slot88
Emma Thompson

Author Archives: Emma Thompson

Hi, I'm Emma Thompson. Welcome to The Pet Town! I'm a Pet lovers like you and please feel free to get in touch with any questions. Enjoy your stay!

Conjunctivitis In Cats How Long Does It Last?

Cats are prone to conjunctivitis for several reasons. It’s a very common eye disease in felines. And it can occur in the eye or both eyes in various ways. The common name for conjunctivitis in cats is also the Pink Eye.

Pink eye is the inflammation of the tissues that circles the eye. This pink tissue is also known as conjunctiva so that’s where the term comes from. It’s as likely to get conjunctivitis in one eye as it is in both the eyes.

In cats, conjunctivitis can be infectious and non-infectious. It can show symptoms right away or it only shows up when the situation gets worse.

The diagnosis and treatment of conjunctivitis are the same for most cats. But this also depends on the symptoms and the severity of the symptoms.

Having said that, let’s get a deeper understanding of conjunctivitis. And how long does it last in a cat?

Does Your Cat Have Conjunctivitis?

There are plenty of signs to look for when a cat has conjunctivitis. Excessive blinking, redness, and swelling around the eye, watering, and discharge.

Your cat can make this worse by scratching and pawing the eye. It can cause pus discharge which is either white or yellow in color. It can also cause the skin to tear or bruise due to excessive pawing at the eye.

If for a minor conjunctivitis infection, it’s necessary to take your cat to the vet right away. It’s only a matter of time your cat’s eye will become red and swollen. If your cat is the fidgety kind, then even faster is the worsening of the condition.

This brings me to another important question. How do you diagnose conjunctivitis?

Surely, you won’t be able to know for sure by yourself. Take an appointment with a vet to get this confirmed. They will also give you the correct treatment plan for conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis, even if it’s non-infectious, is painful for a cat. The doctor might give your cat some anesthetic eye drops to ease the pain and discomfort. This should numb the area quickly so that the doctor can perform a thorough check-up of the eye.

If there is any dust or irritants stuck on the eye. If the conjunctiva has been scratched or bruised. Or if there is an underlying wound that is not visible directly.

All this is possible only when your cat is unable to feel the stinging pain in the eye. Hence, you must go to a professional vet’s clinic to diagnose the problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN0IHsWh7uY

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

This determines whether the conjunctivitis is infectious or otherwise.

Virus

If the conjunctivitis is caused by viruses, it is the infectious type. It can also cause respiratory problems. And if you have other cats around the house, it can spread easily.

Bacteria

This is also an infectious cause of conjunctivitis. It can infect the cat’s eyes and other sensitive areas such as the ears. It spreads just as quickly as conjunctivitis caused by viruses.

Allergens & Irritants

This is the only type of conjunctivitis that isn’t infectious. Dust, poor air quality, mold, and exposure to chemicals can cause this. Cat shampoos and soaps that have strong chemicals and scents in them. Air fresheners or detergents can cause this type of eye infection.

How Long Does Conjunctivitis Last?

This depends upon the severity and treatment of conjunctivitis. But the average time for conjunctivitis to completely heal is 1-3 weeks. It may take longer if the condition is serious.

Eye drops and other antibiotic meds are prescribed for the treatment of conjunctivitis. If there is an underlying cause such as a virus, then vaccination is also a safe treatment option.

E-collars for cats are necessary during the treatment. The eyedrops can bother your cat. And this will compel her to rub and paw at her infected eye even more. So it’s best to keep your cat’s paws away from her eye with the help of an E-collar.

What Not To Do

If you want to prevent conjunctivitis in your cat, do not do this.

Skipping out on vaccinations

Giving your cat the correct vaccinations when it’s due is necessary. It can prevent serious infections including conjunctivitis. It also reduces the chances of flu, flare-ups, and feline herpes.

Letting your cat play in dirty mud

Damp and dirty mud can carry pathogens and viruses. If they come into contact with your cat’s eye, it can lead to an infection. Keep your cat away from mud and dirt if your cat is prone to such sensitivities.

Giving your cat a bath rarely

It’s not okay to give your cat a bath once in a few months or so. Keeping your cat clean means keeping him away from harmful bacteria and viruses. It’s a good idea to give your cat a bath or a sponge-bath once every 2-3 weeks or so.

If your cat goes outdoors, wiping her eyes and ears on a regular basis is also necessary.

Keeping your cats together

Do you have multiple cats at home? If one of your cats has conjunctivitis, keep her in a separate room. You don’t want all of your cats to get infected. Make sure you keep the rooms clean and hygienic. And that you do not keep a single water bowl and food bowl for all your cats.

Final Thoughts

Can humans get conjunctivitis from a cat?

Well, the chances of that happening are very low. The virus or bacteria to get transmitted to a human and cause the same infection is not likely. However, you must still practice safety and wash your hands after treating your cat’s eye.

Cat conjunctivitis is not a very serious condition. But it can be worse if left undiagnosed and untreated. In the worst situations, it can lead to blindness. Even though blindness caused by cat conjunctivitis is rare. You have to be vigilant about it.

Delaying consulting with the vet about your conjunctivitis is a problem. It can delay the recovery time as well. If you had gone sooner, conjunctivitis would have lasted for half the time. So don’t be lazy and keep a lookout for such nasty infections for the sake of your cat.

How To Care For Your Pet Reptiles At Home

Keeping reptiles at home can be a lot of fun, and there are plenty of benefits to this, including companionship and safety. However, there’s an important element that can’t be missed: when tending to reptiles at home, they must have the proper care to keep them healthy and safe. If you need more information on caring for your reptile at home, there are a number of resources available online such as Reptile Direct, for example.

