Parasites (Worms ) in Cats

 You Just Got a Cat What You Should  do First ?

Many of you when got a cat don’t really know what to do first .Should you vaccinate them or give them anti parasitic medications .💊 

The first and most important thing is to get rid off the endoparasites and ectoparasites .They can be very harmful and also many of them are zoonoses , which means they are harmful for humans too.

If you notice that your cat has pale gums, is having trouble breathing or vomiting or not eating .You should get them to the Vet.

Types of Worms in Cats

The most common types of worms in cats are gastrointestinal worms. They include:

Roundworms are the most common type of intestinal worm in cats, specifically in kittens. Roundworms are 3 to 6 inches long, cream-colored, and resemble spaghetti when found in the stool.

Hookworms are tiny, thin, white worms. They are so small ,most people do not notice them on the cat’s stool. If you do see them, they look like tiny, thin strings. Hookworms get their name from their hook-like mouthparts and aggressive bloodsucking behavior,they attach themselves to the lining of the intestines and suck blood.

Whipworms are 2 to 3 inches in length with one thicker end and one thinner end, resembling a whip, hence their name. Whipworms are not easily seen in the stool and are diagnosed only under a microscope.

Tapeworms occur when a kitten or cat eats a flea while grooming or eats a rodent infected with tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms look like grains of rice and are found around the anus or in a cat’s stool.

Other worms in cats 

• Hartworms
• Lungworms 
• Bladderworms
• Liver Flukes

Symptoms of Worms in Cats

Symptoms of worms in cats may vary. You can usually determine the type of worm based on your cat’s symptoms:

• Diarrhea or loose stool you may see worms in the stool
• Vomiting (worms may be seen in the vomit)
• Distended abdomen
• Weight loss thin body condition 
• General unhealthy appearance dull hair 
• Pale gums (hookworms only)
• Trouble breathing and Coughing can be seen if worms migrate to the lungs (hookworms, roundworms)

How Cat get Infected with Worms 

Most kittens are infected with worms while nursing their mother, when they ingest tiny worm larvae directly from their mother’s milk. 

Worms in cats typically occur when worm eggs are ingested. This can happen when a cat licks their fur after exposure to a contaminated environment or when they eat an animal infected with the worm or its eggs.

Hookworm larvae can penetrate directly into the skin between the toes, causing skin infections.

Treatment of Worms in Cats

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are treatable with oral and topical medications, and sometimes injectable formulations, prescribed by your veterinarian.

Some worms in cats are killed with a single treatment. Other worms require multiple dosages of a medication given on a strict schedule over a certain period.

It’s important to carefully follow the directions provided by your vet !

How often should you give anti parasitics to Your  Cat?

Kitten Deworming  Schedule :

Start deworming a kitten between 4-6 weeks old

Then again at 8 weeks old

And again at 12 weeks old

Deworm every 4 weeks until 6 months old

And after every 1-3 months depending on lifestyle

To ensure your feline friend is healthy, you’ll need to clean (deworm) them regularly .

Do Indoor Cats Need Deworming?

All cats need consistent deworming no matter where they live.

Fleas — potential tapeworms carriers — can enter homes by riding on clothing, people, or other pets. When indoor cats groom themselves, tapeworm transmission can occur by accidentally ingesting an infected flea. Similarly, mosquitos can easily enter homes through screen doors and windows, where they can then bite pets and transmit hartworms.

How to Deworm (clean) a Cat

Go to the vet .They’ll be the best source of information about the dosage of dewormer ,how to give it to your and on what timeline.

 

What to Expect After Deworming a Cat

Anti-parasitic products typically take between two and four days to take effect. In some cases, a second dose is also required. The worms should be gone in-two to three weeks after giving a medication. A second deworming might be needed a few weeks later to eliminate all the worms because the medication affects life cycle stages differently.

Side effects of Cat’s Anti-parasitics 

Anti parasitic medications are quite safe and rarely have side effects when used at the correct dose. However, some cats might have diarrhea, vomiting, increased salivation, or decreased appetite. These symptoms are typically seen within 24 hours of administering the medication and should resolve on their own.

Prevention 

In veterinary medicine prevention is a key to keep your pet healthy.

Cat’s anti parasites products only treat the current infection. Prevent future infestations with a monthly preventative medications. 

Written by Imrana Sljivo DVM 🐾

Advice About How to Treat a Dog with Cushing’s Disease

In my previous article I talked about Cushing’s Syndrome  in general,also I mentioned some conventional treatments and possibilities .

Today i want to say more about natural remedies and  healthy food that you can give to your pet to help them overcome more easily the issue.

Some people say that poor-quality commercial food diet  including diets high in fats and low in proteins can also contribute to Cushing’s in dogs.In some cases especially if your dog has mild pituitary-dependent Cushing’s maybe the conventional treatment is not really urgent 

 

Dogs with mild pituitary-dependent Cushing’s should be closely monitored .Some veterinarians recommend a natural, anti-inflammatory diet and herbal therapy for treatment 

What You should Consider Before Taking Any Step to Treat your Pet’s condition 

• Talk to your veterinarian before you change your dog’s diet.
• Notify your veterinarian before you start your dog on any herbal or natural supplements.
• If you choose not to treat your dog immediately, closely monitor for any worsening symptoms

What Are Natural Treatments for Dogs with Cushing’s?

