Category: For Cats

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Pet separation anxiety is felt by dogs, cats and even horses!

What is it and how can we help our pets?

Pet Separation Anxiety 101

Brown and white dog sitting and looking anxious
Courtesy: Empiep / Pixabay

In simple terms, pet separation anxiety arises when some pets are left alone for too long. While each pet may exhibit different symptoms, this excessive attachment – to humans or animals – is unhealthy and needs to be addressed for the pet’s overall benefit.

Separation anxiety begins with distress in the absence of those the pet is overly dependent on.

If left ignored, this anxiety may escalate to:

  • Behavioral and destructive issues.
  • Self-injury.
  • Even attempts to escape.

Pet Separation Anxiety: Dogs

Pet separation anxiety is common among dogs
Courtesy: Keithfoust / Pixabay

The common symptoms of K9 separation anxiety include:

  • Barking, howling and whining.
  • Accidents in the house (including coprophagia or eating poop).
  • Chewing, digging and other destructive behaviors.
  • Escape attempts.
  • Pacing.
  • Drooling, panting or excessive salivation.

K9 Separation Anxiety: Why

  • Abandonment.
  • Change of schedule, home or guardian.
  • Sudden loss of a family member.
  • Medical issues.

Canine Separation: Solutions

  • Desensitization: Acclimate them to your departure by leaving for a few minutes and then returning. Over time, slowly increase how long you are gone.
  • Create a routine when you leave; ask your dog to sit, offer a high-value treat and then calmly leave. (Begin this routine during desensitization (above)).
  • Exercise your dog before leaving.
  • Add another dog to the household.
  • Avoid a huge fuss when you leave (or come back home).
  • Leave your dog with a filled/frozen Kong toy to keep him busy and distracted.
  • Homeopathic or pharmaceutical options but always discuss with your vet first!

Pet Separation Anxiety: Cats

Gray and white cat grooming itself
Courtesy: JackieLou KL / Pixabay

Pet separation anxiety may seem more common in canines, but research shows our felines also suffer from pet separation anxiety (despite their aloofness!). In a recent study, 64% of the cats evaluated showed less stress when with their caregivers!

How can you tell if your cat is suffering from separation anxiety? General symptoms include:

  • Crying or yowling.
  • Accidents outside the litter box.
  • Destructive behaviors (more common in male cats)
  • Excessive grooming (more common in female cats)
  • Hyper-attachment with caregiver(s).

Feline Separation Anxiety: Why

  • Being a female cat.
  • Cats only livig indoors.
  • Weaned too early, bottle-raised or orphaned.
Indoor cats can suffer from pet separation anxiety
Courtesy: FPHayes / Pixabay

Cat Separation: Solutions

  • Desensitization: Give attention or affection to reward a calm cat. Ignore attention-seeking behaviors. Reward signs of relaxation:
    • Lying down.
    • Sighing.
    • A loose/still tail.
    • Closed eyes.
  • Before leaving, play with your cat to tire them out.
  • Keep your cat busy in your absence with enrichment activities:
    • Cat TV shows,
    • Puzzle feeders, and
    • Hide-and-seek for treats hidden throughout the house.
  • Maintain a consistent routine.
  • Add another cat to the household.
  • Homeopathic or pharmaceutical options but always discuss with your vet first!
Two brown and one black horse in a pasture
Courtesy: Rebekka D / Pixabay

Pet Separation Anxiety: Horses

When separated from other horses (and owners), equines can experience separation anxiety!

According to Dr. Camie Helesi, a renowned equine researcher, separation anxiety stems from wild horses benefiting from strong social connections and bonds. Even short separations can result in equine fear, anxiety, stress and outbursts of panic.

What does separation anxiety look like in horses?

  • High volumes of abnormal vocalizations.
  • Shaking or trembling.
  • Increased heart rate and sweating.
  • Loss of appetite and an unwillingness to drink.
  • Rearing, kicking out, bucking, spooking, pawing or bolting.
  • Pacing and fence walking.

Equine Separation Anxiety: Why

  • Separated from their herd.
  • Confined in isolation (even for short periods).
  • Horses who are tightly bonded.

Donkeys can help horses avoid pet separation anxiety
Courtesy: F. Muhammad / Pixabay

Equine Separation Anxiety: Solutions

  • Desensitization: Using short training sessions, work with keeping your horse’s focus on you while slowly moving them away from their companions. Reinforce good behavior and obedience with high-value treats or a groom session at the end to bolster their confidence.
  • For horses that must be separated, keep them in visual proximity.
  • Pair anxious horses with smaller ponies, goats or donkeys.
  • By keeping horses in a group of three, a horse is never left alone.
  • Homeopathic or pharmaceutical options but always discuss with your vet first!

If your efforts at easing your pet’s separation anxiety
are not working, find an animal or veterinary behaviorist to help you.

