Animal Nutrition
Proper animal nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of family pets, particularly dogs and cats. A well-balanced diet ensures that pets receive the necessary nutrients to maintain healthy skin and coat, strong bones, and robust immune systems. In my article below, I will explore the fundamentals of animal nutrition for dogs and cats, discuss how to identify nutritional needs, and provide guidance on finding and booking a clinical pet nutritionist for an online consultation.
Hot Weather Safety Tips For Dogs
We all enjoy spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but it’s important to remember that summer comes with its own set of hazards. To ensure you’re prepared for whatever hot weather comes your way this summer, here are some useful summer safety tips for dogs:
- Early-Summer Vet Visit: Schedule a vet checkup for your pets at the start of summer. Ensure they are tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication.
- Hydration and Shade: Provide plenty of fresh, clean water, especially during hot or humid weather, as pets can quickly become dehydrated. Ensure they have a shady spot to escape the sun, avoid over-exercising them, and keep them indoors during extreme heat.
- Overheating Symptoms: Recognize signs of overheating in pets, such as excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, weakness, stupor, or collapse. Other symptoms include seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and a body temperature over 104 degrees.
- No Parked Cars: Never leave pets alone in a parked vehicle. It can lead to fatal heat stroke and is illegal in several states.
- Special Care for Flat-Faced Pets: Pets with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more prone to heat stroke as they cannot pant effectively. Keep them, as well as elderly, overweight, and pets with heart or lung diseases, in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- Pool Safety: Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. If spending time near water, provide fresh water for your pet and prevent them from drinking pool, ocean, or lake water. Introduce them to water gradually, use flotation devices when on boats, and rinse off chlorine or salt after swimming.
- Window Safety: Keep unscreened windows and doors closed, and ensure adjustable screens are secure. Open windows pose a risk of falls for pets.
- Coat Care: Trim your dog’s longer hair but avoid shaving. Dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brush cats more frequently to help them manage heat. Use only pet-specific sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Hot Surfaces: Avoid letting dogs linger on hot asphalt as it can quickly heat their bodies and burn their paw pads. Limit walks during high temperatures.
- Herbicides and Insecticides: Use caution with yard chemicals. Keep pets away from treated areas until they are dry or properly watered. Store fertilizers out of reach, as they can cause stomach upset. Keep citronella candles, tiki torches, and insect coils away from pets.
- Garden Plants: Be mindful of what you plant in your garden. Identify potentially harmful plants and monitor pets outdoors, as even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset if ingested.
- Food and Drink Hazards: Stick to your pet’s regular diet and treats to avoid toxic or high-fat foods. Keep garbage out of reach and clean up any alcoholic beverage spills promptly to prevent pets from tasting them. Hire an animal nutritionist for a consultation, if you feel that your pet needs a diet nutrition boost.
- Fireworks: Never use fireworks around pets. Lit fireworks can cause severe burns or trauma, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Keep pets safe from loud noises in a quiet, sheltered, and escape-proof area of your home.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for both you and your furry friends.
Holistic Veterinary Medicine
Holistic Veterinary Medicine: A Comprehensive Approach to Animal Health.
Holistic veterinary medicine is an integrative approach to animal healthcare that considers the whole animal’s mind, body, and spirit, rather than focusing solely on the symptoms of disease. This practice emphasizes preventive care, natural treatments, and the interconnection of the animal’s physical and emotional well-being. Holistic veterinarians employ a variety of modalities, including conventional medicine, alternative therapies, and lifestyle modifications, to promote overall health and prevent illness.
June: Beat the Heat with a Frozen Treat!
by Samantha Henson, licensed clinical pet nutritionist and founder of Next Generation Pet Wellness.
Everyone needs a sweet (or savory) way to beat the heat in June, including our pets! These recipes are as easy as they come, just snag a silicone ice cube tray and the ingredients and you’re off to the races. Pet Nutrition In Summer.
Vet Telehealth vs Veterinary Telemedicine
As responsible pet parents, staying abreast of the latest available pet health and wellness care services available is important for ensuring the well-being of our furry companions. Recent strides in veterinary technology have revolutionized the way pet parents access essential veterinary services, making it more convenient than ever to provide optimal care for our beloved pets.
While the terms vet telehealth and veterinary telemedicine may seem interchangeable, it’s important to recognize that these two pet care services serve distinct purposes. Vet telehealth primarily focuses on providing advice and guidance related to a pet’s general health and wellness, whereas veterinary telemedicine mirrors an in-person veterinary visit, enabling veterinarians to diagnose conditions and prescribe medication remotely. In this guide, we’ll delve into the differences between these services and how pet parents can utilize them to support their furry friends effectively.
Distinguishing Between Vet Telehealth & Veterinary Telemedicine
Vet telehealth utilizes electronic communication methods, such as video calls, to provide pet parents with access to education, resources, and advice concerning their pet’s health. This service is invaluable for addressing various aspects of pet care, including nutritional planning, behavior and training consultations, emergency triage guidance, preventative care advice, and assistance with international or interstate travel planning. Conversely, veterinary telemedicine involves virtual consultations guided by state regulations, akin to traditional in-person veterinary visits. These consultations enable veterinarians to review a pet’s medical history, prescribe or adjust medications, discuss treatment options, order blood work and diagnostics, and address non-emergency health concerns. Additionally, telemedicine services can facilitate end-of-life or palliative care planning, offering pet parents compassionate support during difficult times.
Understanding Telemedicine for Dogs and Cats
Veterinary telemedicine services offer unparalleled flexibility for pet parents, allowing them to seek care for their pets from the comfort of their own homes. There are now many online platforms which utilize video consultations to address non-emergency pet issues, providing a stress-free alternative to traditional veterinary visits. During these video consultations, veterinarians discuss the pet’s health needs with the pet parent, offering diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and, when appropriate, prescription medication. Despite its convenience, telemedicine is intended solely for non-emergency pet issues. In cases of serious or life-threatening medical emergencies, prompt care should be sought at an emergency or urgent care clinic.
Understanding Telehealth for Dogs and Cats
Vet telehealth services offer unparalleled flexibility for pet parents, allowing them to seek care for their pets from the comfort of their own homes. Platforms like Petworks utilize video consultations to address non-emergency pet care services needs, such as private dog training sessions and consultations with animal nutritionists, providing a stress-free alternative to traditional vet visits.
The Future of Pet Telehealth and Animal Telemedicine in Veterinary Care
Telehealth and telemedicine services represent the future of veterinary care, offering numerous advantages that enhance accessibility, communication, and efficiency. By harnessing technology to access veterinary guidance and support, pet parents can save time, receive timely assistance, and strengthen their bond with their veterinary teams. As these technology-driven services continue to evolve and expand, it’s evident that they are here to stay, revolutionizing the way pet parents engage with veterinary care. By embracing telehealth and telemedicine, pet parents can take proactive steps towards safeguarding the health and well-being of their beloved pets, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve, whenever and wherever they need it.
