Dwarf hamsters can get severe diarrhea, but they do not get wet tail. Long-haired teddy hamsters, on the other hand, seem to be the most prone to wet tail. Ask your breeder or veterinarian about your breed's risk of wet tail when purchasing hamsters, so you know your pet's risks. Very young hamsters between 3 - 8 weeks of age seem especially vulnerable to an infection. This is likely because their immune systems are still developing, and aren't very good at fighting off bugs yet. Research suggests that most the bacteria most likely to case wet tail is the Desulfovibrio species. The most easily affected hamsters seem to be weaned baby hamsters up to the age of 8 weeks. Always give new hamsters time to adjust to their new surroundings before handling them too much. Otherwise, you might stress them out too much and contribute to wet tail conditions. Give new hamsters about a week to settle in before handling them often. It is also a good idea to isolate them during this time, as wet tail can be incubating for 7 days before the symptoms appear. Adult hamsters tend to develop the symptoms if the balance of microorganisms in their guts is disturbed. This lets a bacterium called clostridium overwhelm the gut, causing diarrhea and wet tail symptoms. Factors which can trigger the initial gastrointestinal disturbance include: Stress (for example, from an overcrowded cage or from fear of a predator like a house cat) Change of diet Certain antibiotics given by mouth for other illnesses It may well be that the gastrointestinal problems arise not from disturbances like stress or diet, but from an underlying medical condition. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or bowel cancer can be contributing factors to wet tail.

Summary: Consider the hamster's breed. Keep an eye on young hamsters. Don't over-handle newly weaned hamsters. Be aware of gastrointestinal disturbances. Take the hamster's other conditions into consideration.

Many people are inclined to scold or punish a puppy for chasing or bothering a cat. This is actually counterproductive and could create a stressful situation, causing your puppy to become aggressive towards the cat. Instead of punishing negative behaviors, strive to reinforce your puppy's positive behaviors. Always reward your puppy for being calm and obedient around the cat. Offer treats and praise when your puppy ignores the cat in the room. Keep a small bag of treats on hand. Whenever your puppy displays good behavior, reward her. It's better to distract your puppy than punish her if she bothers the cat. If your puppy is chasing, watching, or otherwise bothering the cat, find a distraction to keep her occupied. Use treats, a happy voice, or a toy to distract your dog when she seems to be bothering the cat. As soon as the dog leaves the cat alone, give her a treat as a reward. You want to be very careful allowing your dog and cat to interact. Aggression can become an issue, and both animals can get hurt during a physical confrontation. If you notice signs of aggression, act promptly. If a puppy is overly focused on the cat to the point she won't take her eyes off the cat, this is a sign of aggression. Growling, hissing, and swatting are signs of aggression in a cat. Make sure you get the animals away from each other if they're becoming aggressive. You do not want to deal with a fight. Only once your animals are totally accustomed to one another should you ever leave them alone together. Always give each animal a means to find privacy. This could be a cat-door, doggie-door, high shelves or small recess so the animals can have their space. It will take at least a month for supervised interactions to be safe. You may need longer than a month, depending on the temperament of your animals. Do not leave them alone unsupervised until they largely ignore one another.

Summary: Reward good behavior consistently. Distract the puppy if she becomes fixated on the cat. Be on the lookout for aggressive behaviors. Do not allow unsupervised interactions for at least a month.

Vitamins A and C play a major role in the immune system's function. Mix up the color and kind of vegetables you eat in order to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to produce blood cells. Eat leafy greens, like kale and spinach, as well as orange vegetables, like carrots. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any dietary restrictions due to medications like blood thinners. Protein provides your body with the amino acids necessary for WBC production. Choose lean proteins, like seafood, skinless poultry, lentils, and beans. Consume between 0.8 and 1 gram of protein per kilogram of your body weight daily. If you weigh 130 pounds (about 59 kg), you should consume a minimum of 47 grams (about 1.7 ounces). Avoid processed or deli meats. If you're undergoing cancer treatment, you'll likely need more protein than recommended. Ask your registered dietitian how much daily protein you should eat. Multivitamin supplements can be helpful if you're having trouble eating during medical treatment. If you're undergoing any treatments, it's essential to get a recommendation from your specialist or dietitian. Some vitamins and minerals can be harmful during cancer therapy or interfere with chemotherapy or radiation. Selenium and zinc can help your body produce more white blood cells. Consult your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements. You should drink at least 64 fluid ounces (1.9 L) of water every day. Water is essential to the function and production of cells. You may need to drink extra water if you're vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, or not eating much. If you're undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment, talk to your dietitian about goals for water intake. While your immune system is compromised, it's important that you take time to rest. If you overwork yourself, it can cause your condition to worsen. Instead, plan breaks into your day, say "no" to unnecessary activities, and ask for help when you need it. Remember that it's okay to ask for help. Don't say yes to things that aren't important to you. Spend your limited energy on your priorities. When asked to do something you don't want to, say, "I'm sorry, I have another commitment," or "That sounds wonderful. I wish I could participate, but it's just not a good time for me right now." While it may seem difficult to get the sleep you need while you're worried about your health, it's essential that you get a good night's sleep every night. Too little sleep can further reduce your white blood cells, worsening your condition. Set a bedtime and discuss it with those who live with you. Follow a calming sleep routine. For example, get ready for bed earlier, take a warm bath, lower the temperature of your home, lower the lights, and do a calming activity such as reading or knitting.
Summary: Eat five to nine servings of vegetables per day. Eat lean proteins. Consider a multivitamin supplement with vitamin B12 and folate. Drink more water. Reduce your activity level. Sleep more.