Gastritis in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

by Kate Barrington

Published: August 1st, 2020

gastritis in dogs everything you need to know

A serious digestive issue, gastritis in dogs can be acute or chronic. Do you think that your dog suffers from these disease? Read on to find out more about gastritis.

We all experience occasional gas, bloating, and other digestive symptoms from time to time and so does your dog. It’s no surprise when your dog has an upset stomach after eating too much people food, but when digestive issues become chronic you should talk to your veterinarian. Gastritis is a condition that leads to a variety of digestive symptoms in dogs and it should be treated. Read on to learn more.

What is Gastritis and What Causes It?

Gastritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly as a short episode (acute gastritis) or may persist for weeks or months at a time (chronic gastritis). Regardless which type of gastritis your dog has, it is important to understand the condition and to know what causes it to develop. First, however, let’s talk about the symptoms.

Here are the most common symptoms of gastritis:

Excessive vomiting
Decreased appetite
Dehydration
Increased thirst
Lethargy
Depression
Diarrhea
Blood in stool or vomit
Black, tarry stools
Abdominal pain

Acute gastritis is common in dogs. Dogs have a tendency to eat anything and everything, but not everything agrees with them. Most dogs recover within a few days with proper treatment which often includes short-term withholding of food. In some cases, gastritis is linked to an underlying condition like infection, allergies, autoimmune disease, stomach cancer, kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or neurological disease.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from gastritis, talk to your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to confirm the diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment to resolve symptoms.

Treatment and Preventive Measures

Gastritis in dogs is typically diagnosed through blood tests, urinalysis, fecal tests, and abdominal x-rays or ultrasounds. In acute cases, minimal diagnostic measures are usually enough but more involved testing may be required for chronic gastritis. Once your vet identifies the cause of your dog’s gastritis, you can talk about treatment options.

Here’s what treatment for acute gastritis might look like:

Withholding food for 24 to 48 hours
Offering small amounts of water during the first 24 hours
Feeding small amounts of highly digestible food after 24 hours
Resuming the normal diet with small meals every few hours
Gradually increasing the amount of food given over several days

In the event that your dog needs medical treatment for acute or chronic gastritis, there are several options. Anti-emetic medications can help stop vomiting and fluid therapy may be required if your dog is very dehydrated. Proton pump inhibitors may be given if your dog has developed severe stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal protectants may be given as well. With prompt treatment, the prognosis for dogs with acute gastritis is very good. For chronic gastritis, it all depends on the underlying cause.

