It is estimated that over 800,000 domestic cats suffer from feline asthma – is your cat one of these statistics? Feline asthma is a respiratory disorder that can range from mild to severe in the cat population. Could your cat be suffering from symptoms of feline asthma without you recognizing the disorder?

A chronic respiratory disease, the most common symptom of feline asthma is wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Allergies and stress are two potential triggers for wheezing episodes. Pollen, mold, and dust particles are often the most common allergen triggers found outdoors while perfumes, tobacco smoke, and dust from litter boxes and cleaning products contribute from within the home.

Signs and symptoms of feline asthma include:

* Coughing similar to that which typically produces a hair-ball, only no hair-ball is expelled;

* Wheezing;

* Shortness of breath;

* Changes in breathing patterns – breathing may be rapid or slow, but occurs with difficulty;

* Open mouth breathing.

If you believe that your cat may be suffering from feline asthma, seek the advice of your veterinarian. Feline asthma is a disorder which can be treated successfully with many cats living a normal life span; however, one severe asthma attack in your pet can end his life if not treated promptly.

Stay tuned .. tomorrow we will be discussing feline asthma treatments and long-term management of this condition.

Holistic veterinarian and researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM is available for pet health care consultations and pet health questions.

Call Dr. Carol’s office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your pet.

Because we routinely feed our pets bits and pieces of “human food” as a treat or snack, it is important that pet owners keep in mind a list of foods that are not safe to feed. Home-made pet foods are a wonderful way to ensure your pets dietary needs are adequately met, but be cautious about any home-made pet recipe that includes the following foods.

* Avacados – Although the avacado is a favorite among many diets, pet parents should be cautious not to feed avacado to their dogs. Avacados contain a fungicidal toxin called persin that may be harmful to pets. If your pet has licked clean your guacamole bowl, watch for danger signs such as: diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and heart palpitations.

* Fat - Those fatty edges around your steak at the restaurant may seem to be a treat for your pet, but danger lurks in those greasy bits. Pancreatitis, for example, is but one example of gastrointestinal issues that can result from consistently treating your pet to the fatty portions. Symptoms of pancreatitis in pets can include: vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and dehydration.

* Grapes and/or Raisins - Grapes, especially when frozen, can seem like a fun, tasty treat for your pets on hot summer days. Boxes of raisins are often “stolen” by pets because of the sweet smell that comes from the box! Regardless of how your pet acquires grapes or raisins, pet parents must understand that these tasty snacks can actually cause kidney failure in your pet.

* Macadamia Nuts - It isn’t terribly uncommon to see a pet owner feed their dog a bit or two of a delicious cookie as a treat. When the cookie contains macadamia nuts, however, trouble is often soon to follow. A toxic compound in the macadamia has been shown to lead to gastrointestinal issues for pets within as few as twelve hours.

* Chocolate - Most pet owners are aware that chocolate can be toxic to dogs, yet many will feed a bite or two to their pet thinking, “Oh, a small amount won’t hurt.” The truth of the matter is, a small amount can be dangerous depending on the amount of theobromine contained in the chocolate. Also, never believe that only dark chocolate can hurt your dog — white chocolate should be a considered a no-no when it comes to feeding as well.

* Raw Egg Whites - Unless under the direct advice of your veterinarian, never feed your pet raw egg whites. Salmonella is as grave concern for the pet population as the human population. If you wish to feed your pet eggs, please be certain to use cooked eggs or cook the dish after adding the raw eggs.

* Mushrooms - Mushrooms can cause liver and kidney dysfunction and failure when consumed in large amounts by the pet population.

* Onion and/or Garlic - Though few pets will willingly accept a feeding that contains a large amount of raw onion and/or garlic, many pets will happily feast on a dinnertime feeding that contains these same ingredients cooked. Though a small amount of garlic and onion to add a bit of flavor  is generally considered safe, larger amounts fed over a length of time can be dangerous.

