What You Should Know About Feline Pancreatitis

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: March 30th, 2017

what you should know about feline pancreatitis

A serious condition that needs immediate attention from a veterinarian, know what to look for in case your cat suffers from pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis occurs when a cat’s pancreas becomes inflamed. This organ plays a vital role in the digestion of foods through the production of enzymes. If the pancreas is inflamed, the enzymes can’t flow into the digestive tract freely, leading to disease.

Pancreatitis needs to be treated promptly by a vet, so if you begin to notice any of its symptoms, it’s necessary to have your pet examined as soon as possible.

What Happens When Pancreatitis Occurs?

When the pancreas isn’t inflamed, the digestive enzymes that it produces don’t come into contact with pancreatic tissue. Instead, the enzymes remain inactive until they’ve moved into the small intestine. However, when these enzymes get to work too soon, when they are still within the pancreas, they could start eating away at the organ because it’s made up of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. This leads to pancreatitis, which can affect cats of all breeds and ages.

What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?

Some of the common symptoms that are associated with pancreatitis include low body temperature, dehydration, anorexia, and lethargy. There typically is not any vomiting, and there typically is not any obvious indication of abdominal pain, but a cat will lie around not wanting to eat and feeling very lethargic. Cats may also be jaundiced or have excess abdominal fluid.

If you have a cat who normally has a healthy appetite but suddenly doesn’t want to eat, even if it’s just for one day, you should contact your veterinarian, especially if there is lethargy and an unwillingness to start eating again within one or two days.

Because the symptoms of this disease are also symptoms associated with other feline conditions, a proper examination is necessary for the correct diagnosis.

What Is the Treatment for Pancreatitis?

Once your vet has thoroughly examined your cat and diagnosed his condition as pancreatitis, the proper treatment will need to be administered promptly. The vet may order fluid therapy, tube feeding, medications for nausea and vomiting if they’re present, plasma transfusions, antibiotics, and pain relief medications or corticosteroids. And if there is a blockage that’s causing the inflammation, or if there is severely damaged tissue or large accumulations of fluid, your vet may need to do surgery.

What About Nutrition’s Impact on Pancreatitis?

Many felines who have pancreatic illness will also have inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract.

Inflammatory bowel disease, gastritis, enteritis, and colitis are a few examples of gastrointestinal issues that may be the result of food allergies that could occur from feeding your cat a commercial diet that contains allergenic ingredients without any natural enzymes.

Also, feeding the same protein every day may result in an allergy to that protein source, and foods that contain a high number of carbohydrates might tax the pancreas by creating the need for higher levels of insulin.

The pancreas is used to aid digestion, but when a cat’s gastrointestinal tract is inflamed, the organ has to work even harder to create enough digestive enzymes that the intestines can use. Feed cats a high quality, grain-free diet, and supplementing with digestive enzymes and probiotics to assist digestion.

Are There Ways to Prevent Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic, and it can recur. Also, preventative measures may not guarantee that your kitty will never develop this type of inflammation. However, keeping your cat at a healthy weight is a good idea for many reasons, one of which is helping to prevent pancreatitis. Also, talk to your vet before giving medications to your pet, as some of them might increase inflammation and lead to pancreatitis.

Being aware of what pancreatitis is will help you as a cat owner. If you notice symptoms associated with this disease, such as fever, loss of appetite, sluggishness, and vomiting, have your cat examined by a vet, as this condition could be fatal.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Hypothermia in Cats: What You Should Know

Hypothermia puts your cat’s health at risk, and if not treated in time, can be fatal. So, it’s wise to know even just the basics about hypothermia so you can recognize the symptoms and get your cat the help they need right away. Here’s a short guide to get you started.

