{"entries":[{"uid":"blt0e8d7fa4513f61df","_version":3,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"additional_regulatory_content":"","author":[{"uid":"bltcf92e604d2afd50c","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs561dbf615088cdd7"},"content":"<p>Dogs are experts at hiding discomfort, especially when it comes to dental pain. Maybe your dog still wags their tail, but you’ve noticed they dropped kibble or skipped tug time. Small, subtle changes in your dog's routine can be the first signs of dental pain in dogs. Understanding these signs helps you catch problems early and keep your dog happy and healthy.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Signs of Dental Pain in Dogs</strong></h2><p>Dental issues can sneak up on even the best pet parents. Signs of dental pain in dogs can be subtle at first, then become more obvious as discomfort grows. Watch for these changes in your dog's behavior:</p><h2><strong>Subtle Signs of Dental Pain in Dogs</strong></h2><p>These are early signs and changes that usually point to mouth pain or discomfort.</p><ul><li>One-sided chewing</li><li>Chewing more slowly than usual</li><li>Dropping food</li><li>Decreased interest in hard food, treats, and chews</li></ul><ul><li>Avoiding tug/chew toys</li><li>Small amounts of blood on toys after chewing</li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/causes-bad-breath-dogs\" target=\"_blank\">Worse-than-usual breath</a></li><li>Light drooling</li><li>Pawing at the mouth</li><li>Rubbing the face</li></ul><ul><li>Moving their head away when you try to touch or brush them</li><li>Reactive when the muzzle is touched</li><li>Quieter than usual</li><li>Sleeping more</li><li>Decreased enthusiasm and overall energy</li></ul><p>Some of these can be easily misread as laziness, picky eating, being grumpy, etc., especially if they come and go. Talk with your veterinarian when you first notice changes in behavior. &nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Serious, Chronic Signs of Dental Pain in dogs</strong></h2><p>As your dog’s dental pain worsens and becomes chronic, you may notice:</p><ul><li>Refusing hard food and treats completely</li><li>Crying when chewing</li><li>Droopy head and ears</li><li>Heavy drool or blood-tinged saliva&nbsp;</li><li>Visibly fractured/worn teeth</li><li>Facial swelling under the eye or lower jaw</li><li>Avoiding anyone touching their head or muzzle&nbsp;</li><li>Sensitive to resting their muzzle on surfaces, like pillows or the floor</li><li>Bad odor from the mouth, possibly with thick discharge</li><li>Mouth chattering or jaw trembling</li></ul><h2><strong>Subtle vs. Obvious Signs of Dental Pain in Dogs</strong></h2>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"table":{"table_content":"<p>&nbsp;</p><table><thead><tr><th>Category\t</th><th>Subtle Signs&nbsp;</th><th>Obvious Signs\t</th><th>What To Do</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Eating\t</td><td>Chews on one side, drops kibble, prefers softer food\t</td><td>Refuses hard food, cries when chewing\t</td><td>Schedule a dental exam; note which side they chew on</td></tr><tr><td>Play\t</td><td>Avoids tug/chew toys, shorter play sessions\t</td><td>Stops playing, yelps with mouth pressure\t</td><td>Withhold hard chews; vet visit ASAP</td></tr><tr><td>Grooming/Face\t\r</td><td>Pawing at mouth, rubs face on furniture\t</td><td>Swelling of face/jaw, visible broken tooth\r</td><td>Call your vet promptly</td></tr><tr><td>Breath/Saliva\t</td><td>Breath worse than baseline, light drool\t</td><td>Thick drool, blood-tinged saliva\t</td><td>Vet visit; potential infection</td></tr><tr><td>Behavior\t</td><td>Irritable when touched near muzzle, sleeps more\t</td><td>Head-shy, won’t let you inspect mouth\t</td><td>Vet exam to rule out severe pain</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>","_metadata":{"uid":"csfd957cd82b1e5729"},"header_background_color":"#00C1D5","header_text_color":"","shade_alternate_rows":false,"has_column_separators":true}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs897b368ffe486aeb"},"content":"<h2><strong>Dental Pain Red Flags&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Call your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these dental pain signs in your dog:</p><ul><li>Facial swelling</li><li>Bleeding from the mouth</li><li>Refusal to eat</li><li>Crying when chewing</li><li>Severe bad breath with drool</li></ul>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"bltf83a0ebb822486fe","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csd5fda92f50e56dc6"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt184618f42be3e5b7","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cscadfd9dd48449094"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cse4e5d541dcc8916b"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs5e88e5730a03b47f"},"content":"<h2><strong>Common Causes of Dental Pain in Dogs</strong></h2><p>You may think basic dental issues, like tartar and cavities, are the only reasons your dog may have dental pain, but there are actually many possible causes.&nbsp;</p><p>For your veterinarian to make a definitive diagnosis, they’ll do a thorough oral examination and radiographs while your dog is under general anesthesia. A quick and accurate diagnosis is essential so you can start treatment right away. Dental pain can be extremely hard on dogs and they need relief as soon as possible.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Periodontal Disease</strong></h3><p>This common health issue occurs when your dog’s gums and supporting bone and ligaments become infected and inflamed. It can cause exposed tooth roots, bone loss, and loose teeth. It’s a progressive condition that requires veterinary treatment.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Fractured or Worn Teeth&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Fractured teeth generally occur due to external trauma, such as chewing on hard objects like antlers or falling.&nbsp;</p><p>Teeth can become worn over time due to chewing on hard items, like kennel walls and rocks. Only your veterinarian can properly and safely extract damaged teeth.</p><h3><strong>Tooth Resorption and Endodontic Disease</strong></h3><p>This painful and progressive condition results from inflammation or infection of the soft tissue at the center of the tooth (the pulp). That’s where the sensitive nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue live. If this condition is not properly treated by a veterinarian, your dog can develop serious, long-term systemic health issues.</p><h3><strong>Gingivitis, Stomatitis, and Oral Ulcers</strong></h3><p>All of these conditions are painful and progressive and require the appropriate veterinary diagnosis and treatment.</p><ul><li>Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums — the earliest stage of periodontal disease.</li><li>Stomatitis is a severe inflammation that spreads through the mucous membranes of the mouth.</li><li>Oral ulcers are open, raw sores in the tissues of the mouth.</li></ul><h3><strong>Malocclusions and Crowding</strong></h3><p>This is essentially abnormal tooth alignment. It can damage the teeth or the soft tissues of the mouth. It’s common in small and brachycephalic breeds and often requires tooth removal.</p><h2><strong>What to Do If You Suspect Dental Pain</strong></h2><p>If you notice any signs of dental pain in dogs, schedule a veterinary exam. Dental and general health can overlap—sometimes systemic illness can worsen breath or cause mouth pain.</p><ul><li>Call your veterinarian for an oral exam. Bring notes, videos, or a 7-day log of your dog's behavior changes.</li><li>Avoid very hard chews (antlers, bones, hard nylon) to prevent more damage.</li><li>Don’t use human pain meds — follow your vet’s guidance only.</li><li>If eating is difficult, ask your vet about temporary soft food options and pain control.</li></ul><h2><strong>Why Professional Dental Care Makes the Difference</strong></h2><p><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/pet-dental-procedure\" target=\"_blank\">Professional dental care</a> from your veterinarian is the best, and often only, option for treating and managing dental pain. They can perform proper oral exams, pre-anesthetic screening, <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/teeth-cleaning-dog-cat\" target=\"_blank\">cleaning</a> below the gum line, extractions, and any other care that’s needed.</p><p>This may sound a bit scary and potentially painful for your dog, but it’s worth it. After painful teeth and gums are treated, most dogs eat better, play more, and most importantly, don’t have pain. It also provides a solid foundation to help better maintain your dog’s dental health moving forward.</p><h2><strong>Preventing Future Dental Pain&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Once your dog’s dental pain has been taken care of, you can help prevent future issues by establishing an at-home dental care routine. These are just some of the tactics you can add to your routine:</p><ul><li>Brush teeth daily with dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste.</li></ul><ul><li>Give VOHC-approved dental chews.</li><li>Use dental water additives.</li><li>Use veterinary-recommended dental supplements.</li><li>Discuss a special dental diet with your veterinarian.&nbsp;</li><li>Ask your veterinarian about brushless dental oral gels.&nbsp;</li><li>Have professional veterinary rechecks at least once a year — more often for small breeds and senior dogs.</li><li>Only select chews with a bit of give (if it hurts when you hit your knee with it, it’s too hard for your dog’s teeth).</li></ul><p>Dogs can be stoic, but their behavior tells the story. If you’re seeing changes in eating, play, or grooming, or you notice any of the signs of dental pain in dogs, don’t wait. An early veterinary check can ease pain, protect your dog's health, and get them back to their best self. Knowing if your dog has dental pain means you can catch problems sooner and provide the best care possible.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"bltc6b26d2a66219e0f","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs64dd273b33179057"}}}],"brand":[],"categories":[{"_content_type_uid":"Category","uid":"blt9b9d4a26d3cc7f53","_version":227,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"created_at":"2022-04-12T14:28:30.936Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"health-wellness","tags":[],"title":"Health & Wellness","updated_at":"2022-07-29T16:28:41.381Z","updated_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:28.077Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"created_at":"2026-09-28T15:34:57.790Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","footnote":"","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"blt8ccf1516ee91d0df","_version":1,"title":"article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-header@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-09-28T15:54:21.555Z","updated_at":"2026-09-28T15:54:21.555Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"99231","filename":"article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-header@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":756,"width":1260},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-19T15:25:38.735Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt8ccf1516ee91d0df/6aba8dad1a46ad0209813b60/article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-header@1.5x.jpg"},"mobile_image":{"uid":"blt7afd6f48ad46a68b","_version":1,"title":"article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-09-28T15:54:31.397Z","updated_at":"2026-09-28T15:54:31.397Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"38275","filename":"article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":300,"width":600},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-19T15:25:38.687Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt7afd6f48ad46a68b/6aba8db79df04b4d40328636/article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg"},"crop_type":"center"},"is_isi_visible":false,"metadata":{"title":"Is Your Dog Hiding Dental Pain? Common Signs You Should Know","description":"Signs of dental pain in dogs explained: spot hidden discomfort, understand common causes, and know when your pup needs veterinary care.","keywords":"signs of dental pain in dogs  how do you know if your dog has dental pain​","extra_css":"","opengraph_image":{"uid":"blt7bac206299503052","_version":1,"title":"article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-open-graph@1x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-09-28T15:53:04.404Z","updated_at":"2026-09-28T15:53:04.404Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"90601","filename":"article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-open-graph@1x.jpg","dimension":{"height":630,"width":1200},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-19T15:25:38.710Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt7bac206299503052/6aba8d606464882030ec8026/article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-open-graph@1x.jpg"},"thumbnail_image":{"uid":"blt65a0699401587530","_version":1,"title":"article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-thumbnail@2x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-09-28T15:53:15.501Z","updated_at":"2026-09-28T15:53:15.501Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"53749","filename":"article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-thumbnail@2x.jpg","dimension":{"height":492,"width":840},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-19T15:25:38.666Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt65a0699401587530/6aba8d6bf53f5fcd4956c442/article-dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs-thumbnail@2x.jpg"},"canonical_url":"","page_type":[],"seo_schema":{},"no_index":false,"crownpeak_id":""},"short_title":"Is Your Dog Hiding Dental Pain? Common Signs You Should Know","slug":"dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs","sort_date":"2026-09-28","species":[{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltd93b7c539942b364","_version":437,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":1,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:31.659Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"dog","tags":[],"title":"Dog","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:27.464Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-16T13:41:26.411Z","user":"blt01eda274d6c31bed","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"subtitle":"Is Your Dog Hiding Dental Pain? Common Signs You Should Know","tags":[],"taxonomies":[],"teaser":"Signs of dental pain in dogs explained: spot hidden discomfort, understand common causes, and know when your pup needs veterinary care.","title":"Is Your Dog Hiding Dental Pain? Common Signs You Should Know","updated_at":"2026-10-05T13:44:34.559Z","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","url":"/blog/article/dog-hiding-dental-pain-common-signs","vault_code":"ZPC-05505","publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-19T15:25:38.391Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"uid":"blta6512d028eabcfa5","_version":9,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"additional_regulatory_content":"","author":[{"uid":"bltbfc19d992c1b3997","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"csa52f986b0d66c069"},"content":"<p>Brachycephalic cats are beloved for their distinctive flat faces and sweet expressions. But while these unique features make them especially appealing to many cat owners, they can also come with important health and welfare challenges.</p><p>Caring for a brachycephalic cat means understanding their specific needs and being prepared to provide extra support throughout their life. From daily care at home to regular veterinary attention, these cats often require a more tailored approach to stay healthy and comfortable. By learning about the challenges they face, you can help your brachycephalic cat enjoy a long, happy, and fulfilling life.</p><h2><strong>What Are Brachycephalic Cats?&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>The term brachycephaly is derived from the Greek words “brakhu,” meaning short, and “cephalos,” meaning head.<sup>1 </sup>These cats are selectively bred to have shortened skull bones. This results in the wide skull, short muzzle, and wide eyes that create an exaggerated “flat” face appearance.</p><h2><strong>Brachycephalic Cat Breeds</strong></h2><p>The popularity of brachycephalic cats can’t be denied since they held three of the top ten spots for the most popular cats in early 2026.<sup>2</sup></p><p>The common brachycephalic cat breeds include:</p><ul><li>British Shorthair and Longhair</li><li>Burmese</li><li>Exotic Shorthair and Longhair</li><li>Himalayan</li><li>Persian</li><li>Scottish Fold<sup>3</sup></li><li>Selkirk Rex<sup>4</sup></li></ul><p>Each of these brachycephalic cat breeds has its own personality, but they all share similar facial structures and health concerns.</p><h2><strong>Brachycephalic Cat Health Concerns</strong></h2><p>Because of their facial structure, brachycephalic cats face several health risks:</p><ul><li><strong>Breathing problems. </strong>Snoring, noisy breathing, and serious respiratory issues are common. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) in cats is a major concern.</li><li><strong>Dental disease. </strong>Overcrowded teeth can lead to malocclusion and periodontal disease.</li><li><strong>Eye disorders. </strong>Issues include entropion, corneal ulcers, infections, and excessive tearing.</li><li><strong>Heart issues. </strong>Breeds may develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.</li><li><strong>Heat sensitivity. </strong>Brachycephalic cats are more likely to suffer heatstroke.</li><li><strong>Skin fold dermatitis. </strong>Moisture in facial folds can cause fungal and yeast infections.</li><li><strong>Other risks. </strong>Some cats have neurological or spinal anomalies, and obesity can make all health issues worse.</li></ul><p>Signs to watch for include labored breathing, blue-tinged gums, exercise intolerance, frequent eye squinting, or discharge. If you notice any of these, seek veterinary care promptly.</p><h2><strong>Brachycephalic Cat Breeds Health Overview</strong><sup><strong>5</strong></sup></h2>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"table":{"table_content":"<p>&nbsp;</p><table><thead><tr><th>Breed&nbsp;</th><th>Lifespan (years)&nbsp;</th><th>Head Shape&nbsp;</th><th>Common Health Risks</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>British Shorthair and Longhair&nbsp;</td><td>13 to 17&nbsp;</td><td>Massive, broad, and deeply round&nbsp;</td><td>Heart disease, eye conditions, dental disease</td></tr><tr><td>Burmese&nbsp;</td><td>13 to 17&nbsp;</td><td>Rounded with a short muzzle&nbsp;</td><td>Eye conditions, diabetes mellitus, dental disease</td></tr><tr><td>Exotic Shorthair and Longhair&nbsp;</td><td>13 to 17&nbsp;</td><td>Round head, slightly less flat than Persian</td><td>Breathing, tear staining</td></tr><tr><td>Himalayan&nbsp;</td><td>13 to 17&nbsp;</td><td>Broad, flat face, similar to Persian&nbsp;</td><td>Respiratory disease, kidney disease</td></tr><tr><td>Persian&nbsp;</td><td>13 to 17&nbsp;</td><td>Very short, broad skull, flat face&nbsp;</td><td>Airway issues, eye ulcers, dental issues</td></tr><tr><td>Scottish Fold&nbsp;</td><td>13 to 17&nbsp;</td><td>Well- rounded with prominent cheeks&nbsp;</td><td>Heart disease, kidney disease, ear disease</td></tr><tr><td>Selkirk Rex&nbsp;</td><td>13 to 17&nbsp;</td><td>Round and full cheeks with no flat planes&nbsp;</td><td>Heart disease, kidney disease, dental disease, eye conditions, GI issues, obesity</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>","_metadata":{"uid":"cs73fbe6a6ca74e04d"},"header_background_color":"#F46F30","header_text_color":"","shade_alternate_rows":false,"has_column_separators":true}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs8cfe33e7ad57b14c"},"content":"<p>For more information on brachycephalic cat breeds, check out <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/search?species=Cat\" target=\"_blank\">Breed Explorer</a>.