Pets in the Kitchen

 

If you share your home with a pet, it’s probably impractical to ban them from the kitchen completely. In fact many pet owners find that the most suitable place to keep their pet’s food dishes and sleeping basket is in the kitchen. But of course, pets aren’t famous for their impeccable table manners so how can you ensure that your pet and the health of your kitchen can exist in harmony?

Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that having a pet in the kitchen doesn’t have to be unhygienic.

 

Keep food out of reach
Even if your pet can’t see food, if they can smell it they will try to get to it so always keep food in a sealed container. If you have a particularly clever pet that has worked out how to open the fridge or cupboards, you might want to invest in safety catches to stop them helping themselves to food whilst you are out.

 

Don’t allow pets onto counter tops
You may think that your cat keeps herself clean but grubby paws can harbour all sorts of bugs and germs so never allow your cat to walk on your counter tops. If you find it impossible to keep your cat off the surfaces, keep a disinfectant spray close to hand and use before preparing food.

 

Keep bins well sealed
If your dog has a tendency to rummage through your rubbish looking for a snack, you may need to invest in a sturdy bin that he cannot get into – or alternatively keep your bin outside. If you’ve been cooking something particularly tempting such as chicken, it’s a good idea to put the waste straight into the outdoor bin to keep enticing smells at bay.

 

Don’t feed pets at the dinner table
It can be confusing for pets if you sometimes tell them off for trying to steal food but then give them treats at other times. It’s therefore best to never feed them at the dinner table so that they learn that the only place they are allowed to eat is at their own food bowl.

 

Keep your pet’s food area clean
When the weather is warm, pet food bowls can be a magnet for flies so try to encourage your pet to eat all of their food when it is served, rather than snacking throughout the day. If your pet is a messy eater, try popping their food bowls onto a wipe clean placemat to help keep things tidier.

 

Muddy paws
Whether your dog has been for a walk, or your cat has been playing in the garden, muddy paws on the kitchen floor can be a big problem. You can help by putting a large mat by the door which the pet can walk over to remove the worst of the dirt – however, the only way to ensure clean floors is to mop regularly.

 

For more information about pet hygiene, visit: www.pdsa.org.uk

Categories: counter tops, dinner table, Food, food bowls, kitchen, muddy paws, nbsp, nbsp don, paws, pets, walk

Easy Ways to Keep your Asthma and Allergies from Flaring Up

Allergies and asthma attacks are a fact of life for many, but they don’t have to make life totally miserable. If they get out of hand, allergies or asthma can not only cause discomfort, but they can lead to hospitalizations and other medical complications. Fortunately, there are ways you can try to keep asthma and allergies from flaring up.

 

1. Contain pet dander

We love our pets, so it’s tough to blame them for our problems. Pet dander is a common allergen. If something at home triggers asthma or allergy symptoms, first try restricting the animal. Keep them from the area where you spend the most time, especially the bedroom. If this does not bring relief and the pet is indeed the issue, you may need to resort to a pet-free home. Allergy shots and medication are also an option for people who can’t bear to part with their pet, but don’t want to live with uncomfortable allergy symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes.

 

2. Fix leaky pipes

Are there water leaks under the sink, in the bathroom or in the basement that need repair? These areas are prone to grow black mold, one of the most serious health risks. Mold spores love moisture which can trigger allergic reactions and make some people severely ill. Be sure the bathroom has an exhaust fan in good working order, and take care of all leaks. Children are most likely to run health risks from mold because their immune systems are still not fully developed.

 

3. Replace AC filters

Air conditioner filters trap allergens. Pollen, dust, mold spores and animal dander will remain in the filter until it is full. Depending on the type of filters you use and the environment in and outside your home, a good rule of thumb is to replace the filters every 3 to 6 months. If you live in a climate like Arizona where you rely heavily on your air conditioner, you may need to contact a professional of duct cleaning in Phoenix on a more regular basis. Clean filters mean the allergens continue to be trapped and are not circulating around the house where you can breathe them in.

 

4. Control the dust

Dust, pollen, mold spores and animal dander circulate around the home in the air, and lodge in furniture and carpeting. Dust tables, entertainment centers, shelves and other furniture often and regularly wipe down windowsills with a damp cloth. Rather than dusting with a dry cloth, try using a wet cloth to trap the dust effectively rather than spread it around the home again. Furniture and carpets should be vacuumed once or twice a week. When cleaning, be sure to wear a dust mask.

