DOGS AND CATS
Pets provide many benefits to humans. They
comfort us and they give us companionship.
However, some animals can also pass diseases to
people.
5 Common Toxic Plants and Cleaning Materials to
Dogs and Cats
SAGO PALM
Toxins: Cycasin
Severity: Very high
Malicious Parts of the Plant: The whole plant
Symptoms: Vomiting, jaundice, increased thirst,
hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, clotting
disorder, liver damage, liver failure, and death
This exquisite plant sago palm is one of the
favorites of landscapers. Usually, dogs don’t find it
attractive, but if your dog is the exception and has
a tendency to bite or chew just anything, then this
plant can be dangerous. It contains a toxin called
cycasin, which is known to cause liver damage.
*Sago palm is also poisonous for cattle
ALOE VERA
Toxins: saponins
Symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea. Other clinical
signs seen with aloe vera ingestion include
depression, anorexia, changes in urine color, and
rarely, tremors.
Aloe Vera which is from the Aloaceae family, is a
common houseplant. Aloes contain
anthraquinone glycosides which are purgatives
(medications that encourage bowel movements).
When ingested, these glycosides are metabolized
by intestinal bacteria forming compounds that
increase mucus production and water in the colon.
3 Common diseases in a clinic
CANINE DISTEMPER
● Canine distemper is caused by a very contagious
virus. Puppies and dogs usually become infected
through virus particles in the air or in the
respiratory secretions of infected dogs. Infected
dogs typically develop runny eyes, fever, snotty
nose, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and
paralysis. It is often fatal.
SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
The infective virus is found in secretions from the
eyes and nose, and in urine and feces. It can
therefore be spread through the air during indirect
contact (on bedding, bowls, toys, etc.), or through
direct contact with an infected animal. The time
between infection and disease is usually 14 to 18
days. However, a fever may occur 3 to 6 days after
infection.
Initially, the virus attacks the dog’s tonsils and
lymph nodes. It replicates itself in these tissues for
approximately 7 days and then attacks the
nervous, respiratory, urogenital, and
gastrointestinal systems. Initial symptoms of
canine distemper include an elevated body
temperature, reddened eyes, and watery
discharge from the nose and eyes.
CAUSES
● Unvaccinated dogs that come into contact with
an infected animal or its environment (bedding,
bowls, toys, etc.)
● Dogs whose respiratory or gastrointestinal
systems are compromised by a bacterial infection
have an increased vulnerability to distemper
EPILEPSY
● Epilepsy is a neurological condition occurring in
many animals that causes sudden, uncontrolled,
and recurring seizures. Seizures can vary from
being brief and nearly undetectable episodes, to
long periods of vigorous shaking. These physical
attacks often but do not always involve loss of
consciousness.
uncontrolled thrashing of limbs, drooling, whining,
foot paddling, urination, and defecation.
“Post Ictus” – This is the stage after the seizure.
The dog may eat or drink excessively, seem
confused or disoriented, continuously pace, or
appear blind or deaf.

