Search Results
1916 results for “pica”
Spaying a Female Cat: Pros and Cons
Spaying removes a female cat's uterus and ovaries, preventing heat cycles and pregnancy while protecting against pyometra, uterine cancer, ovarian cysts, and mammary tumors. The trade-offs are surgical risks, possible post-op infection, slower metabolism and weight gain, and occasional behavior changes, so weigh your cat's health and your own situation before deciding.
How Long Do Scottish Fold Cats Live?
Scottish Fold cats typically live 10–15 years—shorter than many breeds—because they are born with osteochondrodysplasia, an inherited cartilage and bone disorder that causes pain in the tail, ankles, and knees and can appear as early as 2–6 months. Their weaker constitution also makes them prone to skin disease, respiratory illness, and heart problems, so regular vet checks, weight control, and joint-support supplements help extend their lifespan.
Why Does a Male Cat Lick His Genitals?
A male cat may lick his genitals to clean himself, relieve stress, during mating season, or because of illness or infection. Grooming or seasonal behavior is usually harmless as long as the area stays clean, but if licking comes with other symptoms such as trouble urinating, it likely signals a medical problem that needs a vet.
How Should an Old Dog Eat After Losing Its Teeth?
After a dog loses its teeth, you can help it keep eating well by adjusting its diet — choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow, and avoid hard items that irritate the mouth. Pay attention to balanced nutrition and ongoing dental care so your senior dog can still enjoy meals and stay healthy.
How to Tell if Your Dog Is Producing Enough Milk
Newborn puppies depend on their mother's milk for nutrition and early immunity, yet some dams simply don't produce enough. You can judge supply by the puppies' round, content bellies, the dam's full and slightly sagging breasts, her calm willingness to nurse, and whether milk can be expressed by hand. When supply runs short, warm compresses, gentle udder massage, and a protein-rich diet help stimulate lactation, though mastitis requires a vet.
Is Tapioca Starch in Cat or Dog Food a Problem?
Tapioca starch (from cassava, a tropical root) in pet food is normal and usually fine in moderation. It helps kibble hold its shape, provides energy, and lowers cost. If it sits near the top of the ingredient list, though, protein may be lacking — and since cats are obligate carnivores and dogs are meat-based omnivores, long-term high-starch diets cause muscle loss and weaker immunity. The 'tapioca is toxic' worry is a myth: raw cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides, but proper soaking, cooking, and drying remove them, and high-heat pet-food processing destroys what remains.
Signs a cat with FIP is near death
FIP splits into wet and dry forms. Wet FIP near death shows anorexia, swollen abdomen, labored breathing, and weakness. Dry FIP shows jaundice, severe wasting, and eye discharge.
Parasite Prevention for Cats: What Every Owner Should Know
Parasites threaten cats at every life stage and are easy to overlook. Fleas, lice, ticks, and mites cause itching, dermatitis, and anemia, while internal worms and mosquito-borne heartworm can be life-threatening—even for indoor cats. This guide explains the hidden risks, why a combined internal-and-external spot-on simplifies prevention, and how to apply one safely and with less stress. The proven ingredient pair imidacloprid plus moxidectin covers a broad range of parasites in a single monthly dose. Always confirm the right product with your veterinarian.
Scarlet Macaw: Traits and Natural Behavior
The scarlet macaw is among the most vividly colored parrots, with a body dominated by brilliant red and accented by yellow, white, and deep blue across the wings and tail. A large, strong black beak easily cracks hard nuts and fruit. These birds live in subtropical and tropical forests, roost high in big trees, and are highly social, gathering in flocks that can top thirty individuals. Understanding their size, diet, lifespan, and breeding needs is essential before taking one home.
Why Does Your Dog Have More Dandruff
Increased dandruff in dogs has many possible causes: dry climate, over-bathing or harsh products, low fat intake, poor nutrition, too much dietary salt, or an underlying skin condition. The right response depends on the trigger. In dry weather, add water and a soothing moisturizer; with a skin disease, a proper diagnosis and treatment are needed. Because the skin reflects overall health, identifying the root cause is the key to relieving flaky, itchy skin and keeping the coat healthy.