In order to know what is abnormal, it’s important to know what’s normal! Here are the traits of eye-deal, healthy eyes:
What abnormal changes can happen in elderly pets’ eyes?
It can be easy for anxious paw-rents to get overwhelmed with scientific jargon! Therefore, we don’t expect you to memorise a list of conditions. This article does not include a complete list of eye conditions that senior pets can have (nor does it aim to!)
Also, this information is NOT meant to help you to diagnose your pet by yourself! We aim to equip you with the knowledge to spot the red flags, so that you can promptly consult a vet and let them diagnose your pet!
Here are the red flags to look out for:
The scientific term for this condition is “Nuclear Sclerosis”. It is an age-related condition. It does not significantly affect vision, nor does it worsen enough to become dangerous. Nuclear sclerosis does not require treatment.
However, please do NOT assume that cloudy pupils in elderly pets are not serious! Without diagnostic tests, it is easy to confuse nuclear sclerosis with more sinister conditions. Read on to learn what they are…
Cataracts
Cataracts result when protein accumulates in the lens and forms clumps. While it is an age-related condition, certain breeds (e.g. Toy Poodles, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers) are more vulnerable. Diabetic pets are also more likely to develop cataracts. Cataracts block light that passes through the lens. Thus, they can affect vision and even cause blindness.
Cataracts can happen in one or both eyes. They vary in severity – from small, pinprick cataracts, to cataracts that cover the entire pupil. Their behaviour is unpredictable. They can be non-progressive, progress slowly or progress really quickly.
Cataracts can cause permanent blindness if left untreated. Untreated cataracts can also cause inflammation within the eye, which can block fluid drainage in the eye. This causes a dangerous condition called glaucoma (more about glaucoma later!) Once cataracts develop, cataract surgery is the only accepted way to remove them. However, pets may not be suitable for surgery if complicating factors (e.g. glaucoma) are present.
Corneal ulceration
The cornea is the transparent, protective outer layer of a healthy eye. When there is a corneal ulcer, fluid accumulates within the cornea and causes a cloudy appearance.
Corneal ulcerations can occur in pets of any age, including older animals. There are a few causes of corneal ulceration – including trauma and irritation.
These conditions have very different treatment, and only be differentiated with tests at a vet. If you see cloudy eyes in your senior pet, please consult a vet promptly!
There are several reasons for secondary glaucoma (e.g. hypertension, cataracts, cancers inside the eye). Hypertension is more common in older cats and dogs. In older pets, hypertension occurs because of age-related conditions such as kidney disease and heart disease (as well as thyroid disease in cats). Cancer is also more common in older pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates that almost half of dogs over the age of 10 have cancer!
Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, pets can go blind!
Prolapsed Eye
A “prolapsed eye” is an eye that is partially or fully out of its socket. It usually occurs because of damage to the eye socket, although some bug-eyed breeds (e.g. pugs, bulldogs) are prone. Pets all of ages are vulnerable – including older pets!
It is concerning if one or both eyes are pointed in an abnormal direction, and/or if eye movement is not coordinated. The scientific term for this is “strabismus”. Strabismus usually occurs because of problems with the muscles controlling the eye, and/or issues with nerves that control the eye muscles. There are many causes of strabismus in pets – including brain, eye and nerve cancers in older pets!
As eye conditions are generally uncomfortable and painful, it is common for affected animals to squint and scratch at their eyes.
How can I take charge of my pet’s eye health?
We now have our very own MAD Van (aka Suzie). If you do see Suzie zooming by, we are on our way delivering your orders :)
Our e-dispensary shop have taken off with vet clinics. You will soon be able to purchase your medications via shop link located on your favorite vet clinc website. Do look out for more of our e-dispensaries powered by MAD in 2024!
We have also started a partnership to do compounding medications. Should there be a need, we are able to assist with medications that are specially catered to your pet individual needs.
You can now get fresh frozen dog food that are catered to special needs. Our range of Petcubes Prescription Diets : Ketogenic Diet, Renal Support, Digestive Support and Pancreas Support.
We are growing our team and are on the lookout for pharmacist and nutritionist. If you know of anyone, do drop us a mail.
Lynn and I are thankful for the media features which created much awareness for our online dispensary. Vet clinics that are our partners for our e-dispensary and the other clinics/ mobile vets/ housecall vets that work with us.
We would like to thank all that have supported us. Your trust and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our success, and we couldn't be more thankful.
We look forward to your continuing support as we grow MAD beyond our shores.
Photo Credit : MoneyFM89.3
Best Wishes,
Pearl
]]>First-time puppy owners should also realise that puppies require a lot of patience, resources (e.g. time, money) and work from paw-rents – much like babies.
If you’re a first-time puppy owner, you may wonder what you should know when paw-renting a puppy. There’s a plethora of things to learn, so this article is non-exhaustive. At this same time, this article aims to cover some of the important things that first-time puppy owners should know. So, what are some of the things that first-time paw-rents need to know?
Basic Housing
Like humans, puppies and dogs need shelter from the environment. They also need comfort. It’s good to crate-train your puppies (i.e. provide a safe space for them to sleep, eat and relieve themselves). Do ensure that the soiling, eating/drinking and sleeping areas should be far apart enough from one another, as puppies do not like to dirty their eating/sleeping areas.
For more information on crate-training, speak to your veterinarian.
Basic Diet
Puppies need puppy food that is specially formulated for them and their size. Puppies should not eat adult dog food, small-breed puppies should not eat large-breed puppy food and large-breed puppies should not eat small-breed puppy food.
Home-cooked food is tricky, as it is harder to ensure the proper balance of nutrients when you cook your pets’ food by yourself. Consult a veterinary nutritionist, for they’re the best people to help you formulate a complete, nutritionally-balanced home cooked diet for your puppy.
If you wish to feed raw food to your puppies, be mindful that there is generally a higher risk of tummy upsets and worm infestation with raw food. So please consult your veterinarian before you introduce raw food.
Supplements
Pets will benefit from a veterinary probiotic. Examples include Furment CorVet Postbiotics Healthy Digestive Supplement for Dogs and Cats or Pet Ag Bene-Bac® Plus Pro Biotics Pet Gel for Dogs and Cats. Breeds that are more prone to joint problems will benefit from joint supplements (e.g. Synoquin). Do note that more supplements for a pet are not always better and different supplements suit different pets better - so please consult your vet before you start your pet on supplements!
