Eating problems in cats can occur due to a variety of reasons. In case your cat’s refusal for food lasts beyond 24 hours, it is advisable to have him examined by a veterinarian. One of the reasons why cats stop eating is stress. Changes in the surroundings such as introduction of new pet, rearranged furniture or a new family member can cause stress in a cat. Cats may also stop eating due to appetite fatigue. This means that they are tired of eating the same food, so don’t be surprised if one fine day your cat stops eating dry food, but clamors for the fresh fish. Cats could also display eating problems when they want more attention from their owners, due to anxiety or because they are receiving food from another source.

There are some medical reasons behind eating problems in cats. Cats are unlikely to eat when they have an upset stomach. This could occur due to consumption of contaminated or stale food, pancreatic problems, intestinal parasites and inflammatory bowel disease. In such cases the cat is also likely to display certain other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Bacterial infections may also make a cat refuse food. Infections may develop in the nasal cavity, ears, eyes or bladder. In this case also other signs such as fever, lethargy and discharge may occur. Mouth infections, tooth abscesses or gingivitis can make it difficult for a cat to chew food. This can cause them to refuse food. This could be one of the reasons why a cat stops eating dry food. Try giving the cat a different type of food. If he displays trouble while chewing, a dental examination may be necessary. Cats are also vulnerable to endocrine disorders such as diabetes, thyroid problems and hormonal imbalances. Appetite loss is one of the symptoms of endocrine disorders. Sometimes a cat stops eating wet food when the food has been in the refrigerator and is not warmed up. Cats prefer their food warm or at room temperature.

The best way to ensure that you cat is getting adequate nutrition is to consult a veterinarian for recommendations. Also choose cat food that is a good quality from a reputed brand. A combination of wet and dry food is advisable. Dry cat food helps to keep the teeth clean while wet canned food provides hydration. Cats with problems in digestion may need more fiber-rich food. As cats advance in age, their tasting, smelling and chewing abilities start to decline. These cats must be offered easily digestible food. Do keep in mind that most commercially sold dry foods are not very healthy and home cooked foods are much better. If your cat stops eating dry foods, but its appetite for all other foods remains undiminished then you have nothing to worry about.

Read on what to do if cat is not eating food and cat appetite loss

Cat Appetite Stimulant

A cat appetite stimulant can help your cat regain a healthy and happy lifestyle. Cats often stop drinking and eating due to either age, stress, sickness or fatigue. Cat food could be another reason for loss of appetite. It is important to find out the cause behind the sudden decline in eating so that proper treatment can be started. If your cat does not eat for more than three days, she could develop serious liver problems. Before starting any cat appetite stimulants it is best to consult your vet so determine the cause behind the appetite loss.

Try encouraging your cat to eat if you notice that she has gone off her food. Cat appetite would increase if you place their favorite food in front of them. Try tempting it with its favorite food. Good smelling food like sardines and tuna will stimulate the cat’s taste buds. Or you can try serving your cat different kinds of food. These foods would act as a wonderful cat appetite stimulant. It is better if you entice the cat with wet food. However, you can give your cat a mixture of both dry and wet food. Leave both out so that your cat has different options. Or you can give one kind of food one day and another on the next. After you feed your cat the food and she accepts it, you can reward her with her favorite treat. Give your cat small amounts of food at a time and feed her throughout the day. If she eats the amount you can give her a little more.  Use natural stimulants to get your cat to start eating again. It is best to use food that will stimulate your cat’s olfactory senses. One way of increasing cat appetite is by crushing vitamin B into the cat’s food. This is a natural cat appetite enhancer. Another is nepeta or catnip. This plant helps stimulate your cat’s pheromonic receptors. Catnip is also good for your cat as it helps with any digestive problems your cat might be having. Ensure that your cat is well hydrated. Give it plenty of milk and water. Try getting your cat to hunt. This might help to kick in her natural instinct and also increase her appetite for food. You can also try natural dietary cat appetite stimulants that are available in stores but if these do not work, it is best to consult your vet who will then recommend prescription drugs.

