Your Cat Is Dying And You Have No Money: Here's What To Do

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The realization that your cat is dying can be one of the hardest moments of your life. It will be hard to let go and make a decision that is best for your furry best friend. There will be a lot of emotions that you will be going through, but there will be a moment when you think about the finances needed to put down your pet.

If your cat is dying and you cannot afford the price of euthanization, there are options that you can consider. Your local vet, animal shelters and rescues might do it for free or set up a payment plan. You could Sell some belongings to fund the procedure or let the cat pass naturally at home. 

Losing your cat will be hard enough and having to deal with the stress of figuring out how to pay for a procedure will only add more stress. Read on to learn more about the options you have when your cat is dying and you have no money. 

What To Do If Your Cat Is Dying?

Preparing for your cat’s death will be difficult, but it is better to prepare yourself and start the grieving process. Figuring out a plan for your cat’s remains will help with the grieving process and not make it a financial burden on you and your family.

• Call Your Vet

• Visit Local Animal Shelter and Rescue

• Sell Some Belongings

• Let You Cat Pass Naturally

• Pet Insurance

Call Your Vet

The first step to making sure your cat receives the best and most humane care is to call your vet. They will know your cat and will discuss with you what options you have for the euthanization of your pet. They will most likely charge a fee for taking care of your dying cat, but in some cases, they may be willing to work with your situation. 

If the options your vet gives are too expensive, explain your situation and your vet might be able to cut you a break. Some vets will give you the options to start a payment plan or forgo the costs altogether to ensure that your cat passes humanly and in the best care.

Remember, vets want to keep a reputation of loving and caring for their animal patients, so be sure to ask if there is any way to work with you on the cost. They have run into these situations before and most likely have a procedure for payments. 

Visit Local Animal Shelter and Rescue

If you encounter a situation where your vet is not able to work with your budget, do not stress, there are still options available to you. Contact or visit your local animal shelter or rescue. Most of the organizations want what is best for animals so they will work with you and your situation. 

The only caveat that might be tough to accept is that you may have to sign over rights of your cat to the shelter or rescue. Once you give these organizations rights to your pet, they will be responsible to do what is best for the animal. You are giving them the right and responsibility to humanely euthanize your cat and give them sufficient end-of-life care.

Sell Some Belongings

While signing over rights may be a way to alleviate expensives for you, it may be a hard thing to swallow and do. If you want to take care of the situation on your own, you can sell some of your belongings to give you the extra funds to pay for the procedure. 

Let You Cat Pass Naturally

In some cases, the best option could be to let your cat pass naturally in the comfort of their home. Consult with your vet to ensure that this is an option that you have and you are doing what is best for your cat. 

Pet Insurance

A proactive option that you have to prepare for your cat’s passing is your pay for pet insurance. Pet insurance can help you cover the cost of a procedure. Although, this will raise your monthly bills but in the long run could help you save money. Furthermore, pet insurance can help cover the cost of any procedure that may help prolong your cat’s life.

How Do I Know When My Cat is Dying?

Now you know what your options are for when your cat passes, but here are some signs you can look for that can give you more time to prepare your cat, you, and your family. 

• Feel The Cats Heartbeat

• Check The Cats Breathing

• Take The Cats Temperature

• Monitor The Cats Appetite

• Check The Cats Odor

• Monitor The Cats Behavior

• Visit Your Vet

Feel The Cats Heartbeat

When you can sense your cat’s health begins to decline, regularly feel their heartbeat. You will want to check to see if your cat’s heartbeat begins to feel faint. Although this might not be the only sign that tells you your cat is dying when paired with other signals, it can be a major concern. 

To check your cat's heartbeat, feel their heart for fifteen seconds and multiply by four. This will give you your cats one-minute heartbeat. The typical heartbeat of a cat is between 140-220 per minute. A sign that your cat is struggling is if their heartbeat is on the lower end of this scale or below. 

Check The Cats Breathing

Another way to check if your cat is on the decline is to regularly check its breathing. A cat's breath will become lethargic and faint when they are close to the end of their life. A faint heartbeat paired with a struggling breather is a red flag that you need to be aware of.

To check your cat’s breathing, the process is similar to checking its heartbeat. Monitor their breath for fifteen seconds and multiply by four to get their breaths per minute. You could also monitor their breathing by inspecting their chest and nostrils. If their chest is rapidly moving and their nostrils are flaring, they may be struggling to breathe. 

Take The Cats Temperature

Just like humans, a sign that your cat might be fighting for its life is its temperature. If you sense that your cat is struggling but want to have some clarity, take its temperature using a thermometer. 

To take a cat's temperature, you can either do it rectally or in-ear. To get the most accurate temperature, you will want to purchase a rectal thermometer. Get a friend or family member to help and to ensure the safety of your cat. 

The average temperature of a cat is between 104 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the cat's temperature is above or below that threshold, your cat may be in danger. If you are planning on taking the cat's temperature often, purchase an in-ear thermometer. 

Monitor The Cats Appetite

When it comes to your cat, you know what its normal behavior consists of, including its eating habits. If over time you begin to see your cat eating significantly less than normal or if your cat is vomiting after meals, you will want to pay a closer attention to your cat. 

When cats get towards the end of their life, they will lose their appetite and barely eat. This might be their way of letting you know that it is time to let go. Although a loss of appetite is a sign, it is a major concern when paired with other signals or persists for a long period of time. 

Check The Cats Odor

An obvious sign for cat owners that it is time for your cat to move on is if they begin to develop an odor. Developing an odor is a common sign that their organs are beginning to shut down and they are ready to move on. If you begin to smell an odor that is not typical for your cat, you should begin thinking about developing a plan for the end of your cat's life. 

Monitor The Cats Behavior

When you are beginning to see physical signs of your cat's health decline, look for signs in their behavior that indicates they may be struggling. At the tail stages of their life, cats look to be in solitude as they do not want to pass in the presence of their owners. 

