As a pet owner, regular mine clearing in your garden is a daily task. Apart from being a straightforward, if yucky, hygiene chore, this poop patrol mission can play a part in monitoring your pet’s health.

As the saying goes, we are what we eat. In the case of our pets it could be expanded, “They are known by their food and how they have pooed”.

As pet owners, we often focus on our furry friends’ diet, exercise, and overall well-being. However, one of the most telling indicators of a pet’s health is often overlooked: their droppings. By following the “Four Cs” – Colour, Consistency, Coating, and Contents – you can gain valuable insights into your pet’s digestive health.

We’ve compiled a summary of the most common conditions with triage codes ranging from “normal” and “take remedial action” to “urgent attention needed”.

1. Colour

The colour of your pet’s stool can reveal a lot about their internal health. Normal stool colour varies depending on diet but is typically brown. Deviations from this can indicate various health issues:

– Black or tarry stools (Code Red): May indicate internal bleeding in the stomach or small intestines.
Action: Seek immediate veterinary attention.

– Red streaks (Code Red): Could be a sign of bleeding in the lower digestive tract.
Action: Consult your veterinarian promptly.

– Yellow or gray stools (Code Amber): Might suggest liver or pancreas issues.
Action: Schedule a vet visit for further diagnostics.

– White or chalky stools (Code Amber): Often seen in pets on a high-calcium diet or those with bile duct obstructions.
Action: Review diet and consult your vet for possible bile duct issues.

2. Consistency

The consistency of your pet’s stool is another critical factor. Healthy stools are usually firm and moist. The consistency can be categorised as follows:

– Hard and dry (Code Amber): May indicate dehydration or dietary issues.
Action: Ensure your pet has access to fresh water and consider dietary adjustments.

– Soft or mushy (Code Green): Could suggest dietary indiscretion or mild gastrointestinal upset.
Action: Monitor diet and consider a bland diet temporarily.

– Liquid or diarrhea (Code Red): Often a sign of infection, parasites, or more severe digestive issues.
Action: Seek veterinary care immediately.

 3. Coating

A healthy stool should not have any coating. If you notice a slimy layer or mucus, it could indicate inflammation in the colon or other gastrointestinal issues:

– Mucus (Code Amber): Often a sign of colitis or other inflammatory conditions.
Action: Consult your vet for appropriate treatment.

– Greasy coating (Code Amber): Might suggest malabsorption issues, often related to the pancreas.
Action: Schedule a vet visit for further evaluation.

4. Contents

Examining the contents of your pet’s stool can provide additional clues about their health:

– Undigested food (Code Green): May indicate a problem with digestion or absorption.
Action: Monitor diet and consult your vet if it persists.

– Foreign objects (Code Amber): Could suggest that your pet is ingesting non-food items, which might be harmful.
Action: Ensure your pet’s environment is safe and consult your vet if needed.

– Parasites (Code Red): Presence of worms or eggs can be detected through fecal testing and indicates a need for deworming.
Action: Seek veterinary treatment for deworming.

Conclusion

Regularly monitoring your pet’s droppings using the Four Cs can help you catch potential health issues early. If you notice any abnormalities, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for further evaluation and appropriate treatment. Remember, a simple poop check can go a long way in ensuring your pet’s health and happiness.

Welcoming your newly adopted fur bundle into the home is always an exciting moment. While caring for a new puppy or kitten is a big responsibility, it’s also a lot of fun.

Here are some essential tips on doing the best for your new furry friend:

1. Provide a safe and comfortable home:

Choose a quiet and secure place for your pet to sleep and rest.

Make sure your home is hazard-free by placing poisonous plants, electrical cords, and objects that could be swallowed out of reach.