Separation anxiety is a serious condition and should not be ignored!

Brushing white horse with an EquiGroomer Tool
Courtesy: EquiGroomer.com

Grooming sessions are a wonderful way to reward your horse after
a good training session or ride!

Pain-free
Comfortable for sensitive-skin
Easily removes loose hair, dirt, and dander

Click here to purchase your
EquiGroomer Grooming Tools today!

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Looking at rare cat breeds? Check out the top 5 most expensive cats in the world!

But check your bank balance first because these rare felines can cost thousands of dollars!

Are you looking for a rare cat breed? Beware, these 5 rare cat breeds can come with a high price tag because of their rarity (or popularity) and low fertility rates.

Let’s look at the top five most expensive – and rare – felines next!

The Ashera cat is among the top 5 rare cat breeds.
Courtesy: Luxatic. com

#1 Rare Cat: Ashera

The Number 1 most expensive cat in the world is the Ashera Cat with a staggering price tag of up to $125,000! Now that’s a lot of catnip!

  • This exotic – and expensive – breed is a crossbreed between an African Serval (an Asian Leopard) and a domestic cat. Many claim the Ashera breed is really an F1 Savannah (meaning the first generation of offspring).
  • These felines can weigh up to 30 pounds!
  • Grooming: The Ashera should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and prevent dangerous hairballs.

Refer to AnimalWised for basic care tips for your tips.

The Savannah counts among the world's rare cat breeds.
Courtesy: Jason Douglas, By Uploader, Public Domain

#2 Rare Cat: Savannah

  • This rare feline breed comes in as the second most expensive cat in the world with a cost between $10,000 to $50,000. The Savannah is a crossbreed of an African Serval and a domestic cat.
  • Before 2017, the Savannah once held the Guinness Book of World Record as the world’s tallest cat by a feline named Trouble who was 19 inches from his shoulder to tail.
  • Known as high-energy felines who need a lot of exercise.
  • Their low fertility rate contributes to their huge price tag! (Male Savannahs are not fertile after the sixth generation.)
  • Note: Savannahs are banned in parts of the world including several states in the USA becuase they are not consider “domestic” felines.
  • Grooming: The Savannah should be brushed regularly to remove lifeless hair and subsequent hairballs. do not bathe a Savannah too often to avoid hurting its skin and fur quality. Every two months should be sufficient or check with your veterinarian or groomer.

#3 Rare Cat: Bengal

A cat hybrid between an Egyptian Mau and Asia Leopard, the Bengal can cost between $10,000 and $25,000.

Bengal cats belong to rare cat breeds.
Courtesy: Ishmann000 / Pixabay

The unique feature of this rare cat breed include:

  • A muscular build.
  • Big round eyes; and
  • Coat patterns with brown, silver/grey and black or white.
  • Unlike many cats, the Bengal enjoys water and swimming.
  • Note: It is illegal to own a Bengal cat in New York, Seattle and Hawaii.
  • Grooming: The Bengal should be regularly brushed especially during the shedding season to remove dirt and dead hair and prevent hairballs that can be ingested.

Another expensive feline breed is the Allerca costing up to $6,000. Known as “hypoallergenic” cat breed due to the “disabling” of the genes known to cause human allergies.

#4 Rare Cat: Sphynx (Price: $5,000 – $9,800)

The hairless Sphynx is also among the five rare cat breeds.
Courtesy: Igor Lukin / Pixabay

Known as a hairless cat, the Sphynx originated in Canada in the 1960s and was created through selective breeding with hairless cats. (Feline hairlessness comes from a natural genetic mutation.)

  • May suffer from separation anxiety and craves a lot of attention from their humans.
  • Prone to irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Annual heart scans are necessary for the Sphynx.
  • Grooming: Their very sensitive skin requires regular bathing (every 20-30 days) with a mild or even waterless shampoo for haireless cats with natural ingredients. Also, because of the lack of fur, the Sphynx can become cold very quickly so only wash them in warm areas (especially in the winter) and dry them thoroughly.

#5 Rare Cat: Persian (Price: $4,000 – $5,500)

Persian cats are also expensive and among rare cat breeds.
Courtesy: Cromaconceptovisual / Pixabay

This breed is not only in the top five most expensive and rare cat breeds, but is also one of the oldest cat breeds in the world dating back to the 17th century!

Curious about other expensive, rare cat breeds? Click here to learn more!

Courtesy: EquiGroomer.com

Did you know that the EquiGroomer tools are perfect for the feline(s) in your life?

Offering Pain-free and Comfortable Grooming Both You and Your Feline will Love!

Using the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools are also a wonderful way to bond with your kitty!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email!

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Felines can be known to be stand-offish and nowhere as “needy” as their canine counterparts. But do cats get lonely?

Do Cats Get Lonely?

