Cat ArticlesA Smelly Pet May Need To See The Vet
Holiday Season Pet Hazards
Toxins in the Home Could Harm Pet
Vaccinations for Your Kitten
Medications that Help You May Harm Pets
CEPS/Veterinary Extension
2938 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg.
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61802
Phone: 217/333-2907
By Carrie Gustavson
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
"Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?" sings Phoebe, of "Friend's" sitcom fame, in this song about a tangy tabby. "They won't take you to the vet. You're obviously not their favorite pet." But in the humor of the song lies an unfortunate truth: some cats and dogs really smell bad.
"When a cat or a dog smells bad, there may be an underlying problem," says Dr. Allan Paul, Extension veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. "The first step to having a better-smelling pet is to figure out where the problem lies."
Usually cats are meticulous groomers, so if you notice an odiferous emanation from your feline, it could be the sign of a bigger problem. A cat's aroma can be less than pleasing for many reasons. "The typical things in we see in cats that tend be smelly are oral or gum disease, ear infection, skin problems, and abscesses," says Dr. Paul. "But a bad smell can also indicate a more serious systemic illness."
Cats are particularly prone to abscesses. "If your cat is slightly chunky or has long hair, you might not even notice an abscess until it starts draining," says Dr. Paul. "At that point, if you don't see it, you'll smell it."
Dogs, on the other hand, aren't quite as compulsive in their grooming habits as cats and consequently often just need a bath. "Dogs seem to like to try to disguise their dog smell by rolling in particularly stinky things, such as dead fish," says Dr. Paul. "Apparently they think this fools potential 'prey' animals into thinking they're not a dog at all."
Dogs also often have less-than-desirable snacking habits when allowed to make their own choices. "My dog feasts on horse manure whenever he gets the chance," says Julie, a second-year veterinary student, about her mixed breed dog, George. "It's like a doggie delicacy or something!"
If it is just that your dog has been rolling in something smelly or swimming in smelly water, a good bath should do the trick. Dr. Paul recommends bathing your canine companion with a mild shampoo made for dogs.
Skunks present a particularly stinky problem for dogs and their owners. "If your dog gets 'skunked,' you'll know about it and your neighbors will know about it for several weeks. Every time your dog gets wet, you'll smell skunk," says Dr. Paul. "The best solution is to dilute apple cider vinegar in water and pour it on your dog. Tomato juice works as well. There are also special pet products available to rid your dog of the skunk odor."
Dogs are also well-known for their ability to cause quite a stench of their own. "Both dogs and cats posses anal glands, but they tend to cause more problems in dogs," says Dr. Paul. The anal glands can become clogged and cause discomfort and irritation. Occasionally these sacs full of smelly fluid are emptied in frightful or stressful situations. "The anal sacs have no useful function in the dog," says Dr. Paul. "It is believed that in the past the sacs' contents were used to mark territory. Today it seems their only purpose is to cause problems."
Like cats, bad breath and smelly ears in a dog can be a sign of underlying disease. If you're pretty sure that bad bouquet is coming from your pet's breath or ears, it may mean it's time to visit the veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
For more information about how to have a pleasant-smelling cat or dog, contact your local veterinarian.
We would like to thank the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana for their generous permission to reprint this article on our web site.
Reprinted with the written permission of U of I
CEPS/Veterinary Extension
2938 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg.
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61802
Phone: 217/333-2907
By Theresa A. Fuess, Ph.D.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Holiday season adornments are attractive to all creatures. "The ornaments, foods, gifts, wrappings, ribbons, lights, and plants are all curiosities for pets," says Dr. Marcella D. Ridgway, veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Pets will investigate new items by sniffing, tossing, chasing, and finally by having a taste." A few precautions will help you avoid the holiday crowds at the animal hospital.
The number one problem seen by veterinarians this time of year is stomach or intestinal disturbances caused by pets eating the holiday feast or other novelties. Scraps from the table can cause gastrointestinal upset and even predispose pets to life-threatening pancreatitis. Bones can get stuck in the mouth or perforate the intestinal tract and should be avoided. Chocolate is poisonous to cats, dogs, and birds. Plastic wrap and aluminum foil coated with good-tasting juices are enticing but can cause intestinal obstruction and damage if eaten by the pet.
