Five+ Essential Oils for Canine Allergies

Essential oils have been used for health and well being for centuries.  In fact, well preserved oils have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.  There are also 188 references to essential oils in the Bible!  Essential oils are volatile liquids that are distilled from parts of plants. They are not to be confused with essential fatty acids.  The best oils have been distilled at low temperatures and low pressure. The oils are so concentrated that it may take thousands of pounds of plant material to produce just 16 ounces of quality oil.  Pure oils are not made in a lab, however, and do not have any added chemical constituents.

The natural chemical composition of an oil can have an emotional, as well as a medicinal, impact.  Many oils contain hydrocarbons called terpenes, which can aid in kidney and liver detoxification.  Others contain high levels of caryophyllene, which is an anti-inflammatory constituent.  These components make many essential oils a great choice for allergy symptoms.

♥  Nellie & Courage  ♥

Five+ Essential Oils For Your Dog’s Allergies 

Lavender ~  Lavender is the most versatile essential oil and is often used to cleanse and soothe minor burns, cuts and other skin irritations.  Lavender is a great analgesic, anti-fungal, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.  Its refreshing, relaxing scent has balancing properties that also calm the mind and body.  Note that while Lavender is very useful, it contains no antioxidant compounds and can oxidize when it is stored. These oxidized alcohols can cause allergic responses, so be sure your oil is high quality and has not been sitting in your cupboard.  It may be applied topically, taken orally, or it can be diffused.

Roman Chamomile ~  Roman Chamomile has calming, relaxing properties and has been traditionally used to soothe overworked muscles.  This oil also has anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and anti-parasitic properties. It may be applied topically, diluted to be taken orally, or it can be diffused.

Elemi ~  Part of the same family as Frankincense and Myrrh, Elemi has been traditionally used to support skin health and improve overall skin tone.  It may also soothe fatigued muscles and help clear the mind.  Elemi is anti-infectious, antiseptic and works as a sedative. It may be applied topically, taken orally, or it can be diffused.

Myrrh ~ An ancient biblical oil, Myrrh has a long history of use in skin care for its restorative benefits to aging and dry, chapped skin.  This oil is anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and also has astringent properties. It may be applied topically, taken orally, or it can be diffused.

Peppermint ~ Peppermint may help support normal digestion and has traditionally been used to ease tension.  Peppermint is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic.  Its fresh, minty aroma is both uplifting and energizing.  It may be diffused, or diluted to be used topically or orally.

Mountain Savory, Oregano and Clove ~  These oils can be added for immune support, an important component of allergy prevention and treatment. They may be diffused, or diluted to be applied topically or given orally.

 ~ Mountain Savory is an energizing oil that revitalizes and stimulates the body.  It also has strong purifying properties and supports the body's natural defenses.

 ~ Oregano is warming to the skin and is known as a purifying oil.

 ~ Clove is an important ingredient in our Young Living Thieves oil blend.  Containing high amounts of eugenol, it supports the body's natural defenses, as well as the body's natural response to stress.


Cautions:  While oils are useful and generally safe, they are powerful and can cause a wide variety of adverse effects. The largest problem with essential oils is that they may contain contaminates that make more serious issues arise. For this reason, you should only use therapeutic grade oils from a reputable company (we use and recommend Young Living) and verify the quality of oils before using them.

Animals have an acute sense of smell, so in most cases it is best to use oils that are diluted and always provide an escape route. Watch your dog carefully for signs that he may not be tolerating the oils very well, and remove them if he does not seem to like it. Cats are particularly at risk for oil reactions, and in most cases we use oils very sparingly on cats. One drop of essential oil diluted in 50 drops of a pure dilutional oil such as V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex (available through YL), or grape seed oil is usually enough.

To reduce the chances of sensitivity and organ toxicity, do not use the oil for more than two weeks and then provide a rest period.  Oils can be used for longer periods, but it’s best to consult with somebody trained in their use before considering this.

