#1: What are pet essential nutrients? 

Your pet’s diet should be complete and balanced for their life stage to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for proper body development and function. Some pets like young puppies or kittens may require more essential nutrients to support their growing bones. However, feeding your senior pet a puppy diet can be dangerous and result in an excess of nutrients like protein, which can cause metabolic or digestive problems. Your pet’s six essential nutrients are:

• Water —More than 60 percent of your pet’s body is water and it is vital to provide them with access to clean, fresh water. Pets who live in warmer climates or who are more active may require more water for proper hydration and body function. 
• Protein — Essential amino acids are the building blocks for protein and are a required component in your pet’s diet because their body is not able to make the necessary amounts. Protein is essential for cell growth, muscle repair and maintenance, and reproductive function. 
• Fat — Fat is a good source of energy and is essential for skin and coat health, vitamin absorption, and insulation. It is also a key component in the proper regulation of inflammatory responses. 
• Carbohydrates — Simple carbohydrates like glucose, and complex carbohydrates like fiber serve as a quick energy source and support intestinal tract health. 
• Vitamins — Your pet cannot make essential vitamins so vitamins must be provided as part of their diet to ensure proper chemical reactions in their tissues and cells. Vitamins A, C, and E are critical because of their antioxidant properties.
• Minerals — Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are important for bone and cartilage formation and support many metabolic functions.  

#2: What do I look for on a pet food label? 

The Association of the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established guidelines for pet food labels and balanced nutrition. Your pet’s food should be labeled complete and balanced which means it has either been through rigorous AAFCO feeding trials, or it contains all of the required nutrients needed to maintain their health. Pet foods that meet AAFCO standards will be labeled with the following:

• Product and brand name 
• Species 
• Quantity statement 
• Guaranteed analysis 
• Calorie content 
• Ingredients list 
• Nutritional adequacy statement 
• Feeding directions 
• Manufacturer name and contact information 

#3: How do I choose the right food for my pet? 

Your pet’s diet type, amount of food, and feeding frequency will change as they approach their grey muzzle years. While their nutritional needs will be variable, their diet should be specific for the following: 

• Life stage — Your pet’s diet should be formulated for their age or their life stage including lactation and gestation, growth stage, adult maintenance, and senior years. For example, senior pets may require more nutrients to support their bones and joints. 
• Climate —Pets who spend more time outdoors such as your exploring feline or canine exercise partner will need a more nutrient dense diet during colder months to ensure they have adequate insulation and can maintain their body weight. 
• Activity level —Your four-legged workout partner likely will require more calories than your couch-cuddling feline to ensure they have adequate energy and maintain a healthy body weight. 
• Medical condition — Food therapy is a common supplemental treatment and veterinary prescription diets are available to address a variety of medical concerns, including diabetes, kidney disease, and allergies. 

#4: How do I know how much to feed my pet? 

Your family veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s weight and nutritional needs during their preventive care examinations. AAFCO-approved diets will list calorie content per cup and daily recommended feeding instructions. Pet owners also can use this chart, which provides calorie range guidelines for your indoor pet. Pet obesity is an epidemic, and in 2018 the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention reported that approximately 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs were overweight or obese. Many pet owners use food and treats to show their pet affection, but too many treats can be dangerous and increase their risk for health problems such as arthritis and diabetes. Ensure that your pet’s treats do not make up more than 10 percent of their daily calorie intake.

#5: Should I feed my pet a grain-free or gluten-free diet?

The popularity of grain-free and gluten-free diets for humans has resulted in pet food companies creating similar products, and many pet owners wonder if their pets should be eating these limited ingredient diets. Gluten intolerance is rare in pets and feeding them a limited ingredient diet may result in a nutritional deficiency which can be harmful to overall organ and metabolic function. Recent research suggests that grain-free diets may be harmful to pets and may cause heart disease. 

If you have questions about your pet’s nutritional needs, please reach out to your family veterinarian. Call Animal Emergency Care if your pet gets into trouble after hours.#AECprevents

Sources:

https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/nutrition-center/choosing-best-dog-food

https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/nutritional-assessment-configuration/nutritional-assessment-introduction

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/dog-and-cat-foods

https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Nutrition-Label-USA-16_9.pdf

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/top-five-pet-food-questions

https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/articles/fluid-calculations-keeping-a-balance

The post Bone Appetit: 5 Common Pet Nutrition Questions Answered appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

What is salmon poisoning in pets? 

