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1916 results for “pica”
What happens if a dog doesn’t eat salt?
A long-term lack of salt causes electrolyte imbalance in dogs — muscle weakness, stunted growth, weight loss, and poor appetite, and in severe cases pica (eating plaster, grass, or dirt). Salt is essential and is added to commercial food, but too much causes shedding, tear stains, high blood pressure, and even salt poisoning, so homemade diets need a small amount added.
Feline Panleukopenia: How Fast Is It Fatal?
Panleukopenia is a deadly, highly contagious viral disease that attacks the gut and bone marrow. Unvaccinated kittens under a year often die within 2–4 days if untreated; unvaccinated adults usually within 5–7 days, some lasting around 10. Vaccinated cats rarely die. Early care lifts kitten survival above 50% and adults above 80%—and surviving one week usually means recovery. Prevention through vaccination beats treatment every time.
Why Does Your Dog Keep Shaking Its Head? Don’t Ignore These Causes
An occasional head shake after sleep or a swim is normal, but frequent, forceful shaking with scratching, redness, odor, or discharge means trouble—usually an ear infection. Bacterial or fungal otitis, ear mites, and trapped grass seeds lead the list; allergies and, rarely, ear tumors are also possible. Learn the telltale discharges, clean gently, keep up monthly parasite prevention, and see a vet if it doesn't improve in days.
How should I treat my dog’s tooth wound, and what should I watch out for?
If a lost tooth bleeds lightly, it usually stops in 5–10 minutes and needs no action. For heavier bleeding, press a cotton ball on the spot. Spray an anti-inflammatory on the wound and feed soft food while it heals.
How Long Does a Cat Stay in Heat? A Complete Guide
A queen in heat usually cycles for 3–6 days, while a male stays reactive for 7–10 days, often triggered by nearby females. Cats are seasonal, repeat breeders driven by daylight, peaking in spring and autumn. If a cat stays in heat beyond three weeks with abnormal discharge, it may signal cysts or infection—time for a vet visit. Spaying remains the most reliable fix.
How Deadly Is Canine Parvovirus? It Comes Down to Three Factors
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that can kill, but the outcome is far from fixed. Survival depends largely on the virus strain, the dog's age and immune status, and how quickly treatment begins. While reported mortality ranges from around 10% to 80%, prompt veterinary care can push survival above 70%. Understanding the risk factors and acting fast makes the single biggest difference for a sick dog.
Keeping Your Dog Free of Skin Problems in Summer
Summer's heat and humidity breed bacteria and parasites, so skin trouble spikes. Bathe and dry the coat with a pet shampoo, avoid strong midday sun to prevent burns, and keep the living space clean and dry. Use a monthly topical preventive with selamectin or fipronil to block fleas, lice, mites and ticks, and feed vitamins and protein to lift immunity. See a vet for itching, hair loss or rashes.
Why Does My Cat Still Itch After Deworming?
A cat that keeps scratching after a dewormer isn't necessarily proof the product failed. Dewormers kill parasites but not skin problems, and the wrong product, wrong application, or an untreated home can all leave itching in place. Flea-allergy dermatitis, mites, dry skin, and stress can itch too. Mild scratching for a day or two may just need patience; anything longer with skin damage needs a vet.
Cat Skin Redness and Hair Loss: Fungal or Bacterial?
A cat's skin normally carries small amounts of bacteria and fungi that only cause trouble when the skin barrier breaks. Fungal infection, usually Microsporum canis, shows as ring-shaped hair loss with a red raised edge and dry scales, and spreads slowly. Bacterial infection is usually secondary—after a scratch, bite, mite, or allergy—and appears as pustules and fast-growing ulcers. Telling them apart guides the right treatment.
How Long Can a Dog with Kidney Failure Live? Three Ways to Add Years
There is no single answer to how long a dog with kidney failure survives—it depends on type, stage, and treatment. Acute failure from toxins or blockage can often be reversed if treated within about 48 hours. Chronic failure in older dogs can't be cured, but mid-stage dogs commonly live 1–3 years and some over 5 with good management. Diet, medication, and daily care are what buy the time.