What causes kitten diarrhea?

You might think that a change in your kitten’s diet caused diarrhea, but it’s probably not the issue. Cats in the wild eat all kinds of things. And their bodies are perfectly capable of digesting everything from feathers to bones. It’s estimated that a mere 5% of diarrhea in cats is caused by something they ate.

Cows milk, however, is the exception. BluePearl Speciality and Emergency Pet Hospitals state that kittens can’t digest cow’s milk. although they’ll happily lap it up, it’ll only cause kitten diarrhea. Aside from cow’s milk, other likely culprits include:

• Intestinal parasites and worms
• Viral infection
• Bacterial infection
• A malformed colon or rectum

A very nasty cirues that causes kitten diarrhea is panleukopenia, which we know as feline distemper. Similar too parvovirus in puppies, feline distemper causes issues in the GI tract includingvomiting and diarrhea and can be deadly. Kittens between 3 and 5 months old are often affected. However, since it’s so widespread, nearly every cat is exposed to it at some point during their life.

How do I know if my kitten has diarrhea?

Kittens naturally have softer poop  than adult cats. Baby cats don’t have hard and dry poop like adult cats. But consistently shapeless or liquidy stool is an indication of diarrhea. It’s also common for kittens with diarrhea to have accidents outside their litter boxes and for them to leave remnants of their accidents on their paws or tails.

When should I take my kitten to the vet?

If your kitten has diarrhea, it might be indicative of a more serious problem. Be on thelookout for other symtons including:

• behavioral changes
• sliggishness
• vimiting
• discolored poop
• blood in stool
• loss of appetite

If your kitten has any of these additional symptoms along with diarrhea, get them to the vet ASAP. However, if your kitten is acting normal and doesn’t have any other symptoms, it’s safe to wait a day or two before calling the vet. If your vet is concerned, they might prescribe a specific food for a day or two to see if it helps.

Veterinarians recommend that kittens have at least two or three deworming treatments since parasites are the most likely cause of kitten diarrhea. These medications rid kittens of tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

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Although it might be easy to fall in love with a puppy or kitten, it’s not as easy to find a vet. On this page, we will be taking a closer look at how you can go about finding the right pet-care professional for your four-legged family member.

How to find a vet that works for you and your pet

Take a look at community involvement

Does the veterinarian you have in mind get involved with the community? Are they open for dogs and their owners to visit their clinics socially as well as during hours of need? The best vet in South Africa will be involved with their community and won’t stop at just “bringing home the bacon” as part of their careers.

Medical equipment and services

When choosing a vet in South Africa, you need to ensure that your service provider of choice has access to the best medical equipment and delivers great service. Great hospitals have access to quality x-ray, ultrasound, dentistry, in-house lab tests, IV pumps, blood pressure, and eye pressure monitoring equipment. They also have the ability to send out labs and refer to specialists. If your cat or dog needs special health care services, be sure to inquire about whether your vet offers those services.

Techs and assistants

Do your chosen vet, and his or her assistant(s) seem knowledgeable and sensitive to animals? Ask them about the longevity of their nursing staff. If the team has been with the practice for a long time, they feel empowered to do good medicine and nursing care.

Hours

The veterinary clinic of your choice has to be open during times that are convenient for you. Long hours are often not nearly as important as great communication and animal care. Ask your vet about their emergency hours as well as their standard operating hours. If you can’t get your pet to the vet during their operating hours, do they offer late night or weekend alternatives?

Accreditation and experience

Before you consider any veterinary practice, check that they’re accredited by the South African Veterinary Association. You may also want to check out the qualifications that the vet holds, as well as those obtained by the veterinary assistants and nurses.

Attentiveness

The level of attention that a vet gives to you and your pet is a crucial factor for finding the right vet in South Africa. If they aren’t attentive enough, they can easily miss vital clues of potentially more serious conditions. How does the vet and practice staff interact with animals? Do they look like they genuinely love animals and have a deep concern for them? How much time are they willing to spend with your pet in order to assess any issues?