Basic Grooming
Puppies require daily toothbrushing and weekly ear cleaning. For teeth brushing, only pet toothpaste must be used. You can consider Oratene Toothpaste Gel for Dogs and Cats and the Virbac C.E.T Dual Ended Toothbrush for Dogs Cats
Human toothpaste must not be used as they can cause kidney failure in pets.
Basic Veterinary Care
As puppies are usually born with high worm burdens, they need a course of dewormers (e.g. Drontal deworming tablets, Troy Puppy and Kitten Dewormer Syrup). They will also benefit from flea and tick prevention (e.g. Bravecto). There are specific schedules for these preventatives, and some of them cannot be used in puppies under a certain age. Do check with your veterinarian before introducing them to your puppy.
Puppies should also be started on heartworm prevention from a young age. There are some heartworm preventatives (e.g. Nexgard Spectra, Simparica Trio). Plenty of puppy and dog owners like these preventatives as they cover against a wide range of fleas, ticks and However, some puppies and adult dogs cannot be started on heartworm prevention without a blood test beforehand. Therefore, you need to consult your vet before starting your dog on heartworm prevention.
A course of puppy vaccinations is crucial, followed by vaccine boosters throughout a dog’s life. Speak to your veterinarian for more information on puppy vaccinations.
Basic Training and Socialisation
Puppies need socialisation with humans and other animals. Therefore, they will benefit from “puppy preschool” and training from an accredited dog trainer. The dog trainer could come to your house to train the puppy. You may be concerned about puppies going out before their puppy vaccination schedule is complete, and that’s a valid concern. Seek out puppy pre-schools that are conducted by veterinary clinics, as these clinics will provide a clean enough environment for puppy pre-schools. Also, if you bring a puppy out of the house before the puppy vaccinations are done, DO NOT place the puppy on the ground. Keep the puppy in your arms at all times, and ensure that you’re clean before touching your puppy. Also, only adult, fully-vaccinated dogs should enter your home until your puppy’s vaccination series is complete.
We hope that this article has helped first-time puppy owners. If you have any further questions, consult your veterinarian for further advice.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation. Hepatitis can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). There are many potential causes of hepatitis. Bacterial infections such as leptospirosis can cause hepatitis. Drugs and poisons can also cause leptospirosis.
Management of hepatitis: Management aims to address the root cause. For instance, leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline. Hepatitis is also managed with supportive care (e.g. fluids, specialised liver diets, supplements).
Liver cancer
Cancers can originate in the liver, or spread to the liver from elsewhere. There are a range of management options for cancer - including surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Use of supplements in liver disease
There are many types of liver supplements in the market for dogs. You can consider liver probiotics like Rocks Nutraceuticals Liver + Probiotic Supplement. Other types of liver supplements include supplements with S-adenosyl-L-methionine (sAME). sAME is turned into glutathione in the body, and glutathione is a major antioxidant in the body that has a ton of important functions (e.g. improving immunity, organ heallth).
sAME - containing supplements include MaxxiSAMe Liver Supplement for Dogs, Vetri-Science Vetri SAMe supplement, Livermarin 200, and so on. Some supplements (e.g. SAMYLIN ® Liver Supplement) contain Silybin. Silybin is extracted from milk thistle. Studies suggest that it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Do ask your vet about the supplements that suit your dog!
We hope that this article has given you an overview of liver diseases in dogs. Consult your vet if you want more personalised advice.
Before we explain the abnormal, let’s explain the normal. Unlike humans, dogs (and cats) have third eyelids (a membrane that’s hidden within the inner corner of the eye). The function of the third eyelid is to protect the eye from irritants, and to lubricate the surface by spreading tear film.
Normal third eyelids will not be visible, or will appear as a thin membrane. “Cherry eye” occurs when the third eyelid swells up and is displaced from its original position.
Potential causes and risk factors for cherry eye
The causes and risk factors are not entirely understood yet, and research is being done to understand them. In the meantime, here’s what we do know. Cherry eye tends to occur more often in puppies (under one years old) than in adult dogs. Furthermore, certain breeds are prone. For instance, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bull-dogs and Shih Tzus are more prone to cherry eye. Dogs with cherry eye are also more likely to pass the condition down to their offspring.
Injury and prolonged eye irritation can also predispose for cherry eye. Injury can loosen the ligaments that hold the third eyelid in place, and inflame the third eyelid. Prolonged scratching of the third eyelid (due to conditions such as eye infection) can also displace and inflame the third eyelid.
Clinical Signs of Cherry Eye
Clinical signs of cherry eye include (but are not limited to):
A red lump in the inner corner of the eye. This lump may disappear and reappear
Discharge from eye
Scratching at eye
Redness in eye
-Inability to close eye (in severe cases)
If you notice any of these clinical signs, please consult a veterinarian right away. Some conditions (e.g. eye tumour) can mimic cherry eye, and the management/treatment plan for each condition is very different. This is why a veterinary consultation is needed.
What happens if the cherry eye is left untreated?
You may wonder if “cherry eye" is a harmless condition that can be left alone, especially since the cherry eye can pop in and out sometimes. Short answer? Cherry eye has to be managed. If not, untreated cherry eye can lead to problems such as eye infections and dry eye. In severe cases, dry eye can lead to blindness.
Treatment and Management of Dry Eye
Treatment involves surgery to place the third eyelid back into its original position. More than one corrective surgery may be required, depending on how well the third eyelid responds to the first surgery. Anti-inflammatory prescription eye drops (such as Acular Eye 0.5% Ketorolac Eye Drops 5mL or Ketorom Sterile Eye Drops 5mL ) are often prescribed to reduce the swelling. In some cases, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (like Rimadyl or Meloxicam) may be prescribed. If an infection is present, antibacterial eye drops such as Ciloxan eye drops or Gentamicin eye drops will be prescribed. In some cases, artificial tears are prescribed to help lubricate the eye’s surface.
After eye surgery, it’s important to keep your dog from scratching their face. If you’re worried about plastic cones being uncomfortable, you could try a Comfy cone that will help you to recover in comfort.
If secondary dry eye has already developed, the veterinarian may prescribe tear-stimulating ointments/drops such as Cyclosporine eye ointment. Some vets may prescribe tacrolimus eye ointment, which helps to stabilise the tear film over the eye.
We hope that this article has given you more information about “cherry eye” in dogs. Consult the vet if you have further questions!
