Pet Bucket Blog

Icterus or yellow skin, more commonly known as jaundice is when tissues throughout the body turn yellow due to high levels of bilirubin (a bile pigment) in the blood. You will most likely notice jaundice on the skin, whites of the eyes or gums. Jaundice falls into three categories: prehepatic, hepatic and posthepatic. Finding out what category your cat's jaundice falls into will help your vet figure out what the underlying condition and cause is. Jaundice usually signifies something wrong with the liver. Types of jaundice Prehepatic jaundice occurs before blood has reached the liver. Hepatic jaundice is when there is damage or disease to the liver. Posthepatic jaundice occurs after blood has passed through the liver. Symptoms of jaundice Yellow coloration of the skin Increased urination Weight loss Lethargy Loss of appetite Urine and stools have a orange appearance Increased thirst Vomiting Fever Paleness Diarrhoea Abdominal pain In severe cases symptoms may also extend to: Bleeding Confusion Causes of jaundice As mentioned, jaundice is a symptom of an underlying condition rather being a disease itself. Possible causes include: Hepatitis Excess fat in liver Tissue damage of liver Tumors Infection Incompatible blood transfusion Large volume of blood inside a cavity. Diagnosis For your vet to be able to come up with a proper diagnosis they will have to perform a number of tests including a complete blood count, a biochemistry profile and urinalysis. They will do a thorough physical examination and consider your pet's health history. Further tests involve: X-rays, ultrasounds and other radiographic studies - usually to get a better understanding of the size of the liver and to cite the presence of any masses or tumours. Treatment Treatment completely depends on what the cause is and the appropriate course of action will be determined by your vet. Feature image credit  

There a lot of other factors that affect a dog's behaviour, but many people also believe that diet can also be influential. For dog lovers, what you feed your dog is a polarising topic, and many pet owners get very passionate about it, and while there's no real right or wrong answer, all owners should strive to find the best diet for their dog. All dogs are individuals and will react differently to different foods, much in the same way we do - so it seems quite likely that diet can contribute to behaviour. We are generally very conscious about what we feed ourselves and our family - for example you wouldn't feed your child a breakfast full of sugar and lots of preservatives, just before they go to school? So shouldn't the same logic be applied to our much loved pets? There are various schools of thought about what diet is best for an energetic and obedient dog but again, we can't stress enough that there isn't one answer and it will come down to trial and error and observing how your dog behaves when eating certain diets. Lifestyle, finances and preferences will also play a role in what diet you'd like to feed your dog, much in the same way it affects our own meal time. Different diets, different results Let's take a look at how some of the most popular diets can potentially affect your dog's behaviour… Commercial dog food This is a popular option for doggy parents the world over and in general the high quality options do provide your dog with a well rounded and balanced meal, with key nutrients for a happy and healthy dog. However, the cheaper the variety, the more likely fillers in the form of grains and cereal will be present and it's said that a high intake of carbohydrates can affect blood serum levels which is thought to cause aggressive tendencies, mood swings and hyperactivity. However, by avoiding the cheapest food available, you should be completely fine to feed your dog commercial dog food. Raw feeding A lot of people like feeding their dogs a raw diet. Dogs seem to enjoy it because they get to enjoy plenty of raw meat and bones, but one of the setbacks from this diet is a lack of calcium which can lead to health issues such a dental problems. Dental issues can also lead to behavioural problems - including aggression and lethargy. Organic Lots of people enjoy eating a diet full of organic ingredients, and you can't deny the benefits. So it's no surprise that many dog owners also like feeding their dogs organic food. Organic dog food can be bought from many online sellers or pet stores (or you can make it yourself), and its major pro is that it doesn't contain any chemical additives, but includes all the nutritional benefits you get from other commercial dog food varieties. Generally, feeding your dog organic should eliminate and curve any behavioural issues and if after a few months, no changes have been cited, then a consultation with your vet should be on the cards. Natural A dog's diet that is all natural is similar to the recently popular "Paleo" diet, where you feast on what your ancient ancestors ate. People who feed their dog this sort of diet, generally give their dog animal carcasses, meaty bones and scraps from the butcher. While it resembles nothing of what most people feed their dogs these days, it's said that this type of diet is kinder to the