Q:
I heard that my next door neighbor's indoor-outdoor cat was diagnosed
with aids. Should I worry about letting my children go near the cat
and can they get sick from the cat, or can my children carry the virus
home to our indoor cat?
A: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or "feline
aids virus" is not contagious to people, and is not readily transmitted
to other cats through indirect contact. The primary means of transmission
from cat to cat is through bite wounds. Keeping your cat safely inside
your house is the best way to protect him from this disease.
Q:
I've hear that it's a good idea to brush a dog's
teeth. How do I know if this is really necessary and if my dog has
a dental problem?
A:
It's a good idea to periodically check your pet's mouth at home. Signs
of dental disease include: bad breath, debris on the teeth, red of
bleeding gums, excessive salvation and pawing at the mouth. Dental
disease is more than a cosmetic problem. Infection in the mouth can
contribute to heart disease and affect other internal organs. To determine
if dental cleaning is necessary, please consult your veterinarian.
Q:
I have a mixed breed dog who has heavy fur.
He always pants a lot when the weather is hot. I'd like to get him
a hair cut, but I've heard dogs with thick fur need the extra hair
for insulation. What do you think? A:
Fair skinned cats,
just like fair skinned people, are at risk for sun burning easily.
White cats, in particular, are more predisposed to developing certain
types of skin cancer on their ear tips, nose, and around their eyes
with heavy sun exposure. To keep your cat protected, keep her inside
the house altogether, or at least out of the sun's rays during the
peak times of 11:00 AM. through 2:00 PM.
