The answers to your questions….

The following is a glossary of terms and questions that often come up when discussing pets. For further information, about these or any other topic, contact your vet clinic.

A | B |C |D | E | F | G |H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | V | W

Allergies.  These are common in dogs and cats and usually manifest as skin problems.  Common causes are fleas, diet and some plants.  Treatment is usually necessary to avoid serious skin damage from scratching.

Appetite change.  Loss of appetite is usually an early sign of illness.  Increased appetite can indicate diseases such as diabetes.  If either persist more that twelve hours consult with your vet.

Arthritis.  A painful breakdown in the lubricating structures of a joint.  Often occurs in old age, particularly in the hips of large dogs.  Treatment depends on the cause but reduction in pain is often dramatic. 

Bathing.  Cats rarely need bathing.  Dogs should be bathed every two weeks or so.  Use a pet shampoo as human shampoos are too drying.

Bite wounds.  Often the canine teeth of a cat or dog will penetrate the skin of a bite victim (either another animal or a person).  In all cases they should receive veterinary or medical treatment as serious infection is inevitable.

Bleeding.  Can be caused by wounds, an internal organ problem or by haemophilia.  If bleeding occurs spontaneously seek urgent veterinary help.  Severe bleeding can be controlled by firm pressure over a wound with a clean cloth or bandage.  Do not apply tourniquets.

Boarding your pet.  This is a good option when you go away for any length of time.  Choose your kennel or cattery carefully.  Inspect the facility before you take your pet there.  All kennels and catteries require your pet to be vaccinated and almost all require this to be done within 6 months - check early to make sure your pet is up to date.

Breathing problems.  Any change in your pet’s normal breathing pattern while at rest is significant.  Noisy breathing may indicate an obstructed windpipe.  Consult with your vet.

Breeding.  Any breeding should be pre-planned to avoid unwanted kittens and pups.  Selection of an appropriate stud dog will avoid matings that could result in whelping problems.  Talk to your vet about timing of mating and health issues for pregnancy.

Bylaws and dogs.  Local councils have rules concerning the keeping of dogs in urban areas.  They are for the protection of both the dogs and people.  Rules vary with different areas but the main ones require you to:
keep your dog on a leash while out in public
register your dog from the age of 3 months
confine them while on your property (ie: a fenced section)
clean up any faeces left in public areas. 
Not adhering to the rules can result in fines.

Cancer.  As in people, cancer is a common cause of disease in animals.  Generally affects older pets.  Any lump or wound which does not heal should be investigated.  A biopsy can be performed to determine the best treatment.  Chemotherapy and surgery are effective treatments for many cancers.

Car sickness - see travel.

Cat Flu (snuffles).  Viral disease of cats.  Symptoms are sneezing and eye discharge.  Infected cats often remain infected for life and can pass on infection to others easily.  Prevention is by vaccination.

Cataracts.  White deposit in the lens of the eye which eventually causes blindness.  Severe cataracts can be removed surgically.  Common condition in older dogs.

Catteries - see Boarding your pet.

Constipation.  If an animal is unable to pass faeces regularly it will become constipated.  Usually these animals will strain to pass faeces but be unsuccessful.  If this is left too long the bowel can tear and terminal infection is often the result.  Common causes of constipation include eating bones and prostate disease.

Coprophagia.  Faeces eating.  This can indicate a dietary deficiency if your pet is eating a home made food.  If not, it is an unpleasant but harmless habit.  Remove faeces from the garden to prevent.

Coughing.  Common causes are kennel cough in dogs and laryngitis in cats.  Other causes include lungworm, heart disease, pneumonia, asthma and cancers.  Consult with your vet if the cough persists more than twelve hours.

Cryptorchidism.  Some male animals are born with one or both testicles retained in a higher than normal position.  This puts the animal at a high risk of cancer in the testicle.  Cryptorchid animals should not be bred from and should be neutered.

Dental care.  Pet’s teeth accumulate tartar and gum disease over time.  This needs to be removed under anaesthetic periodically.  The problem can be reduced by feeding biscuit foods and giving dogs bones (see sheet on “What to feed your pet”).

Diabetes.  Deficiency in insulin resulting in high blood sugar levels.  Symptoms include weight loss, excess drinking, strong appetite and copious urination.  The problem can be controlled with insulin injections.

Diarrhoea.  This is common in young animals when they are placed in their new home.  Usually a change in diet is the cause.  If your pup or kitten is playful, alert and eating well try not feeding them for 24 hours then starting them on a premium quality pet food - ask your vet for their suggestions on brands.  If your pup or kitten is becoming lethargic, not eating or vomiting, contact your vet without delay.  Diarrhoea can in some cases be life threatening.

Distemper.  Viral disease of dogs.  Causes eye discharges, coughing, neurological symptoms and usually death.  Dogs contract the disease by ingesting or inhaling virus left behind by another dog.  Prevention is by vaccination.