If you begin to notice your cat continuously going into hiding and refusing to come out, they might be telling you that they are ready. Along with going into hiding, your cat's muscles might begin to fail and they are struggling to walk or do other physical activities they did before. 

Visit Your Vet 

Just noticing one of these signs may not be a major cause of concern for your cat's life. But, if you are seeing multiple signals for a prolonged period of time, you may want to consider visiting your veterinarian. They will be able to give you more clarity on your cat's health. 

What Should I Do When My Cat is Dying?

Once you begin to see the signs that your cat is dying, you will need to make a plan for them to live out the rest of their lives as comfortably and happily as possible. Here are some things you can do to prepare for the end. 

• Provide a Comfortable Spot For Your Cat

• Help Your Cat Use The Bathroom Comfortably

• Monitor Your Cats Pain Level

• Properly Care For The Cats Remains

Provide a Comfortable Spot For Your Cat

If you know that your cat is towards the end of their lives, you should provide the cat a comfortable space. Provide the cat with an ample-sized bed that is warm and where your cat can live the rest of their days constantly.

At the end of their life, your cat might experience some incontinence issues. If this is the case, make sure you are cleaning your cat's area often. 

Help Your Cat Use The Bathroom Comfortably

Furthermore, they may be too fragile to make it to their litter box. Pay attention to your cat's needs and carry them or assist them to their litter box. Change the litter box more often than usual to ensure that your cat can use it comfortably. 

Monitor Your Cats Pain Level

When it is time for your cat to pass, it will give you signs that they are ready to let go, As the cat’s caretaker you will need to pay attention to these signs and monitor the cat’s pain level. Monitor the cat’s appetite, muscle strength, body temperature, and their appearance. 

If your cat seems to be losing weight rapidly and/or they are unable to walk, it might be time to call your vet. Moreover, a tell-tale sign your cat is ready is that it seeks solitude. Cat’s will try to get to space where they can be alone so they can pass in peace. 

Properly Care For The Cats Remains

After recognizing the signs and accepting that your cat is ready to pass, you will need to make arrangements for your cat's remains. As a cat owner, you have options that are humane and provide your cat with respect. 

Contact your vet to learn about the options you have. In many cases, caring for your cats remains can be expensive. There are options that can provide respect for your cat while still not draining your bank account. 

How Do I Make My Cat Live Longer?

When it is coming to the end of your cat's life, it might leave you wondering if there was something you could have done. When caring for a cat, there are some things to consider that might help prolong your cat's life. 

• Routine Vet Visit

• Proper Diet

• Exercise 

• Mental stimulation

Routine Vet Visit

When bringing a kitten home, you should immediately schedule a vet visit. During the initial vet visit, your cat will need to get their vaccines. After this visit, your vet will let you know how often you should come in for a routine check-up.

As your cat ages or starts to have other health issues, you will need to see the vet more frequently. If your cat suffers from arthritis, obesity, kidney or liver issues, you will need to make sure you are visiting your vet at least twice a year. 

Proper Diet

Cat’s are naturally carnivores and should eat a mostly raw diet. A cat’s diet should consist of prey such as rats, mice and other prey as to resemble a natural diet for them. If your cat is experiencing health issues, you should tailor a diet that allows them to get the proper nutrients. 

Furthermore, while making sure your cat is getting a proper diet, there are some foods that you should avoid feeding your cat completely. Cats can become sick when eating onions and garlic. Onions and garlic can damage a cat's red blood cells and cause irreversible damage.

Other food to avoid feeding your cat include:

• Macadamia nuts

• Grapes

• Milk and other dairy products

• Dog food 

• Mushrooms

Exercise 

When adding a cat to your family, you should expect to schedule a time for it to get daily exercise. It is recommended that a cat gets 20-30 minutes of exercise daily. Providing this opportunity for your cat will reduce the risk of your cat becoming obese and other health issues. 

Cat’s are less likely to want to exercise daily but giving them the opportunity to play each day will increase their motivation. Cat’s have a high prey drive that can make playing with toys and other interactive activities a good way to get them to exercise. 

Mental Stimulation

A key to keeping your cat alive longer is providing them with some type of mental stimulation. Cat’s crave mental stimulation and often look for it. When they are bored, they can lose their drive and this can risk them in becoming unhealthy. Here are some tips that can help keep your cap mentally stimulated.

• Teach them tricks- Dogs are not the only animals that can learn tricks

• Get another pet- Cat’s love to have a best friend to chase around all day. 

• Obstacle courses- Cat’s are very agile and smart. Test them with an obstacle course.

• Puzzles- There are lots of creative puzzles that range from easy to hard.

Conclusion

Admitting to yourself that it is time to let your cat go is going to be a hard moment in your life. Cherish the memories and time spent with your cat, but always do what is right for your pet, even if this means letting go earlier than you expected. 

Sources:

https://www.littlecatclinic.com/post/how-much-exercise-does-your-cat-need-.html#:~:text=Experts%20recommend%20that%20cats%20should,they%20don't%20want%20to.

https://coleandmarmalade.com/2018/06/18/how-often-should-you-take-your-cat-to-the-vet/#:~:text=Between%20seven%20and%2010%20years%2C%20most%20cats%20need,signs%20of%20discomfort%20or%20distress%20in%20your%20cat.  

https://cats.lovetoknow.com/cat-nutrition/what-is-best-diet-cats

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Cat-Is-Dying#:~:text=Signs%20that%20your%20cat%20may%20be%20dying%20can,by%204%20to%20get%20the%20beats%20per%20minute.

Can a Veterinary Technician Become a Veterinarian?

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The transition from Veterinary Technician to Veterinary is not as easy as many think it is, but it surely prepares many for a fulling and rewarding career in the field of Veterinary. As a Vet Tech you’ll be presented with a variety of challenges that will help you grow and become a successful Veterinarian in the future.

It is undeniable that entering the field of Veterinary as Veterinary Technician puts many in advantage when it comes to future employment opportunities and Veterinary school applications.

