You would do anything for your furry friends, and you don’t stop from getting the best products for them, from cat food, cat treats, online veterinarians, pet insurance, pet medications, and Fresh Step litter. While you can buy them everything they need and more, are you well-educated on how to tell if your cat is sick? Here’s 6 telltale signs kitty isn’t feeling well that you can keep watch for: 1. Check their litter box If your cat’s litter box is full of diarrhea or has nothing in it, due to constipation, both are reasons to take your cat to the vet as they are indicators of disease. Small, dry stool is also a concern as it may indicate kidney disease. If you notice there is more urine than usual, it may be a sign that your cat is unable to conserve water properly and could be another sign of kidney or liver problems. Less urine may indicate kidney or bladder issues. If you notice any significant or consistent changes in your cat’s litter, you should take them to get checked out. 2. Eating and drinking habits change Sick cats will often change their eating and drinking habits by either increasing or decreasing the amount they eat and drink—any change is reason for concern.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited disease that results in neurons gradually breaking down and dying. A diagnosis of Huntington’s usually follows severe symptoms of difficulty concentrating, depression, clumsiness, HD chorea and more. There is ongoing research for a cure, but until then, Huntington’s patients can receive treatments and medications such as Teva and Austedo XR. It can be helpful to notice it early, so here are some early warning signs of Huntington’s disease: 1. A parent with Huntington’s disease Since Huntington’s is an inherited disease, once one of your parents or grandparents receives a diagnosis, you can get a test to see if you will also get it. However, some individuals that are more at risk for the disease choose not to get tested until symptoms appear—it’s all up to you and your preferences. 2. Difficulty concentrating and memory lapses Early on, cognitive decline from HD may result in difficulty concentrating and lapses in memory, due to the fact that the neurons in the brain are breaking down. As the disease progresses, these symptoms will become worse and concentration and focus will become more and more challenging. 3. Depression or severe mood swings Behavior and mood changes are some of the biggest indicators of Huntington’s early on.

Your kidneys are essential for filtering excess waste and liquids from your bloodstream that are then excreted from the body through urine. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves a gradual loss of kidney function that can lead to a dangerous build up of fluid, waste, and electrolytes. Many individuals do not receive a diagnosis until the disease is advanced, as the symptoms are minor and hard to notice—once you receive a diagnosis and as the symptoms progress, you can be treated with medications like Kerendia. To catch kidney disease early on, be aware of the following early warning signs: 1. Loss of appetite Although a very general symptom, it can occur as a result of kidney failure. Due to the toxins being trapped in your body and not filtered out properly, it can kill your appetite. With kidney disease, even if you’re not hungry, it’s extremely important to eat so you can get all of the nutrients you need and keep your body energized to fight the disease. 2. Changes in urination If you notice any abnormal changes in your urination, it may be a sign of kidney failure. When the kidney filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in urination frequency.

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by its symptoms of inflammation of the eye muscles and fatty tissue, resulting in eyes pushed forwards that appear ‘bulging.’ TED often occurs as a result of an overactive thyroid gland due to Graves’ disease and often occurs after the diagnosis of thyroid disorder. Symptoms can be managed with treatments and medications such as Tepezza. Here are some early signs of thyroid eye disease to be on the lookout for: 1. Eye bags Due to the inflammation of the eye muscles and fatty tissue, it is normal to get eye bags with TED. Eye bags should reduce with treatment of TED, but if they are still significant, some patients consider aesthetic treatments such as skin care, wrinkle relaxers, and fillers that are injected. 2. Dry or gritty eyes With TED, the muscles around the eyes become affected. The upper lid may pull up whilst the lower lid pulls down—this paired with the build up of tissue behind the eye and ‘bulging’ makes it challenging to close your eyes tight. If you don’t blink enough or cannot close your eyes tightly, moisture will quickly evaporate and result in dry eyes. TED may also result in a reduced production of tears, another cause of dry eyes.

For many of us, water is a constant companion, whether it’s an effervescent sparkling water, water from your water purifier pitcher, filtered water from the tap, fancy seltzer water, or bottled water from top brands. However, do we ever pause to think if there’s an optimal time to drink water for maximum health benefits? This article delves into the best times to hydrate ourselves for more energy, digestion, blood pressure, sleep, and appetite control: 1. When waking up Starting your day with a glass of water is akin to giving your body a head start. After a long period of sleep, your body is slightly dehydrated. Drinking water first thing in the morning rehydrates the body, jump-starts your metabolism, aids in flushing out toxins, and boosts brain function. 2. Before you eat Drinking water approximately 30 minutes before your meals can be incredibly beneficial. This habit aids digestion by preparing your stomach for food, stimulates the production of digestive juices, and can even help control your calorie intake, as the water fills up some space in the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness. 3. When you exercise The body loses water through sweat during physical activities, so it’s vital to replenish the lost fluids.