digestive system and reduces unpredictable mood swings. Variety is the spice of life Some dog trainers and behaviourists believe that some poor behaviour from dogs can stem not just from what's in the food, but the repetitive nature of it, calling it the "monotony effect." It's said the monotony effect can cause begging and boredom, so even if your dog is hungry, they may refuse to eat it because they are tired of the same thing! If this is something you are experiencing, consult your vet. If you plan to change up your dog's diet, remember to introduce the new food gradually so not to upset their stomach. Don't get tripped up on treats Everyone loves a treat, including your pal and usually these treats can be incredibly high in sugar, potentially causing hyperactivity. If you think your dog is hyperactive, then a good way to help is to eliminate what dog treats you are giving them. Remember to always read the label and choose one that is of a high quality. So in many ways it seems that the old saying 'you are what you eat' can really apply to our dogs too. Feature image credit

We're not quite there yet, but fall is approaching. While it is a beautiful time of year and one that both you and your dog can enjoy, there's a fresh set of challenges and hazards for you to be aware of and protect your dog from. 1. Wrap up warm Once fall has well and truly arrived, you will notice the days (and nights) become a great deal cooler, so while you start to put on your extra layers, the same should be done for your dog. If you don't already have one, you should consider purchasing a dog coat, especially if you have a smooth or single coated breed. Make sure it's water resistant, lined and is adjustable. 2. Snakes Fall is when snakes get ready to hibernate and are also more likely to bite at this time of year. Educate yourself on what snakes are known to slither around your area, in particular poisonous varieties so you can stay away from their usual locations. 3. Mothballs Did you know that mothballs are toxic to dogs if eaten? Be extra cautious when bringing out your winter woolies after being tucked away in your wardrobe for a long time. 4. Engine coolant Fall is the time of year people are most likely to change their engine coolant. Look to see if the variety you use is ethylene glycol based as this is toxic to dogs. If you can, change brands to one that is propylene glycol based because if accidentally ingested it is less toxic. In any case, make sure any spillages are immediately cleaned up. 5. Mushrooms Mushrooms are delicious to eat and are the perfect addition to any fall-time meal. However, while 99% of mushrooms are perfectly harmless, there is still 1% that are incredibly toxic, so make sure when you are out and about you keep your dog away from all mushrooms to be on the safe side. If your dog does eat a mushroom, contact your vet immediately. 6. Walking in the dark The days are shorter and night fall draws in much sooner, so you'll probably find yourself taking your dog for a walk at dusk or in the evening darkness. If this is the case, make sure you are vigilant about your dog wearing proper ID, including tags with your contact information and that they are microchippped. For added safety, you should consider buying reflective collars or hi-vis clothing for yourself and your dog (just the hi-vis clothing for you!) 7. Rodenticides Fall is also the time that many people choose to use rodenticides to deter rodents from coming into their home. If you are a pet owner, you must be extra vigilant because these are incredibly toxic to dogs - so if you are determined to use rodenticide, be careful to not put it in places where your dog can reach - or seek out safer alternatives. 8.Outdoor living If your dog spends a lot, if not all of its time outdoors you will have to prepare them to face the impending cold temperatures. Make sure they have a warm and dry shelter to protect them from the elements. Be sure to include extra blankets and bedding. Consider including cedar shavings into the mix because they provide great insulation. It's a common belief that during the cooler months outdoor dogs should be fed more food to keep them warm, however this is not often the case. If your dog is particularly active, then you could consider giving them a bit more at meal time, but no more than a 10% increase. This also doesn't mean you can go crazy with the snacks! 9. Grooming Fall can be quite a wet and muddy time of year so make sure you are prepared for the extra washing and grooming you may be required to do. Have extra towels in your car to absorb excess water and you could even invest in a waterless shampoo, so you can keep your dog squeaky clean without the hassle of a bath. 10. Hearty foods While we love fall because we can indulge in some of our favourite comfort foods, be aware that many of the things we love to eat can be toxic to dogs and make them sick. Chocolate is particularly dangerous so make sure none is in reach. As tempting as it may be don't get into the habit of sneaking your dog left overs from your dinner plate, because while they are not toxic they are not good for your dog's health and can cause intestinal upsets and diarrhea. If you want to give your pooch a seasonal treat, pumpkin is a good option to consider. 