Your dog’s health is not something you should neglect. If you notice any change in behavior or changes to your dog’s appetite or bowel movements, talk to your veterinarian. The sooner you diagnose the problem and start treatment, the sooner your dog will go back to being healthy and happy.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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For decades, rabbits have been quite popular pets – they boast many great personality traits and look cute to boot, so it’s not a big surprise.  Of course, as all pets, they require plenty of care, affection, and attention to thrive, so they’re not any less demanding than a cat or a dog. And grooming plays a big part of that care process. It doesn’t only serve to make your rabbit look their best – it can help with many other aspects as well. After all, grooming is the path to cleanliness, and cleanliness is the foundation of good health.Grooming a Rabbit’s CoatWhen you think of pet bunnies, the first thing that often comes to mind is soft and endlessly fluffy fur. But in order to achieve that softness and delicate texture, your rabbit needs regular brushing and grooming. Still, before any grooming is to commence, you need to be certain that you did a good job at socializing and handling your pet rabbit. They are prey animals in nature, and as such, they can be quite fearful. From an early age, teach them that handling is nothing to be scared about. This will build your relationship, limit the natural feeling of fear, and allow you to groom them without a hitch. Once your bunny is comfortable with being handled,  you can begin regular brushing every 3 to 7 days. This is important as it gets rid of any loose hair, which rabbits can ingest while they self-groom. This can lead to potentially serious health problems, and burden their digestive system. How often you brush often depends on the coat length of your rabbit – short-haired breeds can require infrequent brushing, as little as once per week, while long-haired ones can require daily brushing at times. Remember that rabbits have sensitive skin and delicate coats. You can’t use any old brush for grooming. Invest in a soft-bristled brush that is designed especially for rabbits. If you use a stiff and coarse brush, you can even cause some damage – not to mention that your rabbit will start hating the entire process, which is not good. Another crucial thing is to choose the right moment. If you see that your rabbit is fidgety, stressed, unhappy, or simply not in the mood, it’s best to wait a bit. Grooming them when they are not cooperating might cause them even more stress than necessary. When you begin grooming, start with the back end first – a rabbit needs a good cleaning in the hind area. Use a damp cloth or a special wet tissue, and carefully clean any remnants of pee or poop. This is a vital part of the grooming process. Then, as you actually begin brushing the fur, follow the natural direction of their hair, which often goes from the neck towards the bottom. Use gentle, even strokes, and don’t miss a spot. If you see any tufts of hair be sure to remove them – they are a big no-no. Clean their head with great care. You can dampen a common cotton ball and clean around their eyes, nose, and ears. Of course, don’t forget to check every spot on your pet’s body for signs of anything out of the ordinary. These include lumps, odd spots, mites, and anything similar.Nail TrimmingWhile trimming your bunny’s nails can be infinitely more challenging than simply brushing their fur, it’s still a necessary part of their grooming routine. Rabbit nails can grow very long, especially if they’re not active, and can become a hindrance – or even cause health issues if left completely neglected. The first thing to note, of course, is how you handle your bunny. They have to be fully comfortable with you if you want to trim their nails without much hassle – you don’t want them jumping out or wiggling while you’re cutting their nails.Place your bunny in your lap, on their back, with their feet looking up or, if they are not comfortable with being on their back, place them on a raised surface and lift their feet when it’s time to trim the nails. Be careful, though, because if you place them on a table, for instance, they might jump from a big height and injure themselves – only attempt this with docile bunnies. When you’re cutting their nails, don’t go too deep to avoid cutting into the quick, which would cause bleeding. If you're too afraid to cut your bunny’s nails on your own, you can get them to a vet and they can do it for you – have in mind that their nails should be trimmed once a month.ConclusionOnce you get a hang of it, rabbit grooming will prove to be a straightforward and simple affair. Make sure you’re thorough, gentle, and regular – and your pet won’t have issues with matted hair, loose hair ingestion, bad smells, and overall bad hygiene. After all, no bunny deserves to look bad! What’s more, your little grooming sessions can become a way to bond even more with your pet, and to keep up to date with their health status, by checking for anything out of the ordinary on their bodies, be it signs of parasites or unusual growth.

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Lyme Disease In Dogs Is On the Rise: Here's What You Need to Know

Exploring the great outdoors with your best friend by your side is one of the best activities you can do in the summer – but there are a few things you should have in mind to ensure your pet’s safety and wellbeing while you’re out and about. One of the most important is to protect your pet from ticks, who carry Lyme disease and can infect your pooch with a single bite and cause serious health issues.Unfortunately, veterinarians are seeing a spike in Lyme disease cases this year, with a new infection reported each day – a significant increase when compared to the previous summer. Dr. Julia Lucas, from Cumberland Animal Clinic, attributes the rising numbers to higher temperatures, as warmer weather caused ticks to become active earlier in the year. She also mentioned that many people adopted their first dog in the pandemic, so they might not know how to properly protect their pets from these blood-sucking pests.Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned dog parent or a first-time owner, you should brush up on the symptoms and methods of prevention of Lyme disease in dogs, to make sure you and your four-legged bestie have a great time this summer – with no unnecessary trips to the vet’s office.What Is Lyme Disease?Also known as Lyme borreliosis, this bacterial disease is transmitted from ticks to humans, dogs, and other animals. Not all ticks are Lyme disease carriers, though – in the US, species that are most likely to be infectious are the black-legged tick (deer tick), and western black-legged tick. For the tick to infect your pet, it has to be attached to them for at least 24 to 48 hours. While not fatal on its own for canines, if left untreated Lyme disease can lead to death due to kidney failure.Symptoms of Lyme Disease in DogsYou might have not even noticed the tick attached to your pet’s body – but if you notice any of these symptoms, you’ll want to take your pet to the vet and get them tested for Lyme disease.Lameness due to joint inflammationFeverLethargyLoss of appetiteSwollen joints and/or lymph nodesCardiac and neurological issuesKidney failureIt’s important to note that not all dogs who are infected with Lyme disease will display symptoms of the illness – sometimes, the body just fights off the infection on its own, without it progressing to actually affect your pet’s health. Even so, if you notice any unusual behavior that matches symptoms of Lyme disease or you’ve noticed a deer tick attached to your dog’s skin, it pays to contact a vet and get an early start with treatment.Is Lyme Disease in Dogs Treatable?The usual course of action for treating Lyme disease in dogs is putting them on antibiotics for 30 days to fight off the bacterial infection. However, depending on your pet’s specific symptoms (e.g. swelling or issues with kidneys), additional therapies might be required to help treat the issues that have arisen as a result of the infection.How to Prevent Lyme Disease in DogsYou know what they say – better safe than sorry! The key to avoiding a potentially serious health scare with your pet and expensive vet bills is to make sure your pet isn’t bitten by a tick in the first place. Luckily, that’s not all that hard, with a range of products aimed at repelling and killing ticks as soon as they come into contact with your pet’s skin. Whether it’s waterproof collars, topical treatments, or chewables, the choice is yours – as long as it keeps your furbaby safe on your outdoor adventures.Additionally, you should always make sure to thoroughly check your dog (and yourself) for signs of ticks every time you come home from your walk. Ticks can be found just about anywhere, from patches of grass to thick shrubs, so it’s smart to be on the lookout for these tiny parasites. If you happen to notice a tick attached to your pet, remove it as soon as possible, as the longer it's feeding, the higher the chance for the transmission of Lyme disease.

