Rabies: kicking rabies out of our communities.

 Rabies though fatal is 100% preventable. There is a massive campaign to eliminate rabies by 2030, join now . Learn all you need to know about rabies and how to prevent it.

 Get free resources to share here.

Gamifying rabies.

 

Did you know that rabies kills one person every 9 minutes?

Did you know that 59,000 people die of rabies worldwide every year?

Did you know that almost half of the victims are children under 15 years of age? 

Did you know that vaccinating 70% of dog population in an area breaks the dog-human cycle of rabies,thus eliminating rabies in such areas?

Did you know that vaccination of your dogs,cats and monkeys is a sure way to eliminate rabies?

Did you know that the fastest way to change a paradigm or introduce a concept that targets kids is by gamifying the concept or creating songs that are interactive?

Did you also know that creating awareness on public health issues can also be accomplished by creating stories, posters, coloring books for kids e.t.c?

Did you also know that when a kid learns something or comes across a story, the story spreads fast?

 Did you know that when you tell one kid a truth all the other kids in the community hears this truth? 

Did you also know that creating public awareness about diseases of public health importance is a collective responsibility?

Did you know that change is a collective effort? so play your part:by vaccinating your pets. Sharing the rabies game board in your network. Ensuring your neighbors are responsible pet owners that vaccinate their pets. 

Lets start now: kick rabies out of #Lagos. #Nigeria  #endrabiesnow

End rabies now: Zero by 30.

 

It is totally unacceptable for anyone to die of rabies: break the cycle, vaccinate your dogs.

59,000 People die every year of rabies.

 Be a f.o.r.c.e, eliminate rabies.

RABIES.

Rabies: dont ignore a bite or scratch.

 

 

 Knowing more about animal bites and rabies may save your life .    Knowing more about animal bites and rabies may save your life . 

 100% of human cases of rabies are preventable. 

 59,000 people die of rabies every year. 

95% of human rabies death occurs in Africa and Asia.

HOME MADE CAT FOOD.

 Feeding your cats .You must take into consideration the age, weight and health condition. The food may be dry or wet but which ever type you go for it must be balanced.

   Cats can be picky eaters but there are some delicacies  that stimulates them every time. Cat needs the amino acid taurine which is so essential and they must get enough from the diet to stay healthy.

Taurine is an essential amino acid found in animal-based protein, beef, chicken and fish. Taurine is essential for normal vision, digestion,  maintains immune system ,pregnancy and fetal development.

   The bulk of the food of cats are protein based, less carbs and less veggies but with good supply of water.
 
           Home made cat food.
  
Mackerel rice in beef broth.

Ingredients:

1)One cup of cooked sliced and shredded mackerel.

2)One tablespoon of coconut oil.

3)One tablespoon of cooked brown rice.

4)Two tablespoon of beef broth.

   Add all ingredients together in a bowl and blend. Serve your cat the normal portion and refrigerate the excess.

      This is a balanced meal that your cat will love, make sure your cat has access to clean cool water.

Ultimate Tips for Happy, Healthy Cats.

   Ultimate Tips for Happy, Healthy Cats 

1)Bug Off :Protect your cat’s health from internal and external parasites all year long. Find whatever system works for you and be diligent about it. Even if your cat is inside all day there is still a chance he can get fleas, worms and other parasites, which can be harmful to your family and your cat.


 2) Develop a Purr-fect Palate:  What you should be feeding your cat can vary based on age, activity level and health concerns. Always consult your veterinarian to make sure you are using the right food in the right proportions. You want to make sure it is nourishing and delicious.

 3)Resist Treat Temptation: Allowing your cat to become overweight can result in numerous grave health problems. You can prevent obesity by feeding your cat the right food and avoiding too many treats. Instead, treat your cat by giving them toys to play with to keep them active.

More from Dr.Pol

Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

                    Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

Nadia, a tiger at New York City's Bronx Zoo, tested positive for the corona virus. A few pet cats in the United States and some dogs  have  also tested positive.

The novel corona virus causing the current pandemic is thought to have originated at a live animal market in China, some people have wondered if they need to worry about their own pets.