* Dairy Products - Again, small amounts of dairy products are typically safe to feed your pet; however, large quantities over time may be asking for trouble. It’s important that pet owners understand that adult dogs, especially, are more likely to have a lactose intolerance issues. If your pet experiences diarrhea shortly after a feeding that included milk and/or other dairy products, a lactose intolerance issue may be considered.

* Bones - Many dogs enjoy chewing on a tasty bone after the family eats dinner, by choosing to feed your pet a bone, you are placing his or her health at risk. Bones splinter when chewed, and while the dog may swallow these splinters without trouble, issues can arise later as the bone fragments are pushed through the intestinal tract.

* Sugar-free Products/Candy - Many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol which can be life-threatening to pets.

This list is by no means a comprehensive list of all the foods that can be harmful to your pet. Should you have any question about whether a food is safe to feed  your pet, please seek the advice of your veterinarian BEFORE offering the food to your pet. Remember to supplement your pets’ diet with a natural vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure proper nutrition.

Holistic veterinarian and researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM is available for pet health care consultations and pet health questions.

Call Dr. Carol’s office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your pet.

Easter is a favorite holiday for kids and adults alike. Family and church gatherings are often filled with delicious foods and candy treats, not to mention Easter egg hunts that are enjoyed by the young and old alike. While many pet owners are cautious regarding celebrations around Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Independence Day, it seems that Easter foods and decorations are often overlooked in regards to pet health issues. Dr Carol would like to remind you about some Easter safety tips for your pets to ensure everyone enjoys the celebrations!

*  Cats typically tend to “smell the flowers” more then their canine counterparts, and it’s of little surprise that more cats are poisoned as a result of eating house plants and bouquet decorations. Lilies are a favorite around Easter in many homes, but these beautiful blossoms can cause kidney failure in cats.

* Careful with the candles! Decorative and fragrant candles can be beautiful and help to add a pleasing scent to the atmosphere. Parents of small children are often careful to place lit candles out of arm’s reach of a human child, but animal parents are sometimes forgetful that little Fido is as curious as any other youngster! Wagging tails and swiping paws can easily knock over a candle resulting in burns, messes, and worst of all, fires.

* Be especially attentive of pets in or around the kitchen and dining area during preparations and celebrations. Raw yeast dough can be especially dangerous for dogs and owners should remember that even a small amount can be harmful. Dogs also love the chocolates that are often shared at Easter. Chocolate bunnies can be deadly for your pup.

* Don’t share the Easter entree’ bones with your dog. Many pet owners will give their dog the bone from the ham, turkey, or lamb that is often prepared for Easter. Bones can splinter and cause intestinal problems for dogs and should be avoided.

All this week we will be sharing ways that you can enjoy Easter with your pet without compromising safety. Dr Carol will offer a nutritious snack or meal each day this week that you can consider preparing just for your pampered pooch so he or she can still be treated to a “special” meal at Easter.

Holistic veterinarian and pet health researcher,  Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health questions and pet health consultations for dogs and/ or cats.
Contact Dr. Carol’s veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your dog and/or cat today.

It’s not uncommon for an animal to become car sick. Just as humans sometimes suffer from motion sickness, sea sickness, or car sickness, these same afflictions can occur in our pets. When humans become car sick, the advice is typically to take medication, have the sick rider sit in the front seat, and have a cool breeze blowing in the vehicle. But, what do you do when your dog gets car sick?

First, consider how often your dog will be riding in the car. If you only plan to take your pet on very short car trips on few occasions, the easiest solution may be to simply give your pet a ginger snap cookie about thirty minutes before hopping in the car. Ginger is known to settle the stomach and can combat nausea.