Everything You Need to Know About Ear Mites in Dogs

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Dog-Killing Flatworm Discovered in California

Fleas and ticks aren’t the only parasites that dog owners have to fear in southern California this summer. Scientists from the University of California, Riverside, are warning dog owners to keep their pooches out of the water this summer after they have discovered a potentially deadly parasite.A deadly flatworm species that has previously only existed in Texas and other Golf Coast states, has made its way to the west coast and is now present in the portion of the Colorado River that runs through California. The worm, Heterobilharzia americana, is a flatworm commonly known as the liver fluke. The parasite can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that affects the liver and intestine of dogs. Although treatment options are available once the dog becomes infected, they aren’t always effective leaving vets no other option than to euthanize the dog. “Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it’s there,” said Adler Dillman, a nematology professor at the University of California, Riverside. “If you’re swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.” After learning about several cases of infection in local dogs, professor Dillman and his research team headed to Blythe, a border town in Riverside County. All of the sick dogs have spent time there, swimming in the river.Since snails are responsible for transmitting the infection, researchers collected more than 2,000 along the banks of the Colorado River. The team used DNA testing to identify the snails and the flatworm.The team was astonished to find not one, but two species of snail that can carry the parasite!“We actually found two species of snail that can support H. americana in the river in Blythe and we found both snails actively shedding this worm,” said Dillman, according to UC Riverside News. “Not only was it a surprise to find H. americana, we also didn’t know that the snails were present here.”The flatworm first makes its way into the snail's body, traveling through its system. Once transformed, it moves out to find a mammal host to infect. Without a host, the parasite can’t survive more than 24 hours on its own. Dogs and raccoons are particularly susceptible to becoming infected after coming into contact with water, whether from drinking or swimming in it. The worm gets inside the veins of the intestinal lining, where it develops into an adult and mates. The presence of adults in the veins isn’t as problematic as the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The dog’s immune system reacts by forming clusters of cells, called granulomas. In time, the organ tissues stop functioning.It may take several months for a dog to show any signs of the infection. Symptoms start slowly and include loss of appetite, and progress to vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease. “If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, it’s a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test,” said Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Treatment typically involves use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian.”Although potentially deadly for our canine companions, this parasite can’t cause the same issues in humans. “ It can cause swimmers itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it’s not able to cause an infection,” Dillman explained.Steer clear of bodies of water that could contain infected snails to prevent your pooch from catching flatworms. If your pooch can’t resist taking a dip, monitor them for symptoms of flatworm infection in the weeks afterward. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Is Your Cat Itchy? Causes and Treatments for Itching in Cats