Location

Even if they claim to be the best vets in SA, it won’t be of much use to you if the practice isn’t easily accessible. It makes sense to choose a vet that’s within a reasonable distance from your home. You’ll be able to quickly and easily get there in case of an emergency.

Specialist services

Some veterinary practices have access to specialist vets for services like dentistry, dermatology, and ophthalmology. Some practices specialise in diagnostic imaging, critical animal care, or animal cardiology. But, having these specialisms may not be a factor in your search if your pet is in relatively good health.

Need some more help?

Over at Petz.co.za, we love helping pet owners find solutions they can use. We know what the best vets look like, and we’re more than willing and able to help you find them. Head on over to our vet directory and start browsing our listings today!

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Quick grooming tips for families with dogs

Have a quick workout before the session starts

We’re not referring to you or the kids. You’ll burn enough calories while you’re busy with pet grooming. If your doggie gets anxious or excited during grooming, it might help to let them burn off some energy ahead of time. Exercise will help keep them calm during bath time, especially if you own a younger dog.

Trim up the paw area

If the fur around your dog’s paws is long around and between the pads, it’s time to trim things down a bit. This will ensure your dog has better traction when he or she is indoors and will also help keep excess dirt out of the house. It’s a win-win. NOTE: This is NOT a task for kids. They can watch you do it, but we all know what happens when kids play with scissors.

Brush before you wash

Combing or brushing your dog’s coat every second day usually helps to keep dreadlocks at bay, so make sure you do this regularly. Always start at the head and work your way through the tail. If you happen to notice some Rasta dreads on your pup that simply can’t be brushed out, it’s okay to grab the scissors and snip them off.  Again, never let the kids do the snipping.  Unless you’d like your dog to look like a chop shop product.

Don’t use your Tresseme for Tootsie’s fur!

This one pretty much goes without saying. Still, it’s super essential only to use products specially formulated for dog grooming when doing dirty work. Even though it looks gorgeous, your dog’s coat is NOT the same as human hair, and your products can be toxic to them.

Rinse and repeat!

You need to get every last bit of shampoo or conditioner off when rinsing your dog. Double up the job just to be on the safe side and always use lukewarm water. Yes, it’s a tedious task, but it’s absolutely necessary because the leftover product can lead to weird skin irritations.

Use some Perfume de Pooch if the need calls for it!

There are so many excellent pet products out there that can help your dog smell fresher for longer, even on those days where it’s simply too cold to give them a bath. Eau de Pooch is just one of the great options you can use to keep your dog smelling, well, a little less like a dog.

Final thoughts

Pet grooming isn’t something that comes as an optional extra to pet owners. It’s an essential task that has to be performed regularly to keep your dog as comfortable and healthy as possible. By showing your kids the ropes, you’re equipping them with the skills to master this art. The tips we’ve shared here should help keep the panic down to a minimum while ensuring that your dog looks and smells as pleasant as possible when visiting the groomer simply isn’t an option.

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How to tackle pet messes fast

Dirty cages

Hamsters, rabbits, and other small animals are notorious mess makers and cause more pet messes than any other pets. But a daily wipe-down with a damp paper towel is all that’s needed to keep the problem at bay. Just be sure to dry any moisture in the cage, as a damp cage can be a mould breeding ground. Once a week, mix a little dish soap with warm water and scrub the surface of the cage with a nylon-bristle brush. Allow to dry in the sun for at least an hour before putting hamster back in his home again.

Stinky pet beds

You can keep the dog smell at bay by bathing your pet at least once a month. The same goes for your dog’s bed. This is much easier if you have a machine-washable shell and cushion for your pet’s bed. To get started, vacuum the shell to get rid of the excess fur. Clean the shell and cushion with laundry detergent and add some odour eliminator.