If you’ll be traveling longer distances more frequently, you might consider attempting to desensitize your pet to the car. Start by simply strapping your pet into the car for a few moments and sit there. Wait a few moments, unstrap the dog, and get out. Do this a couple of times and then begin to give the dog a treat after he exits the car. Wait a few days. Repeat the process, only this time start the car and let the engine idle for a few moments. Repeat the same steps, giving the dog a treat upon his exit from the car. The next step in the process would be to move the vehicle a short distance, then a bit longer, and even longer the next trip. Eventually, the dog will associate the car ride with a treat and look forward to his trips. At the same time, he will lose his nervousness and may be less likely to get sick.

If you are unable to desensitize your pet to the vehicle, and long road trips are going to be required, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of prescribing medications. And, always, even on short trips, keep your pets buckled up! Dogs should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside the windows.

Holistic veterinarian and pet health researcher,  Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health questions and pet health consultations for dogs and/ or cats. Contact Dr. Carol’s veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your dog and/or cat today.

Like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from anemia, or a deficiency of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissue. Anemia in dogs and cats is generally found after a routine blood test by the veterinarian.

Symptoms of Anemia in Dogs and Cats:

Common symptoms of anemia in dogs and cats include lethargy, loss of appetite, and unusual weakness. Gum tissue in the animal’s mouth may appear a lighter pink or even white depending on the severity of anemia. In cases of severe anemia, the dog or cat may experience a rapid pulse and have increased respirations. Some severely anemic pets will collapse with exertion.

What Causes Anemia in Dogs and Cats?

Blood loss is the most common reason for anemia in adult dogs and cats. Traumatic injuries, tumors, or chronic slow bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract can all result in enough blood loss that an animal becomes anemic. Internal and external parasites often cause excessive bleeding for younger pups and kittens.

Red blood cells breaking down at a faster pace than normal can also result in anemia in dogs and cats. The accelerated decomposition of blood cells is known as hemolysis. Infectious diseases, adverse reactions to medications, bites from poisonous snakes, and severe infections are sometimes the culprits of hemolysis. Some animals are born with congenital hemolytic anemia. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is a result of the animal’s own antibodies attacking red blood cells.

Treating Anemia in Dogs and Cats

In order to treat anemia in dogs and cats, the reason for the anemia must first be understood. When the cause is determined, your veterinarian can take specific measures to attempt to restore the red blood cell count to a normal level.  Unfortunately, little treatment has been proven effective to treat congenital hemolytic anemia.

Dr Carol’s Recommendation:

We have seen success treating many cases of anemia in both dogs and cats by using simple home-made diets that incorporate semi-cooked organic food sources that are rich in B-vitamins, such as beef or chicken liver and hearts. Natural vitamin-mineral supplements are very helpful to boost red blood cell levels.

Herbs that may be helpful include parsley and kombu. Parsley is high in vitamins A, B, and C. Kombu is known to be rich in various minerals and a broth made from kombu may be a consideration.

A homeopathic anemia treatment is Dong quai, or Angelica sinensis. Dong quai is a traditional Chinese blood-tonic herb. To use Dong quai for anemia in pets, use ¼ tsp per 10-15 pounds of body weight. Divide this into two daily doses.

Holistic veterinarian and pet health researcher,  Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health questions and pet health consultations for dogs and/ or cats. Contact Dr. Carol’s veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your dog and/or cat today.

Face it, many cats love chocolate. And, because we humans love chocolate too, we have probably contributed to our pets’ taste for this treat. But for cats, this ‘treat’ can be deadly.  

Chocolate can be very dangerous to your cat.

Chocolate toxicity is one of the most common ‘poisonings’ we see in veterinary clinics, especially during the busy holiday season and Valentine’s Day. We know to keep that chocolate box meant especially for guests or that gift box of chocolates from our sweetheart out of Fluffy’s or Fido’s reach. But it is easy to overlook holiday baking with its more deadly chocolate forms – semisweet chocolate chips and baking chocolate.

Some cats tolerate chocolate better than others. Although the toxic dosage varies from animal to animal, everyone agrees that chocolate contains a lethal ingredient, a methylxanthine called theobromine, and that baking chocolate contains 10 times more of this lethal ingredient than milk chocolate.

