Orivet Blog

While there are cat breeds that like water in general, that doesn’t necessarily mean yours will be happy if you pop them into the pool without warning. In this blog, we take a look at some of the types of cats that are generally known for showing an affinity toward swimming.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a muscle disease that affects the left ventricle of the heart. In humans, HCM is caused by mutations in one of several sarcomere genes. The disease is thought to be genetic in animals as well. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been linked to specific genetic mutations in Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats, although experts have not yet determined which genes cause the condition in dogs.

Over the last two decades, genetic testing has moved from a revolutionary scientific breakthrough to a common health practice. For pet owners, DNA screenings also mean that you can be a better pet parent than ever before, with cat and dog genetic testing allowing you to understand what makes your best friend unique.

Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects red blood cells and can occur in cats. As implied by the name, it is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which is involved in the energy production process of red blood cells. The lack of this enzyme causes the red blood cells to break down more easily, leading to anemia.

With the spring months arriving in the Northern Hemisphere, you may be getting ready to head outdoors a bit more. Fortunately, spending time with your cat or dog outside is one of the best experiences you can enjoy as a pet owner. In addition to creating fun, engaging bonding time, it’s also healthy for you and your animals.

DNA is central to understanding and caring for your dog. Some genetic features are easier to recognize than others, but overall, canine genetics is still a mystery to many dog owners.

Today, there are more tools available than ever before to help devoted dog owners take care of their pets. Whether you want to know which breed your rescue dog really is or make sure you’re prepared to meet any genetic conditions your canine may develop, DNA testing has transformed the way we care for our dogs.

While human classics like greeting cards or chocolates won’t work for your cat or dog, you can still find the best gift for pets to show your affection.

For dog and cat owners, keeping our four-legged companions healthy and happy is an important priority. Nutritious food, regular exercise, and vet checkups are all part of caring for an animal, but even the most caring pet owners can get caught off guard by diseases that occur later in life. Like many other vision-related conditions, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-rdAc) is a serious concern for pet owners.

When the calendar ticks over into January, a lot of us adopt aspirational New Year’s resolutions. And while things like fitness or personal growth are at the top of many people’s lists, being a pet owner provides unique opportunities for making positive changes in the new year. In fact, the resolutions we make around our pets can be simple, achievable, and improve our lives together.