Salmon poisoning, which is also referred to as salmon poisoning disease (SPD), is an acute infectious disease affecting dogs and other canid species caused by a rickettsial bacteria found in parasitic flukes, or flatworms. This disease is found only in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. SPD is a misleading name because no toxin is involved in this disease. Rather, infection occurs when a dog ingests a raw trout, salmon, or Pacific salamander that contains flukes infected with the Neorickettsia helminthoeca rickettsial organism. SPD can be complicated when dogs are infected with a secondary bacterium, Neorickettsia elokominica, which may cause a less severe illness and is referred to as Elokomin fluke fever. Dog-to-dog transmission of these bacteria is rare. 

Salmon poisoning signs in pets

Dogs who ingest raw fish infected with fluke larvae that do not contain rickettsia bacteria may show minor gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhea. Dogs who are infected with the Elokomin fluke fever bacterium may experience a milder infection and enlarged lymph nodes. Your dog will usually show signs in 10 days if they ingest a fish containing flukes infected with the SPD bacterium, but infection signs may not be present for 33 days in some cases. Signs may include:

• Fever, followed by hypothermia
• Depression 
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• Nasal or eye discharge
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Seizures

Salmon poisoning diagnosis and treatment in pets

Bring your dog for immediate veterinary care if they have ingested a raw fish or have SPD signs because SPD is fatal in 90% of pets who do not receive treatment. However, dogs who receive immediate veterinary care have a good prognosis. Diagnostic tests including a fecal examination to look for fluke eggs, serologic tests, a DNA PCR test, and a lymph node cytology exam may be recommended to confirm a SPD diagnosis. Your veterinarian may recommend a complete blood count, electrolyte test, and serum biochemistry test to rule out any concurrent or underlying medical problems. Dogs who are infected will require antibiotics. Additional treatments may include:

• Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances 
• Gastrointestinal protectants
• Anti-nausea medication
• Specialized warming pads
• Deworming medication 
• Blood transfusions
• Specialized diet

Payment options for a pet’s salmon poisoning treatment

Pets undergoing SPD treatment may require an extended hospital stay and several checkups which can be expensive. Consider purchasing a health insurance plan like Trupanion when your dog is young to ensure funds are available for such long-term care. Trupanion can pay your veterinary clinic directly which eliminates the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Other financial options available to cover treatment costs include: 

• Care Credit — Care Credit offers specialized credit cards that can help delay interest payments.
• Scratch Pay — This service provides fast flexible payment options with variable interest rates depending on an individual’s credit. 
• Pet health savings account — Many financial institutions offer incentives for opening pet health savings accounts which ensure you have funds budgeted for your pet’s medical care.
• Short-term loans — These loans often have high interest rates but can be used as a last resort.

Salmon poisoning prevention in pets

Ensure you prevent your dog from consuming Pacific salamanders in addition to raw salmon, trout, steelhead, or similar freshwater fish. Secure your pet and closely monitor them when they are near or in any fresh water streams to prevent an accidental ingestion of infected fish. Additionally, prevent your dog from contacting any trash cans which may contain raw fish.  

Salmon disease poisoning is fatal without treatment. If you observe your dog ingesting raw fish or if they are showing SPD signs immediately bring them to Animal Emergency Care or call your family veterinarian. #AECprevents

Sources: 

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-dogs/salmon-poisoning-disease-and-elokomin-fluke-fever-in-dogs

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/rickettsial-diseases/salmon-poisoning-disease-and-elokomin-fluke-fever-in-animals

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952985

The post Something’s Fishy: Salmon Poisoning in Pets appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

What is obesity in pets?  

It can be challenging to recognize that your pet is overweight or obese, especially in extra fluffy or longhaired breeds. Obesity is a nutritional disease caused by an excessive amount of adipose or fat tissue accumulation in your pet’s body. In most cases a pet is considered obese when their body weight exceeds more than 15% of their ideal weight. A pet’s body type, activity level, genetics, and nutritional needs are factored into determining their ideal weight. Additionally, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has established an ideal weight range chart  that can be used to evaluate a pet’s obesity risk. As a general rule, you should be able to feel your pet’s ribs but not be able to see them or have to search for them if they are at an appropriate weight. During your preventive care visits, your family veterinarian will weigh your pet and assign them a body condition score (BCS) that is recorded in their medical record and used to determine if they are a healthy weight. 

