Your Pets Count

pet information that caters to your special friend

You are currently browsing the The Pet Product Guru blog archives for February, 2020.

Archives

Calendar

February 2020
M T W T F S S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
242526272829  

Archive for February, 2020

The Roller Coaster Ride Continues

Saturday, February 15, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

My last post regarding my cat Atlantis was a positive one, this one isn’t so much. We were encouraged, Atlantis was improving and seemed to be returning to his normal self. Suddenly without any change in diet or medication he’s become withdrawn, not eating well, occasionally vomiting and seems to be constipated. This is very frustrating. I don’t want to poke and prod and make him uncomfortable but feel very guilty not doing anything. Anyone who knows me knows that I always need a backup plan. This time, I don’t have one. Atlantis was also gaining weight. So what happened?  He was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and beginning stage kidney disease. He is taking medication for hyperthyroidism. The causes of these digestive and withdrawal symptoms still have not been determined.

Right now Atlantis is in our back bedroom staying under a dresser. This is not a good sign and our vet seems to be missing the mark at this point.  We may need to seek out another vet as we feel we’re in limbo. In the meantime, the only thing we can do is continue his medication. He has an appointment on February 24 where they will do another blood test to check his thyroid. I may move that appointment up to early next week if I can.

This is both puzzling and very frustrating. In the past, we knew our previous pets condition and they were treated specifically for these conditions. The treatment worked for the most part and it became part of their daily routine for years. Now, we feel like we’re in the dark and I want to blame someone but who do I blame?

So we ask for your prayers for Atlantis since it seems that prayers will be the only effective comfort and treatment. It seems that his vet can’t get a handle on this!

Remember, your pets count!

The best oldies are playing all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on The Roller Coaster Ride Continues

Paw Care For Dogs

Friday, February 14, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Keeping your dog well groomed has many benefits. It’s also a great time to check for any health issues that should be addressed by a veterinarian. You should always keep an eye on her paws. When you groom your dog, carefully check the pads on her feet. Sometimes they could become injured or inflamed, especially if your dog is walking on rough ground or stepped into some kind of irritating chemical. Keep an eye out for painful, broken nails that can become infected. Brittle nails should also prompt you to call a professional because they may indicate a fungal infection of a nutritional deficiency.  If you notice anything unusual, have it checked by a veterinarian.

Remember, your pets count!

The best oldies are on Edgewater Gold Radio –50s 60s 70s and 80s. Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Paw Care For Dogs

Transdermal Medication for Your Pets

Wednesday, February 12, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Do you struggle to give your cat a pill? It’s not uncommon and is uncomfortable for both you and your pet. Some pets have difficulty digesting pills which can cause them stomach upset. My cat Atlantis has stomach issues so my veterinarian suggested administering transdermal medication. The up side is that it comes in the form of a cream that you apply inside the ears. The medication comes in metered doses and is easy to administer.

The down side is that it is quite expensive. It cost me $47 for a 30 day supply! I now give Atlantis two transdermal medications, one for is thyroid and one to stimulate his appetite.

If your vet suggests this route for your pet, make sure that you keep your pets ears clean because the medication can build up and absorption will be affected. I use baby wipes every other day. Atlantis doesn’t like it but it beats the alternative of trying to get him to take a pill.

Remember, your pets count!

The oldies are playing and don’t miss a single one on Edgewater Gold Radio!  Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Transdermal Medication for Your Pets

Giving Pepcid to Your Cat

Tuesday, February 11, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Pepcid AC is a supplement used to cure several stomach related problems. Many pet owners have used Pepcid AC for their cats, giving them Pepcid AC for cases like vomiting and preventing ulcers in their stomachs and intestines. Pepcid is often referred to as Famotidine, which is its technical name. Famotidine is in the group of drugs known as histamine-2 blockers. It works by reducing the amount of stomach acid the stomach produces. This can prevent cats from vomiting, which is a common complaint of cat owners.

I give Atlantis 1/4 tablet of Pepcid everyday to help with stomach acid and vomiting. Since he has kidney and thyroid disease, Pepcid helps ease his stomach issues. Always check with your vet before administering any medication to your pet.