The skills many Veterinary Technicians are to learn and their up close observation and shadowing of the Veterinarian in charge, provides these with a strong educational base and hands-on experience. Continue reading below as we go into detail about the path from Veterinary Technician to Veterinarian, and help you understand how to make this an easier transition. 

What is the Difference Between a Veterinarian and a Veterinarian Technician?

Both careers can be equally rewarding. If you have a passion for caring and interacting with animals, both of these will lead you to this path.

As we discuss some of the main differences associated to these, you’ll be able to notice it all depends on whether the aspiring student prefers to be the decision maker or more of the care provider. 

The Difference in Schooling Between a Veterinarian and a Veterinarian Assistant

One of the top differences that comes to the mind of many of us between these two is education. This is as many of us are aware of the number of years necessary for each of these is one of the biggest differential factors. This is also an important one to consider before following this career path.

Veterinarians are required to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree before attending a Veterinary Medicine College for four more years of study. This is while excluding the many years of residency graduates are faced with. 

When it comes to the time of schooling for becoming a Veterinary Technician, this tends to be a lot shorter. It typically requires g an Associates's or Bachelor’s level degree, which can vary from two to four years of study.  

Because of these differences in years of education, the cost to become a Veterinarian is much higher than that of a Veterinary Technician. This cost tends to usually be ten times higher, making it a hugely influential factor for many when it comes to choosing between a Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian career path. 

But with these differences in years and the cost of education, comes a difference in salary which is another differential factor between these two. On average Veterinarians are paid a much higher salary than technicians, given the higher level of education and responsibilities.

The Difference in Responsibilities and Obligations Between a Veterinarian and a Technician

As we briefly discussed the range of education and responsibility between these two professions, let’s dive deeper into the tasks and obligations difference between these two.

As for the obligations attached to being a Veterinarian, these will vary according to the specialty. There are some that specialize in smaller animals like cats and dogs, others on exotic animals like rabbits, and the rest on larger animals, like horses. 

But regardless of specialty, these are some of the most prominent duties of a Veterinarian:

• Examine animal patients 

• Diagnose and provide an appropriate treatment plan

• Perform surgery

• Euthanize animals

• Change or stop medications 

As we can see Veterinarians are the doctors in charge, while technicians provide care following the treatment plan created by the Veterinarian. 

A veterinarian can surely perform all of the tasks of a Technician if he or she wanted to do so, but a technician is prohibited from performing the job of a veterinarian. For example:

• A Technician cannot diagnose

• A Technician cannot provide a treatment plan

• Technicians can help during surgery but not perform surgery themselves.

Although a Technician is not able to directly perform many of the critical tasks assigned to a Veterinarian, they are still able to learn a lot as they do get to closely observe them and ask questions. This provides them with a lot of preparation and experience, making the path to Veterinary school a lot easier. 

Both of these careers have their own boundaries and obligations. These are both very rewarding career options and with an employment demand expected to grow within the next few years.

Given this list of cons and pros, we can notice the reason why some of the best Veterinarians started their journey as Vet Tech. This allowed them to receive exposure to the reality of the profession from an early career start. 

Similarities Between the Path to Veterinarian and Veterinarian Technician

Even though these two may have different responsibilities and educational background, there are a few things where these two overlap. 

The number of years required to spend in school for a Veterinarian may be significantly more than that of a Vet Tech, but whether your desire is to be a Veterinarian or Veterinarian Technician, you are very likely required to go through the followings:

• Both career paths require attendees to complete and pass specific state licensure. An exam is required to become both a licensed Technician or Veterinarian. 

• In order to maintain their status and be able to remain practicing, both of these are required to keep their license. If license happens to be revoked, none of these are able to continue working in this field. 

• Another characteristic of these two is the fact both must meet the state’s continuing education requirements in order to keep their license. These are a number of continuing education credits that must be taken each year to remained licensed. 

This shows why it can be a great idea to become a Veterinary Technician before a Veterinarian, this provides students with a strong experiential and educational base, helping them excel during Veterinary School. 

Should I Be a Vet Tech or a Veterinarian?

The reasons are not few to consider any of these two career paths. Both of these fields are continuously growing and promise a lot for future practitioners.

As we briefly discussed above and as you continue reading this article, you’ll notice you should only become a Veterinarian if you are ok with the many years of study, which seem to extend beyond graduation. 

As a Veterinarian, you’ll be constantly learning and improving as new technologies and treatments arise.  Unlike a Veterinary Technician who is not always expected to know the latest in medical treatments, as a decision-maker and treatment provider, a Veterinarian surely is.

You should only become a Veterinarian if you are ok with the burden of responsibility as this will lie explicitly on you.

On the other hand, you should only consider becoming a Veterinary Technician if you truly have a heart for serving and helping others. As a Veterinary Technician, you’ll be performing a lot of service tasks and customer care.

You should also take into consideration the salary difference which can lead many to simply use the field as a stepping stone instead of seeing it as a long-term path.

But overall, it is no doubt that considering becoming a Vet Technician should open many doors and provide you with the necessary experience to become a great Veterinarian one day.

Do Veterinarians Ever Go Back to Being a Vet Tech?

Although not impossible, this rarely happens as most Veterinarians understand the salary difference between these two career path.

Also, after putting in so many years and all of the effort necessary to become a Veterinary Technician, as well as gain the level of knowledge they have reached, many see it unnecessary or frustrating to go back to position where they do not get to provide a medical treatment plan to patients when they know the answer.

In conclusion, it is completely common for a Vet Tech to transition to a Veterinary position, but it is rarer for it to be the other way around. 

Are There Any Reasons Not to Become a Veterinarian?

Related to the information above where we talk about Veterinarians going back to a Vet Tech position, this may happen due to some of the difficult tasks Veterinarian are presented with.

Although Vet Tech also suffers a lot of stress at work from all the different tasks and the long hours of work they are presented with, Veterinarians are given a much higher responsibility when it comes to diagnosing and treatment plan, which may cause some to return to a less stressful position with less challenging responsibilities.

