Angel Oaks Pet Crematory

09/22/2024

Your pet has seasonal allergies — and what you can do to help

Manage irritation with other remedies
If you’re wary about giving your pet a pill, there are other ways to soothe your pet’s symptoms, including natural remedies. Only use products made for pets, as products marketed for humans may be ineffective or toxic to your furry friend.

Avoid allergens. The best way to relieve or reduce symptoms is to reduce exposure. This might be the toughest option as it’s hard to keep a dog or an outdoor cat from going outside, but limiting time outdoors on high-pollen days will help manage symptoms

09/22/2024

How to help soothe seasonal pet allergies

Like humans, there’s no cure for your pet’s seasonal allergies. But that doesn’t mean they have to suffer.

Try an allergy pill
You can safely give your pet an over-the-counter anti-histamine to relieve their symptoms. The dosage depends on your pet’s unique needs and their weight. So, before stuffing any allergy medication into their mouth, check with your veterinarian.

Allergy medicines that are safe for your pet include:
Benedryl (diphendyrmine)
Claritin (loraditine) *never ever give your pet Claritin-D
Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
Chlor Trimton (chlorpheniramine)
Generic brands for any of the medications above

NOTE: If you’re going to try an allergy medication, do not use a decongestant or anything that contains pseudoephedrine (like Claritin-D). Even small amounts of pseudoephedrine can be lethal in dogs.

These medications work best as preventatives. If you know your pet reacts to hay fever, start treating them as soon as the allergy season begins to set in.

Credit: animalhumanesociety.org

09/22/2024

Both cats and dogs can be sensitive to fall allergens like ragweed, mold spores, or even dust. Watch for symptoms like excessive sneezing, scratching, or watery eyes.

09/22/2024

Data reveals most common dog illnesses across US states

A new study has revealed the most searched-for canine health concerns in the US, with one issue coming out on top. There was an average of 927 searches per 100,000 people every month for the illness across 33 states, according to PetLab.

The nutrition experts analyzed Google Keyword data to uncover which health conditions and concerns dog owners are most keen to get advice and solutions for. Ear infections came out on top in California, Illinois, and Washington.

Ear infections came out on top, the other common conditions that were searched included pancreatitis and ticks, with adult ticks reportedly spiking from mid-August to November.

The American Kennel Club estimates that one in five dogs suffers from an ear disease in their lifetime. The rate of infections seemed to increase over the winter, PetLab found, as snow or dry leaves can exacerbate the condition, according to experts.

The state with the population that seemed the most concerned about their dogs' health was Maine, with owners in the state making an average of 275 health-related searches every month.

In Florida, Alabama, New Hampshire, Montana, and Tennessee, pancreatitis was the most common health condition. Parvovirus placed third on the list overall and top on the list for dog owners in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Diarrhea and ticks followed on the list, with ticks being the most searched term in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Co-founder and CEO of PetLab, Christopher Masanto, said: “It’s only natural that we, as pet owners, are anxious about our pets’ health and are keen to seek advice on how we can identify and treat a condition before it worsens. Vigilance is key to catching any illness and getting your dog any help it may need.

“While searching the internet for solutions can prove comforting for some dog owners, it’s important to be wary of online diagnoses. If you suspect your furry friend is unwell, it’s best to consult a vet - especially if they’re experiencing any abnormal symptoms or suddenly appear out of sorts.”

CREDIT: MSN NEWS / Story by M. Brennan

09/22/2024

As the seasons dance from the gentle spring breezes to the cozy winter chills, you might notice your feline friend acting a bit… off. It’s not just your imagination—our whiskered companions are sensitive to the changes around them, much like we are when we can’t decide whether to wear a sweater or a t-shirt.

Spring’s longer days and warmer weather increase your cat’s energy, leading to more ‘zoomies’—keep play engaging to match their mood.
Shorter, colder days in winter can affect your cat’s mood and activity level; use daylight exposure and SAD lamps to combat seasonal blues.
Adjust feeding routines and indoor stimulation in winter to manage increased appetite and ensure your cat stays active and healthy.

