Feed Editor 15 Jul 2008 15:53:19 GMT Just like humans, domesticated animals like dogs and cats are affected by the health hazards of modern living. Pollution, poor nutrition, stress and unhealthy lifestyles can lead to a variety of illnesses and conditions that are very similar to those experienced by humans. These days, emotional and psychological problems like depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems are just as prevalent in pets as they are in their owners. Similarly, physical ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, cystitis, kidney and liver disease, skin disorders, obesity, thyroid dysfunction and other problems are becoming more and more common in domesticated animals. Many, if not most of these conditions can be prevented by helping your pets to live a healthier lifestyle. For pets already suffering from existing conditions, a combination of lifestyle changes and natural medicine can work wonders! http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/index.html?ysmchn=OTHER&ysmcpn=RSS&ysmtrm=PAwebsite&ysmtac=CTX en Nasal infections in cats may be viral, bacterial or fungal. The primary symptoms of all these infections is a nasal discharge, which turns from serous (thin and clear) to purulent (thick with yellowish-green pus) if the infection continues over a period of time. Other symptoms include sneezing, coughing and gagging. Nasal infections usually lead to refusal to eat, as the cat is not able to smell food. Any feline respiratory disease that originates in the nasal cavity causes irritation and consequently inflammation in the turbinates, the scrolled, spongy bones in the nasal passage. These delicate bones are easily twisted and pressed out of shape, or even destroyed. This easily allows bacteria that are normally present in the nasal cavity to grow rapidly, leading to secondary infections. 24 Jul 2008 19:06:00 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/nasal-infection-in-cats.html A fair number of viruses are capable of causing cat flu, but the most commonly identified agents are feline herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1, also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus) and feline calicivirus (FCV). FHV-1 infection produces severe symptoms and also tends to recur more frequently. Cats experience the same symptoms as humans do during common colds and flu. The lining around the cat’s nose and eyes becomes inflamed, which causes nasal and ocular discharge. The nasal discharge is initially clear, but as the disease advances, it turns purulent due to a secondary bacterial infection. The cat becomes depressed, refuses to eat, and sneezes a lot. The accompanying fever results in lethargy. The virus may cause skin lesions in rare cases and may spread to the lungs to cause pneumonia. 24 Jul 2008 19:05:29 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/all-you-need-to-know-about-cat-flu.html Colds are bothersome both for humans and cats, but cat colds are different from common colds, the characteristically seasonal illness that humans experience. The difference lies in the fact that common colds are not dangerous for humans, but they can prove to be the harbinger of serious infections in cats. If the cold has been caused due to a virus that is producing cold-like symptoms such as watery eyes and nose, sneezing and coughing, then the only care that you can provide for your cat is symptomatic treatment, as there is no drug that is effective against viruses. The infectious viral agent must live its course for the infection to disappear. The rule of the thumb to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections is that nasal discharge in the latter is thick, opaque and yellowish-green in color. 24 Jul 2008 19:04:56 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/make-your-pet-comfortable-during-feline-colds.html Symptoms of cat colds are almost similar to the ones that humans experience during common colds. These include: Nasal discharge. Watery eyes. Sneezing. Heavy breathing. Coughing. Nasal discharge in mild instances is not serous (clear watery discharge), but a thick, purulent (containing pus) discharge signifies that the condition is more serious than a simple cold. A bloody discharge, on the other hand, may be an indication of prevalence of a serious feline respiratory disease like a nasal tumor. 24 Jul 2008 19:03:59 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/cat-cold-symptoms-preventative-measures.html Cat colds are neither as common nor similar to human colds, except for the trouble they cause. Coughing and sneezing can be as problematic, as can watery eyes and nose. In as far as human colds are concerned, we all know that they are self-limiting in nature and that the symptoms disappear after a few days. All that we need is some home remedies to reduce the severity of the running nose and watery eyes. It is almost similar with cats but cat colds are not always that simple. Cold-like symptoms in cats can also be caused due to a feline upper respiratory infection. You can safely assume that there is nothing serious if the nasal discharge appears as clear water-like serous fluid. When the runny nose is watery in nature, the cold is likely be due to a simple viral infection. These viral infections should be allowed to run their course since there is actually no cure for viral infections. You may however, try to cut down on the duration of the diseases with some home remedies. 