What You Should Know About Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

When it comes to Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, a small problem can turn serious quickly. Here’s what you need to know about this health risk. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, also known to as FLUTD, refers to disorders of the urethra and bladder. Problems include difficulty urinating, painful urination, blood in the urine, urinating outside of the litter box, a partial or total blockage of the cat’s urethra, and frequent or abnormal urination. Thankfully, FLUTD is treatable, but it is important to get your cat to the vet as soon as you notice symptoms so that the condition doesn’t progress or become life-threatening. Related: Why is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? Symptoms to Watch For Knowing how to identify symptoms of FLUTD is your first step in being able to get your cat the care he needs right away. If you notice that your kitty starts exhibiting the following signs, make an appointment with your vet: Cloudy or bloody urineUnable to urinate or only able to pass a small amount of urineFrequent urination or trips to the litter boxCrying out in pain or straining to urinateSpending a longer amount of time in the litter box trying to urinateAn avoidance or fear of the litter box, resulting in urination outside of the boxLethargy, vomiting, or excessive licking of the urinary openingDistended, hard abdomen The Causes of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease Both male and female cats can be affected by FLUTD, but male cats are more susceptible. Related: The Most Common Litter Box Mistakes You’re Making Causes include: Accumulation of debris, crystals, or stones in the urethra or bladderCongenital abnormalityUrethral plugBladder infection or inflammationStressEndocrine disorders like diabetes or hyperthyroidismInjury or tumor within the urinary tract Treatment Options Again, if your cat is exhibiting any of the symptoms above, it is important to take him to the vet as soon as possible. If there is a urinary blockage, the condition could become life-threatening, leading to kidney failure or rupturing of the bladder. Also, if your cat is obstructed, handle him with care and don’t press on his bladder. Instead, let the vet examine him thoroughly and carefully. Once your vet has diagnosed your cat with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, he will determine the appropriate treatment. Your vet might recommend using medications, such as antibiotics, and you may need to increase the amount of water your cat drinks, as well as change his diet. Other treatment options include urinary acidifiers and the expelling of stones through the urethra. If there is a urethral blockage in your male cat, a urinary catheter may be used, or he may need surgery. Surgery may also be recommended if there is a congenital abnormality or if there are large bladder stones or a tumor. Dietary Changes Depending upon the diagnosis and the types of stones or crystals that your cat suffers with, your vet may recommend some dietary changes to ensure the problem does not recur. Certain stones will create an acidic urine, while others will create a more alkaline urine, so your vet will help you modify your cat’s diet, perhaps by using prescription diet formulations, to bring the pH back into balance. If your cat has to deal with the persistent presence of urinary crystals that can cause blockages, your vet may also recommend feeding more wet foods and eliminating or reducing the feeding of dry foods. This is because moist foods help flush the bladder and urethra by increasing the volume of urine and diluting the concentration of chemical irritants, substances, and toxins that can create stones and inflammation. Maintaining the health of your kitty’s urinary tract is important, so definitely talk to your vet about what steps you can take to prevent problems before they occur. As an informed pet parent, you’ll be able to recognize the signs of problems right away and give your pet the best care for long-term wellness.

Here’s What You Should Know About Feline Pica

There’s nothing wrong if your cat likes to chew on some grass, but if she’s been eating some weird stuff, she may have Feline Pica. Feline pica is a condition that causes a cat to eat non-edible items, such as plastic, rubber bands, wool, and paper, as a few examples. As you can imagine, this isn’t only unnatural, but also potentially dangerous. Understanding pica and its causes, as well as its treatments, will help give you the tools necessary to stop your kitty from consuming things that he shouldn’t. Related: Why Do Cats Eat Grass? What Could Cause Feline Pica? There are several factors that may contribute to your kitty developing pica. These include: Nutritional deficiencies: An anemic kitty might eat his litter, and kitties who aren’t getting adequate nutrients from their diet might resort to eating a lot of plants. Also, some experts believe that if a cat isn’t getting enough fat or fiber through his diet, he may develop pica. Environmental conditions: A cat who is lonely and seeking attention, has experienced changes to his environment, or is bored might develop pica because he lacks environmental stimulation or he’s stressed by big changes. Medical conditions: Sometimes underlying medical problems are to blame for pica. These include feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), hyperthyroidism, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), brain tumors, dental disease, parasites, and diabetes. Genetics: Certain breeds, such as Oriental breeds, may be more prone to developing pica. What You Can Do If you notice that your pet has started chewing on and swallowing non-food items, a trip to the vet’s office could help you target the cause and get your kitty back on track. If there is an underlying medical condition or a behavioral disorder causing the pica, your vet will help you address it. Related: Top 5 Indoor Plants Poisonous To Cats Here are a few steps that you can take to discourage your kitty from eating things that he shouldn’t: Replace the objects that your kitty typically chews on with safe cat toys that he can chew on instead. In addition to keeping your cat away from dangerous items by eliminating his access to them, you can also try feline deterrents like Bitter Apple. And if you notice your kitty eating something he shouldn’t, you can immediately remove the object and redirect his attention to something positive. Enrich your pet’s environment with cat trees and a variety of toys, and spend more time interacting with your pet so that he won’t feel lonely, anxious, bored, or stressed. A combination of physical and mental stimulation could allow your cat to release energy in a positive way, and this might help discourage his pica habits. Talk to your vet or consult with a qualified feline nutritionist to determine the best ways to enhance your pet’s diet if the pica is due to a nutritional deficiency. If your vet has determined that your kitty isn’t suffering from a medical condition that’s causing the pica, and if your own strategies haven’t worked to stop your cat from eating non-edible items, consulting with a feline behaviorist might help. Never punish your kitty for exhibiting pica, as doing so could result in your cat becoming even more anxious and stressed. Also, because pica could lead to intestinal obstruction when a kitty eats something that his body is unable to pass, it’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms like listlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. If you notice these or other worrisome symptoms, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Tackling Pica Is Possible Keep in mind that a cat exhibits pica when he develops a long-term habit of eating non-food items, so when it comes to stopping your kitty from eating things he shouldn’t, patience is key. Also remember that this is considered an obsessive-compulsive disorder, so in order to change your cat’s behavior, it’s recommend that you figure out the cause and work from there. Remain diligent and work closely with your veterinarian for the best results.