Infrared heat lamp for reptile and amphibian care. Green iguana relaxing and warming up under the red glow of a heat lamp in the tank.

Do Your Research

When it comes to taking care of your reptilian friend at home, you will want to make sure you have researched extensively so you’re better prepared for any situation that may arise.  In some cases, taking care of a reptile is different from fostering pets like dogs or cats. So, you should be aware of your pet’s needs before you bring them home. There are many ways you can conduct your research, whether you go to a bookstore or library to find some books, or maybe talk to an experienced associate at a local pet store, or just browse the internet. 

You will also want to consider researching the appropriate diet and bedding your reptile may require, and whether they will need a heat source or not. You may find valuable information if you know the exact classification of your reptile. Knowing the type of animal you have will make it easy to find details on their diet and environmental requirements. Maintenance of your reptile is also important to know. Fortunately, some reptiles don’t require as much maintenance as some others. If you do need to take some steps to keep your reptile’s health in good shape, then there are plenty of books out on the subject and sites to be researched, which should give you some good information. For general health standards, it’s important to follow basic steps regarding daily vitamins and proper food source, having a proper cage or tank, choice of UVA or UVB bulbs, temperature or humidity rates, and acclimation time. 

Daily Vitamins And Proper Food Source

The first thing you will need for your reptile is a good source of food. This will vary depending on the species of your reptile, and will thus require research to ensure you’re giving your pet the right food. If you are not giving your pet the appropriate food for their species then they will likely suffer from deficiencies that will be detrimental to their health. They also may simply not eat at all and starve.

It’s vital to know that some reptiles are herbivores while others are omnivores or carnivores.
If your pet needs both greens and meat, you should ensure you give them a variety of foods. This way, they’ll be in good health.

Regardless of which food you’re giving your reptile companion, it’s possible that they will be missing out on a number of vitamins and nutrients that are imperative to their overall health. It’s not difficult to find these vitamins. You can purchase them online or you can go to a local store that stocks what you need. An experienced associate might be able to help you pick out which vitamin is best for your reptile.

Proper Cage Or Tank

When housing your reptilian friend, you will want to make sure they have plenty of room to move around and explore. If they’re in a space that’s cramped and generally not big enough, your reptile will likely start to become depressed or agitated and lash out. During your research, you will find that a tank is best for certain reptiles, while cages are more appropriate for others. It really just depends on the species and how big your reptile will get as they continue to grow. Make sure that when you’re choosing a size for a tank or cage that you consider how big your reptile may actually grow. 

Also, it would be best if you put their housing in an environment that suits their needs. For instance, if they need plenty of light, you should place them near a light source. On the other hand, if they prefer a dark or cold place, you can find a shaded area in your home. 

Furthermore, you should consider the long-term maintenance of their cage or tank. It should be easy to clean and won’t break easily. If you buy a low-quality model, you may end up replacing it after a few months.

UVB Or UVA Bulbs

It’s recommended that you don’t keep the housing of your reptile in direct sunlight, as that constant heat will cause your pet harm.  Dehydration is a perfect example. While housing your reptile away from direct sunlight, it’s important to consider which heating bulb is best for your pet. Do the research to find out which bulb is correct for your situation. 

A UVA bulb is a black light while a UVB bulb is for heating. These bulbs will help promote the reptile’s natural behavior, including eating, breeding habits, and immune system strength. Without these bulbs, your pets can suffer from paralysis. Their life cycle becomes accelerated and they can actually die sooner than you’d expect. It’s like taking away the sun from our race. We would eventually freeze to death because there’s no longer a source of heat.

Once the proper bulb or bulbs are in place, it’s recommended that you change them whenever they time out, or at least every 12 months. It might not seem like such a big deal, but it can be quite important when it comes to your reptile’s health. 

Temperatures And Humidity

This topic will require the most consideration and the most research. The temperature and humidity of your reptile’s climate is something that needs to be checked regularly. Having the appropriate equipment like a thermometer and a humidity gauge will make this easier to handle. Keep track of the varying degrees to best benefit your pet. 

For example: 

  • Average Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
  • Basking Temperature: 90-110°F (32-43°C)
  • Humidity: 10-30%

This will not be difficult to research, and may take only a couple minutes to do, but it will be detrimental to the overall health of your reptile. You don’t want the enclosure to be too humid, or too dry, and cause your pet to be dehydrated.

Give Them The Right Acclimation Time

When you first bring your pet home, you will need to give them time to acclimate to their new environment. If you try to handle them within the first few days of bringing them home, there’s a good chance they will lash out. When this happens, you or your pet can get hurt. So, give them time to adapt to their surroundings, and slowly introduce them to your touch over time. Don’t immediately try picking them up, as they’re not used to you. This action can make them aggressive and attack you, so take your time. Once you recognize that they’re more active in their enclosure, reach in and touch them gently every so often. This will help them become more acclimated to your presence. 

Eventually, you’ll be able to hold them and give them attention in a more personal fashion. You might even let them roam around the room and explore for themselves, as long as they’re supervised. Eventually, letting them out of their cage and handling them appropriately will be a great benefit for their overall health. 

Conclusion

There’s a lot of research that must be conducted to properly care for your reptilian friend. No one wants to watch their pet suffer, or pass away too soon. So, whether you have just brought your pet home, or are thinking about getting one, make sure you’ve researched everything that relates to your reptile of choice. Also, it would help if you prepared everything you may need once you bring them home. For instance, you should have some food and clean housing ready. If you do, then it’s likely that your pet will thrive in your care, and they will live for many years to come. Make sure to have fun when keeping your reptile around the house, too. You’ll learn a lot about them, and yourself, in the end.

