Second only to upper-respiratory illness, digestive disorders are the chief reason for feline veterinary visits. Cats with digestive problems exhibit symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea, to weight loss, constipation and excessive gas. While the causes are many, feline IBS and IBD are two common digestive disorders. On many occasions, they are mistaken for one another, which is unfortunate because they call for very different treatments. In this post, we’ll cover the basics and try to clear up the confusion surrounding these disorders.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, also affects humans. For us, symptoms of this disorder include lower abdominal pain, excessive gas and a marked change in stools, among others. All of these need not occur simultaneously, although they sometimes do. Causes range from suffering from excessive stress, taking a newly prescribed medication and the development of dietary sensitivities. In response, the intestinal tract repeatedly and painfully contracts, like a spasming muscle, leading to stool changes. If you or anyone you know has endured these symptoms, you’ll know that IBS is no walk in the park. More...

This month, it is our great pleasure to announce another Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation financial award, given to Marion Regional Humane Society of Marion, IL. A non-profit, no-kill organization, this tight-knit group works closely with the public to achieve their twin goals of reducing pet overpopulation and matching up abandoned animals with new homes. In a profession that leaves some rescuers cynical about the cruelty of some people towards non-human animals, these folks do their good works with gentle caring, unflagging perseverance and good humor.

As we have seen many times in previous foundation-related blog postings, some rescue organizations take as their mission the saving of specific breeds of dogs. Other non-profits cater their knowledgeable care solely to cats. And then there are those organizations like Marion Regional Humane Society, who seemingly take their inspiration from that ark of old, opening their hearts and doors to animals of all stripes, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters and more.

Frankie

Over the years, Marion Regional has operated a spay-and-neuter program, offered veterinary medical aid, provided food and shelter, and – above all – improved the chances that abandoned animals will become united with loving forever homes. More...

Have you ever noticed your dog leaning his head to one side, as if listening to something, for extended periods of time? Or worse, his eyes twitching or suddenly losing his balance? If so, he could be suffering from Canine Vestibular Disease, which is fairly common among older dogs. The symptoms have led some to refer to sufferers as “Head-Tilt Harry”. Fortunately, this condition is generally not grave, but when it occurs, it can be very frightening for pet parents. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah talks about the possible causes of CVD and what you can do to minimize the symptoms.

Americans love their companion animals. These days, it’s rarer to not have a pet than to think of one as a family member. For those of us with dogs and/or cats, it’s essential to provide a cozy environment for our companion animals that's not just comfortable, but is one where they will be able to thrive.

Many mistakenly believe that “pet-proof” is code for “absence of style”, but this is simply not true. You can beautifully outfit and remodel your home to be completely pet-friendly, simply by using specific paints, flooring, fabrics and furniture. And these days, there are more options for pet-loving consumers than ever before. More...

 

This month, we’d like to highlight another financial award given by the Dr. Jane HealthyPetNet Foundation, this time to Cats Exclusive, a no-kill, non-profit, feline rescue organization committed to helping their South Florida community - both felines and humans alike.

Cats Exclusive has been in continuous operation since 1979, making them something of a legend among animal rescuers in Florida. Located in Margate, their facility allows sufficient space for the daily care of 70 cats at a time, and they typically operate at full capacity. Over the years, their adoption branch has overseen a substantial number of successful rescues … nearly 6,000 cats!

Their objectives include striving to promote and encourage kindness towards, care and understanding of cats and other animals, working to organize fundraising events on behalf of abused and neglected felines, discouraging the sale of any feline to pet shops or the use of cats by any organization for inhumane testing, and cultivating relationships between pet parents, breeders and cat enthusiasts. Cats Exclusive is affiliated with The Cat Fancier's Association, the world's largest feline registry, which also operates to cultivate the appreciation of all things feline through the publication of educational materials for the general public. More...

Over the course of the last decade, there’s been ample evidence to support the idea that chronic stress plays a contributing role in a variety of medical conditions in humans. It may come as no surprise that researchers have similarly determined that long-term stress can be a factor in the medical and compulsive disorders of companion animals. Conditions such as feline lower urinary tract disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, obesity, gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat), noise phobias and separation anxiety have all been found to have a chronic stress component in both dogs and cats (Luescher, 2003). Even so, compared to humans, relatively little research has been published regarding stress and its effects on companion animals. More...

Does your dog exhibit symptoms of stress? Did you know that massage can help melt away woes? Best of all, pet massage is a snap. Just in time to take the stress out of the holidays, Dr. Sarah is ready to lend a helping hand – or two! In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah shares pointers for creating a soothing environment for your furry four-footers, as well as the basic techniques you’ll need to safely massage your companion animals. After watching this short episode, and a little bit of practice, you’ll be sending your pet kids off to a blissful state of relaxation.

 

This holiday season, we’re especially pleased to bring you news of yet another financial award given by the Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation, this time to an inspirational organization of animal rescuers in Pennsylvania. First, though, we offer an important end-of-year message, which also provides context to illustrate the importance of this rescue’s work.

Many Americans decide to celebrate the holiday season by adopting a companion animal. And, who can blame them? Few would deny the happiness that comes from hearing the pitter-patter of tiny, furry feet through the house, or the genuine emotion of being on the receiving end of adoring gazes from puppies and kittens.

It probably comes as no surprise that holiday adoptions are often decided on the spur of the moment. Pet stores are well aware of this … they cater to our expectations for convenience and are commonly located no further than the local strip mall. While the proverbial “doggie in the window” may tug at the heartstrings, many potential adopters fail to realize that often the creatures offered by these businesses import their dogs and cats from “pet mills”.

Popular in the rural communities of Pennsylvania and a handful of other states, pet mills are a multi-million dollar enterprise. They are not just breeding grounds devoid of comforts, they are known for infestations, untreated infections, routine physical abuse and broken bones (and spirits to match). Pitiable dogs lead monotonous lives of desperation, locked away in cramped cages, enduring the harsh treatment at the hands of their tormentors. The females are repeatedly impregnated, sometimes only days after birthing a litter, and males who aren’t sold at a profit are often killed. More...

“Mom, Dad, can we get a pet? Please?”

It’s a question that many parents hear from their youngsters. Unfortunately, the decision process can be difficult to navigate if the child in question suffers from allergies related to dogs, cats, bunnies and birds. Parents shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by this situation, as the following brief review of current research may help those seeking a solution that makes everybody happy. More...

If you haven’t made time lately to take your canine companion to a local dog park, you’re both missing out on some serious fun! In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah’s on location at the Spring Canyon Dog Park in Fort Collins, CO. With the help of her Goldendoodle co-star, Alma, Dr. Sarah will share the code of proper dog-park conduct, for both canines and humans, to ensure maximum fun for everyone. Learning about companion animal etiquette has never been so much fun!