Articles
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When the digestive tract is upset, vomiting and diarrhea may result. Since the causes of these symptoms are varied, it's best to consult a veterinarian. Often, a gastrointestinal (GI) diet is recommended to support the digestive tract and ensure the gut gets the nutrients it needs to recover. A bland diet of cooked chicken and rice might be recommended, but it has several limitations and is not appropriate for long-term feeding.
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Pet owners can greatly improve the quality of life for their dogs with osteoarthritis through nutrition. Key steps to managing inflammation and joint pain include managing daily calorie intake and increasing fat metabolism through controlled physical rehabilitation.
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The journey to a more ideal weight is not always easy. This handout discusses how many factors play a role, such as feeding management, portion control, and exercise, and how nutrition is critical to help pets lose weight safely.
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Managing the nutritional needs of an older, less active dog requires more than simply reducing food intake. This article explains how veterinarians assess the causes of inactivity, recommend appropriate diets, and guide weight-management strategies for individual cats. It also reviews the role of treats, activity, and regular weight monitoring.
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This handout discusses the risks and benefits of feeding commercially prepared fresh, whole-food diets, as well as home-prepared recipes for your cat or dog. Topics highlighted include food safety, nutritional imbalances, and the need to ensure that any diet has been well-researched for nutritional safety and completeness.
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Feeding your dog the appropriate amount of a well-balanced diet is vital to their overall health and well-being. Each dog has unique nutrition needs, dependent on individual preferences and activity levels. In addition, nutritional requirements and dietary preferences change over the course of the dog's lifetime.
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Despite requiring more energy daily than smaller dogs, large/giant breed dogs need fewer calories per unit of body weight (kcal/lb) per day. They also have a more sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Recommendations are included for selecting an appropriate diet and feeding management for a large or giant breed dog.
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Despite their size, toy/small dogs require more energy per unit of body weight (kcal/lb) per day and require nutrient-dense foods to consume adequate calories. This handout provides guidance on how to feed your toy/small dog to ensure optimal growth, health, and body condition.
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In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. Almost 60% of domestic dogs are overweight. Scientific evidence now shows that fat tissue is not benign; it actively secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress, both of which contribute to increased risks for several diseases, as well as a decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, inflammatory condition means regular veterinary assessments and strict attention to portion control.
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Some over-the-counter human medications can be used for common ailments in dogs, but you must consult your veterinarian before using them to determine the correct dose and to ensure they will not interact with other medications your dog is taking. Some medications are toxic. If the condition you are treating does not respond to treatment, contact your veterinarian.