Pet obesity disease risks and signs

Your pet’s excess weight can lead to an increased risk for numerous medical problems because of special fat proteins that are released and that can cause body inflammation. Common diseases associated with pet obesity include:

• Osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc disease — Excess weight causes increased stress on your pet’s joints and can exacerbate cartilage breakdown which leads to arthritis or back pain. Signs may include difficulty lying down, limping, muscle wasting, and decreased interest in playing.   
• Diabetes and insulin resistance — Inflammation caused by excess weight can result in a pet’s inability to process glucose properly, and this can lead to diabetes, a potentially life-threatening condition. Signs may include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, cloudy eyes, and chronic skin or urinary infections. 
• Kidney disease —High blood pressure is a consequence of obesity, and this can lead to decreased blood circulation to vital organs including the kidneys. Signs may include increased thirst, increased urination, dehydration, and weight loss. 
• Heart and lung disease — Excess fat along the chest and abdomen can cause pressure on the heart and lungs which can result in decreased oxygen levels. Signs may include increased panting and abnormal breathing. 
• Cancer — Like overweight humans, obese pets have an increased risk for certain cancers. Cancer signs are variable depending on the location and tumor type and may include decreased appetite, pain, non-healing wounds, lethargy, and weight loss. 

Pet obesity diagnosis and treatment 

Bring your pet in for a veterinary examination if you suspect they are obese, or if they are showing associated disease signs. Your veterinarian will perform a nose-to-tail examination which will include a weight and BCS evaluation. Diagnostic tests may include blood work to check for infection and overall organ health and a urinalysis to evaluate your pet’s bladder health and kidney function. Hormone tests also may be recommended to rule out underlying causes for your pet’s obesity such as hypothyroidism. Imaging such as X-rays may be recommended to examine your pet’s organs and joints. 

Treatments will be based on the underlying cause of your pet’s obesity. Pets with severe signs such as breathing or heart problems may require a hospital stay for oxygen therapy, monitoring, and required treatments. Your veterinarian will discuss a weight loss plan which may include specialized diets and an exercise program. 

Financial options for obesity treatments in pets

Pets who are on a weight loss program or who are undergoing treatment for diseases such as arthritis or diabetes may require a hospital stay and several veterinary check-ups which can result in a large veterinary bill. However, purchasing a pet health insurance plan like Trupanion can ensure funds are available for emergency treatments and long-term care. Trupanion can pay your veterinary clinic directly which eliminates the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Other financial options available to cover treatment costs include Care Credit, Scratch Pay, pet health savings accounts, and short-term loans. 

Pet obesity prevention 

Discuss with your veterinarian the best nutritional and exercise plan for your pet. Your pet’s daily calorie needs will be based on several factors including their breed and activity level, but this chart provides a range. Pets who maintain a healthy weight live more than two years longer than pets who are obese and have fewer medical problems. Obesity prevention tips include:

• Incorporating daily activity such as short, frequent walks into your pet’s routine
• Taking your pet for yearly or more frequent veterinary visits to monitor their weight and overall health
• Ensuring your pet’s treats make up no more than 10% of their total daily calories
• Using a measuring cup to ensure you are feeding your pet the correct amount of food
• Regularly checking your pet’s BCS with this chart to evaluate their weight in between veterinary visits

Bring your pet to your family veterinarian to discuss weight loss options and treatments for associated problems. If your pet develops obesity-related complications such as breathing problems or pain, Animal Emergency Care is available to help 24 hours a day. #AECprevents

The post Too Much of a Good Thing: The Pet Obesity Problem appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

Responsible pet ownership involves more than caring for your pet’s mental and physical health. Pets can have a drastic impact on the environment. From fast pet-fashion to plastic toys and supersized food bags, your pet’s supplies and actions can contribute to rising carbon emissions which negatively affect our ecosystem. Our Animal Emergency Care team describes five ways to help you reduce your pet’s carbon paw-print. 

