The Wagging Tail Pet Nutrition Center

06/21/2024

If anyone knows a man named JP Ennis, who was in The Wagging Tail today, Friday, in the afternoon, could you please have him call the store 609-886-5999. I may have sold you the wrong oil.
Patsy

06/12/2024

ANOTHER ARTICLE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ADEQUATE HYDRATION
Unfortunately for me, I am guilty of not drinking enough water. My rheumatologist tells me, my nutritionist friend, Maria tells me, common sense and the night leg cramps I get, tell me. Do I listen? Sometimes when I have been running around my store for eight hours, I realize I have forgotten to drink at all! At 110 pounds I should be intaking about 78-100 ounces a day, or at least 6-160z bottles. I average about three to four. Not good!
Most of us keep fresh cool water in convenient spots for our pets. The bowls should be washed with soap and water regularly, especially to get rid of the saliva slime that builds up on the bottom. Cats that don’t get dental cleanings can have noticeably bad breath which makes their water and food bowls really fowl smelling, even to them. To give my aging cats even more moisture than they get from canned food twice a day (a mixture of good dry foods is kept out 24/7 and those bowls are cleaned-even in our shelter) I add warm water to the residue in the can and swish it around and add to the wet food dish.
Dogs, according to a recent article I read, need approximately 200ml to 3 liters a day based on their size. Dogs that are fed strictly dry food are more likely to miss out on essential water input, which aids in blood flow and healthy heart function, bowel and kidney disposal, and regulating body temperature. That is probably why the Whole Dog Journal has recommended a raw diet, freeze-dried raw, or canned food over even the best dry food. However, with multiple dogs and large dogs, that diet can be super expensive, hence the advantage of dry dog food. A dog in the wild would get a generous amount of organ meat, bones and vegetables which contain around 70% moisture whereas dry foods or kibble only contain 6-10% water. Stay away from dry foods that contain corn, wheat, and soy.
About 8 years ago Bob and I were invited for a weekend to the town in Wisconsin where the Fromm Family Foods is located. Their plant was impeccably clean (we had to wear booties) and we took seminars. One was on good gut health. I have written before, based on what I learned, that COOL water (or bone broth-salt free) needs to be added to dry dog food. Even if you add some wet food, toppers or fresh foods (all of which I highly endorse) add enough water so that your dog will literally DRINK its food. The quicker the better. Do not let the kibble soften as that will make the food go down sluggishly. It is a myth or misconception that dry kibble helps clean the teeth. Nothing but brushing (which I don’t do) or the use of a gel (follow instructions) which I use (you should see my eight-year-old Maltese’s teeth!) and good chews like raw frozen bones and elk antlers, will clean teeth effectively. If your dog is a grazer, chances are it finds its meal boring or unappealing. It is up to you to find ways to up the desirability with a variety of healthy additions.
Please come in and talk to me if you have any further questions.

