3 Signs That Your Cat Might Be Sick

 

Cats are naturally independent animals that don’t need as much attention as more active pets like hyper dogs. Cat attitudes range from recluse and quiet to vocal and playful and you’ll notice early on by how your cat interacts with you and others in your home. Since these stoic pets sometimes hide their discomfort when they are feeling sick, it’s important to get to know your cat and their habits early on so you can detect if something is off at any point.

Change in behavior

Since cats are creatures of habit, it’s easy to settle into a routine quickly once you bring them home. If you happen to notice that their behavior is changing, it’s important you take notice. One behavioral change that can be alarming is if you have a quiet cat that becomes vocal all of a sudden or even noticeable more frequently than before. This type of increased vocalization with more meows than usual may signal that your cat is in pain or uncomfortable. Another behavioral change to pay attention to is in terms of socialization. Some cats love attention and affection and if you and your cat are very friendly you will likely notice if they become shier and more disconnected. This decreased level of socialization could be a sign that something is wrong, especially since cats in general tend to avoid socializing when they aren’t feeling well.

Change in appearance

Cats are meticulous groomers and love to keep their fur nice and clean. Pay attention if you notice that your cats grooming habits are changing. One sign that they aren’t feeling well is if they look a bit unkempt with a greasy / oily coat and more matting than normal. When cats are uncomfortable or too tired, they may cut back on taking care of themselves. On the other hand, if you begin to notice bald spots or red / irritated skin this is a sign that they are over grooming. This can be caused by a variety of things from allergies and change of medicine to anxiety and other illnesses.

Change in weight

Every pet owner knows that keeping your pet at a healthy weight by feeding them a balanced diet is important. Since you are in charge of feeding them, you’ll likely notice when your pet is refusing to eat or is overeating. According to the ASPCA, cat weight loss, which can happen quickly or over a more extended period of time, and rapid weight gain can be signs your cat is sick.

When in doubt, consult your veterinarian

The CDC reports that nearly 40 million households in the United States have pet cats, and this number has been growing rapidly ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when people were looking for companionship. With more people becoming pet owners now than ever before, it’s important to educate yourself before bringing your pet home with the best practices for keeping them safe, healthy, active, and happy. If you notice any of the changes listed above or if you suspect your cat might be sick, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. If you need to schedule an appointment with the Bregman Veterinary Group, click here to get started!

How to Crate Train Your Puppy

 How to Crate Train Your Puppy

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for families and pets alike, but it’s important to remember that the transition can be overwhelming to even the friendliest pups. Training your new pet early on is important to setting them up for success in their new home. Since your home is foreign to the pup, introducing your dog to a crate and getting them trained to treat that crate like their own safe haven has amazing benefits. Even though crate training can make pet owners feel guilty, these shelters can quickly become awesome training tools and comfortable hideouts if you approach the training the right way. Before your pup comes home, make sure you buy a crate that is the right one for your dog. Do your research regarding the type of crate and size and make sure to have it at home before they join the family so it’s part of their environment from the very beginning.

Ensure your mindset and attitude is always positive

Pets can tell when we have strong emotions like anger and sadness, and they will often mimic those feelings or react to them. This means that if you have an uncomfortable or anxious mindset when it comes to crate training, chances are that your pet will too. Instead, establish a relaxed mindset and encourage your pup to experience the crate during happy moments with you nearby and the crate door open so they see it as a place of rest and fun.

Make the crate a cozy space

It’s important to make your pets crate a comfortable home for them, but keep in mind that young pups tend to be mischievous. Some puppies like to rip apart pee pads and dig into dog beds so try a few different options including dog beds, towels, and blankets. Some dogs do prefer hard cold surfaces, especially when they are warm so try not to overstuff the crate.

Reward your dog after they go into the crate

If you are positive about the experience, your pet will feel much more comfortable and less reluctant about going into the crate. Rewarding your pup with a small treat after they spend time in the crate and/or go in by themselves is a great way to positively reinforce that the crate is a safe space that you would like them to spend time in. Try out one of American Kennel Club’s trick’s and give your pup a KONG toy filled with peanut butter that has been put in the freezer if you’re looking for a fun way to keep them occupied for a while. This delicious treat has to be worked down due to it being frozen and it gives them a fun activity to enjoy while inside their new safe haven.

Vary the amount of time your pup is in the crate

It’s important to approach crate training in small steps and therefore you won’t want to leave them there for long periods of time, especially in the beginning. Try small steps like 20–30-minute stints in the crate before you leave them for longer. Make sure that your pet has plenty of time to exercise and has lots of human interaction so they don’t become depressed or anxious. Don’t forget to reward them when you come back so you reinforce that they did a good job.

Make sure the crate is not a punishment

While these tips are great ways to help encourage your pup to like and feel comfortable in their crate, the most important rule of thumb is to make sure your dog does not feel trapped, scared, or frustrated in the crate. The Humane Society states that while crates can be used to manage a behavior, they should never be used for punishment. If you are adopting a new puppy and need to schedule a veterinary appointment, our team at Bregman Veterinary Group is here to help. At Bregman Veterinary Group we make it our mission to help you determine the best course of action for your pet from the very beginning so that they can live long, healthy lives. To schedule an appointment for your new pup, click here to get started.