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How to give your cat a pill:

So, the veterinarian has sent you and your cat home with a bottle of pills and some instructions. Don't worry - giving pills to your cat is not as difficult as it may appear. It's just a matter of know-how and plenty of praise.

One thing to remember though, giving a pill to a cat is not quite the same as giving a pill to a dog.

1. Have someone hold your cat's front legs and chest from behind so you're free to do the rest, or vice versa. If you have trouble, wrap a blanket or towel around your cat.



2. Put your hand on top of the cat's head, avoiding the lower jaw. Raise the head until your cat's nose points to the ceiling. As the mouth opens, use your other hand to hold the pill and press down on the lower jaw, pushing the pill as far back on the tongue as possible.

Tips on Preventing and Avoiding Dog and Cat Bites

Bites from dogs and cats are a serious public health problem. Approximately 3 million people are bitten each year, and an average of 14 people die each year from dog attacks. Dog bites are responsible for more liability homeowner insurance claims than any other cause. Children are at the greatest risk for dog bites resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

Dogs and cats are carnivores (meat-eaters) and bite by instinct when hunting, when defending themselves and during social conflicts. They may even use their teeth in play. IT IS NATURAL FOR DOGS AND CATS TO BITE! To avoid dog/cat bites, dogs and cats have to be taught not to bite. Cats are more difficult to train, but their bites and scratches can also be prevented.

Tips for Avoiding Dog Bites

The first step in avoiding dog bites is to take care in selecting a dog. Guarding and fighting breeds of dogs should not be selected for family pets. If an adult dog is being obtained, special attention should be paid to its temperament and how will socialized it has been with people of all ages and with other animals. If a puppy is being selected, the temperament of its parents and of puppies from previous litters should be evaluated. Ask the owner to see the puppy's parents and for names and phone numbers of others who got puppies from these parents. Puppies need to be properly socialized, especially between four and 16 weeks of age in order to prevent excessive fear and aggression toward strangers when they are adults.

Puppies naturally use their teeth when playing, however they must be discouraged from using their teeth on people even during play. Their chewing and "mouthing" should be corrected with a sharp "NO" then the chewing should be redirected to an appropriate chew toy.

Puppies and dogs should not be allowed to use their teeth when taking treats out of hands. To discourage this, offer the treat inside a closed fist. Only allow the dog to take the treat after they have gently nudged with their muzzle. Do not hold the treat above the dog's head which would encourage them to jump up and grab the treat out of the hand. Never allow anyone to tease a puppy, dog, kitten, or cat. Teasing even during play will unintentionally frustrate the dog or cat and may lead to biting.

Tips for Avoiding Dog & Cat Bites

Never approach, touch or try to pick up an unfamiliar dog or cat without the owner's permission. Especially avoid a dog that is on a chain or tied up.

Never tease or make menacing gestures toward a dog or cat.

Keep your movements and actions low-key and your voice firm but subdued.

Never enter a fenced yard with a dog if the owner is not there and, even then, not without the owner's permission. If a dog approaches or runs toward you, stand still. You cannot out run a dog. Running away will encourage the dog to chase you.

If a dog approaches you, do not stare or make direct eye contact with it. Instead, watch it's movements out of the corner of your eye.

Do not turn your back on the dog. You may try to slowly back away. If this movement makes the dog more assertive or aggressive, move toward you in a more aggressive way or growl/snarl, then you must stand still and very slowly move your hands and arms to protect your chest and neck. You may only back away once the dog has left.

If a dog knocks you down, do not move. Lie on your stomach and cover the back of your neck with your hands.

If you are bitten, first contact your physician or obtain emergency medical assistance. Children should contact their parents or another adult. As soon as possible, report the bite to Animal Control officers, provide them with a detailed description of the dog and the specific location where the dog or cat was last seen.

An exercise partner makes hitting the gym and staying active fun, and a new study by the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine found that your dog may be the best exercise partner of all!

The study found that people who walk dogs exercise more consistently and show more improvement than people who walk with a human exercise partner. The study, conducted by the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, focused on 54 older adults at an assisted living home. Of the participants, 35 were asked to walk five days a week for 12 weeks (the remaining 19 functioned as a control group). Among the walkers, 23 elected to walk with a friend or spouse; the other 12 partnered with a dog from a local animal shelter for the daily walks.

According to the researchers, those walking with dogs exercised more consistently than walkers with human partners. Rebecca A. Johnson, the director of the research institute, said that human partners often discouraged each other from exercise. However, the prospect of walking with a dog encouraged the other participants in the study to walk each day, she said.

Dog walkers also showed improvement in their physical mobility: the study found that walking speed among dog walkers increased by 28 percent, while walking speed among human walkers increased only by 4 percent. According to Johnson, by the end of the study, dog-walkers also were able to rely less on canes and walkers to help them get around.

A previous study conducted by ReCHAI found that when people are responsible for walking a dog, they exercise more and lose more weight - one ReCHAI study group lost an average of 14 pounds in one year, according to Johnson.

With obesity rates on the rise for both people and pets, regular exercise benefits both you and your canine companion. If you need to shed a few extra pounds, or simply need a nudge to get outside and be active, look to your dog for help. After all, he or she will never say no to a walk!

