Getting a dog? Consider these factors to make sure you're a match

(ARA) – There are plenty of cliche things that people say about dogs: that they’re man’s best friend, that they love you unconditionally and that behind those cold noses, there are warm hearts. But while dog owners might feel a bit silly about repeating those old chestnuts, they’ll also admit they’re absolutely true.

Before you get a dog, doing a bit of background research is important, but keep in mind that you also have a valuable resource right in your community – the local animal shelter. Shelter dogs are often the ones that are “invisible” – out of the public eye and therefore, out of mind as well. Best Friends Animal Society has created the “Invisible Dogs” campaign to call attention to the hundreds of thousands of very real, but unseen dogs hoping to be adopted from U.S. animal shelters, any of which might be right for your home.

Whether your household has one person or 10, a dog can fit right in, but not every dog fits with every home. At shelters across the country, the pet experts on the staff can help match you with an adoptable dog, based on your lifestyle and the dog’s personality and traits. Because you can meet shelter dogs before bringing them home, it’s easier to make the perfect puppy love connection.

When you’re ready to start looking for the right dog for you, consider these tips from Best Friends Animal Society and InvisibleDogs.org:

* Be honest about your lifestyle. Everyone has a different schedule, and dogs have schedules of their own. If you’re away from home a lot, consider dogs that have lower energy levels and minimal exercise demands. However, if you love to go for a run in the morning and a long stroll every evening, you might be a good match for a dog that has a bit more of a get-up-and-go demeanor.

* How much maintenance? Some dogs have wash-and-wear coats that don’t require grooming other than a nice bath every so often. Others will need to be combed and still others will need haircuts to keep their coat in check, or to be more comfortable in the summer heat. Opt for a dog with a coat that matches the level of dedication you’re ready to put into grooming, keeping in mind that it’s not too much of a hassle for any dog. Also remember that you’ll need to care for his toenails and teeth to keep him feeling his best.

* Find a personality match. Some dog owners like their pups to be right on their lap as much as possible, while others prefer a companion who is a little more independent. While breed can have some effect on this, it also largely depends on the individual dog. Meeting a dog at a shelter will let you spend a little time together to see if you’re a good combination.

Big or small, shaggy or sleek, the dog that’s right for you is out there waiting. With a bit of forethought and a few one-on-one meetings with available dogs, you’ll be well prepared to find the dog that will be the companion of a lifetime. And when you do, it won’t be long before you’re telling everyone that your dog really is your best friend. To learn more about helping adoptable dogs, go to www.invisibledogs.org.

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U.S. pets getting sicker; decline in vet visits blamed

(ARA) – When Michele Sebesto, of Staten Island, N.Y., adopted JC 10 years ago, she said the chihuahua was an invaluable source of comfort. As a New Yorker, she’d just gone through the 9/11 attacks, and the two developed a special bond. Unfortunately, JC had some minor but persistent health problems.

About twice a year, JC would get a urinary tract infection. During an annual preventive care appointment when JC was about 4, Sebesto’s veterinarian took an X-ray and made a startling discovery.

“When she showed me the X-ray, I couldn’t believe it. The kidney stone was the size of a grape, which is pretty big for a chihuahua,” Sebesto says. “My veterinarian did surgery to remove it, and I was pleasantly surprised at how fast JC bounced back.”

After the surgery, JC was put on a special diet, and the dog, now 10, sees the veterinarian for regular checkups and has been healthy and free of urinary tract infections since the surgery.

Unfortunately, Sebesto is part of a shrinking population in the United States. Recent studies show that while the number of pets in America is increasing, fewer pet owners are bringing their pets in for regular checkups, and this could be causing a rise in preventable diseases.

“Despite the ever-increasing emotional bond we have with our pets, research shows pets are getting less preventive health care,” says Dr. Rene A. Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “At the same time, illnesses that are totally preventable, such as dental infections, ear infections, diabetes, intestinal worms and heartworms, are increasing.”

Troubling trends
AVMA research shows that veterinary visits for cats and dogs have been on the decline for at least a decade. The average number of annual veterinary visits dropped between 2001 and 2006 from two visits a year for dogs to 1.5 and from one visit per year for cats to 0.7 visits, according to the AVMA’s 2007 U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook.

Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise that, while veterinary care appointments have been declining, incidents of pet diseases have increased. In particular, totally preventable diseases are on the increase. The Banfield Pet Hospital’s State of Pet Health 2011 Report found that since 2006 flea infestations were up in dogs by 16 percent and 12 percent in cats, diabetes increased 32 percent in dogs and 16 percent in cats, and hookworm infections in dogs were up 30 percent and 3.5 percent in cats.

