. Some pets may be restless after the treatment.

In general, it has been noted, that acupuncture stimulates hormone release and pain killing chemicals. These promote tissue repair, it helps improve blood circulation, gives relief from pain and generally promotes a feeling of well being of the pet. It also helps relax muscle spasms.  These sessions are generally conducted held once or twice a week.

Pet Health:

Just as humans get affected by various diseases and problems so do dogs, cats, horses, birds and other species. Pets rely on their owners to keep them healthy. It is also vital for the owner to know his or her pet’s habits like sleeping, drinking, eating, and playing among others. Any variations in these might indicate to the owner that the pet is not feeling well or is injured in some way.  For those who own a pet it is vital that they make sure that their pet is healthy and is not suffering from any disease or injury. There are a host of veterinary clinics, hospitals and centers where an owner can take the pet to get regular check ups involving physical examinations and tests done to ensure that their pet is healthy. The majority of illnesses and health problems that pets face can be treated successfully with surgery, medications, physical therapy or other medical or alternative treatments. Since pets cannot talk, it is intrinsically difficult to ascertain the nature of their ailment. If your pet displays any signs of weakness, unusual lethargy, sudden aggressiveness, soreness in a particular body etc, then it is imperative to have this addressed immediately.

Some of the signs and indications of good health in a pet can be healthy and shiny skin or feathers. If its skin or fur is healthy, it should be without scabs, red areas, growths or white flakes. Check dogs, cats, horses, birds for ticks, fleas, lice or external parasites. Another way to ascertain if your pet is healthy is by looking at its eyes. They should be healthy and should not have mucus or be runny. For those pets with ears, ensure that skin or fur is clean looking without any unusual collection of wax or dirt or any other foreign objects. Check for unusual growths or cysts too. Similarly, it is vital to check the teeth, mouth, jaw or beak of your pet. A visit to the veterinarian will ensure that a check is done where the body temperature is noted, heartbeat and pulse rate counted, height and weight is also checked as required.

Ensuring that the pet stays healthy involves making sure it gets the right amount of exercise and activity and that its diet follows the requirements needed to keep it healthy and active. Regular vaccinations given by a veterinarian also ensure that the pet does not get any serious or fatal illness. A healthy pet is a happy pet.

Pet Injury:

If you have an active pet, you must be dealing with a lot of injuries. Pets tend to injure themselves during their regular activities. Here’s what to do when your pet has injured itself:

Causes of Pet Injuries:

If your pet has been bitten by some other animal, it may not be feeling very benevolent. In such a case, it is best to muzzle your pet and restrain it before you approach it. Clean the wound first. You can use any antiseptic solution or even saline water for this. After you’ve cleaned it thoroughly, apply antiseptic lotion on it and wrap a bandage. If the wound is bleeding heavily, apply some pressure on it for a few minutes. If the bleeding continues, your pet may need stitches. Take it to a vet.

If your pet has accidentally burnt itself with chemicals or a heated appliance, apply some cool running water immediately on the burnt area. Wrap an ice pack in a soft cloth or a towel and give your pet some cold compression. Never apply ice directly to the skin. If your pet has a lot of swelling on any of its limbs, and is not able to move properly, it may be because of a broken bone. Check for bleeding and try not to move the limb at all. Cradle the injured area or support it so that it is not able to move and take your pet to the vet immediately.

If your pet is not able to breathe properly and its pupils are dilates, it may be in shock. Shock is usually caused when your pet has had a serious injury or has become very frightened by something. Our pets are highly susceptible to injuries on their paw pads. They may unknowingly walk on broken shards of glass or hot surfaces, seriously injuring themselves. If your pet has injured its paw, take a close look to see if an object is embedded in the soft pad. If there is an object, remove it using a clean pair of tweezers, wash the wound and bandage it properly so that the wound can heal.

If your pet has a swelling around the joint area and is not able to move properly, take your pet to the vet and get it checked for a sprain or a strain. Such injuries might be caused due to rough play or a fall on a hard surface.

Pet Health Signs:

When it comes to health, both humans and their pets respond similarly to disease and ailments. Our pets’ bodies respond to illnesses in a fashion similar to ours. When they are young, the pet health issues they face are very different from the ones they experience when they are older. An experienced vet can help you deal with most of the ailments that your pets have. However, in order to know whether it is time to take your pet to the vet or not, it is important that you know of the symptoms of ill health in your pets. There are many reasons why your pet may fall sick. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for.

