Fiber in Cat Food

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The right balance of nutrition is an important part of selecting the best cat food for a pet. Since cats are carnivorous animals, the amount of fiber that they require in their diet is much lower than the amount that humans need. As a result, it is important to identify the appropriate level of fiber before selecting any cat food.

Optimal Fiber for Most Cats

Since fiber is a nutrient that helps move food out of the digestive tract, it is important for a cat food to have some fiber. The key is finding the right balance.

In general, cat food that has 3.5 percent fiber or less is appropriate. It should have at least 1.4 percent for good health, but it should not exceed 3.5 percent for a healthy cat.

Adding Fiber For Certain Conditions

Obese cats and cats with anal gland disease can benefit from a high fiber diet. It is not necessary for a healthy cat, but the fiber can help resolve concerns regarding infection and inflammation from anal gland disease.

The fiber in the cat food can help increase the bulk of excrement, which can help reduce the symptoms of anal gland disease.

In the case of obesity in cats, a high-fiber diet is beneficial by reducing appetite. When a cat eats a large amount of fiber, he or she is less likely to over-eat and will feel full faster. Even though the fiber can help with weight management, it is important to ensure that the amount is not excessive. Too much fiber can cause gas or loose stools.

The balance of nutrients in a cat’s diet plays an important role in the health of a pet. The key to finding the right balance of fiber is limiting the amount based on the cat’s specific needs.

Dogs and Thunder

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Some dogs, especially smaller, more anxious breeds, tend to have issues with thunder and other loud noises. In most cases, those dogs that are afraid of thunder tend to exhibit a set of behaviors that are difficult for owners to treat without taking the time to truly consider what is happening. The first symptom that owners may notice that points to a phobia of thunder is hunkering down or crouching when thunder is heard.

This may mean that dogs are more aggressive when there is thunder and they are hunkered down in this defensive pose. It is important that owners understand that these dogs are not capable of understanding that there is no reason to be scared and should therefore be treated with care. Another behavior you may notice is wetting, this means wetting themselves or their beds when they hear thunder. Again, this is not the fault of the dog and which should be considered when this behavior is discovered. Some other behaviors may be barking, whimpering, hiding, and even running around when thunder is being experienced.

The best way to treat this type of phobia is to first take the time to show your pet that there is nothing to fear. This may mean taking them up in your lap when there is thunder, talk to them in a soothing voice, associate thunder with a positive reinforcement like treats or snuggles. Another way to help treat this is to allow your pet to find a safe place where they feel as if the thunder will not hurt them. This could be a crate, a bed, a special blanket, and more. The most important thing to remember is that your pet needs you and being patient is the best way to help them get over their phobias.

Best Protein Sources for Cats

Cats are carnivores and require a lot of protein in their daily diet. It is important to ensure that you are feeding your cat a balanced diet that has enough protein and other nutrients that will keep his bones, joints and muscles healthy.

Protein Requirements for Cats

Cats require 22 different types of proteins and amino acids to be present in their regular diet. These proteins serve several purposes. Proteins strengthen your cat’s body, especially his muscles. Proteins are also used as fuel sources to give your cat the energy he needs to live a fulfilling, healthy life. If there is a deficiency in even one of these proteins and amino acids, your cat can suffer from serious health problems. Some cat owners worry that their cat may get too much protein in their diet. This should not be a concern, as too much protein will not hurt a healthy cat. If your cat has other kidney problems, you should consult your vet, as too much protein can exacerbate kidney issues in cats.

Best Sources of Proteins for Cats

The best way to ensure that your cat gets enough protein in his diet is to choose a cat food that is made of high-quality ingredients. Choose higher-end brands, and avoid generic or store brands that may use questionable ingredients. You can also choose an organic cat food or raw cat food from a specialty pet food store. These foods are slightly more expensive, but the health benefits for your cat are well worth any increased expense. You can also pick up a dietary supplement for your cat. Choose a supplement that is specifically formulated to meet the special dietary needs that cats have. And again, if you have any questions about your cat’s diet, always consult your vet.

Is Your Family Ready for a Dog?

The idea of a cuddly, loving dog anxiously awaiting your arrival at the front door is something that is appealing to almost everyone. Who wouldn’t want to come home to someone who is constantly happy to see them? But when it comes down to it, a lot of people aren’t cut out for the commitment of being a dog owner. A dog is an addition to the family that needs the same love and care as a small child would. Before jumping into responsibilities that your family cannot handle, you should ask yourself the following questions.

