Urinary tract infections can be highly distressing for cats, although they do not develop them as often as dogs. Older cats are often vulnerable to several urinary tract issues that tend to have certain common symptoms. In such cases, it is a good idea to identify the signs early to consult a veterinarian for timely treatment and control such symptoms. Here are some common warning signs of UTI in cats and their management options Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections Difficulty urinating If a cat cannot pass urine properly or visibly struggles while urinating, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. The presence of bladder stones or bladder inflammation could cause this difficulty. Blood in urine Urine may be discolored among cats with UTI. Furthermore, sometimes, one may notice a trace of blood in their urine, which is a common sign of UTI, especially among female cats. Avoiding the litter box If cats frequently urinate outside their litter boxes, it may – although not necessarily – indicate that they have a urinary tract infection. So, if a cat urinates outside the litter box often and shows other signs of a UTI, one should consult a vet immediately.

As a dog owner, one of the biggest concerns to tackle is fleas and tick infestation. These parasites feed off the pets’ blood, causing excessive scratching and irritation. There is a variety of flea and tick repellents in the market. However, it is necessary to be aware of natural remedies. The following article lists some of the most effective treatments to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs at home: Clinical options Before discussing natural remedies to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs, it is also important to be aware of clinical treatment options. Simparica® This is one such option that prevents flea and tick infestation in dogs. The FDA-approved oral treatment option can be given once a month which remains effective for up to 35 days. Other treatment options Other options include Bravecto® and K9 Advantix®, where the latter is a topical treatment used on a monthly basis, and the former is an oral treatment option used once in three months. Bravecto® can also be used for getting rid of heartworm. Foods to eat Experts say that fleas and ticks are likely to attack weak and unhealthy animals. If your dog is given healthy and nutritious foods, fleas and tick infestation won’t be a problem.