 

5. Cover bedding

Most asthmatic attacks are attributed to dust mites. The microscopic bugs like warm, humid environments with a special preference for bedding and carpeting. Pillows, mattresses and box springs can be protected with airtight covers. Bedding should be washed weekly in hot water, and sheets and covers dried in a hot dryer.

 

There are ways to minimize allergy symptoms. The trick is to learn which irritants affect you and avoid the triggers. Keeping a clean and well maintained home will ensure that your family stays healthy without having to suffer from daily allergies or asthma attacks. Although there may still be things in your home that trigger symptoms, basic cleaning and maintenance is a good place to start.

Categories: Air Conditioner, allergies, Allergy Symptoms, animal dander, Asthma, Asthma Attacks, dust, health concerns, Health Risks, Home, mold spores, Pet Dander, pets

Pet Food: What’s Your Dog Really Eating?

Pet food is primarily made up of leftovers from human food production, such as the animal products that aren’t wanted or those which are considered unfit for human consumption. The type of ingredients and their quality can vary widely. Naturally, you get what you pay for, as the cheapest pet food is likely to contain lesser quality ingredients. But in some cases you may be paying a premium price for mediocre foods that have simply got a great marketing promotion. There are a few ingredients to look out for on a pet food label that could give a good indication of the food’s overall quality. These could not only prevent your pet from eating foods that may make them ill over time, but will also stop you paying premium prices for foods that are harming your pets’ health.

Animal Fat

Also known as tallow, animal fat is a product of rendering. In this process, parts and pieces of animals (and sometimes the whole animal) are put through a giant grinder and then boiled for 30 minutes to several hours in large vats. The high heat is necessary to kill off bacteria, viruses and moulds, along with other pathogens. This also enables the fat to separate and float to the top, where it is then skimmed and used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. When pet food companies use fat from a single species, they will label it as such. However, when its a mixture, it is labelled as general ‘animal fat. The latter is not something you want your pet to be eating.

Meat and Bone Meal

Meat and bone meal, known as MBM, is yet another product of rendering. This single ingredient doesn’t refer to a combination of meat meal and bone meal. The remaining material from rendering is pressed and dried to create a fluffy brown powder, which is MBM. It’s a high protein powder that is commonly used to bulk out low cost pet foods. It’s also a generic term that could include any one species or a variety. For years, it was rumoured that euthanised cats and dogs were processed into pet foods, but this was denied by the pet food industry. In tests, no samples of either species were found but it was found that meat and bone meal were the ingredients most likely to be associated with the presence of sodium pentobarbital – the drug used for euthanasia.

Animal Digest

This is a common flavouring agent that is sprayed onto dry kibbles to make them more appealing to pets. It’s made from a stew of animal parts than are broken down with enzymes and chemicals. As before, the term ‘animal’ could refer to anything. If you pet is allergic to a certain animal protein, this could be a problem.

Corn Products

Corn products are often found in pet foods, including whole grain corn, ground corn and corn bran. It’s used to provide a source of energy, but the vast majority of corn in the U.S is genetically modified – 85 per cent, in fact. Corn gluten is especially problematic as it is a cheap substitute for meat. Cats and dogs require a meat based diet, so this can lead to health problems.

Chemical Preservatives

Mny pet food companies use synthetic preservatives, such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. These have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer. Try to opt for foods that offer natural preservatives, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E) and rosemary oil.

Categories: animal, bone meal, corn, corn products, Food, food companies, health, health problems, pet food, pet foods, pets

Could Chiropractic Care be Suitable for Your Pet?

Chiropractors are trained to help alleviate pain and treat a range of conditions, including the nervous system. But did you realise that there are people trained to provide chiropractic care to your pets? If your pet is suffering with certain conditions, this form of care could be just the thing they need to get back to fit health again.