</p><h2><strong>What is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome?</strong></h2><p>A major health concern for brachycephalic cat breeds is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). This condition involves several airway abnormalities:</p><ul><li><strong>Elongated soft palate.</strong> The roof of the mouth is too long, blocking airflow.</li><li><strong>Everted laryngeal saccules.</strong> These tissues get pulled into the airway, making breathing harder.</li><li><strong>Hypoplastic trachea.</strong> The windpipe is smaller than normal.</li><li><strong>Stenotic nares.</strong> Small nostrils restrict airflow.<sup>6</sup></li></ul><p>BOAS can also affect the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, and teeth. It puts extra strain on the heart, so early recognition and management are key.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt5bf8befa3d67b46c","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cse0d2c3a39ce75bec"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt70a5e45fc50e5000","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs168b725b168a7d2e"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs9e45ef5648a3d712"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs50b374857a0ab99f"},"content":"<h2><strong>Veterinary Care for Brachycephalic Cats</strong></h2><p>Proactive and responsive veterinary care is essential for your brachycephalic cat’s health and comfort.</p><h3><strong>First Exam</strong></h3><p>Have your brachycephalic-savvy veterinarian perform a baseline exam right off the bat, including an airway assessment, eye staining tests, heart exam, and dental exam. They may also recommend bloodwork, radiographs, and a <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/urinalysis-dogs-cats\" target=\"_blank\">urinalysis</a> to establish your cat's baseline values while your cat is healthy.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>When to Seek Specialist Care</strong></h3><p>If your cat shows signs like blue-tinged gums, labored breathing, profound exercise intolerance, fainting, or collapse, get emergency veterinary care.</p><h2><strong>Caring for Brachycephalic Cats at Home</strong></h2><p>Simple preventative care as part of your cat’s daily routine at home is just as important as veterinary prevention.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Breathing &amp; Heat Management</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Keep your cat cool to make breathing easier</strong>. Use air conditioning, fans, raised or cooling beds, etc.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Keep humidity low</strong>. Using dehumidifiers on high-humidity days helps ease breathing.</li><li><strong>Manage stress and exertion</strong>. Stick with gentle play, frequent rest, and no forced exercise.</li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/hot-weather-safety-pets\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Recognize heatstroke</strong></a>. If you see panting, drooling, weakness, and collapse, start immediate cooling and seek veterinary care.</li><li><strong>Avoid a restrictive cat wardrobe</strong>. Tight collars and clothing can make breathing more difficult and increase body temperature.</li></ul><h3><strong>Eye Care</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Daily tear cleaning</strong>. Use sterile wipes and saline to clean the eye area and help reduce excessive moisture.</li><li><strong>Monitor your cat’s eyes for ulcers</strong>. Watch for squinting, cloudiness, or pawing at the eye.</li><li><strong>Trim nails to protect eyes</strong>. Short nails mean less likelihood of scratching their eyes if they paw or rub them.</li></ul><h3><strong>Dental Support</strong></h3><p>These breeds are prone to dental issues from teeth overcrowding. A regular dental care routine is essential. Consider:</p><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/how-to-brush-cats-teeth\" target=\"_blank\">Daily brushing</a></li><li>Dental gels applied to the teeth and gums</li><li>Water additives that support dental health</li><li>Treats that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal</li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/teeth-cleaning-dog-cat\" target=\"_blank\">Professional teeth cleaning</a></li></ul><h3><strong>Nutrition</strong></h3><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/resources/cat-feeding-chart\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Diet type</strong></a>. Kibble should be small in size for ease of chewing. Kibble can also help with dental health, while incorporating wet food helps with hydration</li><li><strong>Treats</strong>. Choose safe treats that work well for short muzzles, like soft lickable treats to reduce jaw strain and prevent tooth fractures. Avoid large, dense, or stringy treats.</li><li><strong>Weight control.</strong> Managing your cat’s weight reduces breathing strain, chronic inflammation, and predisposition to diabetes mellitus, orthopedic issues, and cancer.</li></ul><h3><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/resources/cat-grooming-guide\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Grooming</strong></a><strong> &amp; Skin Folds</strong></h3><p>Skin folds hold moisture, which can cause fungal and yeast infections. Clean these folds regularly. That’s also a great time to examine your cat’s skin for infections, redness, odor, or discharge, especially in those skin folds.</p><h2><strong>Choosing a Brachycephalic Cat Responsibly</strong></h2><p>While it’s easy to get caught up in the cuteness of brachycephalic breeds, consider the impact of preventative care, health and genetic concerns, and adopting from a rescue vs. using a breeder before you make a decision.&nbsp;</p><p>Here are some of the things to think about:</p><h3><strong>Testing</strong></h3><p>Research health and genetic testing recommended for brachycephalic breeds, such as:</p><ul><li>Airway assessment</li><li>Eye exam</li><li>Heart exam</li><li>Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) genetic test</li><li>Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) genetic test</li></ul><h3><strong>Pet Insurance</strong></h3><p>Talk to your preferred <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/pet-insurance-worth-it\" target=\"_blank\">pet insurance</a> provider about any coverage limitations specific to brachycephalic breeds, including whether they cover pre-existing and hereditary conditions and the common brachycephalic cat surgeries.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Breeders</strong></h3><p>Be sure the breeders you’re considering are committed to thoughtful breeding choices and raising healthy cats. Ask about things like:</p><ul><li>Breeding practices</li><li>Health history (such as whether the parents or past litters needed corrective airway surgery or have a history of eye, skin, kidney, or heart issues)</li><li>Whether the parents or kittens make noise while breathing, such as snoring, snorting, or wheezing</li></ul><p>It should be a red flag if the breeder is hesitant or declines to answer your questions or to provide documented medical information.</p><p>Whether you already have a brachycephalic cat in the family or are considering adding one, you’re on an exciting journey. Set you and your cat up for success by doing your research and being prepared to meet their unique needs while you appreciate their equally unique features.&nbsp;</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"blt0f5a8a12ff5b6796","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csc62c05025626cc0b"}}}],"brand":[],"categories":[{"_content_type_uid":"Category","uid":"blt2c3d234f7e26861e","_version":227,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"created_at":"2022-04-12T14:28:32.085Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"pet-ownership","tags":[],"title":"Pet Ownership","updated_at":"2022-07-29T16:28:42.427Z","updated_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:24.401Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"created_at":"2026-09-21T17:04:39.642Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","footnote":"<ol><li>Brachycephaly. National Library of Medicine. <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33620786/\">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33620786/</a>. Accessed May 26, 2026.0</li><li>Most Popular Breeds for 2026. The Cat Fancier’s Association. <a href=\"https://cfa.org/cat-talk/most-popular-breeds-for-2026/\">https://cfa.org/cat-talk/most-popular-breeds-for-2026/</a>. Accessed May 26, 2026.</li><li>Flat-faced or Brachycephalic Cats. Cats Protection. <a href=\"https://www.cats.org.uk/extreme-traits/brachycephalic-cats\">https://www.cats.org.uk/extreme-traits/brachycephalic-cats</a>. Accessed May 26, 2026.</li><li>Filler S, et.al. Selkirk Rex: morphological and genetic characterization of a new cat breed. J Hered. 2012 Sep-Oct;103(5):727-33. <a href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3695623/\">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3695623/</a>. Accessed May 26, 2026.</li><li>Breed Explorer. <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer\" target=\"_self\">https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer.</a> Accessed September 24, 2026.</li><li>Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. <a href=\"https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-cats\">https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-cats</a>. Accessed May 26, 2026.</li></ol>","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"blt64817bacb7b555fd","_version":1,"title":"article-brachycephalic-cats-header@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-09-24T13:34:45.110Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T13:34:45.110Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"154471","filename":"article-brachycephalic-cats-header@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":756,"width":1260},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-14T14:34:01.791Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt64817bacb7b555fd/6ab526f558e068c5238829fd/article-brachycephalic-cats-header@1.5x.jpg"},"mobile_image":{"uid":"blt54ec87e0b2f651d2","_version":1,"title":"article-brachycephalic-cats-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-09-24T13:34:50.281Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T13:34:50.281Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"52707","filename":"article-brachycephalic-cats-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":300,"width":600},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-14T14:34:01.752Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt54ec87e0b2f651d2/6ab526fa858066bfa5af9ab1/article-brachycephalic-cats-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg"},"crop_type":"center"},"is_isi_visible":false,"metadata":{"title":"All About Brachycephalic Cats","description":"Brachycephalic cat care made simple: breathing red flags, grooming tips, heat safety, and when to see a vet—help your flat-faced feline thrive.","keywords":"brachycephalic cat brachycephalic cat breeds  brachycephalic airway syndrome in cats brachycephalic cat surgery","extra_css":"","opengraph_image":{"uid":"blta0e2aee7b0bde440","_version":1,"title":"article-brachycephalic-cats-open-graph@1x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-09-24T13:36:52.241Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T13:36:52.241Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"148745","filename":"article-brachycephalic-cats-open-graph@1x.jpg","dimension":{"height":630,"width":1200},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-14T14:34:01.770Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blta0e2aee7b0bde440/6ab5277407df364c5c16de69/article-brachycephalic-cats-open-graph@1x.jpg"},"thumbnail_image":{"uid":"blt0733f320a796ee87","_version":1,"title":"article-brachycephalic-cats-thumbnail@2x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-09-24T13:36:57.403Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T13:36:57.403Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"78541","filename":"article-brachycephalic-cats-thumbnail@2x.jpg","dimension":{"height":492,"width":840},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-14T14:34:01.733Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt0733f320a796ee87/6ab527793a38317c307248d5/article-brachycephalic-cats-thumbnail@2x.jpg"},"canonical_url":"","page_type":[],"seo_schema":{},"no_index":false,"crownpeak_id":""},"short_title":"All About Brachycephalic Cats","slug":"brachycephalic-cats","sort_date":"2026-09-21","species":[{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltc4a254c11bcb2261","_version":438,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":2,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:30.886Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"cat","tags":[],"title":"Cat","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:20.697Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:29.271Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"subtitle":"All About Brachycephalic Cats","tags":[],"taxonomies":[],"teaser":"Brachycephalic cat care made simple: breathing red flags, grooming tips, heat safety, and when to see a vet—help your flat-faced feline thrive.","title":"All About Brachycephalic Cats","updated_at":"2026-10-14T14:33:53.457Z","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","url":"/blog/article/brachycephalic-cats","vault_code":"ZPC-05497","publish_details":{"time":"2026-10-14T14:34:01.445Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"uid":"blt23721ff40df55510","locale":"en-us","_version":7,"ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"additional_regulatory_content":"","author":[{"uid":"bltbfc19d992c1b3997","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"csff83e13799d93c77"},"content":"<p>Seeing your pet go through surgery can feel overwhelming, but your care is key to their recovery. The first days at home are about comfort, safety, and giving your pet time to heal. Understanding what to expect after pet surgery helps you plan and reduces stress for both you and your furry family member.</p><p>Whether you need dog post-surgery care or cat post-surgery care, knowing the basics will help you create a calm, healing environment.</p><h2><strong>What to Expect After Pet Surgery: The First 72 Hours</strong></h2><p>Pets often act differently right after surgery. Mild grogginess, unsteady walking, and extra sleep are normal as anesthesia wears off. Appetite usually returns slowly, and small meals are best at first. Bathroom habits may change — delayed stool, first urine timing, and cats may use their litter box more or less. Always keep the cone on unless your veterinarian says otherwise.</p><h3><strong>Typical Recovery Timeline</strong></h3><p>• 0–6 hours: Your pet may be tired, confused, and less interested in food. Offer water in small amounts.</p><p>• 6–12 hours: Small, frequent meals; monitor for nausea or vomiting. Dogs should have leash-only potty breaks; cats need a low-entry litter box nearby.</p><p>• Day 1: Appetite starts to return. Continue quiet rest and limit movement.</p><p>• Day 2: Gradual improvement in alertness. Check incision site, keep cone on.</p><p>• Day 3: Mild swelling/bruising should begin to improve. Contact your veterinarian if you see concerning signs.</p><h2><strong>Questions about Medication and Care</strong></h2><p><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/ask-vet-pets-medication\" target=\"_blank\">Ask your veterinarian</a> about:</p><ul><li>Medication names, doses, and timing.</li><li>How long medications should be given.</li><li>Possible side effects and what to do if you miss a dose.</li><li>Tips for giving medications (crushing pills, mixing with food, flavor options).</li><li>Movement restrictions and what progress to expect each day.</li></ul><h2><strong>Quiet Zone for Rest and Movement</strong></h2><p>Depending on the type of surgery, you will need to restrict your pet’s activity for two to six weeks (based on your vet’s advice). This means you should cover slick floors so your pet won’t slip and for: &nbsp; &nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Dogs:</strong> use a crate, pen, or small room with non-slip surfaces. Gentle leash walks for potty breaks.</li><li><strong>Cats:</strong> confine to a small room with food, water, and a low-entry litter box nearby. Remove furniture to prevent climbing.</li></ul>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"bltaaefdcc4229a72da","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs761a9632bf33b28b"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"bltb0e9322b802fbab8","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cscc5c8699c2f155b5"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cseaa8a82c1e7868f9"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"csb64549fc0f605664"},"content":"<h2><strong>Key Resources for Post Surgery Care</strong></h2><p>Your pet may need a few special items to make recovery more comfortable.</p><ul><li>Ask your vet if your pet needs a special diet or feeding schedule.</li><li>Raised bowls for pets wearing cones.</li><li>Low-entry litter box for cats.</li><li>Paper or non-clumping litter to keep incisions clean.</li><li>Sling for dogs needing stability during walks.</li></ul><h2><strong>Cones &amp; Alternatives</strong></h2><p>When your pet leaves the veterinary hospital, they will likely be wearing a <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/how-make-dog-cone-comfortable\" target=\"_blank\">properly fitted cone</a>. This is critical to help prevent damage to the incision from licking, chewing, or scratching.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Keep cones or coverings on unless your vet says otherwise.</li><li>Check that your pet can eat, drink, lie down, and use the litter box.</li><li>Ask about alternatives like inflatable collars, soft cones, or recovery suits.</li></ul><h2><strong>Daily Post-Surgery Routine at Home</strong></h2><p>Now that you’ve prepared for your pet’s surgery, it’s time to think about their day-to-day recovery needs. Your veterinarian may have other special instructions based on your pet’s procedure.</p><h3><strong>Food &amp; Water</strong>&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Avoid feeding within two hours of arriving home, as it may cause vomiting.</li><li>Start with frequent small meals for the first day or two.&nbsp;</li><li>If eating well after day two, return to their normal diet.&nbsp;</li><li>You can soften or warm food to encourage eating or add flavor enhancers like pet-specific broth or gravy.&nbsp;</li><li>Give water in small amounts at first.</li></ul><h3><strong>Potty Breaks &amp; Litter Box Logistics</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Dogs: </strong>Short, frequent leashed potty breaks. Avoid stairs or use a ramp. Watch for straining or discomfort.