Drinking.  All pets drink some water.  Many cats do not drink from the bowl you provide as they prefer water that is left to sit.  Unless your pet is depressed or lethargic they will be drinking enough to meet their needs.

Dry foods.  A good, convenient way to feed your pet.  A good brand will not cause bladder or kidney problems.  Pets drink more when on these foods.  This is normal.

Ear discharges.  Yeast infections in the ears of pets are very common.  You can often detect the tell-tale smell of brewing beer coming from the ears.  In many cases animals will seem uncomfortable and will shake their head or scratch their ears a lot.  Have this checked quickly as the infection will worsen with time.

Eye disorders.  Infection, trauma, glaucoma and cataracts are all common problems in our pet’s eyes.  The eye is a fragile organ and can be permanently damaged easily so do not delay in having any problem examined quickly.

Feline Leukaemia.  Viral disease of cats.  This virus is similar to AIDS and causes immune suppression and cancers.  There is no treatment and disease always ends in death.  Prevention is by vaccination.

Fencing - see bylaws and dogs.

Fever.  Caused by infection or inflammatory reactions in the body.  Pets usually go off their food, become lethargic and may feel hot to the touch.  All fevers are potentially serious and a cause needs to be found.  Consult with your vet.

Fits.  See seizures.

Flatulence (wind).  Often caused by a poor diet.  Many commercial foods contain bulking proteins which are not always well digested.  These pass into the large intestine and are fermented by bacteria.  The resulting gas is passed out.  A change to a higher quality food will usually reduce this.

Fleas - see information sheet on pet parasites.

Fractures (of bones).  In urban areas these are common due to car accidents.  The area of the break will define the symptoms you see and the treatment required.  If your pet suddenly develops severe pain or swelling anywhere on it’s body have this checked quickly.  X-rays will show if a break has occurred.  Surgical treatment of fractures is generally very successful.

Furballs.  A common problem for cats.  Often they result from the cat overgrooming which is in turn often cause by an itchy skin.  Check for fleas.  Mineral oils may help the furball to pass.

Glaucoma.  An increase in the fluid pressure within the eye.  The eye may appear to bulge and be very painful.  Permanent blindness results without early treatment.

Grass eating.  Thought to occur due to a feeling of nausea.  Causes of stomach upsets should therefore be investigated.  Often a cause is not found.  Beware of chewing on toxic plants.

Grooming.  Long haired breeds need regular grooming.  A stiff comb or brush is essential.  A flea comb can help you to see whether fleas are present.  Always groom your pet when they are dry.  Some cats are difficult to groom.  They can be done under sedation or anaesthetic if necessary. 

Hair loss.  Hormonal imbalances and some infections cause hair to fall out.  Scratching or rubbing will break hairs off.  Allergies often cause excessive scratching.  Check for fleas.  All causes of hair loss are potentially serious.  Check with your vet.

Halitosis (foul breath).  Often cause by tartar and tooth decay.  Always check your pet’s back teeth for signs of a yellow build-up (see also dental care).  Other causes are kidney disease and a poor diet.

Head shaking.  Often caused by ear infection - see ear discharges.
Heartworm.  This parasite is found in tropical zones and causes heart failure in dogs.  It is not found in New Zealand.

Hepatitis. Viral disease of dogs.  Causes liver failure with symptoms of jaundice and depression and often death.  Dogs contract the disease by ingesting virus left behind by another dog.  Prevention is by vaccination.

Hernias.  This describes a hole in the abdominal muscle through which fat or intestine is able to pass.  They can result from trauma or can be congenital.  Traumatic hernias need to be repaired quickly.  A common congenital hernia occurs at the position of the umbilical cord.  These are usually repaired when the pup or kitten is desexed.

Hip dysplasia.  This is a congenital condition where, during development, a pup’s hip joints do not form well.  This creates instability and arthritis as the pup matures.  Pedigree dogs of large breeds are most at risk.  Check when you purchase a pup whether the breeder is part of the “hip scoring scheme” which records good and bad breeding animals.  Minor cases can be treated medically but severe dysplasia requires major surgery to correct.

Housetraining - see “housetraining” sheet

Housing your dog.  See Kennels.

Hunting.  Cats and dogs are natural hunters.  Cats will often catch birds and other small prey.  Fitting a bell to their collar may reduce this.  It is not possible to train them not too hunt.  Dogs see small, fast moving animals as potential prey.  Cats often become victims of attack as a result.  To reduce the potential for this unacceptable practise keep your dog under control at all times - either on a fenced property or on a lead (see also Bylaws).

