SUMMER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR DOGS

Summer is finally here and it brings with it a lot of juicy, sumptuous and healthy natural treats for one and all. 

Benefits of the following ingredients are as follows:

1) Coconut water 🥥– While there’s no substitute for water, coconut water can be a nice treat for your dog. It’s full of electrolytes that can help keep your dog hydrated and even give them a boost of energy as it’s full of nutrients like potassium, calcium and vitamin C.  Feed only in a small amount as a treat for refreshment.

2) Banana 🍌– This soft and tasty fruit comes with a healthy dose of fiber, potassium, copper, biotin and other vitamins such as B6 and C. 

3) Watermelon 🍉– Water melons comprise of 90% water, thus serving as an excellent way to beat the heat. Feed without seeds

4) Carrot 🥕– Raw and cooked carrots are healthy options for dogs and make a nutritious add-on to meals.

5) Beans 🫘– A low-calorie crunchy snack with vitamins, minerals and fiber, your dog will relish! Chop into small pieces and serve them fresh, frozen, raw or cooked minus spices/salt and see your pet go gaga over these greens. 

6) Mango 🥭– This delicious tropical delight is often a weakness of many taste buds including canine sensibilities. It’s completely safe to feed the fruit’s flesh. But remember that you cannot feed its peel or pit to the pet. Don’t over feed as it’s sweet.

7) Curd- Dogs can eat curd. Even the dogs that have shown intolerance for milk because of its lactose content can eat curd. Just be sure it’s yogurt without artificial preservatives or sweeteners.” There are yogurts that your dog can enjoy and that will be good for him. But you need to check the ingredients before serving your dog yogurt. Dogs should never eat any yogurt that contains xylitol. 

8) Orange 🍊– This yummy and juicy fruit is safe as long as given without any seeds and peel to the pet. It’s a powerhouse of essential vitamins (A, B1, B6 & C) minerals (iron & calcium) and fiber.

9) Cucumber – Cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and offer a low-calorie, crunchy snack that many dogs love. Cucumbers only contain about 8 calories per one-half cup of slices, compared to the 40 calories in a single medium biscuit, and are very low in sodium and fat

10) Pumpkin – Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs. It contains essential micronutrients and fiber that make it a very nutritious treat. Besides being a natural stomach soother, pumpkin also helps to remove excess water in a dog’s digestive tract.

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Benefits Of Feeding Your Cat Fruits and Vegetables – A Must-Read for Every Cat Owner

Feeding your cat fruits and vegetables can offer several benefits. While cats are obligate carnivores and their primary diet should consist of meat-based foods, small amounts of fruits and vegetables can provide them with additional nutrients, fiber, and variety. 

Here are some potential benefits of feeding your cat fruits and vegetables:

Nutritional supplementation: Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can complement the essential nutrients present in meat-based cat foods. For example, fruits like blueberries, oranges, and bananas are high in vitamins C and E, which can support the immune system and overall health of your cat.

Fiber for digestive health: Some fruits and vegetables contain dietary fiber, which can help regulate your cat’s digestion and promote bowel regularity. Fiber can also aid in preventing constipation and reduce the risk of hairballs, especially in long-haired cats. Examples of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables for cats include pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples.

Weight management: Incorporating certain low-calorie fruits and vegetables into your cat’s diet can be helpful in weight management, especially if your cat is overweight or obese. These foods can provide volume and bulk without adding excessive calories, helping your cat feel full and satisfied while keeping their caloric intake in check.

Hydration: Some fruits and vegetables have high water content, which can help keep your cat hydrated, especially if they don’t drink enough water. For example, cucumbers and watermelon are hydrating options that can help maintain your cat’s overall hydration levels.

Dental health: Chewing on certain fruits and vegetables can help promote dental health in cats. The mechanical action of chewing can help reduce tartar buildup and promote healthy teeth and gums. Examples of such foods include carrots, celery, and apples.