Patsy

05/30/2024

ELK VELVET ANTLERS AND OTHER SUPPLEMENTS

A few customers have asked me recently if I could get Velvet Antler supplements for their pets. I decided to do some research. It is quite expensive, and the way it is obtained is controversial. The benefits of elk and deer antlers has been known for thousands of years. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals. And they are high in chondroitin-which we sell in other supplements-and help pets with joint issues. Elk antlers that we sell for chewing purposes, ARE SHED NATURALLY, and make a wonderful gnawing experience for most dogs. And they help to clean a dog’s teeth. It is recommended to start with the sliced version first, as the marrow is exposed. (If you wanted to get Velvet Antler supplements, however, the antlers must be utilized before they get hard, which means the animal must endure a possibly painful (the velvet part contains nerves and blood vessels) and traumatic experience.
Some farmers claim that they use a humane and cruelty free procedure, but not all do, and it is difficult to really assess how the majority of animals are treated. Some sources simply get the product from animals that are routinely slaughtered for the velvet. Even if, as some claim, they numb the area first, that numbing agent, a chemical, would be in the supplement.
Besides supplements that we sell like NaturVet, Ultra Oil, Grizzly, and Pet Natural, we sell goat milk in our freezer section. It is a great alternative to Velvet Antler Supplements. Goat milk is the most consumed milk in the world, and as it is often referred to as the universal mammalian milk, it is gaining popularity in the United States, for people as well as pets. It is more easily digestible and does not contain substances like alpha-s1-casein protein, and a form of beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin proteins that are all linked to allergic reactions. According to the Journal of American Medicine, goat milk is the most complete food known. “Raw goat milk contains vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, trace elements, enzymes, protein, and fatty acids.” Humans and dogs can tolerate goat milk even with digestive issues. It is a source of easily digested probiotics that can help with many chronic diseases, including: liver disease, kidney disease, kidney stones, diabetes, GI disease, poor digestion, diarrhea, malnutrition, and heavy metal poisoning. Fermenting goat milk adds even more probiotics, which helps with arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, colitis, intestinal pathogens and even brain disorders.
We’ve been carrying small packets of Goat’s milk by Honest Kitchen in a powder form that can be reconstituted with water as you need it. Now we added ones by Shepherd Boy Farms, which are packaged in mixable bottles in pint and quart sizes in a variety of flavors.
A few days before Memorial Day we got 4 new kittens, 9 weeks of age and their mother, who will be spayed today. She is part Minx and is beautiful. Come visit all our felines.
I wanted to tell you all about my recent trip across the Atlantic Ocean and my visit to New Forest, England. Perhaps next week. I am suffering with a cracked rib (from returning to work with Jet lag, and symptoms of pneumonia (which is due to overworking?) with my cracked rib. Am I a trooper or a fool?
I recently read (Reader’s Digest) if you put a dryer sheet in your mailbox it will deter wasps, and possibly save your mailperson from a wasp bite.
Patsy

05/30/2024

Look what just 5 minutes of brushing my cat Connie can do!
Patsy

05/06/2024

HAPPY GUT HAPPY PET
I feed my two dogs and three cats at home the best I have at The Wagging Tail, but I have chosen not to feed my dogs kibble, i.e. dry food. THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL is like the bible of the dog food industry (to me), and they have clearly indicated their preference for raw frozen, freeze-dried, and/or quality canned food, over even the most expensive dry dog food. I feed a lightly cooked frozen called MY PERFECT PET (also called SNUGGLES.) And I top it with Dr. Marty’s or Stella and Chewy. The more organ meat you can give to your pet the better. This food includes organ meat, vegetables, cranberries (which are considered a super food) and kelp.
70% of your dog’s immune system is in the gut. Poor gut health, which is due to an imbalance of bacteria, can lead to irritable bowl syndrome, paw licking and biting, scratching and even tear stains. Probiotics greatly increase a pet’s ability to flourish in a healthy way. Its daily use can also positively improve anxiety and depression, allergy problems, skin irritations and dry skin, regulate problems with diarrhea, gassiness, flatulence, bloating, and YEAST INFECTIONS. Probiotics will help with excessive shedding, boost muscle mass and make pets happier. Once I started using probiotics, I could only describe the changes in my pets as being visibly happier within their bodies. May sound strange, but it is definitely apparent. In addition, Ebby’s bowls firmed up even more and Zoey’s are more consistently firm. One of my cats, Mystery, who is on thyroid medicine, gets it with every amount of wet food I feed him. And his stools are not foul smelling and runny as they were prior to using the probiotic. I only notice a decline if he does not consume all the food. I am going to experiment with some different probiotics, some which I sell now and some that I don’t. I will keep you informed.
I wrote last week about my foster/rescue fear-biter dog Ebby. I felt bad that I portrayed her in such a negative light. She does have some very endearing qualities, and we love her. She is totally housebroken, unlike Zoey who sometimes relieves herself indoors. She follows me everywhere and must have one of the chairs in my office placed near me. She waits on the steps when she knows I am about to come home and gives lots of kisses. I pick her up (20 pounds) and cradle her (her face over my left arm) and we dance together to BAD HABITS. When I put her down, she jumps up at me, wagging her tail, saying “more mom.” When she begs, she sits on her haunches and waves her two front paws. She is happier sleeping off the bed, which gives Zoey and me more room. She is my alarm clock, waking me every morning at around 7:30. Then she comes up on the bed and gets rubs and kisses. Still wary, I always watch her eyes.
Thank you for helping keep a small business in business. Happy warm weather.
Patsy