What You Need to Know About XL Bully Ban

American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year after numerous attacks were reported across the United Kingdom. The term "XL Bully" typically refers to a type of  American Bully breed known for its muscular build and larger size compared to standard American Bullies. These dogs are often selectively bred for their size, strength, and temperament, so while they are not inherently aggressive, they have the means to do some damage if they are reared to be dangerous.The ban has owners of bully breeds across the UK scared and confused, so here’s what you need to know about the details of this edict. Starting from December 31st, all XL Bullies will have to be kept on a lead and have a muzzle while in public. What is more, from this date it will be completely illegal to advertise, breed, sell, exchange, gift, or abandon or let stray any XL Bullies. In short – it is a decisive strike against this breed, as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, earlier this year.Furthermore, a complete ban on people owning XL Bullies will come into force in the UK from February 1st, 2023. This had owners scared that their pets would have to be put down just because of their breed, but, luckily, that’s not the case. If the owner applies before the end of January, with the wish to keep their pet. With that, the household will receive an exemption certificate, but it will also have to comply with a very strict set of rules related to the breed. UK government department Defra has announced that it received more than 4,000 exemption applications so far and that a “majority” were approved. Their spokesperson said that “ "The majority of applications are successful and the majority of successful applicants are receiving their certificates in less than a week."This only supports the assurances that there will be no “forced” euthanization of these dogs. However, those people that do not apply for an exemption by the end of the deadline, will have to put their XL Bullies down. They will be granted £200 to cover the costs of a vet euthanizing their dog. Rescue and rehoming organizations can claim £100 per animal for the same purpose. The government's website states "the euthanasia must be performed by 31 January 2024" for these financial claims to be successful. Sadly, because of this new law, at least 246 XL Bullies will be put down in the coming period, as their owners did not apply for an exemption, or were not granted one. American XL Bullies are not the first dogs to be banned in the UK. Several breeds were banned in the past, and owning them is now completely illegal. These breeds include the  Pitbull terrier,  Japanese Tosa,  Dogo Argentino, and  Fila Brasileiro. Owning a banned dog breed can get you in plenty of trouble, specifically an unlimited fine and a six-month prison sentence. 