Cat with Blue Eyes
Courtesy: Gundula Vogel/Pixabay

Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a definitive yes or no whether cats get lonely. Instead, there seem to be as many answers as there are “experts” and kitties are remaining tight-lipped with the truth!

A quick search reveals a wide array of answers on whether our felines get lonely.

Dr. Liz Bales: Veterinarian and Feline Specialist and PennVet Alumni
“Cats are naturally solitary survivors. “Lonely” is not really an emotion that they exhibit.”

Dr. Marci L. Koski, Certified Feline Behavior Consultant & Founder, Feline Behavior Solutions
“Cats can and often do get lonely when their guardians are gone for varying lengths of time. Cats aren’t nearly as independent as people have historically thought them to be.”

Dr. Leticia M.S. Dantas, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
“The answer to “Do Cats get lonely?” is likely yes – if they are kittens before their territorial nature kicks in at adulthood.”

So, the simple answer is we don’t know and probably won’t until felines decide to let us in on this secret!

What Can a Cat Guardian Do If Their Cat Gets Lonely?

There is some good news, there may be signs and symptoms which may indicate your indoor cat is lonely and needs more companionship, interaction and human love. Below we explore the helpful tips to proactively keep your domestic cat from being lonely!

Possible Signs Your Cat May be Lonely

Cat Meowing Outside
Courtesy: Pixabay

While felines are not pack animals like canines, cats are still social animals to differing degrees. So which potential signs may mean your cat is lonely?

  • Frequent and loud meowing and other vocalizations
  • Excessive shedding
  • Depression and separation anxiety
  • Sudden clinginess
  • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
  • Sudden problems with using the litter box
  • Changes in your cat’s aggressive behavior

How to Keep Your Cat Happy and Engaged: 6 Tips

Courtesy: Adina Voicu/Pixabay
  1. Just like our dogs, cats thrive on a consistent routine. If your routine suddenly changes, your cat may begin to exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety or loneliness. Do everything you can to maintain your pet’s regular schedule. If necessary, hire a pet sitter to avoid the development of negative and even destructive cat behaviors as well as feline loneliness.
  2. Like most living beings, cats need quality interaction and play with their humans and/or other pets for their best emotional health.
  3. Keep in mind, any environmental change may also lead to feline stress and negative behaviors. Going on vacation? Keep your cat in their home with a pet sitter they know.
  4. Consider adopting another cat for regular companionship and socialization.
  5. Rotate a variety of interactive cat toys to keep your feline from getting bored and lonely.
  6. Create a cozy spot near a window so your cat can stay entertained with birds, and wildlife.

Remember, not all cats have the same needs.
You know your cat best and what they need.

If you’re not sure, find a local cat behaviorist to make sure
your cat does not get lonely and is happy and engaged!

Tabby cat cleaning his fur
Courtesy: IRCat/Pixabay
Courtesy: EquiGroomer

Strengthen Your Bond with Your Cat with the BEST Grooming Tool and More!

Purchase the EquiGroomer Cat Gift Bag and spend quality, one-on-one time with your feline!

Easily remove dead hair, dust and dander from your cat’s coat with the Cat Shedding Brush, and afterward, engage your cat in play with the Laser Pointer and adorable Cat Toy!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

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Despite the dog days of summer ending on August 11th, heat records continue throughout the United States. Lean how extreme heat affects our pets and how to help.

Death Valley experiences extreme heat
Courtesy: Jplenio / Pixabay

THE Hottest Month on Earth!

On Friday, August 13th, the “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared July 2021 the world’s hottest month in 142 years of records.” Even Death Valley, California hit a new world record at a sweltering 130 degrees F!

In addition, records were also broken in Turkey, Northern Japan, Italy and Northern Ireland.

These extreme temperatures are life-threatening for humans, imagine how our pets felt trying to adapt and cope with extreme heat!

Extreme heat affects marine life
Courtesy: Donieve / Pixabay

All Animals Are Affected by Heat

Both wildlife and domesticated animals are affected by these scorching temperatures. Even marine life has paid a high price on the Pacific Coast with millions of mussels, sea stars, barnacles and hermit crabs dying.

So how can you protect your beloved pets during these all-too-common heatwaves?

Extreme Heat: How Pets Cool Down

First, it is important to remember that physiologically cats, dogs, and rabbits cannot deal with extreme heat as we do. While we can regulate our body temperature through our largest organ, skin, animals are different.

Extreme heat affects our K9s
Courtesy: Couleur / Pixabay

Dogs and Cats: Sweat only through their paws and noses. Panting also helps them cool off.

Cats: Through grooming their fur, the saliva evaporates off their hair and helps cool them down.

Rabbits and Birds: Do not sweat at all! They try to cool down with panting. Birds open their mouth and “flutter” their neck muscles to promote heat loss. They also flap their wings. Rabbits dissipate heat through their ears.