Interested in using Essential Oils for you or your Pet?  Please visit our Young Living Essential Oils website at http://www.GiftedGuidanceEssentialOils.com


About Dr. Jodie Gruenstern ~ Jodie Gruenstern, DVM CVA has been practicing veterinary medicine in Muskego, Wisconsin since 1987. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and food therapist by the Chi Institute. Dr. Jodie is the owner of the Animal Doctor Holistic Veterinary Complex, an integrated, full-service small animal practice.


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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com


Raven is also a professional intuitive, spiritual consultant, Animal Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting.  

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.

Petco to Stop Selling Pet Treats Made in China

NY May 20, 2014 (AP)

ABC News is reporting that Petco “will stop selling dog and cat treats 

made in China by the end of this year”.

From ABCNews.go.com…. Petco has announced it will stop carrying China-made dog and cat treats at its more than 1,300 store locations nationwide, including Unleashed by Petco stores and online at Petco.com, by the end of 2014. The move makes Petco the first national pet specialty retailer to take this step in support of the health and well-being of pets.

"We know some pet parents are wary of dog and cat treats made in China, especially chicken jerky products, and we've heard their concerns," said Jim Myers, Petco CEO. "As a leader in the industry and the trusted partner for our pet parents, we're eager to make this transition and to expand our assortment of safe and healthy treats, the majority of which are made right here in the U.S. Very simply, we feel this decision is in the best interest of the pets we all love and, ultimately, for our business."

Since 2007, and as recently as just last week, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has periodically cautioned consumers about a potential link between reported illnesses in dogs and the consumption of jerky products made in China. However, the FDA has been unable to identify a direct link between the reported illnesses and the China-made treats, and has not recommended a recall of jerky products.

"We've been following the FDA warnings and related customer concerns closely, and we've been actively reducing our China-made assortment and expanding our American-made offerings for several years now," said Myers. "We know the FDA hasn't yet identified a direct cause for the reported illnesses, but we decided the uncertainty of the situation outweighs the lack of actual proof. It has taken some time and careful thought to get to this point, but we're proud to make the change and we believe our customers will be pleased with it as well."

The final stage of the transition will begin in September and is expected to be complete by the end of 2014, marking the end of a multi-year process in which Petco has been working with vendors and suppliers to offer safer and healthy alternatives to treats made in China.

Pet parents looking for alternatives to China-made dog or cat treats should be on the alert for pet products that claim to be made in the U.S., however are sourced from problem areas, such as China and the Middle East.  Pet parents need to become label readers and educate themselves for the health and welfare of their fur kids.  If you would do your homework on product safety for your human kids, why wouldn't you do the same for your fur kids?!


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http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

Tired of Recalls? Seems like there are more and more each day . . . .  AND most are repeat offenders. Stop putting your pet's health (and life!) at risk! Choose Life's Abundance!  The company has been in business since 1999, our products have NEVER BEEN RECALLED, all pet products are formulated by holistic vet, Dr. Jane Bicks, AND our food is delivered to your door within 4-6 weeks of being made.  

Learn more about Life's Abundance

Bravo® Issues Nationwide Recall of Pet Food for Dogs and Cats

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Bravo® Issues Nationwide Recall of Pet Food for Dogs and Cats

Contact:
Consumer: 
(866) 922-9222

Click HERE for Product Label Photos From the FDA

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 14, 2014 - Manchester, CT – Bravo is recalling select lots and product(s) of Bravo Pet Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

However, healthy cats and dogs rarely become sick from Listeria. Animals ill with Listeria will display symptoms similar to the ones listed above for humans. People who have concerns about whether their pet has Listeria should contact their veterinarian.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers. The product can be identified by the batch ID code (best used by date) printed on the side of the plastic tube or on a label on the box.

