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Why do cats pant? Is it good if they pant often?

Did your cat just indulge themselves in a rigorous physical activity? It could be anything from chasing after a toy or a friendly rat. But you notice your cat panting for some time as they take rest. Cats usually do not pant like dogs. So, is panting in cats normal?

Just like their canine friends, cats pant to cool themselves after a vigorous physical activity. This can be particularly noticed in young kittens. Sometimes when cats run around for a bit, they will pant for a short time.

Outdoor cats will also pant as a cooling mechanism when its very warm outside. If you feel that your feline pal is feeling very hot then help them cool off by making them rest under the fan, cooler or air conditioner.

Cats tend to pant when they are feeling stressed or anxious. Vets usually notice anxious cats panting when they come for a check-up. Moving to a new home, any loud noise or the presence of other cats at home can cause anxiety in your cat. Find out the cause of stress in your cat and help them to overcome it slowly and gradually.

Health problems, especially respiratory or heart problem can cause panting in cats. Respiratory distress in the main reason for heavy panting seen in cats. In elderly cats, panting can be caused due to congestive heart failure.

How long your pet pants can tell you if the situation is serious or not. If they pant occasionally then it is no cause for worry. But if they pant frequently it is cause for serious concern. Something that does not go away on its own is always a matter of grave concern. So, if your pet appears lethargic, have poor appetite and other behavioural changes then you must take them to the vet for a prompt medical intervention.

It is always a good idea to get your pet professionally checked by the vet to diagnose the problem for an effective treatment.

August 9, 2018
My cat has hot ears! Is he sick?

Picture this – You are sitting on the couch with your cat and idly fondling their ears. It is then that you feel that their ears are hot and you get worried. You start thinking if they have fever or a serious infection.

Put your mind to rest and breathe easy. Cats are naturally hot. Their normal body temperature is a few degrees hotter than a human’s. So, anything up to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit is normal in cats.

Is it normal if a cat’s ears are hot?

A cat’s ears temperature usually fluctuates depending on their surroundings. This is also quite normal. Cat’s ears are thin and do not have fur and are easily exposed to the elements as they are not protected either by fur or body fat. The same applies to their nose.

During warm climate, vasodilation increases the blood flow to these areas to release excess heat from the body. During cold climate, the opposite occurs where vasoconstriction helps to conserve heat in their body.

Do warm cat ears mean that they have fever?

Even if your cat suffers from standard fever from 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit, it is not really a cause for concern. The increase in heat that their body experiences during fever is their body’s natural way of fighting infection causing virus or bacteria. It gives a boost to their immune system to fight diseases.

An important fact to note is that a cat suffering from fever will choose to isolate themselves in a cool place and will not be curled up in your lap.

If you are concerned about your cat’s temperature then feel their stomach and underarms. If that is also hot then they could be suffering from fever. As a cat with fever will experience a raised temperature evenly across their body. Seek immediate help from the vet if you notice no change in their condition for the next two days. Other symptoms like change in appetite, lethargy and restlessness will be evident. They will require swift medical intervention in this case.

Do not panic if your cat ears are hot

Your cat’s ears are truly amazing. They are heavily muscled despite their delicate appearance and each ear can move and turn independently. We also learnt that a cat’s ear temperature depends on their surroundings. Their ears can be warm for a whole hour and turn cool the very next hour!

You can always contact your vet for further professional advice.

August 8, 2018
7 Amazing facts about cat’s whiskers
One of the most interesting feature in a cat’s body are their whiskers. Children find them amusing, they love pulling it much to the cat’s annoyance and abhorrence. But, why do cat’s have whiskers? It’s quite fascinating really! Whiskers act as your cat’s inbuilt GPS that helps them navigate to the right places. They also serve as a metre to gauge their mood.