24 Jul 2008 19:03:25 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/cat-cold-remedies.html Your dog’s oral health is also an indicator of the general health of your dog. Many diseases in other parts of the body manifest themselves by certain dental or oral symptoms. On the other hand, sometimes dental diseases can cause other more serious problems and affect vital organs in the body. Dogs do not generally have cavities like humans. Dental disease mostly affects their gums. Gum diseases like gingivitis are primarily responsible for tooth decay, abscesses and serious dental ailments like periodontitis. 24 Jul 2008 19:02:49 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/beware-cat-colds-are-more-than-common-cold.html Canine flu is a viral infection caused by different varieties of the influenza virus A, a viral agent known to cause equine flu. The most common of these viruses is the equine influenza virus H3N8. In fact, the first instance of canine flu occurred in the horserace tracks of Florida, where greyhounds were also raced and therefore exposed to the virus. Although canine influenza virus has been tested positive in dogs earlier, it was only in 2004 that it was discovered that the virus could also cause influenza in dogs. The virus affects the canine respiratory system and causes this highly contagious disease that can pass on from one dog to another. The disease can be transmitted even by dogs that do not show any visible signs of the disease. Transmission rates are extremely high because dogs do not have a natural immunity towards the disease, since the exposure to this disease has been very low. 24 Jul 2008 19:02:08 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/all-that-you-wanted-to-know-about-canine-flu.html Cat flu is a general name given to infectious acute feline respiratory disease caused by a number of organisms. It is commonly seen in cats that have not been vaccinated, especially when they are kept in an over-crowded, dusty environment with poor ventilation and high humidity. A huge majority (almost 80%) of the infections are caused either by feline calicivirus (FCV) or feline rhinotracheitis virus (FRV or herpes virus). The rest are caused by organisms known as feline coronavirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasturella multocida, Mycoplasma (parasitic bacteria) or Chlamydophila felis. Many cases of cat flu are tested positive for infection by more than one of these infectious agents. 24 Jul 2008 18:33:36 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/cat-flu-symptoms.html Older and younger pets are more predisposed to disease. They are also more prone to progression of a disease and treatment failure. This happens in older pets because the vital organs and systems start to lose their functionality, and in puppies and kittens, these organs and systems have not developed completely. The immune system is highly compromised in older and younger pets due to similar reasons. Canine and feline upper respiratory infection is common in young pets. Although inherently self-limiting by nature, home care remedies can make that extra difference to a fast recovery. Canine flu, for example, is an infection caused by the canine influenza virus that produces fever, pains and dog respiratory problems like coughing, breathing problems and discharge from the dog’s nose. Death from the virus itself is unusual but may occur in puppies due to respiratory complications if proper home care is not provided. 24 Jul 2008 18:32:52 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/care-for-puppies-with-upper-respiratory-infections.html 24 Jul 2008 18:31:32 GMT A puppy’s teeth start appearing when he is about four weeks old. These are deciduous (temporary) or baby teeth that do not have roots. By the time the young dog is about six weeks old, most of the deciduous canine, incisive, and molar teeth are in place. As puppies are liable to bite their mother’s nipples, puppies are generally weaned as soon as the first set of teeth start appearing. Being deciduous teeth, these teeth start falling off as the roots of the permanent teeth start pushing upwards. The process of replacement is usually complete by the time the dog is about eight months old. The incisors are the first deciduous teeth to fall off and the molars are generally the last. 24 Jul 2008 18:31:02 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/care-for-canine-puppy-teeth.html Canine bad breath often foreshadows the onset of a dental disease. A dog breath freshener will cure dog bad breath temporarily, but it is only regular cleaning of your dog’s teeth that can prevent any future dental problems. Training dogs to accept tooth brushing is important before you actually start doing it. The best time to do it is when they are young. A young dog is more likely to accept a toothbrush and the unnatural taste of toothpaste, since adult dogs are prone to be much more resistant to any change. Even if you missed out on training your dog when your pet was young or you brought home an adult pet, here are some guidelines about how you can actually go about it training your dog to accept the process. 