Theobromine acts on four areas of your cat’s body:

• It increases the rate and force of contractions of the heart.
• It acts as a diuretic, causing your pet to lose body fluids.
• It affects the gastrointestinal system, causing vomiting and diarrhea and it may cause stomach ulcers.
• It acts on the nervous system, causing convulsions, seizures and sometimes, death.

If you find that your cat has ingested some chocolate, call your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. They will probably ask you the size of your cat, the type and quantity of chocolate your cat has eaten, and how long ago it was eaten. Try to have these answers before you call. They then may tell you to make your cat vomit. This will depend on the amount of chocolate ingested and how long ago it was eaten. If your veterinarian or emergency clinic determine that your cat needs to come into the hospital, do not delay. The effects of chocolate toxicity may not be apparent right away, but do not let that lull you into a false sense of security.

Holistic veterinarian and pet health researcher,  Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health questions and pet health consultations for dogs and/ or cats.

Contact Dr. Carol’s veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your dog and/or cat today.

Pet Longevity is attributed to 70% to lifestyle and 30% to genetics. Up to 90% of diseases in pets are due to the degenerative processes associated with aging. Research validates the fact that optimal nutritional supplementation can help deter and slow the pet aging process, stay active longer and enhance his or her quality of life.

Balanced pet diets are essential, but alone they cannot provide your dog or cat with the optimal levels of nutrients his body needs. In fact, for example, just to obtain adequate levels of vitamin E, your dog would need to eat 5000 calories-a-day. Consuming this many calories is detrimental to your dog’s health and could quickly lead to obesity and several other canine and feline health-related problems.

Signs of Pet Aging in Dogs and Cats:
To determine whether or not a pet is old, it’s important to distinguish between chronological and biological age. Chronological age is determined by the year in which your pet was born or the number of candles on your pet’s birthday cake.

Pet Aging begins at maturity; when your pet’s body’s systems start to slow down-when cells deteriorate faster than the body can repair them. It is a progressive decline in mental and physical functioning and appearance.

Signs of pet aging occur slowly. Their detection requires a pet owners close observation and keen eye.

Before beginning your pets longevity program use Dr. Carol’s pet anti-aging checklist to identify signs of aging in your pet. Re-evaluate your pet 30-60 days later and decide for yourself.

* Weight Gain or Change in Appetite
* Changes in Skin and Hair Coat
* Excess Shedding
* Increased Urination
* Limping or loss of mobility
* Bad Breath
* Vision and/or Hearing Loss
* Behavioral Changes
* Decline in mental alertness, senility
* Loss of house training

Ronald Klatz, M.D., president of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, refers to Dr. Carol as “One of the best and the brightest forward looking minds in the medical profession. A leader in this newly emerging veterinary specialty.”

Dr.Carol Osborne, DVM, is a pioneer in pet anti-aging medicine and longevity research for dogs and cats. From her research, she has developed and patented a 6 step revolutionary approach to pet health and wellness that optimizes longevity in dogs and cats and offers up to a 30% increase in healthy pet life spans.

For more information about your pets potential longevity bookmark www.carolonpets.com.

About the Author:
CAROL OSBORNE, D.V.M., is recognized as an authority on alternative and holistic veterinary medicine and the new clinical science of aging-related pet diseases. A Board Certified Diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine, she has pioneered the exploration of new therapies for the treatment and prevention of age-related degenerative disease, as well as promotion of optimum health and performance for pets.

Dr. Osborne created and patented PAAWS, Pet Anti-Aging Wellness System and authored Naturally Healthy Dogs and Naturally Healthy Cats. She has been featured in USA Today, The Los Angeles Times and the New York Daily News.

An Emmy-nominated television journalist, Dr. Osborne has gained national prominence through her frequent appearances on popular shows including Today in New York, Good Day L.A., and Discovery’s Animal Planet.