Chiropractic care focuses on the nervous system – dysfunction in this area can lead to a variety of illnesses and health conditions, and this form of care can restore the nerve flow to the body. The difference between chiropractic care and other forms of treatment is that this gets to the root of the problem, rather than simply treating the symptoms. When a joint is misaligned, it can lose motion and its position, for example. Chiropractors can restore the function and subluxation, so that it works efficiently again. The most common conditions treated with this form of treatment include ear infections, seizures, arthritis, hot spots, neurological conditions, sudden back leg paralysis, abnormal gait and injuries which have occurred as a result of a fall or trauma. It can also be used to treat pets who have undergone a variety of tests, all of which are normal even though the pet is clearly still unwell.

Some animal chiropractors can provide wellness care, which is for healthy pets whose owners wish to prevent conditions from developing. For example, getting your pets spine checked a couple of times a year can greatly reduce the risk of a condition that is often disregarded as ‘old age’. In a typical chiropractic appointment, your pet’s history would be discussed and any imaging or treatment records may also be looked at. This will almost certainly take place if your pet has a current condition for which they’ve had specific tests.
Neurological tests may be performed, as well as stance and gait analysis, after which your pet will be adjusted. Most animals enjoy this, although on their first visit they may be a little nervous. However, once they realise that it isn’t painful and that they feel better afterwards, most relax and enjoy the treatment. It’s important that you seek out a chiropractor who is trained to perform adjustments on animals, as a normal trained chiropractor will not be equipped to do so. Pets are naturally very different to humans and their spine and biomechanics work differently. It’s not just dogs who can receive this treatment, either – cats, rabbits and even birds are all suitable.

This form of treatment can be very effective for dogs, for example, who compete in shows and competitions. It is a fantastic form of therapy for improving agility and flexibility in animals, and can be very effective in pets who suffer from joint problems, such as arthritis.

There have been a number of success stories for animals who have suffered injuries who serious conditions who have benefited greatly from this therapy, being restored to full health after a course of chiropractic treatments. Depending on where you live, you may need a referral from your vet in order to see an animal chiropractor – this is something you will need to discuss with your pet’s vet. It’s worth noting that chiropractors don’t replace regular medication for your animal. They can be useful in complementing the medication though, and provided that your animal is up to date with their annual exams, they could benefit enormously from this treatment.

Categories: care, chiropractic, chiropractic care, conditions, Neurological tests, pet, pets, treatment

Can You Get Diseases From Your Pet? Here are 6 of 129!

When you open up your home to a new furry little friend, it can do wonders for your wellbeing. Your pet can teach your children about responsibility, get you exercising more by going for walks, and even enhance your emotional wellness. However, household pets also make you vulnerable to a whole host of health concerns. You can catch a minimum of 39 diseases directly from animals, 42 diseases by eating or touching food or water contaminated with animal faeces, and at least 48 diseases from the bite of bugs that feasted on an infected animal. The numerous wellness benefits of pets far outweigh the risks, but it can’t hurt to know what to watch out for:

 

1. Lyme disease. When your pets go cruising in the woods and dunes, they can bring back infected ticks and pass the Lyme disease on to you. Therefore, it’s important to check your pets for ticks on a regular basis.

 

2. Psittacosis (Parrot Fever). This may sounds like the plot to Pirates of the Caribbean 5, but parrot fever can affect your wellbeing with blood-tinged sputum, dry cough, fatigue, fever and chills, headache, joint aches, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Also known as psittacosis, this infection is caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds, including parakeets, macaws and cockatiels, who don’t show signs of infection.

 

3. Cat scratch fever. You may have heard it called cat scratch disease, but this is a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae. You normally get cat scratch fever after your cat bites or scratches you, as the wound becomes mildly infected. As a result of this disease, you can experience swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, fatigue and diminished appetite. In very rare cases, complications of B. henselae infection are possible so it’s important to get checked out.

 

4. Plague. Yep, it may not be 1348 but the plague is still alive and kicking, albeit not to the same extent. Plague is generally associated with rats, but according to the US National Library of Medicine, ‘risk factors for plague include a recent flea bite and exposure to rodents, especially rabbits, squirrels or prairie dogs, or scratches or bites from infected domestic cats.’ The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that the plague you’ll typically find in your cat will be bubonic plague, which you can tell from such symptoms as fever, anorexia, lethargy and an enlarged lymph node that may be abscessed and draining.