11. Fleas and ticks It may be getting cooler, but that doesn't mean fleas and ticks are no longer a problem. Make sure you keep on top of your usual flea and tick treatments. 12. Conkers Conkers are a true symbol that fall has arrived. They are so very dangerous for your dog and are highly toxic if they are chewed or eaten and can cause serious blockages internally. The same applies for daffodil or tulip bulbs, so gardeners beware! 13. Allergies Like humans, the changing seasons can set allergies off for dogs. If your dog develops a skin rash, starts sneezing or has clear discharge coming from their nose, it's likely they are feeling the effects of an allergy. Take your dog to the vet so medicine such as antihistamines can be prescribed. 14. Decorations They're bright, fun and festive but in the wrong paws can be quite dangerous. Be aware of leaving any decorative objects around that your dog could munch on - otherwise there will be a trip to the vet. Feature image credit  

Is your dog weighing much less that it's supposed to? It's important for dogs to maintain a healthy weight and in fact, an underweight dog can be at risk as much as an overweight dog. First things first, whether your dog is a new addition or been a life-long companion, you must take them to the vet so the cause of this weight loss can be investigated prior to any new weight-gaining diets beginning. Some potential reasons for weight loss include: Parasites Underfeeding (dog is burning more calories that being fed) A food intolerance Intestinal obstruction Problem with teeth or gums Intestinal worms Digestive disorders Kidney failure If your dog appears weak and lethargic and you see all of your dog's bones sticking out, even the head and facial bones, take them to the vet immediately so medical treatment can commence. Once your pooch has been thoroughly investigated by your vet and any illnesses have been treated, you can begin the task of adding more weight to your dog's frame. Bear in mind, it can take around six weeks for a sufficient weight gain to be achieved. Either your vet can inform you or you can figure out for yourself how many calories your dog will require each day. Depending on your dog's size, the amount of calories can range from 450 calories right up to 2400 calories a day! There are various methods you can adopt, purely dependent on your preferences and your dog's needs, but never, NEVER feed your dog one large meal and no meals one hour prior and post exercise to prevent bloat and other devastating gastric complications arising. It's recommended you feed your dog around four small meals a day, approximately six hours apart. Ways to increase your dog's weight: Even if they're no longer a youngster, feed your dog high-quality puppy food. Add healthy human foods to your dog's food to promote weight gain. Try a few spoonfuls of pasta or rice to add a bit of bulk. Low-sodium chicken broth or sauces and gravy especially made for dogs can make human foods more delicious. You should never use human sauces and gravy for your dog's meal as they are very bad for them. Make sure the food you give is of a high quality. If it's dry food you're using, you can add hot water, allow it to cool and your dog will love its mushy consistency! Add cottage cheese, pumpkin, sweet potato, green beans and apples (no core or pips) to your pooch's meal to promote weight gain. A classic way to get your dog to put on weight is to make them "satin balls." Made with cheap hamburger meat, it helps dogs to put on weight quickly because it is high in fat. The other ingredients also have nutritional benefits so while they are high in fat, your dog is not missing out on other key nutrients. If your dog is up to it, they should be getting plenty of exercise. If you are unable to take them out for a walk, then make sure you fit in plenty of play time around the house or garden. Additional tips: Whenever your dog eats, make sure you praise them. It will create positive associations (especially useful for fussy eaters) and encourage further eating. Never leave out unlimited amounts of food, no matter how underweight your dog is. The right amount of food to stick with is the amount of calories your dog should be ingesting based on their ideal healthy weight. Weigh your dog twice a day. Note the weight, the amount you fed your dog and how much of it they ate. This helps you to monitor and gauge whether your new weight-gaining feeding plan is working. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of fluids. Feature image credit