“Osteoarthritis” refers to degenerative joint diseases. It refers to the degradation of structures in the joints (e.g. cartilage, bone). No exaggeration - osteoarthritis is super common in cats and dogs. In fact, based on overseas studies, osteoarthritis is reported in ~20% of dogs over 1 year of age, and ~80% of dogs over 8 years of age. As for cats, studies show that ~40% of all cats display clinical signs of osteoarthritis, and ~90% of cats over 12 years old display clinical signs. The prevalence in cats is probably higher, as cats are really good at hiding clinical signs.
Since osteoarthritis is so common in cats and dogs, it’s important to know as much as you can. This article talks about the risk factors of osteoarthritis in cats and dogs, signs of osteoarthritis, potential complications, and how paw-rents can manage osteoarthritis in cats and dogs.
*Risk Factors for osteoarthritis in cats and dogs
1) Weight
Overweight and obese animals are more prone to osteoarthritis. The extra weight places additional burden on the joints, accelerating degeneration in these joints.
2) Age
As we age, our body goes through more wear and tear. Animals are no different - older animals are more likely to develop joint issues.
3) Breed
Some breeds are more likely to have genetic skeletal/joint issues (e.g. loose kneecaps, hip dysplasia). These animals are more likely to develop joint degeneration as they age. For instance, some toy breed dogs (e.g. toy poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, pomeranians) tend to have loose kneecaps. Some large breed dogs (e.g Golden Retrievers) are prone to hip dysplasia (a condition where the head of the thigh bone does not fit properly into the socket of the hip bone.
Signs of osteoarthritis in cats and dogs
Signs of osteoarthritis in cats and dogs include (but are not limited to):
-Limping/favouring one leg
-Slower pace when walking
-Struggling with stairs
-Struggling to get up
-Reluctance to participating in physical activities (e.g. walks, play)
-Aggression when a certain area is touched
-Change in overall behaviour (i.e more lethargic)
If you notice any of these clinical signs, please contact a veterinarian.
*What happens if osteoarthritis is left unmanaged?
To put it bluntly - If osteoarthritis is untreated, your dog will be in pain throughout their life. Even everyday activities such as getting up and walking for short distances will be greatly challenging. As these dogs are less agile, they’re more likely to injure themselves by falling down. Many of these dogs also become underweight and dehydrated, as they’re reluctant to walk to their food and water bowls. Imagine how you’d feel if you had to live your life like that!
Management of osteoarthritis
Do note that osteoarthritis cannot be reversed. It can only be managed, and the aim is to reduce the rate of progression of osteoarthritis,
Here are the hallmarks of management:
Weight Management
As mentioned before, extra weight will place more stress on the joints. Therefore, overweight and obese dogs will benefit from losing weight. However, be careful - it’s not good for weight to be lost too rapidly, as it can lead to loss of muscle mass. Weight loss in your pet has to be done in a controlled manner. Your vet will help you to devise a weight loss management plan.
There are two components to a weight loss management plan - diet and exercise. In many cases, vets will help to reduce your pet’s diet in a controlled manner and get you to cut down on your pet’s treats. However, they may also prescribe Hill's® Prescription Diet® j/d® Canine Joint Care.
Forms of exercise may include short walks, or even activities like hydrotherapy. Consult your vet about developing an exercise regimen for your dog.
Joint Supplements
Joint supplements are useful as they can help with cartilage repair and with reducing inflammation. Certain ingredients are very helpful. For instance, research shows that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce discomfort in joints.
My Animal Dispensary stocks SYNOQUIN ® Joint Supplement for cats, small dogs, medium dogs and large dogs. SYNOQUIN ® is rich in krill, which is a jam-packed source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Chondroitin and glucosamine are commonly-paired ingredients. Glucosamine is mildly anti-inflammatory, and it is also one of the building blocks of cartilage. Chondroitin helps to slow down cartilage destruction. Studies suggest that both ingredients are synergistic i.e. they enhance each other’s efficacy. The Natural Pet Ultimate Joint Care Liquid is rich in chondroitin and glucosamine, and is suitable for all breeds of cats and dogs. The Vetra Animal Health Tricosamine Joint Protein Supplement (Flavored) is another product that’s rich in chondroitin and glucosamine. For the Vetra range, there is a hypoallergenic version as all.
Hyaluronic acid is an important ingredient in joint supplements, as it helps to lubricate joints to help them glide smoothly.
In recent years, green-lipped mussels (GLM) have received a lot of attention as an ingredient. GLM contains omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin sulfate. In addition, GLM contains other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. GLM-containing joint supplements include the Vetri-Science GLYCO-FLEX III for Dog 120 Tablets. There is also a chicken-flavoured version: Vetri-Science GLYCO-FLEX II (Chicken Flavour) for Dogs.
Your pet may be vegetarian, or have seafood allergies. Fear not! My Animal Dispensary also stocks Natural Pet Vegetarian 3 in 1 Joint Care Tablets. This supplement contains 100% non-shellfish, non-animal derived glucosamine.
Surgery
Some (not all) pets may be suitable for surgery. In younger animals, surgery can reduce/correct genetic defects (e.g. loose kneecaps or hip dysplasia) that will predispose to joint issues in the long term. Some cases are also be suitable for surgery that slows the progression of osteoarthritis.
We hope that this article has given you more information about osteoarthritis in cats and dogs. Consult your vet if you need further advice.
Certain medications (e.g. Prednisolone, Frusemide) will make dogs pee more. Thus, these dogs will drink more to compensate for the increased water loss. Having said that, check with your vet before you stop any medications. These medications would have been prescribed for good reasons, and it’s always good to clarify matters with your vet. Besides, it can be dangerous to stop some medications (.e.g Prednisolone) abruptly.
2) Infections
Bacterial infections (e.g. urinary tract infections) or viral infections (e.g. leptospirosis) can cause polydipsia in dogs. Other signs of a urinary tract infection include (but are not limited to) bloody urine, more frequent urination, straining to urinate and so on. Other signs of leptospirosis include (but are not limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, less activity, yellow gums and eyes, and so on. Consult a veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog.
Antibiotics (e.g. Vedamox) are prescribed for bacterial urinary tract infections. Leptospirosis is a serious condition that requires intensive management, including antibiotics like Doxycycline
3) Endocrine/Metabolic/Organ Issues
Conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s disease and liver failure can lead to polydipsia. These conditions have many overlapping symptoms (e.g. PU/PD, lethargy, vomiting/diarrhea, reduced appetite) and only a vet can rule in/rule out root causes by taking a history, doing a physical exam and conducting diagnostics like blood tests. Also, only a vet can prescribe treatments/management plans for these conditions. Therefore, if you notice any of these signs in your pet, please consult a vet! Do note that the list of conditions mentioned above are not the only endocrine/metabolic/organ function issues that can cause polyuria/polydipsia. There are other conditions like Fanconi’s syndrome (rare), renal gluycosuria (rare) and many more.
