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Hairballs 101

April 15, 2021

April 30th is Hairball Awareness Day. We know, becoming aware of individual hairballs isn’t very pleasant … especially if you come across them unexpectedly. The point of this observance day, however, is to help people understand that hairballs are much more than a nuisance. They can actually be quite dangerous to your cute pet! In this article, a local Washington DC vet discusses—you guessed it—hairballs.


H  ow Hairballs Form

Hairballs are actually an unpleasant side effect of an otherwise wonderful trait kitties have: their cleanliness. Fluffy is very diligent about keeping her pretty coat in shape, and she will carefully groom herself every day. Unfortunately, your feline buddy can’t help swallowing some of her own fur in the process. Cats can’t digest their own hair, so their bodies reject that swallowed fur by sending it back out the way it came in … in the form of a hairball. Suffice it to say, hairballs are no more fun for kitties than they are for us.


Hazards

Occasionally, Fluffy isn’t able to expel her hairballs. When this happens, she is at risk of developing an intestinal blockage. This is extremely painful, and can also be very dangerous. Of course, your kitty can’t tell you if something is wrong, so it’s up to you to watch for warning signs. Dry heaving is one. You may also notice your feline pal vomiting violently or more often. Your cat may lose her appetite, and she may act grumpy or withdrawn. It’s worth mentioning that all of these signs of trouble can be indicative of many different health issues. If you notice any of them in your pet, don’t assume that it’s a hairball, and don’t wait to see if the matter resolves. Contact your vet immediately.


Prevention

There are some things you can do to reduce the amount of hairballs your kitty produces. Brushing your cat daily will help a lot, as you’ll capture that fur and get it out of Fluffy’s coat before she swallows it. (Bonus: you’ll find less fur on your things.) A good diet will also help. Additionally, we recommend keeping your pet indoors. Cats that go outside are more sensitive to the weather changes that trigger shedding cycles, and thus tend to shed more.


Do you have questions about caring for your feline friend? Is Fluffy due for an appointment? Contact us, your Washington DC veterinary clinic, today!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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