Horses: Cool themselves through 1) the dilation of skin capillaries and 2) sweating through their skin.

Remember, deal with dangerously hot temperatures from your pet’s point of view, not your own.

Extreme Heat and Risks

Animals don’t always let us know how they are feeling. So, the pet owner needs to understand each animal and protect them in extreme temperatures.

Extreme heat affects our pets and can cause dangerous conditions including:

Extreme Heat: 8 Ways to Protect Your Pets

Extreme heat affects our pets
Courtesy: Madhurima Handa / Pixabay
  1. Offer plenty of fresh, cool water.
  2. Run the AC; do not rely on just a fan.
  3. Make sure any pets in cages are away from all windows. Pull the shades to keep the heat out.
  4. Brush them often to remove old, excessive hair.
  5. If your pet begins to overheat, slowly cool them down and contact your vet.
  6. Keep a closer eye on pets susceptible to heatstroke including:
    a. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers.
    b. Pets with heart issues.
    c. Overweight pets.
    d. Very young or very old pets.
  7. Remember humidity adds to the overall heat index so be extra vigilant!
  8. Know your pet so you notice if they are not drinking enough water and whether they are overheating.

Extreme Heat: 6 Things NOT to Do!

Extreme heat affects our dogs
Courtesy: Artem Beliaikin / Pexels

Doing any of the six things below could harm your pet (rather than help) during extreme heat.

NEVER:

  1. Shave your pet!
  2. Immerse your pet in very cold water! This may cause shock and even death and stop all cooling.
  3. Leave your dog or other pets outside!
  4. Exercise your pet during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid hot pavement, asphalt and parking lots. Walk your dog on the grass or dirt.
  5. Leave your dog or any other pet in the car!
  6. Leave pets unattended around a pool!

Always work with your veterinarian on how best to keep your pet cool during heat waves based on their breed, age, overall health and condition.

A Rabbit Getting Groomed
Courtesy: EquiGroomer

Regularly brush out your pet’s old, excessive hair with EquiGroomer tools to help them keep cooler during the hot days.

EquiGroomer Grooming Tools: Easy and Pain-Free Grooming!

Click here or on the image to watch the video!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

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June has officially gone to the felines with so many holidays honoring their presence! Warning: With all the kitty love this month, you may end up adopting a cat!


June Cat Holidays

We start with the month-long American Humane Association’s “Adopt-a-Cat Month” and the ASPCA’s “Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month!” But wait, there’s more!

Starting to feel the love and want to add a new feline friend to your home? Keep reading to learn what you need to know first before adopting a cat!

The 7 Basics When Adopting a Cat

Life Expectancy

Cats typically live between 12 and 18 years but can live to 20 or more years! Are you ready for that long-term commitment and expenditures?

Kitty Scratching

Adopting a Cat means lots of scratching

It is completely normal and healthy for cats to scratch so give your feline plenty of places to safely scratch!

Scratching is a way for a cat to “mark” his territory with visual and scent signs.

Scratching also helps shed claw sheaths and keep their nails in good shape.

Litterbox Pickiness

  • Cats can be picky when it comes to their litterbox and may stop using their litterbox because:
    • There are too many cats for one litterbox.
    • The litter is not cleaned often enough.
    • There is too much litter. Most cats will not use litter that’s more than 2 inches deep.
    • The type and scent of litter
    • Switching litters too often. Find a litter your cat likes and stick with it.
    • The litterbox is hard to reach or close to frightening noises or heat.
    • Behavioral issues including:
      • Stress, boredom, anxiety and aggression
      • A new home/furniture
      • New family/pets in the home
      • An intact male/female cat in the home marking their territory in or outside your home

Feline Nutrition

Adopting a Cat means providing the best feline nutrition

Grooming Your Cat

Regular grooming is essential to your cat’s overall health, well-being and comfort. It’s also a great way to strengthen your bond with your feline. Learn more at How to Groom a Cat with step-by-step instructions and pictures. (Also be sure to check out our cat grooming tools!)

Create a cat-friendly and safe environment by removing all potentially toxic plants from your home!

Did you know that some feline breeds need more attention?

These breeds include:
1. Siamese, and
2. Long-haired cats including the Persian, Himalayan, Maine Coon and more.

Despite their independent nature, cats still need quality interaction and enrichment activities for their best mental and physical health. Cats who are bored or stressed can become destructive. Anxious cats may also spray urine in and around the house. Use a pet sitter to give your cat some extra attention and activity. 

Cats typically take more time to settle into their new home. Give them plenty of space and patience. Hint: try bonding with your new cat by smiling like a cat!

Adopting a cat (or any other pet) is a wonderful feeling and new adventure! By thinking it through and learning more about the feline breed you want to adopt will help ensure a successful transition for both you and the new kitty!


The Grooming Tool Your New Kitty Will Love!

Grooming your cat is an easy way to enhance the bond and trust between you and your feline friend.