The recalled products are as follows:

1) These products are being recalled because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand) 
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 52-102, 52-105, 52-110 
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand) 
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes 
Product Numbers: 52-102, 52-105, 52-110 
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

2) These products are being recalled out of an abundance of caution because while they did not test positive for pathogens, they were manufactured in the same manufacturing facility or on the same day as products that did test positive.

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes 
Product Numbers: 42-102, 42-105, 42-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BASIC FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand) 
2lb. tubes 
Product Number: 42-202 
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF & BEEF HEART FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)5lb. tubes 
Product Number: 53-130
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! 100% PURE & NATURAL PREMIUM GRASS-FED BUFFALO FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT) 
NET WT 2LBS (32 OZ) .91KG (Tubes)
Product Number: 72-222 
Best Used By Date: 1/7/16

PRODUCT: BRAVO! TURKEY BALANCE FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT) 
NET WT 2 LBS (32 OZ) .09KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-402 
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16

NET WT 5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube) 
Product Number: 31-405
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 42-105
Best Used By Date: 2/11/16

This voluntary recall has been issued because the FDA has reported an independent lab detected the bacteria in a sample during a recent review. The company has received a limited number of reports of dogs experiencing nausea and diarrhea that may be associated with these specific products. The company has received no reports of human illness as a result of these products.

Bravo discontinued all manufacturing in New Zealand on October 10, 2013. Bravo will immediately start working with distributors and retailers to properly dispose of any affected product left on freezer shelves. The company will also be announcing the recall to pet owners to ensure they dispose of any affected product that has been purchased.

Bravo is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement.

The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of this product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle). They can return to the store where purchased and submit the Product Recall Claim Form available on the Bravo website www.bravopetfoods.com for a full refund or store credit. More information on the Bravo recall can also be found at www.bravopetfoods.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.


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http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

Tired of Recalls? Seems like there are more and more each day . . . .  AND most are repeat offenders. Stop putting your pet's health (and life!) at risk! Choose Life's Abundance!  The company has been in business since 1999, our products have NEVER BEEN RECALLED, all pet products are formulated by holistic vet, Dr. Jane Bicks, AND our food is delivered to your door within 4-6 weeks of being made.  

Learn more about Life's Abundance

Cats Breeds 101 ~ Exotic Shorthair

A breed with only 50 years of history, the Exotic Shorthair, also known as the Shorthaired Persian, is a popular breed for cat fanciers who walk on the calmer side of life. This breed has its playful side, but it prefers to cuddle and relax for most of the day. Perfect for urban homes, or for country living, the Exotic is plush and beautiful to look at, with the added benefit of being one of the more affectionate breeds. A Persian without pretension, the Exotic is also easy to care for, with a minimal shedding but still luxurious coat.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Exotic Shorthair can be succinctly described as being a short-haired Persian, since for all intents, it meets every standard for the Persian breed, except for the coat. Where the Persian has a long thick coat that requires daily combing for prevention of mats and tangles, the Exotic has a medium length coat that is dense and plush, with a thick undercoat.

The Exotic does not require daily combing, nor does it shed heavily ~ in fact, it sheds so little as to be considered a “non-shedding” breed. Weekly combing is recommended simply for the purpose of beautifying the Exotic, and for keeping hairballs to a minimum. The fur on the Exotic is so thick, that this is one of those particular breeds of cats that looks much bigger than it truly is; needless to say, it is a big cat.

The Exotic may grow to be up to 15 pounds, but in height it remains fairly short and close to the ground. The appearance is cobby with short, stout legs holding up a round, muscular physique. It is compact, not fat, with the weight being attributed to the density of the bones. Proceeding upward to the crown, the neck carries the athletic build: short and substantial, topped by an impressively sized head. Exotics are acceptable in any color and in any coat pattern, including color point (like Siamese), white, striped, and calico.

