Does catnip have any long-term effects on cats?
Catnip is quite the treat for many cats! Approximately half of all cats will be genetically predisposed to enjoy this herb. Catnip is a member of the mint family -- actually there are several different types of catnip, but what makes cats so in love with this herb is a chemical in the leaves known as nepetalactone.
Young kittens, less than 3-6 months, will not be attracted to catnip, but once they pass that age, they will go gaga for it. When you first give your kitty some fresh or dried catnip, you
Posts Tagged ‘veterinarian’
Effects of Catnip
by Lori Teller DVM DABVP CVJ February 1st, 2012 | Animal Health, Ask the Vet, Cats
Cats and Milk
by Lori Teller DVM DABVP CVJ January 18th, 2012 | Ask the Vet
Is it true cats can be lactose-intolerant? What are the signs?
In this regard, cats are very similar to people. Kittens are born with the enzyme, lactase, which digests the lactose (milk sugar)found in their mother's milk. As cats age, just like people, less and less lactase may be present in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the inability to digest lactose and an intolerance to dairy products. Some cats will continue to be able to handle milk with no problems, but others will develop the typical signs of lactose intolerance, namely, the GI symptoms of flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In this regard, cats are very similar to people. Kittens are born with the enzyme, lactase, which digests the lactose (milk sugar)found in their mother's milk. As cats age, just like people, less and less lactase may be present in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the inability to digest lactose and an intolerance to dairy products. Some cats will continue to be able to handle milk with no problems, but others will develop the typical signs of lactose intolerance, namely, the GI symptoms of flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Reptiles and Snow
by Dena B. Baker DVM January 11th, 2012 | Ask the Vet, Reptiles
Is it safe to put a little snow into a reptile tank for the animal to play with?
Reptile enclosures need to be set up so that the animal can regulate their body temperature effectively. Based on the species, you will need to determine what temperature to keep the tank, the ambient air, and the basking areas. Due to the need to keep this temperature fairly consistent, I would not consider adding a frozen substance, like snow, to the environment. Also, there is a possibility that there could be substances in the snow that could be toxic to your reptile.
The
Reptile enclosures need to be set up so that the animal can regulate their body temperature effectively. Based on the species, you will need to determine what temperature to keep the tank, the ambient air, and the basking areas. Due to the need to keep this temperature fairly consistent, I would not consider adding a frozen substance, like snow, to the environment. Also, there is a possibility that there could be substances in the snow that could be toxic to your reptile.
The
Losing Puppy Teeth
by Lori Teller DVM DABVP CVJ January 4th, 2012 | Animal Health, Ask the Vet, Dogs
Will a puppy show signs if it hasn't lost its baby teeth, or should we check?
During puppyhood you will probably not see clinical signs from retained deciduous (baby) teeth. However, problems are beginning and can lead to symptomatic dental disease as your dog gets older.
If baby teeth do not fall out as the adult teeth grow in, then they can cause a misalignment of the teeth and potentially lead to an abnormal bite as the puppy develops. This may or may not cause some oral pain when the dog is older, depending on the severity of the misalignment. The
During puppyhood you will probably not see clinical signs from retained deciduous (baby) teeth. However, problems are beginning and can lead to symptomatic dental disease as your dog gets older.
If baby teeth do not fall out as the adult teeth grow in, then they can cause a misalignment of the teeth and potentially lead to an abnormal bite as the puppy develops. This may or may not cause some oral pain when the dog is older, depending on the severity of the misalignment. The
UV for Turtles
by Dena B. Baker DVM December 28th, 2011 | Animal Health, Ask the Vet, Reptiles
Does a turtle need a UV light in its tank?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is critical for turtles to be able to produce Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential for proper absorption and metabolism of calcium, which is needed for growth and overall health. Deficiencies in Vitamin D3 and calcium can cause problems with shell growth, bone density, and can even lead to death.
UV light is divided into two main types, UVA and UVB, which are both required for healthy turtles. UVB light is especially crucial for vitamin D3 productions, but UVA is needed for normal activity and behaviors. Sunlight is
Ultraviolet (UV) light is critical for turtles to be able to produce Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential for proper absorption and metabolism of calcium, which is needed for growth and overall health. Deficiencies in Vitamin D3 and calcium can cause problems with shell growth, bone density, and can even lead to death.
UV light is divided into two main types, UVA and UVB, which are both required for healthy turtles. UVB light is especially crucial for vitamin D3 productions, but UVA is needed for normal activity and behaviors. Sunlight is