The 5-inch EasyGroomer painlessly and easily removes your cat’s dead hair, dust and coat dander while supporting their overall well-being, health and comfort.

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

Image Credits

Pikabum from Pixabay 

Daga_Roszkowska from Pixabay

Luisella Planeta Leoni from Pixabay

Spencer Wing from Pixabay

Andreas Lischka from Pixabay

Courtesy of EquiGroomer.com

Posted on by equigroomerllc
Felines have been described with wonderful attributes like smart, intuitive and graceful; but they are also known to be stand-offish, asocial and (dare we say?) even rude when the mood strikes!
Chalk it all up to “cat-titude!”

Even the most ardent cat lover can, at times, be met with a seemingly indifferent feline. Or is it more of a misunderstanding on our part of a cat’s subtle, sophisticated body language? Well, thankfully, scientists have uncovered a secret to get your cat to like you … smile at your cat!

Keep reading to learn more!

The Cat “Smile”

With our canine friends, it is easy to decode their moods, it is written all over them! But cats are a bit more subtle by signaling their moods through twitching tails, ruffled fur, the position of their ears and whiskers and even through the narrowing of their eyes.

Cat Smiling with Narrowed EyesThis specific eye language or movement has been called a “cat smile” by experts and researchers who believe it can help strengthen your bond with your favorite feline.

While eye narrowing by felines is nothing new (Jackson Galaxy has often used it on his “My Cat from Hell” series), recent studies now offer tangible evidence it might be a form of “positive emotional communication between cats and humans.”

A study done at the University of Sussex in England found that “cats are more likely to slow blink at their owners after their owners slow blinked at them, compared to no interactions between the two.”

“This study is the first to experimentally investigate the role of slow blinking in cat-human communication. And it is something you can try yourself with your own cat at home, or with cats you meet in the street. It’s a great way of enhancing the bond you have with cats.” 

(Professor Karen McComb, University of Sussex Study Supervisor)


How to Smile at Your Cat

First, put yourself in front of your cat at a comfortable distance. Narrow (orMan and Cat Nose to Nose squint) your eyes like you would if you had a happy and relaxed smile on your face. Then slowly blink at your cat by closing your eyes for a couple of seconds and then opening. If your cat responds in kind, you are “talking” with your cat!

This “slow blink” appears to make humans more attractive to the cat motivating them to respond in kind and to also approach the human. Research has found the role of slow blinking (or the cat smile) in cat-human communication also enhances your bond and trust with your feline.

A word of caution, do not try to force your cat to communicate back or engage in intense staring at your cat which can be interpreted as threatening in social interaction! Be patient and hopefully your cat will willingly engage in smiling communication!

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR CAT?

“Why Do We Think Cats are Unfriendly?”

 “How to Earn Your Cat’s Trust and Affection”

 “Why are Cats So Incredibly Rude?”

Cat Giftbag with Grooming Tools and Toys

 

THE Giftbag Your Cat Will Purr Over!

Grooming your cat is another easy way to enhance the bond and trust between you and your feline friend.

The EquiGroomer’s Gift Bag for Cats includes a 5” grooming tool for painlessly and easily removing dead hair, dust and coat dander. Also included is a laser pointer and cat toy for hours of feline fun! The purr-fect gift to show your cat some extra love!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.


Image Credits

Manfred Richter from Pixabay

Jennifer Moore from Pixabay

Yuliya Kota from Pexels

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Pets can often feel “feverish” to a worried owner simply because an animal’s normal temperature range is above our own (typically between 97.5 to 99.6 degrees F). 

Our pets and animals can become too hot (or even too cold) for a variety of reasons. If you are concerned your pet has a fever or is overly chilled, taking their temperature can help put your mind at ease or encourage you to contact your regular veterinarian. But how do you know if your pet’s temperature is normal? 

High vs Low Temperatures: Which is Worse

While a pet with a high temperature is typically more worrisome to most owners, a low temperature may also be a cause for alarm. If you are unsure about your pet’s unusual temperature, consult your veterinarian to avoid any long-term issues or complications for your pet.

The medical terms below are used to indicate temperatures outside the normal range:

Hyperthermia (a high temperature outside the normal range) may indicate:

  • Fever due to infection or inflammation as part of the immune system’s defense.
  • Overexertion.
  • Stress; or
  • Overheating from exposure to excess heat and/or humidity (absorbing more heat than the body can naturally dissipate or release).

Hypothermia (a low temperature outside the normal range) may indicate:

  • Extended exposure to cold and/or wet.
  • Shock.
  • Pending labor in females.
  • The body is losing heat faster than it is absorbing.

