Feline Weight Management

Feline Weight Management
(Calorie Control)

FEEDING SUGGESTION FOR YOUR CAT-
When changing to a new diet, gradually introduce the new food by mixing it with the previous food over a 5 to 7 day period. This will reduce the potential for gastrointestinal problems.
When first feeding dry foods to cats, the food can be moistened by adding warm water(1/4 cup water/1 cup food) to further increase palatability.
Canned cat foods may be warmed in the oven before feeding. This may further increase palatability.
Feeding leftover foods, kitchen scraps or additional supplements with a " complete " cat food can cause a nutrient imbalance and lead to obesity and gastrointestinal upset.
Feed your cat in a quiet place with ready access to clean fresh water.
It is recommended that the cat be fed 2-3 equal portions of diet per day. If the cat is on a weight control program, the total daily intake can be divided into three or more meals per day.

FEEDING VARIATION-
Feeding guides are only guides and are not meant to be followed rigidly. Most cats will eat to satisfy their energy requirements, however, this will vary with their level of activity and their environment. As a result, the amount of feed required by your cat can be as much as 25% above or below that listed in this feeding guide. In consultation with your veterinarian, it is recommended that you weigh your pet 4-6 weeks after starting a new diet in order to adjust food intake to maintain or achieve an optimum weight. Do not allow cats to fast for more than two days.

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Skin Disease In Dogs

Skin Disease In Dogs

(Allergic Skin Disease)

Allergic skin disease is one of the most common causes of itching (pruritus) and scratching. Dogs can develop allergies to inhaled pollens, dusts and molds (atopy), by direct contact of the skin with the allergen (contact hypersensitivity), or they can develop allergies to food ingredients (food hypersensitivity). Allergies can arise to flea bites (flea bite hypersensitivity). Most dogs that have allergies itch, scratch and rub their face and paws. The skin may be very red and inflamed, and secondary infections with bacteria and yeast may occur. Your dog may chew its hair and develop bald patches. Continuing repeated ear infections (otitis externa) are also another common materialization of allergic skin disease.

For pets that have skin allergies due to food hypersensitivity, your veterinarian will most likely recommend either a hypoallergenic formula or a sensitivity formula. For pets that have atopy, contact,, or flea bite hypersensitivity your veterinarian may advocate immunotherapy injections. Immunotherapy typically provides relief to 40% of patients. The remaining patients require symptomatic therapy to alleviate the clinical signs. Dietary therapy utilizing a specific combination of ingredients has recently shown to aid the management of skin disease in dogs by reducing pruritus, controlling inflammation, minimizing bacterial infections, optimizing the barrier function of the skin, and promoting recovery from skin disease.

The long chain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils (eicosapentaenioc acid and docosahexaenoic acid) together with gamma-linoleic acid from borage oil are very efficient at reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy skin and hair coat. The combination of biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and zinc-linoleic acid complex reduce water loss through the skin and strengthen effect of the skin as a barrier. Antioxidant's such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, taurine and vitamin C have been shown to better the immune system. Aloe Vera gel reduces inflammation, reduces pruritus and promotes healing of the skin. Curcumin is very effective at reducing inflammation.

• BIOTIN-a B vitamin that aids in body growth

• NIACIN-also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that prevents the deficiency disease_disorder pellagra

• PANTOTHENIC ACID- a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that performs an important role in the oxidation of fats and carbohydrates and certain amino acids; occurs in many foods

• ZINC-LINOLEIC ACID- a mineral with an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid it is a essential dietary requirement for all mammals.

• VITAMIN E- a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

• BETA-CAROTENE- an isomer of carotene that is found in dark green and dark yellow fruits and vegetables

• TAURINE- a sulphur-containing amino acid important in the metabolism of fats.

• VITAMIN C- a vitamin found in fresh fruits (especially citrus fruits) and vegetables; prevents scurvy

• CURCUMIN- is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric , which is a member of the ginger family

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Early Heart Disease In Dogs

Early Heart Disease In Dogs

(CVD)& (DCM)

Canine heart disease is a mutual problem, affecting one in ten dogs. Although it is more common in older dogs, it can occur in very young puppies. Certain breeds are at a much greater risk. The two most common forms of heart disease are (CVD)- chronic valvular disease and (DCM)- dilated cardiomyopathy.

Timely detection and proactive management can potentially slow the advancement of the heart disease and provide the dog with as healthy a life for as long as possible. Certain nutrients have been shown to be beneficial in helping to support heart muscle function. These nutrients can be remembered by using the ACT WITH SPEED acronym. Each letter corresponds to a nutrient that is important for heart health.

• Arginine may help improve blood flow and exercise tolerance in dogs with heart disease.

• Carnitine deficiency has been linked to heart disease in some dogs (Boxers and possibly Cocker Spaniels). Carnitine supplementation may improve hearth muscle function in dogs with heart disease.

• Taurine. Some dogs with cardiomyopathy have low blood levels of taurine. Taurine has been shown to benefit some dogs with heart disease.

WITH

• Sodium and essential minerals. Sodium should be mildly restricted in early heart disease. Potassium deficiency is associated with irregular heart beat and muscle weakness. Magnesium is involved in energy production in heart muscle. It is important to supply the appropriate levels of these essential nutrients.

• Protein should not be restricted in dogs with cardiac disease. Protein restriction may contribute to muscle wasing and exercise intolerance.

• Energy levels need to be appropriate to maintain idea body weight.

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and

• Docasohexaenoic (DHA) are long chain omega-3 fatty acids. Dogs with cardiac disease can have low disseminating levels of these fatty acids. Supplementation with EPA and DHA may help reduce inflammation and muscle wasting.

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Liver Disease In Dogs

Liver Disease In Dogs

(Hepatic Encephalopathy & Ascites)

The liver performs more than 1,500 vital functions. All of these functions are marred to varying degrees in dogs with liver disease. Some of the most important functions are the regulation of blood levels of glucose, amino acids, and some trace minerals, the neutralization of waste products in the blood stream, and the production of blood proteins important for health. With afflicted liver function, minerals such as copper may cumulate in, and be toxic to, the liver cells.

The clinical signs of liver disease include excessive drinking, urinating more frequently, vomiting, and weight loss. Fluid may also cumulate in the abdomen (ascites). Some dogs with liver disease will develop signs of abnormal mentation and neurological dysfunction (hepatic encephallopathy), particularly if they eat a high protein meal.

Nutritional support in liver disease is based on varying the nutrient intake to optimize the function of the liver, to protect against ongoing damage to the liver cells, to provide nutrients to help the liver to repair, and to minimize the complications of liver disease such as hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.
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