How to Prepare a Cat for Air Travel

Just like their human counterparts, cats can feel stress and anxiety when traveling.^[1] Removing your cat from her familiar environment can throw her for a loop. Therefore, you should put careful time and consideration into preparing your cat for air travel. Your extra effort will help make the travel experience less stressful for the both of you.

EditSteps

EditPreparing Your Cat for Air Travel in Advance

1. Take your cat to your veterinarian. Travel, especially air travel, can be difficult for cats. You want to ensure your cat is healthy enough for the flight. Your veterinarian will examine her and make sure she is up to date on all of her vaccinations. If your cat has an illness, ask your veterinarian how it can be managed or treated (if possible) prior to your flight.
   
   • Your veterinarian will need to complete a health certificate for your cat, certifying she is healthy enough for travel and has all of the required vaccinations. The health certificate requirements may vary according to your destination, so confirm these requirements with the airline before your appointment.^[2]
   • There are time restrictions on health certificate completion. Airlines typically require health certificates to be completed within 10 days of a flight, but confirm your airline's specific time restriction.^[3]
   • Ask your veterinarian to microchip your cat for easy identification.^[4] If your cat is already microchipped, consider asking your veterinarian to scan the microchip to make sure it can be read.
   • If your cat is on medication, ask your veterinarian about how you can continue to medicate your cat on your day of travel.
2. Purchase an airline-approved carrier. If you have not traveled by plane with your cat before, you may need to purchase an airline-approved pet carrier. Call your airline or search the airline’s website for pet carrier requirements for cabin and cargo travel. Generally, a ‘cabin’ cat carrier should be made of a durable fabric (e.g., nylon), be well ventilated, and have a zippered top and side door. Your airline may also require the carrier to have a soft removable bottom pad.^[5]
   
   • A good cargo carrier should be made of sturdy and durable plastic and have a secure door latch.^[6]
   • Make sure the carrier is large enough for your cat to move around and be comfortable in.
3. Encourage your cat to spend time in her carrier. Your cat will need at least 1 month to get ready for air travel. During this time, invite your cat to spend more time in her carrier. Make it look inviting by putting some of her creature comforts inside of it, such as comfortable bedding and favorite toys.^[7]
   • Leave the carrier open at all times in a location where your cat frequents, such as her bed or a scratching post.^[8] This lets your cat explore her carrier at her leisure and without fear of you closing the door when she steps inside of it.
   • Consider spraying cat pheromones inside the carrier so it smells familiar to her.^[9]
   • Feed her in the carrier so she can have a positive association with it.^[10]
   • Practice closing the door when she is inside of it (after you've given her time to explore it). Start by closing the door for a few seconds, then opening it and immediately giving her a treat. Slowly increase the amount of you leave the door closed before opening it and giving her a treat.^[11]
4. Take your cat on car rides. When your cat is comfortable with her carrier, place her inside of it and take her on car rides. Start with short car rides — just around the block and back. As she gets more comfortable with car travel, take her on longer rides.^[12]
   • Secure the carrier in the car with a seatbelt.^[13]
   • Take your cat to a desirable location, such as back home — not the veterinarian’s office.^[14] Give her a treat at the end of the car ride if she behaves well (no scratching or incessant crying).
   • Staying still in the carrier while the car is moving may be a bit bewildering to your cat at first, but she will get used to it over time.
   • Try to start the car rides at least a few weeks before your flight.^[15]
5. Acclimate your cat to loud noises. Not only is the plane noisy, but the airport can be noisy too. When your cat is comfortable with car rides, take her to the airport and sit outside with her in the carrier.^[16] The loud noise and commotion may be terrifying for your cat at first, so it will probably take a few trips to the airport before your cat becomes used to the loud noises.
   • You could also take her inside the airport, near the flight check-in area.
   • Give your cat some treats to reward her for good behavior.
   • Allow a few weeks for your cat to get accustomed to airport noises.
6. Trim your cat’s nails. If your cat’s nails are long, she could use them to scratch up the interior of her carrier during the flight.^[17] If she has to travel in the cargo area, she could get her nails stuck in the carrier’s bars, which could lead to injury.^[18] If you are not comfortable trimming your cat’s nails, have your veterinarian do so.
   • A cat’s nails should be trimmed once every 10 days to 2 weeks, so time the nail trimming so her nails do not become long again before the trip.^[19] If you will be away from home for a long time, bring some nail clippers with you.

EditMaking Other Travel Preparations

1. Book your flight. Airlines are often limited with how many pets can travel in the plane’s cabin. For this reason, you should book your flight well in advance (1 month or more) to increase the chances of your cat staying with you in the cabin.^[20] When you call to book your flight, ask if the airline allows pets on the plane, and if your cat can travel in the cabin. Because of your cat’s small size, it is preferable for her to travel in the cabin rather than the cargo hold.^[21]
   
   • Expect to pay an extra fee for your cat, which may be up to $100. Be aware that, if your cat can travel with you in the cabin, her carrier will count as one of your allotted carry-ons.^[22]
   • When you book your flight, make sure to get a locator number for your cat that is associated with your seat number.^[23]
   • Try to book a direct, nonstop flight. Also, avoid booking a flight for the middle of the day in the summer.^[24]
2. Check your cat’s ID collar. Your cat’s ID collar should have several tags: one with your contact information (name, address, cell phone number), and one tag each for rabies vaccination status and your cat’s license.^[25] Remove any collar accessories, such as small trinkets or charms, that could get easily snagged on a part of her carrier.^[26] Make sure her collar is appropriate for travel 10 days before your flight.^[27]
3. Make labels for your cat’s carrier. This is particularly important if your cat will be traveling in the cargo hold, but would also be a good idea for cabin travel. The label should contain your own contact information, as well as contact information at your end destination.^[28] For example, if you will be staying at a hotel, write down the hotel’s name, address, and phone number on the label.
   
   • Place a label on the inside and outside of the carrier, in case the outside label comes off during the course of travel. In addition, if your cat will be traveling in the cargo hold, make a few large ‘Live Animal’ labels and place them on the outside of her carrier.^[29]
   • Make the labels at least a few days before your trip so you will not have to rush to do it on the day of travel.
4. Prepare bags of dry food for your cat. Cats should travel on an empty stomach to prevent vomiting or elimination accidents in the carrier during the flight. However, if your flight gets delayed for several hours or more, it would be a good idea to give your cat a few nibbles of food to keep her from getting too hungry.^[30] If your cat is in the cargo hold for a long flight, attach a bag of food to the carrier with feeding instructions.
   