Healthy Pets: Normal Temperature Ranges

Pet temperatures fall into ranges

Dogs: 101 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37.9 – 39.9 degrees Celsius)

Cats: 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (or 39.1 – 39.2 degrees Celsius)

Rabbits: 101.5-104.2 degrees Fahrenheit (or 38.6 – 40.1 degrees Celsius)

Horses: 99 – 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37.2 – 38.3 degrees Celsius)

Livestock: Click here to find the normal temperature range for other animals in the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Sustained temperatures outside the pet’s normal range can lead to issues like heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even internal damage if not addressed properly and reduced to the normal range. Always know your pet’s normal resting temperature (temperature setpoint) to know if they are having issues.

Taking Your Pet/Animal’s Temperature

Old-fashioned mercury thermometers are no longer considered safe for taking an animal’s temperature as they may snap especially with excited or nervous animals exposing the pet – and you – to potential mercury.

Digital thermometers show if your pet's temperature is normalDigital thermometers are considered safer and more commonly used today. Temperatures are typically taken via the ear or rectally – which is considered more accurate – in cats, dogs, horses and livestock (with a small amount of lubricant on the end of the thermometer). Be warned, depending on your pet or animal, taking their temperature may be a two-person job!

 

Abnormal Temperatures: When to be Concerned

Our pet’s temperatures can fluctuate during the day and it is not always a reason to be concerned. The temperature and humidity outside and your pet’s activity can all affect their temperature. Getting them to rest and drink should help bring their temperature back within the normal range.

Your vet can tell you if your pet's temperature is normal

 

The Bottom Line

Like humans, animals may run slightly elevated, short-term temperatures as their body fights off minor infections or fevers. This is normal.

Medications should only be used when necessary to avoid diminishing the effectiveness of your pet’s immune system. If a mild fever or slightly elevated (and unusual) temperature persists for more than a few days, contact your veterinarian for an examination and definitive diagnosis.

If your horse is overheated, spraying him with cool, fresh water can help safely reduce his temperature. Use our Water Wisk to remove all sweat and water too!

Order individual EquiGroomer tools or professional kits for your pet shop, tack shop or barn, by calling 860-573-0604,  sending us an email or visiting our website today!

  

Additional Reading:

Pets.WebMd.com: Fevers in Cats

Equus Magazine: What to do When Your Horse Has a Fever

AKC: Fever in Dogs: Causes, Signs and Treatments

Rabbit Care Tips: Why is My Rabbit Shaking and Laying Down?

PetComments.com: Best Pet Thermometers

Image Credits (In Order of Appearance):

Beverly Lussier from Pixabay 

Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto from Pixabay

Gundula Vogel from Pixabay 

Skeeze from Pixabay

Product Image Courtesy of EquiGroomer

Posted on by equigroomerllc

As the summer months heat up, people become more conscious about staying cool and fully hydrated. But did you know your pet is at an even greater risk of dehydration? Learn how to keep pets well-hydrated during the summer months below!

Courtesy: PetSafe.netYes, our pets are at an even greater risk for dehydration because their bodies contain more water (80%) than the human body which contains only 60% of water so it’s critical to know how to keep your pets well-hydrated during the summer months.

So, in honor of National Pet Hydration Awareness Month during July, let’s take a closer look below at the proper hydration our pets need in these hotter months.

How Much Water Do Pets Need?

Most pets need 1 ounce of water per 1 pound of bodyweight. (Learn about how much water horses need below.) Is your pet getting that much water each day? All pets need plenty of fresh, cool water, especially during the hotter months.

Closely monitor their water intake to ensure they are getting enough water to support their overall health.

If your pet likes to drink out of the faucet (including some cats), invest in a pet fountain that offers fresh running water to entice them to drink more.

This handy graphic by PetSafe.net, the founders behind National Pet Hydration Awareness Month, offers a great visual in terms of 8 oz. glasses of water. (Exercise or excessive heat/humidity increases how much water your pet needs.)

Unfortunately, most pets do not get enough hydration during extreme and humid temperatures. Even if your pet is indoors in the air conditioning, their bodies still feel the effects of the increased heat and humidity especially if they spend any time outdoors.

Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration can sneak up on your pet and owners need to be aware of the symptoms indicating potential dehydration.

  1. Sunken, dry eyes
  2. Dry nose and/or mouth
  3. Lethargy and depression
  4. Gums that are dry, sticky or pale
  5. Loss of appetite or refusal to eat

Use this Skin Test to See If Your Pet is Dehydrated

Gently pull up a loose fold of skin from the back of your pet’s neck or in between their shoulder blades.

Release.

If the skin quickly returns to normal, your pet is probably ok. If the skin hesitates or slowly returns to normal, your pet could be showing signs of dehydration. Call or see your veterinarian immediately to rule out dehydration and other serious health consequences.

Dehydration: Other Causes

Dogs or cats with the health conditions below can become dehydrated quicker and easier and need to be monitored closely.

