Winter Care Tips for Dog and Cat Owners

When it’s cold outside, extra precautions are required to ensure your pet’s well-being. Follow these tip to keep your pet warm and cozy during these chilly months.

THE OUTDOOR FACTOR

• Cats can get frostbite, and many seek warmth by crawling into car engines, which can be dangerous or fatal. Cats should be kept indoors year-round.
• Dogs also should be kept inside if possible. If kept outside, they should have a draft-free shelter large enough to stand and turn around in, yet small enough to retain body heat. Use a layer of straw or other bedding material to help insulate your pet against the cold. Different breeds of dogs have different sheltering needs. Purchase a commercially produced doghouse, or contact your local humane society for construction plans for a doghouse suitable for your climate. Please be sure to contact your veterinarian if you have questions.
• After letting your pet out to relieve herself, be sure to wipe her paws when she comes back inside. Tender pads can be injured from salts and other ice-melting chemicals. These products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Signs of ingestion include excessive drooling, vomiting, and depression.
• Outdoor animals typically need more calories in the winter. This allows their body to produce body heat. Increase the amount you feed your pet if she is allowed to go outside. Indoor-only animals may actually need fewer calories to avoid weight gain.

WATCH WHAT YOUR PET INGESTS

• Batteries contain corrosives that, if bitten or swallowed, can cause ulceration in your pet’s mouth, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract.
• Antifreeze is deadly to pets. The sweet taste is irresistible to animals kept in the garage in colder months. Look for “safe” non-toxic antifreeze and make sure all spills are cleaned immediately and thoroughly. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet may have ingested any antifreeze!
• Winter typically is the cold and flu season. Medications as basic as aspirin can be harmful and dangerous to pets. Do not medicate your animal yourself unless under the direction of your veterinarian. Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of animals reach.
• Rat and mouse killers are used more frequently during the winter months. Place these products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet.

If you suspect your pet has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian immediately! Have the telephone number to your local emergency animal hospital readily available.

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Health Benefits of Having a Pet

We all know that having a pet is great, there is the unconditional love you receive off them and they are great fun to play with and you never know what funny things they will do next. However did you know that pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and other health benefits—perhaps more than people!

Pets can improve your Mood

For anyone who is a pet owner or loves animals you know how hard it is to stay in a bad mood when those loving eyes look up at you or they come to you looking for a cuddle.   Studies have shown that owning a pet can help to ease symptoms of depression. Pets may help relieve stress and anxiety by encouraging playfulness and promoting laughter, there is nothing better than playing with your pet irrelevant of what type of pet it is and watching their funny reactions.

Many experts believe one reason pets may have a therapeutic effect on people is comfort. They are soft, soothing to stroke and non-judgemental. Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. They can offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets and are excellent snugglers. And they could be the best antidote to loneliness. Pets also seem to meet the need for companionship and relationship building that is not always available to some individuals. In addition, pet owners living alone say they are less lonely and report fewer minor health problems.    

A study published in the March 1999 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that senior citizens who own pets are less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation and are more active than those who do not own pets. Activity levels increased regardless of the kind of pet the individuals owned.

Pets can improve your physical health

Anyone who owns a pet knows the unconditional love a pet offers. But do you know that your blood pressure and triglyceride and cholesterol levels may be lower because of that unconditional love, which in turn might promote a measure of protection from heart disease.

Pet owners are also more likely to survive a heart attack than those who don't have pets, according to a 1995 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

A study on a group of stockbrokers with high blood pressure, those with pets had lower blood pressure and heart rates than the proportion of the group that didn’t own a pet. After the results of the study were published most of the stockbrokers without a pet went out and got themselves a pet.

Having a pet has even been shown to give 30% less chance of developing certain types of cancer.

Pets encourage you to get out and exercise

Dogs have to be walked each day and dog owners get regular physical exercise because of this, there are some many options now where you can walk, by the sea, the park, the mountains, etc – what could be better. People often bring other people with them including family members for the dog’s walk so it can benefit family and friends as well.   Other pets get you moving as well, though not as much as walking, you may sit down in your comfy couch and think I will do the hoovering tomorrow but most pet owners don’t put off their pet care – they will clean the birds cage, rabbit hutch when it needs to be done, play with their pets as no sometimes is not in your pets vocabulary when it comes to playtime, it is hard to resist them when they bring their toy over to you and look at you longingly.