What You Should Know About Heartworm in Cats

When the mosquitos wake up from their winter sleep, it signals the start of when you need to prepare for heartworm in cats. Just like dogs, cats can become infected with heartworm. But cats are affected differently than dogs, so it’s important to be aware of what heartworm is, what causes it, and what symptoms can occur so you can protect your kitty as best as possible. What Is Heartworm? A cat develops heartworm when Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm, get into his body through a mosquito bite. A mosquito can pick up heartworm larvae from an animal, such as a dog infected with heartworm, and then transfer those larvae into a cat’s bloodstream. It typically takes roughly eight months for heartworm larvae to develop within an infected cat’s body. The cycle starts within the subcutaneous tissues right under the cat’s skin, but then moves to the muscle tissues and eventually into the right ventricle of the heart, as well as the lungs and within arteries. Related: 3 Veterinary Tests That Every New Cat Should Get When the parasite matures, it remains, for the most part, within the pulmonary arteries rather than in the heart itself. These arteries carry blood from the heart into the lungs, so heartworm infection will also affect the lungs. What Are the Symptoms of Heartworm? Even before the worms are completely grown, they can begin causing problems, anywhere between 60-100 days after infection. When the worms enter the small arteries within the lungs, a severe inflammatory response occurs, causing damage to the arteries, alveoli, and brochioles. Some infected cats will clear the disease spontaneously, but the infection can steadily progress in many cases, causing nonspecific symptoms that could be very similar to other diseases. Seeing a vet promptly if symptoms occur is the best way to prevent damage and stop this potentially life-threatening infection before it’s too late. Symptoms of heartworm disease in cats include: CoughingAsthma-like attacks, difficulty breathingLack of appetiteWeight lossDiarrheaBlindnessRapid heart rateLethargyVomitingFainting, convulsions, difficulty walkingFluid accumulation within the abdomen, chylothorax These signs could be quite dramatic or very subtle. Also, for some cats, sudden collapse or death is the first sign that there was a problem all along. How Is Heartworm Diagnosed and Treated? A vet will typically use blood tests, including a heartworm antibody test and a heartworm antigen test, as well as x-rays and ultrasound imaging, to determine if heartworm infection is present. Related: What You Should Know About Feline Pancreatitis Unfortunately, the same treatments that can be used in dogs who are infected with heartworm can’t be used in cats. Currently, there is no medication available that has been approved for treating feline heartworm disease. In terms of treatment options, if a cat is diagnosed with heartworm but is not exhibiting severe symptoms, he can be monitored closely to see whether the disease will resolve spontaneously. In instances when a vet has found signs that the disease is within the lungs and blood vessels, the cat could be monitored using x-rays. Also, in felines with clinically confirmed lung disease, supportive therapy with prednisone may be used. In felines that show apparent symptoms of heartworm, more supportive therapy, such as oxygen therapy, antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, and fluids, might be prescribed. The hope is that, by treating the symptoms, the cat could outlive the worms, which can survive in the pet’s body for roughly two to three years. Therefore, long-term treatment is necessary. Is There a Way to Prevent Heartworm in Cats? Pet owners can routinely apply medications that are specifically designed for preventing heartworm infection in felines. You can also decrease the risk of a cat becoming infected with heartworm by keeping him indoors at all times, as this will reduce his exposure to mosquitoes. Because heartworm is such a serious disease, not only in dogs, but also in cats, it’s important to take steps to prevent infection, as well as get prompt treatment if symptoms occur. Talk to your vet to determine which heartworm prevention medication is best for your pet.