24 Jul 2008 18:30:32 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/how-to-clean-dog-teeth.html Caring for your dog’s teeth is your responsibility. While it may seem to be something that is not necessary, the fact is that your pet needs as much dental care as you do. The basic rule that prevention is better than cure applies as much to dog teeth as it does to any other pet health issue. Without proper precautions, there is a possibility of relatively minor problems ending up as major health issues over time. These simple problems in the mouth tend to aggravate into dental diseases. Plaque can mineralize within a couple of days after coming in contact with saliva and convert to tartar that sticks strongly to the gums. This is what eventually leads to an inflammation of the gums, gingivitis, which can potentially progress into a more serious dental disease known as periodontitis. Eventually the infectious bacteria may enter the system and spread to vital organs elsewhere in the body. 24 Jul 2008 18:29:59 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/dog-oral-breath-spray.html A vast majority of dogs can be put under anesthesia safely for dental cleaning, but that does not mean that anesthetizing a dog does not carry any risk. At the same time, it is also equally dangerous to let plaque and tartar accumulate on teeth and gums. Build up of tartar is responsible for simple symptoms like bad breath to serious dental diseases including gingivitis and periodontitis. Cleaning dog teeth is an essential part of dog grooming, and your pet’s teeth should ideally be cleaned daily if you want to avoid any dental complications. There is a huge range of products, manual as well as electric, that are available in the market that you can use to clean your dogs’ teeth at home. 24 Jul 2008 18:29:13 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/dog-teeth-cleaning-tools.html Your dog’s oral health is also an indicator of the general health of your dog. Many diseases in other parts of the body manifest themselves by certain dental or oral symptoms. On the other hand, sometimes dental diseases can cause other more serious problems and affect vital organs in the body. Dogs do not generally have cavities like humans. Dental disease mostly affects their gums. Gum diseases like gingivitis are primarily responsible for tooth decay, abscesses and serious dental ailments like periodontitis. 24 Jul 2008 18:28:31 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/healthy-dog-gums.html Dog owners have to become accustomed to normal dog breath. At the same time, a dog’s bad breath can become intolerable at times. Canine bad breath is normally a result of improper dental care. Most dog owners tend to ignore dental care while grooming. Lack of proper dental care results in food particles, bone splinters and other substances to remain stuck between the teeth and gums-- causing decay over a period of time. The resultant abscesses and inflammation becomes a welcome home for bacteria. Untended, they invite more bacteria, which ultimately results in periodontitis, a teeth and gum disease that can progress and infect other parts of the body. 16 Jul 2008 17:02:20 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/brushing-a-dogs-teeth-is-essential-for-proper-grooming.html Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can infect cats and dogs alike. However, the kind of tapeworms that cats are most susceptible to are different from those that infect dogs in most cases. Cats are most likely to be infected by three groups of tapeworm species, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia, and Echinococcus. In most cases, the manner in which each of these groups infects the cat is different. The Taenia species infects a cat when it eats a prey that is already infected. Dipylidium caninum infects cats when they eat lice or fleas that carry larvae of tapeworms. Echinococcus infection is through eating raw meat or carrion of an infected host. 16 Jul 2008 17:03:05 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/types-tapeworms-cats.html Kennel cough in dogs is an infection that can be caused by a number of agents, damaging and irritating the lining of trachea. Though kennel cough is commonly associated with a bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica, two other viruses, parainfluenza virus and adenovirus and parasitic bacteria (mycoplasma), can also lead to kennel cough in canines. The condition is self-limiting, and the duration of kennel cough in dogs is short. However, that does not mean that it does not cause discomfort to the dog. The condition can cause your dog to cough continuously for several minutes. His cough may sound like a ‘honking’ sound, as if trying to expel something out from his throat. The continuous sound of the cough can be extremely irritating to the owner as well-- not to mention the discomfort that it causes the dog. 16 Jul 2008 17:00:51 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/herbal-remedy-for-kennel-cough.html Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes is a common condition in dogs. However scary it may sound it is not the end of the world for your dog because diabetes in canines is manageable if proper care is taken. Diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and medication are key aspects of adequate care. Diabetes, however, can cause an early death of the dog if it is not treated. High blood sugar levels produce clinical symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats that can help in early detection. 