Do I have the time needed to dedicate to a dog? The dog will require extra attention, especially in the beginning when everything is still new. Unlike humans, who can handle activities by themselves such as using the bathroom at any time with ease or grabbing food and water from the fridge, a dog depends on you for these things.

Is everyone in my household comfortable around dogs? Some people simply are not fans of animals, and allergies can be problematic. You wouldn’t want to get an animal that your family falls in love with only to find out that you need to get rid of it because of little Sally’s unexpected, yet serious allergies.

Am I financially prepared to support a dog throughout its entire life? The dog will need you to provide food and toys, and you will need to pay for veterinarian expenses, etc. If you’re away from home for longer than your average workday, you will have to think about hiring a dog walker or making plans for a neighbor or friend to feed and walk your dog.

If these are things you cannot handle, you are probably not ready for a family dog.

Testimonial Tuesday: No Seizure Edition

I wanted to let you know that Nuroplex has saved my dog’s life. It’s been 15 months now with no seizures! I have a 15lb Italian Greyhound and give him 2 capsules per day. He gets one in the morning and one in the evening. At first, I was very skeptical. I had my naturopath vet look at the ingredients to be sure. She said your formula looked like some good herbs – some to be Chinese. Whatever the formula, I am so thrilled not to have my dog Zephyr on phenobarbital where his life expectancy could be shortened.

In the very beginning I thought Zephyr was going to seize and I used a few drops of the liquid on his gums. The seizure never happened! It is so worth buying these herbs. My other IG just started getting allergies. I’m going to try the Skin-eze product to see how that helps her. I’ll report back.

Anne — Sarasota, Florida

Shop Nuroplex from Allergic Pet.

Motion Sickness in Dogs: Is Your Dog Car Sick?

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If you’re a dog owner that loves to take your pet along for the ride, you and your dog have probably dealt with motion sickness at some point. What causes motion sickness, and more importantly, what can you do about it?

Motion Sickness Causes

In puppies, motion sickness is common because the inner ear is not fully developed. Among adult dogs, motion sickness is often triggered by stress. They can associate car rides with past bouts of vomiting or unpleasant trips to the vet. However, if your dog normally enjoys car rides, there could be an underlying medical reason for his motion sickness. Ask your vet about side effects from medication, ear infections and other ear conditions.

Overcoming Motion Sickness

If your dog is not used to traveling in the car, the best thing you can do is start slow. On the first day of training, sit with your dog in a running vehicle for a few minutes. The next day, you can add a step by backing out of the driveway and pulling back in. After several days of baby steps, your dog should be able to handle 20 to 30 minute excursions. Don’t let your dog become overly anxious – if he becomes nervous, stop for the day so that he doesn’t start to form negative associations.

If you and your dog are experiencing difficulty overcoming motion sickness, there are a few things you can try to make him feel more relaxed. Keep the interior of the car at a comfortable temperature, and roll the windows down an inch or two so that there is a constant supply of fresh air. Bring something from home – like your dog’s favorite blanket – to help him feel cozy. You can also make car rides extra fun by giving him special toys and treats that are reserved only for traveling.

Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Some pet owners are not able to recognize the symptoms associated with seasonal pet allergies. One of the symptoms of seasonal allergies is itching. As the weather changes, does the environment. During the spring and summer months, allergies are at their worse. Pets are not only itchy, their skin is inflamed and irritated, and they develop a skin condition called allergic dermatitis.

When the itching becomes unbearable, dogs may chew and bite on certain areas of their body. They may also rub their body on hard surfaces, including furniture and carpets. They do all of these excessive body movements, in an effort to relieve the itching.

The more the pets scratch the more tender the areas on their bodies become, and the more miserable they are.

If the allergies are too bad, dogs may experience hair loss, open sores and scabs. Allergies that are not attended too properly, may lead to skin infections. It is not usual for dogs to have problems with their ears, if the allergy is severe enough. Some dogs may experience sneezing and coughing, along with a runny nose and watery eyes.

Seasonal allergies may be contributed to grass, pollen, ragweed, mold and plants. Dogs also develop bronchitis and sinus problems. Redness on certain areas of the body is also a clear indication of allergies such as red puffy eyes, and a red mouth. The more dogs and other pets are exposed to the environment, the worse their symptoms become.