Nasty litter box

Keeping the cat’s litter box clean is cringe-worthy but very necessary. Even the smallest traces of pet waste can be a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria and parasites. Not even mentioning the odours! To keep the litter box fresh. Scoop out any clumps at least once a day. Once a month, the litter box needs a deep clean with hot soapy water and a nylon-bristle brush.

Fur-covered furniture

Your best friend here is a rubber squeegee, which will get the floor coverings clean. When it comes to upholstered furniture, opt for a damp rubber glove. Rub the glove over the couch to push the hairs into easily disposable piles. To keep this problem at bay, brush your cats and dogs once a week if they have short hair and twice a week if they have longer coats.

Stained carpets

Mud is easy to remove if you let it dry out first. As soon as it’s dry, brush off or vacuum up as much as possible before treating the stain with some laundry detergent, blotting it with a damp paper towel. To get rid of fresh urine, lay some paper towel over the spot and press down to let it soak up the liquid. Then use a cotton cloth to apply a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Blot with a paper towel and then repeat until no smell or colour is present anymore.

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Tips for taking care of a pet fish

First, decide on the tank size

If you’re about to be a first-time pet fish owner, investing in a large tank seems like one hell of an issue to deal with. But there are actually plenty of good reasons to buy a larger tank instead of a small bowl. One reason has to do with the filter clogging up or the heater breaking. In the event of any of these situations, the water in a bigger tank remains stable for much longer than it would in a small tank.

Plan every move you’re about to make

Freshwater fish are much easier to maintain than saltwater fish. Naturally, this should be the first stage of your planning: deciding on which species. Go ahead and ask the guys from the pet store for some tips for pre-treating the water. If you don’t want to ask random strangers, pick up a fish care book. You’ll need to learn more about setting up a filter and how to create a healthy environment for your finned friend.

Pick winner swimmers

Neon and cardinal tetras, cory cats, gouramis and zebra danios are best. These small and peaceful guys always do well with first-time fish owners. Goldfish need LOADS of attention, so steer clear.

Opt for frugal feeding

Don’t overfeed your fish. Regardless of whether they eat flakes, pellets, or freeze-dried live treats, too much is never a good idea. Any uneaten bits can make the water in the tank dirty. If your kid insists on handling feedings, make sure they measure out the right amounts every time.

Just go with the flow

Every week, you’ll need to change at least one-fifth of the water in the fish tank. If you can change half of it, even better. But stick to half and no more. You don’t want to disturb the ecosystem balance in the tank and flush out the beneficial bacteria that keeps your fish healthy.

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Winter safety tips for pet owners

Keep an eye on their weight

A lot of pet owners think that they need to “fatten up” their pets before the winter months. In the hope that a little extra weight will keep them warmer, we sneak in a few extra portions of food every day. But this is not the right approach to take. Yes, your dog and cat might need more nutrients during the winter months, but they don’t need extra body weight. Instead of over-feeding your pet, a practical winter safety tip is to reconsider their winter diet and adjust it accordingly.

Don’t leave them outside for too long

Your dog can roam the yard all day long during the summer months. But when the chill sets in, they shouldn’t be left outside for extended periods. Aside from a select few breeds of cats and dogs, pets are a lot like humans and aren’t necessarily better prepared to handle the cold. If you’re cold, so is your pet. If you wouldn’t be outside, don’t force them to either.

Check your dog’s paws

Nobody likes having cold feet, and unlike you, your dog can’t put on warm boots when heading outdoors. An excellent winter safety precaution to take is checking your pup’s paws often for cracks and bleeding. To help soothe cracked paws, apply some organic coconut oil, which is a natural antibacterial.

Consider problems like arthritis and joint pain in older pets

If your dog or cat is a golden oldie, it’s especially important to be mindful of conditions like joint pain and arthritis during the winter months. Cold weather worsens these conditions and can make your pet seriously uncomfortable. Perhaps you might want to consider some CBD treats and oils during the cold months to provide your pet with much-needed relief.

