Trainingcats'n'dogs -- how to train your cat or dog » Bath Tub http://www.trainingcatsndogs.com Training Cats and Dogs Mon, 31 May 2010 23:55:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Bathtime for pet dogs – Part 7 http://www.trainingcatsndogs.com/bathtime-for-pet-dogs-part-7/ http://www.trainingcatsndogs.com/bathtime-for-pet-dogs-part-7/ #comments Mon, 17 May 2010 23:14:09 +0000 boodidyajump http://www.trainingcatsndogs.com/bathtime-for-pet-dogs-part-7/ dog, Radish, is a mud-magnet, a veritable filth-finder, dirt-devil of a Heinz57.

I thought it would get easier to bathe Radish ... ]]> Bath time: washing my dog is a monthly treat. But only in a world where “treat” means “farce” and “monthly” means “as often as needed”. My dog, Radish, is a mud-magnet, a veritable filth-finder, dirt-devil of a Heinz57.

I thought it would get easier to bathe Radish as she grew older. It hasn’t, although it has become more farcical: Radish has now taken to jumping into the bath tub once in the bathroom. Words fail me to describe the look of pity that then crosses her face, as she stares up at me, eyes wide, clearly asking “Shall we just wait till next month? I think so, and besides, I’m really not so smelly…” RSPCA would claim her if they saw this look!

The shower head goes on and I make sure the temperature is just right. Radish likes it lukewarm. The washing begins. This normally coincides with a futile attempt by Radish to escape the bath tub: a paw on the bath’s edge or sometimes two paws. Bless her. I quickly place her paw(s) back in the bath and continue to wet her.

The actual shampooing is not too bad as she normally stays still for this. But I always manage to put too much on and Radish’s coat is so thick that the washing-off stage is slow. Radish normally declares bath-time is over right at the point the lather is at its thickest on her fur. I sometimes think she is amused by the thought of running amok when wet and shampooed.

I always win this little battle of wills and wash her clean. However, she claims victory as soon as I carry her out of the bath tub (which is often calamitous in itself as she is not a delicate creature, and when wriggling…). Before I have a chance to wrap a towel around her, she’s too quick, she’s already got her fur up on one side; and then, burghhhh, she’s shaking like a loon and I am splattered. I try again to shield myself and the bathroom from her soaked attack, but just as I get close to her with the towel, I notice her fur is up on one side again. I swear it happens in slow motion.

The final stage in the bath-time farce is the rampage: Radish’s rampage, as I call it. The bathroom door opens and she shoots out, usually yipping wildly, scoots down the stairs, and runs through to the dining room, skids to a halt and tears into the sitting room. From there, it’s back to the dining room. Skid. Back to the sitting room. Skid. And so on, for about half an hour. After this, she looks totally crazy: fur all thick and fluffy, damp, eyes wide, tongue hanging out one side, an obscene grin on her face. Her one last victory is to slink off to our bedroom, quietly curl up on the pillows. Perfect way to dry off, apparently; or at least, to get the bed wet. Bless her.

Bath time for the dog is an event in our house, but I’m glad Radish sees it as a source of amusement. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

]]> http://www.trainingcatsndogs.com/bathtime-for-pet-dogs-part-7/ /feed 0 Cats: Signs and treatment of urinary tract infections http://www.trainingcatsndogs.com/cats-signs-and-treatment-of-urinary-tract-infections/ http://www.trainingcatsndogs.com/cats-signs-and-treatment-of-urinary-tract-infections/ #comments Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:59:35 +0000 boodidyajump http://www.trainingcatsndogs.com/cats-signs-and-treatment-of-urinary-tract-infections/ Your cat has started to display some odd behavior lately. A previously well house trained cat, now your cat now has been found urinating in your bath tub or on your bed. Also, your cat has been found straining as if constipated, just sitting there ... ]]> Your cat has started to display some odd behavior lately. A previously well house trained cat, now your cat now has been found urinating in your bath tub or on your bed. Also, your cat has been found straining as if constipated, just sitting there in the litter box waiting and repeatedly scratching.

Not all owners are able to recognize these key signs of a urinary tract infection. Having worked at a veterinary hospital, I have came across many cats that were thought by their owners to be constipated or worse just simply displaying behavioral issues.

Cats that are peeing in the bath tub or on the bed are doing so for a very specific reason. Their trip to the litter box has turned unpleasant. Your cat has tried to urinate in the litter box but it turned out being too painful and therefore, has started associating it with something negative. As a cat, therefore, avoidance is the best solution, so a bath tub or a bed will be tried to see if it will in any way ease the discomfort.

Another common sign of a cat affected by a U.T.I is licking insistently the genital area. Cats tend to lick their wounds so licking their genital area is the way they try to “heal” the burning sensation they are feeling.

If you have happened to find some occult blood around the home it is very likely coming from the cat. Blood may appear as normal red drops or it may have a pinkish tint if it is mixed within the urine.

KEY SYMPTOMS

Common signs, therefore, of a cat with a urinary tract infection are:

-Persistent straining in the litter box

-Increased urination often limited to just a few drops

-Inappropriate urination in other areas

-Crying while straining

-Licking genital area

-Bloody urine

A urinary tract infection may seem like a minor issue but if your cat happens to be male it could be a urinary blockage that can turn out to be quickly deadly if veterinary attention is not seeked immediately. A cat with a urinary blockage will produce no urine and become poisoned by a buildup of toxins. Vomiting, nausea, lethargy and loss of appetite in a male cat should never be ignored. A cat urinating a few drops is slightly better than one not producing any urine at all.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of a U.T.I is usually confirmed by a urinalysis. Collecting urine from a cat may be challenging. Owners can try to replace the normal litter with lentil beans or Styrofoam packaging peanuts which will not absorb the urine making it easier to collect. In some cases the vet may need to perform a cystocentesis. This consists of inserting a needle directly into the bladder to collect some urine.

TREATMENT

Treatment is based upon findings. Bladder stones or the presence of crystals may mimic a U.T.I. If this is the cases surgery or a diet change may do. If a U.T.I is confirmed, a round of antibiotics will help fight the infection. When a urinary blockage is present a catheter may be inserted in the male cat’s urethra and flushed to unblock. Special diets may be prescribed if necessary.

So next time you think your cat is not behaving well by urinating in odd places have him checked to rule out this dangerous condition. Many times it just turns out to be a moment of stress or a dirty litter box, however, the saying better safe than sorry becomes a savvy one when dealing with your feline companion’s health.

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