04/26/2024

THE EBBY CHALLENGES
Many of you know that over two and half years ago I was asked to take in two dogs from the Villas who were left in the care of a not-so-dependable son (according to neighbor) while his mom and dad were being hospitalized. Bob had just gotten hip surgery, so I took them into the former grooming shop until I heard more about their owners. The older pomerium mix had to be put down withing a few days. I was left with the 20-pound Chihuahua mix. I never heard anything except that the husband had died, and no one called about the dogs. I took Ebony home where she soon revealed that she was a fear-biter after she bit Bob who had to go on antibiotics. I called the county shelter who flatly told me that they could not take in a fear-biter and would just put her down. What to do?
The first winter (2021) I could not get a coat on her. By the spring of 2022, I was able to slide a wrap harness over her head and fasten the Velcro under her belly. But that was the result of carefully rubbing her belly for months prior. With harness on, I rewarded her with a walk around the neighborhood with Zoey. Eventually when I showed her the harness, she’d get wildly excited. Still does. There were touchy moments in the beginning where I would use the behavior control spray to discourage aggression. Her saving grace has been and still is her relationship with and the gentle way she plays with Zoey, our Maltese. I tell people all the time, two dogs, two kittens (cats) are always better for all concerned.
I have never had a pet for which I have to be on guard. I always watch her eyes. When she gets up on my bed in the morning and rolls over for her light belly rub, I keep watch for her eyes to soften, where all the white disappears as she relaxes. But I learned that if I fall asleep and accidentally move my leg and bump her, she will lash out. She is very reactive. Now I place a pillow between us. A few weeks ago, she was lying beside me on the sofa lounger (but facing towards my feet) and I moved my arm, and she attacked just pinching the skin through my sweatshirt. I don’t know anything about her previous life, but I am sure she was abused in some ways. I made her get off and she did look “sorry.” Two nights later she was sitting next to Bob, and he moved his arm and she tried to bite him. A few nights later I was in the other room preparing the dogs’ dinner and I heard a commotion. I ran into the family room and Bob said she was sitting on the arm of the sofa (in a higher Alpha position) and she tried to bite his nose, just scraping it. No more is she allowed on the sofa! She must use the separate recliner or lay on the comfortable beds atop Bob’s treadmill.
We have conquered the eye bogger problem after two years of my obsession and her aggression. Every morning when both dogs come in from their first potty, I take a warm damp thin cloth and first do Zoey, who gets some goopy discharge, so Ebby can watch. And then, a bit more firmly, I rub Ebby’s and sneakily check for any crusty spots. Then they get a treat. I repeat this when we have our last go of the night. (Feeding will be another topic.)

04/26/2024

Dear Face Book followers and customers,
I appreciate all the comments about the recent article in The Herald. Pet Product News has been one of my favorite trade magazines that I had delivered to my store every month. I have always wanted to submit information about The Wagging Tail, but life and work got in the way. Then to my absolute delight, Allison Dolby, who was my right hand until three weeks ago, sent in a glowing recommendation. Then followed several hour-long telephone interviews and investigative research, before a final decision was made. The Wagging Tail was chosen as the first store featured in January, and as Murphy’s Law would predict, it is the first issue to be digital! No physical magazine for me to hold and browse through. Or show it to friends and family. If you want to read the very lengthy article, go to petproductnews.com and search the January issue. There will be other recipients throughout the year. We won the category, SMALL BUT MIGHTY. You will also see that I have been adopting and rehoming cats for about 30 years. I also have rehomed many dogs and puppies. I used to kiddingly refer to myself as the pet matchmaker of Cape May County.
Thank you again for all your support.
Patsy