Itching, or pruritis, in cats has various causes, so it’s a symptom of multiple problems. Sure, a cat will have an itch they need to scratch every now and then, just like people do. But if you see your cat scratching more than usual, or they’re scratching, licking, or biting themselves so much that they’re losing fur and causing cuts and scabs on their skin, there may be an underlying issue that should be addressed.Whether your cat is scratching at one area or they’re itchy all over, don’t ignore this problem. Read on to learn about some of the causes of itchiness in cats, along with some of the things you can do to provide relief. Remember, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian about your cat’s symptoms so you can give your pet the right treatment.Reasons Why Your Cat Is ItchyHere are some of the conditions that can cause a cat to feel itchy:AllergiesA lot of things can cause an allergic reaction in cats that leads to itchy skin. For example, if your cat is allergic to an ingredient in their food, such as a particular protein, their allergy might manifest as itchiness. As another example, your cat might be allergic to something in the environment, such as dust in the house or pollen that blows in through a window. And some cats have contact allergies to products, from litter to plastic or fabric, that can cause a reaction. The goal is to find the allergen and remove it from your cat’s environment as best as possible. In the case of a food allergy, using food trials with the guidance of your vet can help you figure out what’s causing the reaction so you can start giving your cat food that’s appropriate for them. ParasitesBites from insects and parasites can cause your cat to feel itchy. Fleas and mites are a couple examples. And, yes, indoor cats can get fleas, as they could be brought in from outside and find their way to your feline.When it comes to mites, such as ear mites or mange, your veterinarian can prescribe treatments after performing some tests for an accurate diagnosis.For flea allergy dermatitis caused by flea bites, it’s a matter of eliminating the flea infestation and preventing future infestations. You can use over-the-counter products, such as Frontline Plus for Cats, which is a topical treatment you apply between your cat’s shoulders (where they won’t be able to lick it off). It kills flea eggs, flea larvae, and adult fleas, as well as ticks and chewing lice, and each dose works for a month. But you also need to thoroughly clean your home and your pet’s things to be sure you eliminate fleas in the environment.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Dogs are very affectionate beings, and can form incredible bonds with their owners – but this also means that they would love to be by their side at all times. Sometimes, however, this is just not possible. Their owners have to  work, go to the store, or finish chores out of home and they can’t always take their pets with them. And when you leave your pooch all by their lonesome, they often think it’s the end of the world – you’ve abandoned them for good, even when you’re away for like 25 minutes. This can result in anxiety, restlessness, and a lot of barking. Some dogs – in fact – just won’t stop barking or howling until you come back. How can you bring an end to this behavior, and prevent all the excess barking? And how can you let your pet know that leaving for a little bit is no big deal? Let’s find out. Battles with Barks: Why Dogs Bark When Alone and How to Stop ItExcessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals. Above all, it requires patience. However, there are a number of factors that come into play when such situations occur. To make your dog calmer, quieter, and ready to accept your absence, you should take a closer look at the daily routine the two of you share.First, consider if you're providing enough physical and mental stimulation. Physical exercise is crucial for a dog's well-being. Keep in mind that a tired dog is generally a content and quieter dog. So, before you leave, make sure that they have ample exercise, fun, and outside time. If they “emptied their batteries”, they are more likely to remain calm and just snooze while you are out. Of course, to make sure you always fulfill these exercise requirements, you will have to establish a consistent daily routine. Just like humans, doggos too depend on the routine they can follow. This routine helps them feel secure and understand when to expect certain events like meals and walks. If they get used to a daily chain of events, they will expect you to leave and be okay with it.  Interactive toys that provide mental stimulation or dispense treats are also a great thing to utilize when battling anxiety or boredom-induced barking. They can help your dog stay occupied during your absence. As they get involved in playing with the toy, dogs will tire out, keep themselves busy, and not make such a big deal about your absence. With a toy, alone time can actually be enjoyable for a dog.