   ^[31]

EditPreparing Your Cat on the Day of Air Travel

1. Keep your normal routine. As much as possible, keep a calm and normal routine on the travel day. Cats do not always respond well to change, so a sudden change in routine could increase your cat’s anxiety and stress levels and may cause her to act out (e.g., eliminate outside of her litter box). Keep calm in your preparations and try to maintain her normal feeding schedule so she uses her litterbox as she usually would.^[32]
   • Once you put her in her carrier, she will not be able to eliminate again until after you arrive at your destination. Keeping things calm and normal will help her empty her bladder and bowels before you place her in the carrier.^[33]
2. Feed your cat 4 to 6 hours before your flight. Maintaining a normal feeding schedule may be tricky if your flight is less than 4 to 6 hours before her regular mealtime. During your month of preparation, consider gradually adjusting her mealtime so it will coincide with the 4- to 6-hour window of time before your flight.
   • Alternatively, you could try to find a flight that time that would fall within 4 to 6 hours of her regular mealtime.
   • Once you have fed her before the flight, do not feed her again until after you arrive at your destination.^[34] You or the flight staff may have to feed her, though, if you have an international flight or a flight with multiple stops.
   • Your cat can have water up to 1 hour before the flight.^[35]
3. Give your cat her medications. If your cat is currently on medications, schedule their administration according to your travel schedule.^[36] Do not give your cat a tranquilizer before your flight! Tranquilizers can affect your cat’s ability to regulate her body temperature, which can have serious consequences if she is traveling in the cargo hold.^[37]
4. Secure your cat in her carrier. Before you leave the house, make sure your cat is securely within the carrier. An airport can be a frightening place for cats, and you do not want to give her any opportunity to bolt out of her carrier.^[38] To make the carrier more comfortable for her, make it smell familiar (e.g., cat pheromones, her bedding, clothing with your scent on it).^[39]
   • If you must take her out of her carrier at airport security, keep a very firm hold on her.
   • Ask the airport security staff if you can go through an alternative screening where your cat can stay in the carrier.^[40]
5. Keep your cat calm. Whether your cat will be traveling with you in the cabin or in the cargo hold, practice some verbal and nonverbal communication to keep her calm before the flight. For example, look at her in her carrier and blink slowly until she blinks back—this is a positive form of communication for cats. In addition, you can talk to her reassuringly before and during the flight.^[41]

EditTips

• Air travel with a cat involves a lot of preparation. The better prepared you are, the better the experience will be for you and your cat.
• Organized your cat’s documentation (health certificate, vaccination record, locator number, photo of cat) and keep it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• If your cat is prone to motion sickness, your veterinarian can prescribe some motion sickness medication for her.^[42]
• When you arrive at your destination, keep your cat in quiet room with a little bit of water and plain dry food so she can destress and get used to her new surroundings.^[43]
• Do not place a lock on her carrier, in case you or the flight staff need to get her out of her carrier quickly.^[44]

EditWarnings

• Persian cats should not travel in the cargo section, since their facial structure can make it hard for them to breathe.^[45]
• Pets can become injured, lost, or even die in the cargo hold of a plane.^[46] Avoid cargo travel for your cat as much as possible.
• Do not put your cat through the X-ray machine at airport security.^[47]

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1ZVihfF

How to Help Your Child Make Friends

Some kids are naturally good at making friends, while other kids may struggle to strike up a conversation with another child. If your child has been struggling to make friends, you may be concerned and want to know what you can do to help. There are many different ways that you can support your child’s socialization efforts, help your child to develop good social skills, and increase your child’s opportunities for socializing.

EditSteps

EditImproving Your Child’s Social Skills

1. Model good behavior for your child. Children look to their parents for guidance about how to behave in social situations. Modeling good social behavior when you interact with acquaintances, friends, family members, and other parents can help your children develop positive social skills.^[1]
   
   • Look for similarities in your likes and dislikes. If you are just getting to know someone, pay attention to what the other person says he or she likes and point out similarities when appropriate. For example, if the person mentions that he or she enjoys swimming and you also like to swim, you might point this out.
   • Be a good listener. Demonstrate active listening skills for your child by facing the person when he or she is speaking, making eye contact, not interrupting, and acknowledging what the other person has said by making neutral statements, such as “Yes,” “I see,” and “Uh-huh.”
2. Foster empathy in your child. Empathy allows us to take the perspective of someone else and consider how that person might be feeling. This is an important skill for healthy friendships because it can help us to be more sensitive to our friends’ feelings and to respond in helpful ways.^[2][3]
   • For example, having empathy can help your child to understand that a classmate who has just lost a pet must be feeling sad. This can help your child to know that she should be extra kind to the person to make her feel a bit better.
   • You can help your child to develop empathy by asking her questions that encourage her to take the perspective of others. For example, if your child tells you that a classmate was not in school today because her dog died, then you might say, “That’s really sad. How do you think Susie must feel right now?”
3. Talk to your child about good friend qualities. You can also help your child develop good friend qualities by discussing those qualities with your child. Try asking your child questions to help her think about what he wants from his friends.^[4] For example, you might ask your child:
   • What do you look for in a friend?
   • What traits should a good friend have?
   • What kind of behavior makes you want to be friends with someone?
4. Teach your child about good conversation skills. Good conversation skills can help your child to make and keep friends, so you may want to spend some time coaching your child about how to talk to other kids.^[5] Some things you may want to teach your child about good conversation skills include:^[6]
   • Starting a conversation. Give your child some tips on how to introduce himself to other kids. For example, you might advise your child to pay another child a compliment to break the ice, such as “I like your sneakers.” Or, “You’re really good at tetherball!”
   • Asking questions to get to know someone. Explain to your child that sometimes you have to ask questions to get a conversation going. For example, you might advise your child to ask getting-to-know-you questions, such as, “What’s your name?” “What games do you like to play?” “What’s your favorite subject?”
   • Finding similarities. Advise your child to listen and watch for similarities to make it easier to connect with other kids. For example, your child might notice that another child is wearing a t-shirt with a picture of his favorite cartoon character on it. Then, you child could approach the child, compliment the shirt, and mention that he also likes the character.
5. Give your child advice about social interactions. Giving your child advice about how to handle certain social situations can help your child to have better social interactions.^[7] If your child struggles to approach other kids or join in games, then she might benefit from some advice about how to join in and what to do if she is rejected.^[8]
   • For example, if your child wants to join some other kids who are playing, you can advise your child to watch for a few minutes to see what the other kids are doing. Then, when she feels sure that she knows what is going on, she can go over and try to do something along the same lines as what the other kids are doing.
   • You might also make sure that your child knows not to try to change or stop the game. Just try to join in with the game the other kids are playing.
   • Tell your child that if the other kids don’t want her to play that she should just leave and find something else to do. Let your child know that trying to force yourself into a group will not work.
6. Allow your child to go it alone sometimes. It is great to offer advice and to try to help your child, but keep in mind that sometimes your child will need to be left alone to try things our and learn from her own mistakes. Although it may be hard for you to see this happening, keep in mind that you can use these experiences as learning opportunities.^[9]
   
   • For example, if your child has a negative social experience, you might say, “I noticed that the other kids got upset while you were playing with them. Do you know what they were upset about?” Or, “You did a really great job of sharing your toys with your friends, but I noticed that you did not let them play the way they wanted to play. Do you think that might have upset them a little?”