Choosing food for your cat can be a complex affair, as even expert opinions vary dramatically. Raw diets are increasingly more popular, and offal (i.e. the internal organs and entrails of animals) is often incorporated into these diets. Here's what you need to know about whether you should feel your cat offal, and some advice about how to approach a raw diet more generally. Raw diets and types of offal Some pet owners favor a raw diet of meat and offal instead of the processed food that you can buy in cans and bags. The thought is that a raw diet is more natural, and more closely represents the original diets of the cat's ancestors. One of the most popular approaches is the BARF diet which revolves around raw and minced meat combined with some vegetables (typically pureed). Around 20% of a cat's meat intake should be comprised of offal, as it is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Heart, liver and tripe are the forms of offal that are most commonly given to cats on a raw diet, as they are enjoyed by most felines and provided a wide range of useful nutrients. In particular, heart is a source of taurine, which cats depend on for adequate health. Before it was widely known that cats require taurine, many cats that were deficient in taurine went on develop potentially fatal forms of cardiomyopathy (which can lead to end stage heart failure). The dangers posed by offal Firstly, you should be vigilant about the quality of offal provided for your pets, as offal can contain potentially hazardous parasites. Ideally, you should look for HC grade meat sourced from a local butcher that you trust, as this meat will have been inspected for parasites prior to sale. Secondly, when you are feeding liver to your cat, it's very important to be aware of the amount of vitamin A that you are providing. Specifically, vitamin A is fat soluble, and cats only need a relatively small amount in their diet. If you feed your pet excessive quantities of vitamin A, this can lead to toxicity, the major symptoms of which are reduced appetite, tiredness, weight loss and constipation. Other cautionary notes about raw diets Many people who avoid raw diets are quick to mention that there are infection risks associated with raw offal and meat, especially chicken. While a cat's body is most likely capable of killing these bacteria in the stomach, it is very important to be careful when preparing a raw diet. Ideally, you should have dedicated utensils that you only use when dealing with your cat's raw meat and offal. In addition, never be tempted to feed your cat any cooked bones, as these can easily splinter into small, sharp pieces that can puncture key areas of your pet's digestive system. Finally, since it can be tricky to start a raw diet, make sure you get some advice from your vet and do thorough online research. Feature image credit

If your cat starts crying all the time, your first response may be distress and worry. However, many owners become annoyed when there is no apparent cause for constant crying. Since there can be serious underlying medical problems when a cat cries, it is vital to investigate the issue properly. The following advice will help you deal with the wide range of reasons why a cat might become excessively vocal. 1. Health issues Before considering psychological causes, it's smart to visit your vet so that your cat can receive a full checkup. If you have an elderly cat, an overactive thyroid gland may be the reason for increased vocalization, and this can be treated with a careful balance of medication. Kidney disease is also a common cause in older cats, though it can strike pets of any age. Slowing the progression of kidney disease requires careful monitoring and changes in diet. In principle, any illness that might lead your pet to feel hungry, confused, thirsty or sore can cause constant crying, so a thorough physical examination and a wide range of blood tests will probably be required. 2. Loneliness If physical problems have been ruled out, it's time to start looking at your cat's mental health. Sociable cats may be crying for attention, especially when the house is quiet at night. Sadly, many cats that are used to having other feline companions can become especially vocal when their friend passes away, as they sense that something has changed. If you want to discourage your cat from crying, you can set a precedent of only paying the pet attention during quiet periods. However, it is important to balance this idea with adequate care; you should never neglect your cat's emotional needs, and you should spend time giving affection and engaging in play every day. 3. Looking for food If your cat is consistently vocal when you enter the kitchen or when it is nearly time for a meal, you may be able to reduce this crying by providing the food when the cat is quiet. If you give treats, you might also want to consider stopping this practice until your cat's interest in food no longer gives rise to constant mewing. Once again, an elevation in hunger levels should be investigated by a vet, as eating without feeling full is a warning sign of certain health problems. 4. Boredom Some cats cry because they are not feeling appropriately stimulated, so think about whether you are providing enough fun activities for your pet. There should be places from which your cat can watch the outside world and plenty of standard toys, but smarter cats may also enjoy the challenge of puzzle-based toys. 5. Stress Finally, think about whether any major changes might be stressing your pet, as there is a link between stress and crying. Common examples include a new home, a new baby, or conflict in the home. You can make things easier by offering extra affection and demonstrating soothing behavior. Feature image credit