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Trauma
  • Heatstroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes (or other metabolic disorder)
  • Cancer
  • Pets who are pregnant/nursing

Dehydration: Equine

Horses are just as susceptible to dehydration. Just a 3-4% loss of body water can cause mild dehydration in a horse.

Horses who exercise and sweat in hot, humid temperatures will need more water especially to avoid heat exhaustion/heat stroke and worse.

According to the EquiMed website, adult horses around 1,000 pounds require a minimum of 10-12 gallons of water each day. Just like with other pets, water is critical for an equine’s proper bodily functions.

The Skin Test (above) can also be used near the base of the horse’s neck to help determine dehydration.

Always work with your veterinarian to make sure that you keep pets well-hydrated during the summer months to avoid any potential risks to their health.

Along with plenty of fresh

water each day, help your

animals stay as cool as possible

with regular grooming to remove

excess, dead hair.

Our EquiGroomer tools make grooming your horse easier, stress-free AND pain-free!

Order individual EquiGroomer tools or professional kits for your pet shop, tack shop or barn, by calling 860-573-0604,  sending us an email or visiting our website today!

  

Additional Reading:

PetSafe: Pet Hydration Awareness Month, Why Now

PetSafe: Infographic: Does Your Pet Have a Drinking Problem?

PetMD: The Importance of Water for Dog Nutrition

PetMD: Dehydration in Cats

EquiMed: Dehydration

Horse Racing Sense: Is My Horse Dehydrated? 10 Clear Signs of Equine Dehydration

 

Image Credits (In Order of Appearance):

Myriam Zilles from Pixabay 

Courtesy: PetSafe.net

Courtesy: PetSafe.net

Free-Photos from Pixabay 

FreeStocks.org from Pexels

Rebecca Schönbrodt-Rühl  from Pixabay 

Product Image Courtesy of EquiGroomer

Posted on by equigroomerllc

It’s a stressful time right now for the whole new world!

But for our pets, it’s just another day as they are blissfully ignorant of the current world events. Perhaps it’s time to learn mindfulness from your pets!

What is Mindfulness?

Unfortunately, most of us have been taught or conditioned to react or respond to what we perceive as reality around us. When we do this, we Learn Mindfulness to Deal with Life's Challengesoften find ourselves worrying about the past or fearful about the future. Neither are natural states of being. Thankfully our pets always live in the moment, so let’s learn mindfulness from our pets!

Mindfulness is all about “being in the moment” and creating our own state of being. When we live in the moment (instead of the past or the future), we enjoy:

  • Enhanced mental clarity.
  • Improved concentration; and
  • The ability to better relate to others.

Learn the “7 Practical Tips to Achieve a Positive Mindset” from the Success Magazine.

Keep reading to learn how to master mindfulness from the masters themselves.


Learn Mindfulness From Your Pets, the Masters!

Our Animals Live with Mindfulness NaturallyThe one thing most of us have at this moment is time. Spending quiet and quality time with our animals can help us fine-tune our skills in mindfulness. Our pets have this amazing ability to relax and soothe us by just being close! Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, horse, or some other animal you love, pets naturally transfer us from the stressful chaos of our lives into being in the moment with petting, grooming, or even just cuddling with them.

I love hanging out with Clifford my horse even when he’s just grazing in the pasture. He reminds me to focus on and appreciate Mother Nature. He leads by example by living in the moment, enjoying the fresh air and the warmth of the sunshine. He doesn’t have a care in the world; especially about what tomorrow may (or may not) bring! (Click on the image to enjoy Clifford’s video!)

Want to practice mindfulness with your dog? Click here to learn more from Harvard Medical School.

Our Pets Teach Us Mindfulness and EmpathyWhat would our pets tell us if they could talk? Perhaps that slowing down and being present in this very moment will help us find the mindfulness and peace our hearts and souls crave.

“With the awareness and empathy you build while taking care of your pet’s needs, you enhance your ability to be more mindful in everyday interaction with friends and strangers alike.” All About Cats, an Online Community for Cat Lovers

Imagine how that would help your life and interactions with your co-workers, friends and even family.

Use Your Pets to Learn and Practice Mindful Meditation by Focusing on Them

Meditate with Your Pet

Use your pet to learn and practice mindful meditation by focusing on the little things about them. Softly touch them and really notice how soft their fur, feathers or coat is beneath your fingertips. Watch and breathe along with them. Lose yourself by looking in your pet’s eyes. If you’re cuddling, feel their heartbeat along with your own.

This is what means to be in the moment, just being together and enjoying a sense of calm awareness. Practice this same kind of attention and focus in other parts of your life and know you can call peace, relaxation and mindfulness to you anytime no matter what is going on in the world.

Learn how to meditate with your pet to relieve stress (yours and theirs!) with this article from the Animal Wellness Magazine!

Grooming Your Pet Helps You (and them) Release Stress and Be in the MomentStay mindful, healthy and positive!