Besides the range of responsibilities, many consider a career as a Veterinarian to be too expensive, with many graduating with high amounts of debt. Vet schools can vary from $35,000 to $50,000 in tuition every year, with many not having this kind of money.

Besides the high tuition cost, it can be hard and very competitive to be accepted into a Veterinarian school, and once accepted the courses can be very challenging for many. If students do not happen to meet the requirements necessary they can be denied acceptance, and if they happen to be accepted remaining in the program can be just as difficult.

But many agree their passion and eagerness for this field make it all worth it in the end, working as their driving force.

Veterinary Technician Accreditation

While working on a Vet Tech degree, it is important to make sure this is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. This accreditation is not only important for Veterinary school application but also for future employment opportunities as Veterinary Technician. 

Through this accreditation, students can rest assure they are receiving the best preparation for this field, as well as taking the courses necessary to make the transition to Veterinary School easier.

The Path from Vet Tech to Veterinarian

As briefly mentioned above in order to become a Vet Tech, students will need to enroll in a two-year Associate’s degree, which can usually, be completed at vocational school or community college. Students may also choose to enroll in a four-year Bachelor’s degree, which offers them with a more direct path to Veterinary Schools. 

To become an official Veterinarian, aspiring practitioners must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree before applying to Vet School. This is why it may be recommended to complete a Bachelor’s degree instead of an Associates to quicken things up a little.

As we all know the entrance and acceptance to Vet School can be highly competitive. The requirements are many, with those who already have experience being preferred. This is where having a background as a Vet Tech comes very handy, placing applicants ahead of the rest. 

Also, those who have already worked as a Technician have already experience the risks and lows of the profession. As a Veterinarian, practitioners are not always presented with puppies and kitties, but they need to be ready to encounter large animal breeds that are in pain and already scared, making the job ten times harder.

Having experience as Technician demonstrate the necessary skills and endurance required for this field and career path. If you are not 100% percent sure if this is the right path for you, it is highly recommended you first become a Veterinarian technician so that you can make the right choice for you. 

Things to Consider as Vet Tech Transitioning to Veterinarian

So you already decided you might want to acquire a Veterinary Technician degree before becoming a Veterinarian. Here is a list of some of steps to consider in order to be fully prepare you for your future Veterinarian career:

Make Sure to Emphasize Course Prerequisites as an Undergraduate.

While working on your undergraduate degree as veterinary Technician, make sure to focus your course work on courses pertaining to your Veterinarian degree and school of choice. 

Many Veterinary schools have course prerequisites required for admission. Make sure you knocked these out of the way while pursuing your undergraduate degree. This way you are able to kill two birds with one stone.

Join Clubs and Organizations

Many community or vocational colleges offer undergraduate students the opportunity to become part of a pre-vet club or organization related to the field. Take advantage of these as they’ll be of great benefit when applying to Veterinary school and for future employment opportunities.

Shadow Other Vet Techs or Veterinarians

Take advantage of internships or shadowing opportunities as these will help you network and acquire future recommendations that will be of great hand when applying to Veterinary School.

Also, these may even provide you with a job opportunity right after graduation, which can sometimes take time and hours of job applications. 

The importance of having hands-on experience cannot be addressed enough. The schools are many that require applicants to have a certain number of hours working with animals. The more internships and veterinary assistant opportunities you have, the best. 

Life After Veterinary Schools

After graduation from Veterinary school, many consider to doing an internship to increase their credentials, with the main goal being to land a good job opportunity. This is not required to enter the field, but is surely recommended as it puts many in advantage. Just like when applying to Veterinary schools, those capable of providing proof of experience being preferred by employers. 

Whether your dream is to be part of a Veterinary clinic, a research facility, academic institution or a private practice, these should be able to let employers know you have the necessary experience, providing you with a higher status of more than just a recent graduate. This is something to consider as many employers tend to be afraid of hiring recent graduates as there are plenty of legal issues involved. 

Resources After Graduation

Once you have stepped in the field and is time for you to work as a Veterinary Technician or an official Veterinarian, you might want to consider becoming part of a professional organization that can help you stay up to date with the latest news in the Veterinary field, and help you gain valuable and longstanding connections. 

There are a variety of choices out there which professionals can choose from according to their interests and specialty.  

A few examples of these organizations are:

• American Animal Hospital Association

• United States Animal Association

• American Association of Equine Practitioners

• World Veterinary Association

Consider joining some of these to help you excel and always be aware of the latest innovations so that you can provide the best possible treatments for your patients. 

The Bottom Line to a Veterinary Technician and Veterinarian Path

Now you have some knowledge of what it takes to become a Veterinarian while choosing to follow a Veterinary Technician path.  Perhaps this knowledge can help you understand if this is the right career path for you, or simply aid you in the transition from Vet Tech to Veterinarian. 

We hope this inspires you to keep researching and asking questions to those around you who have gone through the same process and help you make the best possible choices for your specific career plan. 

Sources:

 https://www.veterinarianedu.org/veterinarian-vs-vet-tech/

https://www.petful.com/pet-health/want-to-be-a-veterinarian/

https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/veterinary-technician-to-veterinarian/

https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/what-is-a-veterinary-technician/

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/pros-and-cons-of-being-a-veterinary-technician-125831

https://www.sgu.edu/blog/veterinary/how-to-become-a-veterinarian/

https://vettechguide.org/veterinary-technician-veterinarian-possible/

Dog Elbow Callus Bleeding? Here’s What to Do About It

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Dog’s elbow pads can bleed for a variety of reasons. Some reasons include dermatitis, hygroma, and pyoderma. However, the most common reason for bleeding elbows is due to calluses. If the callus becomes dry, this will cause the skin to split open and that’s what causes the bleeding. 

There are several things you can do if your dog’s elbow calluses are bleeding. The best thing you can do is treat the skin with a soothing balm to help heal the dry skin and cracks. You can also help to prevent calluses by providing a soft area for your dog to lie and ensuring that your dog stays at a healthy weight. 

This article covers everything you need to know about dog elbow calluses, the signs to look out for, how to treat them, and the best ways to prevent them in the first place. 