If your normally vocal kitty has suddenly become a little hoarse you are probably wondering what has caused this sudden silence… 1. Prolonged meowing Sometimes your cat has just meowed themselves silent for a little while. Perhaps it has been during the night or whilst you've been at work, but in any case, their meow should return to normal after a little while. 2. Rabies Rabies causes hoarseness so if you think there's been even a slight chance of your cat being in contact with a rabid animal take them to the vet immediately so they can investigate. 3. Upper Respiratory Infection Upper Respiratory Infections (URI), which often results in laryngitis, can cause hoarseness. In addition to hoarseness, if your cat is displaying a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, lack of appetite, lethargy, or yellow or green discharge from the eyes or nose, take them to the vet so medication such as antibiotics can be prescribed. 4. Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid glands, is a common ailment in older cats which can cause hoarseness along with weight loss. If you suspect this is the cause for your cat's lack of meow, take them to the vet so blood tests can be performed. 5. Laryngeal paralysis This is when nerve damage of the larynx or voice box is caused preventing it from working properly when your cat wishes to breath or meow. It's a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Accompanying symptoms include: coughing, weight loss, difficulty eating and struggling for breath. 6. Growths Growths can develop on the throat, particularly the vocal cords, causing benign tumours or polyps - however sometimes it can result in throat cancer. Symptoms along with hoarseness include: changed vocal sound, sneezing, coughing and persistent ear infections. If you are suspicious that your cat has growths developing - take them to the vet so a diagnosis (often via a biopsy) can be given. Feature image credit

Being responsible for the health and wellbeing of a cat is a huge responsibility and a large part of that is your ability to feed them a balanced and nutrient rich diet to promote longevity, energy and a healthy weight. Coupled with this, deciding on how and when to feed your cat can also bear an impact on their wellbeing - so what are you supposed to do? Repeat after me: routine! Routine! Routine! Whatever method of feeding you choose to use - stick with it. Cats thrive on a steadfast routine and in their case, variety is certainly not the spice of life. Firstly, it's important to consult your vet about the amount and type of food your cat should be eating. The amount will not only be based on their age but their size and usual energy output. You will have to monitor your cat's energy and adjust the amount of food they receive. If your cat is a true lazy bones, you should be thinking of reducing the amount they eat, whereas if your kitty is full of beans, they could probably benefit from an increase in diet intake. Feeding methods Free-choice This is a very common way to feed your cat and is popular with both owners and cats alike. Free-choice feeding is when the allotted amount of food is left out for cats to graze on whenever they feel like it. Cats like it because they usually prefer small meals throughout the day. Owners like it because there's not much effort required, which is particularly handy if you work long or random hours. A free-choice feeding regime works best for dry food because it is less likely to spoil. However if your cat is very fond of food, this is not the method for you because free-choicing can often lead to obesity. Portion-controlled Like humans who have a 'healthy appetite', cats can often benefit for some portion control. Portion control feeding involves a cat's daily recommended amount of food to be measured out and given, either in one or two meals. If you opt for two meals, leave around 8-12 hours between each meal. This method is particularly useful if your cat needs to loose a few pounds, however the only trouble is you'll have to make sure you are available at the same time(s) each day to dish out meal time.   Timed-feeding Timed feeding requires a greater level of commitment from you and probably some protests from your cat! This method is a great way to get a snap shot of your cat's true amount of food intake and will help combat any over eating. Like the portion controlled method, you dish out up to two meals a day for your cat based on the amount of food that is required for them, except you only leave their bowl out for no more than 30 minutes. Once the allotted time is up, you remove the dish out of view, including any left overs. It might be a rude shock for your cat at first, but they will soon learn that they don't have all day to graze. Additional tips: When and how you feed your cat is totally up to you, however if you have a cat that likes to wake you up very early, then feeding them late at night should put a stop to any very early wake up calls. Following on, it's important that before you give your cat their final meal for the day (or their only meal) make sure you engage in some non-food related bonding time, such as petting, brushing, playing or a nice cuddle. This is crucial because you don't want your cat to only regard you as their food source, which can also help with any early morning cries for food. If you still are unsure as to when to feed your cat, choose times of day that are less chaotic for you and the rest of your household. So if your mornings are busy with taking children to school or getting ready for work - either feed your cat before everyone else is up or wait until much later in the day - just remember routine, routine, routine! Feature image credit  