Hydatids.  This type of tapeworm is found in the intestine of dogs.  If eggs passed by the dog are eaten by a sheep, the sheep develops “hydatid cysts” in their body.  These cysts are infectious to dogs again which completes the cycle.  If humans eat sheep meat with cysts they can become infected and form cysts also.  This is a life threatening disease.  To avoid the problem always cook sheep meats well before feeding to dogs or people and treat your dog for hydatid tapeworm occasionally.

Infectious Enteritis.  Viral disease of cats.  Symptoms are severe diarrhoea, depression and often sudden death.  Prevention is by vaccination. 

Irritability.  Often a change in your pet’s behaviour is due to a medical problem.  Pain will often cause animals to be unusually aggressive.  If the behaviour persists check with your vet.

Jaundice.  A yellow colouring to the gums and eyes.  Caused by the build up of a yellow compound in the blood.  Common causes are liver disease and blood disorders.

Kennel cough.  Disease of dogs.  Caused by a number of viruses and bacteria.  Affected dogs have a harsh, dry cough that persists for some weeks.  Highly contagious to other dogs by direct contact.  Prevention can usually be achieved through vaccination.

Kennels.  Dogs that live outside need good, warm shelter.  A water proof kennel with soft bedding is essential.  In cold temperatures it may be necessary to place this in a shed or garage.  
See also Boarding your pet.

Kidney disease.  This is one of the most common cause of death and illness in old cats.  Symptoms include vomitting, weight loss, bad breath and loss of appetite.  The condition is usually terminal but management of the problem is possible to preserve quality of life.  Other conditions can affect the kidneys of younger animals.

Lameness.  Any injury to a limb or surrounding tissue will cause some lameness.  The amount that you see depends on how your pet shows this.  In cats the most common cause is a fight wound - these should be treated without delay.  In dogs ligament strains are common.  Any lameness should be investigated - particularly if your pet cannot put the foot down at all or if it persists more than 24 hours.

Leptospirosis.  Bacterial disease which affects a number of species including man.  Dogs are the most common pets affected.  Usually caught from rats or rat urine.  Causes liver and kidney failure with symptoms of severe depression, jaundice, vomiting and dehydration.  Prevention is by vaccination.

Leukaemia.  General term for cancer cells in the blood stream. 
See also Feline Leukaemia

Medicating your pet.  Most pills can be crushed and mixed with food or hidden inside a favourite treat.  Cats will often smell the pill so mix it into a smelly food (eg: fish).  If all else fails you may need to force the pill over your pets tongue so it will swallow.

Minerals.  An essential part of your pet’s diet.  Deficiencies can be serious.  A good commercial pet food will provide all that is necessary.  Use a supplement if feeding a home made diet.

Nail clipping.  Cats rarely need this done.  Dogs that do a lot of road walking will wear their nails naturally.  If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor they probably need cutting.  On white nails look for the pink area at the base (the quick) and always cut 3 - 4 mm away from this.  On black nails it is not possible to see the quick so cut with caution.  Cutting too short will cause pain and bleeding but this will stop with some gentle pressure.

Obesity.  One of the more common medical problems seen.  The cause is a lack of control over the animals diet.  The results can be cancer, diabetes, liver disease, arthritis and heart disease.  Special weight loss diets are available from your vet that can enable your pet to lose excess weight.

Paint on the coat.  If dry, the fur should be clipped off.  If wet it should be removed.  Consult with your vet on the best way to do this.  Remember both paints and some solvents are toxic.

Parvovirus.  Viral disease of dogs.  Causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and often death.  Dogs contract the disease by ingesting virus left behind by another dog.  Prevention is by vaccination.

Poisons.  There are a myriad of potentially toxic substances available to animals.  The most common poisonings occur from rat bait, slug bait, lead paint and chocolate.  If your pet suddenly develops signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, trembling or seizures a poison should be suspected.  Consult with your vet immediately.  If you suspect your pet may have eaten a poison take them and the poison container to the vet as soon as possible.

Registering your dog - see bylaws and dogs.

Ringworm.  Fungal infection on the skin of animals.  Most commonly found on kittens, the lesions are small, round, hairless and dry patches of skin.  Can be transmitted to people (treatment is simple).  Disease in pets is treated using anti-fungal medications.

Scooting.  Describes an animal (usually dogs) dragging their bottom on the ground.  Caused by impacted anal sacs, vaginitis and occasionally worms.  Seek veterinary advice.

Scratching.  See hair loss and skin disorders.

Seizures.  True seizures occur due to a malfunction in the central nervous system.  The most common form - the ‘grand mal’ seizure describes a state where the animal is unconscious and thrashing wildly for several minutes.  More minor forms such as facial twitching also occur.  Causes include infection, trauma and poisoning.  Medication can be used to control most seizures.