EditSupporting Your Child at Home

1. Encourage your child to share his or her emotions. Kids who are encouraged to share their emotions tend to have better social skills than those who are not encouraged to share their emotions.^[10] It is important to be sympathetic and to be willing to listen when your child has a bad experience trying to fit in with other kids. If your child says she had a bad day at school, ask what happened. Let your child tell you about everything that happened and offer your support.
   • For example, after your child has finished telling you the story, you can say something like, “I’m sorry you had such a bad experience today. It can be really hard to make new friends.”
   • After your child finishes telling you what happened, it might be a good idea to find something fun for your child to do to help her feel better. For example, you might ask your child if she would like to go to the park for a while or color in a coloring book.
2. Help your child prepare before a friend comes to visit. Kids sometimes invite school acquaintances over to play and this can help to form a new friendship. To ensure that your kids have the best chance of making a new friend, you may want to spend a little time coaching your child about polite ways to play with someone who is visiting.^[11]
   • For example, you might remind your child to be a good host by asking what the guest wants to do first. You might also encourage your child to pay attention to clues that the guest is having fun, such as smiling and laughing.
   • You can also help your child prepare for a guest by putting out some games or toys that the guest might enjoy. Ask your child to think about what her guest likes to play and choose games and toys based on this knowledge.
3. Acknowledge your child’s successes. When your child has a successful interaction with another child, make sure that you acknowledge the success and the positive behavior that led to that success. This will help your child to make a connection between the behavior and the social success.
   • For example, you might say something like, “Your friend has such a good time playing with you today and you did such a good job of sharing your toys!”
   • You can also acknowledge good behavior to help your child see what might lead to socials success.^[12] For example, you might say something like, “You are so good at listening to your sister when she tells you her stories. Do you listen to kids at school with that much patience too?”
4. Practice authoritative parenting. Authoritative parenting is a style of parenting where parents set firm rules and boundaries for their kids and offer explanations why those rules are in place. This is different from authoritarian parenting, which is a style of parenting where parents set harsh rules and expect perfect obedience but do not offer any explanation for the rules or punishments. Kids who are raised by authoritative parents tend to have fewer behavioral issues and better relationships with their peers.^[13][14]
   • Consider your parenting style to determine if there are opportunities to become more authoritative rather than authoritarian. For example, you could make sure that your kids know the reasons behind the rules by sitting down and explaining them. If your kids ask questions, be willing to answer their questions and explain your rules more fully.

EditIncreasing Your Child’s Social Opportunities

1. Arrange play dates for your child. Arranging play dates for your child can help to provide your child with more chances to socialize and make friends. This may be especially helpful if your child is shy and has a hard time asking other kids to play.^[15]
   
   • Try asking the parent of a child that your child likes to play with at school if you can arrange a play date for your kids. While talking to the other parent, you might say something like, “Susie and Jenny often play together at recess. Susie wanted to know if Jenny would like to come over and play after school on Friday.”
2. Encourage your child to participate in an after school activity. After school activities can provide your child with more chances to make friends and your child will have the added benefit of already having something in common with the other kids. If your child is interested in an after school activity, encourage him to participate.^[16]
   • After school activities can include sports, music, dance, and other activities.
3. Consider meeting with your child’s teacher. If your child still has a hard time making friends despite your efforts to help, then you may need to speak with your child’s teacher to find out more about what is going on. Your child’s teacher may be able to work with you to increase your child’s confidence and to encourage her to socialize with her classmates more.^[17]
   • Try setting up a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss your concerns.
   • Ask about how your child interacts with other kids in school and look for ways to improve your child’s social connections.
4. Put a stop to bullying. If your child is being bullied, then you will have to intervene and ask for support from your child’s teacher as well. Bullying can cause severe emotional distress that may last into adulthood, so it is important to put a stop to it as soon as possible.^[18]
   • Call your child’s teacher right away if you suspect that your child is being bullied in school.
   • Find ways to keep bullies away from your child outside of school as well. For example, if your child is being bullied on her walk to school, you may want to walk with her for a while or alert the crossing guard.

EditTips

• If your child makes one or two good friends, this may be enough for her. Don’t worry if your child is not the most popular kid in her class. It is more important for her to have one or two good friends than lots of friends with whom she does not have a close relationship.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Deal With Bullies
• Survive High School
• Be Yourself
• Be Nice

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1ULUUG0

How to Get Treatment for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that attacks the liver and triggers chronic inflammation.^[1] Most people who have hepatitis C don't notice any symptoms until it damages their liver — typically after many years. Due to it's destructive nature over time, hepatitis C is often considered more serious than hepatitis A or B infections. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is usually passed between people via contaminated blood, commonly from sharing needles during illegal drug use. Antiviral drugs are the main treatment for HCV, although prevention and lifestyle changes are important also.

EditSteps

EditGetting Medical Treatment for HCV

1. Consult with your doctor. Symptoms of hepatitis C infection don't often show up for about 3 months or later, and typically include: fatigue, mild fever, nausea, muscle and joints aches, reduced appetite, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine and yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes.^[2] If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you're an illicit drug user or have received blood products in the past, then make an appointment with your doctor for an examination and testing.
   
   • More advanced symptoms of HCV infection include: fluid accumulation in your abdomen (called ascites), swelling on your legs (called edema), itchy skin, spider veins on skin, bruising, reduced clotting ability of blood, unexplained weight loss, drowsiness, confusion and slurred speech.
   • Your doctor will order urine and blood tests that look for HCV and high levels of liver enzymes, which indicate liver damage.
   • In more advanced cases, your doctor may recommend a liver biopsy — taking a small sample of liver tissue (via a long, thin needle) and looking at it under a microscope for evidence of injury.
2. Be honest about your drug use. When consulting with your doctor, it's important to be honest about a past or current history of injecting illicit drugs, such as heroin, because it's the biggest risk factor for catching hepatitis C and many other types of infections.^[3] Doctor-patient confidentiality will typically prevent you from getting in trouble with the law, unless you're putting your child or other people in direct harm from using or selling.
   • Depending on your family situation and history of drug use, social services may be informed and have to get involved.
   • If you're pregnant and using illicit drugs, your doctor may feel compelled ethically or forced by law (depending on the state) to force addiction treatment on you so your baby is not harmed any further.^[4]
   • Getting treatment for your drug addiction is just as important, if not more so, than dealing with hepatitis C infection. Seek addiction treatment immediately.
3. Talk to your doctor about antiviral drugs. Once it's established that you have hepatitis C, the primary (and only) medical treatment is with antiviral medications that are meant to clear the HCV from your body.^[5] Commonly used older antivirals for hepatitis include: pegylated interferon (Roferon-A, Intron-A, Rebetron, Alferon-N, Peg-Intron), ribavirin (Rebetol), lamivudine (Epivir-HBV), adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera) and entecavir (Baraclude).^[6]
   