Here are more incredible facts about your cat’s whiskers:
- Cat whiskers are very sensitive – A cat’s whiskers are enmeshed deeply in their skin and the area around them is sensitive as it has nerves and blood. That is why the cat’s whiskers are so sensitive that they can even detect the smallest change in the direction of breeze. So, if anyone harms their whiskers it will be very painful for them. Children must always be taught not to pull a cat’s whiskers.
- Whiskers are not found just near the nose – Apart from the 8 to 12 whiskers your cat has on either side of their nose, they also have short whiskers above their eyes, chin and at the backs of their lower front legs.
- Whiskers will help them figure where they can fit – The whiskers near your cat’s nose can help them decide if an opening is big enough for them to fit in.
- Whiskers can help your cat position their prey – Cats have long sight. They cannot see things that are close to them. So, when it is time to catch their prey whether it is a toy or a mouse they need to know when their prey is at the right position for them to attack. Their whiskers help them to do so.
- Cat whiskers help to gauge their emotional state – The position of your cat’s whiskers is a good indicator of their mood. If their whiskers appear relaxed and at ease at the sides then they are calm. If the whiskers are pushed forward it means they are excited and are alert. If they get flattened against the cheeks it means they are either scared or angry.
- Cat whiskers must not be cut – Cats shed their whiskers naturally. You must never trim or cut them as they might feel disoriented and confused because they would have lost their inbuilt GPS system making navigation difficult. It is as good as someone blindfolding you for weeks together and you are not able to do a thing about it!
- Cat whiskers can change colour – It is not only humans that show visible signs of aging in the form of grey hair. Your cat can show signs of aging as well when you notice a white whisker. It can be clearly seen when it grows on a dark coloured cat.
August 7, 2018
Do dogs sweat?
Exercising outdoors on a hot day is likely to make you feel all sweaty and thirsty. While you sip on chilled water and wipe the sweat off your brow, spare a thought for your canine buddy. How do they take on heat? While you see them panting wildly you do not notice a single trace of sweat on them. A thought does come into mind, do dogs sweat?

Well, dogs do sweat but is only a small part of the process they use in cooling themselves when they feel hot. As compared with humans, dogs do not cope well in taking care of themselves during extreme temperatures. Why is why they need our help in cooling them down or keeping them warm.

Where do dogs sweat?

Dogs produce sweat only in certain areas of their bodies. They basically have two types of sweat glands:
- Merocrine glands – These glands are found in their paw pads. It activates when your dog feels hot to help them cool down. This is why you will notice their paw prints on the ground during hot days.
- Apocrine glands – The function of this gland is to help your pet release pheromones and not to cool them down. These glands are situated all over their body and helps to recognise other dogs by scent.
Why do dogs pant?

As you can see sweat plays a minute role in cooling down your furry buddy. Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature. When they pant, they evaporate the moisture from their tongues and the linings of their lungs which cools them as air passes over the moist tissue. They also rely on vasodilation to help them cool off by expansion of blood vessels in their ears and face. As the blood vessels expand, the bring the blood closer to the surface thereby regulating their internal body temperature.

Does fur make dogs hot?

Wearing a warm sweater during the peak of summer will undoubtedly make you feel like you are baking in an oven. On the other hand, your pet’s fur actually acts as an insulator. Which keeps them hot or cool depending on the room temperature.

Sometimes the insulating layer during extremely hot conditions will not help to cool the dog’s body. If a dog gets very hot it means that it will take them a long time to cool down as compared to furless humans. Dogs that have thick coats like the German Shepherd and Saint Bernard are well insulated than dogs with thinner coats like the Greyhound or Shih Tzu. This is why short haired and single coated dogs can tolerate heat and not cold.

Keeping your dog cold or warm

As dogs are unable to help themselves cool down effectively during extreme temperatures we can help them do so by controlling their environment. During summer, make sure your pet has access to clean water and the house is cool enough for them. If they love resting outdoors then find them a cool shady area and remember to never leave them unattended in your car during summer as they can easily succumb to heat stroke.

During winter make sure your pet stays warm indoors and limit their exposure to cold temperatures. Exercising your dog is very important as it helps them to build a strong body.
August 6, 2018
Does a warm and dry nose mean my dog is sick?
“Your dog’s nose is dry. Maybe she is sick!” This is the popular opinion of most dog owners. A wet nose is a sign of good health and a dry nose is a sign of illness. Is this true or just a myth that needs to be debunked?