An ounce of prevention
The vast majority of pet owners care deeply about their pet’s health, says Carlson. In fact 59 percent of dog owners and 53 percent of cat owners say they would, in fact, take their pets to the veterinarian more often if they thought it would help their pet live longer, according to the Veterinary Care Usage Study.

“This study shows us that pet owners really do care about their pet’s health and well-being, but they may not correlate the importance of regular checkups with maintaining health,” Carlson says. “Pet owners shouldn’t wait until a pet is sick to take it to the veterinarian, because pets, particularly cats, will often hide the symptoms of illness when they are sick. So your pet may be sick or in a great deal of pain and it would be very difficult for you to know.”

Pets – excluding tortoises and some exotic birds – have much shorter lifespans than humans, and, as a result, diseases can develop more quickly. An annual checkup for dogs and cats is like a person going to see their doctor once every seven years. What’s more, pets with existing health problems, like obesity, are at an even greater risk of developing a chronic condition.

“It is estimated that 40 percent of dogs and cats are obese. That’s 54 million dogs and cats. Obesity can result in life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis,” Dr. Carlson says. With so much information now available on the Internet, it is estimated that about 40 percent of pet owners turn to the Internet before their veterinarian for pet health care information. But are they getting the right information from credible sources?

“While some websites may provide valuable background information on diseases, many do not. And relying on what may be misinformation may delay the inevitable visit to the veterinarian. By the time the owner finally gives up on what might likely be incorrect information from an untrained source or advice from other pet owners in a chat room, the pet may be twice as sick or the cure may be many times more difficult or costly. Your pet’s veterinarian is the best source for advice on how you can keep your pets healthy, happy and with your family for a lifetime,” Carlson says.

Sebesto agrees.

“I think that when you own an animal, you have to make a commitment to provide them with veterinary care,” Sebesto says. “I take my dog into the veterinarian every year.”

For more information, visit www.avma.org/ounceofprevention.

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The dirty truth about fleas

(ARA) – When fleas are spotted in the home, it’s our pets that take the blame. But did you know that for every flea you see, there could be a much bigger problem hiding in the bedding, carpets, furniture and floorboards of your home? The truth is, flea eggs, maggot-like larvae and pupae represent 95 percent of a flea infestation, and they thrive not on your pet, but in the places your pet likes to snuggle – on the couch, under the porch, even in your bed.

A problem waiting to hatch
Within as little as eight weeks, just two fleas can produce up to 2,000 eggs. Your pet shakes these tiny white specs off himself and into your home where they quickly develop into maggot-like larvae and spin silken cocoons, becoming pupae. In their pupae stage, fleas can lay dormant for up to a year waiting for the right conditions to hatch into adults. That means, as long as you have eggs, larvae and pupae hiding in your home, you’re always at risk for a sudden, itchy infestation. Consider these uncomfortable facts from SentinelPet.com:

* The adult fleas a pet owner sees represent only 5 percent of the flea population. The other 95 percent – eggs, maggot-like larvae and pupae – hide in your home.

* A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day.

* Eggs hatch into maggot-like larvae in two to four days.

* Larvae are repelled by light and burrow into the fibers, cracks and crevasses of your home.

* In their cocoon stage, fleas can lie dormant in your home for up to a year.

Why infestations thrive
Most flea products only treat adult fleas. The eggs, larvae and pupae are allowed to thrive in your home, hatching into repeated adult infestations. Not only do many products fail to prevent an infestation, they also leave a sticky residue on your pet that can wash away, or rub off onto furniture, carpets and even children. To truly prevent an infestation, you must break the flea life cycle. And that means killing flea eggs and larvae before they become adults.

Break the cycle
The way to prevent a flea infestation is to rid your home of developing flea populations. That means making sure those flea eggs never develop into nasty maggot-like larvae. Many veterinarians prescribe an insect growth regulator to stop flea eggs from hatching. When female fleas feed on your pet’s blood, they’ll pass on potent killing power to their eggs and any existing larvae that feed on excreted blood. Products like SENTINEL (milbemycin oxime/lufenuron) Flavor Tabs even combine flea prevention with heartworm and internal parasite protection in one monthly tablet.