Generally speaking, kidney issues in dogs are managed with prescription diets and fluid therapy. Your vet may prescribe medications for renal complications (e.g. benazepril for hypertension). You can also consider kidney supplements such as Renacor and Azodyl. Diabetic dogs are generally managed with insulin injections. Diet also plays a huge role in management of diabetes, so do consult your vet regarding the best diet for your diabetic dog. Cushing’s disease is managed with medications like Trilostane (e.g. the Vetoryl brand). Management of liver disease is multimodal, with many liver supplements (e.g. MaxxiSame, Livermarin for you to ask your vet about.
4) Diabetes insipidus (central/nephrogenic)
When other causes have been ruled out, your vet may check for diabetes insipidus. The ADH hormone controls urine’s water content. Kidney-associated ‘nephrogenic’ diabetes insipidus (NDH) happens when ADH in the body is adequate, but the ADH has limited or no effect on the kidneys. Central Diabetes Insipidus (CDI) occurs when there is no ADH production, or abnormally low ADH production by the brain. In both CDI and NDI, the kidneys cannot reabsorb enough water into the bloodstream. This results in excessively dilute urine (polyuria) and low blood volume, triggering affected dogs to drink more (polydipsia).
Potential causes for CDI include brain masses (e.g. cysts, tumors), brain trauma, birth
defects in the brain etc. Possible reasons for ADI include bad drug reactions,birth defects in
the kidneys and so on. Diabetes insipidus can even occur for unknown reasons! Signs of diabetes insipidus include PU/PD, sunken eyes, sticky gums . Uncontrolled DI can lead to life-threatening complications (e.g. comas, seizures) that require emergency treatment. Consult a vet asap if your dog experiences any of these signs.
What can I do about polydipsia in my dog?
As mentioned several times in this article, please consult your vet if you notice polydipsia in your dog. In the meantime, provide your dog with free access to clean water and let your dog drink as much clean water as possible. It is dangerous to limit water intake in dogs, even if you think they’re drinking truckloads of water.
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of polydipsia in dogs. Please consult your vet if you need any further advice!
Should we scruff cats?
Cats were commonly scruffed in the past. However, the latest research shows that scruffing can make cats panic, and cause aggression in the long run. Therefore, current behaviour guidelines strongly discourage scruffing (unless in the event of an emergency).
Help! My cat doesn’t want to be handled at all!
If your cat is anxious and/or aggressive, and that interferes with their quality of life (e.g. getting necessary medical treatment), it’s best to consult your veterinarian. After a veterinarian assesses your pet, they may recommend calming aids (e.g. Feliway, NHV Matricalm, Purina Feline Calming Care) or even medication (e.g. trazodone). Do note that if you purchase medication from My Animal Dispensary, you need a prescription from an AVS-licensed veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this article has helped you. If you have further questions, a veterinarian will be the best person to provide personalised advice!
Chronic kidney failure is a very common disease in older cats and dogs. Read on to learn about chronic kidney failure and how you can care for pets with this condition.
Overview of kidney function
The kidneys remove toxins and excess water from the body. They do this by producing urine. Urine production involves filtering blood through the kidneys and then reabsorbing needed water and nutrients into the bloodstream. Urine is formed from the excess water and waste products that have not been reabsorbed.
What is kidney failure?
Kidney failure refers to the kidneys’ inability to filter waste products from the blood, and inability to regulate the balance of water and chemicals in the body. Kidney failure can be acute (sudden) or chronic (gradual and long-term). Acute kidney failure commonly occurs due to poisoning, injury, urinary tract blockage and so on. This article will talk about chronic kidney failure in cats and dogs, why it’s bad, signs to look out for, and how chronic kidney failure is managed.
What is chronic kidney failure (CKD)?
As mentioned before, CKD refers to gradual, progressive and persistent loss of kidney function over time. CKD is a very common disease among older animals, although there are a few breeds (e.g. Persian cats) that can develop CKD at a young age. CKD is an irreversible condition. However, veterinary intervention is necessary to preserve any remaining kidney function for as long as possible, delay progression to complete kidney failure, and prolong your pet’s quality of life.
Our in-house vets have encountered pets on both sides of the spectrum when practicing in clinics. We’ve met pets with CKD that enjoyed a good quality of life as they were well-managed with veterinary interventions. Sadly, we’ve also encountered pets that suffered as they were already in the advanced stages of CKD when their owners sought veterinary attention.
Why is CKD bad? What can it lead to?
As diseased kidneys are inefficient in regulating waste, toxins (e.g. ammonia) accumulate in the body. This can cause nausea, vomiting and reduced appetite. Excessive amounts of toxin can cause seizures and damage the brain.
Diseased kidneys also cannot regulate the balance of electrolytes (aka essential minerals) in the body, causing a chemical balance. This has a wide range of devastating consequences. For instance, CKD causes excess phosphorus levels, which leads to brittle bones in pets. Improper potassium levels can also cause heart issues (e.g. abnormal heart rhythm).
The kidneys also produce erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. This leads to anemia (low red blood cell count). As red blood cells transport oxygen to tissues, anemia can be dangerous. Anemic animals’ organs do not receive enough oxygen, they do not function optimally. Anemia can cause complications such as heart failure. Severe anemia can be life-threatening and cause multiple organ failure or death. Diseased kidneys cannot regulate fluid balance in the body, leading to dehydration. Chronic kidney failure also causes hypertension. Unmanaged hypertension can lead to serious issues like blindness, seizures and heart damage in pets.
Signs of chronic kidney failure in cats and dogs
Signs of chronic kidney failure in cats and dogs include (but are not limited to):
-Excessive drinking/urination
-Weight loss
-Unkempt coat
-Bad Breath
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea
-Seizures in advanced cases
How is kidney failure diagnosed?
Kidney failure is diagnosed with blood tests and urinary tests. Blood urea and creatinine levels will be elevated when 75% of kidney function is lost. There is another blood test called the sDMA marker, which will be elevated when 40% of kidney function is lost. IRIS Staging
It is best for all pets to go for a general health check at least once a year. In this way, vets can diagnose and detect underlying issues that may not be visible at earlier stages (in other words, pets can appear completely normal during the earlier stages of diseases such as CKD). If medical issues are detected earlier, they are often easier to manage. Consult your vet if you are worried that your pet may have underlying CKD.
