Library
-
Senior dogs should be assessed by a veterinarian at least every six months. A nutritional assessment can help the veterinarian identify changing energy or nutrient requirements, which may warrant a diet change. Senior diets vary widely in nutrient profiles as there are no established standards. It remains vital that older dogs stay well hydrated. Recommendations for senior dog diets need to be based on regular evaluations and discussion between veterinarian and owner.
-
Interactive feeders that require a pet to think and work for their food call upon the natural instinct to hunt or forage. Besides being fun, these food puzzles may help both physical and behavioral problems in cats and dogs. When used correctly, interactive feeders may benefit pets that eat too quickly, become bored when alone, or suffer from separation anxiety.
-
Special attention needs to be given to a cat’s nutrition before and during her pregnancy to promote a healthy birth and healthy kittens. It is important to maintain a good body condition throughout pregnancy as her weight increases. A good quality kitten or all life stages diet is recommended during the entire pregnancy; ideally one evaluated using feeding trials. This diet is usually fed throughout the lactation period, but attention to body condition is essential here as well, and the diet may need to be restricted if there is a small number of kittens or the cat starts becoming overweight. Weaning is usually aided by feeding significantly less food for a few days while restricting access to nursing to decrease milk production.
-
Each cat is an individual and one standard feeding plan may not work for every pet, but following a set schedule can be beneficial for several reasons. For most cats, two meals per day is best. The use of food toys or interactive feeders can add interest to your cat’s mealtime. Routines help your cat adjust to changes that may occur in your home and allow you to monitor her health.
-
Each dog is an individual and one standard feeding plan may not work for every pet, but following a set schedule can be beneficial for a number of reasons. For most dogs, two meals per day is best. The use of food toys or interactive feeders can add interest to your dog's mealtime. Routines help your dog adjust to changes that may occur in your home and allow you to monitor their health.
-
Selecting your cat's food is a choice you make to support their health and well-being for each of their life stages. Complete and balanced commercial cat foods are designed to have specific nutrient profiles, and different diet types are available for healthy cats or those with a medical condition. Your veterinarian is always ready to help you make the best nutritional choices for your cat.
-
Selecting your dog’s food is a choice you make to support their health and well-being for each of their life stages. Complete and balanced commercial dog foods are designed to have specific nutrient profiles, and different diet types are available for healthy dogs or those with a medical condition. Your veterinarian is always ready to help you make the best nutritional choices for your dog.
-
Once your cat has reached adulthood, their nutrient profile will change from when they were a kitten. Your veterinarian can help you determine what proportion of each nutrient is needed based on your cat's lifestyle and current body condition. It is important to lay a good nutritional foundation to maximize the health and longevity for your cat and reduce the potential for developing obesity.
-
Once your dog reaches adulthood, his nutrient profile changes from when he was a puppy. Your veterinarian can help you determine what proportion of each nutrient is needed based on your dog’s lifestyle and current body condition. Avoid free-feeding and work on a meal schedule. Following these steps can help your dog lead a healthier life and avoid becoming overweight or obese.
-
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a virus that infects only cats. It depresses the immune system and cats tend to remain infected for life. FeLV vaccines have been available for many years and have been continuously improved upon. They are helpful in preventing infection with FeLV and, therefore, in controlling FeLV-related disease. Your veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of vaccinating your cat against this disease based on her specific lifestyle and risk of exposure.