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Cat Health,Heat and Summer Weather
by Dennis Sperl
Hot Kitty! Cat Health in Heat
If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your cat will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you to care for your cat's health so that he or she does not become overheated. Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby--your cat cannot tell you that he or she is hot or uncomfortable. You have to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment so that your cat does not get too hot.
When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever leave your cat inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your cat will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely. In as little as ten to fifteen minutes, your cat could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your cat. If your cat will be going with you, make sure that cats are allowed wherever you will be.
When the heat index is high, keep your cats inside. Cats that are not outdoors most of the time won't know where the cooler places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places and not return home. Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a cat's health, as it can burn his or her sensitive paw pads. If your cat does not use a litter box and instead goes outside, make sure that he or she is let back inside after only a few minutes on the hottest days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.
Keep your cat well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing you cat often will help get rid of the excess hair that has been shed and is weighing down the animal. If your cat has very long hair or is overweight, provide him or her with an air-conditioned room if possible. Preventing overheating is key.
As always, make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water. This can be tap water, but should be cool and changed multiple times a day when it is hot outside. Your furry feline is very important in your life, so make sure that he or she gets proper care when the summer days make you sweat.
About the Author
Did you find these tips on Cat Health,Heat helpful?You can learn a lot more about cat health and how to make you cat live longer here http://dmsperl.kittycat.hop.clickbank.net/ Another good resource for cat health is http://dmsperl.chantalw.hop.clickbank.net/ They also offer a Kitty I.Q. Test.
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Health Problems That Haunt Small Dogs
By Blake Kritzberg
While none of the following problems are by any means exclusive to small dogs, they do present extra challenges for small dogs and their owners.
Teeth and Gum Problems
Many small dogs have a tendency to develop teeth and gum problems which lead to tooth loss, because they are often fed canned food as an alternative to larger kibble. Although tooth loss in itself is vexing, oral disease can lead to even more serious heart disease, compromised immune systems and other complications.
Bi-weekly tooth brushing will help prevent this typical small dog health problem. An attractive supply of crunchy treats and chews (high-quality natural ingredients and not too large, please) will also help your pup keep his sparkling smile.
"Small Dog Syndrome"
Even the smallest toy dogs are infamous for their willingness to take on dogs the size of a full-grown man. Your dog may be that brave, but he�s almost sure not to be that lucky. Protect your small dog from his oversized ambitions by picking him up when a larger dog approaches.
Injuries
Injuries make up more than their share of small dog health problems. Their tiny bones are more easily broken - sometimes, even when a small dog jumps off of the furniture onto a hard surface. As much as possible, try to cushion the normal launch spots by placing carpet and rugs underneath.
Small dogs tend to get underfoot more, and unlike the case with a larger animal, those tiny bones can easily be injured if the dog is accidentally stepped on. Many owners find the best solution is learning to "shuffle" around their dog and not lift their feet too high.
Illness
Although small dogs are typically long-lived, illness has even greater ramifications when it comes to small dog health problems. Many opportunistic illnesses like viruses and bacterial infections can take over a small dog's system much more quickly, causing them to go downhill rapidly.
Small dogs are also more prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) because of their faster metabolism. Paying attention to the first signs of any illness and taking immediate action can greatly help to keep small dog health problems in check.
While on the surface, small dog health problems might appear to be much the same as any other dog's, health issues can have a bigger effect on their tiny systems. Extra diligence on your part will help more effectively treat and prevent many small dog health problems!
About the Author:
Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo, your source for small dog clothes. Stop by for fine dog couture, designer dog collars and the Small Dog Blog. http://www.poodle-oo.com/
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