A Late Christmas Pic

Keeping Pet Diets Healthy

For years pet owners didn’t give much thought to the nutrition of their dogs and cats. A simple bag of dried food was often enough to keep dogs healthy and well-fed. However, not all dog breeds are the same and the nutrition that is necessary for a Great Dane won’t be the same for a Chihuahua. Understanding the right food your pet requires is essential to leading a happy and healthy life. Today there are many options for dog food including food specially made for puppies and food that is better suited for older dogs. As dogs age their nutrition needs change and the more you know about your dog’s health the better chance you have of finding the right food for maintaining ideal weight and performance.

When you choose food for your pet dog there are several factors you need to keep in mind to ensure he is getting the right nutrition for his size. You are currently feeding your dog some form of food so a good plan is to list the health assets and problems with your dog. By making note of ear infections, chronically goopy eyes, a thinning coat, low energy and digestive issues you can begin to tell that what your pet is eating may not be right for him. If on the other hand your pet is happy and energetic chances are his diet is fine and won’t need to be changed.

In addition to maintaining proper weight, energy levels and overall health, pet nutrition is also linked closely with treating and preventing diseases. “Prescription” dog food diets have become rather popular as more pet owners take nutrition into consideration when caring for their pets. Studies have shown that improved dietary management can help a variety of diseases and illnesses including allergies, cancer, inherited metabolism disorders and kidney failures. 

Pets & Teeth

Healthy teeth, happy smiles

Part of the overall healthcare for your pet should include routine dental care for teeth and gums to extend the life of your pet and maintain good oral hygiene. Many pet owners take for granted that the teeth of their cat or dog are fine. Since pets use their teeth for many chewing-related activities we tend to think of their teeth as being stronger and immune to disease. However, pet's teeth need just as much care and attention as a human's, and if you neglect to treat your pet’s teeth they can experience a range of problems including loose teeth, misaligned teeth, periodontal disease, tooth trauma and tooth root abscesses.

It’s not easy to tell if your pet is having tooth problems. Unless you have training diagnosing dental diseases and conditions your pet’s oral hygiene is best left to a trained veterinarian. However, a dog or cat make give off signs that they are not feeling well and that their teeth is the reason why. Not eating, acting lazy and chewing on grass can all be signs that your pet is in pain and if they won’t even take a biscuit or bone it may be because their teeth hurt.

As with people, the longer you wait in having your pet’s teeth check out the worse a condition can become. By taking your pet for regular check-ups you can ensure that any abnormalities will be detected and treated so your dog or cat will recover quickly. Pet dental care will often include digital radiography to assess the condition of your pet’s mouth and teeth above and below the gum line, regular cleaning and polishing and extractions and oral surgery if necessary. Keeping up to date with your pet’s dental care will lead to a healthier and happier life for your dog or cat. 

Pets & Holiday Parties

With Hanukkah in full swing and Christmas only 10 days away you’re probably in the midst of planning for a holiday party at your house and if you own a pet dog or cat it’s important to remember their presence when having people over for a night of cocktails and food. The holiday season is full of fun events and celebrations but not all parties are ideal for a dog or cat and at Mid Vet we want to pass along a few suggestions for making the holidays safe for you and your pet.

Temperament

A lot depends on your pet’s behavior. Some cats and dogs love to be around groups of people and getting lots of attention while others prefer not to mingle. You know your pet better than anyone so before you invite 20 people to your home know if it’s appropriate to have your dog roaming about or if it would be better to keep him safely apart in a bedroom or den. If your pet is the merry type and enjoys getting to meet everyone just remember to keep food and drinks away from their curiosity. Even a little alcohol can have serious consequences on a pet’s health and no matter how strong you make your eggnog it’s always a good idea to keep drinks and food up high so dogs can’t easily help themselves.

Kids

While many pets are capable of handling a few close friends of yours being in their house kids are another matter. If your pet is not accustomed to children be wary of inviting young kids to your home. Pets are territorial and the invasion of their space can be met with hostility, especially when the guests are young, rowdy and excitable. It’s not uncommon to have a pet that likes adults but isn’t exactly fond of children. If this is the case with you pet consider keeping him safely away from where young kids will be opening presents or playing games.

The Middletown Veterinary Hospital Wishes Everyone a Safe & Happy Holiday Season

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