 The good news is that any risk to humans from to pet is very low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  Humans with COVID-19 infections could pose a slight risk to certain animals, such as cats or ferrets. but not dogs.

 The basic thing to do is to stay safe and keep your pet safe. All personal hygiene protocol of hand washing, use of face mask is advised. The frequency of hand washing must be increased especially after handling your pet.

 When you take your dog out for walks its advisable to wipe the dog when you return paying particular attention to paws.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Joint Supplements for Dogs.

 Managing canine orthopedic disease with joint supplements will help your dog live comfortably.Phytotherapy (“plant medicine”) is as old as humankind.

Turmeric is a powerful spice and has recently received a great deal of attention in human medicine. It is considered a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Fish oil Fish oil are an excellent source of fatty acids, which are critical for canine health dogs cannot synthesize enough of their own, so fatty acids must be supplemented through diet. Deficiencies can lead to coat, skin, joint, and reproductive problems.

The common supplement is the cod liver oil however,this can be sourced naturally by feeding dogs with fish rich in omega 3 such as the mackerel. 

 Coconut oil. 
The benefits of coconut oil are enormous and have found usefulness in both animals and man. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid that is converted in the body to monolaurin, a monoglyceride compound with numerous beneficial properties, such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-protozoal.

Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats.

 Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats.
Fleas, ticks and other parasites are often the bane of you and your cat's health. Stop your cat scratching through regular treatment.

Cats aren’t the only ones who suffer from fleas. For every single flea living on your cat, there could be hundreds more developing in your home! Flea bites can lead some cats to develop allergies, whilst parasites can act as intermediate hosts for certain tapeworms.

A heavy infestation can also cause anaemia, which is potentially life-threatening.The most recommended method to prevent flea infestations on your cat would be the use of a flea control treatment monthly, especially in the warmer seasons.

 In addition, the environment should also be treated regularly. Vacuuming and steaming the carpets, cleaning and washing all the bedding, and using carpet sprays are some of the options to prevent having these parasites multiplying in your house.

 How do I spot fleas? The most obvious sign is persistent scratching. Fleas are dark brown and about 1mm to 2mms long. You may find them – as well as tiny black specks of flea dirt – in your cat's coat during combing.

 There is an easy treatment now to keep your cats safe,  one dose will kill fleas and ticks for 3 months. Order now.

Veterinary medicine: Cat-Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae Infection).

Veterinary medicine: Cat-Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae Infection).Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection spread by cats. The disease spreads when an infected cat licks a person’s open wound, or bites or scratches a person hard enough to break the surface of the skin. About three to 14 days after the skin is broken, a mild infection can occur at the site of the scratch or bite. The infected area may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions and can have pus. The infection can feel warm or painful. A person with CSD may also have a fever, headache, poor appetite, and exhaustion. Later, the person’s lymph nodes closest to the original scratch or bite can become swollen, tender, or painful. Wash cat bites and scratches well with soap and running water. Do not allow cats to lick your wounds. Contact your doctor if you develop any symptoms of cat-scratch disease or infection. CSD is caused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae. About 40% of cats carry B. henselae at some time in their lives, although most cats with this infection show NO signs of illness. Kittens younger than 1 year are more likely to have B. henselae infection and to spread the germ to people. Kittens are also more likely to scratch and bite while they play and learn how to attack prey. How cats and people become infected. Cats can get infected with B. henselae from flea bites and flea dirt (droppings) getting into their wounds. By scratching and biting at the fleas, cats pick up the infected flea dirt under their nails and between their teeth. Cats can also become infected by fighting with other cats that are infected. The germ spreads to people when infected cats bite or scratch a person hard enough to break their skin. The germ can also spread when infected cats lick at wounds or scabs. How to prevent cat bites.

HOW TO STOP YOUR CAT FROM BITING.

               How to stop your cat from biting.

Depending on why your cat is biting, there are several things that you can do to help curtail this unwanted behavior. However, consistency is key, and you can’t view biting as cute one time, and they reprimand your cat the next time they bite you because you send mixed signals that’ll confuse your cat.

