Archive for April, 2018
Diseases to Beware of From Feral Cats
When a feral cat hangs around your home, you are tempted to take him in or at least feed him. We have several feral cats that hang around our porch . I usually place a dish of food and water out on our porch each morning. My indoor cat Millie is fascinated when she sees the cats eating outside. I don’t let Millie on the porch when the feral cats are out there. I don’t know what if any diseases these cats may be carrying so it’s better to be on the safe side.
The Nest has a detailed breakdown of the kinds of diseases feral cats may carry.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia
FIV, the feline equivalent of HIV, and FeLV are both immunodeficiency diseases: they damage the immune system of the infected cat, making it difficult for him to fight off diseases. Feline leukemia, though not a cancer itself, is so named because it also increases a cat’s risk of developing certain cancers, including leukemia. Both diseases are ultimately fatal, though affected cats may remain symptom-free for some time. Humans are not affected by these diseases, but obviously any other cats you have will be at risk if you bring an infected stray into your home. It’s critical to have a vet give a new cat the OK before introducing him to your little pride.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is contagious to humans, and is a particular concern for pregnant women and those with a compromised immune system. It’s an infection from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is found in cat feces. For most people this illness is no big deal, and in fact there’s a good chance you’ve already contracted it without knowing it—many healthy people show no symptoms. Those who do usually get headaches, fever, sore throat, muscle pain and enlarged lymph nodes, though people with compromised immune systems may have more serious symptoms. Treatment isn’t usually necessary, but when given consists of antibiotics and antimalarial drugs.
Bartonellosis
Bartonellosis is also known as cat scratch fever or cat scratch disease. Although most people are acquainted with the term “cat scratch fever” as it refers to humans, cats can also infect other felines with this disease. One cat can infect another through licking, sneezing, spitting or biting in addition to scratching. Symptoms of bartonellosis infection in cats include a high fever, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, swollen lymph nodes and bronchitis. Symptoms of the disease in humans include fatigue and fever, similar to having a cold or mild case of the flu, headache, swollen lymph nodes and the development of pimple-like bumps on the scratch site. While medical treatment is typically not needed, people or cats with compromised immune systems may be given antibiotics.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be transmitted from cat to cat, as well as from an infected cat to dogs and humans. Symptoms of ringworm include circular spots of patchy hair loss, because it’s not actually a worm—it’s a fungus. It isn’t necessary for the cat to have close contact with others to spread ringworm. The disease can be transmitted through contact with infected food dishes or bedding. Ringworm spores can remain active for up to one year, making this a difficult disease to eradicate once it’s established.
Rabies
Rabies is a common concern with strays because of the nearly 100 percent fatality rate. Areas that have large wild animal or feral animal populations are more likely to harbor animals with the rabies virus. Rabies is most often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, but any exposure to the saliva of an infected animal can lead to transmission. Don’t approach any animal that appears hostile or disoriented, or is otherwise acting strangely, but also remember that an animal may be rabid for some time before it starts showing symptoms—meaning that any bite is cause to make an appointment with your doctor. All that said, don’t panic: with prompt attention after a bite, rabies is totally preventable with just a few shots in the arm.
Remember, your pets count!
The greatest variety of oldies play all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio. Delmarva’s real oldies station. We play oldies from the 50’s through the 80’s plus great standards. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app from our app store or listen from our website, edgewatergoldradio.com.
Doggie Disc Trials
I’m sure that you’ve seen them at the park, a dog owner throwing a disc that sails through the air as his dog runs to catch it. It’s an exciting game that encourages a dog to chase and bring down prey. Similar games are played at organized events called competitive disc dog trials. Two basic types of activities are featured at dog trials. One type involves distance and accuracy, with games that focus on how far the dog ran, how the catch was made and whether or not the dog was airborne. The other type is called freestyle. Dogs perform amazing routines with several discs at once. Competitors are scored on creativity, highly honed, awe inspiring skills and theatrical flare. Does this sound like something that you would like to get your dog involved with? Make sure you practice with lots of fetch dog toys including frisbees and other types of discs.
Remember, your pets count!
All great oldies all the time add in great pop standards and you have an oldies stations that is complete and entertaining!
Edgewater Gold Radio plays all of your favorites! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app and listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.
Warm Weather, Hot Car……Kills Pets!