Gen Z’s Trips to Pet Stores Are Up, Report Finds The report examines how this generation’s shopping preferences are having an impact on pet s…

04/26/2024

MORE ABOUT PRO PLAN AND QUESTIONABLE PET FOOD INGREDIENTS
Immediately after my last article went into publication, I got an email from one company’s representative with whom we deal-but not in commercial food products. This email was sent to all their retailers pertaining to the “rumors” about sick and dying pets who ate pro plan. Purina denied these rumors to be relevant, even suggesting some kind of conspiracy against the company. Even if they are rumors, which have not been proven yet, it does not negate the poor ingredients used, and the misrepresentation in their ads and packaging, beguiling customers into erroneous conceptions of noble, clean (not full of crap), healthy pet food.
The bag of food pictured on the article last week was of Purina Dog Chow on which there is a plate of sliced chicken, yet the bag only includes some “chicken flavor.” And they state in their full-page ad in Reader’s Digest that the food (more like feed) has high-quality protein, no fillers and is 100% complete nutrition. The truth is that gluten and grain-based ingredients like rice, corn, wheat, and soy and vegetable by-products are fillers which means that they don’t add any nutritional value but increase the volume/bulk of the bag of food. Meat By-products are not used in better quality pet food, but they can provide protein in the form of lungs, kidneys, liver, brains, and fatty tissue. If an ingredient panel on a bag of food starts with a protein like chicken, it must contain 95 percent of chicken (or salmon etc.) This main product must be at least 70% of the total products when counting the added water. Any meat meal is made up of remaining animal parts like extra meat, connective tissue, and offal (internal organs) and cooked at high temperatures before being made into a protein-packed powder, then made into meal. (According to JustFoodForDogs.) Corn and wheat can lead to allergies and obesity (becoming sugar.) Soy is a filler “responsible for a huge portion of pet allergies that can result in sneezing, itching, swelling, anaphylactic shock, and death.” (From another source on fillers.)
The ingredients in Pro Plan chicken formula includes Rice, Whole grain wheat, Poultry by-product meal, Corn gluten meal, Whole grain corn, Wheat bran-all within the first seven ingredients. The top three to avoid when feeding your dogs (or cats) are corn, wheat, and soy. According to my google quest, PetSmart charges $69.48 for a 35lb bag of Pro Plan Adult Chicken formula, which contains all these negative fillers and allergen producers. We sell Fromm Adult Gold Chicken (30 lbs. of all good ingredients by a five-generation family-owned Wisconsin company.) They don’t advertise so they don’t spend money on anything but making great dog and cat food. (The same goes for the other foods we sell.) The ingredients do not have any corn, wheat, soy or by-products, or anything else that is not good quality pet food. And this grain-inclusive food, not like the Pro Plan mentioned above, has flaxseed, menhaden fish meal, Wisconsin cheese, duck, lamb, carrots, sweet potatoes, and probiotics. The price is $52.99, more than fifteen dollars less, and we track your purchases, so your 13th bag is free. The Fromm Company has (and we carry) over 40 varieties in just cat and dog and in various sizes. And all our food, any brand, is 100% guaranteed that your pet will love it and thrive, or your money back.
AGAIN,​PLEASE PROTECT YOUR PET FROM CHILLY RAIN, WINDS, SNOW AND TEMPERATURES (EVEN IF IT IS COOL IN YOUR HOUSE.) IF YOU COVER UP, YOUR DOG SHOULD BE COVERED-UP. A HOUSE DOG DOES NOT GROW A WINTER COAT. YOU NEED TO BE SMART. ​Dogs suffer from joint pain and in cold temperatures the joint fluid may thicken creating more pain and the onset of or degree of arthritis.
Thank you for helping a small business stay in business. Check out our on-premises cat shelter.
FORGIVING SOMEONE A HURT IS MUCH MORE EMPOWERING THAN FEEDING THE RESENTMENT. (Patsy)

04/26/2024

We will be closed Mother's Day, May 12th to give all our loving Mothers a break. 💖

02/20/2023

We can now help your new four legged friend start off on the right track while saving you money!