Before we reveal the answer, you need to understand why dogs have wet noses. A wet nose helps your dog to have a heightened sense of smell to know the world around them and scent particles stick easily on moist surfaces. The wet nose also helps your pet cool down on hot days.

A special mucus producing glands are found in the lining of a dog’s nose that keeps their nasal passage moist apart from producing a watery fluid which help to keep themselves cool. Dogs also lick their noses to keep it clean.

What does it really mean when your dog’s nose is dry?

There are perfectly normal reasons why a dog’s nose can be dry. As easy as it is to say that a dry nose means a dog is sick you must also note the fact that a sick dog can have a wet nose too.

The following are some probable reasons why your pet’s nose is dry:
- Your dog was napping – A sleeping dog does not lick its nose during nap time so they will wake up with a dry nose.
- Dehydration from exercise – Heavy exercise can cause dehydration that leads to a dry nose. So, keep your pet well hydrated during exercise time.
- Exposure to elements – Too much exposure to sun, wind or cold will dry your dog’s nose and in a few cases will result in chapped or sunburned snouts. Lying too close to a source of heat can cause dry skin on your pet’s nose.
- Age – Some dogs have dry nose as they age.
So, now you know that a dry nose does not necessarily mean a health trouble to your pet. But it can be a sign of fever, dehydration or even a dry eye. If a dry nose is accompanied with other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or changes in appetite that you must consult your vet for their professional advice.

Another interesting fact to note is that your pet’s gums can tell you more accurate details about their health rather than their nose. A moist gum is a sign of good hydration. If it is dry then it is a sign of dehydration. Gums that are pink in colour is a sign of good health. Pale looking gums can be a sign of anaemia or low blood pressure. If your pet has bright red – purple or pale blueish gums then they must be checked by the vet immediately.
August 5, 2018
Why do senior cats want more attention?

Is your senior cat constantly calling out to you? Do they stick close to you like never before? Well, once your cat turns older they crave for more attention and affection from their family just like elderly humans.

A senior cat may ask for your attention through different ways. One of them being vocalisation. They do it as a form of communication to communicate an important message to you. So, you must listen to them carefully. Talk to them soothingly a give them the extra attention that they crave for.

When your senior cat wants more attention

When your elderly cat wants your attention, they will follow you around and brush up against you. They are particularly affectionate when they knead you. They rub themselves on you to spread their scent on you, thereby marking you as their own.

When you are busy working they will make themselves comfortable right next to you. At times they will stare at you and even look at you with half closed eyes. This means that they feel comfortable and secure around you. It is as good as them giving you a friendly kiss. You can return the favour by patting and cuddling them. Take a break from work and play with them.

Tricks your senior cat use to get your attention

Your cat may just reach for an item on the shelf or on the dining table. Once they grab hold of it and push it down, they will look up to see if they have your attention. Its their way of saying ‘look at me and play with me’.

You must remember that cats become needy as they age. They may cling to you night and day. If they have lost one of their important senses they will want to stick close to you as you will be the only stabilising factor in their life. They need you around to know that you are there for them and will take good care of them.

If your cat still likes to play then indulge them by playing soft and gentle games with them. Use this time to lavish them with all your attention and affection. The physical activity will help them to stay healthy and strong.

Some cats stay aloof and independent even in their senior years. Others become needier and crave for more affection. If your senior cat seeks more attention then ensure that you give it to them. Spend quality time with them. Talk to them gently and pat them affectionately. Once you show them your love they will be very happy!

August 4, 2018
Can dogs eat ice cream?

Is the sweltering heat of summer getting to you? To beat the heat am sure you will be downing cool sodas apart from indulging on ice cream and other frozen treats and who better to give you company than your furry buddy!

They will enthusiastically lick the ice cream expecting more from you. If you are wondering if ice creams are a safe treat for your pet, then the answer is no. Apart form it being loaded with sugar, they also contain milk and flavours that do not suit dogs.

Why dogs cannot eat ice cream?