Exercise relives tension and stress so there is mental benefits from exercising with your pet as well.

Increases Human to Human Socialisation

Anyone with a dog knows that when you are out and about with your dog, you will always talk to someone whether they have a pet or not. A fellow dog owner will stop and talk to you, people just walking along may stop and say hello to your dog and you. Out walking or in a dog park your pet may make a friend and in turn so might you!

It’s important to realize that owning a pet isn’t for everyone. Pets do come with additional work and responsibility. However, for most people, the benefits of having a pet outweigh the drawbacks.

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Winter Pet Care Advice

Even though you might want to stay indoors and wrap up warm, it's very important to remember your pets and other animals during the cold winter months.

DOGS & CATS

·         Don’t forget to make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh drinking water and food.

·         In Extreme Temperatures we recommend you always keep your pets indoors.

·         It’s most important your pet has somewhere warm and comfortable to sleep, out of the wind and the rain. Their bedding should also be raised off the ground so they don’t catch a chill from the cold, damp floor.

·         Dog kennels should be lined with old rugs and linen to help keep your pooch comfortable and warm.  If you don’t have a protected area where your dog can sleep, the DSPCA recommends you bring them inside during the wet and windy weather.

·         Your dog won’t mind that it's cold and dark as he or she still needs to be taken for their walk. It's a good idea to wear warm and reflective clothing (High Visibilty Jacket), so that cars and people on bikes can see you - and it's just as important for your dog too. Get a reflective collar and lead and a winter coat for your dog so that it can easily be seen when out on an evening walk.

·         Make sure that your cat has a proper cat safety collar on, especially one with reflective pieces on it.

·         Never let your dog off the lead on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

·         Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat with a high collar with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.

·        Cats also prefer to be snuggled up inside. A comfortable chair, basket or even a box can make the perfect bed for your feline friend.  They’re always happiest sleeping by the fire or in front of the heater.

·         It’s important though, that you keep a close eye on your pets if they’re warming themselves by the fire, because they could burn themselves if they get too close.

·        Remember! During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

·        Speaking of cars! Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

·        Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

·         When thunderstorms are forecast, the best place for your pets is indoors with you. The loud claps of thunder and bright lightening can be distressing for animals. 

·         Remember that you still have to pick up their poo even in the dark so a torch and bags are a must.

·         It’s also important to make sure dogs and cats are microchipped, in case they’re spooked by the weather and run off. For more information on Microchipping please click here.

·         Dog owners must keep pets well away from ponds and lakes that have frozen over. Thin ice may break under your dog’s weight

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PET BIRDS

Our feathered friends also need extra care during the winter months.

·         The DSPCA recommends birds are placed somewhere out of the wind and rain, in a draught free spot. It’s not a bad idea to bring the cage inside but it needs to be kept well away from the heater.

·         Don’t forget to make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh drinking water.

OUTDOOR PETS

If you have a rabbit or a guinea pig in the garden then it is really important that spend some extra time on them at that time of year. Their hutched can get really cold and damp if not sheltered from the bad weather. 

·         Move the hutch to a more sheltered area, maybe outside the back door, in the side passage or into a shed or garage. 

·         Make sure they have plenty of nice warm, fresh bedding to snuggle down in and change it regularly.

·         In extreme temperatures place extra bedding in their homes. Better still, move them to a shed or garage for extra shelter or if you have a downstairs loo or a utility or cloak room that can be used temporarily to keep them sheltered.

·         Rabbits and guinea pigs will naturally eat more in the winter so that they have extra fat to help them stay warm, so make sure you give them plenty of food, fresh vegetables and fresh water. 

·         Don’t forget to check that the water does not freeze in the water bottle!

Fall Dog Care – 10 Tips to Help Your Pup Enjoy the Season

As the leaves change colour across Vancouver and the lower mainland, we say good bye to the warmer weather of another fantastic summer, and welcome with open arms all that fall has to offer in British Columbia! The brisk weather means that your dog may want to stay out longer, he or she may become more inquisitive about its surroundings, and certainly the wet weather will bring its share of messes to your home!

Tip #1 – Get Out and Get Active

Fall is the perfect season to get out and get active after a lazy summer! It is the perfect weather for dog walks and dogs parks. This is also a great time to brush up on your dog’s commands – and maybe learn a few new ones! It’s important to ease into increased exercise to prevent injury.

Tip #2 – Safe Dog Walking at Night.