When the seasons change, so do the way dogs interact with their environment. Allergic reactions are often created by the dog’s immune system. Doctors usually prescribe one or more treatments for dogs, with mild or even severe allergies. Of all the medications doctors prescribe, many pet owners prefer using Skin–EZE as one of the treatment options. Some medications may include gels and creams. Other forms of treatment may include Benadryl shots and breathing treatments. The type of treatments dogs receive may depend on the severity of their allergies. Histamines and Omega 3 fatty acids can be added to the dog’s diet to help decrease or reduce inflammation.

What to do if your Cat Bites You

Even though cats are cute family pets, it is possible for them to bite. When you, a guest in your home or a family member is bit by a cat, it is important to take certain steps to ensure that the wound does not become infected.

Clean the Wound

As soon as the cat lets go, clean the wound thoroughly. Allow the blood to flow freely and wash it away so that the risk of infection reduces. Do not immediately try to stop the bleeding, since cats have potentially infectious bacteria in their mouths.

It is not necessary to scrub the wound, since that can further damage the skin and muscles in the area. Instead, allow fresh water to run over the wound for roughly five minutes or until it stops bleeding.

Disinfect the Wound

Due to the bacteria that is found in a cat’s mouth, use peroxide or a salt water solution to reduce the risk of infection. Salt is a natural disinfectant that can eliminate bacteria that causes infections.

Bandage the Injury

Wrap the injury in a bandage. Apply pressure to stop any further bleeding and wrap tightly. Go to the hospital after the wound is wrapped.

A cat bite is potentially dangerous due to the risk of infection. Cleaning out the wound is an important part of initial first aid, but you will need to visit a doctor. A doctor will take the appropriate steps to further reduce your risk of infections.

How To Brush Your Dog’s Teet

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Brushing your dog’s teeth is both a difficult and necessary part of being a dog owner. That being said, there are a few different tips that you can use to help you get your dog’s teeth sparkling clean without getting bitten or hurting anyone’s feelings.

Choosing Your Tools-

The first step to any successful tooth brushing is of course to choose the right tools. For dogs that have never had their teeth brushed before, it is always best to gauge how they react to brushes. In most cases, dogs that have never had their teeth brushed will tend to become annoyed with the process. This means that choosing a soft brush, one with a handle and perhaps even soft head, and a tooth paste that is appealing is the best way to get their teeth brushing started. This may result in a less clean brushing but it will insure that your dog does not hurt itself trying to fight the brush. For dogs that are used to brushing, a fingertip brush is going to offer a more thorough brushing.

Process-

The next thing to consider is of course the process by which you are going to brush your dog’s teeth. It is always best to first show your dog the tooth brush, this will help lower anxiety. The next step should be introducing the paste. This could be as simple as letting them smell it or even taste a small bit. Next, you should apply the paste to the brush and gently hold your dogs head still. If your dog is going to fight back, this will be the point at which they begin to struggle. You can then continue or wait until your dog calms down. To achieve a proper brushing you should strive to brush along the gum line, on the tongue, and the teeth. If at any time your dog becomes anxious or starts to struggle, it is always best to stop brushing.

How to Socialize a Puppy

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The first step to socializing your puppy is to get started right away. You do want to introduce them to new animals and people gradually, but if you’re not introducing them to new friends within the first few weeks, it only gets more and more difficult to get them started.

For most puppies, the window of opportunity shuts at around 12-16 weeks, so four to five months in, if you haven’t begun socializing your pooch, they may become antisocial and reclusive, not to mention aggressive, inflexible and stubborn.

The most important thing is to accustom your pet to a social lifestyle. When at the vet, let them visit with other animals. Introduce them gradually to family and friends. Take them out in public and let them meet with people from all sorts of backgrounds. As funny as it sounds, some dogs grow up to be distrusting of older people simply because they’ve never met an elderly person. They may be distrusting of children just because all the people in their lives are twice that tall and half that energetic. Without neglecting safety, ensure that your puppy is exposed to a wide range of people and animals.

If you have a shy pup, that’s okay, animals are like people, some are extroverts, some are introverts. Just make sure that you encourage them to do as much socializing as they’re comfortable with. Be there for them, pet them and talk to them as they meet new friends, make it easier for them to get to know other people, dogs, cats and other animals, and they’ll regard socializing as something fun, rather than something stressful.

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