Dogs cannot digest milk after they are weaned off during the puppy stage. Ice cream is made out of milk so feeding it to your pet will cause gas, bloating, constipation, vomiting or diarrhea.

Ice cream contains sugar in high quantities so feeding your pet sugary food will lead to weight gain and obesity. It will also set off other health complications.

Ice creams come in various flavours that is dangerous for dogs. For instance, chocolate is toxic for dogs as their bodies cannot process theobromine, a component found in chocolates.

Ice cream is definitely not dangerous when they are given small portions of it as an occasional treat. But for dogs that are obese, have diabetes, allergies or dairy intolerances it can pose a serious problem.

Now that you know that ice creams are not a good dessert for your pet, its time you looked at other healthier options that will not cause digestive upsets to your pet.

Healthy alternatives to ice cream

If you want to give your furry buddy a frozen treat to beat the heat this summer, then yogurt is a good option. As yogurt is fermented, it has probiotics and contains less lactose that will go easy on your pet’s stomach. Do not give your pet yogurt that contains sugar. Instead, get them a plain one with no added sugar. You can try making it at home. Some dogs may not be able to digest yogurt. So, give it to your pet only when you know of certain that it suits them.

Apart from this there are other frozen treats and ice creams that are made particularly for our canine buddies which is commercially available. Choose they type that best suits your pet.

August 3, 2018
What to feed a dog with diarrhea or stomach upset?
‘Help! My dog has an upset tummy. What do I feed him?’ This is one of the most common questions anxious pet parents ask the vet. Now we understand how unpleasant a stomach upset is and know what works best for us. You can do the same for your pet as well. All you have to do is to find out what caused the problem and if their condition is serious enough to seek medical help or is easily treatable at home by using simple home remedies.

If the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea still persist after 24 hours, along with other symptoms like lethargy and poor appetite then you must take them to the vet. But if the stomach upset is due to changes in their diet or due to stress colitis, it can be easily treated at home.

Foods have properties which either warm the body, cool them or are neutral. When either of the balance goes haywire, diseases creep in. Most often gastrointestinal upsets are a result of too much heat in the body so you need to eat foods that cool you down.

Here are a few foods that you can feed your sick dog:
- Fasting – By not feeding your pet for 12 to 24 hours and giving them only water can help ease the situation. Once you allow their gastrointestinal tract to rest they will be able to efficiently receive and digest nutrients that are then given to them. But you need to ensure that your pet stays well hydrated by giving them water or ice chips frequently.
- Cooling proteins – Feeding you dog chicken when they have a tummy upset is not a good idea. Chicken is a protein that causes heat in body. Giving them lamb or goat is also not a good idea. Instead, introduce them to cooling proteins like turkey, eggs, cottage cheese, pork or tofu.
- Millet – Millet is a cooling food which is high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals that will help to recuperate your pet’s ailing stomach.
- Potato – Potatoes are another cooling food that are bland, easy to digest and source of carbs that help to soothe upset stomachs and provide energy. You can boil, steam or bake the potatoes. Mash them well but remember to peel away the skin before serving it to your pet.
- Banana – Bananas are a cooling food that provide energy as well as strengthen the dehydrated digestive system. Bananas have pectin, a soluble fibre that binds water in the colon and coats the gastrointestinal tract. They are also rich in potassium that will help to quickly energise a dehydrated body.
- Peppermint or pudina – Pudina is a very valuable medicinal plant that soothes an upset stomach, relieves gas and eases indigestion. Pudina also has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Feeding them its fresh form in the form of chopped leaves will ensure their stomach recovers soon. You can feed ¼ teaspoon of pudina to small breeds, ½ teaspoon to medium size breeds and 1 teaspoon to large breeds.
You can try any of the above remedies. But if the symptoms still persist then you must take them to the vet for quicker medical intervention.
June 10, 2018
7 Ways your cat shows affection
Cats are aloof. They rarely show affection and are unemotional. As a cat parent I am sure you would never agree with this myth. I bet you know how your cat particularly showers you with their love and gratitude. In fact, cats show affection towards their caregivers by using their body language, posture and vocalizations.