Management of chronic kidney failure
Chronic kidney failure is managed with diets, fluid therapy and medications.
Kidney diets are essential for CKD patients as they contain regulated amounts of high-quality protein. Excessive dietary protein will strain a pet’s kidneys. Kidney diets also contain regulated amounts of sodium and phosphorus, which will help with the body’s electrolyte balance.
Fluid therapy is essential for kidney failure as they replenish fluid that is lost because of malfunctioning kidneys. In this way, fluids will help dehydrated pets. Fluids also contain electrolytes that help with the body’s electrolyte balance.
Your vet may prescribe medications to help with hypertension (e.g. amlodipine, benazepril) if required. Your vet may also prescribe medications for excess phosphorus levels.
Your vet may recommend supplements to support kidney function. Popular supplements include kidney probiotics such as Azodyl, Rocks Nutraceuticals Kidney + Probiotic Supplement and Rotibac Probiotic capsules . Ferment Renacor is also a popular renal postbiotic. Kidney probiotics and postbiotics may help to break down the excess accumulated waste in animals with CKD.
To conclude, CKD is a very common condition in older pets. CKD is irreversible, and it can rapidly progress and lead to a range of serious issues if not managed. However, if CKD is well-managed, an affected pet’s lifespan can be prolonged and the pet will enjoy a better quality of life.
2022 was a year that we explored further into the pet pharmacy / dispensary arena. We were awarded Singapore’s first AVS approved license dispensary. It had not been an easy task, glad that we have gotten through it.
With the approval from AVS as the first licensed dispensary, we thought that a re-designed of our site to include more categories and animal types would reach more pet parents.
We have also strengthened our partnership with not only brick and mortar clinics but mobile and online ones too. We are grateful for all the support that they have given us.
We were also honored to be featured on OCBC social media as their banking partner. (We both loved the shoot that was done with our lovely pets that inspired us to embark on this journey).
2023 - New Formation
For the new year, we will be continuing to forge more partnerships locally and beyond. More product range will also be included – TCM (Traditional Chinese Medications for one) in terms of supplements and more. If there are products that you would like us to include in our range, do drop us a massage, we’re happy to explore more into it.
As the team grows in 2023, Lynn and I will be taking a back seat on the daily operations with more management roles. Leaving it in the hands of our capable team of Vets and Vet Techs. They are a wonderful team and will be more than happy to assist. Just Whatsapp on our business number should you have any questions.
Lynn and I would like to thank all our MAD customers and friends that have supported us in 2022 and your continuing support with us on our journey!
Photo Courtesy of OCBC Bank
Best Wishes,
Pearl
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Cats are known for conducting their toilet habits with utmost dignity and discretion. Therefore, it would be most unusual if a cat suddenly starts going in and out of their litter box, while yowling bloody murder! Most importantly, these behaviours indicate a potential blocked bladder. A blocked bladder is a painful, life-threatening medical emergency! Not sure what a blocked bladder is? Afraid that you may miss a blocked bladder in your cat? This article will describe blocked bladders and why they are life-threatening emergencies. This article will also elaborate on the signs of a blocked bladder, the risk factors for a blocked bladder and how you can reduce the risk.
What is a blocked bladder?
Time for a brief anatomy lesson! The kidneys produce urine, which travels to the bladder and is stored there. Urine leaves the body from the bladder via a tube called the urethra. When the urethra is partially or fully blocked and urine cannot be emptied from the bladder, a “blocked bladder” is the result.
Many things can block the urethra in cats, including:
-Bladder stones
-Scar tissue
-Severe Inflammation
-Tumours
-Blood Clots
-Mucus plugs (mucus plugs are made up of debris, cells, crystals and proteins)
Why is a blocked bladder life-threatening?
If urine is unable to leave the bladder, it accumulates and exerts pressure on the kidneys. This causes the kidneys to swell, which disrupts their ability to produce urine. In this way, a blocked bladder causes kidney failure.
The kidneys filter excess potassium and other waste products from the body and remove them through the urine. When the kidneys fail, potassium reaches dangerously high levels in the blood and disrupt the body’s acid-base balance. This can disrupt the heart’s rhythm and pumping ability, which can be fatal!
Picture a balloon that keeps swelling … until it bursts! This can happen to a blocked bladder that is left untreated. Sounds painful, doesn’t it? Once a distended bladder has ruptured, urine floods the abdomen. This leads to excess waste products in the bloodstream, which wrecks with the heart. In addition, if there is a pre-existing urinary tract infection, the bacteria can trigger a life-threatening condition called “sepsis”. Sepsis can cause multiple organ failure. The scariest part is that blocked bladders can turn life-threatening really quickly.
If a blocked bladder is left untreated in a cat, the poor cat can sometimes die within 24-48 hours!
Signs of a Blocked Bladder Signs of a partial or full bladder blockage include:
-Straining to urinate without any urine production (if completely blocked)
-Going in and out of the litterbox often
-Frequently licking the genitals
-Frequently urinating small amounts
-Urinating outside the litterbox
-Bloody urine
-Some affected cats may vomit frequently, suffer from lethargy and/or refuse to eat.
However, veterinarians have encountered bright and alert cats with blocked bladders! Bottom line – if you notice any of the above symptoms, consult a vet immediately!
Risk Factors for Blocked Bladders (and how you can manage each risk factor!)
Male Cats
The urethra is short and broad in females, but long and narrow in males. As it is much easier for narrow urethras to get blocked, male cats are more likely to suffer from blocked bladders!
Insufficient Water
Cats on just dry food are more likely to suffer from blocked bladders then cats who also eat wet food. Dry food reduces the amount of water that is filtered through the kidneys into the urine. Adequate water helps to “flush” out sediments and crystals in the bladder, and reduces the likelihood of them clumping together. To complicate matters, cats usually drink very little water. Cats descend from desert animals, which adapted to their environment by relying on their prey for their fluid intake. In this way, they could survive. However, surviving is not the same as thriving!
Obesity
Chonky cats are prone to urinary issues as the excess fatty tissue is biologically active, secreting inflammatory hormones and creating oxidative stress on various body tissues and subsequent damage. Several studies show that overweight cats are more prone to blocked bladders. One study shows that the risk of lower urinary tract issues was four times higher in overweight cats than in non-overweight cats! Urinary issues aren't the only condition that fat cats are prone to, as diseases like Diabetes also tend to occur in heavier cats.