Enrichment and variety: Offering your cat a diverse range of foods, including fruits and vegetables, can add variety to their diet and provide sensory enrichment. This can help prevent boredom and encourage healthy eating habits in your cat.

Despite the potential benefits, it’s important to remember that cats are obligate carnivores and their main dietary requirement is meat-based protein. Fruits and vegetables should only be fed to cats in moderation and as a supplement to their balanced and complete meat-based diet. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your cat’s diet to ensure it meets their specific nutritional needs.

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THINKING OF GETTING A NEW PET AS COMPANION FOR YOUR DOG?

Getting a new pet as a companion for your dog can be a positive experience, but it requires careful consideration of various factors, including your dog’s personality, breed, age, health, and your available time and resources. Proper introduction and management are also important for a successful integration. If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s always best to consult with a qualified veterinarian or animal behaviorist for guidance.

Some considerations for you to think about when deciding whether to get a new pet for your dog as a companion.

Your dog’s personality: Consider your dog’s personality and temperament. Some dogs are naturally social and enjoy the company of other animals, while others may prefer to be the only pet in the household. If your dog has shown previous signs of being comfortable around other animals, it may be more likely to accept a new pet as a companion.

Breed and size: The breed and size of your dog may also impact its compatibility with other pets. Some dog breeds have a strong prey drive or are less tolerant of other animals, which may affect how well they get along with a new pet. Additionally, the size of the new pet in relation to your dog’s size should also be taken into consideration to ensure that they can interact safely and comfortably.

Age and health of your dog: Consider the age and health of your current dog. Older dogs or dogs with health issues may have reduced tolerance for the energy and antics of a new pet, which could potentially lead to stress or conflicts. Younger dogs, on the other hand, may have more energy and may be more adaptable to a new pet.

Time and resources: Introducing a new pet requires time, effort, and financial resources. You will need to allocate time for training, socialization, feeding, and grooming both your current dog and the new pet. Additionally, there will be costs associated with veterinary care, food, supplies, and other expenses for two animals. Make sure you are prepared to meet the needs of both pets and provide them with a high quality of life.

Introducing the new pet: Properly introducing a new pet to your current dog is crucial for their successful coexistence. It may take time for them to establish a relationship and adjust to each other’s presence. Supervision and management during the initial introduction period is important to prevent any potential conflicts and ensure a positive relationship between the two animals.

Consider other options: If you are unable to commit to the responsibilities of having another pet, or if you are unsure about how your current dog will react to a new pet, there are other options to provide companionship for your dog. You can arrange playdates with other friendly dogs in your neighborhood or consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to spend time with your dog when you are not available.

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Keep Your Canine Safe: Essential Water Safety Tips for Your Furry Friend

Be Prepared for Summer Fun with Your Pup and Take Steps To Prevent Water Accidents

Dogs are natural swimmers, right? Actually, no they aren’t! Dogs instinctively tread water if they fall in — it’s called dog paddling – but that isn’t the same as knowing how to swim. That’s why all dogs need to be properly introduced to water.

The first, most crucial step is obedience training, because a dog who disobeys you on land will definitely defy you in the pool, lake or ocean. After that, follow this advice to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Protect against drowning

• Know your dog. Some breeds are better suited for water than others. Breeds with short snouts, including pugs, English bulldogs and Boston terriers, aren’t built for swimming and will likely be better off on dry land.
• Never throw a dog into a body of water.
• Never leave a dog unattended around water. (Be sure to fence in your pool if you have one.)
• If you have a pool, show your dog how to get out using the steps. The two of you should practice exiting the pool together until your dog understands where the exits are and how to get out if they accidentally fall in.
• Swimming is tiring, and a pooped pooch is more susceptible to drowning. It’s up to you to get your dog out of the water every so often for a rest.
• Invest in a doggie life vest and take a dog CPR class.

Other water health tips

• Don’t let your dog drink swimming water. Lakes and rivers can host parasites and algae, pool water is chlorinated, and ocean water is salty; none of these are good for your dog. Keep a dish of fresh water available for your pet.
• Rinse off dogs after swimming to get rid of chlorine and salt water, which can dry their skin. Dry their ears afterward, too, to help prevent infection.