Because the days are shorter your evening walks with your dog maybe become darker, faster. Plan for a safe stroll by adjusting your walk schedule accordingly and/or fitting your pet with reflective gear such as a vest, leash or collar. Stick to a familiar route in your neighbourhood when walking after dusk.

Tip #3 – Bundle Up

With the fall comes chilly days and colder nights. Even though your dog has a natural coat, keep in mind that the increased cold with the dampness of the Vancouver season will make your pet colder, faster.  Smaller and older dogs should be watched closely during the cold months and kept as warm as possible.

Tip #4 – Ticks and Fleas

Check your pet after coming indoors to make sure they aren’t bringing in any unwanted guests. The fall months are known for all kinds of pests, the most common of which are fleas and ticks. Try to also be familiar with where your pets play.

Tip #5 – Look Beyond the Leaves

Keep a close eye on your pet for any signs of discomfort- especially after playing in a pile of fall leaves! Fallen leaves that coat the ground can hide sharp pebbles, burs, allergens and other substances you want your cat or dog to avoid.

Tip #6 – Allergy Awareness

Did you know that dogs are as susceptible as you are to fall allergens?  If you see your pet itching more than usual, you might want to check with the vet to identify any possible allergies. Keep leaves raked and grass cut short to eliminate irritation to your pet’s skin.

Tip #7 – Shedding and Grooming

In the fall, pets begin shedding their summer coat to allow room for their winter coat. For many pet owners, this means pet hair on your couch, your clothes, and almost anywhere you can imagine. Make time to brush your pet weekly, if not daily, depending on your dog’s shedding habits. Brushing your pet will allow you to catch most of the unwanted hair before it ends up around your home!

Tip #8 – Enjoy the Holidays – But Keep an Eye on The Food!

During both Thanksgiving and Halloween, make sure to keep an eye on your pet and the food, deserts and candy. Chocolate can be deadly to dogs, so make sure your children know to keep it out of reach. Food can become a problem during Thanksgiving as well. Look out for hungry pets eyeing the table! If you are decorating, remember that some dogs love chewing wires, so make sure that they are out of your dog’s reach.

Tip #9 – Halloween – Avoid the Horror Show!

Halloween is a fun evening that we like to include our dogs in. Remember that if you are dressing your pup up for Halloween to keep it close and put reflective clothing on it. Make sure to also look for any chocking points that the costume may have. Additionally, make sure to update your pets collar and remember that some cats and dogs are extremely sensitive to the sounds of the holidays – whether it be a crowd in the house, or fireworks at Halloween, make sure that your pet has a safe, quiet place to retreat to.

Tip #10 – Keep an Eye Out For Poisons

Winterizing your property may include putting out rodent traps or poisons. Keep yours out of reach, in case your pet decides to taste these out of curiosity. During the cooler months many people also begin to use antifreeze which is another extremely dangerous poison to pets. Prevent your dog from accidentally ingesting ethylene glycol by carefully storing antifreeze in its original container with warning labels, and out of reach of pets. Watch the ground carefully for any toxic spills if you’re walking your pet on a driveway or garage.

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Cutting Pet Care Costs

As responsible pet parents, we have an obligation to care for our furry friends in sickness and in health. But as pet care costs rise, how do we do what’s best for our pet? Here are a few tips to help you save money on your pet’s health care.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Don’t skip your pet’s yearly exam. It’s much more expensive—and risky—to treat illnesses than to protect against them. It’s also a good idea to shop veterinary practices by comparing fees for preventative care.

Personalize Your Pet’s Vaccines
Some vaccines are optional, while others are essential in preventing serious diseases. Never skip any shots required by local laws or mandatory for your pet’s protection, but do talk to your vet about personalizing your pet’s vaccine protocol.

Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Spaying or neutering your pet can save a lot of money by preventing serious health problems, including uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers. Many local shelters provide resources for low- or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries.Visit our online database to find a low-cost program in your area. If you live in New York City, check out our mobile clinics serving the five boroughs.

Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Dental disease can lead to heart and kidney problems and expensive procedures. Start a dental routine to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Ask your veterinarian what products to use and how often. Don’t use toothpaste made for people, which contains fluoride and may irritate your pet's stomach. Visit our Dog Grooming Tips page to learn more.

Protect Your Pet from Parasites
Flea and tick infestations can cause a host of costly medical problems from minor skin irritations to life-threatening blood loss. Stick with a topical flea and tick solution to keep the critters at bay. Make sure to only use products as directed. Never use a product intended for a dog on a cat. Visit our Fleas and Ticks page to learn more.