Bring your new addition to the store (within 3 months of adoption date) and we will set you up with kibble, wet food, frozen/raw/dehydrated food, treat, supplements, and for cats- litter. All for free. yes, you read that right. Amazing brands like Acana, Primal, Zignature, Fussie cat, Nulo, The Honest Kitchen and so much more.… for FREE.

After your visit, you will receive an email letting you know about coupons you can come back and use with us on a later date!

This AMAZING offer has no end but does have a limit of one offer each - Canine/Feline - every 365 days.

—Brought to you buy AstroLoyalty. ——————————
Must sign up for AstroLoyalty in store to redeem offer.

05/26/2022

By the request of our team members, we give you this weeks article. The following has been researched and written by THE Patsy Nelson.

Enjoy :)

WHY DO WE FIND ROSEMARY EXTRACT IN PET FOODS AND TREATS?🪴

I certainly learned a lot about Rosemary in researching this article. I got so excited that I am purchasing a plant, and I updated my jar of Rosemary leaves which had been neglected in my spice drawer for years.
Rosemary is an aromatic Mediterranean evergreen plant, used in culinary seasoning, herbal teas, essential oils, fragrances and for health care. IT IS NOT TOXIC TO CATS OR DOGS, although it is possible for a pet to have an adverse reaction to the herb (symptoms listed later.) Rosemary has been used throughout history as a medicinal aid for brain function, joint inflammation and to relieve stress. Rosemary does have antimicrobial properties, which means that it kills microorganisms or stops their production, and it is used as a natural preservative in pet food. Rosemary also functions as an antioxidant (especially the rosmanol) helping to eliminate the free radicals in a pet’s body that can cause long-term harm as in cancer. In short, rosemary’s antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic qualities help to “combat infections, decrease inflammation and swelling, promote digestion and preserve and enhance vision.” Rosemary is high in vitamin A and C, magnesium, calcium, folate (folic acid-vitamin B9) and iron. Rosemary can act as a bug deterrent (it contains camphor) and can be diluted in oil form and used as a spray outdoors. Always be careful when using rosemary extract on a pet’s skin, a cat’s skin is particularly very thin, so it must be diluted and applied sparingly and with due diligence. You can research how to make a safe tincture.
Pets can nibble on a live plant (it is not likely that they would ingest too much) or you can sprinkle some on their food at mealtime. It is rare that a pet would be allergic but do look for the following possible signs and consult with your veterinarian.
SYMPTOMS IN DOGS SYMPTOMS IN CATS
*Itchy skin *Dry, flaky skin *Hair loss *Drooling *Trouble walking *Puking *lethargy *Hair loss *Bumps/rash *Chronic ear infections *Labored breathing *Swelling *Obsessive licking/chewing of feet *inflamed, red paw pads *Gastrointestinal upsets *Gastrointestinal upsets *Seizures
Rosemary can cause cats to seem “high” because of the nepetalactone in the rosemary’s flowers and leaves. They may appear more playful and energetic, before dozing off. But if your pet displays any of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and the above do occur with other allergens, you can try removing the rosemary or eliminating diets that have a trace amount in them, usually the last item in the ingredient panel. As in most possible allergens, Rosemary is harmless, but the pet’s body does not recognize it as such and will set up “an unneeded immune response against the rosemary ingredient.” It could be a quick response, or it may take years to develop. Not all vets use the Bicom testing to determine allergies, but this tests your pet’s blood’s reaction to different possible allergens. If the response in positive, your pet’s blood wavelength will show stress, i.e., an incompatibility to that item. Since there are so many possible allergens, I have been getting Ebby and Zoey the once-a-month Cytopoint injection. After the initial exam and injection, you only pay for the monthly shot which can be given by a vet tech.
Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day (thanks to military) weekend. We will be open as always to serve your pet’s needs. Thank you for enduring support, and thanks also to our brand-new customers.

