Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com Paw Nation http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pawnation.com/media/feedlogo.gif Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Q: Can You Give a Dog Ibuprofen?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/30/q-can-you-give-a-dog-ibuprofen/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/30/q-can-you-give-a-dog-ibuprofen/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/30/q-can-you-give-a-dog-ibuprofen/#commentsFiled under: ,

A: Ibuprofen is not labeled for animal use and should not be given to your dog or cat. Many people think it's safe to give an animal any medication that they take themselves, but this is not the case. Even if an animal is in pain, giving human pain medication to your pet can actually do more harm than good.

I've met many pet owners who have given their dogs Ibuprofen to relieve the pain of arthritis. However, large dosages of this pain reliever can be toxic to dogs.

It's very important to always discuss any concerns about your pet's health with your veterinarian instead of giving your pet drugs yourself. Administering drugs yourself, though probably well-intentioned, is never a good idea.

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]]>AskAVetdog medicationdog medicineDogMedicinedogsDr. Matthew CooperMon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 ESTQ: Is it Dangerous for Dogs to Eat Apples?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/02/q-is-it-dangerous-for-dogs-to-eat-apples/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/02/q-is-it-dangerous-for-dogs-to-eat-apples/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/02/q-is-it-dangerous-for-dogs-to-eat-apples/#commentsFiled under: , ,

dangerous for dogs to eat apples

radivari/Flickr

A: It is not dangerous for dogs to eat apples. In fact, I give my dogs an apple whenever I eat one and they love it.

Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. But do not be alarmed if your dog ingests a few apple seeds or even an entire apple -- your animal would need to ingest a very large amount of seeds for it to be a danger.

In general, dogs can safely consume most fruit with the exception of grapes and raisins. Though the reasons are unknown, ingestion of grapes and raisins can cause renal damage in dogs. Note though that some dogs can eat all the grapes they want and see no negative effects while others get sick. Some reports have also shown the consumption of star fruit to be problematic for dogs. If your dogs eats any of these fruits, be sure to consult your vet to be safe.

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]]>applesask a vetAskAVetdogsdogs eating applesDogsEatingApplesDr. Matthew CooperMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTQ: Why is it Dangerous for Dogs to Eat Chocolate?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/28/q-why-is-is-dangerous-for-dogs-to-eat-chocolate/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/28/q-why-is-is-dangerous-for-dogs-to-eat-chocolate/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/28/q-why-is-is-dangerous-for-dogs-to-eat-chocolate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

WhilWheaton/Flickr

A: Many pet owners come to me with questions about dogs and chocolate. The topic is especially timely now, when Halloween candy is in so many homes across the US. During the holiday season in general vets see an increase in visits from owners whose dogs have ingested chocolate simply because there tends to be more of it lying around the house. The reason we see chocolate ingestion more in dog than cats is because dogs will often eat anything that smells good whereas cats are more picky.

Chocolate contains theobromine, an alkaloid of the cacao plant. Though the amount found in chocolate is safe for humans to ingest, theobromine is harmful to dogs because they metabolize this alkaloid more slowly than humans do. Not all chocolate contains the same amount of theobromine: milk chocolate contains less then semi-sweet chocolate, which contains less then baking chocolate.

A dog that has eaten chocolate may exhibit symptoms including (but not limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, racing heart rhythm progressing to abnormal rhythms and, in severe cases, death. Other problems associated with chocolate ingestion include the high fat content in some chocolate products, and pancreatitis, which can also be seen post-ingestion.

If you know or suspect that your dog has eaten a piece of chocolate, contact your veterinarian. If possible, make sure to describe the type of chocolate and amount consumed. Your veterinarian can perform a simple mathematical formula that will determine whether or not the amount your dog ingested is toxic and requires immediate veterinary care.

During the holiday season -- especially Halloween -- be sure to keep chocolate out of reach of your animals.