Be sure leftovers and wrappers are properly disposed of. Keep pets on their usual diet. Treats formulated similarly to the pet's regular diet are healthy and safe. Also keep in mind while cooking that pets may not know about hot stoves or to stay out from underfoot. Keep pets away so they don't get burned or get hot foods spilled on them.
Several decorative plants are poisonous. Mistletoe and holly can cause stomach upset with vomiting and diarrhea. The berries of these plants are attractive, easily swallowed, and potentially fatal if consumed. Poinsettias, like the leaves of most any plant, can also cause stomach upset. Use artificial mistletoe and holly; keep other plants out of your pet's reach.
Be sure Christmas trees are secured so that pets cannot pull them over. Omit preservatives from the tree-stand water and cover it so pets don't drink it. Don't spray snow on the tree unless it is labeled for pet consumption. Angel hair is spun glass and is irritating to both the inside and outside of your pet. Even glass ornaments and ornament hooks have been chewed and swallowed. These objects can cause problems from stomach upset to damaged intestines. Low-hanging ornaments are a real temptation, as are tinsel and electric lights. Decorative lights and electrical wiring can cause shock or burns when chewed on, so remember to unplug holiday lights when pets are unattended.
Holidays have lots of activity going on. Be sure doors are not left open as guests come and go. Indoor pets inadvertently left outside could be injured by frostbite, cars, or other animals. Ice-melting chemicals and salt on sidewalks and roads can severely burn foot pads and should be washed off right away. Also, watch that guests don't leave interesting objects, such as chocolate, ribbons, stocking stuffers, or other illicit treats, within your pet's reach. Sometimes it's best to put your pet in a separate area, both to relieve the pet of the stress of new people and to prevent accidents.
Don't leave wrapped gifts under the tree with an unsupervised pet; the wrapping, ribbon and enclosed gift are probably not compatible with your pet's digestive system. Ask Santa to put gifts out of your pet's reach so your pet won't beat you to them on Christmas morning.
When choosing a gift for your pet, consider the pet as an individual. Cats enjoy lightweight toys they can bat around, catnip toys, scratching posts, and kitty perches. Dogs like balls, chew toys, and things they can carry around. However, beware of toys with parts, such as bells, buttons, string, yarn, or squeaky parts, that can be detached and swallowed. Watch how your pet handles a new toy until you are sure it is safe. Some dogs treat a stuffed toy like a friend and carry it around and sleep with it. Others will tear them up and eat the stuffing and get into trouble. Also, if there is more than one pet in the household, consider all the pets before buying for any one of them. A one-inch diameter toy for a cat is fine, but a puppy in the household may swallow it and possibly require surgery to remove it.
If your pet does get sick, consult your veterinarian before giving any medications. Many of the over-the-counter drugs, such as Tylenol, are toxic for animals even though they are safe for us. Don't wait to see if your pet gets better. If your pet is acting sick, consult your veterinarian.
We would like to thank the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana for their generous permission to reprint this article on our web site.
Reprinted with the written permission of U of I
CEPS/Veterinary Extension
2938 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg.
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61802
Phone: 217/333-2907
By Sarah Probst
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Antifreeze, chocolate, dog flea products, tobacco, houseplants . . . these items you may have in your home can be life-threatening to a pet. Quick response when your pet has been exposed to a toxin may save its life, so add the phone number of the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) to your list of emergency numbers: 1-888-4ANI-HELP or 1-888-426-4435 or 1-900-680-0000 (a consultation fee applies).
This time of year can be dangerous to your animals as the weather cools down and cars are tuned up. Anti-freeze smells and tastes sweet to animals and children alike, and it kills. "Some animals will consume ethylene glycol voluntarily, even when water is readily available," says Dr. Jill Richardson, a veterinarian at NAPCC in Urbana, Illinois. The NAPCC, founded at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine 30 years ago, became a service of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1996.
"Anti-freeze will act as a depressant and may cause drunkenness and ataxia. After the initial depression, animals may appear to recover, but actually they rapidly deteriorate," says Dr. Richardson. Without intervention failure of heart, lungs, and kidneys eventually kills the animal. With this type of toxicosis, every minute counts. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested anti-freeze.
