Thinking about giving your pet an aspirin to ease its pain? Think again!
Human painkillers including ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen can be
dangerous and even deadly to animals. Though acetaminophen can ease a human
tension headache, one tablet of 500 mg extra strength acetaminophen can kill a
7-pound cat. Human medications are not designed for the animal body, and can
have deadly effects when given to pets. Veterinarians can help prescribe the
right dose and type of medication for your pet when it is in pain. Visit HealthyPet.com to find an accredited
veterinarian near you.
It’s the moment a cat owner dreads: being jolted awake in the middle of the
night by that awful sound of retching. And while you fumble for the light
switch, your favorite feline deposits a hairball on your pillow.
As much as we love them, cats vomit, even hairless breeds. Hairballs are a
common culprit. But vomiting can also be a sign of a potentially serious medical
problem.
So when should you be concerned?
More than 85% of dogs over 4 years of age have evidence of periodontal
disease. Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammation of the supporting
structures surrounding the teeth and is the main cause of early tooth loss.
Toy breeds are at higher risk for periodontal disease because of tooth
crowding in the mouth.
My chow chow, Nani, is covered in long, orange fur. I’m not. Children often
stop Nani and me on the street to remark on how fluffy she is. No one has ever
commented on my fur.
Now, abundant body hair on a human is normally a bad thing, but on below-zero
days, I find myself staring enviously at Nani. A quick glance at her thick coat
is also a reminder that my canine companion is ready and willing to brave the
elements, even if I’m not.
So, on cold winter days, how do I give Nani the exercise she needs without
making myself miserable?