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Showing posts from February, 2024

Diabetes in Cats

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What is cat diabetes? Cat diabetes happens when a cat's pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or their body can't use it well. Insulin helps move sugar from food into the body's cells for energy. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood, which can be dangerous. Types of diabetes in cats: Cats mostly get type two diabetes, similar to people. This is due to problems with the pancreas. Type one, common in dogs but rare in cats, happens when the body attacks its own insulin-making cells. Sometimes, other diseases or medications can trigger diabetes in cats. Is my cat at risk? Any cat can get diabetes, but it's more usual in cats that are middle-aged or older, overweight, inactive, male, or certain breeds like Burmese. Long-term use of some medicines can also increase the risk. Symptoms of cat diabetes: Peeing more because sugar in the urine pulls in more water Drinking more to replace lost fluids Eating more but feeling hungry because the body can't use the sugar Los

10 Great Plants for Your Garden that Won't Harm Your Pets

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Does your furry friend like to hang out with you in the garden? It's important to have pet-safe plants around so they don't accidentally eat something harmful. For all you garden lovers out there, it's time to get outside, enjoy your garden, and watch your plants bloom! And if your pets like to join you, make sure the plants are safe for them. Some common garden plants can be toxic to dogs or cats. Here are some safe plants you can grow in your garden: 1. Aster These flowers come in many colours and are easy to take care of. They're safe for cats and dogs and attract helpful insects to your garden. 2. Basil Basil is a tasty herb that's safe for pets. It grows well in gardens or pots, and you can choose from different flavours like minty or lemony. 3. Camellia Camellias have beautiful flowers and are tough plants. You can trim them to fit small spaces or let them grow into big bushes or trees. 4. Carrots Not only can you share carrots with your pets as a snack, but t

Understanding Your Dog's Pee: What Different Colour Mean

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Have you ever wondered what your dog's pee colour says about their health? Well, just like with humans, the colour of your furry friend's urine can give important clues. Here's a simple dog urine colour chart to help you understand what the shades mean: Light Yellow: This is the normal colour for healthy dogs. If your dog is well-hydrated, their pee will likely be a light yellow or amber colour. It's all good as long as it stays within this range. Dark Yellow: If your dog's pee is darker yellow, it could mean they're not drinking enough water and might be dehydrated. Try offering them more water and see if it helps. If not, it's best to check with your vet. Bright Yellow: Sometimes, bright yellow pee can be due to certain foods or supplements. It's usually not a big concern, but if you're worried, a vet visit can ease your mind. Clear: Clear pee means there's no colour at all. While it could just be because your dog drank a lot of water, it migh

Understanding What Your Dog is Saying Without Words

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Have you ever wished you could have a chat with your furry friend? Well, dogs might not speak our language, but they communicate in their own way. Let's dive into what your dog's actions really mean. Dogs can't express themselves like we do. They don't understand complex emotions like we do either. But they have their own way of letting us know how they feel. Before we decode their actions, let's learn how dogs communicate: Facial Expressions: Dogs use their faces a lot to communicate. They can sense emotions and understand facial expressions. Body Language : Dogs are good at picking up on our body language. They know if we're playing or if we're upset, just by how we move. Eye Contact: Eye contact is important to dogs. It can show dominance or fear, depending on the situation. Now, let's look at some common dog behaviours and what they mean: Tilting : When a dog tilts its head, it might be trying to understand something. They're really good at pic

TICKS ON DOGS

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Ticks can be dangerous for dogs, and it's crucial to understand how to keep your furry friend safe. Here's what you need to know: Ticks are small parasites that can cause serious diseases in dogs, and some can even be fatal. In Australia, there are different types of ticks, with the Australian paralysis tick being particularly dangerous. Ticks on dogs vary in size and color. Before feeding, they're about the size of an apple seed, but after feeding on blood, they can grow as big as a fingernail. Identifying ticks can be tricky because they look different at various stages of their life cycle. If you're unsure, it's best to consult your vet. There are three main types of ticks that infest dogs   paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, and bush ticks. Paralysis ticks are especially dangerous as they produce toxins that can cause paralysis in dogs and cats. Brown dog ticks can lead to skin irritation and transmit infections, while bush ticks can also cause skin problems and