</li><li><strong>Cats: </strong>Litter box close to rest area. Low sides. Monitor visits. If no urine in 24 hours or no stool in 48 hours, call your vet.</li></ul><ul><li>Add water to wet/dry food. Increase wet food. Use pet-safe flavoring. Ask your vet about fiber supplements or stool softeners if needed.</li></ul><h3><strong>Incision Care</strong></h3><p>You generally won’t be asked to clean the incision or change bandages, as long as the area stays clean and dry. You should be prepared to:</p><ul><li>Check incision site twice daily with clean, dry hands. For cats, gently part fur to see incision.</li><li>Keep area dry; don’t let your pet lick or chew. Cone on when unsupervised.</li><li>Take daily photos for tracking and sharing with your vet.</li></ul><p>If you notice any of the following, contact your veterinarian immediately:</p><ul><li>Excessive bruising or swelling</li><li>Drainage of fluid or pus</li><li>Loose or missing sutures</li><li>Openings or gaps in the incision</li><li>Continued bleeding</li><li>Foul odor</li><li>Extreme pain when gently touched</li></ul><h3><strong>Medication and Pain Control</strong></h3><p>Your veterinarian has prescribed pain medication and specific scheduling to minimize discomfort. Other medications may be used to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/products/cerenia\" target=\"_blank\">manage vomiting</a>, and keep your pet calm.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>It’s essential to give all medications as prescribed, never skipping a dose or stopping early.&nbsp;</li><li>Set reminder alarms and create a chart so everyone knows what meds were given and when.</li><li>Never give your pet human medications unless directed by your veterinarian.</li><li>Some drowsiness is normal, especially if your pet is on calming medication.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Be sure to monitor your pet for any adverse reactions to their meds that warrant a call to your veterinarian, such as:</p><ul><li>Vomiting</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Change in appetite beyond what’s described above</li><li>Drooling</li><li>Difficulty walking</li><li>Breathing problems</li><li>Shaking</li><li>Intense itching</li><li>Black stool</li><li>Extreme sedation</li></ul><h3><strong>Stress Management</strong>&nbsp;</h3><p>The more relaxed your pet is, the better their recovery is likely to go. Here are a few ways to help reduce stress as they heal:</p><ul><li>Use a pheromone diffuser.</li><li>Use calming treats.</li><li>Give gentle affection and keep the daily routine calm.</li><li>Minimize visitors and loud noises to avoid overstimulation and confinement anxiety.</li><li>For anxious pets, ask your veterinarian about calming supplements or medications.</li></ul><h2><strong>Follow-Up Appointments and Getting Back to Normal</strong></h2><p>Healing time varies by pet and <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/common-dog-surgical-procedures\" target=\"_blank\">procedure</a>. Your veterinarian will give you a general idea of what to expect after your pet’s surgery and when. Here are a few milestones to prepare for:</p><ul><li>Typical suture removal or reevaluation happens around 10–14 days.</li><li>Gradual activity reintroduction once cleared: short on-leash walks for dogs, adding vertical space for cats.</li><li>Full baths or swimming can resume after your vet gives the OK.</li><li>Bring photos, appetite logs, and behavior notes to follow-up appointments.</li></ul><p>A calm space, consistent medication, and a few daily checks go a long way in post surgery care. Trust your instincts and reach out to your veterinary team with any concerns. Your attention and care make recovery smoother and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"blt05edf77c818f353c","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csbdc665b85ed8c2fc"}}}],"brand":[{"uid":"blt4b232a2a752ac9e5","_content_type_uid":"Brand"}],"categories":[{"_content_type_uid":"Category","uid":"bltf43a603ef97831f8","_version":224,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"created_at":"2022-04-12T14:28:37.643Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"comfort-pain-relief","tags":[],"title":"Comfort & Pain Relief","updated_at":"2022-07-29T16:28:47.636Z","updated_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:30.910Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"created_at":"2026-08-21T15:11:26.488Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","footnote":"","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"bltecf16d0060118667","_version":1,"title":"article-post surgery 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expect after pet surgery","extra_css":"","opengraph_image":{"uid":"blt3d1eaa800aadc6de","_version":1,"title":"article-post surgery care-open-graph@1x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-21T15:10:34.985Z","updated_at":"2026-08-21T15:10:34.985Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"120098","filename":"article-post_surgery_care-open-graph@1x.jpg","dimension":{"height":630,"width":1200},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-24T14:09:47.518Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt3d1eaa800aadc6de/6a886a6ae41d7f71ce6539ac/article-post_surgery_care-open-graph@1x.jpg"},"thumbnail_image":{"uid":"blt355062dbcde77c2e","_version":1,"title":"article-post surgery 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Dogs","slug":"post-surgery-care-cats-dogs","sort_date":"2026-08-21","species":[{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltd93b7c539942b364","_version":437,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":1,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:31.659Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"dog","tags":[],"title":"Dog","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:27.464Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-16T13:41:26.411Z","user":"blt01eda274d6c31bed","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltc4a254c11bcb2261","_version":438,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":2,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:30.886Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"cat","tags":[],"title":"Cat","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:20.697Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:29.271Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"subtitle":"Post-Surgery Care for Cats and Dogs","tags":[],"taxonomies":[],"teaser":"Post surgery care made simple for pet owners: feeding, meds, rest, and incision tips—plus the warning signs that mean call your vet.","title":"Post-Surgery Care for Cats and Dogs","updated_at":"2026-09-24T14:11:13.511Z","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","url":"/blog/article/post-surgery-care-cats-dogs","vault_code":"ZPC-05437","publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-28T14:56:07.177Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"uid":"bltaaefdcc4229a72da","title":"Pet Surgery Recovery: What’s Normal — and What’s Not","subtitle":"Pet Surgery Recovery: What’s Normal — and What’s Not","short_title":"Pet Surgery Recovery: What’s Normal — and What’s Not","teaser":"Pet surgery recovery: what’s normal after your pet’s procedure—and what’s not. Learn healing timelines, red flags, and when to call your vet.","slug":"pet-surgery-recovery","url":"/blog/article/pet-surgery-recovery","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"bltd4c249aa0a0a31f0","_version":1,"title":"article-pet surgery recovery-header@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-20T19:49:34.868Z","updated_at":"2026-08-20T19:49:34.868Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"167347","filename":"article-pet_surgery_recovery-header@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":756,"width":1260},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-24T14:09:47.780Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/bltd4c249aa0a0a31f0/6a875a4e36492a298885dec6/article-pet_surgery_recovery-header@1.5x.jpg"},"mobile_image":{"uid":"blt725c94956037d0f5","_version":1,"title":"article-pet surgery recovery-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-20T19:49:42.157Z","updated_at":"2026-08-20T19:49:42.157Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"60439","filename":"article-pet_surgery_recovery-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":300,"width":600},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-24T14:09:47.762Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt725c94956037d0f5/6a875a56c8ced90814053d7a/article-pet_surgery_recovery-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg"},"crop_type":"center"},"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs370dfaba2e4f4926"},"content":"<p>Most pet parents aren’t medical experts, so helping your pet recover after surgery can feel overwhelming. You might wonder, “What should the incision look like?”, “When will my dog start eating normally?”, or “Is my cat hiding a sign that they are in pain?”</p><p>Understanding what’s normal in dog and cat surgery recovery (and spotting complication signs) can give you confidence and help your pet heal faster.</p><h2><strong>What to Expect After Your Pet’s Surgery</strong></h2><p>While every surgery and recovery is unique, there are clear signs pet parents can expect in the first days and weeks after a procedure. Effective pet care starts with knowing these signs and what steps to take if your dog or cat isn’t eating after surgery.</p><h3><strong>The Surgical Incision</strong></h3><p>An important part of your job will be monitoring your <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/caring-for-pets-surgical-incision\" target=\"_blank\">pet’s incision</a> as it heals. Before leaving the veterinary hospital, have them show you the incision and consider taking a photo for reference. This helps you spot changes quickly and provide improved care.</p><ul><li><strong>Edges:</strong> Pulled together, dry, light pink, slight swelling, no odor</li><li><strong>Bruising:</strong> Mild, peaks around 72 hours post-surgery</li><li><strong>Bleeding:</strong> Tiny amount may seep in first 24 hours, especially if your pet is too active</li><li><strong>Protection:</strong> Your veterinarian may recommend a cone or protective suit until the incision heals</li></ul><h3><strong>First Few Days</strong></h3><p>Dog surgery recovery and cat surgery recovery share these initial signs:</p><ul><li>Mild grogginess and wobbling from the anesthesia for a day or two&nbsp;</li><li>Improvements in alertness and appetite within a few days</li><li>Smaller appetite in the first day; improvement by Day 2</li></ul><h3><strong>Bathroom Changes</strong></h3><ul><li>Urination may occur more frequently in the first 24–48 hours if fluids were given during surgery</li><li>If no fluids were given or your pet is stressed, urination may be delayed up to 18 hours but should return to normal within three days</li><li>Stool may be delayed for 24–48 hours due to fasting, anesthesia, or medications</li></ul><h3><strong>Feeding Tips</strong></h3><ul><li>Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for feeding and water</li><li>Avoid food or water within two hours of arriving home, as it may cause vomiting</li><li>Lack of appetite is common for 24–48 hours after surgery</li></ul>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"bltb0e9322b802fbab8","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs81ecc78165d27658"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt3c0ece0b48ee08a5","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csbc1ca140d40d261b"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs3d0774a34c0c9333"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs09619112726a02cb"},"content":"<h2><strong>Weeks One - Six: Activity &amp; Healing</strong></h2><p>Your pet will likely need restricted activity for two to six weeks, depending on the type of surgery they had. This means no running, jumping, climbing, or playing of any sort. When your veterinarian gives the OK, you can gradually increase activity.</p><p>By week two, your pet should be eating and drinking normally. The incision should be completely healed after a couple of weeks, but you may still feel sutures under the skin. Pain management needs should decrease as recovery progresses.</p><h2><strong>Pet Surgery General Recovery Timeline</strong></h2>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"table":{"table_content":"<p>&nbsp;</p><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Recovery Stage</strong></th><th><strong>Normal Signs</strong></th><th><strong>Abnormal Signs</strong></th><th><strong>Actions</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>First 24-48 hrs</td><td>Mild grogginess, small appetite, slight swelling\t</td><td>Excessive lethargy, vomiting, heavy bleeding\t</td><td>Monitor, call vet if abnormal</td></tr><tr><td>Days 3-7\t</td><td>Increased alertness, eating, incision healing\t</td><td>Refusing food, severe pain, gaping incision\t</td><td>Daily checks, call vet for red flags</td></tr><tr><td>Weeks 2-6\t</td><td>Gradual activity increase, healed incision\t</td><td>Persistent pain, abnormal bathroom habits\t</td><td>Reintroduce activity slowly</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>","_metadata":{"uid":"cs262cb8b92a635fc0"},"header_background_color":"#00C1D5","header_text_color":"","shade_alternate_rows":false,"has_column_separators":true}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cse858746e7c763eeb"},"content":"<h2><strong>Surgical Recovery Red Flags</strong></h2><p>Catching small warning signs can help prevent infections, emergencies, and costly treatments. Here are some of the potential red flags to watch for as your dog or cat recovers:</p><h3><strong>Dog Surgery Complication Signs</strong></h3><p>Call your veterinarian if you notice:</p><ul><li>Refusing all food beyond 36 hours</li><li>Severe lethargy</li><li>Panting while resting (not due to heat)</li><li>Trouble breathing</li><li>Pale or blue gums</li><li>Fever or signs of possible fever (warm ears, shivering)</li><li>Signs of extreme pain</li><li>Collapse</li><li>Muscle twitching or seizures</li></ul><h3><strong>Cat Surgery Complication Signs</strong></h3><p>All dog surgery complication signs apply to cats, plus:</p><ul><li>Open-mouth breathing</li><li>Continuous hiding/unresponsiveness</li></ul><h3><strong>Incision Healing</strong></h3><p>If you see any of the following changes to your pet’s incision, at any point in their recovery, call your veterinarian:</p><ul><li>Active bleeding</li><li>Significant swelling</li><li>Thick green or yellow discharge</li><li>Excessive redness or bruising</li><li>Foul smell</li><li>Gaping or opening&nbsp;</li></ul><h3><strong>Peeing and Pooping</strong></h3><p>These are concerning signs that warrant a call to your veterinary clinic:</p><ul><li>No urine in 24 hours</li><li>Straining to urinate or poop</li><li>Blood in urine or stool</li><li>Repeated vomiting or severe diarrhea</li><li>For cats, vocalizing in the litter box or soiling outside the litter box are also red flags.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2><strong>My Pet Isn’t Eating or Drinking After Surgery: What </strong><strong>to</strong><strong> Do</strong></h2><p>If your dog or cat isn’t eating or drinking within two days after their surgery, they may need some support:</p><ul><li>Try raised food and water bowls if your <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/how-make-dog-cone-comfortable\" target=\"_blank\">pet’s cone</a> is getting in the way.&nbsp;</li><li>Always provide fresh water.</li><li>Start with small meals throughout the day.&nbsp;</li><li>Feed in a calm, quiet room.</li><li>Warm food slightly by adding a little hot water.</li><li>Add pet-safe flavor enhancers to the food, such as broths or gravies.</li><li>Ask your veterinarian if a bland diet would help to reduce stomach upset.</li><li>Feed your pet before giving medication to help reduce nausea.</li><li>Give pain, anti-emetic or <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/products/cerenia\" target=\"_blank\">vomiting treatment medications</a> on time because pain and nausea suppress appetite.</li></ul><p>Call your veterinarian if you notice:</p><ul><li>Refusing all food for 36 hours</li><li>Vomiting or diarrhea&nbsp;</li><li>Severe lethargy</li><li>Labored breathing</li><li>Signs of pain that are not being managed with pain medication</li></ul><p>Cats are at higher risk for hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) if they don’t eat after surgery. If your cat hasn’t eaten for 36 hours, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic right away.</p><h2><strong>Is My Pet in Post-Op Pain?</strong></h2><p>Dogs and cats hide pain well, but effective pain management helps them recover faster and feel happier. Never skip a dose of pain medication or stop unless your veterinarian says so. Do not add over-the-counter meds without guidance, as they can be toxic. Call your vet if pain persists despite prescribed meds or if your pet seems heavily sedated.</p><h3><strong>Signs Your Pet’s Pain Is Well Controlled</strong></h3><ul><li>Resting comfortably</li><li>Relaxed body posture and facial expression</li><li>Taking treats</li><li>Moving carefully but willingly for potty breaks or using the litter box</li><li>Sleeping normally</li><li>Breathing comfortably</li><li>Interested in attention and their surroundings</li></ul><h3><strong>Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain&nbsp;</strong></h3><ul><li>Whining, crying, or growling</li><li>Panting at rest (dogs)</li><li>Hiding and reduced grooming (cats)</li><li>Pacing or trouble settling</li><li>Lack of appetite</li><li>Guarding the incision or not wanting to be touched</li><li>Sudden agitation</li><li>Aggression</li><li>Obsessively licking, chewing, or scratching at the incision</li></ul><h2><strong>Recovery Timeline &amp; What to Track</strong></h2><ul><li>Daily incision checks and cone use until cleared</li><li>Suture removal or recheck timing varies—confirm your appointment before leaving the clinic</li><li>Activity remains restricted until cleared; reintroduce slowly</li><li>Keep a log: appetite, water intake, bathroom breaks, behavior changes, and incision photos</li></ul><p>Most post-surgery changes are temporary. Trust your instincts—if something seems off, especially appetite, behavior, or the incision, call your veterinarian. Quick action keeps recovery on track and stress low for you and your pet. Modern pet health solutions, personalized support, and vet-approved guidance help your pet return to happy and healthy days.