Toss the Cigarettes
Secondhand smoke is no joke for pets—it can cause asthma, bronchitis, lymphoma and oral, nasal and lung cancers. Quit now and you’ll save money on vet bills. At the very least, avoid smoking around your pet.

Consider Pet Health Insurance
If the cost of an emergency veterinary visit or serious illness would be a financial strain, consider investing in pet health insurance while your pet is healthy. Be sure to read the fine print, though—not all plans are created equal.

Buy High-Quality Pet Food
A good quality pet food—formulated under the guidelines of the American Association of Feed Control Officials—is often more cost-effective than a homemade diet. Avoid overfeeding your pet, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. Visit Dog Nutrition Tips and Cat Nutrition Tips pages to learn more. Get FREE Shipping on orders of $49 or more. Valid within the contiguous 48 U.S. states and to military APO/FPO addresses! Offer Ends Soon! Click here

Groom Your Pets at Home
Save the price of a visit to your groomer with regular nail-trimmings and brushings. It’s good for your pet, it will reduce the amount of hair floating around your home, and your cats will have fewer hairballs. 

Autumn Safety Tips & The latest Petsmart Grooming Coupon

There’s nothing like the crisp, cool air and luscious foliage to get you excited for the changing seasons. Your pet, too, is probably welcoming a break from summer's hot, sticky weather. But fall is also a time of lurking dangers for our furry friends. From household poisons to cold weather hazards, there are important safety issues to consider.

Below are some tips to keep your pet happy and healthy during the autumn months.

Be Cautious of Rodenticides and Cold Weather Poisons
The use of rat and mouse poisons increase in the fall as rodents seek shelter from the cooler temperatures by attempting to move indoors. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets and, if ingested, the results could be fatal. If you must use these products, please do so with extreme caution and put them in places inaccessible to your pets.

Many people choose fall as the time to change their car's engine coolant. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants—though they aren't completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants.

Keep School Supplies Out of Paws’ Reach
Fall is back-to-school time, and those of you with young children know that means stocking up on items like glue sticks, pencils and magic markers. Although these items are considered low toxicity to pets, gastrointestinal upset and blockages can occur if ingested. Be sure your children keep their school supplies out of your pet’s reach.

Steer Clear of Mushrooms
Fall and spring are mushroom seasons. While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Since most toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from nontoxic ones, the best way to prevent pets from ingesting these poisonous plants is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Please visit our Poisonous Plants page for more information.Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom.

Watch Out for Wildlife
Autumn is the season when snakes are preparing for hibernation, increasing the possibility of bites to those unlucky pets who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet parents should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be lurking in their environment—and where those snakes are most likely to be found—so pets can be kept out of those areas.

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3 Things Veterinary Professionals Want You to Know About Pet Care

It can be difficult to stay on top of what's best for your own health and well-being, so knowing what's good for your pet may seem a little confusing.

Keep your feline friends and canine companions healthy and happy by following these 3 pet care tips the pros want you to know.

1. Regular Exams are Vital

Just like you, your pet can get heart problems, develop arthritis, or have a toothache. The best way to prevent such problems or catch them early is to see your veterinarian every year.

Regular exams are "the single most important way to keep pets healthy," says Kara M. Burns, MS, Med, LVT, president of the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians.

Annual vet visits should touch on nutrition and weight control, says Oregon veterinarian Marla J. McGeorge, DVM, as well as cover recommended vaccinations, parasite control, dental exam, and health screenings.

2. Spay and Neuter Your Pets

Eight million to 10 million pets end up in U.S. shelters every year. Some are lost, some have been abandoned, and some are homeless.

Here's an easy way to avoid adding to that number -- spay and neuter your cats and dogs. It's a procedure that can be performed as early as six to eight weeks of age.

Spaying and neutering doesn't just cut down on the number of unwanted pets; it has other substantial benefits for your pet. Studies show it also lowers the risk of certain cancers, Burns tells WebMD, and reduces a pet's risk of getting lost by decreasing the tendency to roam.

3. Prevent Parasites

Fleas are the most common external parasite that can plague pets, and they can lead to irritated skin, hair loss, hot spots, and infection. Fleas can also introduce other parasites into your cat or dog. All it takes is for your pet to swallow one flea, and it can to end up with tapeworms, the most common internal parasite affecting dogs and cats.