The simple act of grooming your pet can help you (and them) release pent-up stress and enjoy being in the moment with them.

The EquiGroomer tools make grooming easy and pain-free brushing with NO pulling or damage to your pet’s topcoat or skin. Happy, relaxed pets and owners.

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

 

Additional Reading:

How Pets Can Sharpen Your Mindfulness Skills

Meditation for You and Your Pets

Mindfulness and Your Dog

How Pets Can Help You Meditate and Be More Mindful

Image Credits:

Image by Myriam Zilles from Pixabay 

Image by yogakalyanii from Pixabay 

Video: Courtesy of EquiGroomer on Instagram

Image by Angeles Balaguer from Pixabay 

Image by La Miko from Pexels

Image Courtesy of EquiGroomer

Posted on by equigroomerllc

According to CNN, people are spending more time in the kitchen during the coronavirus pandemic for old-fashioned, homemade comfort! Be sure to include your pet with these healthy, DIY Pet Treats below!

Whether your pet is a dog, cat or horse, keep reading to find the perfect DIY Pet Treat recipe below with human-grade and healthy ingredients for the fraction of the cost of commercial treats! We promise you will be rewarded with purrs, licks and nudges!

Basic Ingredients Make Great Pet Treats

Homemade Treats for HorsesHorses Love Homemade Treats!

Carrots, apples and oats, oh my! What could be better for your horse than all his favorite foods in one treat?! Add some beneficial flax seed (high in Omega-3 fatty acids) for an irresistible treat that will also improve their coat!

Homemade Flax Horse Treats

1 cup ground flax seed

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup shredded apple

2 cups quick oats

1-1/2 cups molasses

¾ cup water

½ cup brown sugar

Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients together. More (or less) water may be needed depending on the consistency, it should be sticky. If it is too dry, add more water, a little at a time. If it is too runny, add some more flaxseed and rolled oats until the mixture sticks together.

Grease 2 cookie sheets. Using a spoon, make balls, about 2” wide and place on the greased cookie sheet. You can put them close together (but not touching) because they will not increase in size.

Bake the cookies at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes.

Allow them to cool before removing from the cookie sheets and place them on a cooling rack or plate to thoroughly cool before feeding.


Find more horse treat recipes on these links:

Need some more inspiration for your human family?

Check out what others are creating on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with #CoronavirusCooking!

 

Your Cat will Purr for Homemade Treats!Homemade Treats for Cats

Sardines are incredibly healthy for cats (and dogs). They are high in protein, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and a variety of beneficial minerals including calcium, copper, iron and more. Preferably use sardines packed in water with no salt and share with Fido too!

Meow Yummy Sardine Treats (no bake!)

2 flat cans of sardines (do not drain)

2/3 cup cooked rice

1 tablespoon pureed liver

¼ cup chopped parsley

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Shape into balls of desired size or simply spoon into a dish to serve. May be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen.


Find more cat treat recipes on these links:

 

Homemade Treats for DogsDIY Treats for Your Dog

Do you love gummy bears or other gummy candies? Time to share with your dog with this quick recipe with just TWO ingredients!

Chicken Gummy Paws Dog Treat Recipe (no bake!)

1 cup chicken or beef stock (low sodium)

2 tablespoons or packets of unflavored gelatin

In a small pot, bring the stock to a boil. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 3 minutes.

Whisk in gelatin until no clumps remain. Let the liquid cool off for a few minutes and pour into your favorite silicone molds or ice cube trays.

Refrigerate for several hours until set like Jello.

Want them faster? Put them in the freezer for about 90 minutes. NOTE: If you do freeze the treats, let them thaw before offering to your dog to avoid damaging his teeth.

Store treats in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for a couple of months.

Suggestions: Add mint, parsley, turmeric, pieces of fruit or veggies before refrigerating or freezing.


Find more dog treat recipes on these links:

Once your pet is full and happy with their homemade DIY Pet Treats, it’s the perfect time to groom them with our EquiGroomer grooming tools!

Stress-free, pain-free and injury-free grooming for you and your pet!

For Easy Grooming, Use the EquiGroomer Tools!

Order individual EquiGroomer tools or professional kits for your pet shop or tack shop, by calling 860-573-0604, sending us an email or visiting our website today!

Additional Reading:

The Horse: Horse-Approved Homemade Treat Recipes

Budget Equestrian: How to Make Homemade Horse Treats

Care.com: 10 Easy Homemade Treats Your Cat (and Instagram!) will Total Love

Must Love Cats: Homemade Cat Treats

Good Housekeeping: 12 Best Homemade Dog Treats to Make for Your Pup

 Puppy Leaks: 25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes

 

Image Credits (in order shown):

Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Seksak Kerdkanno from Pixabay

Martina Seketa from Pixabay 

Felix Wolf from Pixabay

Alice Castro from Pexels

Product Image Courtesy of EquiGroomer

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