I have written about this topic several times throughout the years and I will write about it again because it’s an important one. Never, ever, ever put a pet in a car during warm weather, especially in the sunlight and leave the windows closed. You may find a dead pet when you return. I cannot understand how people still do this! The problem is that most people think that if their pet is only left for a few minutes, they will be fine. I have two things to say. First of all temperatures in a closed up car rise very very fast, second the owner can be delayed leaving the pet longer than intended. Many beloved pets have died in a hot car. I personally called the police one time when I saw a dog in a closed up car gasping for air in a parking lot. Owners caught doing this should be prosecuted as this constitutes cruelty to animals. Use common sense, don’t even consider leaving your pet in a closed up car in summer for one second!
Remember, your pets count!
Great music for your weekend! Edgewater Gold Radio the best oldies from the 50s through the 80’s and great standards! Listen to the debut of Gary Allen this afternoon at 3pm EST on Edgewater Gold Radio!
Dog Carrier’s and Crates Must Be Kept Clean
In order to prevent disease or infection, it is very important that you keep your dog carrier clean. Clean your dog’s crate on a regular basis. You can use mild soap and water or an eco-friendly product that won’t linger. Dog health problems can arise if they lick or inhale chemicals.
Never share your dogs crate with other pets. He can pick up kennel cough, an infection, or parasites. One sick dog can spread germs quickly and a dog crate is the perfect breeding ground. Also, never let your dog share water with other pets. Always keep your dog clean and safe.
Remember, your pets count!
The greatest songs are one click away! Edgewater Gold Radio playing a large variety of the 50s through the 80’s plus great standards! Click right here! Enjoy EDGEWATER GOLD RADIO! Also Listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio!
Look For Hints that Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You Something!
Your cat will leave you hints to let you know how they feel. If you’re lazy about cleaning the litter box, your cat may leave you a smelly present on your favorite chair or your pillow. Cats are very clean animals and like their environment to be clean also. This is why the are always cleaning themselves. Do you ever notice that sometimes your cat cleans himself after you’ve petted him or picked him up? That’s because they’re angry that you touched them and are cleaning off your scent. What an insult! Another insult is when a cat turns his back on you and flicks his tail. When he does this, he is really ticked off. What did you do to make him so mad? Another form of communications is verbal. When your cat is meowing, he is calling attention to something like, he’s hungry, wants t0 play or wants you to change the litter box. My cat meows when she wants snacks or for me to brush her. Pay attention to your cats sounds and actions, he is trying to tell you something.
Remember, your pets count!
You oldies variety and standards station — all of your favorites on one station! Edgewater Gold Radio. Download our free app, listen on Tunein or from our website….edgewatergoldradio.com
The Lovable Pom
The Pomeranian is one of the smallest dog breeds and one of the most intelligent. They always have a desire to please with their extroverted personalities. They are consistently ranked in the top 20 of the AKC’s most commonly registered breeds. Many years ago Queen Victoria concluded that it’s very easy to love a Pom. The breed ranges in size from three to seven pounds and comes in a variety of colours, patterns, and variations, all of which are accepted by the AKC. The Pomeranian does require lots of grooming to keep him looking his fluffy self. They thrive well in an atmosphere where they’re considered part of the family. They are affectionate companions. Just love them and your affection will be returned many times over. Pomeranians respond well to positive reinforcement training and do very well in almost any activity like—conformation, obedience, tracking, therapy work… you name it, the Pom can do it and do it with style. Pomeranians are great to travel with. They enjoy rides in the car and easily adapt of different environments.
Remember, your pets count!
How about great music while you walk your little friend? Edgewater Gold Radio plays the greatest variety of oldies and standards all the time. You can download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: edgewatergoldradio.com. Turn on your memories today!
Is your Cat Watering Your Plants with Urine?
If your cat was an outdoor cat, she would naturally use the dirt to urinate of defecate. If she is urinating in your plants, it’s because dirt is her natural toilet. I’m sure that you don’t want to remove all of the houseplants from your house but what can you do to stop this annoying behavior? The first thing that you should do is make sure that the cat’s litter box is clean. A dirty litter box is not the cause of her behavior. I know this will be a little extra work for you but you need to re pot your plants. Once your cat has urinated in a plant, her smell is there and she is likely to go back to that plant again. You’ll need to replace the soil and then you’ll need to put some kind of pet repellent on the plant. These repellents are sold in many pet and garden stores. You may also need a pet stain and odor remover if your cat “missed” and peed on the floor. You can also keep your plants in a separate room that your cat cannot access. Once kitty finds a new place to urinate, it is very difficult to get her to go back to her litter box.