SYMPTOMS
● Racing heart (tachycardia)
● Altered mental state
● Weak pulse
CAUSES ● Low blood pressure
Epilepsy is often an inherited condition and is the ● Muscle contractions
most common brain disorder in dogs. The ● Trembling, shaking, or twitching
incidence is much higher in some breeds, such as ● Difficulty breathing
Beagles, English Springer Spaniels, Vizslas, and ● Loss of consciousness
Shetland Sheepdogs. ● Loss of bowel/urinary control
Epilepsy in dogs can be idiopathic or symptomatic. ● Swelling of the brain
Idiopathic epilepsy is a form of epilepsy that does
not have an identifiable underlying cause. DENTAL DISEASE
Symptomatic epilepsy occurs when a cause for the By three years of age, an average 80% of dogs and
seizure activity can be identified; examples include cats have developed periodontal disease. Dental
brain tumors, stroke, or other head trauma. health is a critical component of your pet’s overall
health and longevity, which is why your pet’s teeth
Types of Seizure should be checked at least annually by your
There are several types of dog seizures, generally veterinarian for early signs of a problem.
classified as focal (partial or petite mal) seizures or
generalized (grand mal) seizures. Focal seizures
affect only a small part of the brain, whereas
generalized seizures tend to affect both sides of
the brain as well as the entire body.
As the frequency and length of seizures increases,
so does the probability of damage to the brain.
This in turn increases the likelihood that the dog
will seize again. Multiple seizures within a 24-hour
period may be life threatening SYMPTOMS
There are many signs of poor dental health,
STAGES OF A SEIZURE including
“Prodome” – This stage precedes the seizure by ● Bad breath,
hours or days and is characterized by changes in ● Loose teeth,
the dog’s mood or behavior. ● Discoloration,
● Excessive tartar build-up
“Aura” – This signals the start of a seizure. The dog ● Drooling,
may show nervousness, whining, trembling, ● Bleeding from the mouth
salivation, restlessness, hiding, and apprehension. ● Loss of appetite
● Loss of weight.
“Ictus” – the actual seizure. This is a period of ● You may also notice your pet is more sensitive in
intense physical activity usually lasting 30 to 90 the area surrounding
seconds. The dog may display loss of the mouth, or that your pet prefers wet food over
consciousness, stiffness, teeth gnashing, dry food.
CAUSE
● Periodontal disease begins with the
accumulation of plaque on the teeth, which then
hardens into tartar. Tartar accumulation causes
sensitive, sore, and swollen gums as well as
gingivitis.
● The progression of dental disease is affected by
breed and diet. In dogs, smaller breeds tend to
experience dental problems at a younger age than
their larger counterparts. In cats, mixed breeds do
not suffer from dental disease as much as
purebreds do. Many years ago, it was believed
that animals should always be fed dry food to help
keep tartar at bay and prevent dental issues.
HEARTWORM
● Spread by infected mosquitoes, heartworm is
increasingly being recognized as an underlying
cause of health problems in domestic cats. Cats
are an atypical host for heartworms. Despite its
name, heartworm primarily causes lung disease in
cats.
Causes and Signs of Heartworm Disease
● When a mosquito carrying the heartworm
parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, bites a cat, larvae are
transmitted into the bloodstream. The larvae
migrate toward the heart over a period of around
four to six months, maturing as they go, then settle
in the heart, pulmonary arteries and blood vessels
of the lungs.
● Outdoor cats are at greater risk because of
increased exposure to mosquitoes. However,
indoor cats are also susceptible to mosquito bites.
The following signs may indicate that your cat has
been infected:
● Persistent cough
● Breathing difficulties (panting, wheezing, rapid
or open-mouthed
breathing)
● Depression
● Loss of appetite
● Weight loss
● Sporadic vomiting
● Lethargy
● Sudden death
RABIES
● Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and
spinal cord of all mammals, including cats, dogs
and humans. This preventable disease has been
reported in every state except Hawaii. There’s
good reason that the very word “rabies” evokes
fear in people—once symptoms appear, rabies is
close to 100% fatal.
Rabies Transmission
● Rabies is most often transmitted through a bite
from an infected animal.
● Feral cat populations remain a reservoir host for
the rabies virus
● Unvaccinated cats who are allowed to roam
outdoors are at the highest risk
for rabies infection.
● Less frequently, it can be passed on when the
saliva of an infected animal
enters another animal’s body through mucous
membranes or an open, fresh wound.
Symptoms of Rabies
● Changes in behavior (including aggression,
restlessness and lethargy),
● Increased vocalization
● Loss of appetite
● Weakness
● Disorientation
● Paralysis
● Seizures
● Sudden death
Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV)
● First discovered in the 1960s, feline leukemia
virus is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can
severely inhibit a cat’s immune system. It is one of
the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease
and death in domestic cats. Because the virus
doesn’t always manifest symptoms right away,
any new cat entering a household—and any cat—
should be tested for FeLV.
- Bleach or bleach-based cleaners.
Bleach can also be incredibly harmful to our much-
loved pets if ingested because of the chlorine
content. 'If you have to use bleach make sure to
rinse the area with plenty of water and allow it to
dry. Keep your pet away until it is completely dry.