09/22/2024

09/22/2024

A Pet’s Death Can Literally Cause a Broken Heart

The grief that comes with losing a beloved pet can be all-consuming. In fact, the pain can actually manifest with physical symptoms that mimic a heart attack.

A 2017 article in The New England Journal of Medicine detailed the case of a Texas woman. She reported symptoms of a heart attack. But at the hospital, diagnostic X-rays showed unblocked arteries. The patient, Joanie Simpson, told doctors that, among other stressors, she had recently lost her 9-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, who had been suffering from heart failure. She reported she was inconsolable.

Simpson was diagnosed with “broken-heart syndrome,” formally called takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a medical disorder in which the left ventricular of the heart temporarily balloons.

The sentiment is common in pet owners. Owners of recently deceased pets can expect feelings of extreme sadness, loneliness, confusion, and guilt, explained Joy Dias, director of client counseling and support services for the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. “In fact, any emotions that we feel when a person we love dies are very likely to occur when a pet dies,” she added.

09/21/2024

What Is The Friendliest Lizard?

When it comes to lizards, and reptiles in general the concept of love might seem quite alien, but research done by Dr. Sharman Hoppes has shown that not only do reptiles recognize people who frequently handle and feed them, but they also like some people more than others.

But which lizard is the most affectionate?

Well, there’s a reason why the bearded dragon was at the top of our list and that’s because it’s the friendliest lizard. While bearded dragons may not like being around other beardies they certainly enjoy the company of their fellow humans.

Many owners can attest to their bearded dragon’s friendly nature but don’t expect it to happen overnight, you’ll still have to earn their trust. Once you do, you’ll have a scaly friend that will climb all over you!

09/21/2024

09/21/2024

An article, “ Lizards Need Social Lives Too,” argues that reptiles appear to be happier and have better mental health when they are raised with regular social interaction. Reptiles — especially lizards — who get little to no human attention often become defensive and fail to thrive.

09/21/2024

YES ... YOU SHOULD SOCIALIZE YOUR CAT!

Socialization introduces a cat to new people as well as other animals. It teaches them new experiences do not necessarily need to be feared. It is generally recommended that cats be socialized from as early an age as possible, but this may not be an option

09/21/2024

The dog breed that yodels

Meet the Basenji, a breed that’s too cool to bark. No really – these dogs literally can’t bark. Instead of the usual “woof,” these canine crooners serenade with a unique sound known as a “baroo.”

It’s kind of like a mix between a yodel and a howl. And if you’re curious, it sounds like this. But why? Well, it’s all in their anatomy.

09/21/2024

You know you've done it!

09/21/2024

The dog breed that blushes!

The Pharaoh Hound, a breed as ancient as the pyramids, has a unique party trick up its…well, fur. When these dogs get excited or happy, their ears and nose turn a rosy pink. It’s like they’re wearing a natural mood ring!

But why do they blush? Well, it’s all about blood flow. When Pharaoh Hounds get excited, there’s an increase in blood flow to their ears and nose, causing the color change. This isn’t just adorable; it’s a glimpse into their emotional world.
Imagine being able to literally see when your dog is overjoyed – like having a happiness meter! Originally bred in Malta, these blushing beauties were once companions to Pharaohs (hence the name).

Today, they might not be hanging out in royal palaces, but they’re still turning heads and warming hearts with their unique blush.

09/20/2024

Offering our services and products to families who have lost their beloved pets.

09/20/2024

No-Bake Tuna and Cheese Balls for Your Cat

Lifestage: Kitten, Adult, Senior

Potential Allergens: Dairy, Fish

Ingredients:
½ cup canned tuna (not drained)
⅓ cup peas (frozen and thawed or canned)
¼ cup oats
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
Enough olive oil to form a dough
Cheese makes everything better, right?

To make these fish and dairy treats, add all the ingredients except olive oil to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients begin to form a dough. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the food processor to help the dough come together.

Once it does, turn the dough out onto your work surface and form it into ½-inch balls. Refrigerate the balls until they firm up and then store them in the fridge for up to a week. This recipe makes about 24 balls.
Dairy products, such as cheese, may not agree with all cats, so monitor your cat if these treats are their first experience with dairy or just leave it out.

CREDIT: hepper.com