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"blt05edf77c818f353c","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csfa2b2dad51d6ca1c"}}}],"author":[{"uid":"bltbfc19d992c1b3997","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"footnote":"","vault_code":"ZPC-05434","sort_date":"2026-08-20","brand":[{"uid":"blt4b232a2a752ac9e5","_content_type_uid":"Brand"}],"is_isi_visible":true,"species":[{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltd93b7c539942b364","_version":437,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":1,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:31.659Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"dog","tags":[],"title":"Dog","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:27.464Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-16T13:41:26.411Z","user":"blt01eda274d6c31bed","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltc4a254c11bcb2261","_version":438,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":2,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:30.886Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"cat","tags":[],"title":"Cat","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:20.697Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:29.271Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"categories":[{"_content_type_uid":"Category","uid":"bltf43a603ef97831f8","_version":224,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"created_at":"2022-04-12T14:28:37.643Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"comfort-pain-relief","tags":[],"title":"Comfort & Pain Relief","updated_at":"2022-07-29T16:28:47.636Z","updated_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:30.910Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"taxonomies":[],"metadata":{"title":"Pet Surgery Recovery: What’s Normal — and What’s Not","description":"Pet surgery recovery: what’s normal after your pet’s procedure—and what’s not. Learn healing timelines, red flags, and when to call your vet.","keywords":"dog surgery recovery, cat surgery recovery, dog not eating after surgery, cat not eating after surgery, dog surgery complication signs, cat surgery complication signs","extra_css":"","opengraph_image":{"uid":"blt7331eded4f215130","_version":1,"title":"article-pet surgery recovery-open-graph@1x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-20T19:49:12.279Z","updated_at":"2026-08-20T19:49:12.279Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"157375","filename":"article-pet_surgery_recovery-open-graph@1x.jpg","dimension":{"height":630,"width":1200},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-24T14:09:47.800Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt7331eded4f215130/6a875a38eb4ccc6fd9f213f4/article-pet_surgery_recovery-open-graph@1x.jpg"},"thumbnail_image":{"uid":"blt30400450ab31a37c","_version":1,"title":"article-pet surgery recovery-thumbnail@2x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-20T19:49:20.219Z","updated_at":"2026-08-20T19:49:20.219Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"90296","filename":"article-pet_surgery_recovery-thumbnail@2x.jpg","dimension":{"height":492,"width":840},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-24T14:09:47.741Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt30400450ab31a37c/6a875a40762d1eaff05cbe0f/article-pet_surgery_recovery-thumbnail@2x.jpg"},"canonical_url":"","page_type":[],"seo_schema":{},"no_index":false,"crownpeak_id":""},"tags":[],"locale":"en-us","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-20T19:20:26.008Z","updated_at":"2026-09-14T14:42:13.772Z","ACL":{},"_version":5,"_in_progress":false,"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-24T14:09:47.539Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"uid":"blt543e6c6a4a327bf1","_version":11,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"additional_regulatory_content":"<h2 class=\"type-style-h6\">Emergency Use Authorization for Simparica Trio for New World Screwworm</h2><p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the emergency use of the approved product Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) for the treatment of infestations caused by New World screwworm (<em>Cochliomyia hominivorax</em>) larvae (myiasis) in dogs and puppies. Simparica Trio is not approved for this use.</p><p>Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) (NADA 141-521) is approved for other uses in dogs and puppies</p><p>For additional information on the EUA, please refer to the <a href=\"https://www.trionws.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Simparica Trio EUA Fact Sheet</a>.</p><h3 class=\"type-style-h6\">Limitations of Authorized Use</h3><p>Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is authorized for this use only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&amp;C Act), 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or the authorization is revoked sooner.</p><h3 class=\"type-style-h6\">Approved Indications for Simparica Trio</h3><p>Simparica Trio is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by <em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> and for the treatment and control of roundworm (immature adult and adult <em>Toxocara canis</em> and adult <em>Toxascaris leonina</em>) and hookworm (L4, immature adult, and adult <em>Ancylostoma caninum</em> and adult <em>Uncinaria stenocephala</em>) infections. Simparica Trio kills adult fleas (<em>Ctenocephalides felis</em>) and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, the prevention of <em>Dipylidium caninum</em> (tapeworm) infections as a direct result of killing <em>Ctenocephalides felis</em> vector fleas on the treated dog, and the treatment and control of tick infestations with <em>Amblyomma americanum</em> (lone star tick), <em>Amblyomma maculatum</em> (Gulf Coast tick), <em>Dermacentor variabilis</em> (American dog tick), <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> (black-legged tick), <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> (brown dog tick), and <em>Haemaphysalis longicornis</em> (Asian longhorned tick) for one month in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, and weighing 2.8 pounds or greater. Simparica Trio is indicated for the prevention of <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> infections as a direct result of killing <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> vector ticks.</p>","author":[{"uid":"blt507250665db242e8","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs7bc058c3de8be657"},"content":"<p>You may have seen New World screwworm (NWS) in the news, as it was recently detected in the United States for the first time in decades. But what exactly is this parasite, and should you be worried about your dog’s safety?&nbsp;</p><p>New World screwworm is a fly whose larvae feed on living tissue in warm-blooded animals, including dogs. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds or around orifices, like ears or the mouth. Even a small wound, like a scratch or tick bite, can result in an infestation. The larvae that hatch begin to feed on the animal and can cause serious damage.</p><p>Information about New World screwworm will continue to evolve as public health officials and veterinarians monitor the situation. In the mean time, a little education can help you understand what to look for and when you may need to reach out to a veterinarian.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Understanding New World Screwworm</strong></h2><p>New World screwworm (NWS) was eradicated decades ago in the US, Mexico, and most of Central America.<sup>1</sup><span style=\"color: black;\">&nbsp;Unfortunately, it has recently been detected in the U.S. again, prompting renewed attention and the need for s</span>urveillance in the US<span style=\"color: black;\">.</span></p><p>Although as of August 2026, NWS has only been detected in Texas and New Mexico<span style=\"color: black;\">, dog parents should know the signs and follow current guidance from public health officials and veterinarians.</span></p><h2><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>How Infestation Happens</strong></span></h2><p>New World screwworm (<em>Cochliomyia</em> <em>hominivorax</em>) gets its name from the screw-like appearance of the larval (maggot) stage of the fly. The life cycle of the New World screwworm fly requires a live animal to feed on.</p><p>Adult female flies are attracted to odors from open wounds or lesions, which can be anything from a tiny scratch to a tick bite or post-surgical wound. They’re also attracted to warm mucous membranes and natural odors emitted from the body's orifices, like the nose and ears.&nbsp;</p><p>The female fly lays multiple batches of eggs around the edge of the wound or orifice. Approximately 12 to 24 hours later, the larvae hatch from the eggs and feed on the animal's living tissue. As the larvae feed, they create screw-like holes that quickly expand the wound. They continue feeding for approximately seven days before maturing. The larvae then exit the wound and drop to the soil to pupate. About six to eight days later, an adult fly emerges.<sup>2</sup></p><p><span style=\"color: black;\">The life cycle explains why early care is so important: an infestation can progress from eggs to tissue damage in a short time.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Environmental Needs</strong></span></h2><p><span style=\"color: black;\">NWS activity is temperature-dependent, peaking during warmer months in spring, summer, and early fall.&nbsp;</span>The ideal environment for survival and activity of NWS is between 77-86°F. Average temperatures below ~48°F (9°C) prevent NWS survival.<span style=\"color: black;\"><sup>3</sup></span></p><p><span style=\"color: black;\">Peak&nbsp;</span>New World screwworm fly <span style=\"color: black;\">activity coincides with peak flea and tick season. This is a concern because just the presence of tick bites or scratching flea bites can leave wounds that attract these egg-laying flies. Be sure to ask your veterinarian which year-round flea and tick control plan is right for your dog.</span></p><h2><strong>What Are the Signs of New World Screwworm in Dogs?</strong></h2><p>The earliest signs may be easy to miss. Monitor dogs for signs like irritation, head shaking, foul odor, and for the presence of eggs or maggots around wounds or the ears, nose, mouth, or genitals. A wound that worsens quickly over hours or days needs prompt veterinary attention.</p><p>Possible new world screwworm symptoms include:<sup>1</sup></p><ul><li>Small, white egg clusters in or around wounds</li><li>Visible larvae/maggots in or around wounds or orifices&nbsp;</li><li>Foul odor from wounds or orifices</li><li>Bloody discharge, or clear/pale yellow, watery fluid from the wound</li><li>Wounds that get bigger or deeper over time</li><li>Expanding or “pitted” tissue damage</li><li>Unusual swelling</li><li>Escalating pain</li><li>Persistent licking or scratching</li><li>Lethargy</li><li>Fever</li><li>Reduced appetite</li><li>Irritability</li><li>Isolating from people or other pets</li></ul><p>If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately, especially if your dog lives in or recently traveled through an area with reported activity. Do not wait for every sign to appear.</p><h2><strong>Characteristics</strong><strong> of the New World Screwworm Fly</strong></h2><p>Since the process starts with adult flies laying eggs in open wounds, it’s helpful to know to what the flies look like – especially if your dog currently has any wounds.</p><p>Characteristics of adult flies include:</p><ul><li>Similar in size to, or slightly larger than, common house flies</li><li>Metallic blue or green body</li><li>Orange eyes</li><li>Three dark stripes along the back</li></ul><p>Fly appearance alone can’t confirm an infestation. A veterinarian and diagnostic laboratory must evaluate suspected cases.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt8147edd7bceb03e7","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs57d38cc29e62a3ff"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blte648bcce57eeeee3","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs39bcfdf83740b0c9"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs77ac7a8f77d2c540"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"csc3ce6ef932722965"},"content":"<h2><strong>New World Screwworm Treatment for Dogs</strong></h2><p><span style=\"color: black;\">If you suspect your dog has NWS eggs or a larval infestation (where the eggs have already hatched), do not attempt to aggressively flush or remove the larvae or eggs at home. This could push them deeper and worsen the damage. Leave the treatment and management of the infection to your veterinarian.</span></p><h3><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Before You Head to the Veterinary Clinic</strong></span></h3><p>It’s crucial that you inform your veterinary clinic that you are concerned your dog may have a New World screwworm larvae infestation before you arrive. This protects other patients and helps the veterinary team manage a suspected case safely.</p><p>Tell your veterinarian:</p><ul><li>When you first noticed the wound</li><li>How you think the wound occurred</li><li>How the wound has changed</li><li>Any signs you’ve noticed, including pain, discharge, odor, licking, or changes in appetite or activity</li><li>Where your dog has traveled recently</li></ul><h3><strong>The Veterinary Exam</strong></h3><p>Your veterinarian will assess the wound and your dog’s overall health.&nbsp;</p><p>They may recommend testing, such as a bacterial culture of the wound. If they suspect New World screwworm, they will collect samples from the wound to submit for testing.</p><h3><strong>Treatment and Follow-Up&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Because infestation can be very painful, sedation may be necessary to manually remove larvae, safely clean deep wounds, and remove unhealthy tissue.</p><p>Your dog may need antibiotics, pain medications, and supportive care, such as intravenous fluids. Effective oral medications to kill the screwworm larvae are available. Your veterinarian will choose a product based on available FDA-authorized options.</p><p>The wound must be monitored closely for healing and possible reinfestation. Follow all discharge instructions closely and keep all follow-up appointments with your veterinarian. New World screwworm larvae treatment may require more than one check as the wound heals.</p><p>Your veterinarian will work with state animal health officials and USDA veterinarians to ensure standard treatment procedures are followed. This also helps agricultural leaders keep track of New World screwworm in your area, to help prevent more animals from being affected. &nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Traveling with Your Dog Amid New World Screwworm Concerns</strong></h2><p>Keep a log of your pet’s travel (and any wounds) to share with your veterinarian if you suspect NWS. If you’re traveling with your pet from an active U.S. infested zone, you may be required to follow specific guidance and/or obtain a certification of veterinary inspection. Be sure to check with USDA and state guidance and your veterinarian for import rules prior to travel.. Be sure to check your local state import rules at <a href=\"https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/state-to-state\" target=\"_blank\">USDA APHIS State-to-State Pet Travel</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>When arriving or returning with your dog from international destinations, you should always check CDC and USDA guidelines.</p><h2><strong>Protecting Your Dog if NWS Spikes Near You</strong>&nbsp;</h2><p>Vigilance beats panic when working to protect your dog from New World screwworm.&nbsp;</p><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/products/simparica-trio\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Use year-round parasite prevention</strong></a><strong>.</strong> If your dog isn’t already on one, speak to your veterinarian about the best option.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Treat wounds promptly.</strong> Clean, protect, and monitor wounds each day according to your veterinarian’s advice.</li><li><strong>Check your dog daily.</strong> Look from nose to tail, including the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, armpits, groin, tail base, and spaces between the toes.</li><li><strong>Help prevent wounds.</strong> Avoid thorny brush, supervise rough play, keep nails trimmed, and make sure collars and harnesses don’t chafe.</li><li><strong>Check after outdoor activity.</strong> Look for wounds after hiking, hunting, rough play, or time in brush. Check crates, fences, and outdoor areas for sharp objects.</li></ul><h2><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Where To Find Current New World Screwworm Information&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><p><span style=\"color: black;\">Information about New World screwworm will continue to evolve as officials and veterinarians monitor the situation. Use reliable sources to check for updates:</span></p><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm\" target=\"_blank\">Screwworm.gov Unified Response Hub</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/new-world-screwworm/situation-summary/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">CDC Situation Summary</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status/us-confirmed-cases-new-world\" target=\"_blank\">USDA Confirmed Detections Dashboard</a></li></ul><p>Although the risk of New World screwworm is low for most dogs, it's helpful to know what to look for and have a plan. Keep checking your dog after outdoor activities, watch for even small wounds, and contact your veterinarian if something changes. Prompt wound care, smart prevention, and a quick call to your vet are the best forms of protection from New World screwworm.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"blt3459ecfced8b5d2d","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csdab4c64f7825b5dd"}}}],"brand":[{"uid":"bltb9d647c1f0b00d53","_content_type_uid":"Brand"}],"categories":[],"created_at":"2026-08-19T16:04:19.929Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","footnote":"<ol><li>New World Screwworm (NWS). American Veterinary Medical Association. <a href=\"https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/one-health/veterinarians-and-public-health/new-world-screwworm\">https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/one-health/veterinarians-and-public-health/new-world-screwworm</a>. Accessed August 5, 2026.</li><li>New World Screwworm and White-tailed Deer: Risk, Recognition and Reporting. LSU College of Agriculture. <a href=\"https://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/averywilliams/articles/page1784306064154\">https://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/averywilliams/articles/page1784306064154</a>. Accessed August 5, 2026.</li><li>Valdez-Espinoza, et al. Nature. 2025. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-04804-9. Accessed August 27, 2026.</li><li>Bring a Pet Dog into the United States. USDA Animal and Plan Health Inspection Service. <a href=\"https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import/dogs#modal-link-cdc-alert\">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import/dogs#modal-link-cdc-alert</a>. Accessed August 6, 2026.