- Carpet or rug cleaner/shampoo/deodorizer.

According to Boriana Slabakova, co-founder of
Petpedia.co. Over time, carpet cleaners can cause
kidney or lung damage, or leukemia, according to
Slabakova. Make sure you don't miss these other
● FeLV weakens an animal’s immune system and
signs that mean your dog is sick.
predisposes cats to a variety of infections and
diseases, including anemia, kidney disease and
- Essential oils.
lymphosarcoma, a highly malignant and fatal
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree
cancer of the lymph system
oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine,
● Young kittens and cats less than one year of age
wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic
are most susceptible to the virus.
to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied
to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the
Signs of FeLV
case of a spill.
● Loss of appetite and weight loss
● Pale or inflamed gums
- Plant fertilizer.
● Poor coat condition
Along with vomiting and breathing difficulties,
● Abcesses
fertilizers can cause ulceration in the
● Fever
gastrointestinal tract and burns on the skin. If you
● Upper respiratory infections
suspect that your dog has eaten fertilizer, or if you
● Diarrhea and vomiting
have recently used the product in your garden and
● Seizures
your dog is acting ill, take them to see a
● Changes in behavior
veterinarian right away.
● Vision or other eye problems
● Enlarged lymph nodes
Proper Collection of Blood, Urine, and Fecal
● Reproductive problems (in females)
Sample to Dogs and Cats
● Jaundice
Blood collection is an important part of everyday
● Chronic skin disease
veterinary practice. Many factors are taken into
● Respiratory distress
consideration when deciding where to withdraw
● Lethargy
the sample.
Diseases commonly found in clinic of dogs and
This includes:
cats
-Type of animal
● Canine Parvovirus
-Size of animal
● Canine Distemper
-Medical condition/site of injury
● Feline Calicivirus Infection
-Amount of blood to be collected
-Tests to be performed
5 Cleaning Materials Toxic to Dogs and Cats
-Experience of person taking sample
- Antifreeze, deicer.
Unfortunately de-icer appears to be tasty to
When taking a blood sample, the procedure
animals so they do tend to lick spillages, and
should be performed in an aseptic manner. This
ingestion can lead to severe kidney damage which
includes:
can be fatal.
-Clipping of site
-Preparation of site with surgical scrub solutions -
Washing hands
-Sterile needle and syringe

The sample should always be a ‘clean stick,’

otherwise haemolysis of the sample will occur,
which may affect test results.

The aim when collecting blood is:

-To use a vein close to the surface of the body
-To be able to gently withdraw a suitable volume
of blood (to minimise damage to blood cells) -To
cause minimal disturbance and discomfort to the
animal

Preferred Sites for Blood Collection

In small animal practice the jugular vein is often
the preferred site for collection. However, if
performing tests requiring only a small amount of
blood (e.g., glucose, PCV/TPP), peripheral veins
may be used.