   • Newer types of antivirals tailored specifically for HCV are classified as either protease inhibitors or polymerase inhibitors and include: boceprevir (VictrelisI), telaprevir (Incivek), simeprevir (Olysio), sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and daclatasvir (Daklinza).^[7]
   • The goal of antiviral treatment is to have no HCV detected in your body at least 3 months after you finish the medication(s).
   • Although drugs to treat hepatitis C have gradually improved over the decades, they still have serious side effects, such as flu-like symptoms, debilitating fatigue, hair loss, depression and destruction of healthy red and/or white blood cells.^[8]
4. Take the antivirals as directed. Older antiviral medications were typically taken daily and for up to 72 weeks to be able to rid the body of HCV, but side effects were a common concern due to toxicity. Newer antiviral drugs tend to be more effective at killing HCV, so they can be taken for shorter periods of time (daily for between 12-24 weeks) and consequently lead to less serious side effects.^[9] As such, follow your doctor's instructions very closely to avoid unwanted side effects.
   • Sometimes combining newer anti-viral medications with existing ones (ribavirin with interferon, for example) can be more effective than solo drug therapy.
   • Interferon therapy is given by injection by tour doctor, but most other antivirals are taken orally as pills at home. It's best to always take antivirals pills with food or after meals.
   • Regimens and dosages of antivirals vary depending on the hepatitis C genotype, extent of liver damage and other medical conditions.
5. Consider a liver transplant as a last resort. If your liver is severely damaged and it's not functioning properly, then a liver transplant becomes a possible option.^[10] During a transplant, the surgeon removes as much of your damaged liver as possible and replaces it with a healthier liver from a deceased donor or a portion of healthy liver tissue from a living donor. Liver tissue actually grows relatively quickly and can regenerate itself better than other organs.
   • Realize that a liver transplant is often not a cure for hepatitis C, as treatment with antiviral drugs typically must continue.
   • In approximately 50% of the patients with chronic hepatitis who get a liver transplant, the HCV infection recurs and causes liver injury again.^[11]
   • The 5-year survival rate after a liver transplant is between 60-80%, depending on the surgical expertise, health of the new liver tissue and lifestyle of the patient.

EditTrying Alternative Therapies for HCV

1. Talk to a herbalist or naturopath. Taking herbal remedies and/or supplements for infections and other diseases is often confusing and difficult to understand their potential effectiveness. Your doctor is not likely to know much about herbs / supplements and medical websites don't often mention them, so you need to seek out a knowledgeable health professional. Licensed herbalists, naturopaths or even chiropractors might be a great way to start.
   • Spend quality time online researching various herbs / supplements that can positively impact hepatitis C. Unfortunately, specific dosage information is rare to come by because so many variables are involved.
   • Always tell your medical doctor if you're taking or thinking of taking herbs / supplements because some may interact dangerously with medications.^[12] In most cases, herbs and medications can be taken concurrently.
   • As a general guideline, you can use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas) or tinctures (alcohol extracts).^[13]
     • Unless otherwise indicated, make herbal teas with 1 tsp. of dried plant material per cup of very warm water.
     • Steep covered for up to 20 minutes, especially if you're using the roots of a plant.
     • Drink between 2-4 cups of the herbal tea per day.
2. Take milk thistle supplements. Milk thistle extract has been used to treat liver problems for many centuries. The most helpful compound in milk thistle is called silymarin, which has been shown to protect the liver from various viruses, toxins, alcohol and many drugs. The studies are mixed, but milk thistle (silymarin) seems to have the potential to reduce the symptoms of chronic hepatitis and improve quality of life, although it may not always improve liver function tests or reduce HCV levels in the blood.^[14]
   • Look for standard silymarin extracts that contain 70% silybin for best results, as they seem to be the most effective.
   • Silybin is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can stimulate the immune system, which is why it's helpful for all causes of hepatitis and cirrhosis.
   • People with ragweed allergies should be cautious with milk thistle products. Milk thistle can also have estrogen-like effects, so people with hormone-sensitive conditions (breast cancer, for example) should be careful too.
   • The effective dose to help with hepatitis C is not known, so some experimentation is needed.
3. Consider taking SNMC (Stronger Neominophagen C). SNMC is a liquid supplement that contains glycine, glycyrrhizin and cysteine in a 20:2:1 ratio all mixed in a saline solution.^[15] SNMC is helpful for reducing hepatitis symptoms, improving liver function (based on enzymes in the blood) and healing liver tissue, but it doesn't directly kill HCV.^[16]
   • SNMC solution is often administered via daily intravenous (IV) injections, although some recent studies suggest that oral forms (drinking it) may be just as effective for chronic hepatitis.
   • Typical formulations of SNMC are 2,000mg of glycine, 200mg of glycyrrhizin and 100mg of cysteine all mixed in a 100cc IV bag of saline solution.
   • Glycyrrhizin is the main active compound in licorice root, which has also been used to treat liver disease for centuries.
4. Try Cordyceps mushrooms. Cordyceps are types of mushrooms commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver diseases. Some studies show Cordyceps mushroom can stimulate immune function and improve liver function in patients with hepatitis B, so it may be worth a try also for hepatitis C.^[17] Cordyceps mushroom supplements typically come in capsules, but also liquid extracts. An ideal dosage for hepatitis C is not known, so some experimentation is needed.
   • Cordyceps may slow down blood's ability to clot, so be cautious if you're on blood-thinning medications. Always tell your doctor about all supplements you're taking so there's less risk of a negative reactions with drugs.
   • Another type of mushroom that helps with chronic hepatitis B infection and may also be helpful for hepatitis C is Reishi mushroom.^[18]
5. Experiment with high doses of vitamin C. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) isn't a direct treatment for hepatitis C infection, but high doses can help stimulate the immune response to eliminate viruses from the bloodstream.^[19] Vitamin C is also a strong antioxidant that has some antiviral abilities, so it might be worth experimenting with for HCV due to its relative safety and lack of expense.
   • High dosages of vitamin C range from 3,000mg to 10,000mg daily, spread out over the day. The vitamin can be taken as capsules, muscle injections or IV bags.
   • The effective dose to help with hepatitis C is not known, so some experimentation is needed.
   • It's best to build up to higher daily doses and not take more than 1,000mg at a time because it can trigger loose bowels and short-term diarrhea.
   • High doses of vitamin C has not actually been proven to increase the risk of kidney stones, despite its reputation for doing so.
6. Learn about SBEL1. A newly discovered and tested Chinese herbal compound called SBEL1 seems to have the ability to inhibit and kill HCV by about 90%, at least in lab studies on human liver cells.^[20] Research on patients with HCV is next, so learn more about SBEL1 and remember it for potential future use against hepatitis.
   • SBEL1 is extracted from a medicinal herb found in Taiwan and Southern China normally used by local populations to treat sore throats and inflammation.
   • Scientists are excited that SBEL1 can make a big impact on hepatitis C worldwide, as it's estimated to affect 150-200 million people and cause more than 350,000 deaths each year.^[21]

