Heart Disease in Cats

(A majority of the information provided in this article is from a Life's Abundance Blog Article written by Dr. Jane Bicks.)

While technically concerned with human heart health,  it’s vital that we expand the scope of the conversation to address canine and feline heart health, too.

Most people have a basic understanding of the risks of heart disease in humans, but when it comes to the heart health of our pet kids, that area remains a mystery to many.

In the following seven frequently-asked questions, we’ll consider the parallels between all three species (humans, canines and felines), to better understand heart disease.

How Widespread is Heart Disease?
Humans: In America, heart disease is the #1 cause of death. Annually, about 600,000 people die of heart disease, one in every four deaths.
Dogs and Cats: Although reliable statistics are not readily available for adult felines or canines, heart disease is not the pressing problem that it is for humans. That being said, heart problems are still common, with one in ten dogs developing valvular heart disease. As with many health issues, the risk for heart disease increases with age, especially for dogs over the age of nine (the age varies from breed to breed). When it comes to cats, tracking heart disease proves extremely challenging, as felines present virtually no physical symptoms from this condition.

What’s the Most Common Form of Heart Disease?
Humans: In adults, coronary artery disease is the most prevalent kind of heart disease. The main type involves plaque build-up in the arteries, which affects their ability to deliver blood to the heart. As the layers of plaque thicken and harden, blood flow to the heart is further restricted.
Dogs and Cats: The biggest difference here is that pet kids are not at-risk for coronary artery disease. While that’s good news, there are other medical conditions that dogs and cats face.
Dogs can suffer from mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Mitral valve disease describes a condition where a valve on the left side of the heart fails to close properly. The problem with this is that blood pools into the left atrium, rather than exiting the left ventricle. Older, small-breed dogs are more likely to develop mitral valve disease, and the condition is only worsened by periodontal disease. DCM weakens the heart muscle so that it pumps less vigorously and regularly, a condition more common in large breeds.
Cats, on the other hand, are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Here, the walls of the heart thicken and the muscle becomes less flexible. The unfortunate result is that the heart pumps less blood. HCM is a genetic disease that is found in both pure and mixed breed cats.

What are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?
Humans: Symptoms vary depending on the disease, but patients with coronary artery disease often have chest pain, arm pain and shallow breathing. And, of course, there’s the big wake-up call of a heart attack.
Dogs and Cats: Dogs typically exhibit signs such as low energy, trouble getting comfortable, labored breathing and a low-pitched, chronic cough. On occasion, they might actually collapse or faint. Cats may also become lethargic, as well as sleeping or hiding more than is typical. Often, cats will also lose their appetite. If a blood clot is swept from the heart and travels down through the aorta, felines can suffer a painful, sudden paralysis in their hind legs.
Important note: If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately. And, if your companion animal experiences any of these symptoms, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

How Do You Test for Heart Disease?
Humans: Doctors can choose from a variety of diagnostic testing, including blood exams, treadmill tests, electrocardiograms and imaging analyses.
Dogs and Cats: For veterinarians, a stethoscope is the most effective way to identify heart disease. That being said, it is difficult to detect an issue absent a murmur. Sometimes an x-ray, ECG or echocardiogram may shed light on an undiagnosed problem.

What Medications are used for Treatment?
Humans: If you were to be diagnosed with heart disease, doctors might prescribe a blood-pressure medication, a blood thinner or a cholesterol-lowering drug (among other things). Patients often use medications to make the heart beat more slowly and to relax blood vessels.
Dogs and Cats: Many of the drugs we use are also used by dogs and cats. Treatments vary according to the animal and kind of heart disease. The important thing to note is that there are treatments available, and new research is presenting new avenues for improvement.

Can Diet Help to Prevent Heart Disease?
Humans: Diet has a big influence on heart health. Eating foods heavy with saturated and trans-fats can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to plaque build-up in the arteries. Conversely, a diet rich in omega fatty acids, whole grains and fiber can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease.
Dogs and Cats: A healthy diet has not been proven to significantly alter the rates of canine and feline heart disease … however much more research has been done on humans in this regard. It’s hard to overstate the importance of quality food and your companion animal’s quality of life.

What About Exercise?
Humans: Yes, definitely! Exercise lowers the risk of heart attack and reduces stress, another risk factor for heart disease.
Dogs and Cats: The kinds of heart disease commonly found in cats and dogs can't be avoided through exercise. But, as with people, regular exercise will improve overall health and help prevent obesity in pets.

And don’t forget what researchers, healing experts and therapy animals have been demonstrating for decades … that by taking care of a dog or a cat, you’ll also be taking care of your heart.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

Dr Jane Bicks

###

Click for more information about Life's Abundance Cat Food recommended by Dr. Jane Bicks.

Click for more information about the fish oil recommended by Dr. Jance Bicks.

