If You See These Things In Your Cat - It's An Emergency
Dr. Marty Becker, America's Veterinarian
Animal Radio Veterinary Correspondent Dr. Marty Becker tells us the things to look out for that indicate a health emergency for your cat.
Dr. Becker is currently practicing veterinary medicine, which means he is constantly learning from textbooks, conferences and networks. Today, Dr. Becker is going to tell us things that are emergencies with your cat. So in order to compile his list, he networked with two well-known veterinary emergency specialists, to verify that his list was correct.
With no need to put it on the list, you would of course always take an unconscious pet to a vet.
In no particular order:
If Your Cat All Of A Sudden Has An Inability To Use Their Hind Legs
It's not uncommon for a cat to get a thrombus, which is called a Saddle Thrombus. This is when the aorta goes down, which is the biggest vessel that leaves the heart and goes down each leg into an artery. A clot can all of a sudden form, which causes them to suddenly not be able to use their rear legs. If your cat starts wobbling and shows weakness and can't pick his feet up normally, rush him to the vet. The sooner they see the cat, the better.
If Your Cat Is Unable To Urinate Or Takes Multiple Trips To The Litter Box
Sometimes people just think their cat is constipated and they don't realize that they are not able to urinate. So if you see your cat going back and forth to the litter box, and you look in the box and it's clean, rush him to the vet. This can become a big problem in a big hurry.
If Your Cat is Bleeding From A Wound or Orifice
You should rush your cat to the vet if you see any bleeding from the mouth, ears or rectum, or any visible wound.
If Your Cat Ingests a Poison
The number one thing to worry about around your house are lilies, which are extremely fragrant and toxic to cats.
Attacked By A Dog, Hit By A Car Or A High Fall
If any of these occur, you should rush your cat to a vet.
If Your Cat Doesn't Eat for 24 Hours
You never know if a cat has stopped eating because of an obstruction or because he may be impacted with hair.
The number one thing on this list that Dr. Becker sees the most is a cat being unable to urinate. But if you see any of these things in your cat, it is best to play it safe and take them to a vet. Use your best judgment, as you know your pet.
Visit Fear Free Happy Homes for tips on making your home fear free and to locate a Fear Free Veterinarian near you. Go to Fear Free Pets to become certified.
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Get Your Pet To the Vet Safely with No Escapees - Dr. Debbie
A frightening situation occurred at my veterinary hospital. Working inside my office, I heard a woman's shrieks coming from the parking lot. I ran outside to find a woman with one dog on a leash and the other dog skittering about the parking lot - the result of a slipped collar. The owner would approach the panicked dog and he'd retreat, darting under nearby cars. Those familiar with our hospital location understand its proximity to a busy intersection. Should the dog run in the wrong direction, he'd meet up with 45 mph traffic.
My staff was outside in moments to assist the owner in retrieving her dog and safely escorted everyone into the building. Thankfully, my client's few minutes of terror ended uneventfully. But that's not always the case. I've seen dogs run straight into the road, cat's leap from a family member's arms, and owners dive into oncoming traffic trying to catch an escaping pet.
The lesson is simple. Don't underestimate your pets' fears. Fear of car travel, new places or the veterinary office can cause a pet to behave in unpredictable ways. If you know your pet to be nervous with new people or new situations, be especially vigilant when transporting your pet in a vehicle.
Identify Your Pet
Use two methods of identification for best insurance your pet is returned to you if lost. Permanent identification with a microchip is a must and should be complimented with a collar and ID tags.
Restrain Pet in Vehicle
Keep your pet secure during travel and when the car door opens by using a doggie seatbelt. Small dogs and cats should be housed in a pet carrier which is secured with seatbelt to avoid undue carrier movement during travel. Do not allow cats and small pets to roam freely in the car. Cats have been known to take cover under car seats which may require sedation or seat removal to extract kitty from her hiding place.
