Hairball Management

Yes, cats are adorable, hairballs however not so much. Cats are known self-groomers, always working to keep their fur clean and in order. As a kitten grows into a full grown feline,  the amount of fur to deal with grows exponentially. This, in turn, means coping with hairballs.

As a cat licks itself, its tiny sandpaper-like tongue acts as a means to groom out the loose fur it has. This fur is then swallowed and enters the gastrointestinal tract. It generally exits in the cat’s feces, but not always. The fur that does not get passed ends up staying lodged in the stomach until being vomited out, aka a hairball.

Helping to Diminish

1. Ensure your cat is entertained. The more active a cat is the less likely it is to groom itself in an excessive way. 
2. Groom your cat every few days to help reduce the amount of fur consumed by your cat. 
3. Cat food. Certain foods help the cat to pass along swallowed fur. Talk with your Veterinarian to find the right food for your cat. 
4. Supplements. Certain ones may help your cat with passing it out. Talk with your veterinarian to help with the right supplement choice. 

Do know that hairballs are a normal event with a cat. They are especially normal during season change such as winter to spring, as the cat is shedding its heavier winter coat. It’s normal to see a few hairballs during this time, but if your cat is excessively getting rid of hairballs then it may be time to take them to your veterinarian.

Hairballs that do not make their way back up can also cause gastrointestinal issues for your cat. You will want to bring your cat to your veterinarian If you begin to notice symptoms such as

• Change in appetite
• Lethargy
• Excessive retching or gagging
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

 If you find your cat is starting to groom itself beyond normal reason, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam. We hope you find these tips useful when it comes to dealing with your feline friend and their hairballs!

Preparing Your Pet For Flea & Tick Season

As the warm weather makes its way in for the summer it’s time to start thinking about protecting your pets from those pesky summer pests. Fleas and ticks can cause a host of different problems for your pet including infections and disease. Thankfully we can help to make sure these little buggers won’t mess with your summer fun and pet walks!

Tips for keeping your pets safe from fleas and ticks

• Collars

Tick collars are a good option and can be most effective at protecting the head and neck area. After attaching the collar ensure it is not too tight and allows for adequate room to breather. Also, follow up and check for signs of irritation or reactions to the collar.

• Flea & Tick treatments

Spending time outdoors with your pet means a higher level of exposure to fleas and ticks. Using a preventive treatment can help to reduce the chance of bites and infection. Consult with your veterinarian  about which treatments would best be suited to your pet.

• Wandering

Keep the amount of time your pets spend wandering through high grass and wooded areas to a minimum. Try keeping them in grassy areas that are well maintained. Also going for walks on sidewalks or trips to the beach are all great options for time outdoors.

• Lawn care

With a properly maintained lawn you can help with keeping fleas and ticks to a minimum. By trimming your lawn and bushes you help prevent spots for ticks to be, thus reducing the number in your yard. You may also consider a lawn treatment if you find areas on your property that have a concentration of ticks. You must exercise caution though as these treatments could be harmful to your pets.

• Be vigilant 

If your pet does spend a regular amount of time outdoors, be sure to check them daily for any signs of fleas and ticks. Keeping your pet’s coat shorter during the summer months can also aid with spotting the elusive little buggers on them.

While fleas and ticks can be a nuisance to you and your pets, following these helpful tips can help reduce the chances of picking them up. Always be sure to consult your Veterinarian regarding health topics for your pets and any preventive treatments you may be considering for them!