Before peak flea season hits, talk to your veterinarian about making sure your home isn’t playing host to a vicious flea infestation cycle. To locate a veterinarian or get more information on protecting your pet and family from parasites, visit www.SentinelPet.com.

Dogs must be tested for heartworm prior to use. In a small percentage of treated dogs, digestive, neurologic, and skin side effects may occur. Please see full product insert for more information.

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Your pet's health: debunking common myths

(ARA) – If you are a pet owner, your pet is a beloved member of your family. You buy treats and toys and sometimes even costumes to keep your pet happy and an integral part of the family. But, what about your pet’s health? In the midst of all the fun, it is vital that pet owners work with their veterinarians to keep their pets healthy.

Over the past decade, as the population of dog and cat owners has increased, the number of pets that are receiving proper veterinary care has seen an alarming decline. A two-phase study of pet owners and veterinarians, which was commissioned by Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division and conducted by Brakke Consulting in collaboration with the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues, assessed this disturbing trend.

Data from the Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study suggests that the decline in veterinary visits could be due to misconceptions pet owners have about their pet’s health. Below is a list of pet health myths along with facts that can help pet owners understand the importance of veterinary care:

* Myth: Annual wellness exams are unnecessary and do not help my pet.

Fact: The recent Bayer study found that 95 percent of veterinarians surveyed believe that companion animals – both dogs and cats – require at least one veterinary well-visit annually. Yet many owners think that their pets only need to go to the veterinarian for vaccinations or shots. During routine check-ups, veterinarians evaluate health status using a number of tools such as ear and eye checks, listening to the pet’s heart, X-rays and blood work. By using a range of medical techniques, veterinarians can catch conditions that, if undetected, can become costly-to-treat or chronic illnesses.

* Myth: All it takes is a click of the computer mouse and I can figure out what’s wrong with my pet.

Fact: All too often, pet owners look to the Internet for answers regarding their sick pet. According to the Bayer study, 39 percent of pet owners look online before consulting their veterinarian if the pet gets sick or injured. With the availability of online resources – some helpful and some not – pet owners are waiting too long to bring their pets in for care, and the pets are sicker than they would have been if the pet owner brought their pet in at the first sign of concern. The Internet can’t cure whatever issue your pet is having, and this delay could lead to costlier and more time intensive treatment.

* Myth: It is simply not as important to bring your cat to the vet as it is your dog, and the stress of taking the cat isn’t worth it.

Fact: Cat owners know all too well the challenge of putting a cat in a carrier and transporting it to the veterinarian, and the stress cats sometimes exhibit once you actually get them there. In the battle between cats and humans to get to the vet, cats are clearly winning. The Bayer study found that more than one-third of cats had not been to the veterinarian in the last year, missing out on necessary care.

With this in mind, many veterinarians are taking steps to create more “cat-friendly” areas in their clinics. For example, some veterinarians have separate entrances for cats, or quiet rooms away from dogs for cats and their owners.

* Myth: Older pets need less care than younger pets.

Fact: There is a perception that, since older pets require fewer vaccinations, they need less veterinary care. But, older animals are more susceptible to a range of chronic and costly illnesses like diabetes, cancer and arthritis. Much like humans, as pets age, they need frequent medical care and observation to ensure continued optimum health.

* Myth: I just need to bring my pet in when it is sick; the value of an annual wellness exam is not comparable to the cost of a visit.

Fact: Think about all the doctors you see during the year. From an ophthalmologist to a dentist to your internist or family doctor. For your pet, the veterinarian provides all these services. When your pet goes for an annual wellness exam, that veterinarian needs to play the role of every doctor a human would see. So, for every veterinarian visit, Fluffy or Fido is getting a full check up with the skills of a number of doctors combined into one.

In addition to these important facts, veterinarians are working to keep up with their clients increasing use of social media. Some veterinarians are integrating new marketing strategies and tools, including using Facebook and Twitter or texting to connect with pet owners.

“When looking at these myths and facts, it is important to remember that the life span of pets is much shorter than that of humans, so skipping out on the veterinary visit for even one year, is similar to a human skipping doctor visits for seven years,” said Sheldon Rubin, DVM and Oprah’s former veterinarian of 15 years. “With this in mind, it is imperative that pets get the healthcare they need to live long and healthy lives, and don’t go more than a year without seeing a veterinarian.”

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Include your pets in your evacuation and disaster planning

(ARA) – All too often when a disaster strikes, our four-legged friends are left to fend for themselves and sometimes end up lost, injured or killed. The best way to avoid this tragic scenario is to have a well-thought-out disaster plan that includes Fido, so you know where to go and what to take.