***

Cold Weather Care for Cats and Dogs - Part 1

Cold Weather Care for Pets - Part 1

(Article obtained from At Home - a special advertising section of the Daily Inter Lake dated Saturday, October 20, 2012.)

When temperatures drop, humans are not the only ones who feel the chill.  Cold weather also can take its toll on animals including dogs, cats, and birds.  Protecting pets when winter arrives involves modifying care tactics.
 
A major winter snowfall or simply a snap of cold weather can cause many problems for pets.  Much like humans, dogs and cats can experience frostbite on extremities when subjected to cold temperatures.  Ears, noses, and paws all may bear the brunt of cold weather, increasing the risk of injury.

Provide Warm Shelter
Although it may appear that pets are well insulated against cold temperatures, fur or feathers do not make pets impervious to the cold.  According to the ASPCA, fur wetted by snow may not dry quickly, putting animals at risk for a chill or even hypothermia.  As a precautionary measure, keep companion animals inside when temperatures drop below 30F.

If yours is an outside cat or dog, be sure that he or she is equipped with dry, draft-free shelter.  A dog house that is too large will not retain heat, so keep this in mind.  Reduce wind chill by placing the dog house where it will not be in the direct line of wind.  You may want to think about keeping the dog in an insulated shed or garage if you prefer not to move the pet inside. Cats can easily freeze while outdoors; therefore, it is safer to keep them inside.  Also, outdoors a cat may seek unsafe shelter, such as under the hoods of cars where they can be injured or killed if the car is started.

Dress Warmly
A mammal’s system for regulating heat can be compromised when there is excessive cold.  No matter its type of fur, a dog or cat may not be able to tolerate long periods of cold weather, unless it is a breed that was specifically bred for remaining outdoors in the cold, like a Malamute or Husky.  When venturing outside the use of a sweater or vest on short-haired dogs, but keep an eye on the pet.  Wearing a coat doesn’t mean he or she should be left outdoors unattended.

Cats probably will not tolerate any type of clothing.  If going outdoors to a vet appointment, use a carrier that is insulated from the cold with thick blankets.
Limit Drafts
Limit drafts around the house, which will increase your comfort and that of your companion animals.  Dogs and cats lie on the ground, where colder air tends to collect.  It may be several degrees cooler near the floor where they reside.  Check windows and doors for drafts.  If repairs or replacements aren’t financially possible, consider the use of draft guards or insulating curtains.  The measures will also protect pet birds.  Most birds that are kept as pets are from tropical climates and cannot tolerate severe cold temperatures.  Reduce risk of illness by keeping birds away from drafty windows and doors that open and close frequently during the winter.

Keep Them Leashed
Many dogs like to frolic in the snow, but snow can cause a pooch to lose his scent on the ground and get lost.  A dog also may run off and get smothered by tall snowdrifts or slip through the ice when not being able to gauge its surroundings.  It is best to keep dogs on leashes during any type of inclement weather.

(Part 2, coming soon.)

###

Today's posted suggested by kitty food.

***

Take Extra Care with Cats in Cold Weather

Article obtained from:
The Daily Interlake, Kalispell, MT on Wed. Dec. 14, 2011

Take Extra Care with Pets in Cold Weather

With winter weather here, the Flathead County Animal Shelter urges pet owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of their pets. Help keep your pets safe during cold weather by following these simple guidelines:

* Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for supervised exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision.

* Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal.

* Wind chills can threaten a pet’s life. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his or her body heat. The house should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

* Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife that may crawl under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

* Salt and chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet and may be harmful if ingested. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them to remove snow packed between your pet’s paws. Pet-friendly ice melts are available at many pet supply stores or online.

* Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Consider using antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.

* If you’re feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter, spaying and neutering and more is available at http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats or contact the Spay and Neuter Task Force.

* During the winter months, the happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks or exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

For more information or any questions, contact the Flathead County Animal Shelter at 752-1310 or go to www.flathead.mt.gov/animal. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 am to 4 p.m.

###

Today's article was suggested by Kitty Grass and Catnip and Lifes Abundance Cat Food and Bonito Flakes Kitty Treats.


***

Keep Your Kitty Healthy and Happy

Eight Ways to Keep a Cat Healthy and Happy
Credit: Saturday, September 24, 2011, Daily Interlake Newspaper

(MS) – Most people view their pets as an extension of the family. Therefore, pet parents are interested in the best ways to ensure their dogs, cats, birds, or small mammals are healthy and happy.

It doesn’t take much to keep a pet healthy, but these steps are essential for the well-being of the animal. An individual who is not able to provide the general care for a pet – whether financially or emotionally – should reconsider if it is the right time to bring a pet into the household. A pet that is well cared for can live many years and provide great rewards.

1. Choose healthy foods.   Many commercially prepared foods are full of fillers and sugars in stead of fresh meats and grains. Although it may cost a bit more, pet food that is formulated with good quality meat and grains with minimal preservatives, artificial flavorings or colorings can keep a pet in better form. Diet can affect health in a number of ways including energy levels and coat appearance. So good health begins with good food.