Remember, your pets count!
Radio the way you remember it. Edgewater Gold Radio –memory radio for Delmarva and the world. Listen to the best songs from the 50s through the 80’s and great pop standards! Download the Edgewater Gold Radio app. Listen on Tunein or from our website:
What To Do If Your Dog Breaks His Leg
Just like humans, dogs are prone to broken bones. Leg fractures are the most common. One thing that you should remember is that dogs have a high pain tolerance. You may notice their leg dangling but see that they aren’t really in pain. Look to see if the leg is swollen. Also look for signs of shock such as pale or white gums, rapid breathing or a rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these signs, get the dog to the vet right away.
Here are some tips in caring for a dogs broken leg:
- If necessary, restrain the dog.
- Be soft spoken and approach the dog slowly.
- If it does not have a leash, place a leash around its neck and attach the leash to a secure object.
- Pull the dog against the object and try to tie the dog so that it can’t move it’s head.
- Look closely at the break. See if there is an open wound, or a bone protruding or if it’s closed meaning that there is no break in the skin.
- If the limb is grossly misshapen, or the dog is in great pain, hold a towel underneath him and transport him to the animal hospital.
- If the wound is open, flush with warm water, put a towel under the dog and get him to the hospital. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PUT A SPLINT ON HIM.
- If the wound is not open and the leg is not out of shape and the dog does not appear to be in too much pain, use any splint material such as newspapers, cardboard, magazines to immobilize the limb, NOT RESET IT.
- Attach the splints to the dogs leg and wrap gauze or torn strips of cloth around it.
- Tape or tie the strips firmly but not too tight as to inhibit circulation.
- Transport the dog to the vet.
Reassure the dog on the way to the vet and maybe give him a dog treat or two to calm him down.
Remember, your pets count!
Stroll down memory lane this weekend with the greatest songs on Edgewater Gold Radio! All oldies and standards all the time. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website, edgewatergoldradio.com.
The Scoop on Diarrhea in Dogs, When to Call the Vet
All dogs get diarrhea every now and then that can be caused b several factors but there are times when an underlying problem could be the cause and you should get your best friend to the Vet. The following helpful information was obtained from Healthy Pets.
Most healthy dogs experience an occasional episode of loose stool or diarrhea that resolves within 12 to 24 hours. The underlying issue in most of these cases is indiscriminate eating or stress. However, any dog has the potential to become very ill from chronic bouts of diarrhea.
If your dog seems fine after a bout of diarrhea — meaning she’s acting normal, with normal energy – it’s safe to simply keep an eye on her to insure her stool returns to normal within a day or so.
But if you notice she’s also sluggish, running a fever or feels warm to the touch, or there’s a change in her behavior, you should contact your veterinarian.
If you see blood in your pet’s stool or she’s weak or shows other signs of debilitation along with the diarrhea, you should make an appointment with the vet.
If your dog seems fine but is experiencing recurrent bouts of diarrhea, it’s time for a checkup.
It’s important to bring a sample of your dog’s stool to your appointment, even if it’s watery. Use a plastic baggie and shovel a bit in there to take with you. This will help your vet identify potential underlying causes for the diarrhea.
Remember, your pets count!
Remember your favorite oldies? We have the all hear along with great standards —memory radio EDGEWATER GOLD RADIO!
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What Does it Mean When Your Cat Licks You?
Being licked is the first thing that your cat remembers. It was that washcloth feeling of her mama cat’s tongue thoroughly rubbing her coat, ears and every part of her little body. A mother first washes her kittens to get rid of the afterbirth and to stimulate the kitten’s breathing. The mother will also clean her kittens when they wander about then return to the nest. She is just claiming her territory and putting her scent on them. For cats, licking is social and an act of cleanliness. Cats groom each other to remove debris and to share scents. Cats will also scratch in a favorite place where the scent glands in her paws will mark the territory as their own. They may lick you which means that they’re cleaning you up and claiming you — just as she would for a feline friend or litter mate.
Thanks to Animalplanet.com for providing some of this information.
Remember, your pets count!
Do you like oldies music? Try our online radio station —EDGEWATER GOLD RADIO-–A large variety of oldies from the 50’s through the 80’s plus great pop standards! Download the free EDGEWATER GOLD RADIO APP or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com. You may also listen to your great oldies on Edgewater Gold Radio on the Tunein app…Enjoy!