“Many public shelters that are set up for disaster victims don’t accept pets so you need to find out in advance which shelters or hotels along your evacuation route will accept animals,” says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “It is tragic, but people have actually died because they were ordered to evacuate a disaster area but stayed because they did not want to leave their pets.”

With so many different potential disasters, advance planning is the best way for everyone to survive a catastrophe and get their lives back to normal as soon as possible.

Fireman’s Fund offers the following tips to protect your pets in the event of a disaster:

1. Have a disaster plan

Put together a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians along your evacuation route and outside your area that might be able to shelter your pets in an emergency.

Talk to your vet, the local humane society or the local emergency management agency for information regarding community evacuation plans that include pets.

Make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets in the event you are not at home when a disaster strikes. And, plan where you will meet or how you will reach each other.

2. Make a grab-and-go disaster kit for your pets

Just as you should have a disaster kit for your family, containing important papers and other key items, you should prepare a similar kit for your pets. It should contain the following:

* Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container.
* Leashes, harnesses, crates and carriers for transporting your pet.
* A muzzle, if your pet requires one.
* Food and water for at least three days.
* Cat litter and litter box.
* Comfort toys.
* Recent photo of your pet in case you become separated.
* Name and phone number of your veterinarian.

3. If you must evacuate, take your pets

Be prepared to leave early; do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind.

Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification. Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet gets lost and you cannot be reached. And mark the crate or carrier with similar information.

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.

4. After the disaster

Once you return to your home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on a leash and other animals in their carriers.

Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their “new” surroundings. Be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems; if these persist, talk to your veterinarian.

“Planning for your pets ahead of time will relieve stress and help you and your family to focus on safety during and after a disaster,” says Munson. “Safety should be your primary consideration.”

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The perfect balance: Your healthy lifestyle benefits your pet, too

(ARA) – The connection between pets and owners is hard to quantify, but for many pet owners it comes down to wanting their dog to live as good a life as they, themselves, are living.

To help you make sure you’re giving your dog the very best in life, think of it as sharing a lifestyle – what’s good for you is also good for your dog. If you’re a couch potato, it’s likely that your dog will be as well. If you stay healthy and active, then your dog will have reason be healthy and active along with you. After all, they were born to play.

To give yourself and Fido a healthy-living makeover, start with these tips.

* Boost nutrition: We’ve long known the benefits of healthy eating, but convenience foods and mass-produced meals have made it easier to be lax about eating fresh foods that are beneficial to the body. Consider remodeling your refrigerator with foods that are good for you like local produce or fresh chicken from farms in your area. While the farmers market isn’t the most plausible place to get dog food, you can choose foods made from high-quality ingredients that meet all of your dog’s nutritive needs. Nutro Ultra food for dogs combines the perfect blend of nature’s finest ingredients to help keep your dog healthy, including lean proteins like farm-raised chicken and pasture-fed lamb for strong muscles, sun-ripened fruits and farm-grown vegetables packed with antioxidants for a strong immune system, and a mix of whole grains and natural sunflower oil for a radiant skin and coat. Visit UltraHolistic.com to learn more and take the Ultra Challenge to help you make the best choice for your dog.

* Get moving: According to a recent survey, thirty percent of dog owners are looking to increase the exercise their dog gets this year. Putting down the remote control to take a walk or a run has countless benefits, from building muscle to giving your mood a lift. And the benefits are the same for your dog, including the opportunity to manage weight in a healthy way. You’ll both see the positive effects if you make the effort.

If you’re not a fan of doing the same thing over and over, draw up a list of activities that you and your pet can do together. Put it on your refrigerator to give yourself inspiration at a moment’s notice. Add activities like hiking, playing catch at a local dog park and going to a nearby lake for a swim, or make a list of new neighborhoods you’d like to explore.

* Challenge yourself: It can be easier to get motivated when you have something to work toward, so set fitness and health goals for you and your dog. Remember that it can be more than an exercise checklist; include activities such as a family challenge to eat more fruits and vegetables, including “superfoods” that are nutrient-dense like blueberries, pomegranate and pumpkin. And – good news for your pet – your pooch can benefit from these superfoods as well. Ultra food for dogs includes nutrient-dense superfoods and high-quality proteins which keep your dog healthy and active at every age.

* Cut your stress: Pets and people get stressed out, and stress is increasingly recognized as having a negative effect on health. While some bad stress is unavoidable, do what you can to give yourself and your dog a bit of relaxation by spending time doing things you both enjoy.