These are some ideas for providing your new puppy or kitten with excellent housing:

• A crate makes a great den for your puppy or kitten offering a safe and secure place to sleep and rest. Potty training can also be started here.
• A playpen is a safe and enclosed space to play. These are helpful if your home is large or for keeping your pet away from certain areas.
• Cat trees provide kittens with climbing, scratching, and perching spots while helping to prevent them from tearing up the furniture.
• Toys to keep them entertained because puppies and kittens need plenty of distractions.
• A harness and leash are essential for training your puppy.
• Trim your puppy or kitten’s nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
• A dog bed is a comfortable place to sleep and rest.
• Every cat owner should have a litter box. Keep it in a quiet and easily accessible place.
• Food and water bowls should be made of a strong material that is easy to clean.

2. Feeding schedules:

Feed your puppy or kitten appropriate, high-quality food suited to their age and breed.

• A feeding routine is essential for healthy growth and development. Puppies generally need feeding more frequently than kittens, and smaller breeds eat more often than larger breeds.
• Your veterinarian will help you set a suitable feeding schedule for your kitten or puppy according to their breed, age, and activity level.
• Select regular mealtimes and adhere to them. This helps your puppy or kitten set their inner feeding clock which reduces begging or untimely hunger.
• Fresh water must always be available.
• A distraction-free area will help set your pet’s feeding routine and prevent messy eating habits.
• Always measure the food portions and provide the correct amount. Overfeeding and underfeeding can cause obesity or malnutrition.
• Select high-quality puppy or kitten food formulated for their age and developmental stage. Your veterinarian will give specific recommendations based on an individual pet’s needs.
• Keep an eye on your puppy or kitten’s eating habits to make sure they remain regular. Any drastic changes should be reported to your veterinarian.
• Free-choice feeding is convenient but can lead to overfeeding and obesity. A structured feeding schedule with set mealtimes is the best option.
• Changing from “baby” food to adult food should happen gradually over a week or two to avoid upsetting their digestion.
• Giving your puppy or kitten table scraps or human food is a no-no. Such meals can disrupt a pet’s digestive system and often lead to unhealthy eating habits.

 3. Housetraining should begin early:

Immediately after waking up, puppies should be taken outside to relieve themselves. This also applies to after mealtimes and before bedtime.

Instinctively hygienic, kittens will use a litter box, but you may need to show them where it is and how to use it.

Praise and treat your puppy or kitten when they follow the toilet rules you are teaching them.

4. Socialising your pet:

Expose your puppy or kitten to different people, animals, and experiences from a young age to help them become well-socialised.

Enroll your puppy in obedience classes to learn basic commands.

5. Veterinary services

Your puppy or kitten should see the veterinarian for a check-up as soon as possible after adoption.

Always keep up to date on pet vaccinations.

Unless you intend to breed your pet, have them spayed or neutered.

Additional tips

• Provide plenty of exercise
• Show your pet love and attention
• Be patient
• Don’t punish but use positive reinforcement
• Be consistent with your rules and expectations

Most important of all: Enjoy sharing a lifetime of memories with your new furry friend.

Adopting a shelter cat can be a wonderful experience. Not only are you giving a loving home to an animal in need, but you are also gaining a furry companion who will provide you with love and companionship for years to come.

However, adopting a shelter cat comes with the responsibility of ensuring that the animal is healthy and protected against disease. One of the most important aspects of this is making sure that your new feline friend receives proper vaccinations.

VACCINATION

It isn’t widely known that the word “vaccination” comes from the Latin root “vacca”, which means “cow”. It was given this name by Edward Jenner who studied why dairy maids who had caught cowpox were spared the often deadly and disfiguring smallpox infection. This led to the practice of infecting people with cowpox germs through a tiny wound in the skin to stave off the much more severe disease.

Three centuries later, the technique has become an essential part of almost every healthcare system. They protect us and our loved ones from a variety of potentially fatal illnesses.

In cats, these include:

• Feline leukemia virus – FeLV is a disease that impairs a cat’s immune system and can cause cancer. It is completely preventable.
• Feline immunodeficiency virus – In infected cats, FIV attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections.
• Rabies – Rabies is a viral disease that causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in mammals. In humans, it is always fatal if not treated immediately. There is no treatment for animals.
• Bordetella – This is related to kennel cough in dogs but in cats the illness is caused by a different bacterium called Bordetella felis.
• Feline Herpesvirus Type 1 – FHV-1 is a virus that affects the upper respiratory tract and the eyes of cats. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted by direct contact with infected secretions.
• Panleukopenia – FPV or feline distemper is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening virus that affects the blood cells in the intestinal tract, bone marrow, and stem cells.