</li></ol>","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"blt511ad629b8344c8b","_version":1,"title":"article-new world screwworm dogs-header@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-19T17:19:00.201Z","updated_at":"2026-08-19T17:19:00.201Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"194260","filename":"article-new_world_screwworm_dogs-header@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":756,"width":1260},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-28T14:52:19.452Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt511ad629b8344c8b/6a85e584f9838a84163bedd8/article-new_world_screwworm_dogs-header@1.5x.jpg"},"mobile_image":{"uid":"blt5e106a2bba139afb","_version":1,"title":"article-new world screwworm dogs-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-19T17:19:06.496Z","updated_at":"2026-08-19T17:19:06.496Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"65699","filename":"article-new_world_screwworm_dogs-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":300,"width":600},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-28T14:52:19.428Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt5e106a2bba139afb/6a85e58a40a1847782ef3383/article-new_world_screwworm_dogs-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg"},"crop_type":"center"},"is_isi_visible":true,"metadata":{"title":"What Is New World Screwworm in Dogs?","description":"New world screwworm in dogs can turn serious fast. Learn the warning signs, how vets treat it, and what pet owners can do to prevent infection.","keywords":"what is new world screwworm, new world screwworm in dogs, nws in dogs","extra_css":"","opengraph_image":{"uid":"blt1b7e7a1218359f47","_version":1,"title":"article-new world screwworm dogs-open-graph@1x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-19T17:18:22.214Z","updated_at":"2026-08-19T17:18:22.214Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"186916","filename":"article-new_world_screwworm_dogs-open-graph@1x.jpg","dimension":{"height":630,"width":1200},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-28T14:52:19.475Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt1b7e7a1218359f47/6a85e55ebc1d3ac1406fff18/article-new_world_screwworm_dogs-open-graph@1x.jpg"},"thumbnail_image":{"uid":"bltdc359c8dae46520e","_version":1,"title":"article-new world screwworm dogs-thumbnail@2x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-19T17:18:29.277Z","updated_at":"2026-08-19T17:18:29.277Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"102654","filename":"article-new_world_screwworm_dogs-thumbnail@2x.jpg","dimension":{"height":492,"width":840},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-28T14:52:19.404Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/bltdc359c8dae46520e/6a85e565eb4ccc776ff20977/article-new_world_screwworm_dogs-thumbnail@2x.jpg"},"canonical_url":"","page_type":[],"seo_schema":{},"no_index":false,"crownpeak_id":""},"short_title":"What Is New World Screwworm in Dogs?","slug":"new-world-screwworm-in-dogs","sort_date":"2026-08-19","species":[{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltd93b7c539942b364","_version":437,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":1,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:31.659Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"dog","tags":[],"title":"Dog","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:27.464Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-16T13:41:26.411Z","user":"blt01eda274d6c31bed","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"subtitle":"What Is New World Screwworm in Dogs?","tags":[],"taxonomies":[],"teaser":"New world screwworm in dogs can turn serious fast. Learn the warning signs, how vets treat it, and what pet owners can do to prevent infection.","title":"What Is New World Screwworm in Dogs?","updated_at":"2026-09-29T14:08:28.438Z","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","url":"/blog/article/new-world-screwworm-in-dogs","vault_code":"ZPC-05429","publish_details":{"time":"2026-09-29T15:10:04.650Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"uid":"blt577f643a768935b8","locale":"en-us","_version":2,"ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"author":[{"uid":"bltbfc19d992c1b3997","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs22b7dabeb0c201b9"},"content":"<p>Pet technology has become an essential part of modern pet care, offering new ways to keep your companion happy and healthy. From wearable tech for pets to smart devices that simplify daily routines, pet tech gadgets are changing the way you care for your furry family members.&nbsp;</p><p>These innovative solutions make it easier to track your pet’s health, ensure their safety, and support better prevention of problems. Understanding the benefits of pet tech products helps you choose the best solutions for your pet’s unique needs. &nbsp;Discover how the latest pet tech can improve your pet’s life and make things easier for you as a pet parent.</p><h2><strong>What Is Pet Tech?</strong></h2><p>Pet tech refers to technology-based tools and products designed to improve pet health, safety, behavior, enrichment, and day-to-day care. These can range from wearable health trackers and GPS collars to smart feeders, cameras, automated litter boxes, and connected home systems.</p><p>The best pet tech products solve problems or give insight. You might want to know whether your senior dog is slowing down, or perhaps your cat isn’t drinking enough water. Pet tech can give you some peace of mind when you’re away from home, and can improve your awareness of health challenges, support early intervention, and help veterinarians establish baseline data.</p><h2><strong>Considerations Before You Buy Pet Tech</strong></h2><p>Before investing in pet tech devices, ask yourself a few questions:</p><ul><li>Does this solve a specific problem for my pet?</li><li>Is it easy to use?</li><li>Are there a lot of positive reviews?</li><li>Does it connect to my smartphone or smart home system?</li><li>Are there subscription fees or is it a one-time purchase?</li><li>Will my pet tolerate wearing or using it?</li></ul><p>Technology should make life easier, not more complicated.</p><h2><strong>Smart Wearables and Health Sensors</strong></h2><p>Smart collars and wearable tech for pets can track activity, rest, sleeping, and location. Some even track health-related trends such as heart rate or breathing patterns, drinking, and head shaking. These devices are especially useful for active and senior pets, pets with medical conditions, or pet parents who want to see how the data changes over time.</p><p>For example, activity trackers can establish a baseline of what’s normal for your dog or cat. If your usually energetic dog suddenly becomes less active or starts sleeping more, you can catch this on the tracker and discuss these changes with your veterinarian.</p><h2><strong>What Wearables Monitor</strong></h2><p>Some wearable devices can monitor:</p><ul><li>Daily activity and movement</li><li>Sleep duration and quality</li><li>Scratching or licking behaviors</li><li>Drinking and hydration</li><li>Heart rate trends</li><li>Respiratory rate changes</li><li>Mobility patterns</li><li>GPS location and escape alerts</li></ul><h2><strong>Benefits of Wearable Devices</strong></h2><p>Rather than replacing veterinary care, these devices work best as another layer of information. Watching patterns over time can be valuable for identifying health changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. They can be especially helpful for monitoring activity at night while you are sleeping. Accuracy varies between brands and features, and wearable devices should never be used to diagnose illness at home or replace veterinary advice.</p><h2><strong>Challenges of Wearable Devices</strong></h2><p>Your pet's breed, coat type, activity level, and body shape can affect how well some wearables fit or function. For example, a lightweight tracker that works well for a Labrador might not be the best choice for a toy breed. Keep these things in mind when looking at options and reading reviews.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"bltd586e426a80d31c9","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs4fc5713bc8110704"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"bltbe8070c6106dbd73","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs24d4b7a85d17c0af"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs44fc92ffbacf8650"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs0f953128f4d910a1"},"content":"<h2><strong>Feeding and Hydration Tech&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Other tech innovations have found their way into automatic and smart feeders, as well as water fountains, making it easier to manage and regulate meal portions, schedules, and hydration.</p><h3><strong>Smart Feeders</strong></h3><p>Smart feeders can help manage portion control and feeding times. This is great for weight management and feeding when you’re not home. A consistent feeding schedule also helps reduce stress.</p><p>Many have an app and connect to your home’s wi-fi network. They can tell you things like when the food was dispensed, provide low-food warnings, and even give a special treat. Some even offer electric refrigeration to keep wet food at safe temperatures until feeding time.</p><p>Others include support to keep pets out of each other’s food. These feeders scan each pet’s microchip or an RFID (radio-frequency identification) tag on their collar and allow access only to the pet programmed into the feeder.&nbsp;</p><p>If you’re concerned about losing power, be sure your unit can operate on batteries, so your pet doesn’t miss a meal. Some also have built-in cameras so you can sneak a peek while you’re away.</p><h3><strong>Water Fountains</strong></h3><p>Proper hydration helps support urinary and kidney health, but our pets aren’t always as focused on their water intake as we’d like. Today’s pet fountains come in corded and cordless options. Some have apps that let you track how much and how often your pet is drinking, which can offer vital insights into their health.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Safety Tips</strong></h3><ul><li>Ensure that your pet can eat and drink from a natural position without straining their neck.&nbsp;</li><li>Be sure the devices are cleaned frequently.&nbsp;</li><li>If the unit has a power cord, ensure that it can’t be chewed or, better yet, avoid machines with power cords altogether.</li></ul><p>Most importantly, never rely on feeders and fountains to do 100% of the work. Things can go wrong, and you don’t want your pet going without food or fresh water, especially if you’re away from home for extended periods. &nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Automated Litterboxes</strong></h2><p>Automated litter boxes are a popular pet tech gadget for cat parents. They self-clean and some even monitor how often your cat uses the box. This data can point to early signs of health issues, like urinary blockages.</p><h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3><ul><li>Less daily cleaning for you.</li><li>Health tracking features add peace of mind.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3><ul><li>Some cats dislike enclosed spaces or the unit’s size.</li><li>Machines need regular deep cleaning and can malfunction.</li><li>Higher upfront cost compared to traditional boxes.</li></ul><h2><strong>Safety and Security Pet Tech&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>The options above are just a small sample of what’s out there. You can also find:</p><ul><li>GPS trackers to help find lost pets</li><li>Smart home integration, for things like opening doors, adjusting temperature, and even tweaking the lighting to help your pet feel comfortable and secure</li><li>Behavioral aids that can measure changes in heart rate, vocalization, movement, and other cues that indicate stress or anxiety</li></ul><h2><strong>Pet Tech Cautions and How to Avoid Them</strong></h2><p>While many of these products can be extremely helpful as we look for new ways to support our pets, there are potential concerns.</p><ul><li>Over-automation can reduce hands-on time with your pet.</li><li>Ignoring maintenance can lead to device failures.</li><li>Too many notifications may cause you to miss important updates.</li><li>Some devices, like shock collars, can cause stress or harm—avoid these options.</li></ul><p>Pet tech gadgets and pet tech products offer real solutions for modern pet parents, making it easier to keep your pet happy and healthy. By choosing wearable tech for pets and other innovative tools, you can support better prevention, improved care, and a more connected relationship with your furry friend. Always consider your pet’s comfort, safety, and individual needs when selecting new devices. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian for vet-approved advice on the best options for your pet.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"blt235527fe2d880e94","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cseeb89ac8b3f4ad40"},"variants":[]}}],"brand":[],"categories":[{"_content_type_uid":"Category","uid":"blt2c3d234f7e26861e","_version":227,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"created_at":"2022-04-12T14:28:32.085Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"pet-ownership","tags":[],"title":"Pet Ownership","updated_at":"2022-07-29T16:28:42.427Z","updated_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:24.401Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"created_at":"2026-06-23T14:47:35.302Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","footnote":"","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"blt164222c7350a0e49","_version":1,"title":"article-pet tech-header@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-04T15:15:45.970Z","updated_at":"2026-08-04T15:15:45.970Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"176221","filename":"article-pet_tech-header@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":756,"width":1260},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-08-04T15:16:45.291Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt164222c7350a0e49/6a7202217c524191e4e72de4/article-pet_tech-header@1.5x.jpg"},"mobile_image":{"uid":"bltfa02895633b18fb0","_version":1,"title":"article-pet tech-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-08-04T15:15:57.285Z","updated_at":"2026-08-04T15:15:57.285Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"52815","filename":"article-pet_tech-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":300,"width":600},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-08-04T15:16:45.243Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/bltfa02895633b18fb0/6a72022dcd87c37cff6bb7fc/article-pet_tech-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg"},"crop_type":"center"},"is_isi_visible":false,"metadata":{"title":"Innovative Pet Tech That Makes Life Easier for You and Your Pet","description":"Wearable tech for pets that actually helps: GPS, activity tracking, health alerts, and more. 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Discover innovative pet tech that simplifies care daily.","title":"Innovative Pet Tech That Makes Life Easier for You and Your Pet","updated_at":"2026-08-04T15:16:39.179Z","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","url":"/blog/article/innovative-pet-tech-makes-life-easier-you-your-pet","vault_code":"ZPC-05297","publish_details":{"time":"2026-08-04T15:16:44.870Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"uid":"blt91b7185bdeea4f4e","_version":4,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"author":[{"uid":"bltbfc19d992c1b3997","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"csbf30611574cea0b2"},"content":"<p>Understanding your pet’s dietary needs is one of the most important parts of being a responsible pet parent. With so much information online and in advertisements, it’s easy to get confused about what’s best for your dog or cat. Whethter your pet is a carnivore or omnivore affects what they should eat to stay happy and healthy. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or have other dietary preferences, you might wonder if your dog or cat can eat the same way. Understanding how your pet is built to eat helps you make the best choices for their health, wellness, and longevity.&nbsp;</p><h2><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>What Are Carnivores and Omnivores?</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style=\"color: black;\">Carnivores are animals that rely on meat for their nutritional needs. While they might eat some plants, their bodies are built to thrive on meat. Carnivores are divided into three main groups:&nbsp;</span><ul><li><span style=\"color: black;\">Hypercarnivores (also known as obligate carnivores) need more than 70% of their diet to be meat.</span></li><li><span style=\"color: black;\">Mesocarnivores thrive on a diet that’s about 30% to 70% meat.</span></li><li><span style=\"color: black;\">Hypocarnivores eat less than 30% meat.</span></li></ul></li></ul><p><span style=\"color: black;\">Some carnivores are called facultative carnivores, meaning that they thrive on a meat-based diet but can digest and benefit from plant-based food. This could land them in both the mesocarnivore and hypocarnivore classifications.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style=\"color: black;\">Omnivores, on the other hand, are more balanced in their intake of both meat and plants. They don’t need meat as their main food source to survive. They can get the nutrients they need from a wide variety of foods.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>I</strong></span><span style=\"color: black;\">t’s easy to confuse omnivores with mesocarnivores or facultative carnivores. The main difference is that carnivores thrive on meat, while omnivores thrive on a balanced diet of meat and plants.&nbsp;</span></p><p>About 63% of animal species today are carnivores, while only around 3% are omnivores. 32% are herbivores eating plant-based diets.<sup>1</sup></p><h2><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Cats are Obligate Carnivores</strong></span></h2><p>Are cats carnivores<span style=\"color: black;\">? Yes—cats are obligate carnivores (hypercarnivores). This means they must have a primarily meat-based diet to stay healthy. They can’t get the nutrients they need from plants alone.&nbsp;</span></p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt213865bb2f71d5e8","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs903944e25beb9ecd"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt63a15450720fcbcb","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs3acef488d5e72b39"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cse281110b5bf1938b"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"csc6551fb1dfbae67f"},"content":"<h2><span style='color:black;'><strong>Why Cats Need Animal Protein</strong></span></h2><p>Cats have higher protein requirements compared to other mammals, including dogs.<sup>2</sup><span style='color:black;'> To receive enough protein, they require an animal-based diet. Cats can’t make certain essential nutrients on their own, like:</span></p><ul><li><strong>Taurine:</strong> Cats can’t synthesize this amino acid, which is only found in animal protein. Without enough taurine, cats can develop blindness or heart disease.</li><li><strong>Arginine:</strong> Another amino acid found in animal protein. A lack of arginine can cause dangerous levels of ammonia in the blood, leading to severe health problems.<sup>2</sup></li></ul><p><span style='color:black;'>Compared to an omnivore, a cat’s digestive system is shorter, and their stomach is more acidic. This allows them to digest and utilize protein and fats from meat efficiently, but they’re unable to absorb adequate protein and other nutrients from plant sources efficiently.</span></p><h2><span style='color:black;'><strong>What Being an Obligate Carnivore Means for Your Cat</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style='color:black;'><strong>Meat is a must.</strong></span><span style='color:black;'> Cats can’t live on a vegan or vegetarian diet. They need animal protein for essential fatty acids and amino acids.</span></li><li><span style='color:black;'><strong>Raw meat isn’t always safe.