2. Keep fresh water handy.   All animals should be given fresh water that is routinely changed. Bacteria and viruses can multiply in water that is left sitting around. Plus, there could be other contaminants in unfiltered water that is left stagnant. If a person wouldn’t drink the water, it should not be offered to a pet.

3. Exercise your pet.   All animals need exercise to be healthy. Exercise helps to keep weight in check, banish boredom and ensure that the systems of the body all get pushed to their potential. A dog that does not get to exercise may become destructive in the house when the owners are not home.

4. Consult with a veterinarian.   Routine health checkups should be part of keeping a pet healthy. Not only does the vet give pets annual vaccinations that can prevent common diseases, but also the vet will examine the animal to diagnose or catch illnesses early. If a pet is not acting normally, consult your vet.

5. Groom the pet regularly.   Some animals groom themselves. Others can use the help of nail clipping, bathing and fur cutting to keep in top form. Matted fur can pull at the skin and cause irritation. Dogs and cats may lick or bite at a wound and cause more trouble. In general, a clean pet is a happy pet.

6. Know pet dangers around the house.   Pet proof the home just as one would baby-proof it. Keep chemical products locked up so they cannot be consumed. Certain products smell sweet and inviting to unsuspecting pets, but consumption can be deadly. Even certain house plants can be deadly when eaten.

7. Avoid “people” food.   Certain fruits and vegetables can be supplemented in a pet’s diet (consult with a veterinarian). However, on the whole, limit the amount of human food that pets eat. It may not provide the nutritional value the animal needs and can contribute to obesity. Foods like raisins, grapes, onions and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided.

8. Show interest in the pet.   A pet needs a certain level of interaction to be content. Discipline, affection and exercise with a pet parent are key components of animal health.

###

For a premium, healthy cat food that does not contain by products, corn, wheat, artificial colors or flavors, purchase Lifes Abundance Cat Food

For organic grow your own kitty grass or catnip, check out Organic Catnip (cat nip) and Kitty Grass Seeds .  Kitty Grass helps keep your cat from eating household plants some of which can be poisonous to your cat.

***

Keep Cats Happy, Health in Summer

Keep Pets Happy, Healthy in Summer

(Adapted from Saturday, July 16, 2011 Issue of the Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT)

Most people view their pets as an extension of the family.  Therefore, pet parents are interested in the best ways to ensure their dogs, cats, birds or small mammals are healthy and happy.

It doesn’t take much to keep a pet healthy, but these steps are essential for the well-being of the animal.  An individual who is not able to provide the general care for a pet – whether financially or emotionally – should reconsider bringing a pet into the household.

1.     Choose healthy foods.  Many commercially prepared foods are full of fillers and sugars instead of fresh meats and grains.  Although it may cost a bit more, pet food that is primarily good quality meat and grains with minimal preservatives or artificial colorings can keep a pet in better form. Diet can affect health in a number of ways, including energy levels and coat appearance.

2.      Keep fresh water handy.  All animals should be given fresh water that is routinely changes.  Bacteria and viruses can multiply in water that is left sitting around.  Plus, there may be other contaminants in unfiltered water that’s left stagnant.

3.      Exercise your pet.  All animals need exercise to be healthy.  Exercise helps to keep weight in check, banish boredom and ensure that the systems of the body all get pushed to their potential.  A dog that does not get to exercise may become destructive.

4.      Consult with a veterinarian.  Routing health checkups should be part of keeping a pet health.  Not only does the vet give annual vaccinations that can prevent common diseases, but also the vet will examine the animal to diagnose or catch illnesses early if a pet is not acting normal, consult the vet.

5.      Groom the pet regularly.  Some animals groom themselves.  Others can use the help of nail clipping, bathing and fur cutting to keep in top form.  Matted fur can pull at the skin and cause irritation.  Dogs and cats may lick or bite at a wound and cause more trouble.  Long nails can impede a bird’s ability to hold food or a perch.  In general, a clean pet is a happy pet.

6.      Know pet dangers around the house. Pet proof the home just as one would baby-proof it.  Keep chemical products locked up so they cannot be consumed.  Certain products smell sweet and inviting to unsuspecting pets, but consumption can be deadly.  Even certain house plants can be toxic if eaten.

7.      Avoid “people” food.  Certain fruits and vegetables can be supplemented in pet’s diet (consult with a veterinarian). However, on the whole, limit the amount of human food that pets eat.  It may not provide the nutritional value of the animal needs and can contribute to obesity.  Foods like raisins, grapes, onions, and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and cats, and should be avoided.

8.      Show interest in the pet.  A pet needs a certain level of interaction to be content. Discipline, affection and exercise with a pet parent are key components of animal health.

###

For a quality, holistic cat food that does not contain added chemical preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, choose Life's Abundance Cat Food.