Cat Is Choking

Janie

Today, I’d like to give you some tips on what to do if your cat is choking. Hopefully this will NEVER happen to you, but it can … and if it does, I want you to know what to do so you can hopefully save your cat.

So, what can you do if your cat is choking?

When a person is choking, they do the Heimlich maneuver … but can you do the same thing for a cat?

Yes, the action you take when a cat is choking is very similar. It is a modification of the Heimlich maneuver.

Henry Heimlich was a physician born in the 1920’s. He invented a procedure consisting of abdominal thrusts that was designed to treat choking by dislodging things that become “caught” in the upper airway. The procedure came to be known as the Heimlich maneuver. This procedure became the backbone of choking rescue guidelines for humans.

Take a minute today to learn the step-by-step procedure for doing the Heimlich maneuver in cats. It is fairly easy to do, just go to www.PetPlace.com and search for the article “Heimlich For Your Cat” for a detailed explanation and a video of the procedure.

Finally, to prevent choking please keep all small objects that could be swallowed out of your cat’s reach. Choose your cat’s toys with care and avoid toys with small pieces that can be chewed off and ingested.

I hope this gives you some valuable information on how to help your cat in case of an emergency.

SAVE YOUR CAT

Cat health care is an issue that you can now take an active interest in. Use your own curiosity and your Internet skills to keep up to date with all the cat health information that is available to you at your very fingertips.

There are many websites out there on the World Wide Web that specialize in cats and cat-related issues, including cat health problems, cat health symptoms and cat health insurance. The expert, of course, is your veterinarian, but if you keep yourself informed and actively involved in your cat's health life you could well save your cat from any health-related discomfort. Early detection of any ailment is the only way to help your cat live happier and longer.

You can start with a web search or you can ask your veterinarian to recommend a website that he or she may also find useful. There are websites that offer access to databases full of all the information you could ever need about your cat's health needs.

Information on common illnesses or illnesses specific to certain breeds can be found online, which can also help you to be aware of the potential health problems that your pet could face.

But keeping informed about your cat's health is not based on just negative information. You'll find positive information and advice on nutrition, vitamins, pet toys and supplies to keep your cat happier and healthier.

The most common cat health problems are colds, bite wounds, digestive problems, urinary problems and diarrhea, and eye problems.

Cats are sensitive to many respiratory viruses and infections. Fighting can lead to various wounds. Eyes are particularly sensitive to feline fights. A sure sign of a cat's health ailing is if he or she stops eating and isn't interested in playing. Wounds should certainly be treated immediately, but if your cat is eating and playing as normal, then you've no real need to worry.

Fleas are also a common problem with cats, especially if your cat spends a lot of time outside. Tapeworm and other parasites are common problems too and often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Visit your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

Cat health insurance is a popular choice these days and it is something to consider, albeit carefully. There are insurance companies online that specialize in pet insurance. You can get a quote online and even pay online. The positive aspects of having cat insurance is that if you cat does fall ill or have an accident the insurance will cover part or all of the veterinary bill. Some insurance companies even say they'll cover the cost of advertising for lost cats. As with all insurance packages you should read the fine print before paying for anything.

About the Author
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of feline-cat-health.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Choosing the Right Dog Training Book

There is a wide variety of dog training books on the market, and this great variety can become very confusing when you are shopping for the perfect book for you and your dog. Luckily, there are some tips that can help you choose the right book for training your particular dog. Here are some suggestions to aid you in selecting the best program for you.



When analyzing all of your dog training book options, you must first think about what you and your pet are trying to accomplish. What you many not realize is that the true goal of dog training is forming a stronger bond between you and your dog, and a great dog training book will focus towards achieving that goal, not simply on training your pet.

It's really important that you be aware of what "method" that each of the various dog training books use before you decide to purchase it. Obviously, some dog training techniques are simply ineffective. When you are choosing a method for yourself and your dog there are a variety of factors to look at. There are some basic questions to ask yourself as you figure out the type of method you want to use:

1.Has this method been successful for anyone?
2.How difficult is this method to understand and, therefore, implement?
3.Do you believe you will be able to use these techniques yourself?
4.Does your dog acknowledge this method in a positive manner?
5.What incentives do they require you to offer to your pet?
6.Do they continually use treats and praise incentives, or do they include affirmative reinforcement techniques?
7.Are there other devices, like a clicker, that you will be required to buy to accompany the written material?