 

5. Q fever. Although the primary targets of the curiously named Q fever are cattle, sheep and goats, although a variety of species may be infected, which includes house pets. The bacteria Coxiella burnetii is the culprit behind Q fever, which is found in the milk, urine and faeces of infected animals. The problem with Q fever is that it is resistant to common disinfectants as well as heat, which meaning it can survive for a long time. The Q stands for “query” as the etiology of the mystery disease was unknown when it was first recognised. However, now we know where it comes from; humans are infected through the inhalation of the organisms, as well as through tick bites or consuming unpasteurised dairy products.

 

6. Rabies. This viral disease will normally be transmitted to you if you’re bitten by an infected animal, which isn’t hard to discern as said animal will most likely be wild-eyed and foaming at the mouth. Most of the cases of rabies that are reported to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention come from the likes of raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes, but domestic species accounted for 8% of all rabid animals reported, so keep your pet’s rabies vaccinations up to date.

Categories: cat scratch, Disease, fever, Infected, infected animal, lyme disease, parrot fever, pets, Plague, Rabies, scratch fever

The Joy of Diwali May Not Be Experienced By Animals

No matter how lovable, gentle and friendly your pets are, celebrations can make animals irritable and unpredictable. You may notice that they become scared more easily or do things that are out of character. They may not eat as well, or want to stay indoors all of the time. It’s often because of the fireworks or loud noises which make them fearful and worried. It’s difficult for any pet owner to see their beloved animals in a scared and anxious disposition, but it can be hard knowing what to do for the best. After all, how can you put a stop to lively and fun events purely for the sake of a few pets? Besides trying to shield them from the noise, how can you help animals to feel less worried during such times. Altered behaviour, changed eating patterns and irritability are all common patterns in animals around Diwali, according to pet owners and vets. Because dogs have such an acute sense of hearing – a range of 20-40,000 Hz compared to 20-20,000 Hz in humans – they are the worst affected during this festival, which is celebrated on a Friday. The noise is so much louder for animals and this leads to them becoming anxious and scared so much more easily.

Veterinary admissions rise by up to 10 percent a few days before and after the festival, due to the commotion everywhere and the need for animals to be comforted. It’s vital that during the festivities, pet owners are near their animals to ensure that they are comforted and reassured. In bigger animals, such as dogs, you can always sedate them if really necessary but this isn’t an option for smaller pets, such as birds. In this case, you simply need to try and keep them away from the noise wherever possible. Doctors also suggest giving birds their food early and their cages covered with a dark cloth by afternoon so that they will fall asleep before the fireworks of the evening begin. However, it’s not just the noise that affects them. The smoke in the air, just as it does with humans as well as animals, can be irritating. It can aggravate respiratory tract diseases, cause allergies in the eyes, and bring on skin rashes. This affects flat-nosed dogs like pugs more where air pollution is concerned.

Not all animals are loved pets such as those living in warm and comfortable homes. For the thousands of stray animals roaming the streets at Diwali time, there is no comfort or care. These helpless animals have no-one to rescue them, a problem that is a concern for animal welfare organisations. It’s not unusual for animals to suffer cardiac arrests during festivals and celebrations, due to the fear and anxiety that they face by dealing with breathing problems, fear and incredibly loud noises – particularly if they are roaming the streets where the noise and ruckus is worse. Welfare spokespeople claim that the use of firecrackers should be limited, not just because of the risk of animal health, but also because they are a danger for humans. Safety during large-scale celebrations is important for everyone involved, not just humans. It’s important to spare a thought for the animals during the celebrations, who are helpless and can’t avoid the noise and fear during this time. If you’re unsure about how to console your pets during this time, consult your vet who can offer advice and therapies to help keep animals as safe as possible.

Categories: animals, anxiety, Diwali, humans, loud noises, noise, pet owners, pets, time

Could Stroking Your Pet Lead to Cysts in Your Brain?

You may see nothing wrong with stroking your cat or rubbing your dog’s belly, but your wellness may be at risk by doing so. Pets are carriers of germs that are unintentionally passed on to you, and can cause you to develop health concerns such as skin infections, respiratory ailments and even cysts in your liver and brain.

 

‘The scabies is a skin disease, wherein tiny spider-like mites on the pet results in an itchy rash around the belt,’ explains Dr Bimal Kanish, dermatologist at Christian Medical College and Hospital. ‘This disease is quite common as we do come across one or two cases in a day where one of the sources of infection can be pets. Apart from that, bites by mites on the pets, also results in irritation and redness of skin in humans. We suggest the patients to maintain personal and domestic hygiene apart from the medical treatment.’