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]]>ask a vetAskAVetdogsdogs eating chocolateDogsEatingChocolatepoisonous to petsPoisonousToPetsvetvetsDr. Matthew CooperWed, 28 Oct 2009 15:30:00 ESTWhy Are My Dog's Ears Smelly?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/09/14/q-why-do-my-dogs-ears-smell-so-badly/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/09/14/q-why-do-my-dogs-ears-smell-so-badly/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/09/14/q-why-do-my-dogs-ears-smell-so-badly/#commentsFiled under:

smellyl dog ears

"Man, what stinks?" Photo: dwired/Flickr

When a dog's ears are smelly, it is usually an indicator that they have a bacterial or fungal infection. Certain breeds, due to the anatomy of their ears, are also more prone to ear infections.

Many people ask me about home remedies to cure smelly ears, but the best mode of prevention is having an owner routinely clean the dog's ears. You can purchase an ear cleaning solution from your veterinarian and ask them to show you the proper way to clean the dog's ears.

I always show owners how to clean a dog's ear properly so that they don't run the risk of causing injury to their dog. Owners should never put a Q-tip in the dogs ear because when a dog shakes its head, it's easy to a push too deep. Simple cotton balls work the best.

If your dog has odorous ears or appears to have pain in the ears, have your veterinarian examine your animal.

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]]>dogdog ear odorsmelly dog earsDr. Matthew CooperMon, 14 Sep 2009 09:00:00 ESTQ: Can I Help My Dog Feel Less Anxious During Thunderstorms?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/17/q-can-i-help-my-dog-feel-less-anxious-during-thunderstorms/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/17/q-can-i-help-my-dog-feel-less-anxious-during-thunderstorms/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/17/q-can-i-help-my-dog-feel-less-anxious-during-thunderstorms/#commentsFiled under: ,

"It's raining cats and dogs... and I don't like it!" Photo: eschultz/Flickr

A: Many dogs are extremely fearful of storms, but no one really knows why. Some dogs can even sense the weather before humans do. My dog Shayna always freaks out right before it's about to thunder or lightening.

To help your pet remain calm, start by making sure that anything your dog can chew, rip, bite or tear is out of reach. I've seen some animals tear furniture -- and sometimes entire rooms -- apart when their owners have left them alone during a storm.

Many owners place their dogs on anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Never give your dog human medication, like Xanax, for example.

If your dog's anxiety during thunderstorms is a cause for concern, be sure to consult your veterinarian.


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]]>askavetdogthunderstormDr. Matthew CooperMon, 17 Aug 2009 08:00:00 ESTQ: Why Do Dogs Chew on their Paws?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/03/q-is-it-bad-for-dogs-to-regularly-chew-on-their-paws/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/03/q-is-it-bad-for-dogs-to-regularly-chew-on-their-paws/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/03/q-is-it-bad-for-dogs-to-regularly-chew-on-their-paws/#commentsFiled under:

"Yum! Just like ice cream." Photo: southsideandy/Flickr

A: One very common reason dogs chew their paws is in response to a skin problem caused by allergies.

Dogs can have allergic reactions to food, environmental and seasonal factors, and through contact with certain household objects, like rugs.

However, some dogs simply chew their paws out of boredom and can actually lick the same area until they've chewed off all the fur, which can cause an infection. Constant licking can also lead to a behavioral problem like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

If your dog is continuously licking or chewing his paws and you see signs that saliva has discolored his fur, I would suggest having him evaluated by your veterinarian, who can prescribe drugs if the chewing is causing any harm.

If you suspect it's just boredom that is causing your pooch to obsess, make sure you keep him busy with entertaining toys so he won't resort to his paws when you aren't around.




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]]>ask a vetAskAVetdogpawsDr. Matthew CooperMon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 ESTQ: Is it Safe for My Cat to Nibble on Small Paper Items?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/07/27/q-is-it-safe-for-my-cat-to-nibble-on-small-paper-items/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/07/27/q-is-it-safe-for-my-cat-to-nibble-on-small-paper-items/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/07/27/q-is-it-safe-for-my-cat-to-nibble-on-small-paper-items/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Yum! This tastes better than my Meow Mix!" Photo: theogeo/Flickr


A: Cats love playing with long thin objects, but they can easily swallow them. This is a huge problem and it's something I see pretty often working in the emergency room. Cats will chew on all sorts of items in their home, such as paper, wires, string, dental floss, needles, pennies, paper clips, and thread.

These thin objects -- called linear foreign bodies -- can cause an obstruction in the cat's gastrointestinal tract, which requires immediate veterinary assistance. Vets typically do an endoscopic removal, but if the object has traveled past the cat's stomach, it may require a surgical removal.