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Easter Safety for Dogs

As you’re getting ready for the arrival of the Easter Bunny, don’t forget to plan for how your dog will be involved in the holiday. 

Many of our favorite Easter treats and traditions can be dangerous for our dogs, but with some preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy your family traditions and keep your dog safe at the same time. You can even find ways to safely involve your pet in the day’s festivities.

Easter can be a fun and joyful time for families, but it’s important to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friends, especially dogs. Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe during the Easter season:

Chocolate and Candy: Keep all chocolate and candy out of your dog’s reach. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs, and other sweet treats may contain ingredients that are harmful to them as well. Make sure your dog cannot access Easter baskets or any areas where these items are stored.

Artificial Sweeteners: Many candies and gum contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar or liver failure. Keep these items away from your dog.

Easter Eggs: If you plan to have an Easter egg hunt, be cautious about where you hide the eggs. Dogs have a great sense of smell and may find and consume eggs that are left outside. If they are painted or decorated, the dyes and materials used may be harmful if ingested.

Decorations: Keep an eye on your dog around Easter decorations, such as plastic grass, ribbons, or small ornaments. These can be tempting for dogs to chew on or swallow, which can lead to intestinal blockages or other injuries. Ensure that all decorations are kept out of your dog’s reach.

Plant Safety: Some plants associated with Easter, such as lilies, daffodils, and tulips, are toxic to dogs if ingested. Make sure these plants are kept in areas inaccessible to your dog. If you suspect your dog has ingested any toxic plants, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Table Scraps: Avoid giving your dog table scraps or allowing them to consume any human food during Easter celebrations. Many foods that are safe for humans can be toxic to dogs, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and certain spices. Stick to your dog’s regular diet to prevent digestive upset or poisoning.

Guests and Noise: If you’re hosting guests or having a gathering, ensure your dog has a quiet and safe space away from the commotion. Some dogs may become anxious or stressed in noisy environments, so providing them with a comfortable and familiar place can help reduce their stress levels.

Watch for Hazards: During Easter celebrations, be mindful of any hazards that could harm your dog, such as open doors or gates leading to busy streets. Ensure your dog is properly secured and supervised at all times to prevent them from wandering off or getting into dangerous situations.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic or is displaying any unusual behavior, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide guidance and assistance tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

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RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP TIPS

Being a pet owner is a lifelong commitment. As a responsible pet owner, you must be prepared to provide appropriate care throughout the animals’ lifetime.

• Take care of your pets in a loving and respectful way.
• Be the voice of an animal that cannot speak for itself. Pet owners need to speak for their animals and make sure that hey get what they need.
• Watch and listen to your pet’s body language so you can see when something is wrong.
• Educate yourself, your children, your family and friends about animal and pet care.
• Adults lead by example:
• Love and respect your pets and other animals.
• Help when animals get hurt.
• Teach children and other adults to do the same.

The decision to keep a pet should never be taken lightly and abandoning your pet should never be an option.

If you meet any challenges, consult other pet owners, friends, or professionals in the relevant areas. For example, if it is a medical and/or behavioral issue, a veterinarian and/or trainer can help address the problem.

If you are unable to continue caring for your pet, please consider the following options:

• Find alternative homes for your pet by asking friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, or other acquaintances.
• Put up advertisements on social media (for example, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok) to seek an adopter. To ensure your pet continues to be well taken care of, share existing medical or behavioral conditions with potential adopters, and screen adopters to assess their suitability.
• Seek assistance from Animal Welfare Groups.

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Growing a Healthy Coat

A healthy coat is a sign of a healthy pet.

