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Home arrow Sections arrow Living arrow We start this week with a few questions on different welfare issues.
We start this week with a few questions on different welfare issues. E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
First up we have a question on pets eating grass and why they do it.
This seems to be an age old question. Some pets eat grass if they have a wobbly tummy and want to vomit.

Some eat it just because they like the taste of grass. Some views are that pets eat grass as part of their diets. If they kill and eat small prey, they eat the full animal including the stomach with its grass contents. In saying this, if your pet shows signs of eating odd things or vomiting, it could mean they have internal problems and you should have your pet checked out by a vet.

Loss of weight in a cat can have many causes, from thyroid to cancer and a vet should check your cat immediately. Thyroid usually happens to older cats around nine years. Saying that, cats as young as six have got it. A blood test should give your vet a quick answer. He or she will then start your pet on a treatment course. Signs to look out for with thyroid are restlessness, weight loss with an increased appetite, and irritability.

Next up worn teeth. This is usually caused by a condition called bad bite, where the teeth rub together. If they are not causing pain, they can be left alone. Again, your vet will advise you on the best option for your pet. Brushing your pet’s teeth is a good idea. If you have just got a kitten or puppy, it is good to start them young. There are dental treatments available from vets and pet shops. A good one is the finger brush, which your pet will love. If your pet is older than this, be careful you do not get bitten accidentally. 

Now to fever and the signs to look out for in your pet.

If your pet is suffering from a fever, they will show a lack of interest in food, have severe vomiting or diarrhoea and/or sticky pale gums. Your pet will be lethargic, refusing to get up or not able to.

With fever, it is vital that you get to your vet immediately. On examination, your vet will decide the best treatment option for your pet. Remember to follow the full course of the treatment.

We have been asked what is the gestation period for a dog. 

Pregnancy in a dogs lasts about two months. Female dogs that are not being breed should be neutered as this will cut down on the chances of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or pyometra. Pyometra is a infection, which if not caught in time will kill your dog. The chances of your pet getting breast cancer are greatly reduced by spaying.

If you have a question, contact us by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or send a postcard to Pet Peeves, C/O GSPCA, St Augustine St, Galway.

 


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