EditPreventing Hepatitis C

1. Don't share needles. Hepatitis C (and B) are transmitted through contact with infected blood, so illicit drug users who share needles to inject are at greatest risk.^[22] As such, either stop the drug use altogether (ideally) or always use clean, unused needles for injecting.
   • In addition to needles, don't share any drug paraphernalia, such as syringes, containers or any preparation equipment — they can all be contaminated with infected blood.
   • Heroin users are particularly at risk due to the greater likelihood of using needles and syringes to deliver the drug directly into the bloodstream.
2. Practice safe sex. Having unprotected sex with someone who is infected can also pass on hepatitis causing viruses, although it's much more common with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) than HCV for reasons that are not entirely understood.^[23] Regardless, always use condoms for sexual activities, even with people you think you know well.
   • Unprotected anal sex has the highest risk of transmitting STDs and other blood-born viruses such as HCV.
   • Up to 40% of HCV infections are of unknown cause, although a good percentage of those cases are due to secretive drug behavior from spouses and significant others.
3. Be cautious with tattoos and piercing. Although they are not common methods of spreading viral infections, there still is risk with piercing and tattooing because they use needles to puncture the skin. As such, be cautious about body piercing and tattooing and always choose a reputable shop that's been there for a while.^[24] Ask the service provider how they go about cleaning their equipment and preventing the transfer of contaminated blood.
   • If the shop or beauty parlor seem evasive or hostile to your polite questioning, go somewhere else.
   • Make sure the service providers always use sterile or new needles. Consider buying your own sterile tools and giving them to the employee to use on you..
4. Cut back on alcohol. Reducing your alcohol consumption (or stopping completely) is not a method for directly preventing hepatitis C infection, but alcohol (ethanol) is toxic to the liver and speeds up the progression of every liver disease.^[25] As such, limit your consumption to no more than 1-2 drinks daily if you're healthy, but stop immediately if you have any infection that impacts your liver.
   • Binge drinking (more than 3 or 4 drinks in an evening) is especially damaging to your liver, particularly if you have any type of hepatitis.
   • Grain-based alcohol (vodka, whiskey) is much worse for your liver than red wine, which contains some health benefits due to the antioxidant content. Beer is between the two in terms being damaging.

EditTips

• Follow up your antiviral treatment with regular blood tests to monitor HCV in order to help your doctor know whether you need to continue on drug therapy.
• Blood and blood products used for transmission are tested for both hepatitis B and C, but some recipients still get infected, so the safety process is not perfect.
• Healthcare workers need to practice precautions when handling blood and other body fluids. Always wearing gloves is a must.
• Contrary to any rumors, there have been no reports of hepatitis infection passed on from acupuncture therapy in the U.S.^[26]
• Just to be on the safe side, don't share personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with other people.

EditWarning

• No vaccine is currently available to protect you against HCV.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Recognize Hepatitis C Symptoms
• Prevent Hepatitis C
• Overcome Hepatitis C
• Recognize Hepatitis B Symptoms

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1X6s68Q

How to Accept Your Autism

Being autistic can be rough. People tell you that you're embarrassing, that you're rude or insensitive, or that you're a puzzle that needs to be completed to be whole. But that doesn't mean that they're right. This article will help you come to terms with your autism so you can focus on being the wonderful human being that you are.

EditSteps

EditLearning About Autistic Strengths

Autism is a disability, and being disabled can be hard. That doesn't mean it's all bad. Autism comes with its own strengths and endearing quirks, and it contributes to your successes as well as your struggles.

1. Learn about autism from the autistic people. Too often, non-autistic people write about autism without consulting real autistic people. They may come up with inaccuracies, laughable misconceptions, or extremely negative viewpoints on differences that don't hurt anyone. Thus, not all the bad things you read about autism are correct.
   
   • The autistic community often describes autism in a neutral or positive light. This may help you feel better about being autistic.
2. Read about the strengths that come along with autism. Autism is a complex neurological condition that comes with several blessings along with its impairments:
   
   • Deeply passionate interests. These can lead to tremendous expertise, and possibly a very successful career or fun hobby.^[1]
   • Helpfulness. Autistic people, in general, have a high sense of social responsibility, or the desire to solve problems and help others.^[2]
   • Precision. Autism is often noted to lead to focusing on small parts, rather than the big picture. This can lead to remarkable detail-oriented work, where a neurotypical might be unable to focus so clearly on individual aspects of something.^[3]
   • Visual intelligence. Autistic people have tested higher on visual and nonverbal intelligence tests.^[4]
   • Sincerity. Autistic people tend to mean what they say, and act as a "voice of reason" without becoming mired in social complexities.^[5] Your honesty and genuine spirit can feel refreshing to others.
   • A unique perspective. Autistic people can learn in unusual ways.^[6] This provides insights that neurotypicals may never realize, and can become a great asset in collaboration.
3. Read about successful autistic people. Plenty of famous people have been diagnosed or thought to be autistic. Strong special interests, focus, and a unique perspective can lead to innovation and creativity.
   
   • Historically, Einstein,^[7] Thomas Jefferson, Emily Dickinson,^[8] Mozart,^[9], Temple Grandin, and more people were thought to be autistic.^[10]
   • Famous autistic people today include Tim Burton,^[11] Susan Boyle,^[12] Adam Young (from Owl City),^[13] Jerry Seinfeld,^[14] and more.^[15]
4. Consider your special interests. Special interests are a clear upside of autism: you have an incredible memory about these facts, intense focus, and the ability to act like a walking encyclopedia of information whenever you want. You also get to have a lot of fun doing the things you love.
   
   • Most non-autistic people would be jealous of the way you can recall and discuss information.
5. Read about the social model of disability. The social model holds that disability is not caused by defects in the brain or body, but by society's failure to accommodate and accept a certain variation.
   
   • For example, most nearsighted people are not disabled: they are fully accommodated within society (glasses, contacts), and have the same opportunities that non-nearsighted people have. Their body can't do the same things, but technology makes up for that, so it is not an issue.

EditHelping Yourself

1. Remember that it's okay to be different. If everyone were just like everyone else, the world would be boring. Your quirks are part of what makes you memorable. It is absolutely okay to be disabled and to look disabled in public.
   
2. Find therapies and treatments that work for you. A good therapy will leave you better off than you were before, and you will gain skills and be happier. You can also learn coping mechanisms, alternative methods of doing difficult tasks, and how to capitalize on your strengths.
   
   • Options include sensory integration therapy, talk therapy, occupational therapy, special diets, behavior therapy, and seeing a psychologist for emotional issues.
   • Always check with a doctor before altering your diet or attempting an alternative treatment.
   • Be careful about behavior therapies. Some therapies are based on compliance and may hurt more than helping.^[16] If your therapist's goal is to make you more normal (rather than more comfortable or more competent), or if you feel upset and anxious about seeing them, then find a better therapist.
3. Stop trying to do things that are too hard. With the media constantly encouraging people to "do your best," sometimes people forget that it's okay to quit. You do not have to put forth 100% effort all the time—this can lead to burnout. If something is draining your energy or adding a lot of stress to your life, consider not doing it anymore. Sometimes saying "I quit" is freeing.
   
4. Focus on your skills and character strengths. This will help you spend less energy mourning your disability, and more energy on doing positive things and enjoying your life.
   
   • Spend time on your hobbies and things that you're good at. Enjoy the feeling of competence and expertise.
   • Make a list of your positive traits. Consider both personality traits and skills. Place the list somewhere where it'll be easy to see when you're feeling sad about yourself.
   • Help other people. Prepare food for the hungry, raise awareness for important causes, or write about your special interest on wikiHow. Effecting a positive change in the world will distract you, help others, and make you feel happier about yourself.
5. Practice self-care. Being disabled can be difficult, and it's important to treat yourself well. Cut out energy drains from your life so you can focus on what matters most to you.
   
