Frame Your Pets - Info

(NC)—Like many finer things in life, pet owners might argue that their four-legged friends only get better with age. However, as pets grow older, their owners cannot ignore their changing needs.

“As animals mature, their bodies change,” says Dr. Clayton MacKay, Director of Veterinary Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada. “It’s up to the pet owner to help accommodate these changes. Even the smallest adjustments to a pet’s daily routine can make a world of difference.”

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Dr. MacKay highlights the following considerations to ensure mature pets age gracefully.

1. Sleeping areas: As pets grow older and become less mobile, consider where they sleep. If their bed is upstairs, perhaps move it downstairs before the hike becomes too difficult.

2. Car Trips: While in a moving car, balance becomes more difficult for pets over seven years old. Create a secure place in the back of the vehicle to ensure stability for them.

3. Feeding strategies: As pets age, their eating habits and dietary needs change. Some pets may become picky eaters as they mature due to a lost sense of taste and smell. Try feeding pets smaller meals more frequently. Adding warm water to food may also help stimulate their senses and improve appetite.

Many pet foods, such as Hill’s® Prescription Diet® and Science Diet® offer a variety of formulas specifically designed to give the right level of nutrition needed by your mature adult pets. Check with a veterinarian to see what feeding plan best suits your cat or dog.

4. Maintenance: Regular checkups with a veterinarian become increasingly important as a pet grows older. Schedule appointments in advance to ensure your pet is getting the proper care and medical attention they need. Regular checkups help prevent long term health issues and also aid in early detection of potential health problems.

5. Visitors: As pets mature, they may be less tolerant to strangers or visitors in the home. Create a comfortable place for your pet away from main areas of the house where people visit. This will keep both your pet and house guests happy and safe.

Talk to your vet to identify other lifestyle changes and nutrition plans that can be improved or modified to suit your pet’s specific needs. This will ensure your pets are happy and healthy as they enter their golden years.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Hey, it’s Eddie the Dalmatian fresh from a nap on the couch and ready to teach you another trick, but this one is a little tricky. Isn’t that right, Magnum?

“Actually as much as I want to pick on you on this one, being able to capture your pet’s personality in a photo is not always that easy. What does your pet do that shows it’s individual personality? It could be something as simple as sleeping wrapped in a blanket or as difficult as a facial expression that only happens once in a while.”

Magnum hacks up the odd hairball. While that may not be the best subject for a photo, she doesn’t do it on cue.

“Thanks a lot, Sir Spots-a-lot.”

Yogi is sort of on the other end of the scale. She’ll sit or stand with a toy in her mouth and actually wait for you to get the perfect shot of her, but not all pets are so cooperative. Yogi is a natural poser, and when it comes to getting a more natural photo of your pet, capturing something representative of their personality gives you a more natural photo.

“Eddie actually smiles. It looks a little like a snarl, but it’s a smile, but he doesn’t always do it. I think it’s because he’s not always that happy.”

That’s enough out of you!

So remember, for a fun photo of your pet, try to catch a part of their personality. It’ll be fun for both of you!

Check your inbox in a few days for trick #7, which will give you some time to practice today’s trick.

I hope you are finding our tricks easy and are able to master them quickly. Write me at eddie@frameyourpets.com to let me know.

You can also write to Yogi or Magnum as well. They look forward to your comments and suggestions.

You can also visit my blog at: http://bengelonlinestore.blogspot.com/ where you’ll find updates on what we’ve all been doing along with photos, polls and and other fun stuff!

Copyright 2008 - Bengel Publishing Inc.
Source: www.frameyourpets.com

(NC)—With so many technological advances springing up each and every day, today’s generation seems to be longing for a more simple way of life; the healthier way of life. Many people are choosing to buy environmentally-friendly products; they are walking instead of driving and looking for healthy and natural ingredients instead of processed foods.

“The nutritional benefits to eating purely natural foods are not only good for humans, but also for pets,” says Senani Ratnayake, registered veterinary technician, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada. “The physical consequences humans deal with when eating processed foods, such as high cholesterol, obesity, kidney problems and more, are also the same for pets. Owners need to do their research and ensure they are feeing their cats and dogs healthy and balanced diets.”