When transferring blood from the syringe to the

tube, steps are taken to minimise damage to the
cells:
- Remove needle from syringe so that blood is not
transferred through a small bore.
- Remove top from tube. This applies equally to a
vacuum collection tube as to a screw-top tube
unless specifically stated by the manufacture.
Plunging a blood-filled syringe + needle into a
vacuum tube and allowing it to transfer into the
vacuum tube increases the possibility of
haemolysis.
- Gently expel the blood into the angled tube so it
dribble down the side.
- Replace lid securely and (in an anticoagulant
tube) gently agitate to evenly mix chemicals with
blood. Do this by slowly inverting the tube every
2–3 seconds for 30 seconds.
How to Collect a Fecal Sample
An animal’s feces (excrement, stool) can provide
important information about the function of
internal organs, including pancreatic and intestinal
health, the presence of intestinal parasites, and
many other useful indicators. Therefore,
microscopic evaluation of a sample of the feces is
an important, noninvasive test that many
veterinarians use for identifying the causes of
certain illnesses and gastrointestinal (GI)
disorders.
Materials needed for collecting a fecal sample
include:
- Latex medical-type gloves (can be purchased in a
drugstore or pharmacy).
- Plastic ziplock bag or other small, plastic
container that can be sealed.
- Plastic disposable spoon.
When collecting a fecal sample, it is important to
remember that with improper technique, there is
a health risk to you
- Wash your hands immediately after completing
the collection of the sample, before touching your
face, clothes, or anything else.
- Keep the container (ziplock bag, other) wide
open when depositing the sample so as to not
contaminate the edges
- Avoid bending or placing tension on the plastic
spoon when collecting the sample so there is no
risk of spreading the sample (flicking/splashing)
Procedure: How to Collect the Sample
To collect a sample from a cat litterbox, scoop the
feces from the litterbox with the disposable plastic
spoon and seal it (with the spoon in the bag) in a
ziplock bag. It will not harm the sample if some
litter is included. If the stool is formed/solid, it may
be possible simply to invert the plastic bag inside
out, use it as a glove to pick up the feces, and
invert it with the feces inside and seal.
To collect a sample from a dog, walk the dog on-
leash outside. Confirm that the feces sample to be
collected is fresh and not old. Collect the sample
with a plastic spoon or, if the feces is firm, use the
inverted plastic bag approach, as described above.
Only a small amount of feces (approximately 1
tablespoon) is necessary for most testing. If the
sample is watery or if the pet has very little
patience for leash walking, it may be necessary for
one person to walk the pet and a second person to
collect the sample.
Afterwards
Dispose of latex gloves and any leftover materials
(e.g., plastic spoon if you did not put it in the
ziplock bag) appropriately, and wash your hands
immediately.
The fresher the fecal sample is, the better it is for
analysis. Ideally, a sample should be examined at
your veterinary hospital within 4 hours of
collection, but samples that are up to 24 hours old
are still valuable. If immediate delivery of the
sample to the veterinary hospital is not possible,
store the sealed container in a cool, dry place away
from sunlight and deliver within 24 hours. Then
dispose of the latex gloves and paper towels
appropriately.
Proper Restraining of Dogs and Cats
RESTRAINT OF DOG IN SITTING POSITION
Place one arm under the dog’s neck so that the
forearm holds the dog’s head securely against the
restrainer's body.
Place the other arm around the hindquarters to
prevent the dog from standing or lying down
during the procedure.
Pulling the dog close to the chest allows more
control if the animal attempts to move.
RESTRAINT OF DOG IN STANDING POSITION
Place one arm under the dog’s neck so that the
forearm holds the dog’s head securely. The head
should be positioned so that it is impossible for the
dog to bite either the holder or the person
performing the procedure.
Place the other arm under the abdomen to
prevent the dog from sitting or lying down during
the procedure.
Pulling the dog close to your body allows more
control if the animal attempts to move.
RESTRAINT OF DOG IN LATERAL RECUMBENCY
With the dog in standing position, reach across the
dog’s back and take hold of the foreleg and hindleg
closest to you.
Gradually lift the dog’s legs off the table (or floor),