People tend to worry about sharing their flu with others, isolating themselves from friends and family until they feel better for fear of passing their illness on. Few wonder if their cat, curled up in bed with them while they rest, could catch their illness too.  A great deal of attention has been placed on flus passed from animal to human, such as bird flu and swine flu. Strains of influenza are able to evolve in animal populations and jump the species barrier to people, a process known as ‘zoonosis’. However ‘reverse zoonosis’, as it is known, is also possible, with disease transferring from human carriers to animals that they come into contact with. H1N1 virus, a recent influenza pandemic strain, had its origins in domestic animals. It has been revealed that H1N1 virus can also be given to animals by humans as well, with a cat being reportedly affected by the disease following infection by its owner. In Oregon in 2009, a woman was hospitalized and diagnosed as severely afflicted by the disease. Her pet, an indoor cat that was never exposed to other cats, environments or people, died of pneumonia stemming from the H1N1 infection which it had caught from their owner. Between 2011 and 2012 research identified a further thirteen cats and one dog affected by H1N1 which they appeared to have caught from humans. Some pet ferrets, who subsequently died, were also discovered to have obtained the disease from their owners. The animals displayed similar symptoms to human flu sufferers – they quickly developed difficulties with respiration and lack of appetite. Veterinary research by Oregon State University and Iowa State University suggests transference is possible in many flu strains and many cases have gone undiagnosed. This phenomenon is not cause for mass panic. It simply means that it is possible for your cat (even if it is relatively unlikely) to catch your flu. When sick, it is advisable to maintain good hygiene such as washing your hands before handling your cat and observing your cat for signs of illness such as sniffling or mucous discharge. In most cases, a flu is not serious, and you will both be better in no time.    Feature Image Credit 

The old adage ‘You’re never too old to learn something new’ just as neatly applies to dogs as it does to people. Old dogs are quite capable of learning new tricks and can indeed benefit from it greatly.   As dogs age there is the tendency for owners to decrease the amount of activities they engage in. They may after all suffer from arthritis or just be sleepier than they used to be, and even tire a great deal more after taking the same length of walk that they used to.   But that doesn’t mean they can’t continue ‘brain-exercises’, something that many vets recommend. Training can be a great way to keep an older dog stimulated and excited about life even though they can’t run and jump as much as they used to. Tricks after all don’t have to include leaping in the air to catch a treat or roll-over – it can be as simple as ‘speak’ or ‘drop’ – all tricks that require very little physical exertion.   Here are some trick ideas to consider for seniors:   Shake:   This can be achieved by picking up the dog’s paw in your hand and then praising and giving a treat whilst saying ‘Shake!’ Do so repeatedly to build the association between the treat, and the touching of the paw. Eventually, try saying the command and not pick up the paw, but putting your hand only near it. If your dog moves it even slightly, praise and reward. Over time raise your hand higher and wait for the dog to paw it before rewarding.   ‘Which hand?’:   Secretly put a treat in one of your hands. Then place both hands in a fist in front of your dog, one empty, one with something yummy hidden inside. Ask: ‘where’s the treat?’ Your dog should sniff out the correct hand but don’t immediately given it to them. Wait until they try to get the treat out with their paw in frustration before rewarding and praising. With practice your dog will learn tapping the correct hand will yield the treat.   Twirl:   Take a treat and put your hand in front of your dog’s nose. Guide them in a circle and say ‘twirl’ praising them and rewarding when the circle is complete. Repeat a number of sessions, then try saying ‘twirl’, waiting a beat before guiding them part or all of the way, depending on their memory level. Remember to reward even the smallest sign of the dog trying to do the movement on their own. Ultimately, your dog should happily do a neat little twirl when asked.    In the end though, it is not the tricks themselves that matter but the time you spend together and the mental stimulation your dog is given during the learning process.  At any age, an active dog, whether that be physically or mentally, is a happy dog.