Nutritional supplements help meet a senior dog’s need for essential nutrients. Even if your pet is eating a lifestage-appropriate diet, he may be suffering from an illness that is interfering with his ability to digest, metabolize, and utilize nutrients from pet food.

Common supplement options for senior dogs

• Antioxidants

Antioxidants support the integrity and boost immune system function. Some popular antioxidants for senior pets include vitamin E and beta carotene.

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin

These are popular joint supplements which are often recommended for joint problems. Glucosamine and chondroitin has been shown to alleviate signs of osteoarthritis and other joint problems.

• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

These are types of prebiotics that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the stomach and intestine ... Read more »

FeLV or Feline Leukemia Virus can affect cats of all breeds, sex, and ages. If you own a Ragdoll cat or any other breed than your vet Lafayette, LA may already have told you about the virus. In general, the virus is found in cats only and is not contagious to people or other animals. The risk of contracting FeLV is very low for indoor cats. However, if you have a multi-cat home the risk increases especially with the cats that share the same water and food bowls or even litter boxes. Senior cats and kittens are also more susceptible to the virus because of their age and inability to fight off illnesses. Outdoor cats are more susceptible to the virus as well due to their contact with other cats that could be infected. One of the best ways to protect your cat is to have her vaccinated at an early age. For more details, visit this website.

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If you’re concerned that your Boxer may have diabetes, talk to your vet Lafayette, LA to find out about specific signs and symptoms. Diabetes can occur in just about any breed of dog no matter the age or sex of the dog. Most diabetes cases are seen in obese dogs, female dogs or senior dogs; however, it has been known to occur in young dogs and in males. Dogs that have diabetes will most likely be extremely thirsty and urinate frequently. The primary job of insulin is to trigger the liver and muscles to convert glucose from the blood into sugar. When this doesn’t happen there is an excessive amount of glucose in the blood stream, which is discharged from the body through urination. Other symptoms of diabetes may include hunger, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, enlarged liver, cataracts, bladder or kidney infection. Call your doctor if you see any of these symptoms in your Boxer.

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Curiosity killed the cat, but only because he was sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong! Encourage your cat’s curiosity in a safe way with these tips.

Introduce him to new things that are safe for him to eat and play with. Old T-shirts cut into strips, new toys, and even patches of grass are likely to appeal to your cat’s curiosity. Let your cat play with it for a few days, and then take it away and bring in a few new toys. By rotating them, you’ll ensure that he remains interested.

Cats love boxes! Make a box more interesting by hiding treats underneath shredded newspaper. Combining various sized boxes into a fort is also likely to be a lot of fun for your cat!

Your vet Thousand Oaks, CA can provide you with more ideas to encourage your cat’s curiosity.

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Dogs have a unique smell, and unfortunately, that smell isn’t usually pleasant. What causes that wet dog smell anyway?

Dogs secrete natural oils that coat their fur. These oils keep their fur healthy and shiny, but they can build up, just like the oils on your head. That’s why you have to give your dog regular baths. If you don’t, he’s likely to stink.

Nothing activates those smelly oils like water! If your dog is out in the rain, splashes around in a puddle, or jumps in a pond, he’s definitely going to come back with that wet dog smell.

Dogs are definitely not the cleanest creatures either, which means your dog could play around in the dirt and mud and come inside all filthy and smelly.

Regular grooming is the key to keeping that smell at bay. Your vet Thousand Oaks, CA can prov ... Read more »

When it comes to keeping your Pug dry and warm you may find that buying a blanket from the pet store is not as easy as it looks. Your vet can help you when it comes to choosing the right style and fit of a blanket. For instance, one of the main things you will need to know when searching for the right blanket or sheet is whether you should be looking for something that is water proof, water resistant or water repellent. Water resistant offers the lowest level of protection against water entering through the blanket. Water repellent simply means the blanket repels water, but it does not completely keep it out. Water proof is the highest level of protection against water in that it does not allow water to penetrate the blanket layers and will keep your Pug dry. Talk to your veterinarian Greenwood, IN if you need further assistance.

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