Not all dog training books are written for novices, and so you should also take into account your dog's experience level. You will want to buy a dog training book that is aimed toward younger pets if you are trying to train a puppy. If your pet is an expert on the fundamental commands, you might think about a book that offers a higher level of training. Be sure to think about the level of training you have as well as that of your pet. There are more complicated methods and trick techniques that may be confusing for owners that are new to dog training themselves.

It's also important to take your dog's breed into account as that will be a key factor in which dog training book you should choose. Purebred dogs will sometimes have certain quirks that are specific to each of the breeds. Fortunately, you can find specialized books that will help you to address any quirks your dog has as a result of breeding. However, you'll notice that purebreds are not the only dogs that have specialized books about them. There are also dog training books that are geared specifically toward some mixed breeds. It's important to know that mixed breeds, or those with questionable parentage, are not shut out of the loop.

It is also helpful to look at the customer reviews of dog training books when making your decision. Customers who have already purchased and tried the methods offered in the book are a good source of information. They can give you invaluable information on what works or not, and how worthwhile the advice on dog training really was. These comments are completely based upon the user's personal experience, so you can figure out which techniques are better than others simply by reading quite a few reviews.

The last suggestion is to talk to people you know. Locate some dog owners and find out which dog training books they suggest. If nothing else, this information may give you either a starting point for choosing your dog training book, or may help you narrow down a list that is too extensive. It's also a good idea to ask what methods they used and found successful, as this can help you to decide which methods to try or avoid. Finally, keep in mind that the training should be appropriate for both of you to be successful.

Helping Your Dog Lose Weight

There are a number of different factors that can cause a dog to become overweight. Overindulgence on the part of the owner plays a large part in pet obesity. We all want our pets to be happy, and sometimes an extra handful of kibble does the trick. Certain breeds of dogs are also more likely to eat quickly and/or become overweight. Additionally, basic poor eating habits and a lack of exercise will result in an overweight dog.



Why Worry About Dog Obesity?
Like humans, excessive weight in dogs can lead to health problems like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Studies show that 25% of overweight dogs suffer from severe joint problems which ultimately lead to decreased activity, further contributing to a long-list of other health problems. Obese dogs are found to have significantly shorter life expectancies than healthier dogs. It is therefore very important to take control of a pet’s weight problem before it becomes out of control.

How Can I Tell?
To understanding whether your dog is overweight, look at its ribs. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs when they are standing, and, depending on the breed, see the ribs during exercise. If you are still unsure whether your dog is overweight, ask your veterinarian to provide you with a good weight range for your dog and an assessment of their overall health.

Over 40% of American dog owners have an overweight pet. That is a large number but happily there are some easy to follow, basic steps you can take to bring down Fido’s weight in a healthy and easy manner.

1. Visit The Vet
Before making any changes to your pet’s diet, schedule a veterinarian appointment so that an overall assessment of your dog’s health can be taken. Keep a simple record of your dog’s sleeping, eating, and playing habits before you go to help your vet assess what may be causing any weight gain.

2. Re-evaluate Your Dog’s Diet
Reducing the amount of food your dog eats may be the key to reducing their weight. Dog owners should measure how much food they feed their dog regularly and then set a goal for reducing that amount by a certain date. You should check with your veterinarian to determine how much food your dog needs daily and slowly reduce the amount of food over an appropriate amount of time. Dog bowls that restrict the open space in the dog bowl, such as the DogPause Bowl, are useful both for slowing down dogs who eat their food quickly and for clearly showing how much food is in the bowl.

Your vet may also recommend a weight reduction dog food. These dog foods are usually low in fat, but high in fiber, allowing your dog to feel full while taking in fewer calories. When shopping for low-calorie dog food, look for one containing at least 25% crude protein. This will ensure your dog’s muscle mass remains intact throughout weight loss.

3. Set Feeding Times
Dogs like consistency and predictability. They may have become accustomed to getting food whenever you come home. In this case, they have associated your attention with getting food. To help your dog lose weight, try setting out two feeding times, one in the morning and another in the evening. This will help them eat slower twice a day.

4. Don’t Reward With Food Alone
As you cut down on the amount you feed your dog, your dog may start to beg or become irritable. Distract your dog by taking him or her for a walk or playing fetch rather than giving into their begging. This will help teach them that food doesn’t equate with love. Plus, all overweight dogs can use some extra play time.