Woof Woof Wednesday

You've all seen pup Astrid sitting at her favorite window many, many times. Her usual pose involves her resting her chin on the windowsill and gazing outside. Sometimes, though, she strikes other poses.

It's not easy staying awake when you find a warm sun puddle in your favorite window seat. Astrid hopes all of you have a wonderful Wednesday filled with sun puddles and snoozes!

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Doodle of the Day

Today is just another weird and wacky doodle starring the kitty named Wannabe (because she's a wannabe Hello Kitty, in case you missed that explanation in previous posts). She's accompanied by books, a full moon, and a strange little cupcake.

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Tip of the Day:

A few days ago we gave a tip relating to intestinal worms, including roundworms. We failed to mention lungworms, though, which are actually a type of roundworm. Slugs and snails are the common carriers of lungworm larvae. Dogs, therefore, can end up with a lungworm infestation if they eat a slug or snail that is carrying the larvae. It is also possible for cats to acquire lungworms, such as if they eat a slug or snail, or if they eat a bird or other prey that has eaten a slug or snail that is carrying lungworm larvae.

Lungworms, obviously, affect the lungs. Signs of lungworm infection can include coughing and difficulty breathing. In some cases, respiratory failure can occur. Needless to say, if you notice any respiratory distress in your kitty or pup, always have them seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Diagnosis and treatment of any respiratory disorder, including lungworms, should not be delayed.

To help prevent any potential lungworm infection in your furbabies, be aware of their surroundings. Do you have slugs and snails in your yard, or in any areas where your furbaby visits? If so, keep an eye on them and try to prevent their ingestion of such critters. Also, do not leave toys or bowls outside where snails or slugs might be able to inhabit them, as this could result in even accidental ingestion of these critters that can carry lungworms. And, of course, if you have any concerns regarding the risk, prevention, or treatment of lungworms, discuss this with your veterinarian.