Paw Problems - Watch out for dryness. Like people, pets occasionally suffer from
dry, cracked, callused skin on the bottoms of their feet. To keep the pads protected, try
applying a moisturizer, says. Lynne Kesel, D.V.M., assistant professor of elective surgery
in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Colorado State University College of
Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in fort Collins. The same stuff you use on
your hands will work for your pet. Vitamin E oil, available in drugstores, also works
well. Once you have applied a moisturizer, "the big trick is to
keep them from licking it off," says Nancy Scanlan, D.V.M. , a veterinarian in
private practice in Sherman Oaks, California. "Put the oil on at mealtime," she
suggests. "They'll eat first, so the oil will have some time to soak in."
Occasionally, if your pet has a thick, uncomfortable buildup of dry roughened
callus, your vet may recommend bringing her in to have the callus trimmed, Dr. Scanlan
adds.
While giving your pet the occasional lube job will help make her feet more
comfortable, getting them too soft makes them vulnerable to injuries. So don't use lotion
for more than a few days in a row, advises Bernadine Cruz, D.V.M., a Vet in private
practice in Laguna Hills, California.
Get the salt licked. In winter, salt spread on side walks to melt snow can
irritate your pet's paws and lead to cracking. dr. Kesel recommends removing the salt with
soap and water immediately after winter walks. Dry the paw well, then apply a small amount
of moisturizer with lanolin, she advises.
Pregnancy - from Dr. Michael Fox
Q: Juliet my cat is pregnant. I would like to know what I can do to make her
delivery easier. For instance, should I prepare a delivery room?
A. Cats are very independent creatures. so it's best to let Juliet participate
in making her delivery room. You can do this by giving her some hints as to where you'd
like the delivery room to be. Place two or three cardboard boxes in various quiet parts of
the house about three weeks before delivery time. get boxes large enough to allow Juliet
to lie down comfortably. Generally, cats prefer out-of-the-way spots that provide some
privacy, so you might put your boxes in darkish corners of the house or open closets
-cat's usual choices. Put one under your bed too if Juliet sleeps with you.
Line the boxes with newspaper and an old towel or piece of blanket. Make them
inviting-looking so that Juliet will want to test them out. If she's comfortable in one
and gets accustomed to it, there's a good chance that she'll use it rather than suddenly
giving birth in your closet or on your sofa.
(source: The Herald's The Tropical Life)
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