• Fitness levels: Depending on your pet’s age, the daily activity levels may differ. Just like people, pets also have different temperaments and different levels of activity. However, their fitness largely depends on their age and their breed. Recent research has shown that dogs that become overweight are more susceptible to different disorders.
• Observe closely whether your pet is gaining or losing weight. If your pet is getting older, it is important to observe whether they are able to maintain their normal activities. There may be a health problem if you see your pet struggling to sit down, get up, climb the stairs, or leap. It is okay if their movements have slowed down because of old age, otherwise it is time to take your pet to the doctor.
• Diarrhea and Vomiting: Your pet may vomit if they have a stomach upset or have eaten something they shouldn’t have. A one time episode of diarrhea or vomiting is normal and could mean that the pet’s body is getting itself used to the change in food or weather. However, if your pet is vomiting or passing loose stools repeatedly, this could be a symptom of an illness.
• Scratching Excessively: Though pets may scratch themselves occasionally to get rid of an itch, if they are scratching vigorously and continuously, it could be because of a parasitic infestation. Fleas, ticks and other parasites can easily attack your pet. Also get your pet checked for any bacterial, viral or yeast infections. These infections are easier to spot since they cause inflammation of the skin, redness or loss of hair in patches.
• Inability to eat: Inability to eat is another symptom that you should look out for. If your pet does not seem interested in its food or is unable to eat, get it checked thoroughly. This could be a sign of a serious ailment.

Pet Health Information and Issues:

Pet health is a very serious issue and therefore should be taken very seriously. If you take proper pet health care, you will be able to prevent most of the common pet health issues. Still, we often find ourselves faced with the challenge of taking care of an ailing pet.

There are many different health issues that your pet may face. While some of these issues are grave and require intensive medical attention, there are many issues that are simple to handle and can be completely treated with the help of a qualified veterinarian. Fleas and ticks are minor problems that can be tackled on your own by using medications prescribed by a veterinarian. However, if your pet is really sick, you may have to take it to a hospital.

Medicines for pets are very expensive. Equally expensive is caring for them when they are no longer well. The overall cost in terms of time, effort, and money, when caring for an ailing pet, may run very high. It is also emotionally draining to see your loyal and frisky friends ailing and in pain. Therefore, the best way to deal with pet health issues is to take preventive measures. Recent studies done on the issues of pet health claim that it is extremely important to pay close attention to your pet’s weight. Just like an overweight human being, overweight pets may also suffer from a lot of health issues. Statistics show that one out of every four pets are overweight and therefore are at a high risk of developing medical conditions.

Making sure that your pet gets plenty of exercise is something that is extremely important. This is the first step towards making sure that your pet remains in good health. You can buy them toys or other accessories that will be beneficial for them.

Some of your pets may need some extra vitamins and supplements in order to meet their nutritional needs. Talk to your vet about any extra supplements that your pet may require. Though your pet may be able to go on without these supplements, there are good chances that later in their life they may develop an ailment.
To make sure that your pet remains in good health, you will have to be disciplined and stick to a regular pet health care routine. Though the cost of keeping your pet healthy is high, the cost of taking care of a sick pet is even higher. Keep in constant touch with your vet and make sure to get a qualified opinion on your pet’s ailments.

Pet Health Advice:

Pets sure do add a lot of joy to our lives. They not only provide companionship but also give us a sense of responsibility and safety. However, our pets are completely dependent on us for taking care of their food, shelter and health. They depend on us for the fulfillment of their basic needs. It is only natural therefore, to give a lot of thought to the kind of pet you want for yourself and your family.

It always helps to think over the basics like who will take pet care, are you financially secure enough to have a pet, does anyone in your family have an allergy to pets, does your lifestyle allow you to give adequate time to your pet and finally, whether you have the requisite space to keep a pet.

Pet Health Information:

Once you own a pet, keeping it in good pet health care becomes your responsibility, and if you have not given a thought about which pet to buy before buying one, chances are, you will feel a little lost. Owning a pet means understanding the needs of the pet, spending time with it, and knowing when it is not in the best of health or spirits.

The thumb rule to keeping your pet in good health is to start off early. As soon as you get a pet, make an appointment with a veterinary doctor and get your pet tested for common diseases and ailments. Your vet will chart a check up routine, will inform you about the vaccinations you will need to give your pet and the vet will also most likely guide you regarding feeding and caring for your pet. A lot of pets require special foods. If you are a first time pet owner and do not know what kind of food is good for your pet, make sure you speak to your vet about it. A balanced diet for humans may not be adequate for pets, which often need different nutrients from humans.

Keep yourself abreast about the latest pet information. In case there are some new shots available for a new infection, make sure that your pet gets them. Also, check your pet from time to time for signs of any parasitic infestation, ticks, fleas or other insects. While checking, also feel for any unusual lumps, sores, scratches or cuts which may need medical attention.

If your pet is not well, they will not be able to tell you and therefore you have to be proactive enough to observe the signs of ill health in your pet. If you find that your pet is not feeding normally or is drinking unusually high amounts of water, it is time to be alarmed. When your pet is not well, it is easy to tell because they may gain or lose weight suddenly. They may also start behaving in a strange manner or appear rather sluggish and tired most of the times.