The face of the Exotic is identical to the Persian, with the same standards in place. There are two features which particularly cause the Exotic to stand out. This breed is categorized as brachycephalic, which means that the skull, and by extension, the face, is short and broad, with a flattened muzzle. The other natural characteristic this breed has, and which boosts its popularity, is its pedomorphic appearance, meaning that the face of the Exotic retains its kittenish expression, with large, round, widely set eyes, small ears, a short nose, and a large, round head. This “cuteness”, along with its ease of grooming, and its agreeable and playful nature, make the Exotic one of the top choices for companion animals.

The Exotic is not especially prone to disease or genetic abnormalities, and this is largely due to the precautions early breeders took in the beginning. But, being a brachycephalous breed means that it has the usual problems that result from having the nose and eyes in such close proximity to each other. The tear ducts have a tendency to overflow, leaving stains along the facial fur. This is easily remedied with a damp cloth. There may also be occasional sinus problems, or problems with tooth alignment due to the shortened jaw and the possibility of tooth crowding.

Finally, the shorter nostrils make the Exotic more sensitive to heat. High temperatures may lead to breathing problems. Add that to the heavier coat, and you have a breed that will look for ways to stay cool.

Although the Exotic loves human contact, and will spend much of its time as a lap cat, it will also look for spots where it can cool down, such as uncarpeted floors, bricks, and tiles.

PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT

Early Exotics were a bit more active than their Persian relatives because of outcrossings for the short hair gene, but over the last four decades, since the breed began, the Exotic has come to be more like the Persian in behavior as well as appearance. It is still more playful that its relative, and its easy going nature and calm attitude are ideal for families with children and without, and for both rural and urban homes. The Exotic gets along well with other animals, but it tends toward people. Quietly, with a soft voice when it does have a need to speak, the Exotic will greet you when you arrive, and make you feel welcome, contentedly curling up on your lap.

This breed is amused by the simple pleasures of life. A string or a paper ball are enough to keep your Exotic pleased. They are not jumpers, nor do they dash around the house or make trouble on shelves. Their preference leans more toward lounging around and being caressed. They are amongst the most affectionate and loyal of cats breeds, a true companion pet.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The birth of the Exotic Shorthair began in earnest in the late 1950s, when American cat breeder Carolyn Bussey crossed a Persian with a brown Burmese, in the hopes of designing a brown colored Persian. She ended up with black kittens, but she had made the serendipitous discovery that the resulting kittens were strikingly cute. She believed that cat fanciers might take to the idea of a shorter haired Persian, one especially that would be easier to groom, but that retained the same beauty and easy nature of the Persian.

At this point, the short-haired breeds had been pretty well weeded out of the cat fancy because of the surreptitious crossings that had been conducted by less than honest breeders. While American Shorthairs were being crossed with Persians to produce better coats and to recreate the appearance of the Shorthair, the Shorthair breed itself was losing most of the qualities that made it a distinct breed.

The breeders of these cats fudged their papers to make it appear as though these new physical characteristics were naturally occurring, and cat fancy associations had no option except to all but end the registration of the Shorthair.

Ms. Bussey's exacting standards on breeding brought a more ethical approach to the cross breeding, and the result of her campaign to engineer this new breed was its registration as the Exotic Shorthair. Beyond the initial outcrosses between the Burmese and the Persian with the American Shorthair, the Exotic has been limited to crosses with the Persian, so that the breed can maintain its pedigreed status.

Outcrosses have not been a part of the Exotic breeding program since 1975, when the gene pool was deemed large enough to reliably produce both vigorous and attractive cats that met the standard.

This breed was granted Championship Status in 1967 by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). The Exotic made rapid progress from there, and was soon in demand. In 1971, the first Exotic Shorthair achieved the status of Grand Champion, and in 1991, an Exotic was the CFA's Cat of the Year.

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt A Senior Cat ♥

Here at The Gifted Pet, we truly adore the seniors, and we want to challenge you to look behind the fluffy cuteness of a new puppy or kitten and see the beauty that older pets have to offer! Here are our top 10 reasons to adopt a senior cat (also be sure to check out our top 10 reasons to adopt a senior dog). For tips on caring for your older pet, ask us about Senior Pet Care 101.

