Helpful Tips
-Vitamins
Providing pets with vitamins, minerals and other nutritional components is important to the pet’s health and well being. The best way to do so is by feeding a high-quality, complete and balanced diet. Supplementing pet food often upsets the balance and may lead to a variety of health problems.
-More Calcium Is Not Always Good
Excess amounts of calcium have been associated with several bone diseases affecting growing puppies. Owners of large breed puppies, in particular, believe that their puppies require extra calcium for proper development of large bones. Adding yogurt, cottage cheese, or calcium tablets to the pup’s diet will only upset the body’s delicate mineral balance. Remember that large breed puppies will consume more food and receive the calcium their bodies need by eating the recommended portions. The best way to support a normal growth rate is to feed growing dogs adequate, but not excessive amounts of a balanced diet, using a portion-controlled regimen.
-DHA
DHA or docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid important for neural development of young mammals.
DHA is a major structural component of the brain as well as the most abundant fatty acids in the brain. It plays a vital role in the development of the central nervous system and retinal function.
Sources of DHA Common dietary DHA sources include fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna and other seafood, eggs, and organ meat. In pet foods, sources of DHA include fish, fish meal and fish oil. Prior to weaning, puppies get DHA from their mothers. Mothers, both human and canine, transfer DHA from their body tissues to their offspring during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, puppies can obtain DHA for continuing neural development through diet.
-Nutrition is Important to Skin and Coat Health
Nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals are important players in the skin and coat health of dogs and cats. To understand their role, it is necessary to start with understanding skin and hair. The purpose of skin and hair is to block things from leaving (such as water or heat) or entering (such as viruses and bacteria) the body. The hair coat is composed almost entirely of protein. If the animal’s diet doesn’t contain adequate protein quantity and quality, hair may fall out, or become dry, weak and brittle. Skin is made up of squamous cells, flat cells tightly packed together. These cells have tough membranes that are composed of proteins and fats. Without proper amounts of these nutrients, cell membranes weaken, allowing water to escape and bacteria and viruses to enter more easily.
-The Agony Caused by Fleas
Fleas can make the life of any dog or cat miserable. Just one bite to a pet that is allergic to fleas can put him in agony from constant rubbing and scratching of the irritated skin. Also called "pruritus," this unpleasant itching can become so intense that pets will actually scratch until the skin bleeds.
So please check with your vet to see which method for your pet is the best, here are a few:
Flea Collars—Can be effective on cats and dogs weighing less than 20 pounds. They are typically not as effective on larger dogs, or on pets that are allergic. "Dips" are usually more effective for allergic dogs and since dips and collars should not be used together, dips are probably a better control method.
Powders—Effective if used frequently and worked thoroughly into the coat. They also work well for spot treating your pet’s bed and any small area he may frequent.
Dips—Concentrates should be diluted and sponged onto the pet, rather than actually dipping the pet into a solution. The pet should be thoroughly wet before the dip is applied. Sponge it on and let it dry; do not towel it off. Depending on the brand, this procedure may be repeated every 7 – 21 days. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s dilution instructions exactly.
Shampoos—Work well when used as directed. They typically do not have residual action, though, and should be followed by a topical dip, flea powder or use of a flea collar.
Foggers—Aerosol bombs that are set off inside the home to eliminate fleas and eggs that may be in the carpet or furniture. Some foggers are available in a spray form to spray underneath furniture and on carpets. Be certain to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Yard sprays—Concentrates that can be diluted and sprayed in outdoor areas. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions for proper dilution and application.
-Add Life to Years
*Proper nutrition. Feed premium-quality nutrition such as IAMS® Dog Foods—but measure it carefully and serve appropriate portions, using the instructions on the package as a starting point.
*Feeding techniques. "Overfeeding is one of the biggest problems I see," says Cathy Dyer, DVM, Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine and Feline Practice, in the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. "Too many calories make dogs dangerously overweight."
*Daily exercise. Regular activity helps your dog stay trim, build muscle mass, maintain his joints and keep his heart strong. *Routine veterinary care. Healthy dogs should have a yearly checkup (bi-annually for mature dogs).
*Dental awareness. You should brush your dog's teeth at least three times weekly and have his teeth cleaned by your veterinarian as needed. It's also good to feed him a diet that helps promote good dental health.
*Love and attention. Spend time with your dog and show your love. "Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction," Dr. Dyer says.
*New technologies and better dog health information. Veterinary medicine has seen astounding advances in diagnostic and treatment technologies, reports Shojai. These include organ transplants and cancer treatments