#1: Get creative with your pet’s toys 

Providing your pet with ample toys to exercise their body and brain is a vital part of their overall health. Proper enrichment toys will ensure that your pudgy pooch or nap-loving feline moves their body daily which will help to combat the pet obesity problem. Additionally, toys are essential for preventing your cat from using your new couch as a scratching post or your canine friend from selecting your favorite shoes as their personal chew toy. However many commercially available pet toys are made from less-than-eco-friendly plastics and materials.

Fortunately, creative DIY methods can curb your pet’s boredom while reducing their carbon paw-print one pet toy at a time. Online shopping is a favorite pastime of many people and repurposing the seemingly endless cardboard boxes can make the perfect cat hideaway or playhouse. For some cats, no assembly is required other than placing their favorite blanket in a new cardboard box. Numerous household items such as towels, old socks, and empty milk jugs can be repurposed into new pet toys like the ones listed here. Other eco-friendly toy ideas include:

• Swapping your pet’s toys — Form a neighborhood pet toy swap—remember, always wash any used toys before giving them to your pet. 
• Buying recycled toys — Purchase new toys made from recycled, or sustainable materials.  
• Using home products — Make a cat toy from crumpled used paper or foil.
• Playing ball — Place tennis balls in a muffin tin for a homemade puzzle toy.

Remember to use caution if your pets have ever ingested or tried to swallow household items when deciding whether to make your pet toys.

#2: Help your pet to “go” greener 

Pet waste can be an environmental problem that can lead to disease spread or unwanted wildlife interactions. Additionally, the environmental impact of incorrect waste disposal can lead to water pollution and be detrimental to human and animal health. Properly cleaning up your pet’s waste will ensure you are not only a good neighbor, but also an environmental steward. For your canine pals or cats who like to walk on a leash, ensure you use recycled and biodegradable bags that do not contain microplastics. Instead of purchasing pet-waste disposal bags, consider repurposing plastic shopping bags to clean up your dog’s feces or dispose of your cat’s soiled litter. Environmentally friendly cat litters are also available so consider switching to one that uses wheat, corn cobs, alfalfa pellets, or recycled newspaper pellets. Some cats may not appreciate a sudden litter change so slowly incorporate the new eco-friendly litter with their current litter to ensure a smooth transition.

#3: Choose eco-friendly pet product packaging 

Caring for your pet requires a lot of supplies, toys, and food, which require packaging for transport and shipping. When possible choose products that use eco-friendly packaging which often contains post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. Paying attention to packing material will help decrease the amount of plastic pollution that fills our landfills and oceans. 

Many pet owners show their pets their love with endless treats or extra food at mealtime. Protect the environment—and your pet’s waistline—by not overfeeding them and the earth’s and your pet’s health will thank you. Additionally, ensure you recycle your pet’s empty aluminum food cans.

#4: Get thrifty when dressing your pet 

Many owners enjoy dressing their pet in a festive collar, outfit, or winter coat during outdoor activities to help prevent dangerous hypothermia. Fast fashion for people and pets may be easy on your wallet but is hard on the environment. In fact, more than 3,000 liters of water is required to produce one cotton shirt. Dress your pet for environmental success by following these eco-friendly fashion tips:

• Shop for secondhand pet clothes at local thrift stores or consignment stores. Many animal non-profits and rescues have pet-themed thrift stores which help fund their animal-saving efforts. 
• Start a neighborhood pet clothing exchange. Your pet’s puppy jacket could be a lifesaver for another family’s new pet. 
• Use old clothes or household material to hand sew a festive pet accessory or outfit. 
• Purchase sustainably made collars, clothes, and accessories.

#5: Spay or neuter your pet 

Each year, millions of unwanted pets end up in shelters or are euthanized. Spaying or neutering your pet prevents more than unwanted litters. These procedures also offer numerous health benefits to the environment because pet overpopulation leads to increased waste and harmful carbon emissions and sterilizing cats helps prevent feral cat colonies which can be detrimental to local wildlife.

At Animal Emergency Care, we are committed to helping our clients, their pets, and the environment. By doing our part, we can all ensure adequate resources are available for future generations of pets and pet owners. #AECprevents

The post 5 Ways to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Paw-Print appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.