  

Top 10 reasons to adopt a Senior Cat:

1. When senior cats are adopted, they seem to understand that they’ve been rescued, and are all the more thankful for it.

2. A senior cat’s personality has already developed, so you’ll know if he or she is a good fit for your family.

3. You can teach an old cat new tricks: Senior cats have the attention span and impulse control that makes them easier to train than their youthful counterparts.

4. A senior cat may very well already know basic household etiquette (like not attacking your feet at night) anyway!

5. In particular, senior cats are often already litter trained and are less likely to “forget” where the box is.

6. A senior cat won’t grow any larger, so you’ll know exactly how much cat you’re getting.

7. Senior cats are often content to just relax in your company, unlike younger cats, who may get into mischief because they’re bored.

8. Speaking of relaxing, senior cats make great napping buddies.

9. Senior cats often know that scratching posts (not furniture) are for scratching and toys (not hands or feet) are for biting.

10. Senior cats are some of the hardest to find homes for ~ so when you adopt a senior cat, you’re truly saving a life.

Choosing to adopt a senior cat is a life-saving choice, but don’t adopt one because you feel bad . . . . adopt one because they’re easy going, instant companions.  When senior cats are surrendered it may be due to a life altering change and is a last resort, however we are finding that lately this is not always the case.  An owner’s ill health, the birth of a child, allergies, senior pet illness, an unforeseen move or financial change; the reasons (or excuses) are many. Senior cats that end up in shelters are good cats with no place else to go.  No senior pet deserves to spend the last years of their life in a noisy, scary shelter. By choosing to adopt a senior cat you’re giving him, or her, a second chance at life.  ♥

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Does Your Cat Have IBS Or IBD? Get The Scoop On Feline Digestive Disorders!

by Dr. Jane

Second only to upper-respiratory illness, digestive disorders are the chief reason for feline veterinary visits.  Cats with digestive problems exhibit symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea, to weight loss, constipation and excessive gas. While the causes are many, feline IBS and IBD are two common digestive disorders.  On many occasions, they are mistaken for one another, which is unfortunate because they call for very different treatments. In this post, we’ll cover the basics and try to clear up the confusion surrounding these disorders.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, also affects humans. For us, symptoms of this disorder include lower abdominal pain, excessive gas and a marked change in stools, among others.  All of these need not occur simultaneously, although they sometimes do.  Causes range from suffering from excessive stress, taking a newly prescribed medication and the development of dietary sensitivities.  In response, the intestinal tract repeatedly and painfully contracts, like a spasming muscle, leading to stool changes.  If you or anyone you know has endured these symptoms, you’ll know that IBS is no walk in the park.  

It may surprise you to learn that the gut has the largest concentration of nerves outside of the brain.  In fact, both the gut and the brain originate from the same clump of cells that divide to form a fetus in utero.  Further, the brain and gut are directly connected via the Vagus nerve.  When the condition of one is upset, the other follows suit.  It’s no wonder people say that they trust or think with their gut … half of your nerve cells are located there!  Presumably, this is the reason you feel “butterflies in your stomach” before a public performance or any other event perceived as threatening or frightening.

It’s not too much of a leap to see that the same feelings and experiences apply to your cat’s system.  Think about it … has your cat ever defecated in the carrier on the way to the vet, or other times when stressed or frightened?  Has your cat inappropriately eliminated (i.e., outside the litterbox) or vomited when there were changes in your household, but most of the time behaves normally?  If so, rest assured that this isn’t unusual.  In fact, it happens fairly frequently and is referred to as feline IBS.  The best way to deal with feline IBS is to effectively manage stress.  For tips on moderating stressors in your cat’s life, we offer an article and a video previously posted on our blog.

