Cat - Your Pet's Medicine Chest - Medications To Keep On-Hand

We all know that good food, a loving home and plenty of exercise will go a long way in giving your dog and cat a happy and healthy life. But what about those times when some minor illness suddenly appears and it's 10 pm in the evening with no veterinarian available? (For those of you who have small children...you understand how this works). Just like humans, animals can and will occasionally get sick. Considering some of the things animals get into, it's truly amazing our dogs and cats stay as healthy as they do. There are a lot of potential dangers out in that big wide world. "Child" Proofing Your Home For Your Pet Pets are just like children. They are curious explorers that love to check out what's in that overflowing garbage can or see if they really can reach the toilet bowl for a drink before someone catches them. Here are a few guidelines to help you "pet proof" your home: * When you use any pesticides, herbicides, antifreeze, or household cleaning products, make sure they are stored safely away after use. Wash away any extra waste that might have spilled immediately. * It's preferable that you don't let your cat roam the neighborhood. Some people put out rat bait and other such poisons in their gardens and in their garbage. Why? Well, they may have mice in the area which they want to get rid of. They may also be tired of your or someone else's cat constantly getting into their garbage or defecating in their gardens. Believe me, this is a slow, painful death for your pet. I learned the hard way with a much beloved cat of mine. Since then, all of my cats are indoor house cats. * Keep your garbage can lids closed tight. Animals love smelly garbage to explore to find what great human tidbits might be in there. However, that "food" may have some toxic cleaner spilled on it. Those yummy chicken bones are cooked...and splinter, which could cause serious intestinal problems. You get the idea. * Be sure all electrical cords are kept covered or unplugged when not in use. Although not recommended normally, if you have a small puppy or kitten, run the cords under carpets, behind cabinets or heavy furniture that they can't crawl behind. Young pets love to chew...and wires and cords are enticing. * If you use a toilet bowl cleaner that stays in toilet to "clean" with each flush keep the lid down. Animals, especially dogs, love to drink from the toilet for some bizarre reason that only they understand. The chemicals in the cleaner can poison and/or kill. Stocking The Medicine Cabinet So, what to do when your dog or cat gets sick with a minor tummy ache, diarrhea, or some minor infection, including itchy skin? Stock your medicine cabinet with certain human medications that are perfectly fine to give to your pets in the proper dosage. However, you should always consult your veterinarian if possible before administering any type of medication, including dosage amounts of each for each of your animals. Keep a list handy near the cabinet for quick reference on dosages. Here are some items you should keep on hand: * Buffered Aspirin is good for lowering fever and relieving minor aches and pains in dogs. Most people prefer to use baby aspirin. Use approximately 80 mg per every 10 pounds of weight, usually no more than twice a day. NEVER give aspirin to a cat as it's extremely dangerous to them. Also, do not use Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, as they are also dangerous to pets in general. Stick with the aspirin. * Keopectate is good for soothing stomach troubles and diarrhea in both dogs and cats. A recommended amount would be 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of weight roughly every 4 hours. * Gravol for motion sickness if you need to travel with your pet. Administer the tablet one hour before you leave. You should give no more than 12.5 mg to a cat or a small dog. A medium to large dog can handle between 25 to 50 mg. Do not give this to any animal that has bladder problems or glaucoma. Again, check with your vet to be sure if it's safe and what dosage is recommended for your pet. * Pepto-Bismol, that good old pink stuff, is fine to give to your dog if they are having tummy trouble, such as vomiting or a rolling, noisy belly. One teaspoon every 6 hours per pound of body weight should be sufficient. This is another medicinal product that should not be given to cats. * Hydrogen Peroxide and Polysporin for minor cuts and scratches. These will help clean out the wound and hopefully prevent any infection from occurring. All in all, checking up with your vet and keeping some specific medications on hand should help you deal with any minor illnesses you may encounter with your dog and cat. ========================================== Rose Smith is the author and owner of Caring For Canines, a web site that provides information on natural dog health care. To learn more about dog medications, vaccinations and first aid, please visit us at: http://www.caringforcanines.com/herbal-medications.shtml Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Smith Cat - How to Prevent Cat Litter Box Problems Cats are undoubtedly one of the most popular pets and anyone that has one knows that a cat litter box is probably the least attractive thing about your pet. Cats are known to be finicky about food but the can also where they "do their business". Thankfully, most cats will use their litter box religiously if it is kept clean and they are introduced to it properly. Through the years, specialty pet supplies firms have developed the cat litter box. The principal aim of the cat litter box is to provide the cat with convenient and hygienic restroom where it should urinate and excrete stool. The cat litter box The cat litter box, for many years already, has been providing great comfort to the cat and to the pet owner alike. For the cat's part, the simple and cute furniture will eliminate the need to search further for a place to do its elimination rituals. For the part of the owner, unwanted urine and stool in the most unexpected places of the house will be prevented. Thus, the cat litter box makes up for a good symbiotic relationship between the cat and its owner. There are numerous types of cat litter boxes sold in the market currently. Through the years, manufacturers have been modifying the type of litter they put into the litter box. The preference of the cat, according to experiences and observations, has been the topmost consideration when one decides what type of litter they put into the cat litter box. Preventing cat litter box problems Inevitably, cat litter box problems can not always be avoided. By instinct, cats are very hygienic and will find a safe and discreet place for their bathroom activities. You must probably have observed that even without training, cats dig for a place where they would eliminate, and after they are done, they dig further to cover the urine and the stool. For them, they need to cover their waste for protective reasons so that predators will not be alerted to their whereabouts. Basically, if you have just bought a cat litter box, all you need to do is to place the bo in an accessible place of the house. Do not put the cat litter box in places where the cat will not like it. Pet owners usually have cat litter problems if their litter boxes are placed in the basement, in the attic, in the garage or in anyplace not easily accessable. Buying the right and preferred cat litter box will also be necessary. In the past, cat litter boxes with clay litters had become popular but experiences of cat owners indicate that cats do not prefer clay a litter substrates. Buy cat litter boxes that are containing littering materials that are as fine as sand. This would facilitate for easy digging. Also, make sure the litter is at least two inches deep. Deeper than that, the cat will only have the perception that it is just a trap. Because the market is almost saturated with different types of cat litter boxes, make sure you invest in one that will surely be of great use. Make sure the furniture is big and tall enough so the cat will be comfortable using it. There are covered and uncovered cat litter boxes. The cat's preference will be the basis for choosing between the two. Normally, cats prefer the open space one, but there are also some that are more comfortable in the covered cat litter boxes. To help avoid potential problems, make sure to clean the cat litter box regularly. It is not imperative to clean the furniture daily, but you could just scoop out the stool and urine every other day. If you do so, you need to change the litter substrate every three weeks. Take note that if the cat finds the litter box unhygienic, it will opt to do its elimination rituals elsewhere, much to your annoyance. Bear in mind that like you, cats want their restrooms to be as clean and as comfortable as possible. Buying and maintaining cat litter boxes will be greatly beneficial, and would surely help keep that harmonious relationship between you and your pet.