Luckily for people, simply spending time with a pet is one way to de-stress – that’s something you can take advantage of every day. Also consider the stress-busting effects of giving yourself a little indulgence every now and again. You might want to allow yourself a favorite healthy dessert and give your pup a healthy treat of his own – you’ll both get to enjoy a tasty little “extra” that can put a smile on your face and a wag in his tail.

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Dogs encourage owners to get up, get out and get moving

(ARA) – Obesity rates are dramatically higher than a decade ago. Twelve states now have obesity rates of 30 percent or higher, according to a recent report by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With obesity a serious health threat, many families are on the lookout for ways to increase their physical activity levels. For families who own a dog, one helpful answer may be as close as their favorite furry friend. Walking and exercising with the family dog is an easy way to get moving, spend quality time together and get to know your neighbors.

“The simple act of taking daily walks with your dog provides great benefits for people, pets and communities,” says Dr. Sandra McCune, research manager for the Human-Animal Interaction Research Program at The Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition and co-editor of the newly released book “The Health Benefits of Dog Walking for People & Pets: Evidence and Case Studies.” “Studies show walking can lower the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, and may help combat obesity in both humans and pets. Walking a dog has also been shown to increase interaction among neighbors, fostering social cohesion. These are real, tangible benefits to having a pet.”

Dogs are effective motivators to get their owners moving, according to a survey conducted on behalf of the Petcare segment at Mars Inc., which includes such well-known pet brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas, Nutro, Royal Canin and Banfield. The survey found that nearly two-thirds of dog owners engage in exercise on a weekly basis because of their dog and that 29 percent of dog owners who engage in regular exercise other than walking do so because of their dog. The survey also found that dogs are the driving force behind two-thirds of the walks their owners take each week.

Walking with your dog is one of the most basic and accessible forms of exercise for you and your pet. It’s a low-cost, low-impact way for people to meet and sustain recommended levels of physical activity – a key driver of health. And it’s not just humans who benefit from getting out and about – an estimated 54 percent of dogs and cats in the U.S. are also overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Regular walks are an important part of keeping your dog healthy.

To spread the word about the benefits of regularly walking your dog, Mars Petcare’s The Power of Pets program is focusing its 2011 campaign on promoting dog walking as a gateway to increased physical activity. Launched in 2010 in partnership with local YMCAs in cities across the United States, The Power of Pets helps raise awareness about the health benefits of pet ownership. This community-focused initiative explores, celebrates and communicates the relationship between humans and pets, and the impact it can have on fostering healthier people and communities. For additional tips and information visit The Power of Pets at facebook.com/powerofpets.

To help you get moving and take advantage of the all that the season has to offer with your dog, consider these tips:

* While you don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to walk with your dog, make sure you have a comfortable harness and leash, and that your dog is trained to walk by your side.

* Before you set off on a walk or run, check the weather – heat stroke can be dangerous for you and your dog. Check that the pavement is not too hot for your dog’s paws and that you and your dog are well hydrated.

* If you and your pet are ready to bring your workout to the next level, take your dog on a run with hills or vary your speed to help increase your workout.

* Only run with breeds who can handle it. Many breeds are not meant to run for extended periods of time. If you’re looking for other ways to exercise with your dog, play a game like tag or Frisbee.

Before beginning any exercise routine, remember to always check with your doctor and your veterinarian. Then, get up, get out and get you, your family and your dog moving.

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Enjoy the warm weather with outdoor activities that come naturally to your pet

(ARA) – During the long, cold winter months, dogs are unable to enjoy the outdoor activities that put into use their natural senses to play, run and fetch. To protect themselves and their dogs from the frigid air, many dog owners avoid the outdoors – only bringing their pets outside for a brief walk, or to load them in and out of the car for appointments. Unfortunately this inactive way of living becomes the “norm” for dogs, and inhibits their intuitions as adventurous beings outdoors.

Now that warm weather is here, it’s time to hang up your coat, put away the paw-protecting booties, and bring your dog outdoors so he can enjoy real, natural living.

Here are a few ways you can help your dog rediscover their naturally active characters to help keep them healthy – you might just find that you belong outdoors, as well.