Stress
Studies show that stressed cats are more vulnerable to blocked bladders. It is thought that stress erodes the inner protective layer of the bladder wall and over-stimulates the nerves that supply the bladder wall, hence causing bladder inflammation and predisposing them to blocked bladders. Cats in multi-cat households are more prone to stress due to cat politics. Cats are naturally solitary, territorial beings, and it can be difficult for a cat to defend their turf if they have to share resources (e.g. litter boxes) with other cats!
Cats also get stressed when their routines are disrupted (e.g. when their human housemates are at home more often because of lockdown restrictions or vice versa)
Solutions
Wet Food:
Consider introducing your cat to wet food! However, do note that tummy upsets can occur if new food is introduced too rapidly. Consult your vet before giving new food to your cat! Based on your cat’s medical history, your vet will let you know what kinds of wet food your cat can try, as well as how to introduce it safely.
Water Supplementation:
A hack i personally love doing with my cat is sneaking in extra water into her dinner of wet food. This ensures that she consumes water as she eats! For finicky cats,i recommend gradually increasing the water inclusion to a level that the cat will accept (additional high value wet form treats can also be added to enhance palatability). If you do have an extremely picky cat with the palate of a diva, then a specialized veterinary flavoured water supplement for cats can also be a good alternative to ensure optimum hydration.
Water Fountains:
Many cats prefer the sound and movement of flowing water! Cats prefer wide, shallow bowls that keep their whiskers from touching the bowls. Also, cats can be very particular about the bowl’s material and location. Therefore, it is worth placing several water bowls of varying materials in multiple locations. Also, place the water bowls in a different location from the food bowl. Cats dislike eating near their water source. Remember to replace your cat’s water regularly. Felines are finicky, and will reject unclean water!
Weight Management:
Speak to your vet about developing a customised weight loss plan for your cat! Your vet can help your cat lose weight in a safe and controlled manner (i.e. not too rapidly). In the meantime, the following weight loss tips will be useful:
-Minimise treats for your cat
-Limit the number of people who feed your cat (a family member may be sneaking treatos to your cat behind your back!)
-If you have multiple cats, feed them separately as cats like to steal one another’s food!
Resource Management:
Provide more resources per cat: Each cat should have their own area with hiding spaces and separate beds, litter boxes, food bowls and water bowls. Fun fact: The optimal number of litter boxes is the number of cats + 1!
Behavioural Management:
Maintenance of routine/gradual change - Cats get stressed if you alter their routine in any way, even if you do something seemingly trivial like changing the location of a litterbox or the litter type! Therefore, please keep their environment as constant as possible. Also, remember to clean the litter tray regularly. This minimises litter-related anxiety in cats.
Supplementation - Consider Feliway: Feliway comes in a spray or a diffuser. It mimics the relaxing effects of natural feline hormones, and is used in anxious cats! Supplements such as Zylkene also have a calming, soothing effect on stressed cats which can help reduce disease risk. Other urinary supplements such as those containing cranberry extract and/or antioxidants help maintain optimum urinary tract health and prevent recurrent urinary issues. Probiotics may also help reduce the incidence of Urinary Tract Infections, which can be a consequence of blocked bladders/ bladder sediments.
Research has shown that cats who have suffered from past bladder blockages are more likely to developed blocked bladders in the future. Therefore, prevention is better than cure and we hope that the above pointers can help you better manage your cats' urinary health.
If your cat keeps suffering from blocked bladders despite your best efforts, it is worth talking to your veterinarian about a concise management plan customized to suit you and your cat.
]]>This is a public service announcement to inform all Hill's® Prescription Diet® customers of new updates to packaging, with some formulation improvements.
FORMULA CHANGES
How many formulas are changing and which ones?
In Singapore, there are 13 dry formula changes that are recommended for a feeding transition. Please review the chart below to understand which products are recommended for feeding transition:
Species | Transition Recommended Product |
Canine | |
c/d kibbles | |
h/d kibbles | |
j/d kibbles | |
k/d kibbles | |
metabolic kibbles | |
r/d kibbles | |
t/d kibbles | |
u/d kibbles | |
Feline | |
c/d kibbles | |
i/d kibbles | |
k/d kibbles | |
metabolic kibbles | |
w/d kibbles |
Are Hill’s Prescription Diet product’s aesthetics such as food color, shape, or size going to change?
Yes. Hill’s is committed to improving the taste of their products and has utilized the latest taste technology for pets, along with a combination of high quality ingredients & optimized kibble shape to deliver an outstanding meal experience.
Kibble plays an important role in pet enjoyment and the physical appearance is often viewed by pet owners as a sign of quality. The shape change from cylinder to disk helps improve kibble integrity and reduces surface damage, crumbs, fines and grinds that are sometimes found at the bottom of the bag.
These changes bring kibble consistency across two key areas:
Will the Guaranteed Analysis change on any of the formulas?
Yes, there are changes based on minor formula changes.
Is a 7-day feeding transition period recommended for products with a formulation change?
Yes, a recommendation for a 7-day transition period is provided anytime a formula change results in significant changes to the ingredients used or the taste of the product to ensure a smooth transition to the new food. We recommend gradually transitioning over 7 days or more.
Should we require further product information or support, who can we contact?
Hill’s Consumer Hotline: +65 8004922469
Hours: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday through Friday
]]>Read on!
Hyperthyroidism & Diabetes
If your cat is bouncing off the walls, with a ravenous appetite, caterwauling at your all day long for food, drinking lots more than usual and you find yourself having to change kitty's litter box because it develops smells faster than usual...it could all point towards a metabolic disorder such as hyperthyroidism. This is very common in cats, particularly those that are middle aged and above. Dramatic weight loss, or inability to gain weight despite an active appetite will also be noticed. Coat conditions of affected cats can also appear unkempt, and may be excessively greasy. Fur loss can also occur.
The thyroid gland functions to regulate metabolism, and excessive thyroid hormone production in hyperthyroidism leads to increased heart rate, weight loss, decreased physical stamina, hyperactivity, exponentially increased appetite, insomnia, sometimes diarrhoea and vomitting. If you notice your cat meowing and being very active throughout the day and night, it can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, particularly if a combination of other symptoms are also observed. If kitty has been scavenging and rummaging for food recently, and was never like this before, it would also be an early warning sign!
If you suspect your cat could be hyperthyroid, do schedule a visit with your veterinarian quickly, as negative consequences can result if left untreated for too long. The risk of heart damage, organ failure and death can occur if hyperthyroidism if left untreated (imagine your body running on maximum 24/7, with no rest, it'll break down!)