ADOPTING AN ADULT CAT

When you adopt an adult shelter cat, it’s important to find out which vaccinations the cat has already received. Most shelters will have already given the cats in their care their initial set of immunisations, but it’s still important to confirm this information with the shelter staff. If the cat has not yet received them, you will need to schedule appointments with a veterinarian to ensure that the cat gets the necessary shots. Adult cats also require regular boosters to maintain their immunity.

ADOPTING A KITTEN

When kittens are nursed by their mother, they receive antibodies from her milk that help fight diseases. Usually, weaning happens after eight weeks, and they get their first vaccinations around that time. A second vaccination is recommended three to four weeks after the first one, and some veterinarians suggest a third booster twelve to fourteen weeks later.

Of course, when adopting a shelter kitten or cat the adoptive parent has no idea about their new pet’s medical history. In such cases it is wise to act as if they have not been immunised and complete the regime from beginning to end.

It’s important to note that there can be a delay in the onset of some illnesses, so even if your new cat appears healthy, it’s crucial to ensure that they receive all of its vaccinations. Additionally, some vaccinations require multiple doses to provide full protection, so always follow your veterinarian’s recommended vaccination schedule to ensure that your cat is fully protected.

In conclusion, adopting a shelter cat is a wonderful way to provide a loving home to an animal in need. However, it’s important to remember that with this responsibility comes the need to ensure that your new furry friend is healthy and immunised. By doing so, you’ll be helping to safeguard your cat’s health and that of other animals around them.

Does your cat have darkish bumps or what seem to be scabs under the chin?

On closer inspection, you could discover them to be comedones, widely known among us non-specialised folk as blackheads. These are caused by obstructions of the hair follicles for which the medical term is follicular keratinisation. An overproduction of keratin (a protein found in skin) can cause the follicles to be blocked, in some instances later leading to a complication known as feline acne. This condition is a secondary inflammation of the gummed-up follicles. Though it can occur anywhere on the body, it mostly appears around the chin and lips because cats’ faces are seldom groomed. This fortunately uncommon affliction isn’t limited to cats with long facial hair, skinfolds, or chubby cheeks.

When not inflamed, feline acne doesn’t resemble pimples; on a cat’s skin, it often looks like spots of dirt which is why owners tend to overlook it. Some suggest that hormone imbalances encourage over-activity of the sebaceous glands that normally keep the fur and skin in good health, but the supporting evidence isn’t strong. Food allergies, a weak immune system, and the bacteria lurking around food and water bowls are almost certainly contributory factors. Replace plastic dishes with steel or ceramic ones, but always avoid those with cracks and scratches since bacteria tend to proliferate there. Regularly clean your cat’s crockery, and, if necessary, gently wipe a messy eater’s mouth and chin after meals as a preventative measure.

To deal with these unsightly discomforts, a warm, damp cloth regularly used as a compress on the affected areas should help clear out the blockages and minimise the risk of infections. Omega 3, which promotes skin health, has also been effective for treating acne and preventing future breakouts. Steer clear of human skin products as they could be damaging and aggravate the problem. In a severe case, visit your veterinarian who may recommend a medicated shampoo, topical ointments, systemic antibiotics, or, very rarely, steroid injections to prevent and reduce further infections.

Although the specific causes are still being studied, close attention to bothersome spots, regular grooming, and ensuring that your kitty has a strong immune system will minimise her chances of ever developing acne.

All pet parents occasionally worry about their canine companions becoming toothless in later years and wonder how this would affect their health and quality of life.

Here’s the good news, it isn’t as difficult or unmanageable as one may think. Tooth loss in dogs has several causes, but the most prevalent and preventable is periodontal disease.