How Long Do Parakeets Live As Pets?

Parakeets live for longer as pets than they do in the wild. But only when they’re taken care of. This means parakeets can live for 5 to 8 years as pets.

The name ‘Parakeet’ is Australian. And Parakeets are the smallest parrot species. They’re friendly and sociable creatures which is why they’re popular pets.

If you’re considering buying a Parakeet as a pet. Here’s everything you need to know about the Parakeet’s age and lifespan.

How Long Do Parakeets Live?

The average lifespan of a Parakeet is 8 years. However, considering their upbringing and nutrition some birds live for 29 years.

Parakeets follow an aging cycle just the way other animals (and humans) do. They mature at the age of 12 months. And they live an active and vigorous life till the age of 7 years.

Following that, a Parakeet may become slightly lethargic and passive. This is when their bodies start to slow down and age. Aging is a common cause of early deaths and severe illnesses in Parakeets.

This is why reading what follows next is just as important.

Common Problems That Affect Lifespan

1.    Aging

Age-related illnesses in Parakeets include arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. You have to look out for certain signs that your Parakeet is in pain or distressed. If your Parakeet’s movements are unusually slow or if they get cold.

In addition to that, it’s a good idea to keep your pet in a warm and pleasant environment. With proper nutritional supplements and food.

2.    Environment

Parakeets are sensitive creatures. They can feel anxious and stressed easily. This can change the way they behave even at a younger age. Any kind of traumatic event or drastic change can affect their temperament.

Generally, Parakeets are quite vigorous birds. They’re enjoyable, sociable, and fun to be around. But a Parakeet is as healthy and active as its owners. So if you maintain an interactive and stimulating environment for your pet Parakeet. Then you have nothing to worry about.

Toys, food, engaging conversations, and other experiences. These things can keep your Parakeet busy and happy.

Failing to do this, on top of all, failing to provide proper nutrition and exercise. These factors can lead to stress-related diseases. It can affect Parakeet’s energy levels, appetite, and weight.

Obesity, diabetes, heart diseases are common causes of such environmental factors.

3.    Chronic Diseases

Bacterial and virus diseases are also common in Parakeets. They are not specifically brought on by external factors. But if you diagnose and treat the condition soon, it can save your Parakeet’s life.

That’s why taking your pet Parakeet to the vet once every 6 months is necessary. The vet will be able to perform all proper check-ups, tests, and preventative health exams. If your Parakeet has lice, skin problems, or any bacterial infection.

Such chronic diseases can cause severe symptoms in an older Parakeet. And this affects the bird’s lifespan significantly.

Common chronic illnesses in Parakeets are Avian Bornavirus, Psittacosis, and Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. Such diseases can transmit from bird to bird. More acutely when you somehow come into contact with a wild bird.

If you notice any sudden change in your pet Parakeet’s behavior. Or if you notice signs of sneezing, discharge, abnormal feces, or fluffed features. It’s best to take your Parakeet to the vet immediately.

Other serious diseases such as cancer are also linked to obesity. Tumors are not that easy to spot in Parakeets. And in some cases, they are asymptomatic. If you want to increase your bird’s life expectancy, do not avoid health checkups.

Improve Parakeet’s Life Expectancy

You can do a few things to make your Parakeet live longer.

The first thing you can do is select a suitable Parakeet. One of the common causes of death or disease in Parakeets in improper breeding. In fact, it’s inbreeding that usually dampens the life expectancy of birds.

So make sure you buy a Parakeet that is bred from a healthy line. Do not look for show-quality Parakeets as they do not live for long. Standard, healthy Parakeets have a longer life and they make great pets.

Once you bring a Parakeet home, general care is essential. Exercising, nutrition, and stimulation. These simple things can ensure the safety and longevity of your pet Parakeet.

To keep up with a Parakeet’s rapid metabolism, keep fresh water for drinking. You might have to keep changing the water in the water bowl every hour or so.

Allow your Parakeet room to move around in the cage. This means either buying the largest cage you can find or maintaining an aviary. Introduce new toys and furniture or mazes in your bird’s cage. This will keep the bird distracted and happy rather than bored and depressed.

You can also encourage proper social interaction. For the bird’s well-being, bringing home a companion Parakeet is ideal. They’ll be fewer chances of stress and you won’t have to keep entertaining your Parakeet all the time.

Having said that, Parakeet birds like to be left alone most of the time. So keeping 2 Parakeets in the cage or aviary, you know they’re happy and satisfied.

Lastly, hygiene is very important. Grooming, manual cleaning, and trimming Parakeet’s hair and claws. In fact, Parakeets are at risk of suffering from beak overgrowth. To maintain a healthy beak, you must perform beak trimming with the help of the vet.

Keep your pet Parakeet away from smoke, perfume smell, and air conditioning. They prefer dry and slightly warm climates. But as soon as you notice anything out of the blue, contact a doctor immediately.

Final Thoughts

Parakeets are fun and loving creatures. And quite literally, the livelihood of a pet Parakeet depends on you. With adequate nutrition, the best place for a Parakeet to be is your home. The bird can live longer as a pet than in the wild.

So if you want your Parakeet to live longer than 7 to 14 years as your pet. This is the best article to read on the topic. Even though there are many types of parrots in the wild. Parakeets are the smallest and one of the most popular breeds. So taking care of them is not a rare thing to do which means you can do it perfectly!