Year-round prevention is key, says McGeorge, who suggests regular flea and intestinal parasite control, as well as heartworm prevention in endemic areas.

Using Shampoos and Conditioners to Wash Your Dog

We explore what to look for when choosing a shampoo and conditioner to wash your dog.

Dogs have very sensitive skin that is half the thickness of human skin and has a very different pH balance. So to ensure you don’t irritate the skin, avoid using human products or soaps on your dog and instead use products that have been specifically designed with your dog’s coat and skin in mind.

WHAT NOT TO USE

There are many home-made remedies for various skin maladies and parasites. And while some may be perfectly safe, often they are based on human skin needs. Generally if something is safe for humans, that does not necessarily mean it is safe for our pets. Humans don’t tend to lick themselves when grooming, while dogs do, so we must be aware that some things can be toxic when ingested.

In particular, avoid tea tree products. Tea tree is antibacterial and antiseptic, but if the tea tree in a product is in sufficient concentration to have all the purported benefits, it will be toxic if consumed.

ITCHY SKIN

If your dog has itchy skin, consider a medicated shampoo, perhaps even an oatmeal shampoo such as Aloveen. Shampoos with aloe vera and oatmeal are particularly soothing.

FREQUENT SKIN INFECTIONS

If your dog is prone to dermatitis and bacterial or fungal flare-ups using a medicated shampoos that contains miconazole or chlorhexidine may be recommended by your Veterinarian. These shampoos can be drying, so should only be used on medical recommendation.

GREASY SKIN

If your dog is quite smelly or greasy a shampoos such as sebolyse may help. This shampoo is also antibacterial and antifungal, two other sources of smelly skin. Medicated shampoos really need a long contact time of 5-10 minutes, so read the label to work out how long you must leave the shampoo on for.

FLAKY SKIN

Dogs that have dry, flaky skin will do well with Aloveen or a very gentle shampoo and a good brush to redistribute the natural oils through the coat, They may also benefit from fish oils, particularly in the form of Dermoscent, with the correct ratio of omega 3s and omega 6s. Shampooing can actually dry the skin, so backing off with the baths might also help for dogs with dry skin.

NORMAL SKIN

If your dog has fairly normal skin, with no flakes, grease or excessive smell, using a natural pet shampoo is fine. Aim for a good quality shampoo. Aloveen is also a great shampoo to use for normal skin.

DO I NEED A CONDITIONER?

If you have a nice gentle shampoo, a conditioner is not necessary. Conditioners can help with a dry coat, and are often left in. Conditioners can also be applied in between baths if your dog is getting a little smelly and you don’t have time for the full bath. They can help to mask that doggy smell.

DO I NEED TO BATH MY DOG?

If your dog is not smelly, doesn’t tend to roll in things at the park and doesn’t swim, there may be no need to bath your pet at all. A good brush can do a great job of redistributing the oils in the coat and gives a nice healthy shine. For some hints on what sort of brush to choose for your pet take a look out our article on grooming tools. 

Check out our dog washing guide for a step-by-step process on how to give your dog the ultimate wash and leave their coat in tip top condition.

There is a dazzling array of shampoos and conditioners available and while many are suitable for normal skin, many pets have skin problems that may respond to a specialised shampoo. For further advice and information on what shampoo is best for your pet, visit your Veterinarian.

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Brushing your Cat’s Teeth: Dental Care for your Pet

Does your cat have smelly breath? A bit of prevention can go a long way towards keeping your pet’s teeth healthy and ultimately save you money.

An estimated 80% of pets have dental disease by 3 years of age. Unfortunately many cats develop significant pain and infection due to unhealthy teeth, as well as being banished from the bedroom.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

While humans tend to get caries or holes in our teeth, cats are more at risk of periodontal disease, which is disease around the base of the tooth near the gum line. The accumulation of sticky plaque, made up of bacteria, proteins and food, hardens to form calculus on the teeth.

This hard calculus causes inflamed and bleeding gums (gingivitis) and as the condition progresses, there is loss of attachment between the gum and the tooth. As the gum separates from the tooth, little pockets of infection develop around the tooth. The bacteria around damaged teeth leads to the foul smelling breath and illness associated with dental disease.

Cats that have daily brushing of their teeth will have much fresher smelling breath and be less inclined to need costly dental treatment. Getting into the habit when your kitten is young is the best way to start, but any cat can be trained with enough patience and lots of food rewards.