If a linear foreign body is left in a cat for a long time without treatment, the cat can become severely ill and even die from the gastrointestinal perforation.

To prevent these situations from occurring, you need to make sure your house is essentially baby-proofed. Don't leave any napkins, string, floss, or needles within your cats reach and make sure your cat has plenty of safe toys to keep themselves happy.

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]]>ask a vetAskAVetcatsDr. Matthew CooperMon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESTQ: Why Does My Dog Lick Everything?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/07/13/q-why-does-my-dog-lick-everything/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/07/13/q-why-does-my-dog-lick-everything/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/07/13/q-why-does-my-dog-lick-everything/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Hmm...what shall I lick now?" Photo: iampoohie/Flickr

A: It could be that your dog is thirsty and is taking it out on your floors and furniture. The problem with dogs licking everything is that they could lick something harmful to them. Licking grass or produce that has been fertilized could be extremely dangerous to a pet. Make sure you're aware of foods and other items that are poisonous to pets.

To encourage your dog to stop licking furniture in the house, I'd recommend buying bitter apple spray, a taste deterrent that works very well on pets.

If this behavior is constant, your dog might be obsessive compulsive. For any strange behavior like this, I suggest your bring your pet to a trainer. They can help break bad habits with various methods, such as teaching positive reinforcement with treats.

Do you have a question for Dr. Cooper? Send it to pawnation@aol.com.

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]]>dogspetsvetsDr. Matthew CooperMon, 13 Jul 2009 09:00:00 ESTQ: What's the Best Way to Cut a Guinea Pig's Nails?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/07/06/q-whats-the-best-way-to-cut-my-guinea-pigs-nails/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/07/06/q-whats-the-best-way-to-cut-my-guinea-pigs-nails/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/07/06/q-whats-the-best-way-to-cut-my-guinea-pigs-nails/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Don't even think about trimming my nails!" Photo: uberzombie/Flickr

A: My best advice is to bring the guinea pig to a groomer or a vet for a simple trim, especially if you're nervous about cutting your pet's nails yourself. Since guinea pigs' nails are tiny, you could easily cut one too short and cause it to bleed if you're not careful.

However, if you are comfortable trimming your guinea pig's nails on your own, use a traditional nail clipper or even a Pedi Paws Nail Trimmer.

Remember that guinea pigs are typically nervous creatures that may freak out if you try to cut their nails. If they sense that you're nervous (which most pet owners are in these situations) they may start to squirm around.

If any pet tries to fight you or move away when you're cutting their nails, don't force it. It's difficult to use your best judgment when they get nervous. If you have any hesitation, get it done professionally.

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]]>Ask a vetAskAVetGuinea pigsGuineaPigsDr. Matthew CooperMon, 06 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESTQ: Is It Normal For An Older Dog to Lose Her Appetite?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/29/q-is-it-normal-for-an-older-dog-to-lose-her-appetite/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/29/q-is-it-normal-for-an-older-dog-to-lose-her-appetite/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/29/q-is-it-normal-for-an-older-dog-to-lose-her-appetite/#commentsFiled under: ,

Photo: Brian Clayton/Flickr

A: No. I see a loss of appetite as a red flag. If your dog is a picky eater and skips one meal, I wouldn't worry about it. But if it's more than one meal, you should bring the dog to see a vet.

Many factors can cause a dog to lose its appetite: metabolic disorders; infections; viruses; stress -- it can even be a sign of cancer. Like humans, dogs need to eat food to survive and it's important that they eat every day.

I often see owners feed their pooch more food after it has finished a meal because it appears that the dog is still hungry. This is how so many dogs become overweight.

Honestly, most dogs are always hungry. My dog would eat until her stomach couldn't hold any more food if I let her. In fact, she once tested this and broke into the food bag!

I would suggest following the recommended amount for each brand listed on the bag of food or its website. Portions are based on the individual dog, but remember, there's never a time or an age when a dog should stop eating all together.