Take a hike
Though it provides slight exercise for your dog, going up and down the same set of stairs day in and day out isn’t exactly the kind of easy activity for which your dog’s body was built. Climbing stairs in one’s home does not provide enough exercise to get your dog’s heart rate going. In fact, your dog might give up on the stairs all together and stick to the main floor, as the scenery typically does not change since the last time he escalated those stairs. So, grab your leash, some water and a few treats and hit the trails. As you take in the new scenery and fresh air, your dog is able to enjoy his real, active lifestyle outdoors – not to mention, you both get a great workout as speed walking and running can help to increase your heart rate and shed extra pounds you may have accumulated during the winter months.

Play ball
Playing fetch in the living room can help your dog stay active and provides the opportunity for you both to play, however, how far are you actually able to throw before you knock over a lamp or the ball rolls under the couch? If your dog has the catching skills of a wide receiver, find a park or field to play fetch and help bring out your dog’s natural talents. Or, if you think your dog would likely sit on the sidelines, he might just need that open space to bring out the MVP in him. While you’re both enjoying the outdoors, you’ll be amazed at how quickly time flies, and how much fun you’re having bonding with your dog.

Be a social butterfly
While humans are able to interact at work, dinner or in other social settings during the winter, the social schedule of a dog seems to decrease as they are not able to frolic in the park for an afternoon. Instead, they are taken on brief walks a few times a day. Like humans, dogs like to interact with other beings, and they need that interaction to help them stay healthy and active. Help unleash the playfulness of your pup by bringing him to a local dog park. You’ll be all smiles as you watch your dog playing, running and communicating with other dogs. Just be sure you read up on the rules and guidelines for that specific dog park.

Eat right
When it comes to helping your dog live up to his full potential, what you feed your dog is just as important as the activities you do with him. In fact, while the activities mentioned above can only be enjoyed for a limited time when the weather is warm, providing your dog with food containing real and natural ingredients can be a year-round routine. Nutro Natural Choice dog food uses only high-quality ingredients like farm-raised chicken, deboned lamb, and whole brown rice with added vitamins and minerals – each targeting a specific need to deliver a visible difference in your dog’s health. Not to mention, Nutro Natural Choice dog food comes in multiple varieties to meet your dog’s breed size and life stage. For more information about a natural diet for your dog, go to www.nutro.com.

So, what are you waiting for? Get off the couch, grab your pooch and head for the door. While you’re taking in the sun’s rays you’ll also help your dog get back to the real activity they like to do – explore the great outdoors with you.

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Four steps for feeding your cat and dog

(NC)—A recent study conducted by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and Hill’s Pet Nutrition found that the most common advice veterinarians offer pet owners during routine examinations surrounds nutrition, weight loss and weight control.

By following these key steps you can help ensure your pet receives the right nutrients to help maintain a healthy weight for a happy and long life.

1. Consult with your veterinarian on the best feeding schedule/method. Examples include: free choice (making food available at all times); time-limited feeding (food is made available to your pet for a limited time); and meal feeding (a measured amount of food is made available to your pet at specific times each day).

2. Regularly weigh your pet and evaluate his or her physical condition every two to three weeks.

3. If appropriate, consider a designated light pet food, such as Hill’s Science Diet Light.

4. Have your veterinarian evaluate your pet’s physical condition every few months. For some pets, your veterinarian may suggest more frequent evaluations.

More tips about nutrition that can help your pet maintain a healthy weight can be found at

Hillspet.ca or facebook.com/ScienceDietCanada.

www.newscanada.com

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Dos & don'ts of pet nutrition

(NC)—As pets grow and develop from a puppy/kitten to an adult and then to a senior pet, pet owners need to ensure their pet’s nutritional needs are met throughout all stages of life. Consider the following list of DO’s and DON’Ts to help maintain optimal health of your pet:

DO

• Practice proper pet nutrition by considering your pet’s unique needs. Puppy/kitten, adult, weight loss and hairball care formula’s have all been specially formulated to meet specific nutritional needs of both dogs and cats in every life stage and for every lifestyle.

• Clean your pet’s bowl with soap and water often, since these bowls are a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Choose a high-quality food with the recommended daily allowance for your pet’s life stage, breed and size such as Iams ProActive Health. This line-up of pet foods are available in different formulas, which will meet the unique needs of different pets

DON’T

• Never feed your pet table scraps. Your pet will not only suffer from obesity and other health related issues, but it will also encourage begging and bad table manners

• Don’t over feed your pet. Follow portion guidelines included on pet food packaging. Check the product bag for this information to ensure pets receive the right amount of calories on a daily basis

For more pet nutrition information and tips, visit www.iams.ca.

www.newscanada.com

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