These Tips will Help you to Adopt your Very First Rescue Dog

Adopting a rescue dog is a fantastic way for you to give a furry friend the love they deserve. It also gives them hope of having a brighter future as well, because most adopted animals don’t get a good start in life. Of course, you have to know that adopting a rescue dog will come with its own set of challenges, so you need to try and be prepared for them as much as possible. If you want to find out more then simply take a look below.

Finding a Rescue Home

There really are dozens of charities out there that will help you to find the right match for your perfect dog. If you go through a charity then you know that you are going to end up finding the ideal dog as they know how difficult the adjustment period can be, and for this reason, they will want to work with you to make sure that it is a smooth transition for everyone.

Ask A lot of Questions

Charities that specialize in actively rehoming dogs and various other animals are true experts in the field. You need to make sure that you ask them a lot of questions as this will help you to make the transition. They will also be able to put you in touch with other families who have adopted dogs as well, as this is the best way for you to learn from their experiences and for you to also make the most out of your journey.

Give them Time

You have to remember that it is going to take your new dog quite a long time to get truly comfortable with your family. You need to try and keep your home environment clean and you also need to try and keep it as calm as possible as well. Give them lots of time, and space when they need it. Giving them room to explore is also another bonus, as this helps them to get used to their surroundings. If you are concerned that your dog is not warming up to you as fast as you’d like then they may have had a rough start and be somewhat untrusting of humans. If this is the case then work with your agency to make sure that you are giving your dog the support they need.

Look at Insurance

Sure, getting insurance might not be at the forefront of your thought process right now, but it should be. You have to make sure that you are taking into account the type of dog you are getting, as the more aggressive breeds can be much more expensive to insure. If you want to stop this from being the case then try and choose a dog for the breed as well as the personality. Sure, the more dangerous breeds may seem sweet and loving as family pets, and there’s a high chance that they are, but that doesn’t mean that the insurance price is going to come down. Luckily, modern pet insurance is now more affordable than ever though.

One Thing at a Time

Too much stimulation can easily cause your dog some stress. It is vitally important that you try and limit the amount of time that you spend trying out new experiences and that you also try and introduce them to new people and locations. Don’t overwhelm your dog, but make sure that they have the option to get out there and see the world as much as possible.  Try and take them out for the same walk every day, and then build it up by adding one or two new walks in a week. When you do, you will soon find that you are able to give them the best time without overwhelming them.

Be Consistent

Establishing routines and rules will help your dog to settle in much more. You have to talk with your entire family and you need to make sure that they understand the house rules long before your dog arrives. Some rules, such as whether or not they are allowed on the sofa or whether or not they are allowed in the kitchen need to be set before your dog gets home. When you have established these kinds of rules, you then have to make sure that you stick to them so that things don’t get conflicting or confusing for your pooch.

Seek some Help

If you are having a major problem with your dog then you have to know that this is not a reflection on your abilities at all. You need to seek help where possible and you also need to go through an experienced rescue owner. You have to remember that older dogs are much more difficult to train when compared to younger dogs as well.

How Long Do Teacup Poodles Live?

As the name suggests, a Teacup Poodle is in fact a toy-sized dog breed. Teacup Poodles are not official dog breeds, as you must have already guessed it. They’re smaller than Toy Poodles and they’re very popular in America.

For their small size, Teacup Poodles can live for as long as 12 to 15 years. Since they’re bred as companion dogs, they’re also sold as hypoallergenic dogs. Weighing less than 6 pounds, they’re delightful creatures.

You can buy a Teacup Poodle in white, cream, black, or red. They’re intelligent, playful, and easy to train. But what about health issues? What can possibly affect their lifespan that you don’t know of?

Let’s find out.

How Long Do Teacup Poodles Live?

Teacup Poodles can live for 12 to 15 years. Even more, if they are not suffering from specific health issues. If you ask the vet for more information about pet Poodles, this is more than enough information for you.

For Teacup Poodles, good-quality food, exercise, and neutering are necessary. This ensures your pet lives a long and healthy life.

What Causes Death In Teacup Poodles?

When you see a Teacup Poodle, the first thing that crosses your mind is their weight. Even though there is no official registration for Teacup Poodles. Their average weight is from 2-and-a-half to 6 pounds in fully grown, adult condition.

That is why Teacup Poodles can have plenty of weight and other health problems. Scientifically speaking, Teacup Poodles, all through their puppyhood and adulthood, are considered as premature.

They need extra attention and care. It’s expensive enough to purchase a Teacup Poodle as they cost more than $1,500. If you end up with a sick or a weak Teacup Poodle, medical expenses keep piling on.

So the talk of the town is that buying Teacup Poodles is a bad idea. But if you still are considering them as a pet. Here’s what you should know about common diseases and other health issues.

Health Risks

The most common issues that Teacup Poodles suffer from are as follows.

Hypoglycemia is high blood sugar in dogs. If it persists, it can cause diabetes and heart problems. Poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and high-stress levels can also contribute to this condition.

Next are heart defects. If your Teacup Poodle is coughing or has difficulty breathing, this may be the cause. Generally, Poodles suffer from heart defects due to genetic or chronic factors. Symptoms of which may occur early on in puppyhood or in old age.

Another serious health risk in Teacup Poodles is a collapsed trachea. This shouldn’t be surprising considering the sheer size and shape of a Teacup Poodle.

If your dog experiences bouts of coughing after eating food, drinking water, or exercising. Difficulty in breathing or loud breathing noises are also signed. This could indicate that your dog is having difficulties in breathing due to a collapsed trachea.

Such respiratory diseases are very common in Teacup Poodles. And they also contribute to their death.

Other problems such as digestive issues and arthritis are common. Having said that, Teacup Poodles are genetically predisposed to dental issues. Sometimes, their baby teeth don’t fall out. And they may have to be surgically removed by a vet.