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Study Reveals a Link Between Mental Health and an Attachment to Pets

We have all been told at one time or another that our pets are good for our mental health. But have you ever stopped to consider how your mental health could also impact the attachment bond you form with your pet? Could your attachment to your pet hurt your mental health?These questions and more were the inspiration behind a new study out of the University of Helsinki.Rather than focusing solely on the benefits of dogs and cats to our mental well-being, researchers went a step better. The goal was to better understand how the relationship we form with our pets could have an impact both on us as well as on the pets themselves. They also dug into how an owner’s attachment style could impact the care they provide and our pet’s behaviors.The research team collected information from approximately 2,500 pet owners and 3,300 pets to gather the necessary data. This included:Personality traits (of owners, dogs, and cats)Owner mental well-being ratingsUnwanted behavior traitsOther potential influences, like children in the householdAttachment stylesIn terms of the relationship, they looked specifically at two types of insecure attachment – anxious and avoidant. Anxious attachment refers to owners who desire to have their pets nearby and are concerned about the risk of losing their pets. On the other end of the spectrum, avoidant attachment refers to pet owners concerned about losing their personal autonomy and, as such, seeking a higher level of independence.The study found that cat owners with lower mental health ratings demonstrated anxious attachment to their feline friends. However, dog owners with similar mental health ratings were split between anxious attachment and avoidant attachment.Interestingly enough, there was a clear division between the attachment styles when categorizing the relationships based on a dog’s mental well-being and potentially “unwanted” or “problem” behaviors. Dogs who demonstrated aggression or ADHD-like behavior were more likely to have avoidantly attached owners, while dogs who demonstrated fear-related behaviors were often connected to anxiously attached owners.What does all this mean? By recognizing the connection, we can better understand how personality and attachment styles can influence one another.For example, if a dog owner demonstrates avoidant attachment, they may not provide the security a dog desires in a potentially threatening situation. As a result, the dog may develop aggression. However, it is also possible that a dog’s aggressive response may contribute to an owner’s need for space and independence from the behavior and its impact on their daily activities.“What made this project unique was that it involved dogs, cats, and owners alike,” explained Professor Hannes Lohi. “We need a deeper understanding of the connections between owners and pets and the associated factors so we can, for example, help people make better decisions when obtaining a pet. It’s important to acknowledge that obtaining a pet while experiencing poor mental well-being may not necessarily meet the expectations of improving it.”Not only is this a big step forward in helping people make educated decisions about pet ownership, but it could also provide valuable guidance for trainers and behaviorists when dealing with unwanted behaviors.

A Six-legged Abandoned Dog Has Surgery to Remove Extra Limbs

A six-legged cocker spaniel found abandoned in a supermarket parking lot in Wales has had surgery to remove her extra limbs. The pooch was named Ariel, after the Little Mermaid, because her extra limbs were fused together, resembling a mermaid’s tail. Greenacres Rescue, a non-profit group from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, took Ariel in, arranged her surgery, and found her a foster family.  Ariel, who was born with multiple birth defects, was operated on at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital. Surgeon Aaron Lutchman performed the surgery and managed to save all four limbs amid fears that one hind leg might have to be amputated. “She’s doing really well, she’s bounced back and she’s a happy little dog and we’re hoping she’s going to go on to lead a fabulous little life,” said Lutchman. “She’s got her own little character and even though she’s had a tough start in life she really has done well to come through this as she has… if we can do what we can to help then that’s just absolutely brilliant.” According to Mikey Lawlor, founder and manager of Greenacres Rescue, Ariel was skinny and distressed when she was rescued. “The vet who initially assessed Ariel noted that, in addition to her two surplus back legs, she also had an additional vulva,” said Lawlor. A CT scan later revealed that Ariel was born with only one kidney, which increased the complexity of the medical treatment she required. Unfortunately, the pup’s pelvis never formed properly because she had two hip joints on one side of the body. As a result, Ariel’s normal hind leg had no muscle tone, so there was a chance that that leg had to be amputated as well. “Thankfully, that wasn’t the case though as it’s shown signs of having strengthened a lot in recent months,” Lawlor added.Ariel is recovering nicely after her surgery, having lots of love and fuss from the nursing team. Now that the surgery is behind her, everyone is hoping that she’ll have an easy and quick recovery.“There were two procedures which lasted about two hours, but both went fine. The next day she was up, walking around and eating and drinking.”“Now we just need to keep our fingers crossed she doesn’t get any infections, but she really is in the best of hands,” added Lawlor according to BBC. The brave pooch was discharged over the weekend and has already returned home to her foster family in Wales. According to her vet, Ariel has to rest for the next two weeks to recover completely. The founder of Greenacres Rescue hopes that the organization will be able to find a forever home for Ariel after she completes physiotherapy and recovery. “The response we had to Ariel’s story so far, including calls and emails from as far away as New York and Australia, has been incredible - so I’ve no doubt she’ll be snapped up,” said Lawlor.“I just can’t say enough of a thank you to everyone who’s contributed to helping her.” The organization raised around $19,000 for Ariel’s life-changing surgery thanks to donations from people all over the world.“Ariel was a complicated little dog whose care required close collaboration across a number of our specialist teams, including orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, and radiology,” said Vicki Black, the director of Langford Vets’ Hospital. “As part of the University of Bristol, we are a center committed to career-long learning and are proud to innovate and treat pets like Ariel. We are delighted such a lovely animal has recovered well from her surgery.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Finds That Cats Have Hundreds of Facial Expressions