Half of Americans Believe Pets Steal the Spotlight During Holidays

A survey revealed that nearly half of Americans (43%) think their loved ones are more excited to see their pets on the holidays than they are to see them. This survey involved 2,000 cat and dog owners and was conducted by One Poll on behalf of Nulo. According to results, 32% of surveyed owners admit they are more delighted to see a friend’s or family member’s pet than they are to see them. Surprisingly, 20% of dog owners think their pets love the holiday season more than they do.What’s not so surprising, is that almost half of respondents (48%) do something special for their pet during the happiest time of year. This includes buying custom ornaments or decorations (64%), dressing their pets in holiday clothing or pajamas (60%), getting their pet their own Christmas tree (49%), and stocking (47%).Half of pet owners like to give their four-legged companions extra treats during the holiday season, and 45% admit they dole out more treats to their pets at Christmas than during any other time of the year. In addition to extra treats, more than two-thirds of pets are likely to be treated with a special holiday meal. This survey also found that the majority of pet parents believe that their pets enjoy the hustle and bustle of holidays and are looking forward to the influx of visitors during the holiday season. Begging for attention, welcoming guests, and playing with a new holiday toy are some of the ways owners know that their pets are in the festive mood.Nearly half of responders give their pets gifts for Christmas. Those owners, on average, spend more than $100 on three gifts for their pets.Most owners decide to gift their pet toys (61%), clothes (59%), and treats (56%).Interestingly, this survey also looked at which family members are the most likely to spoil the pet. The results showed that the owner’s brother is the most likely to buy a present for the pet, followed by the owner’s parents. Surprisingly, 36% of grandfathers buy gifts for their four-legged grandchildren, compared to 34% of grandmothers. “Healthy treats and special occasion meals are a great way to involve your dog or cat in fun holiday moments - and can add a nutritional boost as a bonus,” said Heather Mendoza, Nulo’s Director of Research & Development, according to New York Post. It’s great to see that pet owners are offering their pets special meals that mimic their own holiday feasts. The holiday season provides the opportunity for quality time and special experiences with our families, including finding more ways to show love and affection to our furballs, she added.In addition to gifts, more cuddles, and treats, pets are also spoiled more during the holiday season by having their special person at home with them. Nearly half of respondents admit to going on more walks and adventures with their pets during the holidays. Interestingly, 40% of owners report that their pets also get to sleep more.Considering that almost all American pet owners consider their pets a part of the family, it’s no surprise that pets partake in holiday traditions. The majority of owners bring their pets to celebrations at other people’s homes. Pets are also involved in “opening the presents” and even go to meet the Santa. “Results showed that 40% of respondents believe Christmas is their pet’s favorite holiday - far ahead of the second favorite (New Year’s Day) at 19%,” said Mendoza. And if you still haven’t found a perfect gift for your pet, don’t despair! Check out our detailed holiday gift guide for cats and dogs to find the best holiday present for your four-legged companion. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What is Red Light Therapy for Dogs?

When your dog gets injured or is recovering from a routine surgery, it can be difficult to keep them comfy and to help heal their injuries faster at the same time. However, innovative red light therapy for dogs proved to be a safe and efficient treatment for a variety of ailments, from skin inflammation to wound healing, and much, much more.Red light therapy is also known as photobiomodulation therapy, and it involves the use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. The reason for its effectiveness is the specific wavelengths that are absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, which are considered the cell’s powerhouse. As the mitochondria absorb the “red light”, the absorption stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is popularly called the “energy currency of cells”. The entire process then increases blood flow to the treated area, stimulating faster healing, and pain relief. What’s so great about red light therapy is that it is not invasive, and all that is needed is a specialized device that emits specific wavelengths of light.Red light therapy treatment sessions usually last from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the specific device used. The frequency of sessions may vary, with some dogs benefiting from daily treatments initially, followed by less frequent “maintenance” sessions. Of course, your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate treatment procedure for your dog's needs – if you’re unsure if red light therapy is the right choice for your dog, be sure to consult an expert before taking any steps.Of course, while you shouldn’t do anything without your vet’s approval, a great thing about this treatment is that it is entirely safe. When used appropriately, it has no risks for your dog. The secret is in the light energy that does not generate heat at all, eliminating any risk of burning or tissue damage. Naturally, it goes without saying that you should closely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific device you are using. 

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

Check Out Giant Dogs On the Free 2024 Calendar of the Portland USACE

Who knew that calendars featuring gigantic cats could be such a hit! Last year, the Pacific Northwest-based U.S. military personnel issued their own calendars which featured enormous kitties that oversaw construction projects making a seemingly ordinary calendar - a ton of fun. Needless to say, their hilarious (and completely free) calendar went viral, so they wanted to repeat last year’s success. This year, however, the Portland branch of the US Army Corps of Engineers, which is based in Oregon, decided to “branch out”, and their new yearly 2024 calendar will feature gigantic doggos as well. This was a logical follow-up to their viral social media campaign of the previous year, when kittens stole the show. The personnel of this military branch handles tough civil works in the whole of Oregon and southwestern Washington, so a bit of lighthearted humor really goes a long way for them. Their staff got the idea of superimposing photos of cats and dogs into quality landscape photos of the most important public infrastructure projects that the teams were involved with. The idea was an instant hit. And now, their 2024 calendars in both cat and dog editions can be freely downloaded in a PDF format, allowing quick and easy printing. You can find the dog calendar here and the cat calendar here.“This product was created to tell the story of our district and what we do in a way that’s actually enjoyable for the average member of the public,” Portland district spokesman Chris Gaylord said. Mr. Gaylord further said that the whole project was their effort to portray an otherwise rough and industrial work in a more entertaining light. And it is also a way for the workers to get some steam off as well. After all, they are busy throughout the year, operating more than 700 dams and 12,000 miles of inland waterways. “It was really so inspiring to see how much joy this little product brought to people all over the world,” Gaylord said, after their first calendar “won over the internet”, getting an incredible 530,000 downloads on their website. To make matters even more memorable, the photos of the pets are from the employees themselves! Gaylord received almost 750 photos from 150 workers. Choosing just a few to include in the calendar was no easy task. But to make everyone satisfied, a page at the end of the calendar includes a grid with most of the pets that did not make it onto the big pages. What do you think – which pooch of the month is your fave?

