Fur, Jaws, and Claws

posted by fmoore on Dec 2

Hey, everyone. I love finding articles that may have gotten past you during the ins and outs of life. This a short and sweet article about Dr. Karen Halligan that I think you will find beneficial to you and your cat. Enjoy!

by Dr. Karen HalliganParade November 2, 2008

The high cost of care may make you reluctant to take your pet to the vet. Home remedies can help with minor ills, however, sometimes you need a doctor to keep a simple porblem from becoming a big one. Here’s how to decide.

Vomiting. A symptom rather than a disease, vomiting can occur with numerous illnesses. The most common cause, however, is often the most ovbious: eating something (for example, hair for cat or table scraps for dogs) that upsets the stomach.

If your pet vomits but seems otherwise healthy, take away its food for 12 to 24 hours and provide only water. Then, if no further vomiting occurs, start your pet on frequent, small feedings of its regular diet and gradually increase to the normal amount.

If your pet can’t keep water down, is lethargic, has abdominal pain or a fever, or still can’t digest food, go to the vet. Even simple cases can lead to death from dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Puppies, kittens, and older pets are especially at risk.

Diarrhea. Diarrhea can be a symptom of anything from cancer to a change in diet. Mild cases may be resolved with simple, at-home treatments, but see a vet immediately for diarrhea that is bloody, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomitting, lethargy, or pain.

As with vomiting, the best treatment for diarrhea is withholding food for 12 to 24 hours to allow the intenstinal tract time to heal. (Be sure to provide water.) Then start your pet on a diet of bland foods for two to three days.

Limping. If your pet is limping but will let you examine its leg and is not in too much pain, try letting it rest for a few days. If the lameness improves, slowly work up to a normal walking routine. Never give your pet over-the-counter pain medication without first checking with the vet. And seek help right away if your pet can’t put any weight on its limb, is in great pain, or has a fever.

If you are looking to find the best holistic vets in the WORLD, make sure you download our Fur, Jaws, and Claws guide which includes a BONUS e-book of all the best holistic vets in the WORLD. I cannot guarantee it will be availabe at the beginning of the year so act NOW!