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Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry skilled recommendation instantly from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their cat’s well being and well-being.
Whether or not you’re a brand new puppy father or mother or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions in your maximum urgent questions. From vitamin guidelines and preventive care to troubleshooting commonplace behavioral problems, Dr. Paola is able to be offering insights that may stay your kitty satisfied, wholesome, and pussycat high quality. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a variety of subjects that topic maximum to you and your cat, so you’ll make knowledgeable selections and give you the very best conceivable take care of your hairy significant other.
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Lend a hand! My Hepper Has Bumps & Scabs!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
Daisy is a 4-year-old, indoor cat and not is going out of doors, she is a bit of obese however now not overweight. She has some bumps on her again close to the bottom of her tail which are like acne with scabs and has began to have dandruff. She doesn’t appear to be itching them however I will see that they aggravate some as a result of I’ve observed her have a look at the realm and transfer adore it bothers her. I believe this is a vitamin drawback however I don’t know. She solely eats dry meals however excellent high quality, Blue Buffalo, Iams, and many others. Would a complement be so as? What may she be lacking?” – William
Hello William! Daisy’s bumps, scabs, and dandruff close to the bottom of her tail can have a number of reasons. Flea hypersensitive reaction is a commonplace factor, even for indoor cats, as fleas can in finding their approach inside of. If she isn’t on flea prevention, I’d counsel discussing this along with your vet.Her vitamin might also play a job. Dry-only diets can lack hydration and omega-3 fatty acids, each essential for pores and skin well being. Your vet might counsel including a cat-safe omega-3 fish oil complement and incorporating moisture-rich, species-appropriate meals can assist toughen her pores and skin and coat. It’s very best to have your vet take a look at her to rule out hypersensitive reactions, infections, or different problems. You’re doing nice through paying shut consideration to her indicators!
Best possible needs!Dr. Paola
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Lend a hand! My Cats Fur is Thinning!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
We’ve been taking care of a feral cat (Oscar) for a number of years. He’s gotten pleasant solely with us for the previous 12 months. We spotted skinny spaces on his fur, most commonly at the facets close to the backbone. We concept it used to be from him rubbing alongside brick steps. We’ve seen him the usage of his tooth to tug fur out after grooming the realm. We don’t assume there’s any fungus or mites this is inflicting this as he doesn’t hassle the realm as soon as the fur is pulled out. May he have nervousness? What may also be executed about it if he does have that? Thanks” – Susie
Hello Susie, it’s heartwarming to listen to how a lot care you’ve given to Oscar. Ferals are wild creatures and don’t regularly get pleasant to people, congratulations on profitable him over. You usually are the one ones of our species he discovered not to run clear of. Congratulations to your persistence and patience.
The fur thinning and pulling you’ve spotted may well be stress-related, but it surely’s essential to rule out different reasons, comparable to hypersensitive reactions, pores and skin irritations, or ache from underlying problems like arthritis. Cats regularly overgroom so to take care of discomfort, whether or not bodily or emotional.
If nervousness is the motive, environmental components like a constant regimen, secure areas, and calming pheromone diffusers (e.g., Feliway) which you would need to put as a collar may assist, despite the fact that it is going to most probably be a problem to position and observe. I’m assuming you might be feeding him so making sure he’s on a fine quality vitamin with omega-3 fatty acids might also beef up his pores and skin well being. A vet consult with could be key to rule out different scientific considerations and discover choices like dietary supplements or nervousness drugs if wanted. Then again, that may contain a shipping field. Your attentive care is making an actual distinction for him!
Sincerely,Dr. Paola
Symbol Credit score: Oleg Opryshko, Shutterstock
Lend a hand! My Hepper Is Constipated!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
My (senior) cat Meeshu will get constipated every now and then, and I give her a small quantity of Miralax. Sure, I find out about Lax-a-tone, however she gained’t have anything else to do with it—whether or not I put it on her paw or combine it in her meals. My query is, how a lot Miralax must I give her? She’s 19 years outdated and doesn’t weigh a lot. Thank you!” – Vicki
Congratulations at the fantastic care you’ve given Meeshu! At 19 years outdated, she’s surpassed the common cat’s lifespan, which in reality displays your determination and love.
Constipation in senior cats, like Meeshu, regularly effects from problems comparable to dehydration, arthritis making it laborious for her to posture, or age-related slowing of her digestive gadget. Bring to mind her gastrointestinal tract like an older automobile engine, it wishes a bit of further care and the best “fuel” to stay issues working easily. Whilst Miralax is repeatedly used to regulate constipation in cats, I will’t safely counsel a dosage, since we don’t have an immediate doctor-patient courting. A veterinarian who is aware of her well being historical past is the most efficient individual to resolve the most secure and most efficient means, and with senior cats, this adapted care is particularly essential.
Within the intervening time, there are steps you’ll take to beef up her digestion. Hydration is vital, just like conserving oil in that engine. Take a look at providing a couple of water stations, including low-sodium broth to her foods, or specializing in rainy meals to spice up her water consumption. Introducing a small quantity of simple canned pumpkin (with out components) is like including fiber to her gadget, serving to issues transfer extra successfully. Simply make sure you introduce any adjustments progressively to steer clear of frightening her abdomen.
You’re doing an improbable activity, and Meeshu is so fortunate to have you ever championing her well being and happiness in her golden years!
This newsletter is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