After 11 Long Years, a Cat That Was Presumed Dead Returns Home

Sometimes, miracles can truly happen when you least expect it! And if a pet story can be considered a real life miracle, it’s the one about Toby, a family cat that - it would seem - lived a life of great adventure. In 2012, Toby, the now 14-year-old cat of the Allan family from Warwickshire, suddenly disappeared after the family moved to a new house. It was a heartbreaking event for the entire family, but their pet was nowhere to be found. After many attempts to locate their cat, they simply had to come to terms with the fact that old Toby was lost, and presumably dead. But this week, after 11 long years, Toby was returned to the Allan family by a local woman. The lady checked the cat’s microchip and was quick to get in touch with Coventry Cats Protection."I never thought in a million years I’d see him again," said owner Justine Allan. "Toby was collected and will no longer have to scavenge for food and sleep in a cold bin store," added the Coventry charity co-ordinator Wendy Harris.Toby suddenly went missing in a chilly December in 2012, after the Allan family moved from Galley Common in Nuneaton, to their new residence at Long Shoot."[My son Charlie] was about 12 when Toby went missing, and he was heartbroken when we realized he probably wasn’t coming back," said Mrs Allan for  Yahoo "The Long Shoot is a notoriously busy road, we just assumed the worst had happened and thought he had been run over.”But almost a decade later, just 5 miles away a local Bedworth lady got in touch with Cats Protection, believing that a stray cat she was feeding was pregnant. A volunteer with the charity went out to investigate, a microchip scanner in tow. "It turned out, not only did it have a chip, but that he was a neutered male named Toby, rather than female as originally believed," said Ms. Harris.Blazingly fast, the charity managed to trace the details of the Allan family on their database, and got in touch to share the splendid news – their missing feline friend was re-discovered!Initially in complete shock, after 11 years, the Allan family rejoiced and celebrated and quickly went out to pick up their long-lost pet. During those 11 years, the family welcomed another pet into their home, a King Charles Cavalier named Bernie. But even so, Toby fits right back into the family dynamic. As if he wasn’t missing for more than a decade!

Dog Who Spent 900 Days in a Shelter Returned 1 Day After Being Adopted

The staff at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California was joyous when a Labrador retriever pit bull mix named Sora was finally adopted. Sora, who was the shelter’s longest resident, has waited 900 days to be adopted into a loving, furever home.Sadly, less than 24 hours after the adoption, the poor pooch was returned to the shelter. The Valley Animal Center in Fresno, the largest no-kill shelter in California’s Central Valley, welcomed Sora nearly 4 years ago after the pup’s previous owners surrendered the pet. Since then, Sora hasn’t garnered much attention from prospective adopters, which is shocking to shelter staff who know the pooch well. “Sora is a high-energy dog who loves to play and gets super excited anytime she gets to go on walks,” said Sim Kaur from Valley Animal Center to Newsweek. According to Kaur, Sora loves to walk and hike and will make an amazing travel companion to an outdoorsy person. The sweet pooch also loves playing with tennis balls and is always in the mood for a game of fetch. Sora has tested well with children over the age of five and is affectionate and lovable with adults.Despite being overlooked for so many years, this cute pup recently caught the attention of a potential adopter. After a few meetings, the person decided to adopt Sora, giving this pooch the happy ending she deserved.Then, the worst possible thing happened! Just 24 hours later, the new owner called the shelter to say they would be returning the pup. Sora arrived at the shelter heartbroken and looked particularly sad to be back in the same kennel she called home for so many years.This turn of events shocked Kaur, who believed Sora’s adopters should have given her more time to decompress and settle in her new home before deciding to return the pet to the shelter.“Being in a shelter for many years affects the mental health of our adoptables and it is no different for Sora,” she added. “Sora did not get enough time to decompress in her new home and was introduced to new family members too quickly.”Sora’s sad story was posted on TikTok and has received more than 1.6 million views, leaving doggy lovers around the world in tears. Sharing the video of Sora with another pooch, Eros, who was also returned quickly after adoption, the shelter wrote: “Their tails wagging with hope as they were welcomed into their new home. However, after a short period of time, these shelter dogs found themselves back in their kennels. They are still hopeful that somewhere out there is their furever home where they will be cherished as they deserve.”One day is not enough time for a shelter dog to adjust to its new home. Especially, if the dog in question has spent more than 900 days stuck inside a shelter. Unfortunately, staff at animal shelters see this happen often. Some people who adopt shelter dogs simply don’t give them the time they need to adjust to a new home, and all the unfamiliar sights, smells, and people. It comes as no surprise, to most people, that any dog that has spent any time in a shelter, much less 900 days, will need some time to adapt to its new life and recover from the stress they have experienced. Hopefully, the next person who adopts Sora will understand her and give her the time she needs to adjust to her new home. This adorable pooch is still looking for her furever home. If you think Sora will fit right into your family, submit an adoption application here. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