You may put the pumpkin costume on Sparky for trick-or-treating, but don't let anyone give him chocolate candy. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous to your pet; as little as one ounce can be life-threatening. More mild chocolates used in Halloween treats are not treats for your pet's body. Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness and hyperactivity are signs that may precede a more serious cardiac malfunction or respiratory failure.
Dog flea products have the word "dog" in their names for a reason. Some of these products, especially dips and spot-ons, contain pyrethroids and/or organophosphates. Cats, rodents, and fish are susceptible to toxicosis when exposed to such products. So if Whiskers is treated with the wrong product, he could experience severe tremors or seizures. Some highly susceptible cats can get permethrin toxicosis by just rubbing against your newly treated dog. Bathe the product off your cat with a mild detergent and consult your veterinarian.
Tobacco is generally unpalatable and pets won?t eat it, but small animals have been known to ingest unattended cigarette butts or even whole cigarettes. "Signs of toxicosis become apparent from 15 minutes up to several hours after exposure. Your pet may stare into space, wretch, vomit, salivate, cramp, bloat, urinate a lot, or have diarrhea," says Dr. Larissa Hautekeete, another NAPCC veterinarian. In addition, veterinarians are concerned that pets, like people, may suffer long-term detrimental health effects from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Plants in the home can also be toxic. For example, cats may die if they nibble on Easter or other kinds of lilies. Observe suspected herbivorous cats carefully for signs that may indicate toxicoses: walking like a drunk, vomiting, shaking, or frequent urination or defecation.
Toxic reactions can be very different in humans and pets. If you suspect that your pet has been in contact with a toxic substance, call your veterinarian as soon as possible or call the National Animal Poison Control Center. With full-time professional staffing, an extensive collection of scientific journals and books, and a sophisticated database, the veterinarians at the NAPCC can cross-reference multiple toxins and chemicals and counsel you about the best action.
We would like to thank the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana for their generous permission to reprint this article on our web site.
Reprinted with the written permission of U of I
CEPS/Veterinary Extension
2938 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg.
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61802
Phone: 217/333-2907
By Sarah Probst
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
During its first few hours of life, your kitten receives natural immunity against most diseases from its mother?s first milk, the colostrum. But eventually your kitten?s immune system will have to fend for itself. Vaccinations provide your kitten good protection against some life-threatening diseases. Here?s an explanation of the vaccines you need or may want to consider, according to veterinarians at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana.
FVR-C-P?The upper respiratory infection seen in cats is a complex clinical disease. FVR-C protects your cat against the two viruses most likely to cause an upper respiratory infection in your cat--feline rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus) and feline calicivirus. Infections with these viruses can cause discharge from the nose or eye, respiratory problems, mouth sores, anorexia, and abortion. FVR-C-P also protects against panleukopenia--feline distemper-- an acute gastrointestinal viral infection associated with a sudden onset, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and a high mortality. These vaccines are 80 percent effective and require two doses 3 to 4 weeks apart; the last dose is given at 12 to 16 weeks. Annual boosters are recommended.
FeLV?Feline leukemia virus vaccines are available for interested cat owners. This virus is not highly contagious and is recommended only for those cats with high exposure potential, such as outdoor cats and show cats. Before trying out the FeLV vaccine, have your cat tested to see if he already has the disease. Half of all cats who get FeLV will die from complications associated with the disease. Efficacy of the vaccine is debatable, so consult with your veterinarian.
Be aware that side effects?ranging from local pain to diarrhea?occur in 14 percent of patients (most likely in kittens). Clients at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital are asked to remain in the clinic 30 minutes after this vaccine is given to make sure that the side effects, if any, are not serious.
FIP?Feline Infectious Peritonitis, which is associated with anorexia, weight loss, growth stunting, gradually developing potbelly, and fever, has a very high mortality rate. A vaccine was developed 6 years ago and can be given to cats >16 weeks of age. It requires two doses 3 to 4 weeks apart. The effectiveness of this vaccine in preventing this fatal feline disease is still being tested. Follow your veterinarian?s recommendations.