If you think your pet may be shedding due to an underlying medical condition, it is important to first seek treatment from your veterinary health care team. By following these few simple tips, you will be well on the way to giving your pet a strong, healthy coat:

• Feed your pet good quality food – high in protein, omega 3 and fatty acids such as a super-premium diet.
• Keep fleas and parasites away through regular de-worming and flea treatments.
• Wash your dog regularly. Dirty skin or matted hair encourages bacterial growth and excessive shedding. If your cat no longer grooms him/herself, you may consider regular bathing.
• Brush your pet regularly to help remove dead hairs and stimulate new hair growth and reduce matting. Make sure you have the right type of brush or comb for your pet’s coat.

Here are a few steps to take to address your pet’s hair loss and help keep his coat healthy:

If you suspect the shedding is not normal, consult your vet to rule out a medical problem.

• Consider whether improvements to your pet’s diet may help. Try switching to a high-quality food that contains 100% protein and minerals, fresh meat and oils such as fish, sunflower or coconut oil. Omega supplements may also help.
• Pets with shorter coats should be brushed regularly with a natural-bristle brush, hound mitt or glove with bristles attached. Loosen the hair by brushing in the direction of the growth and/or in a circular motion, then remove the hair by brushing it the other way.
• Pets with longer coats and/or undercoats may need a slicker brush, coat rake or shedding tool that can get past the outer coat to snag the silky hairs beneath. Try brushing in both directions to loosen hairs before pulling them in the direction of growth, then up and away.
• Some experts recommend using a shedding shampoo that can keep your pet’s skin moisturized and less irritated so he’s less apt to scratch and dislodge fur.
• Some pets tolerate or even enjoy being vacuumed regularly to rid them of excess fur. Vacuum attachments made for that purpose are available on shops.
• Whether your pet is a frequent shedder or practically shed-free, you’ll want to do everything you can to maintain the health of his protective fur coat.

Visit your veterinarian as early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment are essential.

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Why do cats and dogs shed?

Shedding is a regular part of life for animals with hair, and not a waste of effort. Normally, shedding helps to remove dead hair and release natural oils in the skin.  If dead hair does not get removed, skin irritation can result.

In addition, cats and dogs often seasonally undergo molting, or heavy shedding, about twice a year to help them control their body temperature.

Cats and dogs have three types of hair: primary hairs which are long and coarse, secondary hairs which are soft and fluffy and tactile hairs which include whiskers.  Shedding is a natural means for your cat or dog to lose dead or damaged hairs (usually secondary hairs). However, the amount and frequency of shedding can depend on a number of factors:

Breed

We often choose our cats and dogs for their breed and length of hair. The hair type of your pet will have a major impact on when he or she sheds. For dogs, the lightest shedders tend to be the breeds that need clipping as their hair falls out at a slower rate, eg. Poodles and Schnauzers. While long-haired breeds may appear to shed more, it’s often the length of the hair that gives this illusion. The same is often true of cats. Knowing your breed and understanding its shedding pattern will be helpful in managing it.

Season

Sunlight and temperature have a significant impact on an animal’s hair growth. Outdoor pets will commonly shed once or twice a year – usually at the end of winter. However, as indoor pets live in much more controlled conditions they will usually shed continuously throughout the year.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy and lactation can deplete animals of the calcium and minerals they need for a healthy coat. This can lead to excessive shedding (or shedding out of season). Cats and dogs will often shed their fur after giving birth or during the nursing period. If your cat or dog becomes pregnant, it may be worth putting her on a special diet or supplements to strengthen her coat. Contact us for further advice.

Illness

Shedding can also result from an underlying medical problem. In a healthy pet, the skin after shedding should look normal and undisturbed. If the skin is irritated or red, or your pet has bites, sores, rashes or dry hair that pulls out easily, it may be time to see the vet. Common causes for excessive or problematic shedding include:

Stress

• Allergies
• Poor nutrition
• Fleas or parasites
• Dirty or irritated skin
• Hormonal deficiencies or changes

While we cannot prevent our cats and dogs natural shedding cycles, it’s important to know when shedding is ‘normal’ and when it is symptomatic of an underlying illness or parasite.

Visit your veterinarian as early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment are essential.

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