According to ASPCA, These Are The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen – this is particularly true when it comes to pet  poisoning cases. Not only that cats and dogs have some uncanny ability to get into stuff that they’re not supposed to get into, but you also can’t always know what things could be a potential toxin to them. And believe us when we say, there are a lot of potential pet toxins in an average household!The annual report by the  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)  only goes to prove this. Each year, they examine all the compiled data to determine which are the most commonly encountered pet toxins each year. It helps keep owners aware of the threats, and to keep vets always one step ahead. In 2023, the APCC was extra busy, having received hundreds of thousands of calls about items and substances that pets were exposed to. Incredibly, these substances totaled over 351,000!Even though they were contacted about such an imposing number of potentially hazardous substances, they managed to narrow down the most common culprits and compile the list of top 10 pet toxins in 2023, which will serve as a great reminder of what to look out for.Over-the-counter medications, including cold and flu medicines, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and vitamins and supplements. With 16.8% exposure, these medications are the number one threat in 2023. Almost every home has some sort of medications stored, and they aren’t always expertly hidden. Accidentally, pets can discover them and suffer many dire consequences if they ingest them. Human food and drink are almost equally as dangerous, with 16.2% reported calls. A lot of what we consume daily is toxic to pets. This can range from common items such as raisins, onions, garlic, grapes, or sweets, to more rare items such as protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, and energy drinks. If your pet gets their paws on any of these, it can end up in an emergency vet visit. Prescription medications for humans are very dangerous to pets, and many reports were made in regard to inhalers, ADHD medications, heart medications, and similar. Prescription medications are often strong drugs and definitely not meant for pets.Chocolate is the number 4 threat for 2023. A staggering 13% of calls were related to this sweet. Dogs are mostly found consuming it as cats do not have sweet taste buds or the appetite of dogs. Still, chocolate is not meant for pets and can cause many side effects.Veterinary products are at number 5 with 8.3% reported exposures. Callers reported ingestion of chewable tablets or soft chews, many of them used for calming pets. Owners are urged to keep medicines locked away, as pets can like their sweet taste and go after them when you are not looking. Plants and fungi accounted for 8.1% of exposures. Dogs are inquisitive and can find these plants on their outdoor adventures. But many plants can cause a threat to dogs, so make sure to acquaint yourself with a list of toxic plants to look out for.Household products are also on this list, with 7.1% of exposures reported. Pets consumed various dangerous items, such as deoxidizer packets, batteries, and various miscellanea lying around the house. Be aware of what’s lying around that’s easy to reach.Rodenticides are a major threat to pets. People can use poisons to get rid of pests, but our pets don’t know that. If they ingest them, it can be extremely dangerous, leading to kidney failure, bleeding, and even death. When you are out on walks, always be careful what is lying around. Insecticides are almost the same. People use bug sprays, ant baits, and poisonous powders all over the place. Always make sure that the area you are in is free from anything that can be a threat to your pet. Recreational drugs are last but not least. With substances such as marijuana becoming increasingly legal, pets can come in contact with them as well. But there are also hallucinogenic substances such as mushrooms, especially psilocybin, and muscarine, which can be very harmful to pets. 