Currently, she devotes much of her time to the research and development of advanced biosciences for the benefit of animal health and welfare.

Dear Dr. Carol,

I wanted to give you an update on my cat, Samantha.

She’s almost back to herself.  She’s eating, drinking and all that comes with that, along with playing a little as well as being her same ole’ demanding self! LOL!!

I spoke with Dr. Summerlin, DVM here, the Vet that had seen Samantha,  his diagnosis was that she had gotten some sort of infection, perhaps from that cat food and agreed that the way she responded to your vitamin supplements and home-made diet that there was indeed no cause for alarm considering her kidney’s at this time, and again, that due in fact to her creatine level being “dead on.”

He agree’s that the abnormalities in Samantha’s bloodwork are all explained by her vomiting and diarrhea for four days acompanied with having eaten that recalled cat food for two weeks.

Dr. Summerlin is not concerned with Samantha’s thyroid since her Thyroid test was 23 on a 10-50 scale, nor is he concerned at this time about her kidney’s. He approves of your VitaLife supplements and does agree with you that another full battery of blood and urine might be a good idea in about 6 weeks just to follow up with her health.

Forgive me for not getting back with you sooner than this, however, I haven’t been able to get a consult with Dr. Summerlin until just this week and wanted to do that first.

I will look forward to your thoughts as usual and your wonderful input, Dr. Carol.

Thank you!!

LET’S MOTOR,
CHASE C.
MINI of Pensacola

Hello Cat Lovers, I want to share this note I received with all of you:

Two weeks ago, I received a desperate phone call from a woman with an 18 year old cat, named Angel. Angel was on the verge of being euthanized because her owner and her vet had run out of ideas to help her.

Angel had suffered a broken pelvis from being hit by a car several years ago and then developed such severe arthritis, not only was she unable to climb into her litter box, now she had stopped eating and wasn’t even able to pass stool on her own.

She was told that the arthritis was so advanced; it had resulted in narrowing of her pelvic canal to the point where she could not defecate on her own. She had been hospitalized twice, was put on IV fluids and given enemas to try to relieve her constipation. The problem was that as soon as she went home the problem recurred.

Hi Dr. Carol,

I wanted to drop you a note to say thank you so much for your help with my 18 year old cat, Angel.  She has passed her bowels 3 times since I last talked to you and she no longer struggles to go.  She is bright and alert and looks just so happy.  She is coming down stairs several times a day when before she never did.  Her coat looks cleaner and smoother.  I am so thankful and I am sure Angel is too.  Karen

Not being sure if she was going to make it, now I can’t believe she has recovered so quickly.  She is right next to me now watching me type.  It’s amazing. I haven’t talked to my vet yet, he is on vacation and doesn’t return until Friday and the other vets there I really don’t have faith in.  My vet that was one who told me to call you is only there 2 days a week.  I know he will be very pleased to hear how well Angel is doing.

I don’t know exactly what’s responsible for her sudden turnaround…maybe a combination of everything.  However; the very first day that I gave her the Paaws, she started to walk a bit better.  Giving her only wet food with the veggies, as you suggested, is definitely helping to soften her stools and it seems to be making it easier for her to have a bowel movement.

I will start giving her the hip and joint tonight in her food.  I would definitely have to say the Paaws worked wonders because that is the only thing that she has been on for any length of time. She had a bowel movement on Thursday and Friday and then one today.

She walked up and down the stairs several times today, which she never, ever did before.

For an 18 year old cat with arthritis she is doing fabulously!  She doesn’t fall over any more when she walks.  It’s just amazing.

I have attached a picture of Angel, and if you would like to share this on your site it is fine with me.

Again I am so thankful for all of your help and for your Paaws product!!

Thank you.  Karen M.

Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Holistic veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health consultations and pet health questions. Contact Dr. Carol Toll Free at 1-866-372-2765.