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]]>appetitedogsdr cooperDrCooperDr. Matthew CooperMon, 29 Jun 2009 10:00:00 ESTQ: Why Hasn't My New Dog Barked?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/22/q-why-hasnt-my-new-dog-barked/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/22/q-why-hasnt-my-new-dog-barked/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/22/q-why-hasnt-my-new-dog-barked/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Silence is a virtue!" Photo: Ferdi/Flickr

A: A Paw Nation reader asked me if she should be worried that her new puppy isn't barking. The answer? Not at all! If the dog is otherwise healthy, there shouldn't be a problem.

There's no specific age a dog is "supposed" to start barking. Some dogs bark as puppies, but others don't bark until later on. My own dog didn't bark for seven months, and then one day it all came out at once.

Dogs bark for many reasons. Sometimes they are expressing emotion like fear or excitement, and other times they bark just to pass the time -- it depends on the dog and the actual situation taking place. A dog's bark changes tone as it grows, just like human voices.

Many people wish their dogs didn't bark. Consider yourself lucky!

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]]>Dr. Matthew CooperMon, 22 Jun 2009 10:00:00 ESTQ: Why Do Dogs and Cats Eat Grass?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/16/q-why-do-dogs-and-cats-eat-grass/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/16/q-why-do-dogs-and-cats-eat-grass/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/16/q-why-do-dogs-and-cats-eat-grass/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Is it just me or has the grass has gone bad?" Photo: Kettukusu/Flickr

A: In a recent question to Paw Nation, a user asked me if dogs eat grass to settle their stomachs or, since her dog often throws up after eating the green stuff, if it's the grass that actually upsets their stomachs.

But first let's answer the question, why do dogs and cats eat grass?

Some dogs and cats inherited their taste for grass from their ancestors, others chomp it just to have something to do, and some do indeed munch on grass to settle an upset stomach or another gastrointestinal-related problem. Eating grass will often cause vomiting, sometimes because the grass itself upsets your dog's or cat's stomach, or simply because they ate too much.

If your dog or cat is eating grass and vomiting every morning, I would advise bringing it to a vet for an exam.

Grass has no nutritional value for dogs or cats, but it won't harm them if they like to eat it once in a while. Just be sure to watch your pet's behavior and keep your eye on the type of grass he eats. Grass that has been sprayed with pesticides could potentially be toxic. If a dog or cat consumes grass that has been treated with chemicals for a long period of time, there could easily be harmful effects.

Also keep in mind that, like humans, dogs and cats can have behavioral issues. Constant grass eating could be a sign that your pet is obsessive-compulsive.

Do you have a question for Dr. Cooper? Send it to pawnation@aol.com.



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]]>ask a vetAskAVetdogsdr cooperDrCoopergrassDr. Matthew CooperTue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:00 ESTQ: How Can I Get My Puppy to Stop Biting Me?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/08/q-how-can-i-get-my-puppy-to-stop-biting-me/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/08/q-how-can-i-get-my-puppy-to-stop-biting-me/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/08/q-how-can-i-get-my-puppy-to-stop-biting-me/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Yum! This is delicious!" Photo: Giumaiolini/Flickr

All young dogs go through a teething process when their chompers start growing in. Baby teeth are falling out and adult teeth are beginning to erupt, which can be very uncomfortable, leading your pooch to "teeth" on things to help alleviate some discomfort. The puppy also may simply be playing and assumes you find this behavior to be cute.

You need to set some ground rules and teach your puppy as early as possible that biting is unacceptable .

Make sure your puppy has numerous toys to play with and chew on so it can attempt to relieve its pain on something other than your feet.

Also talk to your veterinarian about training options and ideas. The sooner you correct this behavior, the better off you and your pup will be.

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]]>dogdogspuppypuppy trainingtrainingveterinarianDr. Matthew CooperMon, 08 Jun 2009 10:00:00 ESTQ: Does Blood in My Dog's Stool Mean He Has Worms?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/01/q-does-blood-in-my-dogs-stool-mean-he-has-worms/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/01/q-does-blood-in-my-dogs-stool-mean-he-has-worms/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/01/q-does-blood-in-my-dogs-stool-mean-he-has-worms/#commentsFiled under: ,

Photo: ajawin/Flickr

Blood in the stool does not automatically mean your dog has intestinal worms. It could actually be the result of a number of things.