Remember, your pets count!

Keep the oldies playing today. Edgewater Gold Radio with the best variety of oldies from the 50s 60s 70s and 80s! Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Giving Pepcid to Your Cat

Feeding a Newly Adopted Puppy

Monday, February 10, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

If you’ve just adopted a new puppy, you must feed him carefully to ensure his proper development and growth. I’ve put together some guidelines for you to follow:

  • When you purchase puppy food, the package should mention both AAFCO ( The Association of American Feeding Control Officials) and Animal feeding trials or tests. This should appear on the package or label. Most high-quality commercial dog foods provide the recommended amounts of nutrients.
  • Soften the food for your pup by adding warm water or a commercially prepared milk replacement.
  • Feed the pup three to four times a day until he is 5 to 6 months of age.
  • Consult with your Vet to find out the correct amount to feed your pup at each feeding. Sometimes the package will provide guidelines based on your puppy’ size but I would still check with your Vet.
  • Avoid overfeeding.
  • If your pup is a large breed, use dog food specifically designed for this type of dog. This will encourage slow growth. Feed him puppy food for 12 – 18 months.
  • Watch your pups weight gain. Puppies should gain between 2 and 4 grams per day during the first five months of life.
  • After the your dog is 6 months of age, feed him twice a day for the rest of his life.
  • Avoid feeding puppies cottage cheese, yogurt, commercial vitamins and minerals as they will not balance well with a commercial dog food diet.
  • Excess dietary supplements cause nutritional imbalance and medical disorders, and some vitamins and minerals are toxic in high dosages. Feeding puppies too much calcium can cause skeletal diseases.

If you have any questions, always consult with your Veterinarian.

Remember, your pets count!

Your oldies are playing on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Feeding a Newly Adopted Puppy

Stick to The Same Food For Your Pets

Saturday, February 8, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

t’s important for pet owners to realize that changes in your pets diet does affect their digestive system. The rule of thumb is that if you’re going to introduce a new food, do it very gradually. Begin by adding a small amount of the new food than slowly increase it every day.

My cat Atlantis is now eating normally but a few weeks ago, while he was ill, he didn’t eat anything. I did everything to get him to eat. Offering him everything from tuna fish to baby food plus a variety of different kinds of  cat food. My only goal was to get him to eat. Did it work? No it didn’t.  As Atlantis began to recover, I went back to his usual diet. The same food everyday with no deviation. It’s working as Atlantis is now eating normally.

Our instinct is to get our pet to eat anything when they are ill but changing their diet is not good for their digestive system.

Remember , your pets count!

The best variety of oldies are now playing on Edgewater Gold Radio. If you love 50s 60s 70s and 80s, you’ll live us! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Stick to The Same Food For Your Pets

Status of Atlantis

Friday, February 7, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Atlantis, our cat has gone through some serious health issues over the past few weeks. He was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and kidney disease. He stopped eating, was listless and lost his bright personality. His latest issue was a bout with diarrhea. He’d been back and forth to the vet many times. Today, I am happy to report that Atlantis is much better and nearly back to his old self. He’s “talking” again, something that Siamese love to do, he’s also eating and drinking very well. He’s no longer listless and is part of our everyday lives again. The diarrhea seems to have resolved but we’re still watching this.

Atlantis is taking methimazole for his thyroid and an appetite stimulator. He has another appointment at the end of the month to re-check his thyroid. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that our little boy’s conditions can be well managed.

Remember, your pets count!

All oldies all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Status of Atlantis

Is Tuna Bad For Your Cat?

Wednesday, February 5, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Tuna fish probably seems like a tasty treat to feed your cat.  An occasional small amount like a bite or two probably won’t do any harm. Be careful not to feed her too much fish.  First, there is the risk of mercury which could build up in your cats system over time. A cat that eats too much tuna may also develop nutritional deficiencies.  Tuna alone can’t provide all of the vitamins and nutrients that your cat needs.  Tuna fish is especially lacking in vitamin E, an important anti oxidant. Without vitamin E, your cat can develop a disease called yellow fat disease.  Make your cat stick to a regular, balanced diet and only indulge his taste for tuna every once in awhile. Stick to cat treats instead.

