Besides cats and dogs, chinchillas rank behind guinea pigs as the most popular pet in the US (based on Google search data). Chinchillas are adorable rodents native to the Andes in South America. They are popular for being low-maintenance, affectionate pets that are famous for their ultra-soft, dense fur. However, like any other pet, they are susceptible to certain health problems and can become ill if not properly cared. To help keep your chinchilla healthy, you should become familiar with the following most common chinchilla health issues. Dental problems A chinchilla's teeth are consistently growing throughout the lifespan, and if their teeth do not wear down sufficiently, it can lead to dental issues. The dental problems in chinchillas commonly include overgrown incisors, malocclusion, and “slobbers” (excessive drooling). To prevent dental issues, provide your chinchilla with a balanced diet containing hay, fresh foods, and chew toys. Chinchillas need a high-fiber diet with lots of hay to help wear down their teeth. Gastrointestinal Stasis Gastrointestinal stasis or 'GI stasis' is an issue where a chinchilla's digestive system slows down, resulting in a backup of gas leading to abdominal pain, and even death. This issue may be a result of stress, pain, or a diet devoid of fiber. If you notice your chinchilla is sitting still, sitting in an unusual manner, or not grooming, visit your veterinarian since GI stasis may become a serious or even life-threatening health issue. Fur Biting Chinchillas are known to nibble on their fur due to stress, boredom, or hunger, leading to hair loss and bald patches. If you notice your chinchilla gnawing themselves excessively, provide them with plenty of toys, try to soothe them by cuddling, and make sure their diet is well-balanced. Heatstroke Chinchillas are susceptible to heatstroke in hot environments. This is because they are mammals that can't sweat like humans and have a lot of fur on their bodies to keep them warm in their frigid native environment. If your chinchilla is suffering from heatstroke, they may appear lethargic or struggle to breathe. You can prevent heatstroke by ensuring that your chinchilla's living space is air-conditioned or at least well-ventilated. Respiratory issues Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, rhinitis, and bronchitis can occur in chinchillas. Prolonged exposure to dust, damp living conditions, or bacterial infections may cause respiratory issues in your pet. Symptoms of respiratory infections in chinchillas include discharge from the eyes and nose, noisy breathing, and coughing.   In conclusion, chinchillas are fantastic, low-maintenance pets. However, as a pet owner, it's essential to be mindful of their unique health concerns, and if they display any of the aforementioned symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly. Understanding the health issues that chinchillas face ensures that you can provide them with timely appropriate care, and by keeping their health in check, deter the development of serious ailments.   The makers of carefresh™ bedding are dedicated to making the best bedding and committed to helping pets live longer, healthier lives by educating pet parents about important pet health topics.

As a pet owner, it’s imperative for you to be able to identify if your pet is sick. However, as prey animals, hamsters are naturally good at hiding their illnesses. As a result, it is hard to tell if your hamster is sick, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for.  The goal of this blog is to share some of the common signs of illness in hamsters and discuss what you should do if you notice any of them. 1. Change in behavior One of the first signs of illness in hamsters is a change in behavior. If your hamster becomes more lethargic than normal, is not as active, or is sleeping more often, this may be an indication that they are not feeling well. Additionally, if they are not eating or drinking as much as usual, or are refusing to eat altogether, this is another major warning sign of illness and a reason to call your veterinarian. 2. Changes in their physical appearance Changes in your hamster’s physical appearance may be another sign your hamster is sick. Be sure to check your hamster’s appearance daily and look for any changes. Does your hamster have any discharge from their nose, eyes, or mouth? Does their coat look unkept, matted or do they have any hair loss or bald spots? Does your hamster have any lumps, bumps or swelling anywhere? How do their feet look? Are they red, irritated, scaly, swollen? Do they seem to be having any trouble walking?   3. Change in stool Stool is another indicator of your hamster’s health. Change in stool can be sign that your hamster is sick. Be on the lookout for changes in your hamster’s stool color, consistency, and amount.  If you notice any changes in their behavior, appearance, or stool, it could be a sign that your hamster is ill and needs to see a veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian will examine your hamster and may need to run some diagnostic tests to determine the problem. Then they will recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your hamster.   Signs of Illness Change in appetite Nasal or ocular discharge Lumps, bumps or swelling on the body Change in coat Red irritated feet Change in stool Prevention Is there anything you can do to help keep your hamster healthy? Yes! Providing your hamster with a healthy diet and access to fresh water at all times is crucial to their overall health. Avoid placing your hamster's cage in drafty areas and utilize a high quality, dust-free bedding, like carefresh® bedding. Carefresh® bedding is dust-free, twice more absorbent than shavings, can suppress odors for up to 10 days, and is soft and comfortable. Be sure to keep your hamster’s cage clean and free from moisture. While we can’t prevent all illnesses, taking these important steps are the best way to prevent many common medical problems seen in hamsters.   In conclusion, being aware of and looking out for changes in your hamster's behavior and physical appearance is crucial in identifying if they are sick. Prompt veterinary care and preventative measures will help keep your furry friend healthy and happy. As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to stay vigilant and take action as needed to ensure the best possible care for your hamster.  