Don’t neglect grooming duties

Dogs need to be well-groomed in order to stay adequately insulated, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. The weather might be colder, but you still need to bath your dog every few weeks. Be sure to dry them properly after giving them a bath though!

Final Thoughts

We’ve just shared 5  of the most basic winter safety tips that all pet owners need to follow in order to keep their furry friends happy and healthy during the coldest months of the year. Armed with these golden nuggets of advice, there’s no reason why Fido should brave the elements this year. Winter is coming. Are you ready?

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How to pick the right dog treats

Giving your dog a treat is one of the best ways to keep them encouraged during training. Here’s a summary of what to keep in mind when you hit the shops to buy some tasty treats for your dog:

Choose fast-eating treats

Dogs have super short attention spans. This means you need dog treats that’ll spike your fluff ball’s interest. On average, you’ll train your dog for 10-15 minutes at a time, during which time you’ll offer numerous rewards. Pick something your dog can wolf down quickly to avoid interrupting the training session.

And keep them small

Small treats are ideal if you want to keep the training flowing and moving along without interruptions. If your dog adores large biscuits, break them up into smaller pieces before training starts. By keeping the treats small, you’re also ensuring that your pup isn’t consuming too many calories.

Pick the soft and smelly ones

Soft (moist) treats are great for training because they’re easy to eat and often have a more alluring smell for dogs. You might not be impressed by the scent of “duck flavoured bites”, but Fido sure will be. Dog treats with more pungent smells are also great if you’re training your dog in a loud environment or distracting location as they’ll keep your dog focused and interested.

Offer some variety

Dogs, just like humans, get bored of the same thing. If you see your dog’s motivation dwindling, try changing things up. Try using a mix of three or four different treats during training sessions to help keep things interesting.

Final thoughts

If you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place after trying every store-bought treat out there without luck, we recommend giving Nandi Treats a shot. These treats are made with South African dogs in mind and contain only top-quality ingredients that’ll keep your dog interested and nourished throughout training sessions!

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Cats have a way of looking healthy and fit, while in reality, they’re just damn good at hiding their illnesses. Even when your cat is unwell, he or she will still tap into his evolutionary habit of trying to look healthy. And to the unsuspecting cat owner, this can trick you into thinking that your feline friend got sick “out of the blue”.

Here at Petz, we care about you and your furry friends, and that’s why we’re here to lend a hand. Here’s what to be on the lookout for before things head way too far south.

How to spot illness in cats

He drinks more water than usual

Cats are just as susceptible to kidney disease and diabetes as humans are, and this can lead to an increase in water intake. You might not notice that your cat is drinking more water, but if you’re scooping up more pee dumps in the little box than usual, something might be cooking. It’s always a good idea to head over to the vet for some blood and urine tests.

She’s losing weight

We recently discussed the issues with cats and their weight, because honestly, the world is full of obese cats. If your cat is currently on a diet, this one does not count since you’re aiming for weight loss after all. Weight loss in cats can be caused by a range of conditions. These include thyroid problems, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. Sometimes the weight loss is so subtle that you don’t notice it day after day.

He isn’t grooming

If your cat usually had the best grooming habits but looks a lot more bed heady lately, something might be wrong. And he could be hiding illness. Even older cats still groom themselves as long as they’re healthy. So don’t be fooled into thinking it has something to do with old age.

There might not be a thousand ways to spot illness in cats. But it’s definitely worthwhile considering these tips we just mentioned. The sooner you spot illness, the sooner you can intervene and possibly save your cat’s life.

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Travelling abroad with your pets isn’t as easy as booking flight tickets and jetting off to greener pastures. In fact, there are a lot of requirements for international pet travel. Depending on where you’re travelling to, these requirements can differ. Aside from sorting out the quarantine requirements, your pets also need microchip certificates, their original (and up-to-date) vet book, and blood testing documents.

What do I need for travelling abroad with pets?