WHAT DO I NEED?

Pet toothpastes are flavoured like meat pastes, so they become part of the reward for allowing brushing. You can get various flavours like chicken or even cheese. Human toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed and pets will hate that minty foaming stuff that we like, so a pet toothpaste is a very worthwhile investment. 

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There are various different styles of toothbrush. You can use a soft baby’s toothbrush or a finger-brush. Just make sure the brush is soft to avoid damaging the gums.

TEACHING YOUR CAT TO TOLERATE BRUSHING

To teach your cat to accept brushing, first start out with some toothpaste on your finger and touch the teeth, allowing your pet to lick the paste. If this is tolerated, get a face washer or the edge of a towel and dip it in water and rub it in the paste, then onto your cat’s teeth. Gradually increase the contact time as your cat’s tolerance increases. Use lots of treats to reward your cat every step of the way. After the washer is accepted, switch to a soft toothbrush or finger brush.

TECHNIQUE TIPS

• Aim for 5 seconds on each tooth and brush once daily.
• Pay particular attention to the base of the tooth, aiming for a 45° angle with the gum-line.
• Avoid a vigorous side-to-side action that will damage the gums, gently use a circular, flicking motion along the gum-line.
• Brush only the outside of the teeth, the tongue will take care of the inside.
• If your cat has bleeding gums after brushing, take him to the vet for a check-up before doing more brushing.

WHAT IF MY PET HAS LOTS OF DISCOLOURATION, PLAQUE OR CALCULUS?

If your cat’s breath is smelly, there is discolouration, recession of the gums and a large amount of calculus you will need a professional dental clean. No amount of brushing will get hard calculus off the teeth.

A scale and polish using an ultrasonic scaler like your dentist uses needs to be performed under anaesthesia to do the job right. Once the teeth are nice and smooth and white, preventative brushing will slow down the build-up. It only takes 3 days for plaque to start reforming, so ideally start your training with tooth-brushing before the dental, so that you know you can effectively brush all the teeth once your pet has recovered from the procedure. If the teeth are too painful, this may not be possible, but you may be able to at least train your pet to allow touching around the face, mouth and get him used to the toothbrush and paste.

Most Vets will suggest waiting 2-3 days after a dental clean before brushing, so you want to be sure you can effectively brush your pet’s teeth from the start.

Why Dog Food Is For Dogs and Cat Food Is For Cats

Ever wondered why some pet foods sport cats on the packaging… while others only offer us dogs?

It may sound silly to you, but plenty of people ignore the pics and labels altogether, apparently laboring under the illusion that as long as there’s a furred and four-legged creature on the side of the bag or can it’s bound to be acceptable fare for either species.

Not so. Which brings me back to my original question:

Q: Did you ever wonder what, exactly, separates a cat food product from its canine varietal?

A: It’s an important question not just because there are yahoos out there willing to feed their pet anything or because you may one day find yourself in a pinch (Can I feed Fluffy some of Fido’s food or do I have to go shopping right now?), but also because understanding the differences can help teach you a thing or two about your pets’ nutritional needs.

Consider the major points that differentiate dog foods from their feline counterparts:

#1 Palatability

Dogs and cats perceive food differently. For example, among other differences, cats don’t have the ability to taste anything sweet. Their reduced range for what they consider palatable helps explain why dog food doesn’t tend to attract cats as much as cat food does dogs.

#2 Vitamin A

Dogs have the ability to turn beta carotene into Vitamin A, a feat cats’ bodies can’t manage. That’s why Vitamin A must be supplied in cat food. While plenty of dog foods may contain additional vitamin A, they aren’t necessarily formulated to offer the amounts a cat requires for a lifetime of optimum health. A variety of non-specific symptoms and disease states can result when cats don’t receive sufficient levels of Vitamin A in their food.

#3 Taurine

Taurine is considered an essential amino acid for cats. Therefore, all cats require it. Dogs, on the other hand, can make their own taurine, which is why many dog foods are deficient in this nutrient. If a cat is fed a canine diet lacking sufficient levels of taurine, blindness and a heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are the most common outcomes.

Note: Taurine deficiency also happens when cats eat a fish-only diet, since fish meat is largely deficient in this amino acid. Which is why you might’ve heard that tuna is "bad" for cats (but isn’t unless you’re not feeding an otherwise balanced diet).