</strong></span><span style='color:black;'> Feeding raw meat can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies and put your cat at risk for bacteria and parasites. Always consult a vet before changing your cat’s diet.</span></li><li><span style='color:black;'><strong>Carbohydrates aren’t required.</strong></span><span style='color:black;'> While many cat foods contain some carbohydrates, these should be minimal and listed at the end of the ingredient list. Some cats with medical needs may need more carbs, so talk to your vet.</span></li></ul><p><span style='color:black;'>If you have any questions about how to best meet your cat’s nutritional needs for optimal health and wellness, consult with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.</span></p><h2><span style='color:black;'><strong>Dogs Are Facultative Carnivores</strong></span></h2><p>Are dogs omnivores or are dogs carnivores<span style='color:black;'>? There’s a long-running debate on this question, since both of those classifications eat meat and plants. You can find healthy arguments on both sides, but looking at genetics and anatomy, facultative carnivore seems to be the best match for dogs.</span><span style='color:black;'><sup>3</sup></span></p><h2><span style='color:black;'><strong>How Dogs’ Diets Are Different</strong></span></h2><ul><li><strong>Domesticated dogs have evolved to digest starch.</strong> They have genes that help them break down foods like rice and wheat, unlike their wolf ancestors.<sup>5</sup>&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Dogs have the MGAM gene, which helps them digest plant matter.</strong></li><li><strong>Their intestines are longer than a carnivore’s but shorter than a true omnivore’s or herbivore’s.</strong> This means they can eat plants but still need a meat-based diet.</li></ul><h2><span style='color:black;'><strong>What Being a Facultative Carnivore Means for Your Dog</strong></span></h2><p>Vegan and vegetarian diets can be challenging for dogs, putting them at risk of protein and nutrient insufficiencies and unbalanced fats<span style='color:black;'>, if the recipes aren’t very carefully constructed.</span><sup>6</sup> &nbsp;</p><p>Studies indicate that dogs exercising on an unbalanced plant-based diet can develop anemia.<sup>4</sup><span style='color:black;'> Even with a vegetarian diet that includes some animal products, but avoids meat, it’s extremely challenging to provide everything your dog needs.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style='color:black;'>Dogs need a high-quality protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Complex carbohydrates are also important, such as peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes. These provide a steadier source of energy because they take longer to break down.</span></p><p><span style='color:black;'>Along with a complex combination of vitamins and minerals, dogs can benefit from ingredients such as beet pulp (soluble fiber) and hulls of grains (insoluble fiber) to help them regulate their blood sugar and poop regularly.</span></p><p><span style='color:black;'>Your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist is a perfect resource if you need help with your carnivore’s diet.&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span style='color:black;'><strong>Supporting Your Pet’s Health Through Diet</strong></span></h2><p>Understanding if your dog or cat is a carnivore or omnivore helps you make the best nutrition choices for their health and happiness.</p><p>Consult your veterinarian before making any major changes to your pet’s diet, and always choose food that supports their unique needs as a carnivore or omnivore. This will help your pet live a long, happy, and healthy life.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"blt6ce565ea7668e562","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csb3b8306ec4cfdad8"},"variants":[]}}],"brand":[],"categories":[{"_content_type_uid":"Category","uid":"blt2c3d234f7e26861e","_version":227,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"created_at":"2022-04-12T14:28:32.085Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"pet-ownership","tags":[],"title":"Pet Ownership","updated_at":"2022-07-29T16:28:42.427Z","updated_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:24.401Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"created_at":"2026-06-23T17:36:21.834Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","footnote":"<ol><li>The World’s First Animal was Probably a Carnivore. Science. <a href=\"https://www.science.org/content/article/world-s-first-animal-was-probably-carnivore\">https://www.science.org/content/article/world-s-first-animal-was-probably-carnivore</a>. Accessed August 18, 2025.0</li><li>Feline Nutrition Update. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings, 2001. <a href=\"https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?id=3843764&pid=8708&print=1\">https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?id=3843764&amp;pid=8708&amp;print=1</a>. Accessed August 18, 2025.</li><li>Impact of Dietary Protein on Cat Health and Wellbeing. Research Outreach. <a href=\"https://researchoutreach.org/articles/impact-dietary-protein-cat-health-wellbeing/\">https://researchoutreach.org/articles/impact-dietary-protein-cat-health-wellbeing/</a>. Accessed August 18, 2025.</li><li>Are Dogs Carnivores? Here’s What New Research Says. VetStreet. <a href=\"https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/are-dogs-carnivores-heres-what-new-research-says\">https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/are-dogs-carnivores-heres-what-new-research-says</a>. Accessed August 18, 2025.</li><li>Diet Shaped Dog Domestication. Science. <a href=\"https://www.science.org/content/article/diet-shaped-dog-domestication\">https://www.science.org/content/article/diet-shaped-dog-domestication</a>. Accessed August 18, 2025.</li><li>Domínguez-Oliva A, Mota-Rojas D, Semendric I, Whittaker AL. The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review. Vet Sci. 2023 Jan 12;10(1):52. doi: 10.3390/vetsci10010052. PMID: 36669053; PMCID: PMC9860667</li></ol>","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"blt1e6dc6f8d32a895f","_version":1,"title":"article-dog cat carnivoes omnivores-header@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-06-24T13:46:30.746Z","updated_at":"2026-06-24T13:46:30.746Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"149425","filename":"article-dog_cat_carnivoes_omnivores-header@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":756,"width":1260},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-08-04T15:03:47.125Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt1e6dc6f8d32a895f/6a3bdfb697a6805cc17eb889/article-dog_cat_carnivoes_omnivores-header@1.5x.jpg"},"mobile_image":{"uid":"blt4b48141f4c8c32a7","_version":1,"title":"article-dog cat carnivoes omnivores-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-06-24T13:47:00.258Z","updated_at":"2026-06-24T13:47:00.258Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"52353","filename":"article-dog_cat_carnivoes_omnivores-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":300,"width":600},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-08-04T15:03:47.102Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt4b48141f4c8c32a7/6a3bdfd4c6c4bc225e6385ce/article-dog_cat_carnivoes_omnivores-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg"},"crop_type":"center"},"is_isi_visible":false,"metadata":{"title":"Are Dogs and Cats Carnivores or Omnivores?","description":"Are dogs omnivores like humans? 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Learn the science behind dog diets, why cats are true carnivores, and what it means for your pet’s daily meal.","title":"Are Dogs and Cats Carnivores or Omnivores?","updated_at":"2026-08-04T15:03:41.908Z","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","url":"/blog/article/are-dogs-cats-carnivores-omnivores","vault_code":"ZPC-05298","publish_details":{"time":"2026-08-04T15:03:46.774Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"uid":"blt0409717227cac697","locale":"en-us","_version":3,"ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"author":[{"uid":"bltbfc19d992c1b3997","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs388a0ccbe5c20778"},"content":"<p>We all turn to the internet when we have questions. When those questions concern our pet’s health, the results carry high stakes. We want to make the right decisions for our furry family members.</p><p>With the wealth of information and propaganda out there, it can feel overwhelming. How do you know if a site is reliable or which suggestions to follow if you’re getting conflicting information? Here are some tips on navigating pet health advice online.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Be Clear About How You Word Your Question</strong></h2><p>It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole researching pet health information online. To avoid this, think about the final piece of information you hope to find. Be specific.&nbsp;</p><p>For example, a vague question like “What does it mean if my dog is throwing up?” will lead you in many different directions and leave you sorting through irrelevant information to find what you need.&nbsp;</p><p>A specific question, such as “What medical issues might cause my otherwise healthy, active, 7-year-old Husky to vomit after eating breakfast every morning?” is more likely to give you a more narrowed and clear range of search results. &nbsp;</p><p>Even if you have to ask multiple questions to get to that final answer, such as “Is it common for dogs to throw up immediately after eating?” or “Can going from dry food to wet food cause a dog to throw up?” you’ll find the process much easier if you’re clear about what you ultimately want to walk away understanding.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Here are a few ways to do this:</p><ul><li>Think about factors that may impact the answer to your question, such as symptoms or changes in behavior, when they started, changes in daily routine or environment, existing medical issues, current medications, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>Take your pet’s species, breed, age, history, and activity/energy level into account.</li><li>Use clear, focused questions to help get you more specific information, such as “dog suddenly started throwing up after eating his first meal of the day” vs. “dog vomiting issue.”</li></ul><h2><strong>Find Credible Pet Health Sources&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Not all pet health resources are equal. Reliable pet websites are usually led by veterinarians, animal hospitals, or professional associations.</p><p><strong>How to spot reliable pet websites:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Author credentials.</strong> Look for DVM, VMD, BVSc, DACVIM, CVT, DACVB, or other veterinary titles.</li><li><strong>Editorial oversight.</strong> Check if articles are reviewed by veterinary professionals.</li><li><strong>References and dates.</strong> Look for cited studies, sources, and recent updates.</li><li><strong>Transparency.</strong> Authors should clearly disclose any sponsorships or product ties.</li><li><strong>Contact details.</strong> Trust sites that list clear contact info for clinics or organizations.</li></ul><p>Sites like the <a href=\"https://www.aaha.org/\" target=\"_blank\">American Animal Hospital Association</a> (AAHA) and university veterinary teaching hospitals are great starting points for pet health resources.</p><h2><strong>Compare and Cross-Verify Pet Health Information Online</strong></h2><p>Don’t rely on a single source for pet medical advice online. Compare information across several reliable pet websites before making decisions about your pet’s care.</p><ul><li>Shortlist 3–5 high-quality pages and see where their advice agrees.</li><li>Look for evidence and clear explanations, not just opinions.</li><li>Avoid websites that make big promises or push products as the only solution.</li></ul><p>If you find conflicting advice, favor recommendations that come from veterinary-led organizations and have clear references.</p><h2><strong>Use Interactive Pet Health Resources Wisely</strong></h2><p>Online tools like symptom checkers and calculators can be helpful, but they’re not a replacement for your veterinarian’s guidance.</p><p><strong>How to use these tools safely:</strong></p><ul><li>Treat their answers as a starting point, not a final diagnosis.</li><li>Cross-check results with reliable pet websites and your veterinarian.</li><li>If a tool suggests urgent care, call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.</li><li>Bring the results to your veterinarian for discussion and alignment on next steps.&nbsp;</li></ul>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"bltc5a0cb9562a0e111","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs4435fa59907e43e9"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt438d86c471ac88ff","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csd8ec55f5f2076b10"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csbbad31b1d7ae74f5"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"csb85af2395253478b"},"content":"<h2><strong>Types of Online Pet Medical Advice&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>It’s helpful to know a little about the different levels of pet health advice found online to ensure you’re using the correct level for the nature of your question.&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Educational articles. </strong>Great for prevention and home care tips, and can help lead to diagnosing or treating your pet with the help of your veterinarian.</li><li><strong>Clinical guidelines and journals. </strong>Offer in-depth detail for professionals, but can help you understand your vet’s recommendations.</li><li><strong>Community forums and social posts. </strong>Helpful for sharing experiences, but always verify advice with a veterinary professional.</li><li><strong>Product pages. </strong>Include information on approved uses and are useful if they further include independent research and vet endorsements.</li></ul><h2><strong>How to Spot Reliable vs. Questionable Pet Health Websites&nbsp;</strong></h2>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"table":{"table_content":"<p>&nbsp;</p><table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>Reliable Pet Websites</th><th>Questionable Sites</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Author Credentials</td><td>Listed (DVM, DACVIM, etc.)\t</td><td>Missing, vague, or “pet lover”</td></tr><tr><td>References &amp; Sources\t</td><td>Peer-reviewed, cited, dated\t</td><td>None, or only personal anecdotes</td></tr><tr><td>Update Frequency\t</td><td>Within last 2–3 years\t</td><td>Outdated or no date</td></tr><tr><td>Editorial Oversight\t</td><td>Clear, with veterinarian review\t</td><td>No oversight or unclear process</td></tr><tr><td>Product/Ad Disclosure\t</td><td>Transparent, clear separation\t</td><td>Hidden, aggressive, or undisclosed</td></tr><tr><td>Contact Details\t</td><td>Listed (clinic, org, etc.)\t</td><td>Absent or generic</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>","_metadata":{"uid":"cs1f4288137f6aa48c"},"header_background_color":"","header_text_color":"","shade_alternate_rows":false,"has_column_separators":true}},{"Block":{"name":"","content":"<h2><strong>Red Flags for Online Pet Health Advice</strong></h2><p>You can never be 100% sure the information you find online is accurate. You can, however, look for a few red flags.</p><ul><li>Articles or sites offering “instant cures” or “one-size-fits-all” claims, or pushing their product as the best and only answer</li><li>Pressure to make a purchase or decision right away, without input from a qualified professional, such as your veterinarian</li><li>Vague information and phrases like “studies show,” without credible sources to back up those claims</li><li>No information on the author’s experience and credentials, or the website’s contact details</li></ul><p>Learning how to find and use pet health information online empowers you as a pet parent. By choosing reliable pet websites, comparing pet health resources, and working with your veterinarian, you can make the best decisions for your pet’s health. The internet is a valuable tool, but your vet is your best partner in keeping your pet happy and healthy.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false,"_metadata":{"uid":"cs4a8a3ecc2e17bc7f"}}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"blt2a8d08296ae9e38b","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cscf5c675f948622b2"},"variants":[]}}],"brand":[],"categories":[{"_content_type_uid":"Category","uid":"blt2c3d234f7e26861e","_version":227,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"created_at":"2022-04-12T14:28:32.085Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"pet-ownership","tags":[],"title":"Pet Ownership","updated_at":"2022-07-29T16:28:42.427Z","updated_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:24.401Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"created_at":"2026-06-16T15:13:08.252Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","footnote":"","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"blt87993bd2e4f13617","is_dir":false,"_version":2,"ACL":{},"content_type":"image/jpeg","created_at":"2026-06-16T15:21:50.286Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","description":"A woman sitting at a table using a laptop computer with a dog on her lap.","dimension":{"height":756,"width":1260},"file_size":"96633","filename":"article-tips_navigating_pet_health_advice_online-header@1.5x.jpg","parent_uid":null,"tags":[],"title":"article-tips navigating pet health advice online-header@1.5x.jpg","updated_at":"2026-06-17T13:28:09.002Z","updated_by":"blta5b9e20e306722b4","publish_details":{"environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us","time":"2026-06-17T13:28:09.252Z","user":"blta5b9e20e306722b4"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt87993bd2e4f13617/6a316a0e43375800089b04d5/article-tips_navigating_pet_health_advice_online-header@1.5x.jpg"},"mobile_image":{"is_dir":false,"uid":"blt11aba6c3b118d2ba","_version":2,"ACL":{},"content_type":"image/jpeg","created_at":"2026-06-16T15:22:07.359Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","description":"A woman sitting at a table with a dog on her lap.","dimension":{"height":300,"width":600},"file_size":"38025","filename":"article-tips_navigating_pet_health_advice_online-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","parent_uid":null,"tags":[],"title":"article-tips navigating pet health advice online-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","updated_at":"2026-06-17T13:28:07.629Z","updated_by":"blta5b9e20e306722b4","publish_details":{"environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us","time":"2026-06-17T13:28:07.892Z","user":"blta5b9e20e306722b4"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt11aba6c3b118d2ba/6a316a1ffafcac0008eb5ca1/article-tips_navigating_pet_health_advice_online-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg"},"crop_type":"center"},"is_isi_visible":false,"metadata":{"title":"Tips for Navigating Pet Health Advice Online","description":"Pet health information online can be confusing. Learn smart tips to spot trustworthy sources, avoid myths, and make safer choices for your pet.","keywords":"pet health information online, pet medical advice, online pet advice, pet health resources, reliable