Microchip Certificates

Every pet travelling abroad needs an ISO microchip. If your pet doesn’t have a mircochip before his or her vaccinations, everything must be re-done after a chip is fitted. Do not waste money on vaccines if your pet doesn’t have a microchip. Chips are absolutely essential for pets travelling abroad. It is by far the most important aspect of relocating. We always advise on doing the chip before any other step in the process.

Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccines can’t be any older than 12 months and the minimum timeframe for these shots are 30 days prior to your departure. It s also essential to use a vet registered with the South Afrucan Vet Council for the rabies shot. Vaccinations administered by pet rescue organisations, breeders, and veterinary assistants are not acceptable for travelling abroad with pets.

The Rabies Neutralising Titration Test (RATT) takes place thirty days after your pet received his rabies vaccine. If the blood test is run for the RNATT before 30 days, your pet will not receive State Vet Clearance. This might mean that he or she will not be allowed to enter your destination country or might be subject to quarantine on entry. It’s imperative to keep in mind that your pet’s admission to the European Union may take place a minimum of 90 days after the drawing of blood for the RNATT, no sooner entry is permitted.

Other Vaccinations

If you have cats, they’ll have the 3-in-1 vaccination. As for dogs, they get the 5-in-1 vaccination. Records of these shots go in vet books or cards. Just like the rabies vaccination, these vaccines are administerable at least 30 days before and less than 12 months before travelling.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of requirements for travelling abroad with pets. The vaccines and certificates we mentioned here are the basics you need to sort out before your travel dates. For more detailed information on the process of moving your pets overseas, it’s always advisable to consult with a Pet Relocation agency.

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Pet birds, and actually all birds for that matter, are some of the smartest animals. But that doesn’t mean that any bird will be a good pet. Some of them, like parrots, are smarter than others and make the best feathered friends. Here’s a quick look at which birds you might want to consider as pets.

A roundup of the best pet birds

African Grey Parrot

African Greys are some of the most heavily studied species of pet birds and have proven to be very smart animals. One of the most famous African Greys was a pet called Alex, who was studied by his owner, Dr Pepperberg all his life. Before studies were done on Alex, most avian research was done on pigeons, which was rather disappointing. Alex showed the world what a bird brain was capable of, like learning over 100 words and having the intelligence of a 5-year-old. If you do decide to get an African Grey as a pet, please remember that these smart birds need a lot of mental stimulation in order to thrive.

Macaws

The intelligence level of macaws measures up to that of a human toddler. If you love kids, Macaws is definitely an excellent choice! These birds are problem solvers that are able to use tools to get things done. They also have high levels of communication with other birds and use sounds and physical changes, like blushing, to “talk” to other birds.

Budgies

One of the most popular species of pet birds is the humble budgie. Although most of us call them budjies, the correct term is actually parakeet. If you properly tame and care for them, budgies make for extraordinarily friendly and affectionate pets. They’re not only small and easy to care for, but budgies also take well to training and can learn to perform a range of fun tricks. Plus, they can learn to talk, delighting young and old with their cute and comical little voices.

Cockatiels

The cockatiel is a beautiful and captivating pet bird for anyone looking to own a friendly and affectionate feathered friend. These birds hail from Australia. They are awesome pets, especially when you hand feed them and raise them in loving environments. Although the cockatiel probably won’t learn to talk, he is still very intelligent. Most of them will learn to mimic common household noises like doorbells, telephones and microwaves. Since they’re quite small, cockatiels don’t need a lot of space like larger parrots, which makes them easy to care for.

Cockatoos

Cockatoos are larger than budgies but still provide a lot of affection and love towards their owners. These birds forge strong bonds with their owners and prefer to be with them at all times if possible. If you’re considering a cockatoo as a pet, you’ll need to give him a lot of attention and affection. These birds can easily become depressed if they don’t get enough attention and might resort to plucking or other destructive behaviour as a result.

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