These health risks clearly state that a Teacup Poodle can live for 2 to 3 years. Or if they’re lucky, they can live for 12 years! But there’s no guarantee that they will be healthy and active all these years.

Size

I don’t have to tell you that Teacup Poodles are tiny, tiny, tiny. This translates to them having weaker and thinner bones. This means they cannot withstand climate changes from hot to cold to hot again.

This also means you cannot play rough with him or get them overexcited! If they jump from one high surface to another. Or from furniture to furniture. Or from a high chair to the floor. They are at risk of breaking a bone or injuring a body part.

When you take your Poodle out for a walk, you have to make sure you keep them on a tight leash. Or else have them run around your backyard for a few minutes at a time. Taking them to the dog park with big dogs around is a bad idea.

Injuries and trauma are expected if you decide to take things lightly with a Teacup Poodle.

Their size also affects surgical procedures. A standard IV needle is too big for a 3-pound Poodle. You will have to find an experienced doctor. This means paying higher for medicines, treatment, and other medical expenses.

Teacup Poodles’ survival rate from falling down the stairs, getting attacked by a big dog, or an accident is not positive. They even get scared or anxious fast which causes heart problems, seizures, palpitations, and skin conditions.

From all this, both you and I can gather that buying Teacup Poodles is a bad idea. And in case you’re rescuing one, you have to be very vigilant about their livelihood.

Final Thoughts

Professionals advise against the breeding of Teacup Poodles for a reason. They’re not the healthiest dog breeds on the market. They suffer from a lot of health problems. And on a more personal level, they can be a nuisance for an owner to pay for.

Having said that, the lifespan of a Teacup Poodle is unexpected. Even though you can cut back on feeding expenses as they do not eat a lot of food. That’s the only advantage one can think of about Teacup Poodles. The rest of it depends on the genetic factors of the dog.

The consistent breeding of Teacup Poodles can shorten their lifespan. A healthy Poodle can live for 12 to 15 years. But a sick Poodle can live for only 2 to 5 years.

With congenital birth defects, infections, high blood sugar, and weak bones. It’s harder to take care of a Teacup Poodle. Not to mention, it’s way more expensive! They look cute and are an instant hit with family and friends. But they’re not the healthiest choice for a pet.

Top Reasons You Should Avoid Sleeping With Your Dog

For many dog parents, it is no longer acceptable to leave their canine pal sleeping on their doggy bed somewhere in the house or a dog house. According to a survey done by the American Pet-Product Association, over 50% of the dogs in the U.S. sleep with their owners. This survey confirmed that over 32% of the giant dogs, 41% of the medium-sized ones and 62% of the small dogs sleep with their owners every night.

However, is sleeping with your furry pal a good idea? Well, we all adopted our dogs for companionship and sleeping with them helps strengthen the bond between us. But, do you know that sleeping with your dog poses a significant risk to your health? Sleeping with your dog might have numerous benefits, but when it comes to your health, it’s good to think twice. So, here are a few reasons why you should never share a bed with your dog:

Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Sleeping With Your Dog

1.    Aggravates Asthma and Allergies

According to the AAFA (Asthma and Allergies Foundations of America), about 10% of the population are asthmatic and over a third of Americans have pet allergies. So, if you are in these demographics, you should never sleep with your dog in the same bed. People with pet allergies should never allow their pets to get into their bedrooms.

The main issue with pet allergens is that they are not isolated to your pet’s bodies. These allergens can adhere to your beddings or furniture and continue affecting you even in your dog’s absence. So, make sure you use HEPA filters, every time you sleep with your dog in the same room. Even with proper grooming and a balanced diet, individuals with pet allergies should never sleep with their dog. However, adequate grooming can help you manage their shedding levels. Dedicated dog blogs like https://www.crazypetguy.com/ offers  more information on how to groom different dog breeds, so you may consider doing further research.

You might not have pet allergies, but remember every time your dog goes out; he is exposed to outdoor allergens. These allergens such as dust and pollen tend to stick to their paws or coats and follow them to bed. The presence of outdoor allergens can affect the quality of your sleep. After all, sneezing and blowing your nose the whole night is no fun.

2.    Interrupts Sleep

All dogs twist and turn when sleeping, and this can be even worse when they are dreaming. The movement of small-sized dogs might not disrupt the heavy sleepers, but the huge dogs can keep you awake the whole night. When they scratch at night, the noises from their jingling collars or nails can also disrupt your sleep.

While cat’s paw or sit on your face at night when they want your attention, dogs tend to hog the bed. Remember, it’s not unusual to get unexpected kicks from his hind legs when sleeping. These habits can interfere with your sleep resulting in decreased alertness during the day or crankiness.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

3.    Causes Aggression and Dominance

Dogs tend to be protective of their territories, and by allowing them to hog the bed when sleeping, you are intensifying or creating an aggression or dominance behavior. From your canine pal’s point of view, you are giving them more space on your bed. And this can be a problem the next time you try to move them or force them to leave your bedroom. To counter this behavior, you can try and allow them to sleep on a specific part of the bed. And only let them in bed if they stay in that particular position.

4.    Interferes With a Couple’s Intimate Moment

Letting your pet sleep on the bed can prove problematic to you and your spouse. Remember, physical proximity and touch is crucial for maintaining connection and intimacy in a relationship. Many experts advise couples against allowing their dogs to sleep between them. Allowing the dog to sleep between couples can cause behavioral problems and increase the distance between you and your spouse. Your dog can start growling at your spouse every time he/she comes close to you. So, for the sake of the relationship between you and your pet and your marriage, it is better to have your dog sleep on a doggy bed.