 

Dr Gurpreet Singh, chest disease specialist at SPS Apollo Hospital, commented, ‘Some people do complain of symptoms of asthma and bronchitis aggravating after they come in contact with a pet just returning from outside. I get around seven to eight cases of asthma and bronchitis on daily and during consultation they inform of their symptoms aggravating after coming in contact with their pets. The hair of the pets should be cleaned properly as they act as a carrier of allergens like dust and pollens.’

 

According to wellness experts, it is possible for the tapeworm in your pet’s body to transfer to you, which may affect your wellbeing with cysts in your liver and sometimes in your brain. Dr Harmeet Singh Saluja, gastroenterologist at SPS Apollo Hospital, advises, ‘Proper hygiene is a must to avoid hydatid cysts in the liver and brain. I do get one such case in a week, whereas we hardly used to get any case about a decade ago. This is mainly due to the increase in the trend for pets in the city.’ Dr Jaspreet Singh Mauj, a veterinarian from Sarabha Nagar, added, ‘The pets need to have a good hygiene apart from the proper cleanliness where they live. They should be frequently bathed. Their de-worming should be done in proper time span apart from their regular check ups. They should also not be allowed to go anywhere near the place where food is getting cooked.’

Categories: Asthma, cysts, pets

Top tips for vaccinating your pet

 

We tend to think only of humans where vaccines are concerned, assuming that pets are able to fight off any disease they may encounter. However, this is not actually the case, and there are various illnesses which could prove to be fatal for some animals if they aren’t properly protected. Your pets are at risk of catching diseases that could put their health at risk, which is why vaccinations, as with adults, are so important. Yet many people don’t bother to get their pets vaccinated, due to cost or simply a lack of understanding about its importance, which can leave them at risk of developing dangerous conditions that could put their lives at risk.

For example, distemper is passed from dog to dog and is displayed in symptoms such as a runny nose and sickness. It can even lead to twitching and fits in the animal – it can be potentially fatal if left untreated, requiring immediate veterinary attention is spotted. Likewise, canine hepatitis is extremely infectious and affects the liver of the dog. Dogs with this disease will have a high temperature, pale gums, diarrhoea and sickness, and generally seem under the weather. Again, it is potentially fatal. Parvo is a very dangerous illness for animals, leading to extreme sickness and problems with the dogs breathing and heart. Unfortunately, most dogs who catch this disease rarely survive it, even with treatment from a vet as it damages the body too much.

It’s for reasons such as this that you should get your animals vaccinated, and not just dogs. There are vaccinations for a variety of pets in order to protect them against harmful illnesses and diseases that affect their species. Many illnesses are now rarely seen amongst animals, unlike years prior when many animals became severely ill due to a lack of preventative treatments. If vaccinations increase, these levels of disease could drop even further. When puppies and kittens are born, they are generally protected from infections through their mother’s milk, as long as she has been vaccinated herself. This only lasts a few weeks though, which is why they require regular vaccinations from an early age in order to protect them. Typically, puppies are vaccinated at eight and ten weeks, kittens at nine and twelve weeks, and young pets should be given a booster at 12 months. Even rabbits require regular vaccines in order to stay healthy and protected from infection.

Dogs are generally routinely vaccinated against canine parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis and canine hepatitis. It’s particularly important that these vaccines are given if your dog will be spending a lot of time in kennels, as they will be more prone to catching infections such as kennel cough. Cats tend to be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis, feline herpes virus, feline calicivirus and feline leukaemia virus, however it’s advised that only cats at risk should have a vaccination for this particular disease. Rabbits should be routinely vaccinated for Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). Older pets often need a booster shot as well, as their health declines and they are less able to defend themselves against infections. A regular check-up with your animal’s vet will ensure that they get the routine checks they require, as well as being checked for any symptoms of disease and potentially fatal ailments. Much like humans, animals are only able to fend off so many bacterial viruses, after which they need assistance in the form of medication. In order to make sure your pet stays healthy, book them in for routine check-ups each year to stay on top of their health with low cost pet vaccinations.

Categories: Disease, pets, Vaccinations, vaccines