Remember, your pets count!

The greatest oldies are playing on Edgewater Gold Radio. All oldies all the time! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Is Tuna Bad For Your Cat?

Pampering Your Pup

Monday, February 3, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

You use many different products on your hair, body and skin but what about when you groom your dog?  How many different treatments do you need to apply?  Shampoo is the only requirement. You can consider using a conditioner if your dog is itchy or bathes frequently.  Conditioner can keep longer fur from getting tangled and may help your dog’s skin retain moisture.  It can also make your dog cozier to cuddle with.  The key to caring for your dogs coat is to choose products that meet your dog’s specific needs. Check with your veterinarian to see what he or she recommends.  Remember that proper nutrition is the key to a healthy coat. Make sure to always feed your dog high quality, appropriate food.

Remember, your pets count!

Your oldies station is playing the best variety of songs from the 50s through the 80’s. Make Edgewater Gold Radio YOUR place for the best memories and the best oldies! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen to us from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Pampering Your Pup

Side Effects of Methimazole in Cats

Sunday, February 2, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Methimazole is the choice drug used to treat hyperthyroidism is both humans and pets. Most tolerate the drug well but some have serious side effects. My cat Atlantis was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroid disease and kidney disease and has been put on Methimazole. He didn’t tolerate the pill too well so now he’s on the transdermal gel which I rub in his ears. Vetinfo.com has compiled a list of all side effects of Methimazole. Atlantis lost his appetite but is eating again. He is a little sluggish and may be depressed. This is another side effect of the drug.

The Side Effects of Methimazole for Cats

Methimazole for cats is the same as the drug used to treat humans with hyperthyroid disease. This is the same reason that veterinarians prescribe methimazole for their feline patients. Hyperthyroid disease is a common ailment of older cats. You can administer cat medication for hyperthyroid disease orally or topically. Methimazole is now the preferred course of treatment for hyperthyroid disease by most veterinarians because of its low incidence of side effects. There are a few side effects that you should be aware of, however.

The common side effects include:

Loss of Appetite

Methimazole pills are very bitter in taste. The bitter taste may lead cats to quit eating food. In most cases you can avoid the loss of appetite by disguising the pill in food to minimize the poor taste.

Vomiting

As with many medications, vomiting is often a side effect of methimazole when used to treat cat hyperthyroid disease. This is often due to the taste of the pill. Disguising the pill in food can help your cat avoid this side effect.

Depression

Methimazole treatment for cat thyroid issues can cause depression in some cats. This is a side effect you will have to watch for. If this side effect develops then you will need to have your veterinarian adjust your cat’s medication.

Disorders of the Blood

Approximately 15% of cats treated with methimazole for overactive cat hormones of the thyroid will develop some from of blood disorder. The most common is leucopenia, which is a low white blood cell count. Low white blood cell counts impact the cat’s immune system and leave them prone to other diseases.

Autoimmune Disease

Most cats treated for hyperthyroid disease with methimazole for six months or longer will develop an autoimmune disease. This happens in about 50% of cats.

Excessive Scratching is a Rare Side Effect

Some cats will self mutilate their neck and face because the methimazole will cause excessive itching. This will develop in the first two weeks if it is going to develop in your cat.

Bleeding is a Rare Side Effect

Some cats will also begin to bleed due to the methimazole. This side effect is rare and you will notice it quickly. Cats with this reaction should discontinue their use of methimazole to treat the hyperthyroid disease.

Side effects from methimazole use in cats are minimal. Most cats respond well to methimazole treatment. There is the possibility that treating the hyperthyroid disease will reveal other issues such as kidney failure or other disorders. Hyperthyroid disease can disguise disorders that only come to the surface after a few months of treatment and further blood testing.

If there are no further complications within the cat, stabilizing the thyroid hormones with the use of methimazole can make permanent treatment possible. Radiation treatment for cats with hyperthyroid disease is possible if a cat does not develop side effects from methimazole treatment and after the thyroid disease reaches a manageable level.

Remember, your pets count!

The oldies are playing on Edgewater Gold Radio–60s and 70s every weekend! Ask alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Side Effects of Methimazole in Cats