Separation anxiety.  The first night for a pup in it’s new home can be quite stressful.  If left alone they usually cry for prolonged periods.  Try to gradually leave your pup for longer and longer periods so that it learns you will be coming back and will not become stressed. 
Separation anxiety can be a problem for older dogs who often become destructive when left alone.  This is treated with behavioural modification and sometimes medications.

Sexing kittens.  Compare the space between the anus and the genital opening.  In  males it is much larger than in females.

Skin cancer.  Skin cancers are quite common in our pets.  Many are benign however some are highly malignant.  Have any lump checked by your vet. 
See also sunburn and tatooing.

Skin disorders.  Infections in the skin are common.  Often these indicate an underlying disease that needs to be addressed to avoid recurrence.  See also hair loss.

Socialising puppies.  This is a process whereby pups learn to get along with other dogs and people.  Failure to socialise results in aggression or stress problems later.  Puppy classes are a good way to do this.

Spraying urine.  Male cats naturally spray to mark their territory.  Female cats normally do not.  When stressed, females and males will often spray inside the house as they are too nervous to go outside.  This can usually be corrected with medication or using a pheromone spray.

Straining.  Either to urinate or defecate indicates a problem that requires veterinary attention.  Causes include prostate disease (males), bladder infections, bladder stones and constipation.  All are serious.

Stress.  Can be a problem for both cats and dogs.  Often caused by fear of neighbouring animals or by separation anxiety.  Can result in destructive behaviour, breakdowns in housetraining and other problems.  Can be treated medically or by behaviour modification.  Consult with your vet for the best option.

Sunburn.  Exposed parts of pet’s skin are prone to sunburn during hot weather.  Commonly the nose and ears are affected.  In pale skinned cats this can lead to skin cancer.  If you see scabbing or crusting around these areas have them checked early.  Factor 15 sunblock or zinc creams are protective but need to be applied at least twice daily.

Symptoms of illness.  The following are some signs that indicate a problem for your pet:
Excessive drinking, hair loss, increased appetite, decreased appetite, foul breath, bleeding, strained/noisy breathing, coughing, diarrhoea, scratching excessively, head shaking, fever, depression, lethargy, irritability, fits, lameness, straining to urinate/defecate, grass eating, vomiting, weight loss, jaundice.
Should any of these symptoms be evident consult with your vet without delay.

Tablets.  See medicating your pet.

Tatooing.  This involves placing die beneath the skin.  It was commonly done to prevent skin cancer in white cats.  However recently it has become less popular as it appears not to work.

Teeth - see dental care.

Ticks.  Small (3 - 8 mm), grey, round or flattened parasite with 6 or 8 legs.  Usually found attached to a dog’s skin while sucking blood.  Most commonly found in rural areas (around cattle or deer).  New Zealand varieties are non-poisonous and can be removed simply by grasping with tweezers and pulling off.

Toxoplasmosis.  Microscopic parasite carried in the cat’s intestine and shed in their faeces.  Potentially a problem for people with immune deficiencies (eg: HIV) or women during pregnancy.  Complications to pregnancy only occur if the woman is exposed for the first time during pregnancy.  Most people are exposed from a young age thereby eliminating the risk.
Toys.  All animals should have toys.  Avoid string and small objects that can be swallowed.  Balls are ideal.  Chew bones are a good idea for dogs to clean their teeth.

Travel.  Car travel can be stressful for cats.  They should be confined to avoid danger for the driver.  For long trips ask your vet for a sedative.  So long as your cat has been seen recently and they are healthy, this is a safe way to reduce the stress of the trip.  Puppies are often car sick but they usually grow out of this in time.  Older dogs that vomit in cars can be medicated to stop this.  Restraining dogs in a harness attached to a seat belt is a good idea.

Vitamins.  An essential part of your pet’s diet.  Deficiencies can be serious.  A good commercial pet food will provide all that is necessary.  Use a supplement if feeding a home made diet.

Vomiting.  An occasional vomit (less than once per week) is not unusual and is often nothing to worry about.  Changing the animal’s diet often helps.  However more regular vomiting - particularly if acute in onset can indicate a serious problem.  Get your pet checked in this case. 

Walking your dog.  All dogs enjoy a walk.  It can be a good cure for boredom related problems and provides good exercise.  If you have a large dog you are required by law to walk it regularly. 
See also - bylaws and dogs.

Weight loss.  Unless your pet was overweight initially, weight loss is a significant sign of illness.  If you can feel their ribs more easily than usual this is a sign of serious drop in body condition.  Minor problems such as worms and diet in adult animals won’t normally create a major problem.  Consult with your vet.
If your pet is overweight it is essential that this problem is addressed.  Arrange with your vet to begin a weight loss program that involves a special diet.

Worms - see information sheet on pet parasites.

Wounds.  Any wound that penetrates the skin should be examined as infection will often result.  Superficial scratches can be cleaned daily with a mild antiseptic until healed. 
See also bite wounds and bleeding.