16 Jul 2008 16:58:56 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes-in-dogs.html Diabetes in cats is treatable and normally has a good prognosis. Cats usually respond to insulin treatments and a low carbohydrate diet. If diabetes is detected early, treatment is usually successful in preventing nerve damage and in some cases, even remission. However, if left untreated it can lead to organ failure, blindness and even death. In many cases, diet alone is able to treat diabetes in cats. A low carbohydrate diet lowers the requirement of insulin in diabetic cats. In cats and dogs, carbohydrates are converted to blood glucose must faster than fats and proteins. A low carbohydrate diet thus reduces the risk of extreme blood sugar highs immediately after meals. Home cooked food is always the preferred option over commercial foods since canned food tends to have a higher proportion of carbohydrates. 16 Jul 2008 16:57:51 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/treating-diabetes-in-cats.html Canine influenza or dog flu was first identified in early 2005 after the outbreak of an epidemic of a dog respiratory system disease in the greyhound racetracks in Florida. A major outbreak of the disease was next reported in New York State, and by 2006 it had spread to 22 states of the USA and was believed to affect almost 16% of the dogs, with a mortality rate of 7%. The canine influenza virus (CIV) belongs to the same family as the equine influenza virus, which has been around since the last forty years. 16 Jul 2008 16:57:06 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-dog-flu.html Your cat’s teeth must be cleaned regularly to avoid dental diseases, since the consequences can prove to be more serious as time progresses. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it mineralizes and forms tartar, which can irritate gums and lead to gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can further lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis, which affects gums and bones around the teeth. The matter does not stop at offensive cat breath that mouth infections are liable to cause. Dental diseases often lead to tooth extraction, and diseases can potentially spread further and affect vital organs like the kidneys, the liver and even the heart. 16 Jul 2008 16:55:44 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/feline-dental-care-recommendations.html A dog’s teeth and human teeth are different in structure and therefore use. At the same time, apart from the fact that dogs do not develop cavities and are more prone to develop tartar, dogs have to face nearly the same dental problems that humans have to struggle with. Just as in humans, if you are not careful about dental care, your dog may be at a higher risk of developing dental problems 16 Jul 2008 16:54:35 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/dog-dental-care-program.html Availability of better preventive care has resulted in our pets living longer than before. The flip side is that pets now have to struggle with age-related conditions and dental problems that are emerging as the most commonly diagnosed medical problems in cats. If you see signs of cat bad breath, there is every reason for you to suspect that something is wrong. 16 Jul 2008 16:53:40 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/causes-of-feline-bad-breath.html Cushing’s syndrome or hyperadrenocorticism is not as common in cats as it is among dogs. The treatments for Cushing’s disease in dogs is far more developed than those for cats. But that can hardly be reason for getting complacent since a fair number of cases of feline hyperadrenocorticism that have been reported. The best way to tackle the syndrome is to understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. This helps in identifying the problem, confirming the presence, and getting it treated effectively. 16 Jul 2008 16:52:53 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/feline-cushings-syndrome.html Certain canine colds can prove to be serious, since the symptoms that are manifested are similar to those of severe infections. If the dog’s immune system is weak, canine colds can lead to secondary infections that may even prove to be fatal. It is possible that your dog does not have a natural immunity to certain viruses or bacteria due to the absence of previous exposure. Such an outbreak occurred in 2004, when a disease that showed signs of common cold was later found to be an infection caused by the canine influenza virus. Until this time, the virus was known to affect only horses. The symptoms of canine cold are similar to those seen in the human cold. However, unlike in humans, canine colds are more likely to be a result of a problem in the canine respiratory system. Treatment of respiratory problems in dogs requires a fair amount of home care along with veterinary treatment. 16 Jul 2008 16:49:42 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/home-remedies-for-canine-colds.html Even though viral or bacterial agents that cause feline upper respiratory infections are highly contagious, cats are at a very low risk of contracting an infection. There are come conditions, however, that are exceptions to the rule. In most cases, outdoor cats or cats that are housed with other infected cats are at risk of exposure. Persian cats are at a greater risk due to the flat structure of their faces. As the immune system of young kittens is not fully capable of combating infections, they too are more prone to feline respiratory disorders. 