What is a Dog Elbow Callus?

A dog elbow callus is a skin condition that affects around 20% of dogs. It can affect any breed of dogs but large dogs with short hair tend to be the biggest culprits. 

A callus is a condition where the skin gets thicker and more rough in a certain area due to pressure. The callus area is usually also be prone to balding, leaving the skin exposed. 

Elbow calluses are not usually painful or dangerous in dogs. However, they may sometimes become uncomfortable or itchy for some dogs. Also, the appearance of an elbow callus is quite unattractive. 

When dog elbow calluses are left untreated, the skin can split or crack which leads to bleeding. This can then go on to become infected so should be treated quickly. 

What Causes Dog Elbow Calluses?

Elbow calluses are usually caused by prolonged pressure. When a dog lies on a hard surface regularly, this causes pressure on certain parts of the body, mainly the elbows. 

Over time, the dog’s skin will thicken to protect the bones against this regular pressure. This then turns into a callus. 

Are Some Breeds More Likely to Get Calluses Than Others?

Some breeds are more likely to develop calluses than others. Giant and large breeds with short coats are the most likely dog breeds to develop elbow calluses. This is because large dog breeds tend to put more pressure on their joints when laying down. 

Below is a list of some of the most common dog breeds to develop elbow calluses:

• Great Dane

• Labrador Retriever

• Mastiff

• Rottweiler

Home Remedies for Dog Elbow Calluses

There are several home remedies that you can try if your dog is suffering from elbow calluses or if you want to avoid bleeding elbow calluses. Below is a list of the home remedies that are proven to work best:

• Petroleum Jelly

• Soft bedding

• Vitamin E

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum Jelly is made up of a mixture of mineral oils and waxes. This can work by sealing your dog’s skin with a protective barrier. This can help the skin retain its moisture level and can prevent the calluses from cracking, which causes bleeding. It also helps the skin to heal. 

When applying petroleum jelly, it’s essential that you reach all of the areas of the callus. Do this by massaging the jelly around your dog’s elbow, being sure to cover all areas. 

Soft Bedding

Dogs will often try to find a cool spot to lie down and go to sleep, so this is often why you find them asleep on tiles or hardwood floors. You should instead encourage your dog to sleep on a soft bed. The best way to do this is to place it in an area where they usually lie and make it seem appealing. 

Encourage him even further by giving him lots of praise and rewards whenever he lies on the soft bed. If your dog likes to lie on the hard floors outside during the summer, consider buying an elevated bed or cooling pads to protect your dog when they lay outside. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is great because it works by blocking free radicals and repairing the skin. You can mix Vitamin E oil into your dog’s food to ensure they consume it regularly. The most effective method though is to apply the oil directly to your dog’s skin. 

How to Prevent Elbow Bleeding in Dogs?

There are several things you can do to help prevent elbow bleeding in dogs. Below is a list of the things that work best for helping to avoid bleeding elbows in dogs:

• Check the elbows regularly

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Moisturizing balm

• Provide soft surfaces

• Use callus prevention sleeves

Check The Elbows Regularly

Dog owners should check over their dog’s skin regularly to look for any signs of skin issues including calluses, cysts, or any irritated patches. This should be a common routine whether your dog has suffered from skin problems before or not. 

The earlier you can discover calluses, the easier they will be to treat and you can also avoid them getting worse and cracking. 

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for dogs, not only for their overall health but also to prevent any chances of calluses developing. Weight is the main thing that causes pressure on your dog’s joints and this is what leads to calluses. 

The less weight that a dog has rested on the ground, the less pressure and friction will be caused on the joints. This greatly reduces the chances of calluses developing. 

Moisturizing Balm

If you discover that your dog has calluses, try using a moisturizing balm on them as soon as possible. This will prevent the calluses from getting any worse so you can keep them from cracking which ultimately results in bleeding. 

Be sure that any moisturizing balms you use are non-toxic to dogs. You may need to try a few different balms to find one that works. Also, keep an eye on your dog to ensure they don’t lick off all of the balm before it has time to soak into the callus. 

Provide Soft Surfaces

You can prevent calluses from occurring by ensuring that your dog has soft places to lie down. A soft bed works great for when they want to sleep or nap and a rug, blanket, or carpet area is perfect for when they are just lounging. 

The less time your dog spends lying on hard surfaces, the quicker the calluses will heal and the less likely they are to crack. 

Callus Prevention Sleeves

You can buy callus prevention sleeves or pads which offer protection to your dog’s elbows and stops them from coming into contact with hard surfaces. 

Ensure that the sleeve is not too tight or too loose for your dog or this could cause a different type of injury. 

Do I Need to Call a Vet If My Dogs Elbows Are Bleeding?

If your dog seems to be in pain, is showing signs of infection, or has excessive bleeding, this is a good time to call your vet. 

Your vet may suggest that you don’t need to book an appointment, however, they can give you the best advice on an effective course of treatment. The vet will also be able to give you a list of things to look out for so that you know if the treatment is working or not. 

Final Thoughts

Dog elbow calluses are often not a huge problem until they become cracked and start to bleed. We have provided you with some of the best ways to prevent elbow calluses from becoming cracked and infected. 

If you are worried at all about your dog’s elbow calluses, the best thing you can do is call your vet for advice. 

Is Your Cat’s Lip Swollen? Here’s What it Means

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For many people, cats are preferable to dogs as companions. The emotional bonds that we form without cats are just as deep as any dog lovers. When you notice a swelling in or around your cat's mouth, your concern naturally grows. What does it mean when you notice your cat’s lip swells?

Swelling on your cat's lip can mean your cat suffers from a more serious disease or problem. Several underlying conditions can cause swelling on your cat’s lip, including allergies, dental problems, acne, eosinophilic granuloma complex and cancer.

Swelling on the lips is not a common symptom seen in cats, but it does occur. Some of the underlying conditions that cause swelling of your cat’s lip are easily identified and remedy. Others may take more in-depth diagnosis and require the services of a veterinarian. We’ll discuss what the swelling means.

