Tag Archives: canine diet

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Your Pet’s Nutrition

Everyone knows that nutrition is essential for a healthy life. That’s as true for your pet as it is for you. As it turns out, the kind of nutrients that your pet needs are largely the same as the ones you do! Below, your Roanoke, VA veterinarian elaborates on the basic elements of your pet’s nutritional needs.

Protein

Protein is extremely important for your dog or cat because it’s the basic building block for every bodily tissue. Diets made for puppies and kittens tend to be very high in protein, since young pets need a lot of protein as their muscles and tissues develop. Pregnant mother pets are also sometimes prescribed a high-protein diet, as the extra boost of protein can help them deliver their litters safely.

Carbs

Your pet’s digestive system breaks down carbohydrates from food into glucose, a simple sugar that acts as the fuel for your pet’s body. So, carbohydrates provide energy for just about everything your pet does. That’s why most pet foods contain things like potatoes and rice—these kind of high-carbohydrate foods are great for providing energy and keeping your pet going.

It’s also worth noting that fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is another important nutrient that your pet needs. It slows the absorption level of sugar into your pet’s bloodstream, thereby regulating glucose levels. Fiber also helps your pet to feel full after they’ve eaten, which is why many weight-loss diets contain a lot of fiber.

Fats

It’s easy to think of fat as exclusively a bad thing, but that’s not true. In fact, your pet needs the right amount of healthy fats in their diet, just like you do. Fat provides your pet with energy. Plus, the fat that your pet’s body doesn’t use right away is stored as a reserve and used when your pet needs it. Pets that are more high-activity, such as a working farm dog, will need more fat in the diet than pets who are low-key by comparison.

Vitamins and Minerals

Don’t forget that your pet also needs the right vitamins and minerals, plus fatty acids and amino acids, for good health. Make sure that your pet’s diet contains the right vitamins and minerals for their needs—check with your veterinarian about your pet’s current food to make sure it’s up to par.

Do you have questions about your pet’s nutrition? Contact your Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic.

Dog Care, General Care

Coat Care Tips for Your Dog

Our canine companions aren’t quite as good at grooming themselves as our feline friends are. It’s up to you to make sure your dog’s coat of fur stays in tip-top shape! To keep your dog’s coat healthy and pristine, use these tips from a Roanoke, VA veterinarian.

High-Quality Diet

One of the easiest but most effective ways to keep your dog’s coat in top form is by feeding them a high-quality, well-balanced diet. Your dog’s skin and fur will remain healthy and moisturized when he receives the proper nutrients through food, and shedding will be kept to a minimum. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on a diet choice that suits your dog’s age, weight, and breed.

Brushing

At home, brushing your dog on a daily basis is one of the best ways to ensure that the coat stays healthy; it’s particularly important for dogs with longer hair. Brushing does many things: for one, it removes loose and dead fur from the coat, and it helps to pick up grime from the skin. Plus, brushing spreads natural skin oils through your dog’s fur, effectively moisturizing it and cutting down on shedding in the long run. Choose a brush and bristle type that will work best on your dog’s coat; ask your vet if you need help.

Bathing

The occasional bath is also effective for maintaining your dog’s coat quality. Plus, it helps your dog smell their absolute best! Always use a canine-formulated shampoo, as human shampoo isn’t made for use on your dog’s sensitive skin. Additionally, be sure not to bathe Fido too frequently. Bathing too often can actually backfire, drying out the skin and fur and resulting in an increase in shedding.
If you would like to know how often your beloved pet could use a bath, contact your vet’s office to learn more.

Pest Prevention Tips

Pests like fleas and ticks can wreak havoc on your dog’s coat of fur, even resulting in hair loss, bald patches, and painful scabs under the hair. Keep your dog on high-quality pest preventatives to avoid the issue entirely. Most dogs will do well with a flea-and-tick medication and a heartworm preventative to keep all pesky critters at bay. If your dog isn’t already set up with these medications, contact your vet’s office.

Would you like even more great tips for keeping your dog’s coat healthy? Call your Roanoke, VA animal hospital!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Senior Dog Care Tips

Did you know that big dogs age more quickly than small dogs? Large breeds can become seniors as early as age six, while little pooches may not enter their golden years until age nine or even older. However, no matter what type of dog you have, his needs will change a bit as he ages. Read on as a Troutville, VA vet lists some great senior dog care tips.

Senior-Friendly Products

We strongly recommend getting your canine buddy a good, high-quality doggy bed, so he can sleep comfortably at night. Fido may also appreciate elevated doggy dishes, which will be easier for him to eat from than bowls on the floor.

Good Food

Proper nutrition is always important, but it’s particularly crucial to older pets. Be sure to feed your pooch a high-quality senior pet food. Snacks are fine, but don’t go overboard with fatty treats.

Proper Exercise

While your four-legged buddy will definitely slow down as he ages, he will still need regular activity. You may find that taking a slow, relaxing walk with your furry best friend is a great way to wind down after a long day at work!

Regular Veterinary Care

One of the best things you can do for Fido in his old age is to make sure he sees the vet regularly. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule. At home, watch for signs of illness, and contact your vet immediately if you notice anything unusual.

Pet Ramps

As your canine friend grows older, he may have a hard time climbing on and off the couch, or getting in and out of the car. Pet ramps or stairs will help Fido get around more easily.

Pain Management

It isn’t uncommon for dogs to develop medical issues, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, in their senior years. Ask your vet for specific advice on your furry pal’s care needs. For instance, Fido may really benefit from certain supplements, pet massage, or pain management treatments.

Nail Care

Overgrown nails are very uncomfortable for Man’s Best Friend! Fido may change his stride to compensate. Over time, this will strain your pup’s bones and joints, and can contribute to painful bone/joint issues, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Keep your furry friend’s claws trimmed!

Please reach out to us, your Troutville, VA pet hospital, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!