Be Sure To Check Your Sunbathing Cat

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in cats often appears like a scab or red thickened area of skin on their face or ears. SCC may also appear as a tumor or lesion in a cat's mouth and is the most common form of oral cancer in cats.  White and lighter-colored cats are more inclined to develop these tumors.  The most common cause of SCC in the skin is exposure to sunlight. White cats who sit frequently on window sills are at higher risk.  Oral cancer is thought to be connected to exposure to chemicals from cigarette smoke, flea collars or other environmental toxins that they ingest from grooming their fur. In the case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma, early detection saves lives.  What's a cat owner to do?  First and foremost, regularly check your cat's face and ears for scabs or thickened, irritated areas. Silver Immune Support Spray is helpful for skin lesions. If possible, limit exposure to sunlight if you have a light-colored cat.  Avoid flea collars and exposure to cigarette smoke and vaping. Finally, feed your cat a low-carbohydrate diet with plenty of antioxidants. 

Important Test To Diagnosis Cancer

While we all wish cancer could be diagnosed with a simple test, it just doesn’t work that way. Most cancers aren’t easy to find until they are in a more advanced stage, which can make them harder to treat. That is why it is so important to watch for any signs and contact your vet if you see anything as the earlier cancer is found, the more options you have available.

How is cancer found then? Cancer can occur anywhere on your pet’s body such as the blood, skin, organs and intestines. Pets can have a wide range of symptoms depending upon the location. Blood and urine tests are just the first step and while they may provide clues, there usually isn’t a definitive diagnosis until an exam and other studies are performed. Other studies might include an X-RAY, CT Scan, biopsy and ultrasound.

When pets have cancer, time is of the essence. If you have a senior pet, twice-a-year exams and lab tests can help with early detection. Young pets can get cancer too so if you notice anything unusual, try to contact your veterinarian as soon as you can.

Happy Fall!

                                       

It’s hard to believe that it's already Fall! Soon the cooler weather will be here with colorful foliage and a wonderful fall harvest. Lots of great veggies to add to your pet’s diet like pumpkin and butternut squash. Hope you can take time to enjoy the fall with your pet!

How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog Or Cat?

 

Now that the fall is here, pumpkin is back.  Pumpkin is a miracle food that offers many benefits for cats and dogs with digestive problems. Pumpkin is high in fiber and helps to regulate the natural wave action in your pet’s GI tract. Pumpkin can help cats and dogs with both constipation and diarrhea. The high fiber content adds bulk to the diet, helping your pet feel full and lose weight. Pumpkin is a nutrient powerhouse containing Vitamins A, C and E that you can mix directly into your pet’s food. If your pet has diarrhea or other digestive problems, pumpkin can help.

How much pumpkin to add? It all depends upon the size and sensitivity of your pet. Always start slowly because too much pumpkin can have a laxative effect. For cats and small dogs, start with 1/2 teaspoon per meal and big dogs can start with about a tablespoon per meal. Be sure to check with your veterinarian first if your pet has diabetes or is especially sensitive.

Click here for more pet nutrition tips.

Help Homeless Pets On Remember Me Thursday

 

Today is a special holiday for animals and one that is dear to my heart. Sharing one of my all time favorite memories of Legend when we went on a 2 week road trip and visited Bryce Canyon.

Today is Remember Me Thursday, an international awareness day meant to bring attention to the millions of adoptable pets waiting in shelters.

Ways To Celebrate:

1) Adopt A Shelter Pet. If you are considering adding a new cat or dog to your home, you can find many local pets available for adoption through petfinder.org.

2) Volunteer At A Shelter or Rescue. If you aren't quite ready to add a new pet, most shelters are always looking for volunteers to help clean cages, play with cats, walk dogs or promote awareness.

3) Foster A Homeless Pet. Temporarily open your home and care for a homeless animal while the rescue group tries to find the pet a permanent home. Most foster arrangements are easy and short-term except when they fail (as in Legend ….🤣)

4) Make a donation to a rescue group or shelter. These organizations need more than cash. Crates, bedding, towels or a bag of food go a long way!

Promoting adoption and giving honor to animals who are left behind in shelters is what Remember Me Thursday is all about. Consider that changing just one mind can save the life of a cat or dog or need. Help others #SeeTheLight about pet adoption on #RememberMeThursday.

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A Low Carbohydrate, Novel Protein Diet For A Dog With Food Allergies And Cancer

 

Are you wondering what foods might be helpful for dogs with inflammatory conditions like cancer or allergies? We are sharing what was in our rescue dog Legend's breakfast bowl this morning.  14 year old Legend has epilepsy, atypical Cushings, food allergies and now liver cancer.  He is 78 pounds and still going on two walks a day. Here is what is in Legend’s bowl: baked salmon, raw rabbit patty, dandelion greens, artichoke hearts, Amazing Omegas, okra, asparagus, carrots and broccoli. We change the vegetables every day and include green beans, shredded cabbage, peas and squash (butternut, zucchinni and yellow squash).  Every pet's needs are different and if your dog has to be on a special diet such as a low fat diet or one for a health condition like kidney disease,  than this would not be a good fit.  It's best to always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

If your dog has any joint issues, allergies, skin problems or cancer, adding omega 3s in the form of fish and fish oil is helpful. Veggies like artichoke (chopped frozen from Trader Joe’s), dandelion greens and carrots support liver health. The raw frozen food is the gold standard in providing fresh nutrients for pets. Notice the diet is low in carbohydrates—very important for any cat or dog with cancer, digestive issues and especially inflammation. Finally, feeding your pet these types of foods doesn’t have to be an all or nothing decision. Vegetables, fish and raw food are definitely expensive so even if you mix in what you can a few times a week or on the weekends when you have more time, that’s a big win. Anything you can do to add more fresh nutrients to your pets diets is great!

For more helpful pet nutrition diet tips, please visit our pet health articles library. 

Husky Legend Adores His Kitty Friend

Paw to paw with my kitty friend Meow! I love to see him!