Allergies – Even Cats Can Suffer

Even cats can suffer from allergies. Just like humans, cats can become sensitized to many components in our environment. Allergies manifest themselves in many ways. Itching, sneezing, or congestion are some of the more common reactions. Swelling of the lips is not as common but is not unknown. It is not uncommon for cats to develop allergies to such things as:

• Foods – if you have recently changed your cat's diet, the new food may be the swollen lip's underlying cause. Cats, like humans, can develop food allergies. In some cases, your cat may be allergic to a product included in the new cat food. 

• Dust – Dust is a generic term that includes many different components. The dust in our homes is a combination of regular dirt particles, skin and hair particles, and particles that accumulate from the things in our homes. Like you, your cat may be allergic to one or more of these components of the dust in your home. Your vet can assist you in finding the cause of your cat's allergy.

• Chemicals – Chemicals in a cat's environment can become allergens. If you change cleaning products or even laundry detergent, just like you, your cat may develop an allergic reaction. If you have made a change in cleaning products, aerosol products, or other products in your home, your cat may be showing the signs of an allergic reaction.

In any case, where you suspect your cat has developed an allergy, a trip to the vet is in order. Your vet can do tests and help you track down any changes in your home environment that may have triggered the allergic reaction.

Swollen Lip – Think Dental Problems

Dental problems can sometimes cause your cat’s lip to swell. There are usually a host of other symptoms that warn of dental problems with your cat. Other symptoms of dental problems with your cat can include:

• Problems eating

• Excessive drooling

• Bad Breath

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, a quick inspection of the cat’s mouth can often lead to a quick diagnosis. If your cat lets you open its mouth for a quick view, you should look for any of these conditions.

• Infections

• Abscesses

• A broken tooth

• Swollen gums

• Ulcers or lesions

Any of these situations call for a quick trip to the vet. Dental problems in cats can quickly grow to profoundly serious proportions if left untreated. In many cases, the treatment is as simple as a round of antibiotics or removing a broken tooth. No matter the cause, you should promptly address any dental problems to keep your cat happy and healthy.

Acne – Swollen Lip or a Zit?

Believe it or not, even cats can suffer from the occasional zit. When hair follicles become infected and inflamed, the resulting in:

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Bumps

 If these infected hair follicles are near the mouth, your cat’s lip may appear swollen. 

Allergies can cause chin acne on cats, as can ingrown hairs. A cat’s chin is especially susceptible to ingrown hairs due to your cat’s grooming habits. Constant rubbing of the chin area can break off hairs that can become ingrown, especially after eating.

Discuss the problem with your vet. Some topical treatments are effective in treating the infection, and there may be other options to help keep your cat from suffering from chin acne.

Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex – A Long Name for Several Conditions

If your vet mentions eosinophilic granuloma complex, don’t immediately go into shock. This serious-sounding complex may not be as bad as it sounds. You need to understand what is affecting any cat diagnosed with eosinophilic granuloma complex. EGC is a generic term that describes three forms of skin disease.

• Eosinophilic plaque

• Eosinophilic granuloma

• Indolent ulcers

Eosinophilic Plaque – Back to Allergies

Allergies can manifest in your cat in a variety of ways. Eosinophilic plaque is not common but does happen. Typically, this form of eosinophilic granuloma complex presents as bumps or lesions around the body that ooze fluids. These lesions can be found almost anywhere but are common around the mouth. 

Causes of eosinophilic plaque are known to include:

• Flea bites

• Food allergies or sensitivities

• Dermatitis

• Sensitivity to other insect bites such as ticks or mosquitoes

• Parasites

• Bacterial skin infections

Typically, most cases of eosinophilic plaque in cats trace back to hypersensitivity. Your vet has the tools and knowledge to determine the underlying cause of your cat's condition and design a treatment regimen for the problem.

Eosinophilic Granuloma – Swelling, Tenderness, and Sores

If you notice that the swelling on your cat’s lip is associated with small or large sores in the mouth or on the cat’s gums, your cat may be suffering from eosinophilic granuloma. The term granuloma is a generic medical term that describes a swelling or area of inflammation. We all suffer from granulomas but just haven’t had the right term to describe them.

You may notice that granulomas accompany your cat’s swollen lip on the hind legs and stomach. These granulomas can appear as bald patches, swollen areas, or as an ulcer on the skin. Treatment of eosinophilic granuloma depends on determining the underlying cause of the inflammation. Once your vet knows what is causing the problem, a proper treatment course is easy to design.

Indolent Ulcers – A Problem with Licking

Indolent ulcers are part of the eosinophilic granuloma complex but are usually the result of your cat trying to treat its problem. A cat's normal reaction to irritation on its skin is to lick that spot. Excessive licking is often the cause of indolent ulcers on your cat's skin. Your cat is responding to the inflammation that often itches. 

Indolent ulcers are painless lesions. Initially, the lesion will be a thickening of the skin, giving the appearance of swelling, especially on or around the lips. If untreated, the lesions can open and worsen, resulting in infection or disfiguring of the area.

Determining the cause of the inflammation is the key to diagnosing and treating indolent ulcers. Your vet is your best source of help and information about treating your cat’s condition.

Cancer – The Dreaded Diagnosis

No one wants to hear the word cancer in any diagnosis. Cats are not particularly prone to cancer, but it does happen. If no other condition or cause is readily apparent, your vet can take the appropriate tissue samples and have them lab tested for cancerous cells.

Remember that it is the type of cancerous cell that is found that determines the course of action and treatment. Many cancers are benign and are removable with a simple surgery. Other forms of cancer require more involved treatment over longer periods. 

Your vet is your best source of advice in these situations. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the results in most instances. Consulting your vet at the first signs of any unusual changes in your cat is the wisest decision.

Don’t Delay – Your Cat Depends on You

No matter the condition or the cause, if your cat suddenly develops a swollen lip, you should investigate the cause. Your cat depends on you for its health and well-being. We hope that the information in this article is helpful and informative. We care as much for your cat as you do.