If you’ve lived with cats for any length of time, you know that they express themselves in a variety of ways, and their faces can tell you a lot. Yet, there are some people who think that cats are expressionless, especially when compared to other animals. Well, science has once again come through to prove that cats are social and communicative; you just have to know how to read them.

Dogs Trained to Detect Ancient Remains Expedite Search for Graves

Canada’s recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully – meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment – however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.That’s when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years… and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves… and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the area’s former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although it’s not an exact science – they can’t pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, it’s estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm it’s about the children’s families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.

How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

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A Dog is Adopted After 7 Years in Shelter After An Emotional Discovery

One pet shelter in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, has been the home of a darling rescue dog named Ella for 7 long years. But the long wait for a happy ending is finally over – as Ella was recently adopted, and under very special circumstances at that. The staff at  Bloomsburg Animal Resource Center have titled this “an extremely special adoption”, and advised readers that “they might want to grab a tissue real quick for this one”.Ella had been at the shelter for the last seven years, making her the center’s longest resident. But recently, things took a turn for the better, when Ella was spotted by Kaitlyn, a resident who quickly fell in love with the rescue pooch. When coming to the center, Kaitlyn said that her long-time furry friend, Jo, recently passed away, and now she was ready to meet a new dog.And as soon as the two met, the match was made. It was obvious that they were meant for each other. Ella quickly made everyone know that Kaitlyn was her “human”. Usually, it wasn’t so. Ella was a victim of abuse and had a long history of fear and aggression. It would take several visits for her to get relaxed around strangers. But with Kaitlyn, this was not the case. The bond was near-instant. “She immediately walked over to Kaitlyn with no hesitation, allowing her to give Ella scratches and pets right away,” the staff of the adoption center said.At the end of the adoption meeting, when Kaitlyn was about to leave, she suddenly noticed something that made her overwhelmingly emotional. What she spotted was the bandana that Ella was wearing around her neck. Her eyes welling with tears, Kaitlyn said to the staff that it was the exact bandana that belonged to her recently passed away dog, Jo. She said that after the passing, she donated all the bandanas to the center. “This bandana that Ella is wearing, it’s Jo’s. I donated them all here when he passed,” Kaitlyn said, quickly showing a picture of Jo wearing it. The symbolism and the connection were incredible. It was a sign that the two were meant to be together. When they realized what happened, the staff was moved to tears: “Out of the 20 dogs in our shelter right now, this bandana. This specific bandana. Jo’s bandana. It was on Ella.”Later, Kaitlyn said that the bandana is a sign: “I like to think of it as Jo’s stamp of approval.”And so it was, that after 7 long years of waiting, the kind and gentle Ella found her new forever home, and a human friend who would treat her right.“Every morning, Ella used to pop up off her bed and greet you at the door of her kennel right away,” the staff at the Animal Resource Center said. “We’ll miss that tomorrow, it’ll be such a bittersweet moment realizing that as we pause to reflect on a few of our favorites times with Ella — but my goodness the amount of pure happiness we will feel every day knowing Ella finally got what she deserved: ELLA GOT ADOPTED.”

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