 As with any unwanted behavior from your pets, training your cat to stop biting follows several basic principals. These are the same principals that you follow for any pet that has bad habits that you’re trying to break.

             

 1)Reward wanted or good behavior and punish bad or unwanted behavior. When you reward or punish your cat’s behavior, it should be right after your cat displays the behavior in question. This will help your cat make the connection between the behavior and the reward or punishment.Consistency is key to your success or failure during the training process. Keeping these basic but essential principals in mind, you’ll have to know the specific ways to approach your cat’s biting behavior. The approaches depend on the root cause of your cat’s biting problem, so you want an idea of why your cat is biting so you can use the correct approach.

  2)For dominance biting: You have to show your cat that you are in charge and that you are the dominant one. To do this, get loud when your cat bites you because they’re responsive to tone and volume. If it’s a male cat that isn’t neutered, you may want to consider neutering them. Male cats tend to calm down after they have this procedure, and they may stop biting.

 3)Start using a dominance item to curb their behavior. An example would be a rolled newspaper, and all you have to do is lightly tap them on the head when they bite you because they’ll eventually respond to just the site of it.

Cats love attention and some just want to get attention by biting, if this is the case then follow these steps.
1) Be very cautious and selective with your negative reinforcement. Too much negative reinforcement will make your cat afraid to try and tell you when they need something.

2)Try to establish a less painful form of communication with your cat. Do whatever your cat wants you to do when they purr or rub against your leg, and don’t do it if they bite. Don’t be afraid to ignore your cat after the bite you. Cats love to play, and they’ll quickly start to reconsider their biting behavior if they find that it leads to getting ignored.

No matter why your cat is biting you, you want to learn their body language as they’re most likely giving you several clues that they’re about to bite you before they actually do it.

 For example, if your cat bites you after 10 minutes of petting them, cut the petting time down to around five or eight minutes and stop.

 When your cat starts using less painful ways to tell you that they need something or when they stop biting altogether, reward them. Praise, treats, and petting is all excellent positive reinforcement tactics that you can use. This training is to be started early,see how...

Why Does My Cat Bite My Nose?

                    Why Does My Cat Bite My Nose?

Any cat parent will tell you that we’re passionate about our felines, but we may not be so passionate about some of the behaviors that they see fit to bestow on us. For the most part, kitten bites don’t hurt, but that can change as your cat gets older and starts to bite harder. Reasons Your Cat Could Bite Your Nose There are dozens of reasons why your cat could be biting your nose, and it may be slightly difficult to narrow it down to just one source.

 However, the following reasons will give you a good idea on why your cat is doing this, and you can start correcting the problem so you and your cat can coexist happily and peacefully.

 1)Territorial Behavior Cats can be notoriously territorial, and this extends to their humans as well as their home. If you’ve added another cat to the family recently or if you’ve been around other cats outside of the home, your cat will be able to smell these other cats, and it can trigger their territorial instincts.
 Cats have scent glands all over their bodies, and by biting your nose, they’re spreading their scent all over you. This helps reassure them that they won’t lose you, and it can give a subtle warning to other cats that you are taken and off-limits for other cats .

 2) Overstimulation Your cat has dozens of sensations coming at them from all directions 24 hours a day, and this can make it easy for them to get overstimulated. When this happens, they may act erratically or act overwhelmed and do things that they normally wouldn’t do like bite your nose.

Your cat will give you plenty of warning signs that they’re getting overstimulated when they’re around you, and by stopping the contact, you can potentially stop the biting behavior. You may notice that your cat flicks or swishes their tail, rippling on your cat’s sides, rotating their ears back or to the sides, or tensing up.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Can Cats Have Down Syndrome?