Beefhide Vs Rawhide: Are They the Same for Your Pet?

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If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably seen both Beefhide and rawhide when looking for dog chews at the pet store. What’s the difference between the two? Is there any difference at all?

Beefhide and rawhide are not exactly the same. Beefhide is made from the inner hide of cows only, while rawhide is a more generic hide that comes from any cleft-footed bovine.

Now, that may seem like a pretty small distinction, and it is. Beefhide and rawhide may come from different sources, but are they really that different when it comes to the practical uses for your dog? What are the benefits and dangers of giving your dog rawhide and Beefhide chews, and can you make them any safer? Keep reading to find out.

Is Beefhide the Same as Rawhide?

The only difference between Beefhide and rawhide is the source animal that each one is made from. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what each type of hide is, exactly.

Beefhide Is From Cows Only

Beefhide could be called a specialized or specific type of rawhide. It may be considered premium quality or may be advertised as being better for dogs because it is made only from cows. In the U.S., Beefhide is generally made from corn-fed cows that were raised somewhere within U.S. borders. 

The main benefit of using Beefhide over rawhide is that you know what you are getting. Beefhide manufacturers often make a point of being transparent about where their beef came from and sometimes even how it was raised. For this reason, many dog owners may feel more confident giving their dog Beefhide instead of rawhide.

Rawhide Can Come from Any Hoofed Mammal

Rawhide is the generic term for dog chews made from the hides of animals. Usually, the hide of bovine animals such as cows, goats, and buffalo are used, but hides may also come from other sources as well, including horses and pigs.

Rawhide labels are not always open about where their rawhide came from or what animal was used to make it. Pet owners are rarely provided information on the quality or processing of the rawhide.

Are Rawhide and Beef hide Chews Good for Your Dog?

Both rawhide and Beefhide chews are popular among both dog owners and their dogs. But if you’ve never done the research before, you may be wondering if these types of chews are good for your dogs. What are the benefits of rawhide and Beefhide chews?

Rawhide and Beefhide Have Dental Benefits

Chewing on rawhide and beefhide helps remove plaque, strengthen and whiten teeth, and toughen gums. Getting rid of the buildup inside a dog’s mouth can lower the chances of developing infections like gingivitis and periodontitis, which in turn can save your dog from losing their teeth.

Keeping your dog’s mouth clean is also essential to helping them avoid other health problems. Internal infections, as well as kidney and heart disease, can all get their start in the mouth if good dental hygiene isn’t maintained.

Rawhide and beefhide are also good for teething puppies. Being able to chew on something hard will put pressure on their gums, relieving the pain of new teeth coming in.

Rawhide and Beefhide Keep Chewing Tendencies Under Control

We all know that dogs love to chew on things. It’s in their nature. So, if you don’t have a designated chew toy or two to keep your pup happy, they will satisfy their need by chewing on shoes, children’s toys, or furniture.

Having rawhide or beefhide around will limit and may completely prevent your dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t. Not only will it be a distraction from shoes and other things throughout your home, but the tasty, meaty flavor of the hide will keep your dog coming back to it every time they need to chew.

Rawhide and Beefhide Keep Dogs Entertained

Chewing on rawhide and beefhide will provide an outlet for your dog’s boredom and keep them entertained for hours each day. The activity of chewing will keep them mentally stimulated so that they enjoy using the chew and are less likely to go looking for trouble elsewhere in the house.

Remember, most dogs need plenty of things to do by themselves when you’re gone at work all day. Having something to chew on may calm them if they are experiencing separation anxiety, and it will allow them to pass the hours in an enjoyable way until you get home.

Rawhide VS Beefhide: Which One is Better?

So, between rawhide and beef hide, which type of chew should you choose? Which one is better for your dog?

The short answer is: it depends.

In general, beefhide is thought to be better because you usually know where it’s coming from, whereas with rawhide, you may not even know what animal was used for making it. That said, not all beef hide and rawhide are created equally. You may find a product labeled as “rawhide” that is fully transparent about where the rawhide came from.

It’s also important to consider whether there are any added ingredients. Most beef hide and rawhide have flavorings added to enhance the natural meaty taste, and some of these flavorings may not be good for your pet.

Because labeling requirements aren’t the same for treats as they are for regular food, you may have no way of knowing what flavorings and additives may have been added to the hide.

The best thing you can do is look for rawhide and beefhide with honest labeling.

Phrases such as “preservative-free” and “no artificial colors or flavors” should give you some indication that this particular selection of rawhide or beefhide is of a higher quality than the rest.

Are There Any Dangers of Giving Your Dog Rawhide and Beefhide?

We’ve talked about what rawhide and beefhide are as well as some of the benefits of using them for your dog to chew on. But what about the drawbacks of using them?

You may have heard that rawhide and beefhide chews are dangerous for your dog. But why? What are the dangers involved with giving your dog beef or rawhide chews?

They are a Choking Hazard

Rawhide and beefhide chews break down into smaller, softer bits over time. If your dog is a heavy chewer, he may break off much larger pieces and attempt to swallow them. These chunks of hard animal hide may easily become lodged in the dog’s esophagus, causing them to choke.

Of course, a choking even is an emergency and may be life threatening. If your dog is choking, and you can’t remove the obstruction yourself, you’ll want to get him to the vet immediately. Which, of course, may not be possible if the dog begins choking while you’re away from home.

Less aggressive chewers are far less likely to break off pieces of rawhide large enough to choke on, but it would be a good idea to observe your dog’s particular chewing style before leaving him alone with the rawhide. Pay attention to how aggressively he chews it and whether or not he’s able to break off any pieces.

If your dog’s a heavy chewer, it’s best to only let him have rawhide or beefhide when you’re around to supervise him.

Remove any large chunks that he bites off before he has a chance to swallow them.