16 Jul 2008 16:49:03 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/feline-respiratory-infections-an-overview.html Canine influenza or dog flu was first identified in early 2005 after the outbreak of an epidemic of a dog respiratory system disease in the greyhound racetracks in Florida. A major outbreak of the disease was next reported in New York State, and by 2006 it had spread to 22 states of the USA and was believed to affect almost 16% of the dogs, with a mortality rate of 7%. The canine influenza virus (CIV) belongs to the same family as the equine influenza virus, which has been around since the last forty years. It is understood that the contagion occurred on the same racing tracks used for greyhound as well as horse racing. When inflicted with canine influenza, almost 80% of the dogs show mild symptoms, and the other 20%, although infected, do not show any visible symptoms. 16 Jul 2008 16:46:22 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/beware-of-canine-colds.html An infected bladder can cause a strong urge to urinate and is a primary cause of canine and feline urinary incontinence. A long standing bladder infection can damage the bladder rendering it unable to stretch when there is a need to hold urine. Generally in cases of urinary incontinence the dog is unaware of dribbling or the passing of urine. However, when incontinence is cause due to a bladder infection the dog is aware of the urination but is unable to control the urge, which compels him to urinate at places where he is not meant to. Bladder infection is more common in female dogs and affects the lower urinary tract. 16 Jul 2008 16:45:34 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/urinary-incontinence-and-bladder-infection-in-dogs.html Cancer in any part of the body can be primary or secondary. The specific cancer is called primary cancer if the cancerous growth is known to have originated from the tissue of the organ itself. The cancer is called a secondary cancer if it has metastasized (spread) to the organ from another organ or tissue. For example, when diagnosed, if lung cancer is known to have developed in the lung tissues, it is called primary lung cancer. On the other hand, if the lung cancer that is diagnosed has spread from another part of the body (e.g., the liver), it is called secondary lung cancer. Primary lung tumors may occur in the lung tissue or the bronchioles, the smallest bronchial ducts. The most common type of lung tumor is carcinoma, which is a malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue. There is no known cause of feline lung cancer as of yet. However, it is seen mostly in cats that live in urban environments that are therefore exposed to secondary smoke. 16 Jul 2008 16:44:27 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/feline-lung-cancer.html How to prepare and care for your pet while traveling Native Remedies Summer is a popular travel season for many families, and furry friends are often a great factor to weigh-in when in making get-away plans. Whether pets travel along with their owner or find alternate housing during time away, there are many things to consider regarding pets’ overall health, comfort, and safety. Traveling with pets can pose many changes in environment, which can result in disturbances in a dog or cat’s delicate system such as digestive upsets and changes in mood. Taking some time to plan for a pet’s comfort can greatly enhance its travel experience, and eliminate some potential pitfalls. 16 Jul 2008 16:39:32 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/pet-travel-care.html For many pet owners, the start of the summer also kicks off thoughts of preparation for the Atlantic hurricane season, which is officially from June 1st to November 30th. Given the unfortunate tragedies in recent years, planning ahead for your pet’s safety should definitely be part of your family’s emergency plans. The following are some helpful tips to get your dog or cat ready in case of an emergency. Regardless of your geographic location, having a plan of action on hand can’t ever hurt! 16 Jul 2008 16:36:36 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/emergency-pet-preparation.html Settling separation anxiety and related behaviors Native Remedies While many pet owners try to include their pets in all activities and travels, there will usually come a time when they must be left in the care of others. Whether this means putting the dog or cat in a boarding kennel or staying with friends or family, being away from home and their familiar surroundings can lead to anxiety, depression, and other behavioral issues in pets. 16 Jul 2008 16:35:49 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/seperation-anxiety.html While your pet may initiate certain behaviors regarding eating habits and exercise, through the evolution of domestication, many of these normal processes fall under the influence of our hands. Therefore, making just a few tweaks in routine may greatly benefit your pet’s overall health and well-being. 16 Jul 2008 16:33:09 GMT http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/settle-stomach-support-digestion.html