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Can Cats Have Down Syndrome? Can cats have Down Syndrome?” to be able to give you a clear and definitive answer. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Down Syndrome and why cats can or can’t have this condition. Understanding How Down Syndrome Occurs:When all living things get pregnant and give birth, they pass down copies of their genetic material to their offspring, and this genetic material comes in pairs called chromosomes. Every plant and animal species on earth has its own specific number of chromosomes that come in pairs. For example, humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, alligators have 16 pairs, cherries have 16 pairs, and cats have 18. As species continue to reproduce and pass their genetic material on, the chromosome pairs don’t change, and they stay the same. Each parent passes on one chromosome per matched pair, and this helps to ensure that their offspring get equal matching sets of chromosomes. Once in a while, something goes wrong when the parents pass the chromosomes down, and the offspring receives three chromosomes instead of the original two. When the offspring gets three chromosomes instead of two, this typically creates some kind of genetic disorder, and it’s called trisomy. Specifically, in humans, when a trisomy happens with chromosome 21, you get the genetic disorder known as Down Syndrome. Conditions That Can be Mistaken for Down Syndrome in Cats For cats, there are several conditions that they can have that may lead you to believe that they have Down Syndrome. These include: 1)Cerebellar Hypoplasia: cerebellar Hypoplasia is a condition where your cat’s cerebellum doesn’t develop as it should, and this can cause several issues with motor control. For example, your cat could have trouble walking or standing, have leg tremors, be generally clumsy, or tend to bob their head when they walk. This condition can be from a birth defect, but it can also be caused by poisoning, bacterial infections, or malnutrition. There is no cure, but this condition usually doesn’t get work as your cat ages either, and it’s relatively easy to manage once you get a diagnosis. 2)Facial Deformities Some cats can be born with facial deformities or a form of dwarfism that makes their faces look odd. For example, some cats are born with too small jawbones, missing nasal bridges, or other issues that make them look like they could have Down Syndrome.However, facial deformities can be caused by genetic conditions as well as inbreeding or accidents. They don’t come from the cat having a form of Down Syndrome.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Heart Murmurs in Your Dog or Cat:.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Heart Murmurs in Your Dog or Cat. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that a veterinarian hears when listening to the pet’s heart through a stethoscope during a physical exam. Normally, your pet’s veterinarian hears two distinct normal heart sounds when they listen to the heart: lub-dub…lub-dub…lub-dub. When your vet hears an additional “whooshing” sound in between normal heart sounds, this is known as a heart murmur. If your pet is diagnosed with a heart murmur, there is no reason to panic. Some heart murmurs are benign or harmless and may go away on their own, particularly in puppies and kittens. The only way to know the extent of your pet’s condition is to work with your veterinarian and/or a veterinary cardiologist (a specialist) to determine the cause of the murmur and the severity of the heart disease. Additional diagnostic testing may be required. Causes of a Heart Murmur in pets. Anything that changes the blood flow through the heart can cause a murmur to be heard. Some of the common causes of heart murmurs in dogs and cats include:1) Heart valve deficiencies. 2) Defects in the heart walls. 3)Infection of the heart valves. 4)Hereditary cardiac defects. 5)Extra vessel connecting the great arteries (patent ductus arteriosus). 6)Defects in the heart muscle walls (ventricular septal defect). 7)Obstructive injury of the pulmonary valve (pulmonic stenosis). 8)Obstructive injury below the aortic valve (subaortic stenosis). 9)Defective mitral/tricuspid valve (mitral/tricuspid valve dysplasia). 10)Acquired cardiac diseases. 11)Thickening of the heart valves (myxomatous mitral/tricuspid valve degeneration). 12)Infection of the heart valves (infective endocarditis). 13)Weakening or thickening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathies). 14)Dynamic obstruction of the right ventricle (a benign condition for cats). Signs of Cardiac Disease Not all dogs and cats diagnosed with a heart murmur will suffer from cardiac disease; alternatively, not all dogs and cats that suffer from cardiac disease will have a murmur. Signs of cardiac disease in dogs and cats can include: Difficulty breathing. Rapid shallow breathing. Cough. Abdominal (stomach) distention. Inability to exercise/weakness. Gray or blue gums. Possible collapse.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Oral Tumors in Dogs and Cats.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Oral Tumors in Dogs.Dogs and cats are frequently diagnosed with tumors of the oral cavity. This diverse group of cancers includes growths along the:1)Gingiva (gum). 2) Lips 3)Tongue 4)Tonsils. 5)Bone and cartilage of the upper and lower jaws. 6)Structural components holding the teeth in place. Some pets are diagnosed with oral tumors incidentally, meaning a growth is detected without the animal showing any clinical signs. Some owners may visualize a mass in their pet’s mouth while they are panting or yawning. Other owners may detect a problem while their animal is lying on their back with their mouth open in a position where their tongue falls away from the bottom jaw. Oral tumors can also be detected during routine dental cleanings or while pets are undergoing anesthesia for an unrelated reason. Those procedures allow for a more thorough evaluation of the oral cavity, and every attempt should be made to use that experience to visualize an abnormality while an animal is anesthetized. Oral tumors are typically diagnosed at a relatively advanced disease stage when they are causing significant clinical signs for the patient. This can include: 1)Drooling (with or without evidence of bleeding). 2) Halitosis (bad breath). 3) Difficulty eating and/or drinking. 4) Facial swelling. 5)Signs of oral pain (pawing at the mouth or repeated opening/closing of the mouth). Oral tumors are very locally invasive meaning they cause significant damage directly at their site of origin. Gingival tumors can invade the underlying bone causing the destruction of the jawbone and loss of support for associated teeth. Certain oral tumors are more likely to spread to distant sites in the body. For example, oral melanoma has a higher chance of spreading to lymph nodes of the head and neck region via the lymphatic system or spreading to the lungs via the bloodstream, whereas fibrosarcoma tumors rarely spread. The most common oral tumors in dogs are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibrosarcoma. In cats, the most common tumor is squamous cell carcinoma above all others. The diagnosis of an oral tumor will require a biopsy of the affected lesion to determine the tissue of origin. The treatment of choice for oral tumors in pets is surgical resection when possible. The feasibility of surgery will depend on several factors including:1)Tumor size. 2) Patient size. 3) Specific location within the oral cavity. 4)Degree of invasiveness to underlying tissue.