#4 Arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid dogs can build themselves. Cats, on the other hand, require the real thing. Cats who eat dog foods low in arachidonic acid levels will suffer a variety of nonspecific symptoms.

#5 Protein

Total protein levels in dog foods tend to be lower than for cat foods. This represents another significant reason not to feed our felines food that’s meant for dogs. Though some dog foods do offer very high levels of protein, most don’t offer the percentage of protein our carnivorous cats require.

In recent years, much has been made of the protein quality and quantity due our cats as part of their normal nutritional requirements. In academic circles, this topic is hotly debated. Let it suffice to say, however, that the protein requirements of obligate carnivores like cats are superior to those of dogs and that cats who consume dog-level protein levels on a regular basis will fail to thrive at rates comparable with their peers.

Q: So is it truly terrible to feed your cat the dog stuff if you happen to run out and the shops are all shuttered?

A: Well… no, not really. As long as a) your cat will eat it, b) it’s temporary, and c) your cat is otherwise healthy, dog food is unlikely to harm your cat one bit.

Q: But how about your dog?

A: From the above five points, we’ve effectively established that cats can’t live off dog foods but dogs can eat the cat stuff until the cows come home. Theoretically, anyway.

But while a dog can live on cat food alone, anyone who’s tried it will likely agree that it’s not an advisable activity. The caloric density, high protein levels, and heavy doses of fat aren’t ideally suited to all canine gastrointestinal tracts –– much less to their waistlines.

Obesity is probably the worst thing most dogs will get from eating the kitty stuff, but diarrhea, vomiting, and even potentially life-threatening pancreatitis are possible when you feed cat food to dogs (for some sensitive dogs, even after one single meal).

The moral of the story? Dog food is for dogs and cat food is for cats and [almost] never should the twain converge. In fact, if you’re that hard up for your pet’s food, consider a small amount of bland “human food” as an alternative (if you already know what works)… or get out of your jammies and run to the convenience store. What a concept!

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Contemplating the Concept Of “Human Grade” Pet Foods

Do you ever wander the aisles of your local pet food store, deep in contemplation? I do. I can’t help but marvel at the miracle of modern pet care and the thousands of products our collective pet obsession has spawned.

Awestruck as I always am in these situations (I don’t go to these places often!), my veterinary side sometimes wins out and I’ll find myself thinking about the many labeling claims made on pet food. Of these, none is more impressive than the term “human grade.”

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If you shop thoughtfully for your pets’ food, you may have wondered about this label too. What, exactly, does “human grade” mean? Take a guess; which of the following do you think is meant by “human grade”?

a) The food is tasty enough for humans
b) It’s healthy enough for humans
c) It’s safe enough for humans
d) All of the above
e) None of the above

Yes, the last choice wins, which partially explains why I’ve always thought of “human grade” as a murky designation. It’s even more so given the FDA’s historically lax regulation of pet foods (especially when it comes to safety).

Then there’s the issue of labeling food for humans to consider. When even supermarket fare marketed for human consumption harbors controversy on the labeling of everything from “green,” “sustainable,” “grass fed” and “organic” to “heart healthy,” “low-calorie,” “sugar-free” and “lower fat,” can you blame me for being skeptical? I mean, if a Dorito can be considered “human grade,” the term probably doesn’t mean all that much, right?

All kidding aside, the question remains: what exactly makes a pet food worthy of the “human grade” moniker? So let’s try this again. Is the term “human grade” determined by:

a) The digestibility of the ingredients?
b) The lack of “fillers” and “by-products”?
c) An abundance of laboratory testing for ensured wholesomeness?
d) All of the above
e) None of the above

OK, so that was another trick question. Choice e) wins again.

No, “human grade” doesn’t mean that your pet’s food isn’t full of the standard stuff you might consider “fillers.” It doesn’t say anything about by-products either. And it certainly doesn’t mean it’s automatically better for your pets than any of the other foods out there.

“Human grade” really means that the ingredients were handled in accordance with safety standards the FDA requires for the foods we humans buy at the market. Not only are these foods a) made with human-grade or human-quality ingredients, the finished product itself must be b) made in a production facility that meets all the criteria required for any human food facility.

In other words, that beef carcass that fell off the line and had to get the floor goo washed off it, the “downer” cow that had to be culled because it was probably sick, the goods from the processing plant that failed its recent inspection … all of these are examples of ingredients regularly deemed acceptable for pet food, but which are not suitable for human consumption.