pet websites","extra_css":"","opengraph_image":{"_version":2,"is_dir":false,"uid":"bltadbc61b6a40cae2b","ACL":{},"content_type":"image/jpeg","created_at":"2026-06-16T15:22:35.230Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","description":"A woman sitting at a table using a laptop computer with a dog on her lap.","dimension":{"height":630,"width":1200},"file_size":"93290","filename":"article-tips_navigating_pet_health_advice_online-open-graph@1x.jpg","parent_uid":null,"tags":[],"title":"article-tips navigating pet health advice online-open-graph@1x.jpg","updated_at":"2026-06-17T13:28:06.203Z","updated_by":"blta5b9e20e306722b4","publish_details":{"environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us","time":"2026-06-17T13:28:06.457Z","user":"blta5b9e20e306722b4"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/bltadbc61b6a40cae2b/6a316a3b2a68220008fc6195/article-tips_navigating_pet_health_advice_online-open-graph@1x.jpg"},"thumbnail_image":{"is_dir":false,"_version":2,"uid":"blt08bf737505c8a616","ACL":{},"content_type":"image/jpeg","created_at":"2026-06-16T15:22:46.452Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","description":"A woman sitting at a table with a dog on her lap.","dimension":{"height":492,"width":840},"file_size":"50584","filename":"article-tips_navigating_pet_health_advice_online-thumbnail@2x.jpg","parent_uid":null,"tags":[],"title":"article-tips navigating pet health advice online-thumbnail@2x.jpg","updated_at":"2026-06-17T13:28:04.015Z","updated_by":"blta5b9e20e306722b4","publish_details":{"environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us","time":"2026-06-17T13:28:04.271Z","user":"blta5b9e20e306722b4"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt08bf737505c8a616/6a316a46481072000835de38/article-tips_navigating_pet_health_advice_online-thumbnail@2x.jpg"},"canonical_url":"","page_type":[],"seo_schema":{},"no_index":false,"crownpeak_id":""},"short_title":"Tips for Navigating Pet Health Advice Online","slug":"tips-navigating-pet-health-advice-online","sort_date":"2026-06-16","species":[{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltd93b7c539942b364","_version":437,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":1,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:31.659Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"dog","tags":[],"title":"Dog","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:27.464Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-16T13:41:26.411Z","user":"blt01eda274d6c31bed","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltc4a254c11bcb2261","_version":438,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":2,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:30.886Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"cat","tags":[],"title":"Cat","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:20.697Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:29.271Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"subtitle":"Tips for Navigating Pet Health Advice Online","tags":[],"taxonomies":[],"teaser":"Pet health information online can be confusing. Learn smart tips to spot trustworthy sources, avoid myths, and make safer choices for your pet.","title":"Tips for Navigating Pet Health Advice Online","updated_at":"2026-06-16T15:28:10.522Z","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","url":"/blog/article/tips-navigating-pet-health-advice-online","vault_code":"ZPC-05277","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-29T19:46:38.900Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"uid":"bltc44ee127eaab6b8e","_version":1,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"author":[{"uid":"bltbfc19d992c1b3997","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","content":"<p>Pets bring joy, excitement, and a bit of unpredictability to our lives, including those inevitable emergencies that can catch us off guard.</p><p>Each year, one in three pets requires unexpected veterinary care.<sup>1</sup> Thankfully, most communities have emergency veterinary clinics to help ensure your pet has access to quick and capable care when they need it.</p><h2><strong>What Are Emergency Vet Clinics?</strong></h2><p>Emergency veterinary clinics are specialized veterinary hospitals open nights, weekends, and holidays — times when your regular vet may be closed. Many operate 24/7.</p><p>They are fully staffed and have specialized equipment to provide urgent medical care in critical situations, such as severe trauma, breathing difficulties, or poisoning, that can’t wait for a scheduled visit with your vet. These facilities have an emergency veterinarian. Some emergency clinics may also have access to specialists, such as cardiologists, surgeons, and internists.</p><p>An emergency veterinary clinic is very similar to a human emergency room.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Is Your Pet in Need of Emergency Veterinary Care?</strong></h2><p>Recognizing the difference between a medical emergency and one that can wait for your vet’s regular business hours can be tricky. Here are some signs and scenarios that may require emergency veterinary care:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Bloated abdomen</li><li>Choking or difficulty breathing</li><li>Deep wounds or severe bleeding</li><li>Excessive coughing or drooling</li><li>Eye injuries</li><li>Extreme pain</li><li>Being hit by a car</li><li>Inability to walk</li><li>Inability to pee or poop</li><li>Ingestion of toxic substances</li><li>Loss of consciousness</li><li>Seizures</li><li>Allergic reaction&nbsp;</li><li>Severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially if blood is present</li><li>Sudden collapse</li></ul><p>When in doubt, call the emergency clinic and ask for guidance.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>On Your Way to the Emergency Vet Clinic</strong></h2><p>Emergency vet clinics typically do not require appointments since they handle urgent situations, but calling ahead can be very helpful. If you can do so safely, call the clinic before you arrive so they can be prepared, especially if your pet is in serious condition.&nbsp;</p><p>Provide the clinic with these key pieces of information:</p><ul><li>Your name</li><li>Phone number</li><li>Pet’s name</li><li>Pet’s approximate weight</li><li>An explanation of what happened to your pet</li><li>The signs your pet is showing (such as trouble breathing, unable to stand, or unresponsive)</li><li>Estimated time of arrival</li></ul><p>Any other details you can provide about the incident itself and what happened before and after will help inform the emergency team.&nbsp;</p><p>You may be instructed to administer basic first aid or take steps to help stabilize your pet. The emergency clinic will walk you through any necessary instructions. If you’re driving or providing <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/cpr-dogs-cats\" target=\"_blank\">CPR</a>, focus on these tasks and getting to the emergency clinic instead of trying to call ahead.</p><p>Keep safety in mind when handling your distressed pet. If they’re injured, in pain, or seizing, they may act aggressively. You may want to use a towel or a muzzle to avoid bites or contact someone to assist you.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false,"_metadata":{"uid":"cse2470a814b3bf372"}}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"bltc5a0cb9562a0e111","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs779f70af194caf2c"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt1aebb2cd28351507","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csdeae2d9292ff942a"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs492af58a12865c3d"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","content":"<h2><strong>How Long Will You Have to Wait for Emergency Veterinary Care?</strong></h2><p>Like a human ER, wait times can vary based on factors such as the number of ER clinics in the area, the number of patients being cared for, the severity of cases waiting to be seen, and other factors. Waiting from one to six hours is common. The most severe cases are seen first.&nbsp;</p><p>Don’t let this impact your decision to take your pet to the emergency clinic or to call and discuss your pet’s situation with them. Better to be in the waiting room if things were to suddenly get worse than to be at home. The clinic staff can let you know if waiting isn’t necessary based on the preliminary information you provide at check-in or on the phone.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Pets showing the following signs are typically treated immediately: Unconscious</li></ul><ul><li>Collapse</li><li>Inability to walk</li><li>Heatstroke</li><li>Respiratory distress</li><li>Severe trauma</li><li>Seizures</li><li>Uncontrolled bleeding</li><li>Ingestion of toxins</li><li>Inability to urinate</li></ul><h2><strong>What Happens at the Emergency Veterinary Clinic?</strong></h2><p>When you arrive, you will check in at the desk. If your pet requires immediate stabilization, the emergency veterinarian and staff will begin treatment and diagnostics right away. This is why calling ahead is helpful, so you can provide vital information before you arrive.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Emergency Vet Triage</strong>&nbsp;</h3><p>If your pet is critical, the care team may not have time to discuss what needs to be done or the associated costs before they begin their work. While it’s a scary time, it’s essential to remain calm and be patient with the staff while they help your pet.</p><p>If your pet’s situation is less urgent, you will provide information at check-in and be asked to wait with your pet until the veterinarian is ready to assess them.&nbsp;</p><p>In either case, you’ll be asked to fill out paperwork on things like your <a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/understanding-pets-medical-records\" target=\"_blank\">pet’s medical history</a> and what brought you to the veterinary ER.</p><h3><strong>Treatment and Next Steps</strong>&nbsp;</h3><p>When the emergency veterinarian determines your pet’s condition, they will discuss the next steps necessary for care, the prognosis, associated costs, and answer any of your questions.</p><p>Depending on your pet’s condition, they may stay in the emergency clinic for further care and monitoring. If they’re able to go home, you’ll be given instructions and may be asked to follow up with your regular veterinarian or a specialist.&nbsp;</p><p>You can call the emergency clinic if you have questions about after-care, your pet’s condition changes, or you want to check on your pet while they’re receiving care on-site.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>End-of-Life Support</strong>&nbsp;</h3><p>Emergency veterinary clinics can also offer euthanasia support if your pet unfortunately takes a turn for the worse, even if the clinic was not involved in their prior treatment. This can be a consideration if your pet is chronically ill and the time comes to humanely end their suffering overnight or on the weekend, when your veterinarian is closed.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Preparation for Trips to the Emergency Vet Clinic&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Here are a few things you can do to prepare for emergencies that send you to the veterinary ER.</p><p>Find the closest emergency vet clinics now, before you need them. Save the phone number and address in your cell phone, under a name that you’ll remember under pressure, like “ER VET.” Keep this information close to your land line as well, if you have one.&nbsp;</p><p>Know the shortest routes to each of the emergency clinics on your list.</p><p>Have important documents in one secure location for easy access.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Contact information for your regular veterinarian</li><li>Medical records, including a summary of medical issues, allergies, vaccine history, current medications, and supplements</li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/pet-insurance-worth-it\" target=\"_blank\">Pet insurance</a> information, if you’ve purchased it</li></ul><p>A visit to the emergency vet clinic isn’t a trip any pet owner wants to make, but it’s important to be prepared in case the time comes.&nbsp;</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false,"_metadata":{"uid":"cs3c1b14e28d8370a9"}}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"blt6d7c2af81954897b","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"variants":[],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs1ff33e0b464cfeb5"}}}],"brand":[],"categories":[{"_content_type_uid":"Category","uid":"blt2c3d234f7e26861e","_version":227,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"created_at":"2022-04-12T14:28:32.085Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"pet-ownership","tags":[],"title":"Pet Ownership","updated_at":"2022-07-29T16:28:42.427Z","updated_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:24.401Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"created_at":"2026-06-10T16:36:40.833Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","footnote":"<ol><li>10 Most Expensive States for Emergency Veterinary Care. DMV 360. https://www.dvm360.com/view/10-most-expensive-states-for-emergency-veterinary-care. Accessed July 29, 2025.&nbsp;</li></ol>","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"blt9ded7c56196b1b24","_version":2,"title":"article-emergency vet clinics-header@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-06-10T16:28:57.471Z","updated_at":"2026-06-10T16:37:47.722Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"97735","filename":"article-emergency_vet_clinics-header@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":756,"width":1260},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"description":"cat on vet receptionist counter","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-23T15:16:04.833Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt9ded7c56196b1b24/6a2990c9ef611a5928c5de49/article-emergency_vet_clinics-header@1.5x.jpg"},"mobile_image":{"uid":"blt6ed3a05de9f6b460","_version":2,"title":"article-emergency vet clinics-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-06-10T16:36:35.510Z","updated_at":"2026-06-10T16:37:42.402Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"40786","filename":"article-emergency_vet_clinics-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":300,"width":600},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"description":"cat on vet receptionist counter","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-23T15:16:04.812Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt6ed3a05de9f6b460/6a299293ef611ae7a6c5de53/article-emergency_vet_clinics-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg"},"crop_type":"center"},"is_isi_visible":false,"metadata":{"title":"How Do Emergency Vet Clinics Work?","description":"Emergency vet clinics help ensure that your pet has access to quick and capable medical care for emergencies like bloat, deep wounds, and seizures.","keywords":"emergency veterinarian, emergency vet clinic","extra_css":"","opengraph_image":{"uid":"blta651083346c2840a","_version":2,"title":"article-emergency vet clinics-open-graph@1x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-06-10T16:23:20.357Z","updated_at":"2026-06-10T16:37:37.531Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"91593","filename":"article-emergency_vet_clinics-open-graph@1x.jpg","dimension":{"height":630,"width":1200},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"description":"cat on vet receptionist counter","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-23T15:16:04.793Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blta651083346c2840a/6a298f782650fd54825948f5/article-emergency_vet_clinics-open-graph@1x.jpg"},"thumbnail_image":{"uid":"bltee871bbcedfeb302","_version":2,"title":"article-emergency vet clinics-thumbnail@2x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-06-10T16:23:32.014Z","updated_at":"2026-06-10T16:37:23.024Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"52983","filename":"article-emergency_vet_clinics-thumbnail@2x.jpg","dimension":{"height":492,"width":840},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"description":"cat on vet receptionist counter","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-23T15:16:04.677Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/bltee871bbcedfeb302/6a298f84e75dac642d513b28/article-emergency_vet_clinics-thumbnail@2x.jpg"},"canonical_url":"","page_type":[],"seo_schema":{},"no_index":false,"crownpeak_id":""},"short_title":"How Do Emergency Vet Clinics Work?","slug":"how-emergency-vet-clinics-work","sort_date":"2026-06-10","species":[{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltd93b7c539942b364","_version":437,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":1,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:31.659Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"dog","tags":[],"title":"Dog","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:27.464Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-16T13:41:26.411Z","user":"blt01eda274d6c31bed","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltc4a254c11bcb2261","_version":438,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":2,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:30.886Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"cat","tags":[],"title":"Cat","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:20.697Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:29.271Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"subtitle":"How Do Emergency Vet Clinics Work?","tags":[],"taxonomies":[],"teaser":"Emergency vet clinics help ensure that your pet has access to quick and capable medical care for emergencies like bloat, deep wounds, and seizures.","title":"How Do Emergency Vet Clinics Work?","updated_at":"2026-06-10T16:36:40.833Z","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","url":"/blog/article/how-emergency-vet-clinics-work","vault_code":"ZPC-05260","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-23T15:16:04.233Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}},{"uid":"blt02c0f6f30eef2e66","locale":"en-us","_version":6,"ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"author":[{"uid":"bltbfc19d992c1b3997","_content_type_uid":"Author"}],"body":[{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"cs238caf4b363e81b4"},"content":"<p><span style=\"color: black;\">Whether you have a pure-bred or mixed-breed cat, understanding genetic disorders can help you take better care of them. Some breeds are more prone to certain inherited conditions, and knowing what to watch for can help you and your veterinarian take early action.</span></p><p><span style=\"color: black;\">To get you started, here are some of the more common genetic disorders in cats and the breeds they most commonly affect. &nbsp;</span></p><h2><strong>Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), also known as feline urological syndrome (FUS), is a broad term used to describe a variety of conditions that affect your cat’s lower urinary tract (the bladder and urethra). These include:</p><ul><li>Urinary tract infections</li><li>Bladder crystals and stones</li><li>Urethral stones</li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/urinary-blockages-cats\" target=\"_blank\">Urinary obstructions</a></li><li>Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)</li></ul><p>Cats of any age, gender, and breed can be affected by FLUTD. Most people think the most common cause is a urinary tract infection, but it is not the most common. The most common cause is feline idiopathic cystitis, a complex condition with an unknown cause itself, though stress is believed to be a factor.