Veterinary Medicine: How to feed a cat: Consensus statement to the veterinary community.

Veterinary Medicine: How to feed a cat: Consensus statement to the veterinary community.The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) released the AAFP Consensus Statement, "Feline Feeding Programs: Addressing Behavioral Needs to Improve Feline Health and Wellbeing" and accompanying client brochure to the veterinary community. The Consensus Statement, published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, explores the medical, social, and emotional problems that can result from the manner in which most cats are currently fed. This statement focuses on "how to feed" because an often-overlooked aspect of feline health is how cats are fed. This Consensus Statement identifies normal feeding behaviors in cats. It provides strategies to allow these normal feline feeding behaviors, such as hunting and foraging, and eating frequent small meals in a solitary fashion, to occur in the home environment -- even in a multi-pet home. Allowing cats to exhibit these normal feeding behaviors regularly, can help alleviate or prevent stress-related issues such as cystitis, and/or obesity-related problems such as inactivity and overeating. Reducing stress with appropriate feeding programs can also help anxious cats, who in an attempt to avoid other pets in the household, may not access the food frequently enough and lose weight. Currently, most pet cats are fed in one location ad libitum, or receive one or two large and usually quite palatable meals daily. In addition, many indoor cats have little environmental stimulation, and eating can become an activity in and of itself as this current type of feeding process does not address the behavioral needs of cats.Appropriate feeding programs need to be customized for each household, and should incorporate the needs of all cats for play, predation, and a location to eat and drink where they feel safe. The Consensus Statement also highlights the importance of feeding programs, which should be designed to consider whether they are indoor-only or have outdoor access, live in multi-pet households, or are aged or debilitated.These feeding programs in many cases include offering frequent small meals using appropriate puzzle feeders, forage feeding (putting food in different locations), multiple food and water stations, and in some instances, automatic feeders.

How to prepare for a new kitten in your home.

 How to prepare for a new kitten in your home.

Kittens have a sophisticated sense of smell and they learn a lot about their world through their nose. If it is possible, leave an item of clothing or towel from your home with your kitten for a few days before you collect them. When you do collect them, take this item with you, the familiar scents will help your kitten to settle into their new home quicker.