Cats unlike dogs do not wag their tails and slobber you with wet kisses. They are subtler as they quietly signal you their affection. Here is how!
- Cats show affection through their eyes – If your cat looks at you through their half-closed eyes or are blinking its something like them blowing you a kiss. You can in turn return the gesture by blinking your eyes as well!
- Cats show affection through their tails – Tail position in cats helps us to understand their feelings of fear, aggression and even affection. So, if your pet is wrapping their tail around you and when their tail is fluffed up at the base and is slightly quivering it means they are expressing their affection.
- Cats show affection through cheek rubs – Cheek rub is the way cats greet the ones they trust and feel secure with. Cheek rubs also encourage socialisation. Interestingly, cats have scent glands in their cheeks which produce pheromones. In addition to showing their loved ones affection, cats rub cheeks to mark their ownership and to spread their scent to whom they are close to.
- Cats show affection through head bunting – If your cat bumps their head on you it means they are showing their affection. It is a social behaviour that encourages marking and mixing of their scent with yours. It’s a sign of trust and friendship and head bunting surely means the proclamation of ownership!
- Cats show affection vocally – Soft purrs, meows and chirps are ways in which cats express their affection. Cats definitely have special sounds that they express to only their favourite people. So, when your pet softly purrs at you while touching you with light kisses, paw or tail it means that they are feeling safe, secure and happy with you.
- Cats show affection through grooming – Cats that are attached to another usually groom each other as this behaviour helps them to relax, encourage trust and friendship among their community. Cats also groom their human caregivers and friends to show their affinity with them.
- Cats show their affection by hanging out with you – Cats love to be around people whom they feel safe and secure with. They may sit in a position that makes a part of their body touch you. Although, they may not sit on your lap they will still express their affection by sticking close to you. They may simply tag along with you wherever you go.
So, you see cats are not the cold creature that most people think they are. They express their feelings of love, trust and friendship by blending body language, posture and vocalisations. They have their own special way of showing love towards their human family!
June 9, 2018
How do I stop my dog from jumping on guests?
The world is made of two people – the dog lovers and the non-dog lovers. It is always the latter who pose a problem whenever they visit a dog lover’s home. Some squeal and shout when your pet leaps up to greet them. Others rudely ask you to lock them away. So, what can you do to stop your excited dog from enthusiastically greeting your house guests?

The famous dog whisperer, Cesar Millan, feels that dogs jump on people to state that they are the pack leader and are in charge of you. Here is what you need to do to curb this hyper dog behaviour problem:
- Firmly establish the fact that you are the pack leader – When a dog is uncertain of their pack leader they will instinctively try to fill the role which unfortunately leads to undesirable results. Nervous and agitated handling never works. So, a good pack leader will control their pet calmly and assertively.
- Do not overly show affection to your pet as soon as you come home – Excitedly greeting members of your family when you come home works well only for humans and not for dogs. The nicest thing you can do for your dog is to treat them like a dog and communicate in a way they understand that you are excited to be back with them. A gentle pat and a few treats will definitely be well received.
- Correct the jumping behaviour problem in your dog – A dog’s natural mother is the ultimate pack leader and will not tolerate bad behaviour in her pup. If she does not like what they are doing she will stop it by moving the pup out of the way calmly and assertively. Hence, the puppy will learn from its mistake and the mother’s strong leadership skills balances the pup’s submissive role in the group.
- When you have house guests, ask your pet to sit patiently – Once your pet respects you as their pack leader they will automatically follow your commands. So, remember to always be confident, calm and assertive while handling your pet. When you have guests dropping by at your place ask them to sit quietly and reward them when they do so.
- Leadership is a long-term commitment – You cannot be strict one moment and lenient at the next. Leadership is lifelong. Any inconsistencies will always lead to anxiety in your pet and will encourage a hyper dog behaviour. Keep in mind that animal pack leaders never give up their role so you must do the same!
You can always contact a behaviourist or a trainer for further professional guidance.
June 7, 2018