That’s because every ingredient in a product must be edible by people to be eligible for “human grade” status. Then there’s the processing facility itself to consider. If the facility doesn’t meet all the sanitation specifications for facilities that produce food for sale to humans, it can’t label itself “human grade.”

The trouble is that there’s no formal legal definition of the term “human grade.” Despite this hiccup, the FDA is OK with the term’s use on pet foods as long as the food meets other ingredient and processing criteria.

For some consumers that’s great. But for me, human grade isn’t necessarily all it’s chalked up to be. After all, I’ve seen some pretty awful pet food cooked up in human kitchens. I’ve also come across some fantastic fare that couldn’t earn a “human grade” label because there were beaks and feet in there.

Nothing wrong with beaks and feet, I say. After all, if a Frito and a Twinkie can be considered human grade just because the ingredients are roughly edible, I can’t see why anyone should quibble with the nutritional content of feathers. (Not as long as they’re handled with care and included in a formula that’s nutritionally balanced, that is.)

What does get to me, though, is the fact that human-grade sanitation levels aren’t required for all pet food. (Kudos to “human grade” pet foods for that!) After all, when basic sanitation isn’t mandatory it calls into question the safety of pet food in general. And since there’s no due process for assessing the safety of your pet’s food beyond an informal label when human safety standards are met, it casts doubt on the entire system of pet food production…for me, at least.

Wow, that’s a lot of thinking for just one trip down the pet food aisle. I think I need an Oreo now. Or maybe a Ding-Dong …

5 Hot Tips for Summer Pet Care

Summertime is fun time, but hot weather makes for some unique summer pet care challenges. Although wild animals are well adapted to the elements, companion animals can be just as susceptible to extreme temperatures as their owners are. What does that mean for your pet? When the temperatures get extreme, pet safety should be top of mind. Here are 5 ways to stay safe while enjoying summer activities with your pet:

Respect the heat. Humans aren't the only animals that can find a hot summer day overwhelming. But unlike you, your pet has a limited ability to deal with the heat. Dogs release heat through their paw pads and by panting, while humans can sweat through all of the skin on their body. Dehydration can be a big problem for pets during the hot weather, too. According to the ASPCA, animals with flat faces—like Pugs and Persian cats—cannot pant as effectively, and are therefore more susceptible to heat stroke. You should also keep an eye on elderly or overweight pets or animals with heart and lung disease. In the summer, make certain that Fido and Fluffy always have access to plenty of fresh, cool water, and avoid letting them run around outside during the hottest parts of the day.

Keep bugs away—safely. Another summer pet safety issue is the presence of ticks and other summer insects. Not only can bugs carry diseases, but the ways people try to ward them off can also cause problems for your outdoor pet's health. Fertilizers and pesticides may help keep a lawn looking great, but they can be very dangerous for your pet. In the areas where your pets play, it's better to keep the grass cut short to reduce the presence of ticks and other insects. Also keep an eye out for fertilizer warnings on neighbors' lawns when walking your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other insects that are more prevalent during the summer months.

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Beware of antifreeze. In the summertime, antifreeze can leak out of cars when they overheat, leaving puddles on the ground that your dog can easily lap up and swallow. The sweet taste of antifreeze is tempting to dogs and cats, but when this toxic substance is ingested, it's potentially lethal. Pay attention to your neighbors' cars and puddles on your street, and make sure your pets stay clear of it.

Find out if your pet needs sunscreen. Some pets, particularly those with short fine hair and pink skin, can be susceptible to sunburn. Talk to your veterinarian about which types of sunscreen are safest on your pet's skin, and follow up by routinely applying sunscreen as part of your summer routine. Do not use sunscreen or insect repellents that are not designed specifically for use on animals. The ASPCA says ingesting certain sunscreens can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy in pets.

Practice water safety. As with other aspects of summer pet care, water safety is all about thinking ahead. Although it's fun to bring your pet to the beach or pool to stay cool together, always keep a close eye on your pet when they're in or near the water. Even a strong swimmer could have trouble getting out of a pool, or get trapped by ropes and other obstacles. For more risky summer adventures with your dog, like boating, look into a doggie life preserver. It could prove to be an excellent investment for his safety.

Summer pet safety isn't hard, it just requires some thought and attention. Watch over your pet the way you would a small child—protect them from too much heat, sun, and other summer dangers—and everything should be just fine.

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