5.    House Training Accidents

Have you ever steam cleaned your beddings? Well, if you have, then you can agree that it’s easier to throw a dog bed into the washing machine than cleaning your mattress. And if your mattress doesn’t have a rubber sheet covering, there is a huge chance that you can get some leakages.

6.    Increase the Risk of Diseases

Even if you are not affected by pet allergies, your dog spends a lot of time interacting with everything that can interfere with your health. According to the CDC, over 60% of human pathogens are transmitted by our pets. Therefore, your beloved pet can introduce unwanted pathogens in your home.

Dogs are not generally clean creatures. Dogs tend to play or step in their poop. And when they come into your bed, they track their feces into the bedroom. The introduction of fecal matter in your bed is the most common way of transmitting bacteria and parasites like salmonella and E. coli. The risk of infections can be relatively high if your dog’s flea medication and vaccinations are not up to date.

7.    A Lifetime Commitment

It is almost impossible for your dog to go back to sleeping on the floor or in a crate after tasting your bed. And who can blame him when he had his best friend next to him, a comfortable pillow and comfy mattress to lie on. So to avoid this, it’s better if you have him sleeping on his bed from day one. Because reintroducing him to crate training after he has gotten used to your bed is quite challenging. Moving him back to the crate can result in your pooch crying and whining the whole night.

Final Thoughts

The whole idea behind adopting a dog is companionship; therefore, it’s quite normal for you to always want him snuggled next to you every night. However, sleeping with your dog every night is not a good idea. Other than affecting your sleep cycle, sharing your bed with your dog can be quite hazardous. Dogs can aggravate your allergies and also introduce pathogens and bacteria that can affect your health. Therefore, you should try your best to fight the urge to carry your furry pal to bed every night. And make sure that you allow them to sleep on their beds from the first day you introduce them to your home.

How Long Does A Beagle Live?

The life expectancy of a Beagle depends on a number of factors. Genetics, neurological conditions, and trauma. However, the average age of the Beagle is between 12 to 15 years.

Some Beagle dogs may live up to 17 years. But that, as I said, depends on the dog’s personal factors. If a Beagle owner takes proper care of their dog, the lifespan can increase. Avoiding severe health diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, and other neurological diseases.

Beagle puppies who have suffered from physical abnormalities. Or they have suffered from some kind of trauma during childbirth. Such Beagle dogs don’t live for very long. Although such hereditary issues can be taken care of with proper rehabilitation and medications.

If you want to know how long a Beagle lives, this is what you need to find out.

How Long Do Beagles Live?

Image name: how-long-do-beagles-live

Photo credit: https://petcentral.chewy.com/

The average life expectancy of the Beagle dog is 12 to 13 years. A healthy and well-reared Beagle can live for longer than 15 years also. That said, a Beagle that’s in ill health can live for less than 12 years too.

The increase and decrease of a Beagle’s life expectancy depend on genetics. Though Beagles live longer, in comparison to similar dog breeds. If you take care of them well and provide proper care, you can expect your Beagle to live for a long time.

Did you know the oldest Beagle alive was 27 years? That Beagle has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records! That’s why Beagle is one of the longest living breeds. Alongside it are Chihuahuas, Jack Russell Terriers, and Miniature Poodles.

What Causes Death In Beagles?

When we talk about life, death is just a stone’s throw away. You can understand what seriously ails the Beagle breed – puppies and adults. That’s a good way to figure out whether adopting/buying a Beagle is the right choice for you.

If you already do have a Beagle, you’ll know what to look out for.

Beagle puppies are 12 months old or lower. Puppies are at their most sensitive stages. If you’re not extra careful, a puppy might get an infection, injured, or a congenital disease.

Causes of Death In Puppies

These are the common diseases in the Beagle puppy that you should know about.

Infection

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease in Beagle puppies. This is regardless of the vaccination. And if left undiagnosed or untreated, it can be a life-threatening infection. Your puppy can be prone to many such infections.

Others include distemper, bacterial infections, leptospirosis, and eye or ear infections.

A professional would recommend separate vaccines to prevent such infections. For fungal infection, for example, you must request a vaccine specific to such diseases.

If your puppy has been around the forest, other animals, or a raccoon. It’s best to get the vaccine so as to prevent a deadly infection spread.

Trauma

Trauma in puppies is more common than you think. Beagle puppies, during and after childbirth, can easily hurt themselves. Being dropped, walking into a ditch, getting stuck between a wire or a narrow corner. This can be accidental or intentional.

Human carelessness and incompetence can lead to traumatic events. A common established term “puppy mill” also causes trauma in puppies. Force-feeding, poor living conditions, lack of proper nutrition.

All these factors can lead to Beagle puppies living for a much shorter period of time. But this is not something proper medication and lots of love can alter. Hence, it is best to prolong and nourish life by adopting a Beagle puppy than it is to pre-plan one for purchasing.

Congenital Disease

Congenital diseases are birth defects. Beagles often suffer from liver or heart disease. Poor breeding conditions, trauma, poor nutrition can also cause congenital diseases in the Beagle mother. Which she then passes on to the Beagle puppies.

Causes of Death In Adults

An adult Beagle is 12 months or higher. They reach maturity between the 1 to 7-year mark. After 7 years of age, you can think of the Beagle as a senior dog. Lots of changes occur during this period.

Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of death in adult Beagles. This is also true for other dominant dog breeds too.

The most common types of cancer in Beagles include. Bone cancer, mast cell tumors, melanoma which is mouth cancer, and lymphoma which is skin cancer. It can occur in middle-aged and elderly dogs.