   • Pushing yourself to meet non-autistic standards will only take a toll on your health. It is okay to ask for academic accommodations, take extra breaks, or quit doing things that are too stressful to achieve.
   • Pay extra attention to general health advice: sleep for at least 8 hours, eat fruits and vegetables, limit junk food, minimize stress, and exercise regularly (taking walks counts). Self-care is extra important for you, to mitigate stress and help with meltdowns.
   • If you have trouble with self-care, it's okay to ask for help. Assisted living, a group home, or living with family might be better for you. Talk with a doctor, social worker, or therapist if you're struggling. There's no shame in meeting your needs, and it'll free up time for things you love.
6. Stop apologizing for being autistic. You have the right to ask for accommodations, stim in public, and do what you need to do in order to function. Toning down your behavior is your choice—not something to be pushed or coerced out of you. You are not required to act more neurotypical just because everyone else is used to it.
   
7. Recognize that autism is just one piece of who you are—a kind, thoughtful, and lovable human being. People can love you and your autism. You can love yourself and your autism. You are not a lesser person.
   

EditFinding Community

1. Meet the autistic community. This can be done by contacting a friendly support group, or through a search online. Learn what autistic people have to say about themselves, their symptoms, and the way they interact with the world. Autistic people, in general, are very welcoming to newly-diagnosed or self-diagnosed people.
   
   • Autistic people can offer advice and tips to those in need (and often do so, especially online)
   • The general positivity of the autistic community can help you feel better when you are feeling sad or have low self-esteem.
2. Avoid people and organizations that dehumanize you. You are not broken or lesser. People like you do not deserve to be abused, coerced, silenced, or eugenically aborted.
   
   • It is okay to cut toxic people out of your life. You don't need their negativity, and you're much better off without them. You are not required to argue that your existence is worthwhile, and it's okay to decide not to waste your time and energy on them.
   • If you're stuck with these people, you have two main choices: to educate them, or to avoid them. Educating them can be done by showing them an article, and making an appeal to their desire to be a good person. If you try this and fail, or if you know that they won't respond to reason, it's better to avoid spending time with them and avoid autism-related conversations. You don't deserve to listen to toxic ideas about your existence.
3. Get involved with positive autism-related organizations. They will help you understand yourself better and make a positive contribution to the world.
   
   • Many autism self-advocacy groups have a large online presence. You do not need to physically go somewhere to get involved.
4. Make autistic friends. Along with the usual benefits of friendship, you can share coping strategies, discuss autism together, and be yourselves without any fear.
   
   • Look for autistic people in autism acceptance advocacy groups, Special Ed (if you go there), or disability/autism clubs.

EditWarnings

• If you struggle with persistent feelings of sadness related to your diagnosis, tell someone. Talk to someone you trust, or a doctor or therapist.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Be Yourself
• Elevate Your Self Esteem
• Be a Sweet Autistic Girl
• Explain Autism to People
• Experience Autistic Culture
• Feel Confident With Your Special Talents
• Cope with an Autism Diagnosis
• Love Yourself
• Observe Autism Acceptance in April

EditSources and Citations

• Valerie L. Gaus, PhD. Living Well on the Spectrum.

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1BR5q4N

How to Number Guitar Strings

Remembering how to number the six strings of a guitar is essential for any level of player. Knowing the numbers for the guitar strings is often more important than knowing the notes for each string, which can change with different tunings.

EditSteps

1. Start numbering with the bottom, since the lowest, thinnest string is always your first string. The hardest thing to remember about guitar stringing is that it starts from the bottom, not the top. Your thinnest string is the first string. It is almost always silver and "unwound," compared to the thick, coated strings further up the guitar.
   
   
   • This string is an E. It is sometimes known as the “high-E,” since the top string is a much lower sounding E note.
2. Know the second string, the second from the bottom, is a B. The second string is the second thinnest string, one up from the bottom. It is a B.
   
   
3. Know the third string, the third from the bottom, is a G. Notice how, on many guitars, there are two “types” of strings – the thinner silver ones on the bottom, and thicker, wound strings on top. The G is usually the last unwound string.
   
   
4. Know the fourth string, the third from the top, is a D. The fourth string, or the third from the top, is a D in standard tuning. All of the notes here are for standard tuning, which is how guitars are strung in 90% of modern music. The numbers of the strings do not change based on tuning.
   
   
5. Know that the fifth string, the second thickest, is an A. This is the second string from the top, and also the second thickest string. This is an A.
   
   
6. Know that the sixth string, the thickest string, is your E string. This is often known as the “low-E” as well, or sometimes the “bass string.” No matter what, know that it is the sixth string of the guitar.^[1]
   
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• Once you know the numbers of the strings, check out this article on memorizing the notes.

EditSources and Citations

• Videos from GuitarLessons.com

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1UJlzn6

How to Learn Old English

Old English is the language used by the Germanic peoples that lived in parts of what is now the United Kingdom between the 5th and 11th centuries, C.E.^[1] Although Old English is no longer a spoken language, many texts still exist in it.^[2] Some academics or other professionals, such as historians or archivists, may need Old English in order to do their work. But you may need to learn Old English to complete classwork or simply be interested in studying the language as a window to the past.^[3] By enrolling in an Old English course or teaching yourself with different media, you can learn Old English.

EditSteps

EditTeaching Yourself Old English

1. Start reading Beowulf. Beowulf is well-known and easy to find, so this will be the best text to start with as you attempt to teach yourself Old English. Find a copy that includes both the Old English text and the modern English translation.
   • You may find it helpful to go line by line. Read the Old English version and then look at its modern English translation. Many line by line or word by word translations are also available online.^[4]
   • You can even find a copy of Beowulf online. Websites for universities such as Oxford or the University of Texas have Beowulf and other Old English texts available.^[5]
2. Learn about special characters. Old English includes many of the same letters that we use today, but it also features some unusual characters. Become familiar with these characters so that you will know how to pronounce them, but bear in mind that despite the fact that "true Ænglisc," or "true Old-English," used Runes, rather than the Latin script, Runes were dropped before the Middle-English Era in favor of the Latin Script, though modified, as you will see next. One other letter, the Medial(Long-)Es was added by the time of the Early-Modern English, otherwise known as its derogatory name: "King-James-English;" it has been added to the following list so that you may recognize it, when reading old English texts:
   • Ææ = this is an Æsh and it sounds like the “a” in “hat(American Pronunciation)”
   • Ðð =this is an Eð and it sounds like the “th” in “weather,” or "the;" Eth fell out of favor, in place of thorn -- eth was created by drawing a line through a "d," and in writing, you can either write a "d," and draw a line through it, that it looks like a "đ(d-stroke,)" or the classic way, as a backwards six with a stroke through it
   • Þþ = this is a Þorne and it sounds like the "th" in "thorn," however the previous letter, eth, fell out of favor, and was replaced with either "th" or thorn, by the time of Middle English, soon thorn suffered the same fate...
   • ſ ʃ = this is a "Medial-'S,'" or "Long-'S.'" The Long-Es was created as an equal to the primary form of the Greek letter Sigma; the Medial-Es functions exactly the same as the Final-Es, which replaced the Medial-Es -- "stress," by in the time of Early-Modern/Late-Middle English was written: "ſtreſs," the word "blessings" was written: "bleſſings;" as you have probably figured out, the Capital-'S' was the same, and the Lowercaſe-'s' were the same as they are today -- "s" only came at the end of a word, it is a "Final-Es." The "ʃ," not to be confused with the African Esh(Sʃ,) was the design of the Medial-Es not common in English, this design was mostly used in Germany.