and allow her body to slide slowly against your
body until she is lying on her side with feet
pointing away from the handler.
Use your forearm to exert pressure on the side of
the dog’s head, thus immobilizing the head
RESTRAINT AND POSITIONING FOR CEPHALIC
VEINIPUNCTURE
Place the animal in sitting position or sternal
recumbency.
Extend the animal’s front leg by placing the palm
of one hand behind the animal’s elbow.
Compress the cephalic vein with the thumb, and
stabilize the vein by rolling the skin laterally.
For IV injection, slowly lift the thumb off the vein,
leaving the hand in position behind the elbow to
prevent the animal from withdrawing the leg.
RESTRAINT OF CAT FOR FEMORAL
VEINIPUNCTURE
Take the scruff of the cat’s neck in one hand,
grasping as much of the loose skin as possible
along the neck. Grasp high up between the ears,
or the cat may be able to turn her head and bite.
Wrap the fingers of the other hand around and
through the cat’s hind legs.
Gently stretch the cat out by separating your
hands. Brace the cat's back and neck firmly against
your forearm.
The hand holding the hind legs can then be used
to hold the top leg and tail out of the way, while
the person performing the veinipuncture pulls out
on the leg closer to the table.
Pressure placed vertically on the inner thigh will
occlude and raise the femoral vein.
Requirements or needs of dogs and cats
Energy - The First Priority
● The single most important requirement in
canine and feline nutrition. All animals eat to
supply energy. It is the first requirement of life.
Food energy (calories) is made available through
the process of digestion – the breakdown of
protein, fats and carbohydrates that ultimately
provide the chemical energy units that can be used
inside living cells.
● Dogs and cats require energy to support body
metabolism during maintenance, growth,
reproduction, lactation, physical activity and
during their senior years.
Protein - The Most Critical of all Nutrients
Protein provides essential amino acids that dogs
and cats cannot synthesize yet are required for the
construction of the many organs and tissues of the
body. Protein also provides dispensable amino
acids (those that can be synthesized if appropriate
nitrogen and carbon sources are provided).
Fats and their Fatty Acids
Fats and oils are the most concentrated source of
food energy providing more than two times that of
protein or carbohydrate on an equal volume basis.
Fat, in moderation, is also the most digestible of
the food sources thus, balancing the fat content of
the diet is important. Too little leads to dry, scaly
skin and harsh coats while too much produces
weight gain, diarrhea and may overwhelm the
pancreas leading to a very sick pet.
Dogs and cats usually can tolerate high levels of
fat. Nevertheless, high fat levels should only be
used by highly active dogs such as our working and
performance breeds or during reproduction
especially late pregnancy and throughout the
lactation period.
Carbohydrates
A dietary requirement of carbohydrate has never
been scientifically established for either the dog or
cat. Let me repeat neither the dog nor the cat –
not even those subjected to hard work – require
any carbohydrate at all in their diet. Some
carbohydrate (10% of the diet) may be beneficial
during late pregnancy, lactation and weaning as
these periods pose an extreme nutritional
challenge.
Fiber
A dietary requirement of carbohydrate has never
been scientifically established for either the dog or
cat. Let me repeat neither the dog nor the cat –
not even those subjected to hard work – require
any carbohydrate at all in their diet. Some
carbohydrate (10% of the diet) may be beneficial
during late pregnancy, lactation and weaning as
these periods pose an extreme nutritional
challenge.
Noted: Excesses in these vitamins over a period of
time can reach toxic levels with severe
consequences to a pet’s health.
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic compounds found in the
earth. Minerals are not required in large volume
like other basic nutrients, but their function in
canine and feline health is vitally important.
Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are primary
components of bone metabolism. Sodium,
potassium and chloride are responsible for
maintaining extra-cellular and intra-cellular fluid
volumes, one of the most important functions of
any animal’s system. Minerals also play important
roles in most enzymatic and hormonal functions of
the body. Like vitamins, minerals are also critical
components to overall pet health.