Conversely, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, is characterized by chronic diarrhea and/or vomiting, accompanied by gradual weight loss.  In IBD, long-term intestinal inflammation leads to thickening of the gut’s lining.  As the disease progresses, the thickening inhibits the body’s absorption of vital nutrients.  As a consequence, cats lose weight in spite of having a normal - or even an increased - appetite.  If left untreated, IBD can be debilitating and potentially fatal.  

IBD is usually diagnosed by exclusion; that is, in most cases, bloodwork, fecal and urine tests all come back with normal results.  When we see a cat who is experiencing chronic vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss, and all of these tests come back normal, IBD moves to the top of the diagnostic list.  

A definitive diagnosis requires an intestinal biopsy done by endoscopy, so most pet parents elect to wait and see if medication and a diet change improve symptoms.  The only real drawback to postponing the endoscopic procedure is that the symptoms for IBD are the same as those for intestinal lymphoma, a common cancer in cats, in which case catching it earlier is better.  To make matters more complicated, cats with intestinal lymphoma can improve on the same medications used for IBD, albeit temporarily.  If your cat is suffering from chronic digestive issues, I strongly advise you to make an appointment with your veterinarian sooner rather than later since delaying a diagnosis of cancer is never a good idea.

As mentioned above, treatment of IBD generally requires medication and a diet change.  Prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and any concurrent factors, such as hyperthyroidism or kidney disease.  Medications usually include an immune suppressant, like prednisolone or budesonide, and possibly an antibiotic.  Dietary changes typically include adding soluble fiber and feeding smaller and more frequent meals, as well as feeding a food that features prebiotics and probiotics.  Take the time to meet with your vet to determine a treatment suited just for your cat.  The good news is that cats with IBD can enjoy a good quality of life and live for a long time with proper care.  

As we’ve seen, IBS and IBD are two similar disorders but with very real differences. If your cat has occasional digestive problems during stressful  events, but is not losing weight and appears otherwise normal, it’s probably  IBS. It may be helpful to utilize the stress management tips linked above and talk with your vet  about an appropriate treatment for anxiety and the occasional use of  anti-diarrheal medication if your kitty has a flare-up. On the other hand, if  your cat appears to have a more chronic problem marked by vomiting, diarrhea and  weight loss, then you might be dealing with IBD. If this is the case, please  have your sweet kitty checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Life's Abundance Cat Food has prebiotics and probiotics. Remember when switching food do it very slowly. Buy Life's Abundance Cat Food Today!

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Disaster Plan for Pets ~ Tornadoes

If you live in a part of the country where tornadoes strike, you can increase the chances that your pets will survive a storm by following a few simple steps.

1. Bring your pets inside.

If it's not safe for you outside, it's not safe for them.

2. Keep emergency pet supplies in a tornado-proof room or cellar.

(The supplies should be easy to find and transport, in case you need to evacuate.) Include the basics:

Adequate supply of food, water, and treats

Sanitation items such as a litter box and litter or puppy pads

A crate to provide a secure place in which to weather the storm

3. Make sure that your cat or dog is wearing a collar and identificaton that is up to date and visible at all times.

Increase your chances of being reunited with a lost pet by having him or her microchipped.

4. Practice getting your pets into the tornado-safe area.

Do your best to train your dog to go to the area on command or to come to you on command even when there are distractions.

Learn how to quickly and safely secure your pets.

Find your pets' favorite hiding places and learn how to safely remove your pets from them.

5. Make your tornado-safe area animal friendly.

Close off or eliminate unsafe nooks and crannies where frightened cats may try to hide.

Move dangerous items such as tools or toxic products that have been stored in the area.

6. If you have to evacuate, take your pets and their emergency supplies with you.

Even if you think you will only be gone for a few hours, take your pets. You have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets.

7. Take special care of your pets after the tornado has passed.

Your home may be a very different place after a disaster, which can be very distressing for your pets.

Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations.

While you assess the damage, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost.

Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioral problems that may result from the stress of the situation. If behavioral problems persist, or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.

*Article courtesy of HSUS

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