We are pleased to provide you with some information regarding blood testing. Do not hesitate to call the hospital if you have specific questions.

Many technologies that help humans live longer, healthier lives are available to your pet. By performing some basic blood tests, your veterinarian can gather information concerning the health and well being of your pet.

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT

This blood test actually consists of several tests that evaluate the number and type of blood cells in the circulation. Cells that are evaluated consist of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets.

White blood cells are important in helping the body fight infection. Red blood cells are fundamental for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues. The measurement of these cells can indicate anemia, infection, leukemia, stress, and inflammation.

Platelets are involved in the blood clotting process and if low (in number) can indicate a bleeding disorder.

The hematocrit (HCT) provides information pertaining to the relative number of red blood cells (RBC) in circulation. This test is used to diagnose anemia and dehydration.

BLOOD CHEMISTRY

These tests survey many of the organ systems of the body in order to make sure they are working properly.

Albumin (ALB) - Low levels indicates chronic liver or kidney disease, intestinal disease, or intestinal parasites (hookworm).

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) - Elevated with liver disease or injury.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) - Elevated levels can indicate liver disease or Cushing’s disease.

Amylase (AMYL) - Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic and / or kidney disease.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - Reflects kidney and liver disease as well as dehydration.

Cholesterol (CHOL) - Elevated levels are seen in many disorders. Some include liver and kidney disease and hypothroidism.

Creatinine (CREA) - Elevated levels can be due to kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.

Blood Glucose (GLU) - High levels can indicate diabetes. Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection or certain tumors.

Total Bilirubin (TBIL) - Levels of Bilirubin are useful in diagnosing anemia and bile duct problems.

Total Protein (TP) - This can detect many conditions. Some include liver, kidney, and gasrointestinal diseases as well as dehydration.

BLOOD ELECTROLYTES

Calcium (Ca) - Increased levels are seen with certain tumors and kidney and parathyroiud gland disease.

Phosphorus (PHOS) - Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease.

Sodium, Potassium, Chloride - all should be within normal levels. Vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea can affect their levels.

1. My cat won't use the litter box because he/she is rebellious and wants to make me mad.
A. True
B. False

2. My cat scratches the furniture to:
A. Mark territory
B. All of these
C. Stretch muscles
D. Shed nail sheaths

3. What's the purpose in why my cat "kneads"?
A. A sign of being hungry
B. A sign of aggressiveness
C. A sign of affection
D. A sign of being unhappy

4. My cat leaves objects such as his/her toys in his/her food or water bowls just to drive me crazy.
A. True
B. False

5.Why does my cat suddenly bite me in an aggressive manner when I'm petting him/her?
A. My cat is mean
B. None of these
C. My cat doesn't like affection
D. My cat doesn't want to be petted anymore

6. My cat purrs only when he/she is happy and relaxed.
A. True
B. False

7. Is it normal for my cat to exhibit body movements during sleep?
A. Yes
B. No

8.Why does my cat insist on playing and ransacking the house after I have gone to bed?
A. My cat wants me to get up
B. My cat is a nocturnal creature
C. My cat likes to annoy me
D. None of these

9. Why does my cat scratch the floor around his/her food and water bowls after eating as if to cover it up?
A. To hide it
B. Doesn't like its location
C. It smells bad
D. None of these

10. Why does my indoor cat attack me or my other indoor cat(s) when he/she sees an unknown cat outdoors?
A. My cat is most likely showing he/she is in control
B. My cat is most likely showing displaced fear
C. My cat thinks of me or my other cat(s) as prey
D. My cat is most likely showing displaced aggression

Answers

1. B 2. B 3. C 4. B 5. D
6. B 7. A 8. B 9. A 10. D

The West Highland White Terrier, or the "Westie," as the breed is commonly known, are descended from Cairn Terriers and Scottish Terriers. The breed is believed to have originated in the Argyll region of Scotland in the 1800s. Col. Edward Donald Malcolm is credited with being the first to develop the breed, though some sources say it was the 8th Duke of Argyll who originated the Westie. The breed was originally known as Poltalloch Terriers, named for Malcolm's home.

The Westie's shaggy white coat is the result of years of selective breeding. According to some breed histories, Malcolm used a pack of light-colored working terriers for hunting. During one trip, a dog was mistaken for a fox and shot. Malcolm decided then to breed only white dogs that could be easily identified while on the hunt. The breed is small, with an average height of about 11 inches at the withers and an average weight of between 15 and 22 pounds.

Because the Westie is descended from working terriers, it is energetic, intelligent, and curious. The Westie was originally used to hunt small game, like rabbit and squirrel. Westie's living in a home require a brisk walk and some play time each day to prevent boredom. However, Westie's tire easily and require about 13 hours of sleep each day. Owners should be surprised if they see their Westie settle down for a nap after a vigorous play session. To keep the Westie's coat soft and white, frequent brushing is needed. The breed is susceptible to dry skin, and too much bathing may exacerbate this problem. A bath once a month should suffice.

Westies are independent and bold (some might call them stubborn), but make excellent companion dogs. Because of their fearless nature, Westies consider themselves to be guard dogs, though their small stature makes them less than intimidating. They get along well with other animals, though owners should exercise caution when introducing a Westie to cats living in the household.