Early diagnosis, proper medication, chemotherapy. All these factors significantly improve the life expectancy of the Beagle. However, along with the treatment, you should also expect certain behavioral changes in your dog.

Neurological Diseases

Certain dominant neurological diseases in Beagles are genetic. It’s a disease the adult Beagle must have picked up from either one of the parents or both of them. Beagles are prone to epilepsy, seizures, palpitations, and the inflammation of the brain.

All of these factors can be acute or chronic. This means they can be either brought on by an accident or trauma. Or they are a recurring disease such as diabetes.

Beagles also experience problems with the spine such as the Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration. But most of these diseases can be controlled and/or treated with proper medication.

Before You Go

You can guide your dog to reach his/her full life expectancy. By having your dog properly vaccinated, neutered, and treated for certain health conditions.

The underlying factors such as proper nutrition, weight management, and regular physical activity. They all contribute to increasing the lifespan of the Beagle. Beagles are healthy dogs. They can be physically and mentally stimulated for play. They’re quite a playful and active dog breed.

So the Beagle has a better chance of living longer because of you. Consider this a reminder to treat your dog with love and respect. Don’t be fooled into thinking that dogs are genetically wired to live for a set period of time.

You’re responsible for their upbringing and old age. Health has the same effect on dogs as it does on humans. If you don’t take care of your body, you’re bound to fall sick all the time. So why do you think it’s going to be any different for your favorite Beagle dog?

How Many Days Can A Cat Go Without Food?

Is your cat refusing to eat any food? Have you tried switching her food to something tastier? If that hasn’t worked either, it’s time to take your cat to the vet. Whether your cat is healthy or not, knowing this might help.

As a cat owner, chances are you’re making mistakes that you don’t even know are mistaken. This happens to lots of new cat owners. And the only way around it is to know how long cats can go without food.

This shouldn’t stop you from taking your cat from the vet in case she stops eating. But it’s good to know these things. Because they help you understand your cat better. And what is and what is not good for her.

How Many Days Can A Cat Go Without Food?

The short answer to this question is that a cat can survive as long as 7 days without food. However, this also depends on the physical condition of the cat. Some cats can survive without falling sick, and getting lethargic. Or collapsing for 3 to 4 days maximum.

After the fourth day mark, the cat’s body will no longer be able to perform normal activities. Such as walking or even sitting up on the bed. The energy, from food, stored in a cat’s body is completely depleted. This can cause starvation, organ damage, and fainting.

The long answer to this question is as follows.

Why Is My Cat Not Eating?

There can be many reasons why your cat isn’t eating food anymore. It may be due to an illness, new surroundings, behavioral issues, or vaccinations. Recognizing the cause can help you help your cat quicker and more decisively.

Those of you who have never been through something like this before. I know it can be quite confusing to handle. Your best chances are to take your cat to the vet right away. Explain your cat’s medical history and diet you provide at home.

Only a professional vet can let you know the diagnosis and treatment plan for your cat. Common conditions like tummy ache, diabetes, and thyroid can also develop loss of appetite.

It’s best to determine the cause of this before jumping to conclusions. Or before taking matters into your own hands and perhaps making it worse for your cat.

What Can Happen When A Cat Goes Hungry for Long?

If your cat hasn’t eaten food for a long time. A long time being anywhere from 4 to 7 days. This is what you need to know about it.

Organ Failure

Your cat’s digestive system is sensitive and active all the time. The food your cat consumes is directly used as fuel for daily activities. The nutrients in cat food keep him healthy and energetic.

If your cat fails to provide the body with proper nutrition for even a day or two. The body starts attacking the internal organs for energy expenditure. The digestive system takes a hit first. Followed by the brain, the heart, and so on.

To avoid this deterioration, your cat needs IV fluids that only a vet can administer. Even if your cat refuses to eat solid food, the IV fluids give your cat all the nutrients to avoid organ failure.

Hepatic Lipidosis

Hepatic Lipidosis is when the liver gets affected because of starvation. It causes liver failure or grave illness of the organ. This is mainly due to starvation caused by an underlying disease in cats.

To check this, you have to get your cat’s blood tests done.

In other terms, fatty liver disease is also very common in cats. It’s when the body starts metabolizing the fat cells in the body for energy. Without food, the body fails to metabolize proteins along with the fats.

Your cat needs proteins to maintain energy and proper well-being. If a cat isn’t eating well, the lack of protein causes the fat cells to metabolize out of control. This affects the liver as the fat cells start to build up and interfere with the proper functioning.

When this happens, your cat is more likely to not eat because of liver dysfunction. Underlying health conditions like gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, and thyroid can also Hepatic Lipidosis in cats.

More apparent causes such as stress, change of diet, guests, and psychological issues can too.

What to Do When My Cat Refuses to Eat?

You shouldn’t force your cat to eat food until and unless you know the problem. There are different things you can do at home if your cat refuses to eat. Cats with pancreatitis often starve themselves. So you have to force-feed them with a syringe or a spoon.

If you’re going through a similar problem, it’s best to take your cat to the vet.

If, on the other hand, your cat has undergone surgery and that is why she’s refusing to eat. That is completely normal. Cats are not supposed to eat for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Your doctor will give you proper post-op instructions.

But in case your cat doesn’t go back to eating food normally after 2 days. You need to talk to your doctor about the possible causes for this. Your cat may be in pain or stressed.

In that case, you can slowly introduce delicious cat food to your cat. Make sure you keep a calm environment so that your cat isn’t afraid to go toward his food and water bowl.