05/20/2022

05/20/2022

We have some amazing new items this week !

We have ZestyPaws!

Turmeric bites -
“Active ingredient Qmin+TM is a is a curcumin extract to support healthy liver function and may ease joint stiffness due to normal daily exercise and activity, while BioPerine® is a patented extract derived from black pepper that can increase the body's ability to absorb Qmin+TM. The formula also contains Organic Turmeric to provide joint, digestive, and immune support, and Coconut Oil, which has natural properties that support joint health, brain function, and energy levels.”


8-in-1
“Zesty Paws 8-in-1 BitesTM are premium soft chews that provide eight great multifunctional benefits for your dog’s overall support. These functional supplements support hip and joint function, heart health, skin health, gut function, the immune system, antioxidant activity, liver health, and performance. That’s because this chewable functional supplement contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, a Gut Health Blend, and a whole lot more!”

Immune bites
“Specially formulated to support immune function and help fido with seasonal foes, with human-grade Epicor and other ingredients, and a delicious lamb, salmon, or peanut butter flavor fido will love!” -zestypaws.com

Grandmas Mae’s Country Naturals RAW ALTERNATIVE Air Dried Food ( can be used as a full meal, mix in, topper and treats!)
“RawTernative is an air-dried alternative to raw frozen pet food from the makers of Grandma Mae’s Country Naturals, the independent pet store brand.”
- RawAlternative.com

05/17/2022

A few customers have mentioned going to see the ghost tracks at Cape May beach. For those looking to check them out with or without your canine companion, here is an article on the history of the tracks! Not entirely pet related but pretty cool.

The Story Behind The Cape May Point Ghost Tracks. Posted By: admin May 15, 2022 Let me tell you a little bit about the Ghost Tracks on the beach at Cape May Point. When I was a kid, it was a magnesite plant. After it was closed in 1983, the local kids used it as a go kart track before they fenced it...

05/16/2022

GOOD GROOMING PRACTICES (Dog Hypertension next week issue.) - By Patsy

I have not been inconsistent in keeping up with my Maltese Zoey’s brushing, so I had her trimmed short in her recent salon visit at The Wagging Tail. I WILL TRY HARDER. In-between baths, I use pet wipes and Pooshe to keep both Zoey and Ebby clean smelling.
The following is a step-by-step guide to follow when grooming your dog (or cat) from Family Dog Magazine. With some added tips from me. On dogs or cats that may have mats, it is best to get the mats out and brush the pet before bathing as the mats will just tighten more when wet.
Use only PH balanced pet shampoos. Human shampoos and dish detergents are too harsh. Thoroughly wet every part of your pet to the skin before applying shampoo.
If you dilute the pet shampoo a little before applying, the cleansing agents are better activated. It also helps to spread the shampoo more evenly over the coat and rinse out quicker.
Lather the entire body, armpits, under the body, between toes. If not using a tearless shampoo, add a drop of mineral oil or Safe Eye, to protect your pets’ eyes. This is especially true of flea and tick shampoo. If your purpose is to deflea your pet, always lather the head and ears first, then across body including tail and under tail, and then down the legs including the pads of the feet. The fleas move away from the shampoo on the pet, and you don’t want them running into the eyes. Two bathings may sometimes be necessary for really “dirty” dogs.
Rinse thoroughly using warm clean water until there are visible suds. I usually do Zoey in the laundry sink so she can set her front paws on the edge. It helps to have a non-slip mat on the bottom like you would have in your tub. Since I don’t have a sprayer there, I use a large plastic container to rinse her off.
Using a conditioner may depended on the breed. Some breeds like Poodles don’t need it. But check with your breeder or use your own discretion. Conditioners may be very useful in detangling long, drop-coated breeds. Conditioners help loosen undercoat on shedding dogs.
Rinse out the conditioner and squeeze excess water from your pet or use a cloth chamois. There are ones specifically for pets. They are truly amazing-will practically dry any pet. In warm weather, short-haired breeds will dry quickly. Other pets may need the use of a hair dryer.
Brush your pet to remove excess loose hair or to complete grooming on dogs with longer or curly coats. A rubber curry (of which The Wagging Tail has a nice selection) is an outstanding tool for short-haired dogs, and great for bathing as well. Rakes are great for dense, double-coated dogs. Furminators are useful for shorter double coats. Just use with care.
When brushing it is suggested to start behind the ears and work down to the tail. Do one entire side before doing the other side. (I have never tried that.) I usually brush out the tail if there are feathers by holding the tail bone and using a soft slicker brush followed by a comb with rotating teeth or a greyhound comb.
Thank you for helping to keep a small business in business. If we support one another perhaps we can maintain a bit of quaintness in our lives. Thank you also for your donations to our cat shelter. Every penny helps.