^[6]

1. Watch for kennings. Kennings are common features of Old English poetry and there are more than a thousand kennings in Beowulf. Kennings take two words from the Old English language and combine them to create a new word that means something different. Kennings were a way for poets to play with language in interesting ways.^[7]
   • For example, in Beowulf, the ocean is referred to as “hwælweg” which translates to “whale road” and the human body is referred to as ”bānhūs” which translates to bone house.
2. Use a textbook. A textbook on Old English can help you to learn more about the language as you read Beowulf.^[8] There are many different textbooks on Old English available and consulting the websites of different scholars who teach the language can help you identify different options that might work for you.^[9] Some areas you’ll want any textbook to cover are the Old English:
   • Alphabet
   • Pronunciation
   • Vocabulary
   • Sentence structure and grammar
   • Word forms.^[10]
3. Keep a glossary available. Chances are that you’ll run into words in your textbook and other Old English readings that you don’t understand. Having a glossary at your fingertips can help you understand the text more effectively and quickly.^[11]
   • Purchase an Old English dictionary or glossary in a bookstore.
   • Search for online glossaries. Many universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, offer Internet dictionaries and glossaries in Old English.^[12]

EditTaking a Class in Old English

1. Sit in on a class at a local university. Although not common, many colleges and universities offer classes in Old English because young scholars need the language to do their work.^[13] Seeing if any of your local learning institutions have classes in Old English can help you find a beginner class or any other level you may need.^[14]
   
   • Check university websites to see if they offer courses in Old English. You may find that English, history, archaeology, or other humanities and social science departments offer Old English classes.
   • Find faculty who specialize in English literature from that period. They can often tell you when and where courses are offered.
   • Figure out if you can sit in, or audit, Old English courses without enrolling at the university. You may first want to contact the professor to inquire if she minds having someone audit the course. Once you have her approval, contact the university registrar to see how you audit a course. You may want to ask if you have to pay anything or if you can just sit in on the lectures.
2. Take an online class. Some universities or other institutions may offer online courses in Old English. Conduct research online and see what your options for online courses in the language are.^[15] If a local university or institution in your area doesn’t offer an Old English, consider an online course from an accredited institution like the University of Texas or the University of Calgary.^[16]
   • See what the requirements for registering for the class are. You may be able to participate without paying any fees.^[17]
   • Try and find a course from a university or other institution of learning because they are more likely to have useful sources to help you successfully master Old English.
3. Hire a private tutor. In some cases, professors or even graduate students may be able to give you private lessons in Old English. Realize that this may be expensive, but an excellent way to learn the language.
   • Contact professors in your local area to see if they teach private lessons in Old English. If not, see if they know of other professors or graduate students who may be able to offer a private course.
   • Be prepared to pay at least $20/ hour. Old English is not a common language and using the time of a scholar to teach you takes away from their time. Ask what they would expect as payment and see if you can negotiate if it seems too high.
4. Join an Old English study group or forum. There are enthusiasts for Old English around the world, many of whom stay in touch and expand their knowledge with study groups and online forums.^[18] Inquire if you can join one of these study groups or online forum to learn the language and network with others who have this common interest.^[19]
   • Be aware that some of these groups require registration or subscription, which means that you may need to send an email stating why you’d like to join. You also may need to commit to participating regularly as well.^[20]
   • Keep in mind these forums may also provide you with other resources or opportunities to learn old English.^[21]

EditTackling the Challenge of Old English

1. Recognize the difficulty of Old English. You may recognize certain basic words in Old English, but a written passage may be impossible to comprehend for a Modern English speaker. Just because Old English is an early version of our modern language doesn’t mean you’ll necessary grasp it quickly, and understanding this can help the ways in which you approach learning it.^[22]
   
   • Learn that the some of the biggest differences come in phonology—Old English is very guttural, much more complex grammar based on proto-Germanic languages, and the largely Germanic vocabulary. Modern English is a much more Latin-based language as a result of the Norman invasion in 1066.^[23]
2. Treat Old English as a foreign language. Old English will be a foreign language to Modern English speakers. You can adopt many of the strategies commonly used for learning foreign languages to studying Old English.^[24]
   
   • Be prepared to learn everything from the start, including the writing system, grammar, and vocabulary.
   • Realize that if you speak German, one of the Scandinavian languages, or any of their dialects, that you may be able to recognize more of the Old English vocabulary and grammatical structures.^[25]
3. Be prepared for a challenge. Learning any new language is a difficult task, and one that requires constant practice. Do not be frustrated by these inevitable challenges, and instead stay focused on your goal.
   
   • Recognize that mastering another language usually takes 5-7 years depending on a variety of factors including your abilities and how much you practice.^[26] Because there are fewer people who understand and speak Old English, this may not give you the chance to practice it very often and may prolong the process of acquiring it.
   • Remember to keep practicing reading texts and speaking whenever you get a chance. This can help you master Old English more quickly.
4. Look for ways to make Old English fun. Whether you are studying Old English for a school requirement or simply out of curiosity, find ways to make the learning process fun and enjoyable. Studies have shown that you are more likely to excel at learning if you enjoy it.^[27]
   
   • Take the process as an opportunity to learn something that other people can’t understand. For example, if you and a friend can both speak some Old English, it can help you have “secret” conversations.
   • Immerse yourself in the history of early England to help you visualize what texts like Beowulf might have looked like.
   • Ask a friend to quiz your knowledge. This can help you learn and be fun for both of you as she laughs at how strange the words sound.

EditTips

• Look at course outlines from university classes in Old English for ideas on books, lessons.^[28] You can also often find other educational material on Old English from these sites.^[29]
• Check your textbook to see if it contains quizzes. If so, doing these can help you gauge your level of understanding.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Speak Old English
• Learn Any Language
• Learn a Language
• Learn French

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/21WJnT7

How to Determine if Your Rabbit Is Sick

Rabbits are adorable pets, and generally fairly easy to take care of. They can become sick, however, and it is not always immediately apparent when this is the case. Recognizing common gastrointestinal and respiratory problems can help you determine when yours is sick. Noticing any physical or behavioral changes can also give you clues. If you suspect that your bunny is sick, you’ll want to care for it and have a vet examine it.