Final Thoughts

Even though there’s no reason why your cat should stop eating food. Unless there’s an underlying cause such as digestive disorder, thyroid, etc. Your cat shouldn’t stay hungry for more than 2-3 days.

Once it goes beyond 3 days, it can cause organ damage, fainting, and even death. Make sure you take your cat to the doctor. Taking into consideration the cat’s blood reports and other scans, the vet will prescribe a proper treatment plan.

There are many things you can do at home to “bribe” your cat into eating food. Force-feeding with a syringe, exercise, and proper hydration. If these do not work, the doctor will inject IV fluids right into the cat’s bloodstream. This prevents organ failure, hepatic lipidosis, and fatty liver disease caused by starvation.

What does an ACL brace do?

Dogs are probably the most active pets on the planet. Quite often they face injury during their hyped-up activity, however, if the injury is severe, it may require a brace. Accidents can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.

Various injuries occur in the joints of the knee, from which most common are: Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries. If the injury is severe enough, a sports knee brace might be prescribed by the vet for treatment.  

What is an ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament?  

Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL, also known as CCL tear, when referring to pets, is a ligament present in the hind limbs. These ligaments are the most prone to injury.

 How does a dog injure their ACL? 

  • The most common cause of tearing the cruciate ligament is the excessive internal movement of the tibia when the joint is partially flexed.
  • This may be the product of trauma from running and planting the hind limbs as the body’s momentum continues forward.

Besides surgery, an ACL brace is the best solution to comfort your dog. Such an ACL brace for dogs can be ordered online.

 Why is an ACL brace for dogs essential? 

Painful motions called “cranial drawer” are caused due to the ACL tear. In this situation, ACL brace for dogs is important and useful in a number of ways.

  • The brace stabilizes the joint that has been affected
  • It helps reduce pain and inflammation
  • Helps in a smooth movement, unimpeded by pain.
  • If your pet dog is not quite yet for surgery, bracing might be the most viable option for him.
  • The brace helps keep the joint aligned properly while healing, preventing re-injury.

  Pros and cons of ACL brace for dogs  

Pros: 

  • Prevent re-injury
  • Helps to maintain better alignment of the knee
  • Provides relief to the knee joint
  • Your pet will experience less pain during recovery
  • Reduces swelling during the early recovery period
  • The dog may have fewer wound leaks in that period

Cons: 

  • Can restrict normal movement of the knee which can lead to muscular atrophy if used for a long time.
  • It may be uncomfortable to your pet.
  • It is likely to cause more often slipping or falling, particularly if it is not properly fitted.

 Besides some cons, ACL braces for dogs can be essential for relaxation and overall health.

8 Signs That Your Dog Breeder Is Reputable

One of the most important considerations when thinking about adding a dog to your family is finding a reputable breeder.  Not only do you want to avoid a puppy mill but, you want to ensure that you are getting an animal that is healthy and responsibly bred.

When purchasing a purebred dog from Tampa to Buffalo, you will want to work with the best breeder that has a proven track record of producing quality dogs in a safe and kind environment. Reputable breeders rely on their customer recommendations to expand their business. Talking to former clients or your vet can help you find a trusted breeder.

Your dog will be with your family for many years, so you have to dedicate time and care in choosing your breeder. Finding the best puppies for sale Tampa or Buffalo has to offer will take some research and legwork. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways that you can determine whether you are dealing with a reputable dog breeder.

Offered Tour

Breeders that work with their animals with love and care will have no problem offering you a tour of their facilities. If you find that you are being constantly put off when requesting a visit or a tour, you may want to reconsider your breeder choice. Quality breeders will have nothing to hide and will be pleased to show you their dogs and the breeding environment.

Low Volume

Trusted and respected breeders may not have dogs available. Responsible breeders will not force their dogs to reproduce constantly. Therefore, there may be several months’ waits for a puppy and you will need to go on a waiting list. It’s important to ask how many litters each breeder produces every year.

Knowledgeable

Purebred dog breeders should be experts at what they do, should be able to answer any questions about the dogs that they are breeding, and be able to tell you about their health and care.

Socialization

A good breeder will spend time with their puppies to help them socialize with people and other animals. This helps the puppies to transfer smoothly to their adopted homes.

Vet Respected

A sure sign of a good breeder is one that is recommended by a certified vet. These vets will become familiar with the dogs and breeders that they treat and be able to point you in the right direction.

References

Any business, including dog breeders that don’t make their references readily available to new customers, should be avoided.

Contract / Guarantee

A reputable breeder will likely have a full contract or quality guarantee for all of their dogs and clients. Breeders should be willing to back up the health and purity of their dogs on paper.

Adoption Screening

Professional breeders make it their business to know what kinds of homes their puppies will end up in. A responsible breeder will ask that each adoption applicant goes through a screening process.

Bringing a new dog into your home can be a joyful experience. To make sure that you are dealing with a professional and trusted breeder, look for these signs and get ready to share your heart and home with your new dog.

1 … 21 22 23 24 25 … 51

Fatal error: Uncaught wfWAFStorageFileException: Unable to save temporary file for atomic writing. in /home/thepetto/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wordfence/vendor/wordfence/wf-waf/src/lib/storage/file.php:34 Stack trace: #0 /home/thepetto/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wordfence/vendor/wordfence/wf-waf/src/lib/storage/file.php(658): wfWAFStorageFile::atomicFilePutContents('/home/thepetto/...', '<?php exit('Acc...') #1 [internal function]: wfWAFStorageFile->saveConfig('livewaf') #2 {main} thrown in /home/thepetto/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wordfence/vendor/wordfence/wf-waf/src/lib/storage/file.php on line 34