They May Get Stuck in Your Dog’s Teeth

Though rawhide and beefhide chews are generally good for dogs’ oral health, they don’t come without their own set of drawbacks in this regard. As the dog chews the hide and softens it up, bits of it may start to stick to his teeth or become lodged in between teeth. This can cause pain and inflammation in the gums and throughout the mouth.

Again, this is more of a problem with aggressive chewers.

If your dog experiences dental problems caused by rawhide or beefhide, you may need to take them to the vet for a thorough mouth cleaning. Depending on whether the gum inflammation turns into an infection, the vet may prescribe medication to help heal the dog’s mouth.

They May Cause Internal Blockages

Most rawhide and beefhide chews are not easily digestible. Over time, even less aggressive chewers will start to break down the hide into small bits, which will probably end up getting swallowed before you notice them or have a chance to remove them.

While these small bits will probably not cause your dog to choke, they may sit in his digestive system for weeks, if not months.

As more and more bits get chewed up and swallowed, they may congeal into a sort of indigestible mass in your dog’s stomach or intestines. This mass may begin to block the free and natural movement of other things through the digestive system.

If your dog shows signs of an internal blockage, such as fewer bowel movements, lethargy, and loss of appetite, get him to a vet immediately. 

Can You Make Rawhide and Beefhide Chews Safer for Your Dog?

Obviously, the dangers of rawhide present a real concern for dog owners. You may be worried about giving your dog rawhide or beefhide given the potential problems that may arise. 

But is there any way to make these tasty chews safer for your dog? What guidelines can you follow to avoid running into problems?

Let’s look at some top safety tips for giving your dog rawhide and beefhide chews.

Give Your Dog an Appropriately Sized Chew

Beefhide and rawhide chews come in different sizes appropriate for different breeds of dog. In general, the label should indicate what breeds and sizes a particular chew is appropriate for. However, if you’re not sure, talk to your vet before giving a chew to your dog.

The chew should be large enough that the dog can’t fit it into his mouth. That means not only giving him the proper size to begin with, but also monitoring for when he needs a replacement chew. If the original chew has been gnawed down to where your dog could fit the whole thing in his mouth, it’s time to give him a new one.

Replace Softened or Dirty Chews

If your dog’s favorite chew has become soft and pliable, it will be easy for him to break off and swallow pieces of it. Not only that, chews that have been softened with a dog’s saliva are a breeding ground for bacteria, which may cause mouth infections in your dog.

The same is true if the chew has become coated in dust, dirt, and other grime, which, by the way, is more likely to happen if the chew is soft and moist. Keeping these out of your dog’s mouth can potentially save you a whole slew of health risks and hazards. 

Wash the Chew First

Washing a beefhide or rawhide chew may diminish the amount of some of the chemicals and additives the hide was treated with during the production process. In addition, washing it may remove any decay that the hide may have undergone during its long journey to the pet store shelf.

For that matter, it also wouldn’t hurt to wash it between each use to remove your dog’s saliva and any bacteria.

To wash a rawhide or beefhide chew, simply run it under cold water for a minute or two, making sure the entire surface gets thoroughly rinsed. Allow it to air-dry.

Use Beefhide in Moderation

As much as your dog may love the taste of rawhide, it is not a part of his diet as it is not meant to be eaten and has no nutritional value. As such, there is no need to give your dog access to his favorite chew all day, every day.

Instead, give the chew as a treat for a limited amount of time every few days, or whenever it’s convenient for you to keep an eye on him while he’s chewing on it.

Supervise Your Dog When They Have Rawhide Chews

Always supervise your dog while he’s chewing on his beefhide or rawhide treat. That way, you’ll be able to tell immediately if he begins choking, and hopefully you’ll be able to prevent any choking hazards in the first place.

Remove any chunks of hide that the dog may bite off and take the chew away from him if it’s becoming too soft. Monitor him closely for any signs that he may be ingesting pieces of the hide and take it away if he is destroying it too easily and eating bits of it.

What are Some Good Alternatives to Rawhide and Beefhide?

You need something for your dog to chew on, but you’re concerned about the risks involved with rawhide and beefhide. Are there any safer alternatives that you could use?

Actually, there’s quite a few tasty chewables that your dog will love and that don’t pose choking hazards or other health risks. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these alternatives:

Edible Dental Chews

A word of caution: there are a lot of different kinds of dental chews for dogs on the market, and some are better than others. You’ll want to do your research before buying any dental chews. 

Some of the best dental chews are made of potato starch, which is completely digestible and will not harm your dog. Plus, you’ll get all the benefits of rawhide for cleaning teeth without any of the drawbacks.

As with rawhide, getting the right size chew for your dog is important. It is possible that heavy chewers will be able to break off bites and swallow them, so choking cannot be ruled out. Monitor your dog when he’s using a dental chew to see how aggressive he’s going to be with it.

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are made from beef pizzles and usually come without added ingredients and chemicals. They are fully digestible, all-natural, and don’t present much of a choking hazard because of their size and shape. Most dogs love them.

The only real downsides of bully sticks are that they tend to have a strong odor, and they can get expensive if your dog goes through a lot of them in a relatively short time period.

Carrots Are a Good Rawhide Alternative

Yep, you read that right. Carrots are full of nutrients and, of course, are easily digested. Many dogs enjoy the flavor. On top of that, carrots are generally inexpensive.

Of course, one carrot won’t last very long even against less aggressive chewers, and they could prevent a small choking hazard if your dog bites off and tries to swallow large chunks. That said, they’ll make for a nutritious and digestible rawhide alternative anytime you’re around to supervise your pup. 

Final Thoughts

Beefhide and rawhide are both popular for dogs, and there are some benefits to using both. Beefhide is generally a little better than rawhide because you can know exactly what animal it came from. 

That said, both beefhide and rawhide can present some risks to your dog. You can avoid these risks by using some healthier alternatives, such as bully sticks and carrots. If you still plan to use beefhide or rawhide, that’s okay too--as long as you take precautions to make sure your dog stays safe while chewing.

Sources Used

American Kennel Club

MSN

Da Dog's Yard

Dog Chews Rawhide

Lucky Puppy

Dogington Post