However these recommended cat appetite stimulant drugs might have side effects like drowsiness, constipation, high temperature, rapid heart rate, dry mouth or even liver failure.

Rainbow Cichlid Care

Most of us who love to have a fish tank in our houses would also want to have some colorful fish in it. The Rainbow cichlid is one such fish that could be kept in your tank at home. However, it would help to get a complete Rainbow cichlid profile before you actually start rearing the fish. The article below would provide some light on the rainbow cichlid profile. Rainbow cichlid care would require you to firstly have a reasonable sized tank which has a few plants, rocks and wood in it. If you are keeping a pair, twenty nine gallons is the smallest size tank you could keep. If more than one pair, ensure that the tank is at least 4” in length. The water in the tank should be medium hard and the temperature should be 71°F to 78°F (22 to 26°C). Rainbow cichlids are omnivorous fish and generally eat most prepared or frozen foods. Rainbow cichlid care requires feeding them tubifex, flake food, cichlid food pellets, bloodworms and freeze dried krill. Food that is especially good for them is algae based flakes or plant matter. They relish live food and you can observe this by seeing the intense golden orange coloration when you add live foods to their diet. These fish are easy to breed. The eggs are laid on a flat surface and both the male and female care for them.

The Rainbow cichlid is a tropical freshwater Central America cichlid. The scientific name for it is Herotilapia multispinosa. The Rainbow cichlid originates from Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. If you have never kept a cichlid before, a Rainbow cichlid is the ideal one for you to begin with, as they are easy to maintain and breed. The body of the Rainbow cichlid is somewhat laterally compressed and elongated. The female rainbow cichlids are smaller than the male rainbow cichlid. The anal and dorsal fins of the males are more pointed than those on the females. As the males mature, they will also be more colorful than the female fish. The rainbow cichlid will change color according to its moods. This is a colorful fish, it does not grow very big and it is very peaceful. This fish should not be kept with very aggressive companions. These kinds of fish usually have a bright orange base with variable black markings along the length of their bodies. The fins, excluding the pectoral ones are edged in bright blue. These darken and can extend up to the lower portion of the body when these fish are breeding. Unlike other cichlid in Central America, this cichlid has tricuspid teeth. They use these teeth when feeding on the filamentous algae which are part of their diet in the wild.

Rainbow cichlid fish do not require any special care. They are easy to look after. You could read up any books on fish care if you still need any information on the Rainbow cichlid profile. These books are easily available in bookstores and libraries.

Dog Panting After Giving Birth

A dog panting after giving birth should not give you any cause for alarm. This seemingly excessive dog panting may last for a few weeks. This contraction of the uterus stimulates lactation. Keep in mind that panting is common behavior in dogs. All dogs pant. Panting is when a dog’s tongue protrudes out of the mouth and it breathes rapidly. Dogs do this to bring their body temperature down. Unlike human beings, dogs do not sweat. They pant. Dog panting after giving birth is normal due to the contraction of the uterus. There is a purpose behind the rapid breathing that accompanies a pant. More air enters the mucous membranes of the dog’s mouth and his respiratory tract when he pants. This results in a lowering of the body temperature. If however, you notice excessive dog panting and your dog has not been engaged in any physical activity or exposed to heat and so on, it is necessary to take him to a vet. There are many reasons that lead to excessive panting in dogs.

Some possible reasons for a dog panting excessively after giving birth could include:

• Hematologic problems: Your dog might be panting excessively either due to anemia or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Heat problems: Hyperthermia or heat stroke might cause excessive panting as well. Dark red gums on a dog are a symptom of hyperthermia as is a high rectal temperature.
• Heart problems: Heartworm, congestive heart failure, heart murmurs and Cardiomyopathy could lead to excessive panting. Coughing spells, difficulties in breathing and lethargy could be signs that your dog has a serious medical problem.
• Respiratory problems: Your dog’s nasal passage could be blocked due to upper respiratory infections and this will make the dog breathe in more oxygen. A lower respiratory tract infection or a collapsed trachea will also make your dog pant more than usual. Growths in the nose or back of the throat may also lead to excessive panting.
• Pain: If your dog is in pain, chances are he will pant even more.
• Fever: This is yet another cause for excessive dog panting.
• Bleeding problems: Internal bleeding is another reason. Check to see if your dog’s gums are pale.
• Hormonal problems: Another reason behind the excessive panting is hypothyroidism. Your vet will be the best person to determine if this is the reason.
• Neurologic Disorders: The respiratory center could be affected if your dog suffers from any neurologic disorders. These include brain tumors, head injury/trauma or even some abnormalities in the respiratory tract.

If your dog is panting and you are unaware of the cause, do take him to the vet so that proper treatment can be started immediately.

Dog Nausea Medication, Home Remedy

Dog nausea is a common problem that can occur due to a variety of causes. This ailment can cause discomfort to the dog and hence an owner should be aware of how to relieve it. It is advisable to take a sick dog to the vet immediately in order to rule out more serious underlying causes of the nausea. Dog nausea treatment depends upon the cause of the problem.  Some cases of dog nausea may not be serious and may vanish without treatment. However, in other cases, there may be a more serious underlying illness and medical treatment becomes vital. Some of the causes of dog nausea include change in the diet, motion sickness, stomach upset, worms, stomach or intestinal problems, illness and pregnancy in female dogs. There are some signs and symptoms which dogs tend to display when they feel nauseous. These symptoms are indicative of nausea, but they could also occur due to other factors. Some of the signs of nausea include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and dry heaving. The dog may also lick or chew excessively when they are suffering from nausea. In case the dog exhibits other symptoms such as abdominal swelling and dullness of the coat, the problem could be worms. Dog owners that are not familiar with these signs may find it difficult to identify that their pets are suffering from nausea. If the dog is still displaying good appetite and continues to be alert, then it may not be a cause for concern. In case an owner suspects a temporary cause such as a new type of dog food, then there are certain ways to relieve the symptoms.

If the nausea symptoms last for only a couple of hours, then it is likely that the problem will subside by itself. In the meantime, ensure that the dog gets plenty of water to drink so that dehydration is prevented. This is especially important if the dog has been vomiting. Dehydration caused by vomiting can make an illness worse. Nausea often occurs when the dog consumes an excess amount of dry food at once. If this is the case, then feeding the dog frequent smaller meals is beneficial. The dog’s food may also be mixed with some water so that the nausea is relieved. A dog nausea home remedy involves giving peppermint to the dog. However, one should always consult a vet before administering any home remedy to dogs. The vet may also prescribe certain dog nausea medications depending on the severity of the problem. Dog nausea medicine is usually administered intravenously or through an injection.

Swollen Lymph Nodes in Dogs Rear Leg

Dogs are known to possess the external and also the internal lymph nodes. These nodes cab be found to be smallish tissue masses which mainly are responsible for the functioning of the dog’s immune system. These particular lymph nodes in the dog’s are considered to be the blood filters and also found to help in the storing of the white blood cells. When these lymph nodes which are present in the dog get infected, it causes the swelling of the lymph nodes. If the vet and the owner know the way that these lymph node infections work then they can take the necessary steps towards taking care of their dog’s health. Swollen lymph nodes in dogs like the dog lymph nodes in rear leg or dog lymph nodes under arm are the primary sign that their dog’s tissues have now become infected.

When the infection begins the white blood cells in the dog start increasing their own production. These white blood cells will then drain from the dog’s tissues into its lymph nodes which will then lead to the swelling occurring. This condition wherein the swelling of the lymph nodes occurs is known as Lymphadenitis. This kind of lymph node infection can also lead to one’s dog displaying other signs like losing its appetite and also the dog developing a feeling of lethargy. When the dog exhibits signs of trouble with its breathing then this may also be an indication of lymph node infections. Lymphadenitis is thus that condition which causes the lymphatic glands in the ground to become infected due to an infection. If tone’s vet conducts a biopsy on the animal then he or she can then ascertain with the help of a tissue sample whether the cells present in the dog have turned cancerous. There may possibly even be a spread in these cancer cells from one part of the dog’s body to various other locations in its body. This condition is called as metastasis. Some of the dog’s lymph node swellings will be detected by the vet or even the owner by the simple means of touch. However there can possibly be other times when there are no clinical symptoms to aid in the identification and diagnosis of these swollen lymph nodes in dogs. These dog lymph node infections under arm and rear leg can be caused by various factors including bacterial and fungal infections.

Canine Leg Tumors

Osteosarcoma is a condition which is characterized by canine leg tumors. These tumors begin to form on the bone. Usually, these tumors form on the bones of middle aged or older dogs. However, this can occur with any dog of any age or sex. There is a greater tendency in large breeds to suffer from canine leg tumors. Larger breeds may also develop these problems at a much younger age.

Though osteosarcoma may develop in any bone of the body, but in 80% of cases the tumors occurs in the bones of the limbs. The tumors may begin to form deep inside the bones and as they grow outwards, it causes a lot of pain to the dog. The dog may eventually not be able to move around much as the tumor destroys the leg. The dog experiences intermittent lameness which might become permanent. In about one to three months, the dog may become completely lame. As the tumors grow in the dog’s legs, the outward swelling may become apparent. The bone which is sustaining the tumor may not be as strong as the other bones. In fact, the bone becomes corroded and brittle. The slightest of injuries can cause fractures in the bones. This fracture is known as a pathologic fracture. Even if the fracture heals, the bone is not strong and there are chances of there being other dog leg problems and broken bones.

The earliest symptom of the condition is the apparent swelling on the legs. The dog may not be able to walk around much or may prefer to remain inactive due to the pain in the joints. A radiograph of the joint can show if the bone has been eaten away or has been corroded. The legs may also become slightly deformed. There may be intermittent lameness too. The dog may not be able to climb stairs anymore and may also begin to avoid play activities. You may find the dog squirming in pain while trying to sit or get up from a seated position. The dog’s bones become brittle and canine leg tremors may also be observed. Read on dog leg injuries.

Fortunately, the damage done by the tumors usually does not spread to the joints and therefore the deterioration of the bones is slow.  To confirm the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, the doctor may call for a biopsy. A small surgery is performed to get a sample of the bone and the doctor examines it to look for signs of cancerous tumors.

Home Remedies for Dog Cold

Canine colds should not always be taken very lightly. In fact, canine colds may often be an indication of a serious condition. The symptoms of dog cold are very similar to severe infections. The immune system of the dog may be weak and the infection may spread fast in the body. Therefore, treatment for what seems to be a common cold should be provided immediately to the dog.

Canine influenza virus, which can be quite dangerous, may be behind your dog’s runny nose. Therefore, dog runny nose treatment becomes all the more important. Canine cold symptoms as well as treatment are quite similar to that of cold in humans. Along with medication, home care is important in treating the dog’s cold. Here are some of the commonly used home remedies for treating canine cold:

• Use vitamin C tablets for a few days to improve your dog’s immunity. This should be done as soon as the first signs of the cold are experienced. Keep giving the dog a quarter of a vitamin C tablet everyday for at least four days. Give your dog garlic and zinc supplements along with the vitamin C tablets. Consult a vet if there is no change in the dog’s condition after four days.
• Use colloidal silver to help the dog with the cold. The dosage is usually dependant on the age and the weight of the dog. You may want to consult your vet before you begin using this remedy.
• One of the best dog cold remedies is elderberry extract. Use this extract to reduce the symptoms of the common cold. This remedy works well with both humans and dogs. You could also use this as a preventive remedy in order to suppress the cold from remerging.
• Discuss with your vet about other medications you can give to your dog. Usually cold medications meant for younger children are safe for dogs. However, before giving any such medication, the vet should always be consulted first.
• You may keep a mist vaporizer near the dog’s resting place. This allows the air around the dog to be most so that the respiratory system gets some respite. If your dog has a stuffy nose, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the vaporizer. This is also an effective home remedy for dog runny nose and will give your dog immediate relief.
• Extra boiled chicken and rice is the perfect meal for a dog who is suffering from a cold. The dog may not want to eat anything when it is sick. However, do try to make it eat something so that it regains its strength.

Homemade Low Protein Dog Food Recipes

Though the vet may have asked you to keep the dog on a low protein diet, it is not advisable to eliminate proteins from the diet completely. Since dogs require protein for healthy growth, it is important that there be some amount of proteins in their diet. To prepare a simple low protein meal for your dog, simply take half a pound of beef and grind it. Brown it in a skillet by adding a small amount of water. Now add to this four cups of cooked white rice.

Boil two eggs and chop them into small pieces. Save their shells and keep them aside. Cut six slices of bread into half inch pieces. Combine together the ground beef, the rice, the bread crumbs, and the eggs. Mix these thoroughly till it becomes a uniform mixture. You can now grind the egg shells into a fine powder. You may do this manually or use a pestle. Stir this egg shell powder into the food. You could dry this food, bake it, and cut it into small pieces to use as low protein homemade dog treat or add water to it and give to your dog as a low protein homemade dog meal. There are specialized foods available commercially for a dog that needs to be on a low protein diet. However, these foods are not only difficult to find, but also extremely expensive. This mostly leaves you with the choice of preparing low protein dog food at home. Homemade dog food is much different than the commercial foods. Homemade foods are organic and fresh as compared to the commercial foods where the ingredients may not always be of the best quality.

Normally, dogs are given high protein diets because that is what their bodies require the most. Unlike humans, dogs should ideally receive the chief part of their energies from protein. However, if your dog has been diagnosed with a disorder of the kidneys, the vet will ask you to put your dog on a low protein diet. When the kidneys are already weak, it is not right to burden them further with the task of breaking down and filtering proteins. Therefore, your dog may be kept on a low protein diet for a long time. Kidney diseases are irreversible and if you want your dog’s treatment to be successful, you will have to give special attention to the diet of the dog. This may present a challenge to you, especially if you are used to giving your dog commercial foods and kibble.

Dog Paw Problems

It is quite common to see dogs jumping, running and playing about in parks, backyards, at the beach or just about anywhere. The pads of a dog’s paw are just as soft as a human’s foot and they feel the exact same pain as we do. Therefore, dog paw problems have become a common occurrence, causing severe pain and distress at times. As these dog paw problems progress and become worse, they can cause a normally gentle dog to become aggressive or even sad and depressed. Therefore, it is important to check and clean your dog’s paw regularly, to avoid the risks of a dog paw infection as well as prevent other paw related problems from getting worse. Some of the most common dog paw problems are:

• Fractured or torn nails: This normally occurs when your dog catches his nail on something. It could be a very painful condition and should only be treated by an experienced vet. Never try to remove the nail on your own. Unless the trauma to the nail bed was extremely harsh, the nail should eventually grow back.
• Chewing or biting the paw: If you do notice your pet licking, biting or trying to chew on his paw, it could be a sign of an allergy. The assistance of a vet is required to determine exactly what your dog is allergic to.
• Dry or cracked paw pads: If a dog’s paws feel too dry or look like they are developing cracks, apply some moisturizer to the dog’s paws. However, this should not be done too often, or else the paw pads will become too soft and sensitive, leading to further problems.
• Cuts on the paw: Cuts on the pads of the paw are quite common for dogs that run around on uneven terrain. If you do notice any cut, you need to wash them out and apply an antiseptic ointment on them. In order to prevent your pet from licking the wound, it is best to wrap some gauze around it and cover it with a sock. However, if the cut is too large or deep, is should be examined by a vet.
• Long toenails: A dog’s toenails should be trimmed regularly and this can be done at home, at a vet or at a dog grooming salon. Shorter toenails help the dog walk more comfortably.
• Foreign objects being lodged in the paw: Objects like seeds, burrs, dried mud and fur can often be found stuck, between the dog’s toes or within the pad. These objects should be removed very carefully, to avoid causing further damage.
• Inter-digital cysts: These refer to the lumps that can form between the paw pads of your dog.

There are several other forms of dog paw infection and sores that could affect the paws of your dog. In case you notice any infection, sore or problem on your dog’s paws, please consult a veterinarian immediately.

Read on dog paw care and dog paw first aid