A critical aspect of proper care is ensuring that oral hygiene is a priority. Regardless of how many teeth your dog has lost or may yet lose it remains vital to brush the gums. Use specially formulated toothpaste obtainable from many pet stores or, in a pinch, make your own. Do some googling to find easy recipes but DO NOT use the human versions because chemicals such as fluoride and sorbitol aren’t dog friendly. A thorough but gentle brushing will stimulate blood flow to the gums, prevent bacterial growth, remove the causes of decay, and reduce unpleasant breath.

But what options are there when the harm is already done? The simple answer is to serve soft healthy meals in suitable portions. The best foods for your tooth-challenged chum are those that also prevent gum injuries. Instead of feeding dry pellets that can stick in the throat, crumble them for soaking in bone broth, thus providing a nutritional flavour boost while you excel in canine cuisine. This allows your pet to enjoy tasty and satisfying meals that maintain superb condition but decrease the risk of choking.

Your hound may be toothless but will still tend to gnaw on objects. Because these instincts could cause injuries, introduce distractions such as a snuffle mat laced with delicious smelling treats or super-soft chomp toys to minimize the risk of gum damage. So, face these adversities with good cheer, a creative approach, and remember the adage “Keep Them Calm and They’ll Carry On.”

Bad breath (halitosis) in dogs is not uncommon but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t worry about it.

In addition to being unpleasant it can mean your dog has a health issue or is suffering from a disease.

WHY DOES MY DOG’S BREATH SMELL BAD?

• Diabetes
• Liver Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Respiratory Tract Issues
• Eating Unfavourable Items
• Poor Oral Hygiene & Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Diabetes

A bad breath with a sweet waft isn’t any better. In fact, it could indicate that something more serious is wrong – like diabetes. While diabetes is a scary thought it can be treated but sooner is better. Your veterinarian can tell you more about other signs to be aware of so take your dog to go see them as soon as possible.

Bacteria, fed by excess sugar in the body, could cause a sour smelling breath while yeast growing in the mouth may lead to a musty smell.

Liver Disease

Really bad breath combined with other alarming signs is serious cause for concern. Issues with the liver may manifest in inappetence, yellow discolouration of the gums and vomiting. Serious signs like these require immediate action so be sure to visit your veterinarian to get to the bottom of it. 

Kidney Disease

If it smells like your dog drank urine, they probably didn’t. Instead, it could be a sign of kidney disease which is serious. Even more worrying, a metallic or ammonia odour could indicate kidney failure. Don’t take risks, rather take your dog to a veterinarian for answers.

Respiratory Tract Issues

Your dog’s bad breath may come from a nasal infection, sinusitis or even a nasal tumour. The cause of the odour is often pus that runs down the back of the throat.

Eating Unfavourable Items

If your dog ate something that’s totally unsavoury or unsanitary, their breath may tell the tale. It may be curiosity, bad behaviour or a poor habit… like eating animal remains, garbage or faeces.

Poor Oral Hygiene & Periodontal Disease

Two of the main causes of bad breath are poor oral hygiene and gum (periodontal) disease.

The first, poor oral hygiene, can lead to the buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar. If not addressed, it can eventually result in gum disease. When gums start to recede, exposing more surface for bacteria to attack, it opens a whole world of possible problems including cavities, inflammation of the gums, infection, pus, tissue destruction and tooth loss.

Measures that help prevent or slow down plaque buildup include regular brushing, routine teeth cleaning performed by a professional and chewing on appropriate items.

August 22^nd is National Take Your Cat To The Vet Day and the perfect opportunity to schedule a routine check-up for your cat.

National Take Your Cat To The Vet Day reminds us that cats require just as much care as we do. Regular check-ups keep your cat happy and healthy, and give pet owners peace of mind.