How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?

Parrots and small birds are exceptionally vulnerable when their cage is left unkempt and dirty – proper hygiene and a clean space to rest and eat in are a must for the good health of all avians. What is more, a bird cage that is left unclean can become a threat to your health as well, with airborne bacteria and pathogens flying all over the place. All in all, it’s clear that regular cleaning of your bird's cage shouldn’t be seen as just a dull chore but as a necessary task to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing. However, while it’s obvious that you need to do it regularly, just how often should you clean your bird’s cage? Is it on a check-and-see basis or is there a recommended frequency of cleaning? Let’s find out.How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?The frequency at which you should clean the cage depends on several factors, including the size of the cage, the number of birds you have, and the species of bird in question. For example, a smaller cage will get dirty in no time, while a large one that houses a single, bigger bird will remain cleaner for longer. While these are good starting guidelines, things are not that simple.The best approach to take is to clean the cage daily, weekly, and monthly. Of course, the amount of cleaning you do each day will differ from the one you do on a monthly basis – here’s how it should look like:Daily Cleaning:Change the  food and water dishes daily to ensure fresh food and clean water. This is imperative and a major part of caring for your bird. Don’t allow water to remain unchanged and food to go stale.

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Jack Russell Terrier Adopts and Nurses Six Abandoned Kittens

People grow up believing that cats and dogs are mortal enemies. Phrases like “fight like cats and dogs" just reinforce that belief.But, is this really true? Is there no way for felines and canines to get along? As it turns out, dogs and cats can be more than friends.A Jack Russell terrier, named Teasel, has become a surrogate mom to six abandoned kittens. Sue Stubley, who lives in the Suffolk town of Newmarket, was contacted after a feral cat abandoned her litter. Ms Stubley, who runs Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital in Newmarket, primarily rescues hedgehogs but has agreed to take the abandoned kittens for the night and take them to the cat rescue center the next morning. However, Ms Stubley’s two-year-old Jack Russell had other plans. According to Ms Stubley, Teasel began lactating the same evening and the hungry kittens latched on to feed. “My dog decided that she was going to look after them. She’s lactating, she’s feeding them, she cleans them, she does everything. So it’s actually been quite easy for me,” said Ms Stubley.At first, Teasel wasn’t making enough milk, and Ms Stubley had to supplement the kitten’s feedings. However, the new mom managed to produce a lot of milk the following morning, and the more she nurses, the more she produces. Apparently, Teasel's maternal instinct kicked in quickly. “If anyone comes in that she doesn’t know and picks one of the kittens up, she’ll march over and go and pick them up and bring them to her back again. She’s adopted proper mum behavior.”Ms Stubley was initially worried about how Teasel might react and thought that she might go after one of the kittens. But that never happened.“By the time they were ready for their second feed, they were sat with her and cuddled up with her. Generally, she is a very gentle dog that loves and adores everyone. She loves children, she’s a great little dog. And apparently, her mum was very similar and was very nurturing so it’s obviously something that’s in her nature.” According to BBC, Dr Rachel Grant, a biologist at London South Bank University, explained that such interspecies adoptions are most likely the result of fixed action patterns in which the adopted animal is reacting to a certain trigger from the adoptee. “This sets off a cascade in the brain that elicits the pattern of behavior,” said Dr Grant. The closer the species are to one another, the higher the chances for cross-species adoption to happen. This means that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever hear about an alligator nursing a puppy.“In baby mammals, there will be certain features that mammals share with other mammals,” said Dr Grant. “Cats and dogs, for example, are both mammals and the cues that are driving maternal behavior are very similar. They will be responding to certain cues.”When it comes to baby mammals, they will act on an instinct too. In Teasel’s case, the kittens are instinctively “rooting” - like human babies or puppies - for a nipple to feed on. “These things aren’t under conscious control,” Dr Grant explained. The strong maternal instincts exhibited by Teasel show that she’ll be a wonderful mother to her puppies, in case she one day gives birth to a litter of her own. Ms Stubley has already found loving homes for the kittens to go to when they are old enough, but she says she’ll miss them terribly.“As for Teasel, I don’t know how she’ll feel when they’re gone but I think she’s their surrogate mum for life now.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

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