 It is important not to overwhelm your new kitten on arrival as they will need time to adjust. Provide  somewhere to hide, such as a cardboard box with a soft toy. The ticking of an alarm clock may also be comforting as it mimics the sound of their mother’s heart.

You may wish to keep your kitten in one room of the house to begin with, and slowly introduce them to the rest of the house. It is important that your kitten has a safe quiet place where their water and feeding bowls can be left, and another for their litter tray.

Cats can feel vulnerable when they are eating and toileting, so performing these activities in a sheltered area will help to reduce stress.  Cats are not naturally social animals and generally prefer to be alone. However, cats can live together happily with the right measures in place. If you have more than one cat, they should each have their own bowls, litter trays and toys, at least one for each cat and an extra. Any competition over resources could cause stress and dominance issues between your pets. 

 First Vet Visit ;It is always a good idea to make an appointment with your chosen vet as soon as possible. The vet will give your new kitten a full physical examination, including listening to their heart and lungs and checking their eyes, ears and mouth.


They will be looking for signs of parasitic infection, illness and birth defects. This first visit is a great time to ask specific questions about your kitten’s health and well-being, such as which is the best type of food to feed and when should you book in for their vaccinations. Depending on the age and health of your kitten, your vet may recommend a vaccination course is started at this first visit.

Fleas and Worms Kittens commonly are infected by parasites, and due to their small size and immature immunity these parasites can have a large impact on their health. Your veterinary surgeon will be able to give you advice on products suitable for your kitten’s age and weight. Dog flea products should never be used on a cat as some can be extremely toxic to cats.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Feline morbilli virus.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Feline morbilli virus. Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was first reported in domestic cats in Hong Kong and China in 2012, and has since has been detected in Japan, Europe and the Americas. It was named as the seventh species in the genus Morbillivirus, alongside important pathogens of humans and animals such as measles virus and canine distemper virus. Despite a widespread distribution, like FcaGHV1 it is unclear whether FeMV causes disease in cats. Of particular interest to the veterinary community, however, is a link that has been suggested in several reports between FeMV and tubulointerstitial nephritis, the pathological manifestation of feline Chronic kidney disease.

AGRO-VETERINARY: Whole blood test for toxoplasmosis is sensitive and specific.

AGRO-VETERINARY: Whole blood test for toxoplasmosis is sensitive and specific.Transmission of toxoplasmosis from mother to fetus can lead to severe congenital problems and fetal death, and tests for the parasitic infection during pregnancy are critical. Now, researchers have showed the efficacy of a low-cost whole blood test for toxoplasmosis. Researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have showed the efficacy of a low-cost whole blood test for toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis results from infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, usually transmitted to humans from eating undercooked contaminated meat or through exposure to infected cat feces. Existing tests for the infection are serum tests, which require blood samples to be processed using infrastructure and technology which can be prohibitive in developing areas and unaffordable in developed countries like the United States.

SIGNS OF STRESS IN CATS.

            Signs Of Stress in Cats.

 Stress can make anyone a little crazy, even our cats. The tricky part is while the anxiety and fear associated with stress affects our cats in much the same way it does us, most cats tend to hide and mask their inner turmoil.

   Stress can be an indication that your cat has a health issue,according to Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist, chronic stress can even "suppress the immune response, causing a broad range of illnesses.

Signs of stress you'll want to watch out for in your cat, especially if they occur suddenly. .  1)Aggression Towards People. A stressed or sick cat may also display aggression towards people, even you. Again, it's best to consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist immediately.  2)Increased Sleeping Just because cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day doesn't necessarily mean your cat will. By now you will have become accustomed to his or her sleeping schedule.
Discuss with your veterinarian if you're cat is sleeping more than usual or seems overly lethargic. 

3)Excessive Grooming Cats are known for their fastidious grooming, but licking themselves raw or bald is a clear sign of distress. Skip the groomer and go straight for the vet's office
        
Signs Your Cat Might Be Stressed.