Fortunately, this condition is easily diagnosed with your veterinarian by running blood tests, and can be managed with medication. Regular blood test reviews will be of importance to check for improvement and also to adjust medication as necessary.
Diabetes has a similar presentation in cats with excessive drinking, urination, appetite, and weight loss. An interesting characteristic of diabetic cats would be exhibition of hindlimb weakness. This is typically seen as the cat's hindlimbs with the paw extending to the hock joint touching the ground.
Similar to thyroid disease workup, diabetes investigation involves blood tests and a urine test to check for elevated glucose levels in the body. The condition is treated and managed with dietary adjustments and insulin therapy.
Diabetic patients are also more prone to infections, pancreatic and liver problems so it is vital to get your cat tested ASAP if you notice something out of the ordinary!
Separation Anxiety
Have you noticed kitty acting stranger than usual, especially since you started travelling and/or going back to the office to work? Our pets have gotten so used to us being home with them that they have forgotten that we used to leave them for hours at home while we went to work. It is therefore important for us to re-introduce them to a new routine by gradual separation training (ie incremental increase in leaving your cat alone. You guys know i'm a huge proponent of incremental training!). Some at home calming care supplements and accessories may also help in alleviating anxiety and stress. Ingredients like Casein and Tryptophan are all helpful in managing behavioural disorders.
Just Being a Cat
Cats are special because we never know what we're gonna get! There was a recent published paper where researchers determined that cats most likely domesticated themselves to benefit from a relationship with mankind. Now that's a master manipulator if we know one!
They do have the tendency to change on a whim and can be a little tricky to determine based on behaviour alone. But for the sake of our sanity, if you notice something not quite right, always speak to a professional and get them tested if necessary! It pays to err on the side of caution in healthcare!
]]>Just what are they, and are they the same?
The short answer is no, they aren't. All three serve to support a healthy digestion and gastrointestinal tract but act quite differently from one another, yet are reliant on each other to produce a synergistic effect!
Confusing? Read on!
Prebiotics are quite simply, food for probiotics. They support the viability and proliferation of probiotics to enhance intestinal function. Prebiotics are typically insoluble fibres (non-digestible and resistant to digestive juices) such as oligosaccharides and beta-glucans.
These are good bacteria that have been scientifically shown to be critical in maintaining good gut microbiome (the micro ecosystem that lives in our gastrointestinal tract) and thus, supports a healthy digestive system.
In humans, scientists have identified Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to have proven effects in human health benefits.
In animals, Enterococcus faecium has proven to be critical for good gut health, more so that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. So a tip from me would be to check the ingredient label of any probiotic supplement you're thinking of buying. If Enterococus faecium is not in the first 5 ingredients list, consider another product!
Postbiotics are substances secreted by probiotics as they metabolize, or as they are regenerated. These substances can be regarded as beneficial byproducts generated by probiotics!
Postbiotics are very safe and gentle, even for use in very young humans/animals and critically ill patients.
Dr Lynn's Opinion
I personally recommend a synergistic combination of pre/pro and postbiotics to patients with digestive issues. Even for dogs prone to yeast infections, as the bacteria can balance our the yeast burden to establish equilibrium and reduce incidence of flare-ups.
Speak to your veterinarian today to develop a good pre/pro/postbiotics programme and watch your pet flourish!
]]>Pets are like young children; once settled into a routine, any sudden disruption to it can trigger negative behavioural traits. This is commonly manifested into anxiety and anxious behaviour in pets.
We can expect more behavioural changes from our pets as we gradually spend more time away from home.
Anxious pets are sensitive to change and prefer a set routine. Sudden, big changes trigger anxiety manifestations through changes in behaviour such as lack of focus, increased reaction to other animals/people/vehicles, and destructive behaviour. Some dogs engage in severe destructive behaviour from anxiety until it causes injury to themselves, cats can also destroy furniture and soil areas in the house when they are stressed or anxious! Anxiety and elevated stress levels also cause immunosuppression in our pets that can make them more susceptible to allergy flare ups and illness. Think about the last time you were stressed, you also felt a little under the weather too didn't you? It's similar for animals!
Incremental, gradual change is key with any pet exhibiting signs of anxiety. As with humans, this is a mental health challenge that needs work to improve. There is no magic drug available to immediately change an anxious dog into a calm one.
I usually recommend a holistic approach to dealing with anxious pets:
Training
I can't emphasize enough how vital it is to engage a good, qualified trainer who understands dog behaviour well to enable us pet owners to catch on cues and understand their needs better. This would empower us to react quicker to situations which can lead to exacerbation of negative behaviour! Animals express themselves totally different to how we do, so it is vital we pick up on early warning signs to initiate correction ASAP.
Reinforcement
Practice, practice, practice. Discipline and patience (and lots of breaks and positive rewards too) will help increase the bond between pet and owner as well. Allow your pet to ease into the routine at their own pace without forcing them. A tip would be to introduce gradually. For example, when training for separation, start small by exitting the room and leaving your pet alone for a minute, then two, and longer once your pet gets used to the idea that you return. Remember to reward them for good behaviour while you're away! This establishes trust and kinship, cementing the bond for the longterm.
Support
We're lucky that there are lots of supportive accessories and therapies that can be used together with training programmes to enhance and accelerate positive change for our pets.
Here are some of my favourites that have been tried and tested:
Thundershirts : This shirt exerts a gentle, constant pressure when worn on your pet that is similar to swaddling an infant, making them feel safe and more secure. I like to use this when thunderstorms are approaching, or when i have guests visiting.
Adaptil : Adaptil is a unique product that mimicks the calming pheromone released by a nursing mum to her puppies. This triggers a calming, comforting response in the dog within the environment where Adaptil is used. Great for managing separation anxiety.
Feliway : A dedicated cat product with a similar mechanism of action as Adaptil. Great for when cats are being introduced to new homes, new additions to the family, managing stress levels with any change in the cat's usual routine.
Zylkene : Natural peptide with a calming effect on dogs and cats. Taken orally, can be used on days where your pet is due to visit the vet or the groomers, or when moving. Non-drowsy formula.
Calmivet/Clomicalm : Calmivet is a sedative drug that should only be used in very severe cases of anxiety, particularly if your pet is exhibiting extreme distress and destructive behaviour that is detrimental to itself and the environment. It can be a helpful drug for highly stressed animals to use prior to vet visits/grooming/other stressful situations. Clomicalm is an antidepressant that can work very well in tandem with a good training programme to accelerate positive behavioural change and alleviate separation anxiety. These 2 drugs can have sedative/drowsy effects, as well as other gastrointestinal side effects.