Rabies? Most of us associate rabies with the mad dog frothing at the mouth, eager to bite anything near it. Although this is a common presentation in countries where there is a very high population of unvaccinated stray dogs, in the United States, rabies usually appears in wild animals. Depending on which state you live in, it may or may not be the law to vaccinate your cat, but many townships and counties do require it. Cat rabies is on the increase and vaccination is recommended, especially if your cat roams outside. Rabies vaccines can be administered at >12 weeks of age in felines. All warm-blooded animals?including you?can get rabies. The prognosis is fatal.
Few medical procedures are without risk; while trying to prevent disease in your cat, there is a small chance that harm may be done. Veterinarians have observed a chance of developing a vaccine-associated sarcoma at a rate of 20/100,000 cats. A veterinary task force has been assigned to this problem. These officials make the following statement on their Web site (www.avma.org/vafstf/ownbroch.html): "Disturbing as this issue may be, there is great concern that cat owners, attempting to keep their cats from harm, may forego vaccination entirely. The result? Though well-intentioned, these owners may be placing cats at far greater risk of acquiring a fatal infection than any risk the vaccine poses. And in the case of rabies, human health is at risk as well."
After your vaccinations, ask your veterinarian to point out where the injections were placed and then keep an eye on those sites. If you notice a firm, painless swelling located near a previous vaccination site, contact your veterinarian.
Your local veterinarian can provide more information about vaccinations for your pet. What is given often depends on the risk of specific diseases in your geographic area, your pet?s life-style, and whether your pet received its mom?s first milk its first hours of life.
Protect your companion animals and yourself by paying a visit to your local veterinarian and following the suggested vaccination protocol.
We would like to thank the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana for their generous permission to reprint this article on our web site.
Reprinted with the written permission of U of I
CEPS/Veterinary Extension
2938 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg.
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61802
Phone: 217/333-2907
By Carrie Gustavson
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
As the weather changes, pet owners should be especially careful with cold and flu medications. "The drugs that are found in many over-the-counter preparations to treat cold and flu symptoms in humans can cause problems for dogs and cats," says Dr. Petra Volmer, veterinary toxicologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana.
The ingredients in these preparations for humans often include a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine, an antihistamine, and a painkiller such as acetaminophen. If these drugs are ingested, dogs and cats may show signs ranging from lethargy to excitement to seizures. Even vapor rub and zinc lozenges can make a pet sick. If a pet eats any amount of a human medication, call your veterinarian and be ready to describe what, when, and how much the pet ate.
It may seem odd that the same drug helpful to a human could make a pet very sick. But, not only are pets much smaller than we are, their bodies work differently. That makes even a small amount of some human medications potentially lethal for pets. "It's important to keep all your medications away from pets, and don't try to medicate animals without first asking a veterinarian," says Dr. Volmer.
Cats, especially, have a physiology that is quite different from ours and from many other pets. So don't ever give them medications intended for you or your dog. And be careful that pills you take don't drop in reach of a kitty's playful paw.
Drugs commonly found in the medicine cabinet, such as aspirin and aspirin-free pain relievers containing acetaminophen, can cause problems for pets. Cats are especially sensitive to both these medications. "Cats are deficient in an enzyme that is used to detoxify acetaminophen," says Dr. Volmer. "Acetaminophen can cause red blood cells to undergo a change so that they are unable to carry oxygen." Signs of acetaminophen poisoning include brownish colored mucus membranes, panting, and weakness.
Dogs can also be poisoned by acetaminophen and can easily ingest a harmful dose if a medication is left lying around. Even medications prescribed for a pet can cause problems in too high a dose.
"Usually, when dogs get into a package of medication, they don't ingest just one pill," says Dr. Volmer. Dogs can easily crunch through foil packages of cold medicine, pill bottles, and cough syrup, even those in childproof packaging. They also may chew tubes or jars of topical medicines.
If you think your pet has a problem that needs medication, it is safest to ask a veterinarian for advice. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a human medication, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4ANI-HELP.
We would like to thank the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana for their generous permission to reprint this article on our web site.
Reprinted with the written permission of U of I
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