Stage II Kidney Disease & High Blood Pressure in Cats
Stage II Kidney Disease & High Blood Pressure in Cats My cat has been diagnosed with stage II kidney disease and high blood pressure. Now what? Recently my cat Lloyd was diagnosed high blood pressure and the beginning stages of kidney disease. It was not the diagnoses I expected when taking him to the vet for a checkup. I wasn’t oblivious to the fact that most likely at 17 years of age my cat’s bloodwork wouldn’t show something....
The Food Obsessed Pet
The Food Obsessed Pet Pet Obesity Awareness October is dedicated to having discussions and bringing awareness to pet obesity and the health issues that come along with it. In my previous post “Pet Obesity Awareness Month” I touched on how pet obesity has become an epidemic and can shorten the lifespan of an overweight pet by as much as two years. But while we continue to have these important conversations, let’s not...
Pet Obesity Awareness Month
Pet Obesity Awareness Month As October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month, I thought this would be a good opportunity to follow up on the challenges I’ve faced as a pet parent with a once obese dog. I am by no means an expert in the field of pet obesity. But what I am is, a pet parent that personally experienced the struggles and ups and downs (literally) of having a pet that was once obese. I can relate to the frustrations of...
Pet Insurance. Pros, Cons and Alternatives
Pet Insurance Pros,Cons and Alternatives Pet insurance. Is it worth the cost? What are the pros and cons? Are there alternatives? Years ago, before pet insurance was as common as it is today, I purchased a policy for my then Golden Retriever. Considering today’s current fees, it was in my opinion, expensive for that time. And, not having had submitted any claims on that policy, after only the first year our premiums increased...
How Old Is Your Dog?
It used to be the question I’d get asked most often about my pug Edie had to due with her tongue. “Why does her tongue hang out?” “Does it always hang out?” “Is there something wrong with her tongue?” “Is she missing teeth?” The questions about my dog’s tongue have never bothered me. I take it in stride usually laughing along with them. I explain that there is nothing wrong with my dog’s tongue, and yes, it always...
Adopt A Cat Month
Adopt a Cat Month June is Adopt a Cat Month At a time when people are feeling isolated, and yes, lonely, adopting a cat can fill the need for companionship. While many of us are spending more time at home, and working from home, we are more likely to have the required time to devote to a newly adopted cat or kitten. However, as tempting as a new companion is, and the benefits of adopting a cat are, we must consider if will we be able...
Managing Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety
Managing Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety Has this time of physically distancing and the need to work from home caused dogs to become more dependant on us, and has it caused an increase in cases of separation anxiety? Since March, our dogs have had us all to themselves. We’ve been home with them each and every minute of every single day. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch watching Netflix, or being the centre of...
Why Senior Cats Meow at Night
Why Senior Cats Meow at Night Why, as soon as I turn off the lights, get settled into bed, does my cat starts howling and meowing? This is not something my cat had ever done before. This change in my senior cat’s behaviour seems to have started out of nowhere, and since its begun, it hasn’t stopped. I lay in bed going over a check list in my head – yes, I fed the cat; yes, the litter box has been cleaned; yes, the...
Do Pets Grieve The Passing of Another Pet?
Do Pets Grieve The Passing of Another Pet? Do pets grieve the passing of another pet? If so, what are the symptoms and what would a grieving pet look like? Would a grieving pet display changes in sleep patterns or food intake? Will a pet become vocal – a cat meowing more, or a dog barking and whining? Would the loss of a pet cause a dog or cat to withdraw, become quieter, or begin to seek out additional comfort and constant...
Tips for Choosing A Dog Daycare Facility
Tips for Choosing A Dog Daycare Facility Honestly, I’ve not used a dog daycare before. The closest I came to it was when my dog was a puppy and I took her to a small dog/puppy playtime at a dog daycare facility. The half hour of what I was lead to believe to be a friendly and safe environment for my puppy to burn off energy and socialize did not turn out how I imagined. Within 5 minutes of being there I walked out never to return...
5 Common Easter Hazards for Pets
5 Common Easter Hazards for Pets Spring has arrived and Easter plans to gather with friends and family will soon be underway. While enjoying your Easter celebrations it’s important to plan and be reminded of the dangers that surround our pets during this time. Easter Lilies ALL parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats! That includes the leaves, the stem and surprisingly, even the pollen of the lily plant. Cats only need to digest a...
It’s Flea and Tick Season!
This is a sponsored post to help bring awareness to the importance of flea and tick prevention. It’s Flea & Tick Season! It’s been a long, cold, snowy winter. I guess I shouldn’t complain or even be surprised, I live in Canada after all 😉 My dogs and I are looking forward to warmer sunnier days, spending more time outside, going for regular walks, and adventures to our local parks. This is a sponsored post to help bring awareness...
How Does an Ill Pet Impact The Pet Parent?
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything here on my blog. It’s not that I haven’t wanted to write. I’ve sat down at my computer several times, started typing, deleted what I’ve typed, edited what I’ve written, not sure what to say, but more so, how to say it. At the time I didn’t know how this “story” was going to end. So how could I begin to write if I didn’t have an ending? Pets Have Positive Physical and Emotional Effects on...
Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Pet Obesity Awareness Day Yes. I’m writing another post about pet obesity. I see your eyes glazing over. I’ve possibly lost you already. You’re likely ready to close this post and move on to a topic that is considered “fun”. Maybe you’d rather be viewing photos of cute puppies and kittens – who wouldn’t? Reading articles or listening to someone talk about overweight pets and pet obesity may not be considered one of those...
Common Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs
Common Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs How do we know if our dog has been exposed to or ingested a poison? What are poisoning symptoms in dogs? Do all dogs present the same poisoning symptoms and do all poisons present the same symptoms in our dog? Is your dog is lethargic, agitated, vomiting and/or having diarrhea? Is your dog indicating they are having a difficult time breathing – would you know the symptoms if they were? What...
Blue Monday – Dog Days of Winter
Today is Blue Monday, considered the most depressing day of the year, but I have to wonder if our dogs get the winter blues as well? Dog Days of Winter I’m no expert, nor do I have any scientific facts, but I personally believe it’s possible for dogs to get the winter blues. Perhaps dogs aren’t affected the same way humans are when we feel blue, down or are depressed, but I think it may be more that our dogs are bored from lack...
Dog Clothing – Fashion Statement or Necessity?
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-normal-blue”]Dog Clothing, Fashion Statement or Necessity?[/Tweet] Am I a crazy dog lady – that’s still up for debate;) Are sweaters and coats necessary for my dog’s protection? Does my dog like being dressed? Is dog clothing a fashion statement? I can answer all the above! Do dogs need protective coats and sweaters ? Yes. Let me explain. My dog is a small short haired dog. She...
Halloween Pet Safety
Halloween Pet Safety As exciting as Halloween is for children, the same may not be said for our pets. In fact, Halloween can be an extremely stressful time for dogs and cats. The commotion of strangers ringing your doorbell, repeatedly knocking on the door and shouting “Trick or Treat” can be a confusing time for our pets. Imagine what’s going through your dog and cat’s mind on Halloween evening? Groups of...
Pet Obesity – Where to Find Help
Pet Obesity – The Series Where to Find Help Last week I discussed tools to help identify if our dog’s are overweight or obese. But what’s the next step, and where do we find help once it’s been confirmed our dog or cat is overweight? Is there someone that can answer questions and help us with the challenges we’ll face along the way? I had plenty of questions, concerns and yes, frustrations when it came to figuring out how...
How to Identify an Overweight or Obese Dog
Pet Obesity How to identify an overweight or obese dog Last week I discussed the measurement of food going into our pet’s dish, and how as little as a few extra pieces of kibble can make a difference in our pet’s waistline. How can we identify an overweight or obese dog? Can we tell if a pet is overweight just by looking at it? What about the number on the scales? Can you “feel” if your dog is overweight? The simple answer to...
How Much Are Our Dogs Really Eating?
Pet Obesity and It’s Challenges Part 1 How Much Is (REALLY) In Our Dog’s Food Bowl? How does a puppy, kitten, adult dog or cat go from “normal” weight, to slightly overweight, to chubby, then obese? The first step when it comes to our pet’s health is to eliminate any and all medical conditions. Have your dog/cat/pet examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying conditions. Once our pets are given the all...
Pet Obesity and Its Challenges
Pet Obesity and Its Challenges Pet obesity is something I know a few things about. Am I proud that I know much about the causes, effects, and challenges that come with having an obese pet? No. And yes. No, because to that means I once had an obese pet. Yes, because I did something about it and my dog is healthier for of it. According to The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention “Obesity continues to be the greatest health threat to...
Hydrate for Health – Importance of Pet Hydration
Hydrate for Health – Importance of Pet Hydration Summer has officially arrived in Canada! What does this mean for you and your dog? Time to shake off the wintertime cobwebs, get outside, more trips to the dog park, longer walks, ball and Frisbee catching. As exciting as the dog days of summer are, when temperatures begin to soar we must be cautious and understand that pets require special attention and that includes...
Skunks and Dogs – Every Dog Parents Nightmare
Skunks and Dogs Every Dog Parents Nightmare Cute little creatures from a distance, but up close, skunks put fear into dog parents everywhere! If your dog has ever had the misfortune of being sprayed by a skunk, it’s a nauseating smell you won’t soon forget! Skunk spray is not the easiest to eliminate from your dog, yourself, or the interior of your home, I speak from experience! Skunks – A Major Vector Of Rabies Our...
Pet Dental Health Month
Pet Dental Health Month February is pet dental health awareness month. This episode of Vet Chat with Dr.Ryan Llera, we share a veterinarian’s insight and a pet owner’s experience of maintaining our pets dental health. A veterinarian’s insight into pet dental health: Dr. Ryan Llera explains the importance of dental health in our pets. Dental health is one of the most overlooked and under treated conditions...
Kelly and Edie. Who we are
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