By the Tail Animal Care

11/07/2024

If your cat has been diagnosed with feline diabetes mellitus, you can help Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine!

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disease of cats, that is due to a loss or dysfunction of insulin secretion, or diminished insulin sensitivity, resulting in hyperglycemia. The disease requires careful management, that may include daily insulin injections. Very little is known about the genetics underlying feline DM.

Our study aims to identify the regions of the cat genome that are associated with this disease, with the goal of developing a genetic screening test.

We are looking for blood samples (2-3 mL in EDTA tube) from diabetic cats to be taken at their next vet appointment. We also require diagnosis confirmation in the form of blood glucose values, urine glucose result, and/or fructosamine levels.

The study will provide a shipping box (containing blood tube, ice packs and prepaid FedEx label) for the sample to be mailed to the Cornell Veterinary Biobank.

If you are interested in helping with this study, please email Dr. Hayward ([email protected]) for more information, or provide your shipping address and phone number for a collection kit to be shipped to you directly.

10/31/2024

“Laboratory analysis reveal that dog p**p is very nutritious, with a similar calorie content to cooked chickpeas.” 🤯

This natural survival strategy, known as coprophagy, reveals how wildlife makes the most of every available resource.

10/30/2024

🌟 Free Microchipping & Vaccine Event! 🌟
In the wake of the recent hurricane, we’ve seen an increase in strays and lost pets in our community. Let’s ensure that our furry friends can find their way back home safely! 🐾💕
Join us on Saturday, November 2, from 8 AM to Noon at Bishop Animal Shelter for a FREE microchipping and vaccine event. Microchipping is the fastest and easiest way to reunite you with your pet, and vaccines are essential for their health and safety.
🚨 First 200 pets only! Don’t miss out on this chance to protect your beloved companions. Together, we can help keep our pets safe and secure!
Spread the word and tag your fellow pet parents! 🐶🐱❤️

10/27/2024

Sounds nice.

10/22/2024

Place different types of water vessels in their most frequented areas and change the water 1-2 times per day.

10/21/2024

A happy ending to a terrible story. I love that she’s committed to fostering and “providing a bridge” to forever homes.

Tell ‘em Trooper sent ya!

10/21/2024

I tell anyone who will listen about litter boxes.

For many cats, the best option is an uncovered litter box placed in a quiet and convenient location. We often make the mistake of trying to provide so much privacy that we end up creating an uncomfortable or unsafe set-up. Additionally, with a covered box, it often doesn't get checked and scooped enough.

10/20/2024

10/10/2024

The John Templeton Foundation believes firmly in scientific and spiritual progress, and works with hundreds of experts to study topics that inspire awe and wonder.

10/09/2024

I evacuated for Ian (smart, home under water for two weeks) and I’ve evacuated for Milton. Only this time I have three dogs and three cats, instead of one cat and one conure, and the bf in tow. Seven good reasons to get somewhere safe. It was a bit chaotic, but everyone’s settled and sleeping.

🤞🏼 we don’t have a tree in our house when we return tomorrow and our neighbors are OK.

10/08/2024

All remaining dogs at our Palmetto shelter have been moved to Bishop Animal Shelter, located at 5718 21st Avenue West (Bradenton). We are urgently seeking fosters for these remaining dogs. If you are able to, please stop by the shelter by 4 p.m. today.

10/08/2024

QUITTING SO MUCH SITTING
How did we become so obsessed with making our dogs sit for everything?
Maybe because it’s believed that dogs that sit on cue are obedient, well mannered, calm, self-controlled and that sitting is incompatible with unwanted behaviours. Maybe because we think it makes us look good as responsible dog guardians.

But is it all really necessary or more importantly in the best interests of our dogs, both physically and emotionally to expect them to sit so much?

Sometimes what we have always believed to be true is not always what’s best for our dogs. As we continue to learn more through research and ongoing education, our methods and beliefs need to change accordingly.

“Sit” is usually one of the first thing puppies are taught. Just one session at puppy school may include up to 20 or more “sits” - that’s a really high intensity workout for a dog at any age, but puppies in the growing stages are particularly at risk.

These sitting repetitions put excessive pressure on the developing skeletal system which may lead to damage or injury that may only become apparent at a later stage.

Senior dogs may find it really painful to sit down and then get back up. Sitting puts pressure on the lower back, hips and supporting muscles. Certain breeds are just not anatomically designed to repeatedly sit.

Asking a fearful or reactive dog to sit in the presence of whatever is triggering that emotion is probably the worst thing to do. The belief that sitting will magically create calmness and stop the negative emotion is not logical.

There is nothing wrong with teaching our dogs to sit and occasionally asking for sits in certain situations, but look at teaching more natural, alternative behaviours, that are just as effective.

In the words of Turid Rugaas – “If you yourself want to sit, sit! If you want your dog to sit, think twice!”

For more detailed information on this subject, here are some links -

https://blog.bharcs.com/2021/03/06/should-we-ask-our-dogs-to-sit/ #:~:text=Young%20dogs%20are%20very%20good,which%20starts%20causing%20compensatory%20issues.

http://www.turid-rugaas.no/sit.html

10/08/2024

The emotional well-being of cats is often overlooked when people consider feline behavior. Many assume a cat is acting out of spite or vengeance, when, in reality, the cat is usually trying to communicate distress.

This is especially true for declawed cats. Declawing not only causes permanent physical pain (more on that later) but also takes a significant mental and emotional toll on cats.

Declawed cats are often more anxious, fearful, stressed, and even depressed because their primary means of self-defense has been removed. This loss can lead to feelings of vulnerability and a lack of confidence in their environment, which may result in more aggressive behaviors, like biting.

Cats that live in a constant state of anxiety and fear often experience a lower quality of life, struggle to form strong bonds with their caretakers, or end up in shelters due to misunderstood behaviors.

10/06/2024

As always, our hospital will be open during the upcoming hurricane (Milton). Once again, thank you to our amazing staff members who make that possible. We sincerely appreciate you!!

If you need us, we will be open 24/7 and available for any pet emergencies through the storm.

We hope everyone stays safe during the storm.

🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀

10/03/2024

Do you have a disaster plan for your pet in the event of an emergency? Consumer Reports offers tips for getting your pets ready to evacuate before a storm.

09/30/2024

How many litter boxes do you have? Are you scooping daily?

I am beyond excited to share with you guys my second infographic! I was hoping for a whole series of these, at this juncture I'll be happy with three, so stay tuned for another, might take us a year! Click the link to view and this is also available on my swag store for shelters, rescues, and clinics for client education materials!

Thank you .png for the art!

https://www.fundamentallyfeline.com/get-the-scoop-litter-boxes-101-infographic/