Check for Proper Fit
A proper fitting collar allows 2 finger widths between the collar and pet's neck. Allow more than, and should your pet put on the brakes, he'll easily slip out of the collar. Poor fitting harnesses are just as dangerous and allow gap room which allows a back-peddling pet to wiggle out. Not sure if the collar is too loose? Snug the collar up one fitting in anticipation of your trip to the vet.
Try Other Collar Styles
Even if you don't normally use a choker or pinch collar, consider using one when going to the vet's office. For thick necked dogs with smaller head size, try the Martingale collar, a fabric and metal combo collar that snugs down should your dog try to back out. Boisterous dogs that jump and leap when on leash may benefit wearing a head collar that fits over the muzzle. Ensure your collar choice is properly fitted, since any of these styles can fail if improperly fitted or used incorrectly.
Call Ahead
If you anticipate difficulties getting your pet to the vet's office, call ahead. Veterinary staff members are on the ready to help ensure your pet's visit is a safe one.
So, take a few minutes to consider your pet's travel safety before heading out on that next car trip, whether it is to the park, groomer or veterinary office. Your four legged friend will thank you, but may pout on the way there.
Featured veterinarian known as "Dr. Debbie" on national pet radio program, Animal Radio. Ebook author of "Yorkshire Terriers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Pugs: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Mini Schnauzers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; and "Shih Tzu: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend." Dr. Debbie's books.
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Animal Radio News - Lori Brooks
Obesity Is A Growing Problem in Pets
October is National Pet Obesity Awareness Month. Being overweight can seriously impact our health and that of our pets. Obesity is a growing problem in people, with the Centers for Disease Control estimating that close to 75-percent of adults are obese or overweight. The statistics are almost as bad for our pets. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that nearly 56-percent of dogs and 60-percent of cats in the US are overweight or obese. How can you tell if your pet is a healthy weight? You should be able to feel your pet's ribs easily; see a waist when viewing your pet from above; and Not see a sagging stomach when you view your pet from the side.
Spay or Neuter Your Pet With Just One Shot
People should spay or neuter their pets, but researchers at Cal Tech came up with another, much less expensive and less invasive option, just one shot - an injection. The researchers found that a single shot into muscle tissue in mice was able to stop sperm and egg production. In just two months after receiving the injection, scientists found the mice were unable to reproduce and did not appear to experience any other side effects. The study at this point was just a proof-of-concept in mice. More research needs to be done to assess if it would be affective in dogs or cats.
Pets on Trains
Traveling with your fur kids is not usually easy and sometimes not even possible, but Amtrak lets passengers bring their pets aboard their Northeast Regional train. The service started after a successful trial in Illinois. Just keep in mind Amtrak charges for your pet and the pet and carrier must be a combined weight or 20 pounds or less and be placed underneath your seat. Of course, service animals are always allowed at no additional cost.
Anonymous Hero Saves Dog From Burning Home
An anonymous real life hero saved the life of a dog that was trapped inside a burning home in Tennessee. As someone who witnessed it describes it said, "This guy in a gray mustang pulls up says, 'I do this for a living,' and he runs in and he comes out about two minutes later with this beautiful dog in his arms." Less than a minute later the roof of the home caved in. Adding to the joy of saving the dog that was being cared for by a pet sitter while his owners were out of town, are three cats who were believed to have died in the fire, that were found in the neighborhood. The home was a total loss.
Halloween Hazards for Pets
Pets often find it truly scary during this time of year. Be warned, "The things that make Halloween a treat for people can overwhelm many pets," and some parts of Halloween can be dangerous. Good advice to pet owners is simple. While you're enjoying the fun, make sure your pets have a pet haven in a room where they can feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. Keep your pets away from the festivities in their safe room. Masks and costumes change how people look and smell to a pet, so even familiar people may become frightening to your pet. When going out trick-or-treating, leave your dog at home. Dogs can be easily excited by the Halloween commotion, and a bite or a lost dog will bring a quick end to all of the fun everyone was looking forward to. The top Halloween hazards for pets are escaping and being poisoned. Both animal shelters and veterinarians see a spike in their business during the Halloween season.
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