05/16/2022

Attention friends,

We pride ourselves in our competitive pricing for exceptional products and services for years. Many of our frequent costumers have noticed a climb in prices and just last week a increase in our grooming prices. We want to update everyone that nail cuttings have gone up to $12 now for cats and lower for kittens. We appreciate your understanding and your loyalty to our small business.

If you are looking to get your cats and kittens nails trimmed you can call the store at (609)886-5999 or you can now send us a message on here to set up an appointment.

We also do bunny nails as long as it’s friendly.

Thank you so much 💜🐾

05/16/2022

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN DOGS -Written by Patsy

Two issues ago I wrote about cat Hypertension and how it can easily cause blindness. You might consider suspecting something is not right with your cat if your pet “has a heart murmur or any of the liver-kidney-related clinical signs such as an increased water intake or urination, vomiting and weight loss. Other signs include seizures, fainting episodes, or nose bleeds.”
The following is from an article by VCA Animal Hospital.
Blood pressure refers to the pressure against the walls of arteries during the time the heart contracts (systolic pressure-maximum pressure) and empties itself of blood as well as during the time the heart relaxes-diastolic pressure) and fills with blood. Measuring blood pressure is like our own experience, however, more challenging with a pet’s lack of cooperation or distress at its surroundings. The vet must get a pet to lay calming (Maurice refused) on its side. The doppler method requires the vet to shave a small area at your pet’s ankle or wrist and a small probe will be taped in place. Then a cuff is applied and is inflated. As the cuff deflates, your vet will listen for the systolic pressure to be recorded. This procedure unfortunately does not allow for easy or reliable testing of the diastolic pressure. It is important to take several readings because of the dog’s stress level. If the dog has a primary health issue like chronic kidney disease, then the hypertension is secondary hypertension. If there are no underlying issues, then it is primary hypertension which is rarely the case. The three most common triggers are kidney disease and adrenal gland disease, followed by diabetes mellitus.
Potential complications in a dog having high blood pressure include *sudden blindness bleeding inside the globe of the eye, and persistently dilated pupils *detached retinas *nervous system signs like depression, head tilt, seizures, disorientation, wobbly or uncoordinated movements (called Ataxia), circling, weakness or partial paralysis or short, rapid, back-and forth movements of the eyes (called nystagmus) *increased drinking and urinating with the progression of chronic kidney disease *stroke (cerebral vascular accident) *blood in the urine (called hematuria) *bleeding in the nose and nasal passages *heart murmurs or abnormal heart rhythms.
Hypertension is more common in older dogs which are more prone to have other medical problems or have excessive steroid levels produced by the adrenal glands as in Cushing’s syndrome.
Prescribed medication like angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin ll receptor antagonists (ARBs) and therapeutic nutrition help in long term management. “The treatment goal for a dog with hypertension is a systolic pressure of 140mmHg or less, and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg or less. Periodic laboratory testing will be required to monitor for side effects of medication and progression of the disease.”
Thank you for helping to keep a small business in business, helping to employ our neighbors, and every small donation to our cat shelter. We do have young cats and sometimes kittens for adoption