In addition to worms, colitis, bacterial overgrowth, malabsorption, maldigestion, endocrine, metabolic, even neoplastic processes can all cause blood in a dog's stool.

Each case is individual. If a dog has blood continuously in his or her bowel movements I would certainly recommend having it evaluated by your veterinarian. Bring a fresh sample when you visit your vet so they can send it out for analysis if necessary.

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]]>dogsdrcooperstoolwormsDr. Matthew CooperMon, 01 Jun 2009 09:00:00 ESTQ. My Dog Snores. Is There Anything I Can Do?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/25/q-my-dog-snores-what-can-i-do/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/25/q-my-dog-snores-what-can-i-do/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/25/q-my-dog-snores-what-can-i-do/#commentsFiled under: ,

french bulldog snoring asleep

"Maybe if I sleep with my tongue out, the fairy dog princess will get the 'hint' and bring me a treat." Photo: unclebumpy/Flickr

A. That depends. What kind of breed is it?

Some dogs snore and that's just the way it is.

French Bulldogs, for example, snore a lot. That's because they have a short muzzle and a wide lower jaw. They have what's called a Brachycephalic skull. Some other breeds with this shortened skull include the: Pug, Pekinese, Shih Tzu, and Boston Terrier. These dogs tend to snore because of their facial structure and that's usually fine but sometimes a dog's snoring can be indicative of something else.

Brachycephalic Syndrome, for instance, is something you should discuss with your veterinarian if your dog is a constant snorer, regardless of breed. Your vet will need to do a physical exam on your pet, which will involve sedation. Surgical treatments are available and your vet can go over those as needed.

Click here for other reasons your dog may snore.

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]]>brachycephalicdogdrcoopersnoringDr. Matthew CooperMon, 25 May 2009 10:00:00 ESTQ. What's the Best Way to Introduce a Dog to a New Pet Cat?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/18/q-whats-the-best-way-to-introduce-a-dog-to-a-new-pet-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/18/q-whats-the-best-way-to-introduce-a-dog-to-a-new-pet-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/18/q-whats-the-best-way-to-introduce-a-dog-to-a-new-pet-cat/#commentsFiled under: ,

"You weren't my first choice but I kind of like you." Photo: sskennel/Flickr

A: Training your dog to accept a new pet cat is not easy an easy task and must be approached slowly and carefully. It's also important to know from the start that no matter how much work you put into easing the transition, some dogs won't get along with a cat no matter what you do.

If possible, introduce your dog to clothing and toys that carry the cat's scent before bringing the cat home. For the first meeting, bring the dog and cat together in a neutral area where you can closely supervise them both. Keep the cat in a carrier or make sure there's a barrier safely separating the two.

If your dog is accepting of the situation, let the cat out of the carrier, but make sure you are closely monitoring them. Never leave these pets alone together until they have become genuine friends, which could take weeks or months. And again, keep in mind that some dogs and cats may never have a friendly relationship.

Click here to read more.

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]]>catcoexistdogdrcooperget-alongnew-homeDr. Matthew CooperMon, 18 May 2009 10:00:00 ESTQ. Why is My Dog "Scooting" on the Carpet?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/11/q-why-is-my-dog-scooting-on-the-carpet/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/11/q-why-is-my-dog-scooting-on-the-carpet/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/11/q-why-is-my-dog-scooting-on-the-carpet/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Can I get a little help here?"Photo: lonelysandwich/Flickr

A. Your dog possibly scoots because his anal glands are bothering him. When you see him scooting his tush on your favorite carpet, he may be looking for relief.

Both dogs and cats have two small pouches located on either side of the anus called anal glands. These glands are emptied during your pet's bowel movement, in an effort to mark territory, or as a reaction if the cat or dog is frightened suddenly.

Have you ever seen a dog scooting on the ground at the dog run? This may be the same thing -- a dog trying to "clean" himself, if you know what I mean. The situation usually resolves itself quickly. Speak with your veterinarian about a possible diet change can help this happen less often.

If your dog is scooting around more than a vacuum cleaner, take it to the vet right away for a full evaluation. The dog could have an anal sac disease -- these are more prevalent in smaller breeds. Lastly, though not as common, your dog could have a tumor known as adenocarcinoma.

