You may want to buy your pet a special holiday treat as a present or give them some of the holiday meal, but it’s important to think carefully about what you offer them. To help keep your dogs and cats safe as we enter the holiday season, follow these guidelines to keep the holidays healthy and happy!
The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious feasts!
While the festive spirit tends to encourage sharing, resisting the urge to include your pets in your holiday meals is crucial. Even a small amount of table scraps (especially the fatty ones!), like gravy or ham, can lead to pancreatitis.
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, a vital gland behind the stomach that is responsible for releasing hormones, insulin, and digestive enzymes. In pets, it causes severe abdominal pain, reluctance to engage in normal activities, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cats may exhibit subtle signs such as lethargy and loss of appetite. Severe cases can be fatal and may lead to permanent damage, increasing the risk of diabetes and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Treatment Challenges and Prevention
Treatment for pancreatitis varies based on severity, often requiring hospitalization, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain control. Prevention is key, especially for pets prone to pancreatitis. Scraps from the table pose a significant risk, even in small amounts. Any pet with a history of pancreatitis is vulnerable to reoccurrence, emphasizing the need to resist sharing holiday leftovers.
Holiday Temptations and Risks
During the holidays, our homes are filled with tempting treats and decorations. While we enjoy our holiday meals, it’s essential to understand the potential risks to our pets. Apart from pancreatitis, gastrointestinal upset is common. Symptoms include abdominal pain, grass eating, vomiting, diarrhea, and refusal to eat. Pets can be exposed to hazards like mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and chocolates, leading to severe illnesses.
Avoiding Obstructions and Foreign Bodies
Pets are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, especially during the holidays when more items are within reach. Dogs may get obstructed with bones, corn cobs, BBQ brushes, and toys, while cats may ingest string, tinsel, ribbons, and ornament hooks. These obstructions often require surgical intervention, leading to costly procedures and hospitalization.
Foods Your Pet Can Eat
Our pets don’t need to miss out on the holiday fun – or the feasts! – during the holiday season. Our complete and balanced gently cooked meals are perfect for pets, and can be served as a full diet, partial diet, topper, mix-in or treat. Our Turkey Gobbler meal is a festive dinner of ground turkey meat and chicken giblets (liver and heart), butternut squash, russet potatoes and spinach, and perfect for serving your pup at a holiday dinner. Other fan favourites include our Italian Beef Pasta, Classic Pork Stew, and for the pups who need a low-fat meal, our Rosemary Venison, Fisherman’s Best Friend and Kangaroo meals offer a tasty treat. See all our meals for dogs here.
A Healthy and Happy Holiday for Your Pet
This holiday season, prioritize your pet’s health by resisting the urge to share festive foods. Keep an eye on potential hazards, discourage guests from offering treats, and maintain your pet’s diet. Let’s ensure our furry friends have a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season.
Wishing you and your pets a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
When a normally active feline friend suddenly becomes lethargic, it can be a cause for concern. Lethargy in cats refers to a lack of energy, enthusiasm, or a significant decrease in activity levels. In this article, we’ll explore what lethargy looks like, examine some potential causes, list common symptoms to watch for, and discuss remedies to help your cat get back on its paws.
What Does Lethargy Look Like?
Lethargy in cats manifests as a significant decline in physical and mental activity. A lethargic cat may exhibit the following behaviours:
- Reduced Mobility: Your cat may move less than usual and be less interested in playing or exploring.
- Excessive Rest: While cats are known for their love of napping, a lethargic cat might sleep even more than usual.
- Loss of Interest: Lethargic cats may lose interest in their favourite toys, people, or activities.
- Hiding: Some cats become reclusive and hide in quiet, dark places when they feel unwell.
- Change in Appetite: A lack of interest in food, even favourite treats, is common when cats are lethargic.
When evaluating your cat for lethargy, watch for the following additional symptoms that can help you determine if your cat is unwell. If your cat is experiencing secondary symptoms listed below, they may need a check up with their veterinarian.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Loss of Appetite: A reduced interest in food is often an early sign of a problem.
- Weight Loss: Lethargic cats may lose weight due to decreased food intake and metabolic changes.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal issues often observed in lethargic cats
- Changes in Grooming: A lack of self-grooming or a disheveled coat can indicate a problem.
- Behaviour Changes: Agitation, irritability, or excessive vocalization can be signs of discomfort.
Potential Causes of Lethargy
Lethargy in cats can be triggered by various factors, and identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. If your cat experiences symptoms of lethargy, a call to the veterinarian may be necessary. Some potential causes of lethargy include:
- Infections, such as respiratory or urinary tract infections, can lead to lethargy.
- Chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can also be culprits.
- Pain and discomfort from injuries, arthritis, or dental problems can result in decreased activity.
- Changes in the environment, like moving or introducing a new pet, can lead to stress-related lethargy.
- Inadequate water intake can cause dehydration and lethargy.
- Cats may ingest toxic substances like plants or household chemicals, leading to lethargy as a symptom.
- Internal or external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, or worms, can make your cat feel unwell.
Remedies for Lethargy in Cats
If you suspect your cat is lethargic, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and establish an appropriate treatment plan. However, here are some general remedies and care strategies that can help prevent lethargy in your cat or to help them feel better when they are lethargic:
- Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. You can encourage drinking by using a clean water bowl and even investing in a cat water fountain for flowing water. Cats can struggle to consume adequate water. Feeding a gently cooked fresh pet food, which is high in moisture, can help ensure proper hydration for your cat.
- Proper Nutrition: Offer high-quality cat food that matches your pet’s age, health, and dietary needs. We offer meals suitable for all life stages, kittens, adult cats, and specifically for senior cats. Proper nutrition can help prevent lethargy and causes of lethargy and aids in a speedy recovery for cats experiencing lethargy.
- Stress Reduction: Create a calm and stable environment for your cat. Minimize changes in the household that can cause stress. Ensure they have space where other pets can not reach them.
- Pain Management: If your cat is in pain, discuss pain relief options with your veterinarian. These might include medications, supplements, or therapies like acupuncture. For simple comfort throughout the home, ensure your cat has access to both vertical and horizontal space to help movement and muscle mass maintenance. Soft beds and heating pads can be great for promoting comfort as well.
- Regular Vet Check-Ups: Schedule routine vet visits to monitor your cat’s health and catch potential issues early.
- Medication and Treatment: If an underlying medical condition is identified, follow your vet’s prescribed treatment plan to get your cat back on track!
Lethargy in cats is a concerning symptom, and early intervention is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause. By providing your feline friend with a loving and supportive environment and seeking prompt veterinary care, you can help your cat recover its vitality and enjoy a happy, active life.
Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com
Due to Potential Salmonella Health Risk
Are US pet foods next?
The Federal Trade Commission has taken action against one Private Equity Firm. Who’s next?
Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk.
Speak now, before pet food is required to be irradiated.
Many pet food companies prominently feature the „veterinarian recommended“ label, enticing families seeking the best food for their pets. However, what exactly this label means and how it can help you to make an informed choice can be a bit of a mystery. In this post, we’ll cover what the regulations are for products bearing the “veterinarian recommended” claim.
And they are trying to pressure Guinness to revoke his Oldest Dog title.