As a cat parent, it's important to understand the importance of spaying or neutering your feline friend. Not only does it prevent unwanted litters, but it also offers numerous health benefits for your pet. However, after the surgery, your cat will require extra care and attention to ensure a speedy recovery. Below are some tips on how to care for your cat after they have had surgery: 1. Provide a comfortable and quiet space for your cat: After undergoing surgery, your cat will need a quiet and peaceful place to rest and recover. Provide a cozy bed, plenty of blankets, and a space away from any loud noises or disturbances. 2. Monitor your cat's appetite: Post-surgery, your cat may experience a decreased appetite due to pain or discomfort. Offer your cat small amounts of their favorite food and monitor their eating habits closely. If you notice a significant decrease in appetite or no eating at all, contact your veterinarian immediately. 3. Keep your cat hydrated: Encourage your cat to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. You can also add wet food to their diet to increase their fluid intake. 4. Keep the incision sites clean: The incision site or sites (if your cat is a male, they will have two small incisions) are susceptible to infection, so it's essential to keep them clean and dry. Check the area daily and make sure there's no redness, swelling, or discharge. In addition, change your cat’s litter to dust-free formulation, like ökocat’s dust free non-clumping paper pellet cat litter. Litter dust or clumping litter can stick to your cat’s surgical incisions and cause an infection. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian. 5. Prevent your cat from licking their wound(s): Your cat may want to lick or chew the incision sites (they can be itchy), which can lead to infection or delayed healing. Use an E-collar to prevent your cat from accessing the area. If your cat won’t tolerate an e-collar speak with your veterinarian about other options to prevent them from licking their incision(s). 6. Limit physical activity: Following the surgery, your cat will need to rest and avoid any strenuous activity to assist with healing. Make sure your cat has limited movement and doesn't jump, run or play too much. If their food is normally on a counter, move it down on the floor so they don’t have to jump. 7. Administer medication as directed:Your veterinarian will provide medication to help manage your cat's pain and discomfort. Follow the instructions carefully and give medication at the specified times. In conclusion, caring for your cat after he or she is spayed or neutered is essential to ensure a successful recovery. Keep a close eye on your cat's behavior and contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms. By following these tips, you can help your feline friend return to her playful and lively self in no time!        