Sometimes this behavior has nothing to do with health at all. Your dog may have a foreign object near its tail, like a twig, for example. If this is the case, don't try to dislodge it -- you may do more harm than good.

If you're ever unsure of what to do, call your vet. Remember, rug burn isn't pleasant either!

Do you have a question for Dr. Cooper? Email him at pawnation@aol.com.

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]]>anal-glandsdogdog anal glandsdog carpetdrcooperDr. Matthew CooperMon, 11 May 2009 08:00:00 ESTQ. How Can I Keep My Cat Off the Counter?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/04/q-how-can-i-keep-my-cat-off-the-counter/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/04/q-how-can-i-keep-my-cat-off-the-counter/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/04/q-how-can-i-keep-my-cat-off-the-counter/#commentsFiled under: ,

cat counterA. It's not easy! And it's much harder to train an adult cat to stay off the counter than a kitten, but it can be done. That said, I'm still working on it with my own cat, Shug!

Some experts recommend clicker training. This method involves training your cat to jump off the counter on a cue word, like "off." When the cat follows your cue, click the clicker, then reward your cat with a treat.

If you choose this route, make sure to feed your cat only half its daily food allotment at the regular feeding time -- save the rest to use throughout the day of training. You'll want to watch your cat's caloric intake so you don't end up with a fat cat -- a whole other problem!

Some cats will jump on the counter whenever you leave any food out, so it's important to keep your counter clear of anything tempting. To deter your cat from even scoping out the area, use a counter top cleaner that smells like citrus -- most cats can't stand it. (This may be why some people use orange peel to keep cats off the counter -- I have not found this to work.)

Another option is a cat training spray system. Every time your cat jumps onto the counter, a motion detector triggers a blast of air from a compressed aerosol can, an annoying sensation that your pet will likely want to avoid in the future.



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]]>catcounterkitchenDr. Matthew CooperMon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 ESTQ. Why Does My Cat Have Bad Breath?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/04/27/q-is-there-a-cure-for-my-cats-bad-breath/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/04/27/q-is-there-a-cure-for-my-cats-bad-breath/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/04/27/q-is-there-a-cure-for-my-cats-bad-breath/#commentsFiled under:

cat brushes teethA. Sometimes cat bad breath can be a sign of simple dental disease.

Like people, cats (and dogs) have bacteria growing in their mouths but unlike us, they don't brush their teeth three times a day. The bacteria can accumulate and release sulfur compounds, which cause bad breath.

In fact, if you lift up your cat's lip you're likely to see a buildup of food particles and minerals, known as tartar. It's tartar that creates the bacteria and starts the cycle.

To keep tartar under control, schedule a yearly oral exam with your vet. Your pet's teeth will be cleaned, just as yours are during a dental visit - in fact, we use nearly the same equipment!

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]]>badbreathpetsDr. Matthew CooperMon, 27 Apr 2009 08:00:00 ESTQ. Why Has My Cat Stopped Using the Litter Box?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/04/20/q-why-has-my-cat-stopped-using-the-litter-box/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/04/20/q-why-has-my-cat-stopped-using-the-litter-box/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/04/20/q-why-has-my-cat-stopped-using-the-litter-box/#commentsFiled under:

catA. Is it a male cat or female cat?

If he's a male cat, first and foremost you must make sure that he is able to urinate when he is attempting to. It could be a behavioral issue or a urinary tract infection.

If she's a female cat it's likely Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. FLUTD is common, but it's difficult to pinpoint the underlying causes.

Other factors could include: inflammation (cystitis); an infection; a dietary issue or bladder stones. You'll want to have a urine sample tested by your veterinarian and submitted to a laboratory to be sure.

Also consider that the problem could be related to cleanliness rather than health. Always make sure your cat's litter box is clean. If you have the space, use one more litter box than the number of cats you own. For example, if you have two cats you should use three litter boxes.

You should also consider offering your cats two different types of litter boxes to choose from, for example an open box as well as an enclosed box. Cats are individuals (like I had to tell you that!) and they can be picky about where they relieve themselves.

Matthew Cooper is an emergency medicine veterinarian with NYC Vet Specialists.

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]]>caturinary tract infectionDr. Matthew CooperMon, 20 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST