Ask a Pets Blogger: Hunger Strike!

I have a seventeen year old cat. She’s pretty healthy for her age, but lately she’s been refusing to eat. Any ideas? When pets aren’t feeling well, they can be REALLY good at hiding it. So one of the first signs many pet owners notice is appetite changes. A call or visit to the vet may be in order here, to try to figure out why she isn’t eating. Some questions your vet may ask: How long has your cat gone without food? Is your cat experiencing vomiting or diarrhea? Is your cat going to the bathroom regularly and without … Continue reading

Skin and Coat Care for Senior Pets

Did you know that the skin is the heaviest organ in your pet’s body? It can account for an average sixteen percent of your pet’s total weight! What does the skin do? Prevents water loss Allows us to perceive touch Allows swelling after injuries Protects against impact and friction injuries Protects against damaging UV rays Helps regulate body temperature Acts as the first line of defense against germs, bacteria, parasites, and other disease-causing organisms. Skin and coat care is important for pets of all ages — but especially for the senior pet. Taking care of your aging pet’s skin and … Continue reading

Weekly Pet Health Checklist

We spend a lot of time with our pets — after all, we share the same living space! But frequent contact can make it easy to miss subtle changes in health or behavior. This weekly health checklist can help you keep on top of your pet’s well being. A weekly health check is also a good way to get your pet used to being handled regularly! Is your pet acting “normal” — are they active and in general good spirits? Is your pet sleeping as much as he usually does? Does your pet move without stiffness, pain, or limping? Is … Continue reading

Get to the Vet (With a Little Help from Bayer)

Somebody in one of my online pet communities alerted me to GetToTheVet.com. The basic idea is this: Bayer Animal Health (makers of Advantage flea and tick prevention) is going to give away a quarter of a million dollars in veterinary vouchers to help folks get their pets in for vet visits during these tough economic times. As the site says: “…many pet owners are facing difficult choices about how to pay for and prioritize their pets’ care and wellness. And unfortunately, veterinary visits and preventive veterinary care are often cut due to financial struggles and concerns.” Between February 16 and … Continue reading