February is National Pet Dental Month and according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 70% of cats and 80% of dogs over the age of three already have dental disease, making it the number one health issue in pets. Unfortunately, lack of good oral hygiene in cats doesn’t just lead to bad kitty breath, it can lead to tooth loss, painful tooth root abscesses, difficulty eating, and even kidney and heart problems if left untreated.   How Does Dental Disease Occur in Cats? Just like with people, dental disease occurs in pets when food, saliva, and bacteria combine and form plaque. If the plaque is not removed by brushing it mineralizes and becomes tartar. Tartar accumulation promotes bacterial infections below the gum line, which results in gum recession and gum disease and destruction of the tooth’s support structures which can cause tooth loss. Left untreated, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to vital organs, like the kidneys, liver, or heart.   How Do You Know if Your Cat Has Dental Disease? Some of the signs that your cat may have dental disease include unexplained weight loss, trouble eating or decreased appetite, drooling, swollen or wet face. It is important to realize that these signs and symptoms are not specific to dental disease and may be seen in other diseases. The key is to be observant and notify your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms or have other health concerns. I also recommend checking your cat’s teeth regularly as well. Just gently lift their lips to check for tartar or red swollen gums. Don’t forget to take your cat in to your veterinarian at least once a year, twice a year if they are over 7 years. Regular veterinary visits are the best way to make sure your cat is not suffering from dental disease. How is Dental Disease Diagnosed? Dental disease in cats is diagnosed by an examination from your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may order dental X-rays to determine the severity of the dental disease.   How is Dental Disease in Cats Treated? If your cat already has dental disease a complete dental cleaning by your veterinarian is necessary. This involves an evaluation of the oral cavity and cleaning not only the surface of the teeth but getting under the gumline where the majority of bacteria and tartar are found.  After the teeth are cleaned, they are polished to smooth the roughened surfaces that were created by the cleaning. Lastly, the entire mouth is checked again, and dental x-rays will likely be used to assess the extent of the dental disease and the need for any tooth extractions or additional work. The best way to prevent dental disease is to brush your cat’s teeth regularly with cat toothpaste. Non-anesthetic dentals but these are not recommended because they do not get to the root of the problem, they clean only the surface of the teeth (which is cosmetic) and are usually not able to do subgingival cleaning and definitely cannot take x-rays or evaluate each tooth.   How Can You Prevent Dental Disease? The goal is to prevent dental disease and the best way to do this is by brushing your cat’s teeth. Ideally, you want to start brushing your cat’s teeth when they are young. Pets should have their teeth brushed daily or at least a few times a week. It is important to use pet-safe toothpaste.  These do not bubble or foam and they do not have to be rinsed out. Best of all they come in exciting flavors like chicken, beef, tuna, cheese, and seafood. Yum, right? Brushing is easier you might think. I recommend you start with your fingers, put the pet-safe toothpaste on them, let your kitty lick it off, and then hold their mouth and slowly put your finger in and rub the sides of their teeth. Try doing this for a few days to get them used to it, then try a finger brush or small cat toothbrush. While nothing beats regular brushing, oral wipes, dental diets, and dental treats can help reduce the bacteria and plaque that lead to tartar formation. No matter what you choose, be consistent and see your veterinarian regularly for check-ups. Pets should have their teeth checked at least once a year and if you notice your pet has bad breath, trouble eating, excessive drooling, or red inflamed gums call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment right away. Remember early diagnosis and treatment are the best defense against serious dental disease.  

Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash  This is Part 2 of most common ailments affecting senior cats. Becoming familiar with the most common ailments affects senior cats will help you stay on top of your cat’s health. The five most common ailments affecting senior cats include: kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, cancer, and dental disease. Becoming familiar with the most common ailments affects senior cats will help you stay on top of your cat’s health. First let’s tackle kidney disease, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed and how it is treated.  READ PART 1 Kidney disease and diabetes are not the only diseases to affect older cats. Rounding out the most common aliments afflicting geriatric cats includes thyroid disease, cancer, and dental disease.  Thyroid Disease Hyperthyroid disease is one of the most common diseases found in older cats. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism. Hyperthyroid disease is caused by overproduction of thyroid hormone, usually from a benign tumor on the thyroid gland called adenomas.  Cause The cause of hyperthyroid disease in cats is unknown. However, the current theory is that the increased incidence of hyperthyroid disease after 1980 may be due to environmental factors such as BPA, phthalates, and fire retardants.  Signs and Symptoms Weight loss Increased appetite Hyperactivity/restlessness Increased heart rate  Diagnosis Blood tests Examination and evidence of prominent thyroid gland  Treatment Treatment options include surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine to destroy the gland, or medication to suppress the tumor’s secretions. Thyroidectomy is curative but the procedure is invasive, can have serious complications, and may not be suitable for cats with high general anesthesia risk, such as older cats, or cats with heart or advanced kidney disease. Treatment with radioactive iodine is also curative and is considered the gold standard because it is non-invasive. However, radioactive iodine is the most expensive, may not be available everywhere, and is not ideal for cats with concurrent kidney disease. Finally, medications are easily available, inexpensive, and effective, but are not curative and require lifelong administration. Unfortunately, hyperthyroidism is not preventable.    Cancer Cancer is another all-too-common ailment seen in older cats. What is cancer exactly? Cancer is a genetic change in a cell that causes it to divide and proliferate uncontrollably. There are two types of cancer: benign and malignant. Benign tumors grow but do not invade tissue and do not spread to distant locations. Malignant tumors grow invasively and can metastasize (spread throughout the body).  Most common cancers in cats Lymphoma Squamous cell Fibrosarcoma Mammary cancer  Signs and Symptoms Weight loss Decreased appetite Vomiting Diarrhea Lumps and Bumps  Diagnosis Physical examination Radiographs, ultrasound, endoscopy Biopsy or fine needle aspirate of any masses  Treatment The treatment depends on the type of cancer and location. As is the case with other diseases, typically the earlier cancer is detected the better the prognosis. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. In recent years, our ability to treat cancer has improved dramatically and pets are living longer. It is important for people to know that cancer treatment in pets is very different than in humans. Cats are not treated as aggressively as humans, they do not lose all their hair, should not be vomiting or become weak. The goal is to prolong cat's life while still maintaining quality of life. Treatments are at much lower levels and are better tolerated.  Prevention You may be surprised to learn that some cancers are preventable. So how can you prevent cancer in your cat? Keep your cat inside to prevent sun-induced squamous carcinoma. If your cat goes outside, vaccinate against FeLV to prevent leukemia and reduce the risk of lymphoma. Spay your cat before their first heat to decrease the risk of mammary carcinoma.     Dental Disease According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 75% of pets over the age of four have dental disease. Dental disease doesn’t just lead to bad breath, it can lead to tooth loss, painful tooth root abscesses, difficulty eating, and other serious health problems.   Cause The combination of food, saliva, and bacteria leads to plaque formation. If not removed by brushing it mineralizes and becomes tartar. Tartar accumulation promotes bacterial infections below the gumline, which results in gum recession and destruction of the tooth’s support structures. Unless treated, pain and tooth loss can occur and bacteria can enter the blood stream and spread to organs, like the kidney, liver and heart.  Risk Factors Dental disease can occur at any age, but is more common in older cats and certain breeds, like Abyssinians and Siamese that appear to have a genetic predisposition for dental disease and often develop dental issues early.  Signs and Symptoms Bad breath Drooling Decreased appetite  DiagnosisExamination  Treatment If your cat already has dental disease a complete dental cleaning by your veterinarian is necessary. This involves an evaluation of the oral cavity and cleaning not only the surface of the teeth, but getting under the gumline where the majority of bacteria and tartar are found.  After the teeth are cleaned, they are polished to smooth the roughened surfaces that were created by the cleaning. Lastly the entire mouth is checked again and dental x-rays will likely be used to assess the extent of the dental disease and the need for any tooth extractions or additional work. The best way to prevent dental disease is to brush your cat’s teeth regularly with cat toothpaste. Non-anesthetic dentals but these are not recommended because they do not get to the root of the problem, they clean only the surface of the teeth (which is cosmetic) and are usually not able to do subgingival cleaning and definitely can’t take x-rays or evaluate each tooth.  Becoming familiar with the most common ailments affecting geriatric cats will help detect illness earlier and ensure your senior cat lives out its golden years in good health.