I personally own an anxious pet, and it was through a combination of training perserverance,constant reinforcements and supplementary aids that she is where she is today. If you've any questions about managing your pet's behaviour, why not have a conversation with your primary care veterinarian?
Was this helpful to you? Let us know!
]]>And just like that, 2022 is here.
What a year 2021 was! It was the year we embarked on this journey creating MyAnimalDispensary, the first and only dedicated online pet dispensary in Singapore (and some say Asia), getting to know our customers (you), your pets, our wonderful partners, learning new things, and the list goes on!
I wrote 13 blog posts for MAD in 2021. And let me tell you, it was hard! From figuring out what topics would be of interest, to generating content (as i was adamant that it had to be useful, practical knowledge that one could apply, not sales schpiel). Many hours were spent thinking, researching, collating, and organizing my thoughts and experiences.
This year, I aim to continue doing the same, but want to know what you would like to read/see/hear more on! I really enjoy getting to know our community and having a chat. To those that have called or Whatsapped our business mobile number, yes, that's me you're corresponding with.
If you've got a topic that hasn't been addressed before on our platform, do drop me a line to let me know and i'll be happy to explore that topic for you.
2022 will be an exciting, busy year for us at MAD. Pearl and I plan to strengthen our partnerships, and value-add to your MAD experience by discovery. It is our sincere wish that you be with us as we continue exploring on our journey onwards and upwards!
Best Wishes,
Lynn
Dr Lynn Tan BSc BVMS (Murdoch) PGCAH (UniMelb) MBA (SMU)
Co-Founder & Director
]]>While domesticated dogs have largely evolved to be somewhat omnivorous (ie. eating both animal and non-animal material), animals like cats remain carnivorous due to their nutritional requirements.
Despite a plant based food trend sweeping the human food chain, we must remain conscious of the fact that our dogs and cats are not suitable to be on completely plant based diets due to their unique physiological needs! While there have been some dogs that have gone completely over to a vegan diet, we do not encourage this as it takes ALOT of effort, calculation of macros and supplementation to keep them at optimum nutrition.
Cats must strictly NOT be vegan as it is severely detrimental to their needs. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats (ie. they need this to live), and this is not found in large enough quantities in plants. There have been sad cases of deaths due to unknowing pet owners putting their cats on vegan diets leading to malnutrition. Please don't do this!
Having said all that, let's delve into some of the common food items that we should be aware of for dogs and cats in our households.
Fruit
Generally, fruit are ok in small amounts, except for fruit like grapes/raisins (these are highly toxic to dogs and cats and can lead to liver and kidney failure with subsequent death). Remember that fruit tends to contain lots of carbs in the form of sugars, so these will be adding on to the energy that your pet consumes. If you have a chonky pet and feed it lots of fruit and/or carbs, there's your answer! Reduce and moderate!
Cats are sensitive to citrus fruit and can get irritation and tummy upsets if in contact or ingested, so keep them away from your cat and peel them out of reach!
Please remember that fruit flesh are generally ok, but the seeds contain toxins and our pets aren't as selective as us to not consume the seeds or pits. To prevent ingestion, remove all seeds/pits from the fruit and simply feed the flesh only.
We also know Singaporeans have a profound love for durian. Some pets want to eat it too, and they can, although consumption must be limited to small amounts infrequently. Durian is high in Sulfur, fat and sugars (carbs) and too much can lead to indigestion, diarrhoea and tummy upsets (imagine the smell when it comes out the other end!), and weight gain. Seeds are a big nono, if ingested, your pet needs to see a vet right away to get it out.
Chocolate
By now, most pet owners are aware of the toxic effects of Theobromine in chocolate that kills pets. Keep all chocolate out of reach of your pets!
Sugar-Free Foods
Sugar-free foods such as those for ketogenic diets and diabetic diets tend to contain artificial sweeteners such as Xylitol. Unfortunately, these artificial sweeteners are toxic to animals and shouldn't be fed to them. So, keep sugar free items out of their reach too.
Vegetables
Most vegetables are fine, except for ONIONS/Chives/Leeks/Garlic. These vegetables will make your pet anemic as the toxic substance within them destroys their red blood cells! Very awful indeed. Powdered flavourings of such veges should also be avoided as alot of them are extracted from the actual plant itself.
Avocados, while amazing for essential fatty acids for us, aren't as amazing for our pets. They can tolerate a small amount, but it is generally best to avoid feeding avocado and switching to specially formulated oils to maintain their skin and coat.
Flowers & Plants
While these are not technically eaten by us, our pets come into contact with them and sometimes nibble on them out of curiousity. My cat LOVES flowers, everytime a bouquet comes in, she sniffs and rubs all over it, lies near it, plays with it and guards it.
Cats are HIGHLY SENSITIVE to Lilies. If you receive any flowers with lillies in them, remove the lillies out or put it away where the cat will not have access to it. Plant selections matter too, with ferns generally cat safe. Any form of lily should not be put in a household with cats.
Aloe Vera, Snake Plant, any other plant related to pine, eucalyptus (basically any plant that smells citrusy, minty, piney - real Christmas trees!) are all toxic to pets, especially cats.
Chrysanthemums are also another flower type that aren't suitable for cats.
Here's an idea for florists in Singapore, how about putting in a "cat-safe" option for cat households?
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It is therefore important to start thinking ahead and preparing our pets' bodies for their senior days. Prevention is always better than cure!
Our pets bodies age similar to ours, and common diseases occur in their heart, liver and kidney functions. Vision and hearing deteriorates as well, and cancer can occur too.
Extra attention should be paid to pets that have had previous episodes of serious illness, for example, in pets that have recovered from Parvovirus before, their intestinal function may be more fragile than pets that have never had Parvovirus. Pets that are prone to skin issues can also be more at risk of immunocompromise.
Hence, knowledge of your pet's medical history is important as an owner to determine what signs to look out for that warrant a veterinary visit, and also to determine the appropriate supplements to support healthy aging.
You will be surprised at the value of initiating a good supplement support regime as your pet ages, oftentimes it helps delay or prevent serious illness that can be extremely distressing and stressful to both owners and pets.
If you have any questions on supplement recommendations, our in-house veterinary consultant is available to help you out with supplementation programmes to suit your pet. Whatsapp us!
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