Most people know that dogs can easily get heartworms. Fewer people know so can cats. One bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes. That is how heartworms are spread. When a dog gets heartworms, the "cure" is a toxic dose of medication to kill the worms. There is great risk to the dog as either the treatment or dead worms clogging the heart and lungs can be fatal. Most dogs survive with
treatment, but   it is very hard on them. Cats are a different story.

When a cat gets heartworms, it is almost always a death sentence. There is NO TREATMENT for cats once they get heartworms. A cats only hope is through prevention. Medication in the form of pills or liquids are available through your vet that will keep your cat or dog from getting heartworms.

Most are given to your pet by the owner once a month. They are not very expensive. Heartworm cases involving cats are on the rise. This is truly one situation where the owner can save their cats lives. Even indoor cats can receive a mosquito bite, and if that mosquito is infected, oh well, so is kitty. Unless of course its owner loved kitty enough to protect it with heartworm medication.

Cage stress is often associated with the ferret's inability to escape to a safe place. You can identify a ferret suffering from cage stress by watching his behavior. Some signs may include constant pacing back and forth and gnawing on the cage bars or scratching incessantly at a corner of the cage. He may even have sores on his head and face from trying to push his way out of his confines.

Cage-stressed ferrets are overly destructive in their cages, tipping bowls and litter boxes more so than "normal."It's imperative that the fuzzy have somewhere dark and warm to hide and get away from all that's going on around him. You can use piles of fluffy bedding or a snooze sack, for example.
Providing safety and security helps prevent cage stress. If you have a particularly nervous ferret, covering part of the cage with a sheet or large towel may be helpful.

*DOG TIP*

Veterinary specialists offer sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options for dogs with serious health problems. Many consider their pets as family members and want to ensure that their pets get the highest quality care possible. If you are interested in taking your dog to a veterinary specialist, ask your veterinarian for a referral.

*CAT TIP*

When bringing a new baby into your home, be sure to protect her from your cat. Although your feline is unlikely to cause your baby any harm your cat may be very curious about the new arrival. Consider draping a commercially  
available crib-netting over the crib to prevent unwanted visitors into the baby's bed.