<sup>1,2</sup></p><p>Other causes of FLUTD include:</p><ul><li>Anatomical defects of the urethra</li><li>Bacterial urinary tract infections (usually found in older cats with underlying medical issues, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism)</li><li>Bladder neoplasia (cancer)</li><li>Urethral plugs</li><li>Urolithiasis (bladder stones)</li></ul><h3><strong>Signs of FLUTD&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>If your cat has an FLUTD condition, you may see:</p><ul><li>Blood in the urine</li><li>Crying out while urinating</li><li>Licking the genital area</li><li>Straining in the litter box</li><li>Urinating in small amounts frequently</li><li>Urinating outside the litter box</li><li>Trying to pee, but nothing comes out</li></ul><h3><strong>Treatment for FLUTD&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, and may include:</p><ul><li>Managing diet-frequently a prescription diet from a veterinarian</li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/how-get-cat-drink-more-water\" target=\"_blank\">Drinking more water</a></li><li>Stress management</li><li>Environmental modifications&nbsp;</li><li>Medications</li><li>Surgery (for bladder stones)</li></ul><h3><strong>Breeds Prone to FLUTD</strong></h3><p>There are three breeds more likely to have FLUTD, though any breed or mix can be affected.</p><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/himalayan\" target=\"_blank\">Himalayan</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/persian\" target=\"_blank\">Persian</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/russian-blue\">Russian Blue<sup>1</sup></a></li></ul>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"Related_Articles":{"items":[{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"bltd2b16fb2e835f58f","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"csa36b3c34f7a66793"}}},{"Article":{"reference":[{"uid":"blt2e84fb913669ce98","_content_type_uid":"Blog_Article"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs81d47e4275e43ad7"}}}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs123b95dc47cf0549"}}},{"Block":{"name":"","_metadata":{"uid":"csef49fe3672ced3c7"},"content":"<h2><strong>Feline Diabetes Mellitus</strong></h2><p>Diabetes mellitus is the second most common endocrine disorder in cats.<sup>2</sup> This chronic disease occurs when your cat’s body doesn’t produce enough insulin (type 1) or the insulin produced can’t be properly used (type 2). This results in high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia. Type 2 is much more common at 85 to 95% of cases.<sup>3</sup></p><p>Some cats have higher risk factors, including:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Age</strong>. The average age of diagnosis is 10.</li><li><strong>Neutering</strong>. Neutered cats are almost twice as likely to develop diabetes.</li><li><strong>Gender</strong>. Males have 1½ times the risk.</li><li><strong>Obesity</strong>. Obesity can cause insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction.<sup>1</sup></li></ul><h3><strong>Signs of Diabetes Mellitus&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>If your cat has diabetes mellitus, you may see increased appetite, thirst, and urination, as well as weight loss.</p><h3><strong>Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Once confirmed through diagnostic testing, treatment includes insulin injections or, or some cats, oral medications. Weight management, diet, and other tactics may also be used, along with routine monitoring.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Breeds Prone to Diabetes Mellitus&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Cat breeds predisposed to diabetes mellitus include:</p><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/abyssinian\" target=\"_blank\">Abyssinian</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/burmese\" target=\"_blank\">Burmese</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/norwegian-forest-cat\" target=\"_blank\">Norwegian Forest</a></li><li>Russian Blue</li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/tonkinese\" target=\"_blank\">Tonkinese<sup>4</sup></a><a href=\"#_edn4\"></a></li></ul><h2><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\"><strong>Lymphoplasmacytic Gingivostomatitis</strong></span></h2><p><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Lymphoplasmacytic gingivostomatitis, also known as feline chronic gingivostomatitis, is a painful dental disease that causes extensive inflammation of a cat’s mouth.</span></p><p><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">With this condition, your cat’s immune system has an inappropriate response to triggers, such as:</span></p><ul><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Dental plaque bacteria</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">The presence of microorganisms that can cause disease, such as bacteria like&nbsp;</span><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\"><em>Bartonella</em></span><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">&nbsp;or viruses like&nbsp;</span><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/fiv-positive-cat\" target=\"_blank\">FIV</a><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">,&nbsp;</span><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/feline-leukemia\" target=\"_blank\">FeLV,</a><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">&nbsp;or&nbsp;</span><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/feline-herpesvirus\" target=\"_blank\">herpesvirus</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/facts-dental-disease-dogs-cats\" target=\"_blank\">Periodontal disease</a></li></ul><h3><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\"><strong>Signs of Lymphoplasmacytic Gingivitis&nbsp;</strong></span></h3><p><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">If your cat has lymphoplasmacytic gingivostomatitis, you may see the following signs:</span></p><ul><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Bad breath</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Dropping food</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Preference for canned food over dry food due to pain when chewing</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Lack of appetite</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Swollen, ulcerated, bleeding gums</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Signs of pain when chewing, yawning, or opening their mouth</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Excessive salivation</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Blood in the saliva</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Pawing at the mouth</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Weight loss due to pain when eating</span></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Hiding or reclusive behavior</span></li></ul><h3><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\"><strong>Treatment for Lymphoplasmacytic Gingivitis&nbsp;</strong></span></h3><p><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Unfortunately, there is no single treatment that works well because there are many potential causes. Getting to the root of the problem can help guide treatment, which may include immunosuppressive, immunomodulatory, and pain medications, antibiotics, laser therapy, and supplements.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\">Surgery may be recommended to remove some or all of your cat’s teeth.&nbsp;</span></p><h3><span style=\"color: rgb(47, 53, 56);\"><strong>Breeds Prone to Lymphoplasmacytic Gingivitis&nbsp;</strong></span></h3><p>Cat breeds predisposed to<strong> </strong>lymphoplasmacytic gingivostomatitis include:</p><ul><li>Abyssinian</li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/maine-coon\" target=\"_blank\">Maine Coon</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/ragdoll\" target=\"_blank\">Ragdoll</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/siamese\" target=\"_blank\">Siamese</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/somali\" target=\"_blank\">Somali<sup>5</sup></a></li></ul><h2><strong>Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome</strong></h2><p>Feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS), is a subset of feline atopic syndrome (FAS), a term that broadly includes feline allergic skin disease, food allergy, and/or asthma. FASS refers specifically to allergic skin disease caused by environmental allergens.<sup>6</sup></p><p>FASS is one of the most prevalent skin diseases in cats.<sup>6</sup> It’s caused by a hypersensitivity reaction of the skin, triggered by environmental allergens, such as dust mites, mold, pollen, and food.</p><h3><strong>Signs of Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>If your cat has feline atopic skin syndrome, you may see:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Eosinophilic granuloma complex</strong>. This can look like raised, itchy, ulcerated lesions (called eosinophilic plaques), firm, raised nodules (called granuloma), or red, crusted ulcers, typically on the neck or upper lip (called indolent ulcer).</li><li><strong>Head and neck itchiness</strong>. This may cause excessive grooming, rubbing, or scratching.</li><li><strong>Miliary dermatitis</strong>. A collection of small, crusted bumps or lesions around the neck.</li><li><strong>Hair loss</strong>. Such loss can come from overgrooming the belly, sides, or legs.</li></ul><h3><strong>Treatment for Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Once confirmed through diagnostic testing, treatment for feline atopic skin syndrome may include:</p><ul><li>Antibiotics</li><li>Antihistamines</li><li>Immunotherapy</li><li>Immunosuppressants</li><li>Medicated shampoos</li><li>Medicated sprays or wipes</li><li>Prescription diets</li><li>Supplements</li></ul><p>There are things you can do to help avoid flare-ups, like:</p><ul><li>Avoiding known triggers</li><li>Strengthening your cat’s immune system with a balanced diet, exercise, lowering stress, and staying current on vaccines</li><li>Regularly removing allergens from your cat’s body using wipes or bathing</li><li>Washing bedding regularly and using dust mite covers</li><li>Using air conditioning instead of opening windows (if possible)</li><li>Using air purifiers</li><li>Avoiding stuffed toys that may hold dust mites</li><li>Vacuuming and dusting daily</li><li>Using veterinary-approved flea and tick prevention year-round</li><li>Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids</li></ul><h3><strong>Breeds Prone to Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>There are a few cat breeds predisposed to feline atopic syndrome, including:</p><ul><li>Abyssinian</li><li><a href=\"https://www.zoetispetcare.com/breed-explorer/breed/devon-rex\" target=\"_blank\">Devon Rex<sup>7</sup></a></li><li>Persian</li><li>Siamese<sup>8</sup></li></ul><p>Now you’ve got another set of tools in your feline care toolkit. You can use this information to start a preventative dialog with your veterinarian, especially if you have one of the breeds referenced above. Knowing a bit about these common genetic disorders in cats helps set you and your cat up for a long, happy life together.</p>","background_color":"","is_inset":false}},{"promotion_tile":{"tile":[{"uid":"blt81c668eb10643045","_content_type_uid":"blog_promo_tile"}],"_metadata":{"uid":"cs2364a698f51acaea"},"variants":[]}}],"brand":[],"categories":[{"_content_type_uid":"Category","uid":"blt9b9d4a26d3cc7f53","_version":227,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"created_at":"2022-04-12T14:28:30.936Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"health-wellness","tags":[],"title":"Health & Wellness","updated_at":"2022-07-29T16:28:41.381Z","updated_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:28.077Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"created_at":"2026-06-10T15:32:45.559Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","footnote":"<ol><li>Factors Related to the Occurrence of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Veterinary Information Network. <a href=\"https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11290&catId=33324&id=4252806\">https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11290&amp;catId=33324&amp;id=4252806</a>. Accessed September 10, 2025.&nbsp;</li><li>Diabetes mellitus in cats: Risk factors and treatment. DVM360. <a href=\"https://www.dvm360.com/view/diabetes-mellitus-cats-risk-factors-and-treatment-proceedings\">https://www.dvm360.com/view/diabetes-mellitus-cats-risk-factors-and-treatment-proceedings</a>. Accessed September 10, 2025.</li><li>Diabetes Mellitus in Cats: Overview. VCA Animal Hospitals. <a href=\"https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diabetes-mellitus-in-cats-overview\">https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diabetes-mellitus-in-cats-overview</a>. Accessed September 10, 2025.</li><li>O'Neill DG, Gostelow R, Orme C, Church DB, Niessen SJ, Verheyen K, Brodbelt DC. Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus among 193,435 Cats Attending Primary-Care Veterinary Practices in England. J Vet Intern Med. 2016 Jul;30(4):964-72. doi: 10.1111/jvim.14365. Epub 2016 Jun 29. PMID: 27353396; PMCID: PMC5094533.</li><li>Juvenile Gingivitis in Cats: A Veterinary Clinical Guide. International Veterinary Dentistry Institute. <a href=\"https://veterinarydentistry.net/juvenile-gingivitis-cats/\">https://veterinarydentistry.net/juvenile-gingivitis-cats/</a>. Accessed September 10, 2025.&nbsp;</li><li>Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome. Today’s Veterinary Practice. <a href=\"https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/dermatology/feline-atopic-skin-syndrome/\">https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/dermatology/feline-atopic-skin-syndrome/</a>. Accessed September 10, 2025.</li><li>Ravens PA, Xu BJ, Vogelnest LJ. Feline atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of 45 cases (2001-2012). Vet Dermatol. 2014 Apr;25(2):95-102, e27-8. doi: 10.1111/vde.12109. Epub 2014 Mar 5. PMID: 24597491.</li><li>Does my cat have environmental allergies (atopy, now called feline atopic skin syndrome-FASS)?. Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology Inc. <a href=\"https://www.purrfectpet.com/does-my-cat-have-environmental-allergies-atopy-now-called-feline-atopic-skin-syndrome-fass/\">https://www.purrfectpet.com/does-my-cat-have-environmental-allergies-atopy-now-called-feline-atopic-skin-syndrome-fass/</a>. Accessed September 10, 2025.&nbsp;</li></ol>","header":{"desktop_image":{"uid":"blt73f585d866b8772a","_version":1,"title":"article-common genetic cat disorders-header@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-06-10T15:17:37.331Z","updated_at":"2026-06-10T15:17:37.331Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"170146","filename":"article-common_genetic_cat_disorders-header@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":756,"width":1260},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-29T19:21:07.393Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt73f585d866b8772a/6a2980110e3f569f1b2a93f0/article-common_genetic_cat_disorders-header@1.5x.jpg"},"mobile_image":{"uid":"bltc5fb5fa54e2810d5","_version":1,"title":"article-common genetic cat disorders-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","created_at":"2026-06-10T15:17:44.565Z","updated_at":"2026-06-10T15:17:44.565Z","content_type":"image/jpeg","file_size":"55164","filename":"article-common_genetic_cat_disorders-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg","dimension":{"height":300,"width":600},"ACL":{},"parent_uid":null,"is_dir":false,"tags":[],"publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-29T19:21:07.410Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/bltc5fb5fa54e2810d5/6a298018ec6a5e7dd877a9f4/article-common_genetic_cat_disorders-header-mobile@1.5x.jpg"},"crop_type":"center"},"is_isi_visible":false,"metadata":{"title":"Most Common Genetic Disorders in Cats","description":"Knowing a bit about some common genetic disorders in cats can help set you and your cat up for a long, happy life together.","keywords":"genetic disorders in cats","extra_css":"","opengraph_image":{"is_dir":false,"_version":2,"uid":"blt84c182a682236b3e","ACL":{},"content_type":"image/jpeg","created_at":"2026-06-10T15:32:35.566Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","description":"A couple of cats sitting next to each other.","dimension":{"height":630,"width":1200},"file_size":"147652","filename":"article-common_genetic_cat_disorders-open-graph@1x.jpg","parent_uid":null,"tags":[],"title":"article-common genetic cat disorders-open-graph@1x.jpg","updated_at":"2026-06-17T13:28:20.307Z","updated_by":"blta5b9e20e306722b4","publish_details":{"environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us","time":"2026-06-17T13:28:20.563Z","user":"blta5b9e20e306722b4"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt84c182a682236b3e/6a29839395f5d48a1ef6d30c/article-common_genetic_cat_disorders-open-graph@1x.jpg"},"thumbnail_image":{"_version":2,"is_dir":false,"uid":"blt26af770729e4c434","ACL":{},"content_type":"image/jpeg","created_at":"2026-06-10T15:32:43.256Z","created_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","description":"A couple of cats sitting next to each other.","dimension":{"height":492,"width":840},"file_size":"84190","filename":"article-common_genetic_cat_disorders-thumbnail@2x.jpg","parent_uid":null,"tags":[],"title":"article-common genetic cat disorders-thumbnail@2x.jpg","updated_at":"2026-06-17T13:28:17.461Z","updated_by":"blta5b9e20e306722b4","publish_details":{"environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us","time":"2026-06-17T13:28:17.712Z","user":"blta5b9e20e306722b4"},"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt6f84e20c72a89efa/blt26af770729e4c434/6a29839bc1e2771bcb6814e6/article-common_genetic_cat_disorders-thumbnail@2x.jpg"},"canonical_url":"","page_type":[],"seo_schema":{},"no_index":false,"crownpeak_id":""},"short_title":"Most Common Genetic Disorders in Cats","slug":"common-genetic-disorders-cats","sort_date":"2026-06-10","species":[{"_content_type_uid":"Species","uid":"bltc4a254c11bcb2261","_version":438,"locale":"en-us","ACL":{},"_in_progress":false,"atlas_id":2,"created_at":"2022-03-28T15:22:30.886Z","created_by":"bltfefb696baa8d2abf","slug":"cat","tags":[],"title":"Cat","updated_at":"2023-11-14T03:45:20.697Z","updated_by":"bltd220fa9ee1a632d7","publish_details":{"time":"2025-08-27T15:19:29.271Z","user":"blte385a8279033911a","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"subtitle":"Most Common Genetic Disorders in Cats","tags":[],"taxonomies":[],"teaser":"Knowing a bit about some common genetic disorders in cats can help set you and your cat up for a long, happy life together.","title":"Most Common Genetic Disorders in Cats","updated_at":"2026-06-29T19:21:01.785Z","updated_by":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","url":"/blog/article/common-genetic-disorders-cats","vault_code":"ZPC-05259","publish_details":{"time":"2026-06-29T19:21:07.107Z","user":"blt6de5dc7d37921f51","environment":"bltadfbc551e3c2a9bf","locale":"en-us"}}],"count":545}