Vitamins
Vitamins are organic molecules that in very small
quantities act as regulators. With few exceptions,
they cannot be synthesized in the body and
therefore must be obtained from food sources or
through supplementation. Vitamins must be
considered essential for life.
Vitamins are highly vulnerable to inactivation by
oxidation (contact with air) and other chemical
reactions that are accelerated by light, heat, acid
or alkali. Thus, many of the natural vitamins in
food are destroyed by most kinds of food
processing, prolonged storage, open containers
and moisture.

Vitamins are classified into two categories:

● Fat-soluble vitamins – vitamin A, D, E and K
- Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in body organs
like the liver.
● Water-soluble vitamins – The B vitamin group
and vitamin C
- water-soluble vitamins can be taken in excess of
recommended requirements because they are
easily broken down and excreted in the urine.
NATURAL BEHAVIOR OF DOGS AND PUPPIES

INTRODUCTION
An animal’s behavior is influenced by many
factors. Some of these factors include genetic
predisposition, experience and learning,
environment, and physiology. Several dog studies
have shown that behavior can be inherited to
some degree. In addition, maternal influences can
affect personality and temperament.

DIFFERENT BEHAVIORS OF DOGS

NATURAL BEHAVIOR OF CATS AND KITTENS
UNDERSTANDING KITTEN BODY LANGUAGE:
❖ Direct Staring
- Cats can use staring as a nonverbal way of
communicating. Even though a long, unblinking
stare may not be the best way for humans to show
affection, when your fur baby does this, it may
mean they're showing love to their favourite
owner.
❖ Blinking, winking or half-closed eyes
- When a cat interacts with people and the cat is
not threatened by the person, she may look at the
person and then perform this same “slow blink.”
- She then may look away or she may not. If this
happens, you can interpret this
behavior as your cat not feeling threatened by or
fearful of you.
❖ Ears back to head
- Most cats will put their ears back when they're
anxious or annoyed. If the irritating behavior
persists, your cat will hiss or even scratch at you or
another pet.
❖ Tail positions
1. Tail up
2. Tail side to side
3. Tail held to the side
❖ Arched back
- The cat's arching back is actually part of his
complex body-language system. Not only does he
arch his back as a form of stretching "sleepy"
muscles after a nap, the arched back is also a form
of showing that the cat is feeling threatened.
❖ Jumping back on their back legs
- The most common reasons cats pounce on their
owners are for play and attention.
- Typically cats who engage in this behavior hide
behind a corner or furniture and then suddenly
jump out at the owner. Your cat may dig her claws
into you and hold on or lightly touch you with her
paws and run off.
❖ Scratch marks
- They do it to express emotions, like excitement
or stress, to mark objects with their scent (they
have scent glands in their paws), to remove the
dead part of their nails and, often, just to get a
good stretch.
❖ Leg rubs
will be anointed with its unique smell using scent
glands in its face, body and tail. When your cat
rubs around your legs to greet you it is doing the
same as it would in greeting another cat by mutual
rubbing of the face and body.
❖ Miaows! Growling, hissing,s pitting, and
yowling
- The standard meow is mid-length in duration and
mid-pitched in tone and is the “asking for
something” sound. The mewl, a short high-pitched
meow, usually means “hello,” and can be
accompanied by rubbing against your legs
TELL-TALE TAIL
- The tell-tale tail is one of the most reliable ways
to assess a cat’s emotional state. A friendly cat will
be holding her tail upright and relaxed. A stiffened
tail indicates uncertainty, while a tucked tail
indicates submission or fear.
- If a cat’s tail is puffed up like a bottle brush, she’s
angry or upset and is trying to look bigger and
intimidating. A cat who twitches her tail back and
forth like a whip is showing irritation. But a cat
who wraps her tail around her side slowly is in a
loving mood.
BELLY MANEUEVER
- Rolling on her back to show you her belly is a very
trusting behavior, as this puts a cat in a position to
expose her sensitive abdomen while making it
more difficult to run away. If your cat loves belly
rubs, she’s asking for a little love and attention.
- On the other hand, a cat who feels cornered and
has no other way out may be on her back so she
can swivel all four paws up to defend herself with
a barrage of claws. Happily, it’s easy to tell the
difference.
SIGNS A CAT IS DISTRESS
- Cats rarely make noise when they are in physical
distress, so it’s important to look for other signs
that warrant a call to the vet.
- Pacing in and out of the litterbox or hunching in
the box can indicate a urinary infection or life
threatening blockage.
- Open mouth breathing is a serious respiratory
sign. And head pressing, where a cat pathologically
presses her head against a surface or stands in a
corner, is a sign of serious neurological disease
that needs immediate attention.

How can I communicate with my kitten?

- Now you know how to understand what your
kitty feels, how can you communicate back? There
are lots of ways to show your cat that you are
comfortable around them and appreciate their
company. Slow blinks and moving your head to the
side are a great way to start - if your cat responds,
it’s a good sign of a strong bond!
- Spending time together, such as at playtime,
grooming times and feeding times will also show
your pet that you are there to help and protect
them - actions often speak louder than words!