It’s crucial to have your cat checked out by your veterinarian as soon as possible if she has stopped using the litter box or is having trouble urinating in order to rule out urinary tract disease or infection, which are common health problems in cats.
Cat urinary tract disease frequently results from low-grade infections that don’t produce enough symptoms for the owner to notice them, but which are simple to treat when discovered and can be dangerous if untreated.
In this manual, we’ll go over the origins and signs of these ailments, along with remedies and preventative measures that can hasten your cat’s recovery.
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As dog owners, we are aware of how crucial it is to regularly clean our dogs’ ears. But if our dogs aren’t trained to accept ear cleaning or if we don’t feel comfortable doing it, cleaning those ears can be difficult.
While some dogs naturally have clean, healthy ears and may hardly ever need to have them cleaned, other dogs need to have their ears cleaned frequently to avoid the buildup of dirt that can cause ear infections. All dog breeds are susceptible to ear infections, but those with long hanging ears, like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, are among the most at risk.
You should routinely examine your dog’s ears to ensure they are in good condition. When his ears are in good condition, your dog might enjoy having them stroked, but if he pulls away from you, they might be sore. So, by gently massaging your dog’s ears, you can start evaluating their condition.
Urolithiasis
One of the main causes of Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FUTD), which is marked by the formation of stones in the urinary tract, is urolithiasis.
It is a common medical condition in felines. The bladder and kidneys may become obstructed, irritated, and infected as a result.
The diet’s high animal protein or calcium content, along with occasionally obesity, is the main cause of the stones.
The lack of water intake or an underlying condition like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or bladder cancer can also cause the stones to form.
Male cats are more prone to this disorder than female cats, and it is most prevalent in senior cats over the age of 8 years. If untreated, it can harm the kidneys and bladder.
Signs include:
Some dogs might require someone to hold them so that you can use both of your hands for cleaning. In order to make sure that both you and your dog have a good experience, we also advise that you follow up each cleaning with something enjoyable, like treats or playtime.
We recommend cleaning your dog’s ears at least once monthly. You should speak with your veterinarian about more frequent cleanings if there is more chronic inflammation.
Up until the cotton balls or gauze squares are clean, repeat the previous steps. Congratulations you did it!.
The management of persistent, allergic-based inflammation and the reduction of recurrent infections depend on routine ear cleanings. Contact us to schedule an appointment if your dog’s ears are smelly, discharge, painful, red, or if these symptoms return soon after cleaning.
Directly into the ear canal, generously dispense the cleaning solution. In order to make sure enough solution has been added, massage the base of the ear canal until you hear a squishing sound. Allowing your dog to shake their head is acceptable, but exercise caution to avoid getting fluid in your eyes. This enables your dog to push any deep debris out of the way or forward so that you can remove it.
FAQ
What can I use to clean my dog’s ears at home?
Use an over-the-counter ear cleaner or normal saline. Irrigation can be done without stressing out your dog. Fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution while holding the ear flap upright. Squeeze the bottle into the canal for approximately five seconds to fill it.
Is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in a dog’s ear?
Don’t use hydrogen peroxide on your pup. In fact, this common household item can irritate healthy skin cells. Hydrogen peroxide use over an extended period of time may eventually cause damage to the very delicate tissue that makes up the ears. Stick to veterinarian-approved cleaners.