Like dogs, cats are naturally curious. But sometimes their curiosity gets the best of them, and this is especially true when cats eat strange things. As connoisseurs of life, many cats don’t hesitate to sample all sorts of objects from toilet paper to thread, clothing, and even rodents and insects. While many of these things are able to pass through the intestinal tract without incident, sometimes a cat’s appetite for life can cause problems.
Dogs are naturally curious, but sometimes their curiosity gets the best of them. This is especially true for dogs with mouths like vacuum cleaners – they tend to eat a lot of strange things. As connoisseurs of life, many dogs don’t hesitate to sample all sorts of objects from toilet paper to rocks, shoes to sticks, clothing, and even garbage. While many of these things somehow pass through the intestinal tract without incident – and at a dog-owner’s dismay – sometimes a dog’s appetite for life can cause problems.
OK, we’ve all heard of the “terrible twos” that often overtake previously happy and contented little babies. Well, the same thing happens with our canine friends, just a little sooner than with their human counterparts.
Tracheal collapse is exactly what it sounds like: a condition in which a dog’s trachea, or “windpipe,” collapses and causes airway obstruction and breathing problems.
The trachea is a tube made up of many rings of cartilage; these rings hold the trachea open, enabling it to transport air to and from the lungs. Sometimes, those rings weaken and collapse, and when they do, air is squeezed through a smaller-than-normal space. The result is a very noticeable, “honking” cough.
Anyone who’s watched their dog go through a bout of diarrhea or the sniffles has probably wondered if they, too, were at risk of getting sick. So, can you get sick from your dog?
The answer is yes. There are a number of diseases you can contract from your pet, and they are known broadly as zoonotic diseases. The word “zoonotic” is used to designate any disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. The best known and most feared example of a zoonotic disease is rabies. Other common zoonotic diseases in dogs include:
Anyone who’s watched their cat go through a bout of vomiting or a case of the sniffles has probably wondered: Can I get sick from my cat? Is what my cat has contagious?
The answer is yes. There are actually a number of diseases you can contract catch from your cat, known broadly as zoonotic diseases. The word “zoonotic” is used to describe any disease that is transmittable from animals to humans. The best known and most feared example of a zoonotic disease is rabies. Other common zoonotic diseases in cats include:
Social skills are just as important for your canine pal as they are for each of us. A well-mannered, well-adjusted dog who can adapt to a variety of situations with new people and other pets will be a happier dog and a better companion for you.
What defines a well-socialized dog?