REASONS NOT TO POSTPONE YOUR CAT’S CHECK-UP VISIT:

• Cats age much more rapidly than humans and every life stage has its own unique set of health conditions, as well as behavior changes that your veterinarian checks for.
• Cats are masters of hiding sickness and pain and your cat could be developing a health condition long before you notice anything is wrong.
• Over 50% of cats are overweight or obese and your veterinarian will provide recommendations to help keep your cat at the ideal weight and reduce the danger of any weight-related health conditions.
• Preventative care is always better than reactive care and veterinarians can often detect conditions and disease that may affect your cat’s health long before they become painful or more costly to treat.
• Even if your cat is predominantly indoors, you can never be too cautious. Discuss vaccinations with your veterinarian to ensure that your cat is safe and that your family is protected from dangerous diseases.
• Your veterinarian can scan your cat’s microchip to make sure the microchip is still functioning and that your registration information is up-to-date.

Make use of our checklist below to prepare your cat for his/her check-up:

The World Veterinary Association (WVA) created this annual event, observed on the last Saturday of April every year, to celebrate the incredible work veterinarians do to protect animal health and welfare around the world.

Cats, like humans and dogs, can develop gum disease when food particles remain on and around the teeth.

So: What are the stages and how is gum disease in our feline friends treated?

STAGES OF GUM DISEASE IN CATS

Here are the signs and symptoms associated with gum disease in cats, according to the four stages. They range from mild to severe.

1. Tartar | Swelling | Red gums
2. Swollen gums | Gum pain experienced | Weakening tooth crowns
3. Plaque under the gumline | Teeth and gums starting to separate
4. Tartar buildup | Receded gums | Roots are exposed | Extraction required

Without Proper Dental Care, Cats are Vulnerable to Gum Disease
Types of oral, gum and tooth disease include gingivitis, periodontitis, feline stomatitis and tooth resorption.

TREATING GUM DISEASE IN CATS

The goal is to stay as far away from tooth extraction as possible. That’s why prevention is your best offense. Cliché, yes, but true.

Treatment According to the Stages of Gum Disease

1 – In the early stages of gum disease, preventative measures can make a real difference. Get a cat-safe toothbrush and cat-safe toothpaste and ask your veterinarian about possible prescription medications and products that may help.

2 & 3 – If your cat is already in stage two or three of gum disease, you need to target the gaps between the teeth and gums. The aim is to remove tartar and address bacterial damage before things get worse. Ask your veterinarian about medications and products that may help with tissue regeneration, for example antibiotic gel.

4 – Damage reversal requires a lot of effort in the advanced stages of gum disease, but it can be done in some cases. Measures that can put a stop to additional damage include deep cleaning procedures, root canals and bone replacement.

Extraction – Broken, loose or dying teeth may need to be removed as this can help slow down or reverse damages.

Dental disease in cats might not be completely preventable, but good oral hygiene can make a significant difference when it comes to promoting the overall health of your cat.

Oral health assessments, at regular intervals, are necessary to maintain good oral hygiene. During routine physical assessments, a cat’s oral cavity and dental crowns need to be examined properly. Unfortunately not all cats are easy to assess while they’re awake. Some cats simply don’t want to be handled; others may already be in pain. If this is the case then pain relief, sedation or anaesthesia is usually necessary before proceeding.

Anaesthesia is also required for a comprehensive assessment, a process which should ideally include radiographs to look for possibly concealed dental conditions.

IMPORTANT: DENTAL SCALING IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE ORAL ASSESSMENT.

Details Recorded During an Oral Health Assessment

Under anaesthesia, the following details can be recorded:

• Growths
• Any swelling
• Mobile teeth
• Inflammation
• Tooth root disease
• Need for therapy or surgery
• Presence and degree of tartar
• Teeth that need to be extracted
• Presence and degree of gingivitis
• Healthy, fractured and absent teeth
• Tooth resorption lesions that are visible
• Odours and possible causes

Next Steps

Findings and recommended treatment should be discussed with the client in detail after the assessment. It’s very important that any pain is relieved or at least reduced as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will inform you if pain management medication is recommended and how to safely administer it.

If surgery is necessary, pain medication can be administered before, during and after the procedure. Once the treatable issues have been addressed, cleaning can be performed by a qualified professional.