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Diet & Nutrition

  • In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. Almost 50% of domestic dogs are overweight. Scientific evidence now reveals that fat tissue is biologically active; it secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress on the body's tissues, both of which contribute to many diseases and decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, low-level inflammatory condition is the new approach.

  • Obesity is the most common problem in cats in North America and leads to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Reducing inflammation and pain can help an overweight cat to regain activity, which in turn can lead to more appropriate weight loss. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when cat owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and improving movement or activity.

  • Obesity is the most common problem in dogs in North America and leads to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Reducing inflammation and pain can help an overweight dog to regain activity, which in turn can lead to more appropriate weight loss. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when dog owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and exercise.

  • Pandora syndrome affects multiple organ systems, including the urinary tract. The term is often used synonymously with Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), but FIC is only one component of Pandora syndrome. It is believed to be related to chronic stress. This article discusses causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for cats with this condition.

  • Pharyngostomy tubes are placed through the skin of the neck behind the jaw through the pharynx, into the esophagus to enable ongoing nutrition in dogs that either refuse to eat or are unable to chew and swallow food. A diet will be recommended by your veterinarian but must be liquefied with water before it can pass through the tube. Step-by-step instructions are given for tube feeding. The decision to remove the tube needs to be determined by your veterinarian.

  • The American Animal Hospital Association and American Veterinary Medical Association have established guidelines to standardize preventive health care for cats, helping them to live longer, healthier lives. This handout provides an overview of the recommendations within these guidelines and why they are so important.

  • The American Animal Hospital Association and American Veterinary Medical Association have established guidelines to standardize preventive health care for dogs, helping them to live longer, healthier lives. This handout provides an overview of the recommendations within these guidelines and why they are so important.

  • The pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, if mutated, can contribute to increased body fat and body weight and increased food motivation in affected dogs. At this time, this gene mutation has only been found in the Labrador Retriever and Flat-coated Retriever and affects the majority of those working as service dogs. This handout explains how the POMC gene mutation was discovered, how it impacts affected dogs, and how you can support your dog if affected.

  • Not all puppy foods are created equally, and your large breed dog needs to be fed an appropriate diet for development. An improper balance of nutrients can lead to health problems, including bone deformities. Measuring proper calorie amounts, looking for the AAFCO statement, and controlling food intake will ensure your puppy develops properly.

  • Adding a new kitten to your family is a lot of fun, but it is also a big responsibility. This handout reviews basic kitten care, including vaccinations, internal and external parasites, nutrition, and nail care. It also reviews the importance of early spay/neuter and microchip identification.