Many pet foods claim to be healthy and natural, yet very few meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. According to AAFCO, the term “natural” requires a pet food to consist of only natural ingredients without chemical alterations.

Nature’s Best, from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, is the first and only natural pet food clinically proven to provide complete and balanced nutrition for both cats and dogs.

All-natural pet foods that meet the AAFCO standards ensure cats and dogs receive the essential nutritional elements they need on a daily basis in the most natural way possible. Feeding pets all-natural meats, fruits, vegetables and grains is the only way to guarantee they are receiving the proper nourishment they need, while at the same time providing peace of mind for their owners.

“Natural pet foods, like Nature’s Best, provide a complete and balanced nutritional diet that supports a healthy immune system and helps maintain kidney, bladder health and much more,” adds Senani Ratnayake.

Pet owners love their cats and dogs, value them as part of their family and want to do what’s best for them. Feeding them an all-natural pet food is one way for owners to know that they are doing everything possible to ensure their furry friends live a long and healthy life.

Source: www.newscanada.com

(NC)—Canine obesity is a common problem. According to a survey of Canadian veterinarians, it affects 56 per cent of the dogs they see in their clinics. If your dog carries five to 19 percent extra weight above the ideal weight for his breed, age, gender and build he is overweight. Not only can excess weight reduce your dog’s quality of life but it can also shorten his lifespan. Research has shown that lean or optimal-weight pets may live on average up to two years longer than overweight pets.

A contributing factor to doggy obesity is too much food. Does your dog have food in his dish 24/7? Do you sometimes forget to measure the amount of food you serve him? Do you pass your dinner leftovers to him under the table? Does he often get extra treats?

While you may think you’re treating your dog, you may be causing him to add extra kilos which can hurt his health in the long run.

Like people, dogs need set meal times and portion control. Control the amount of food your dog gets at mealtime and only feed your dog at set times. If you aren’t sure how many times a day to feed your dog, talk to your veterinarian about what is appropriate.

And, rather than treating your dog with snacks, try other tactics like playing in the yard, teaching him to catch and retrieve a ball, extra cuddles on the couch, or a good brushing. It may be hard to resist those big eyes, but you can do it!

For more weight management tips and help assessing if your dog is carrying extra kilos, visit www.ismydogoverweight.com. Helping your dog maintain his target weight will make for a happier and healthier pooch. Let’s eat to that!

Source: www.newscanada.com

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(NC)—With Canadians becoming more and more health-conscious, it’s only obvious that concerned pet owners would start to place the same emphasis on their pets eating and lifestyle habits, as they do for the rest of the family.

Like children, pets learn by example. But, it’s the pet owners’ responsibility to teach their pets healthy eating habits – they can’t feed themselves after all.

Registered veterinary technician, Senani Ratnayake provides the following tips to help get the whole family eating properly:

• Keep treats to a minimum. Instead of rewarding good behaviour with food, go for a walk or play a game with your pet. Treats are okay here and there, but try to provide a healthier alternative.

• Don’t forget about portion control! Even if it is healthy food, the amount of food consumed is equally important for animals as it is for humans. Ask your vet what the recommended serving size is for your pet.

• Purchase food made with the best natural ingredients. Meats, fruits, vegetables and grains free from chemical alterations help the whole family stay healthy and live longer.

When planning health conscious meals for the entire family – including the four legged friends, it’s important to understand wholesome, natural ingredients make for healthy food and therefore a healthy life. But, with so many choices out there, how does a pet owner select the best natural pet food? The answer, look for foods that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. According to AAFCO, the term “natural” requires a pet food to consist of only natural ingredients without chemical alterations, like Nature’s Best, the newest product from Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

“Like people, pets also love natural, wholesome ingredients that taste great and keep them healthy,” says Senani Ratnayake. “The right natural pet food is gentle on their stomachs, helps maintain kidney and bladder health, provides balanced nutrition and supports a healthy immune system.”

Feed your pets as you would feed the rest of your family. Be sure to read labels and follow recommendations from your veterinarian to ensure your furry friends are getting the best that nature has to offer.

Source: www.newscanada.com