Many vets and owners have found natural treatments that can help with Cushing’s symptoms. Most of the natural treatments are herbal or dietary supplements, including:

• Fish oil
• Dandelion
• Magnolia bark
• Si Miao San
• Ginkgo biloba
• Melatonin
• Nettle
• Rosehips
• Clover
• Burdock
• Milk thistle
• Homeopathic pituitary extract
• Homeopathic formic acid
• Kelp
• Clover
• Garlic
• Apple cider vinegar
• Phosphatidylserine supplements 
• Dog food for Cushing’s

For dogs with food-induced Cushing’s, some experts recommend adrenal enzyme blockers, taken a few hours before meals.

Some also recommend acupuncture, which can help regulate the endocrine system and thus help Cushing’s symptoms.

Dietary Changes for Dogs with Cushing’s Disease

Certain dietary changes can also help reduce your dog’s Cushing’s symptoms. They include:

• Food high in protein
• Food low in fat
• Food low in fiber
• Food  with low purine levels (avoid organ meats)
• Food low in carbohydrates
• Food low in calcium
• Food rich in lignins (including whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables)

Specific Food that is Good for Dogs with Cushing’s

carrots -peas -green beans -potatoes -broccoli -celery -lettuce -bok choy -spinach -brussels sprouts -mushrooms -green peas -zucchini
beef -chicken without skin or bones -fish (except sardines) -shellfish -salmon -kidneys -liver -eggs

Raw Diet for Dogs with Cushing’s

Many believe that feeding a dog a raw diet can help with a number of health problems, including Cushing’s disease symptoms. Since your dog’s natural ancestral diet before domestication included raw protein, he is carnivore and he already has the enzymes to break down the bacteria, and you may find general health improvements.

Advantages of a raw diet include:

• Increased energy levels.
• Improved skin and coat.
• Stronger teeth and bones.
• Improved muscle strength.
• Better digestion.

Of course there are always some cones 

Concerns of a raw diet could be :

• Additional supplementation may be necessary, to ensure that your dog’s diet is balanced over the long term specifically calcium and phosphorous.
• Bacteria in raw meat can get your dog sick if their body doesn’t properly protect against it (in some cases, a dog may not build up the immunity).
• Proper cleaning after feeding your dog to avoid contamination.
• Two studies led by a team at the University of Bristol have found dogs who are fed on a diet of raw meat were more likely to excrete antibiotic-resistant bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) in their poop . Previous research has shown that there is the potential for bacteria to be shared between dogs and their owners through everyday interaction, leading the researchers to suggest that raw feeding is not the safest dietary choice, and that, if chosen, owners should take extra precautions when handling raw meat and be especially careful to clean up after their dog. 

While a raw diet may not significantly affect Cushing’s symptom ,it can help health overall. In particular, high protein in a raw diet might be  helpful for dogs in danger of losing muscle mass .

What other food You should Give If Your Dog Is on a Raw Diet

If you have your dog on a raw diet, you should follow certain recommendations to help him maintain his health, such as:

• Introduce a raw diet step by step , so his body has a chance to build up the needed enzymes to destroy bacteria in raw meat.
• Include raw vegetables, eggs, and small amounts of fruit and starches.
• Stick to only high-quality meat and proteins.
• Feed your dog small amounts of dairy products, including possibly a probiotic yogurt with active cultures.

Written by Imrana Sljivo DVM 🐾

Resources 

Evidence that faecal carriage of resistant Escherichia coli by 16-week-old dogs in the United Kingdom is associated with raw feeding' by Oliver Mounsey, Kezia Wareham, Matthew B. Avison, Kristen K. Reyher et al. in One Health

My dog stepped on a bee

 Your dog has been stung by a bee or wasp what you should do?

michellegibson/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

First You can notice following symptoms 

1. Whining
2. Holding up a paw 
3. Limping
4. Biting where the sting went in
5. Drooling
6. Pawing at the face or mouth
7. Swelling
8. Hives (red, swollen, itchy skin)

What to do 

First you need to remain calm ,then you try to scrape out the sting using a stiff material or card ,pull it out below the poison sac. Do not squeeze  the sting because that could force more of the poison into your dog’s body.

Wash the area with clean water.

Applying ice can help too. Make sure the cold temperature is not uncomfortable for your dog.

Closely monitor your pet for signs of an allergic reaction.Probably you should give an antihistamine to your dog. But be careful,don’t give them on your own or humans. Some of the humans antihistamine are actually good for dogs ,but very important is to give right dose,also there are some of them that are very harmful for dogs can be even fatal.You have to chose the right one and the right dose.My advice is to call your vet .

When The Stung By a Bee Can Be Very Dangerous

If your dog has been stung by a bee or wasp  in their mouth ,as the swelling can block their airway and stop them from breathing ,that could be very dangerous .Multiple stings can be also very serious  and some dogs might have an allergic reaction.

Call your veterinarian immediately if you’re worried that your dog has been stung and it looks very serious .

Signs that your dog is having an allergic reaction

1. Hardly breathing
2. Swelling of the mouth, throat, eyes or ears
3. Vomiting or diarrhoea
4. Collapsing
5. Weakness
6. Drooling 
7. Having a fit 

If you notice one or more of the signs of an allergic reaction you better run to emergency or call your vet

Other insect bites

As well as bees and wasps, your dog might be bitten by:

1. Ticks 
2. Mosquitos
3. Ants
4. Flies

Most are harmless but, if you’re not sure what type of insect has bitten or stung your dog, monitor them to be sure if they are not showing any signs of allergies .

Written by Imrana Sljivo DVM