EditSteps

EditRecognizing Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Symptoms

1. Take notice when your rabbit isn’t eating. Pay attention if your rabbit’s food dish stays full all day long, or if your pet doesn’t eat like it usually does. If your rabbit has a sudden loss of appetite, it can indicate a number of possible illnesses.^[1]
   
2. Make sure your rabbit has regular droppings. Normally, rabbits will produce plenty of even, round droppings. However, if your rabbit has any of the following problems, it may have either a gastrointestinal illness, or an issue that causes this as a symptom:
   • No droppings at all^[2]
   • Irregularly shaped droppings^[3]
   • Diarrhea (loose or runny droppings)^[4]
   • Hair embedded in droppings^[5]
3. Listen to your bunny’s tummy. You can use an ordinary stethoscope (available from many pharmacies and home medical supply stores) to check on your rabbit’s digestive system. Simply place the stethoscope on your pet’s belly and have a listen. If you hear unusual sounds (gurgling, rumbling, etc.), this may indicate that your pet is having gastrointestinal problems, especially when combined with other symptoms such as decreased appetite or diarrhea.^[6]
   • Carefully pick up your bunny by cradling it in your arm and holding it close to you. Never pick it up by the paws or ears. Even if the rabbit kicks or squirms, keep it gently but firmly snuggled next to you so that it does not fall.^[7]
   • Sit down and set your bunny in your lap. Pet it and talk to it in a soothing voice to calm it down.
   • Gently place the stethoscope against your rabbit's side and have a listen.
   • When finished, carefully lower your bunny to the ground or its home. Never let a rabbit drop to the ground, as this can injure it.
4. Learn the signs of snuffles. Rabbits are susceptible to a common illness called snuffles. Ordinarily, this is accompanied by runny eyes and a runny nose as well as sneezing. If you see any of these symptoms (or all of them at once), you will want to have your bunny inspected by a vet.^[8]
   • Unlike human colds that are caused by a virus, rabbit colds are caused by bacteria. Therefore, they can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a vet.^[9]
5. Listen to your bunny’s breathing. Rabbits are obligatory nose breathers, meaning they won’t breathe through their mouths. Normally, you shouldn’t hear or see any labored breathing. If your rabbit seems to be breathing loudly, or moving its chest significantly when breathing, this may be a sign of a respiratory problem or other issue.^[10]
6. Notice when your rabbit sneezes. Occasionally, a rabbit may get some dust in its nose and need to sneeze. If you notice chronic (frequent) sneezing, however, your rabbit may be sick.^[11]

EditWatching for Physical Changes

1. Feel your rabbit’s ears. Rabbits are able to regulate their temperature by radiating heat through their ears. If you notice that your bunny’s ears are unusually hot or cold, it can indicate that it is sick.^[12]
   
2. Take your rabbit’s temperature. If you suspect that your bunny’s temperature is unusually high or low, you can take its temperature to be sure. This can help you or a vet make a diagnosis.^[13]
   • Use a plastic rectal thermometer to check your pet’s temperature. If you are uncomfortable with this, or unsure of how to do it, take your rabbit to a vet for help.
   • A rabbit’s normal body temperature ranges between 101 F - 103 F (38.3 C - 39.4 C).
3. Inspect your rabbit’s eyes. If you see tears or a discharge coming from your rabbit’s eyes, this could indicate a variety of illnesses. Aside from respiratory issues, dental problems could be the culprit. The roots of some rabbits’ teeth are close to their tear ducts. Dental problems may put pressure on these parts, which will then cause the tearing.^[14]
4. Watch out for changes in weight. Once your rabbit is fully-grown, it will ordinarily maintain a fairly consistent weight. If you notice that your pet has gained or lost significant weight, especially if this happens suddenly, this may indicate that it is sick.^[15]
5. Check your rabbit’s skin and fur. You will be familiar with the color and texture of your bunny’s fur and skin. If you notice that your pet is losing clumps of hair, or that its skin has become reddened, this may indicate an issue such as ringworm.^[16]
   
   • Some conditions can cause a rabbit to have incontinence. Urine-soaked hindquarters are a clear sign of this problem. Contact a vet right away if you notice this issue.
6. Inspect your bunny’s genitalia. Rabbits can suffer from a virus known as myxomatosis. This is spread by biting insects such as mosquitos, and can cause redness and swelling of the genitalia, as well as runny eyes and nose.^[17]
   • Sit down with your bunny in your lap. Pet it and talk to it soothingly for a few minutes to calm it down.^[18]
   • When the bunny is calm, very carefully roll it over, using your non-dominant hand to support its back. Place it so that its head is curled against your abdomen, and its hind feet are sticking out away from you.
   • Whether male or female, your rabbit's genitals will be a fuzzy protuberance between its hind legs. Normally, they will be hidden by fuzz and not completely visible. If you see any obvious or abnormal swelling or redness, however, this may indicate myxomatosis or another problem.
   • You can also gently press on your bunny's abdomen above the genital area. This will make the genitals more visible and easier to inspect.^[19]
   • Your bunny may not like to be inspected in this way. To avoid accidentally harming it, always be sensitive and keep in mind any injuries or disabilities it may have.

EditPaying Attention to Behavioral Changes

1. Watch out for any changes in attitude. Rabbits can develop their own personalities, and can display a wide range of normal behaviors. If you notice a sudden change in behavior, however, this may indicate an illness or other health problem. For instance, if sick, a normally playful bunny may not want to be bothered, or an aloof bunny may suddenly become clingy.^[20]
   
   • Regardless of your bunny’s normal behavior patterns, sudden lethargy can be a clear sign that it is sick.
2. Pay attention if your bunny drools. Rabbits are susceptible to a variety of dental problems, such as malocclusion (misalignment) and abscesses. If you notice your pet drooling, this may be happening because they cannot close their mouth or are in pain due to one of these dental problems.^[21]
3. Observe how your bunny moves. If your rabbit has started to hop unusually, this can indicate a variety of illnesses. For instance, if your pet seems to have lost its balance or moves with its head tilted to one side (a condition called wry neck), this may actually be due to a bacterial infection of the ears. Similarly, if your bunny seems to lean to one side when hopping, this may indicate sore hocks.^[22][23]
   
4. Listen for teeth grinding. When happy, many rabbits make a kind of purring sound by grinding their teeth. If your bunny is noisily grinding its teeth together, however, this can indicate that it is in pain.^[24]
   • You may notice your rabbit making a happy grinding noise when you are petting it, feeding it treats, or calming it down. Pay attention to this behavior, so that you can know what to expect from your bunny.
   • Grinding as a reaction to pain will be much louder than the "happy" version. You may also notice that the louder grinding is accompanied by other signs of discomfort, such as squirming or kicking.
5. Pay attention if your rabbit shakes. A particular virus known as the calicivirus can cause a variety of symptoms, including loss of appetite, lethargy, and breathing difficulties. It can also cause your bunny to shake, however, which may be a more obvious sign.^[25]
6. Notice if your bunny is scratching or itching excessively. Like dogs, cats, and other pets, rabbits are susceptible to fleas, mites, and other pests. These parasites can cause scratching, itching, and general irritation.^[26]
   • If your rabbit has fleas, you may also notice dark, dry dust on your pet’s fur or skin. Known as “flea dirt,” this is dried blood that is a waste product of fleas.
   • Do not give your rabbit dog or cat flea medication. It can make your pet very sick, and may even be fatal. Talk to your vet about safe ways of eliminating parasites from your rabbit.

EditTips

• Anytime you are concerned that your bunny is sick or injured, have its veterinarian inspect it. He or she can make a diagnosis, and help you come up with a treatment plan if there is a problem.

EditSources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1UwQEK9