Skip to main content

Tag: healthy pet food

Overweight Pets: How To Help Yours Slim Down

Just like in humans, obesity in the animal kingdom can have similar unhealthy side-effects. Overweight pets can end up suffering from diabetes, heart and liver disease as well as joint pain. How can you tell if your pet is a bit on the pudgy side? Aside from hearing the prognosis from a vet, there are some tell-tale signs you should watch out for with your pet. In most pets you should be able to feel their spine and ribs when you press on them. (Feel, NOT SEE!) If you’ve identified that your fuzzy friend may be overweight, check out our tips to help your pet shed the pounds and live a longer, healthier life!

How To Help An Overweight Pet

  • Re-examine Your Pets Food – If you’ve tend to go for the cheaper pet foods be aware that they are often more difficult for your pet to digest the nutrients and have a higher fat content to account for the lack of flavor. Consider upgrading your pets food to a better quality with more protein! Ask your vet what food they recommend!

Overweight pets can live significantly shorter lives…

 

  • Exercise –  Just like with humans more activity equals health. Maybe you don’t have a lot of time to spend being active with your pet? Consider hiring a pet sitter to come and interact with your animal while you’re at work. Pet sitting and/or dog walking rates are usually very reasonable and it could mean a world of difference for your pet! In home pet sitting will mean that your pet will be encouraged to interact and play, instead of moping around waiting for you to come home! This improves their physical and emotional health!
  • Cut out scraps – Set a regular eating schedule for your pet that you don’t detour from it. Cut out feeding them scraps on the side and keep them out of the kitchen and dining area while the family is eating to prevent the temptation! Also be certain to not “over-reward” your pet with treats!
  • Rule out pre-existing conditions – Take your pet to a vet to rule out any pre-existing disease or conditions that may be causing your pets weight gain. Your pet may become overweight from lack of activity, but they may not be active because of arthritis or other painful conditions.

Still unsure what a healthy weight for your pet is? Click here to see a healthy weight chart for different popular breeds of cats and dogs!

Keep your pet from becoming overweight!

 

photo credit: <a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/trippchicago/2209634767/”>-Tripp-</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>cc</a>

photo credit: <a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/nivardus/5092564599/”>Nivardus</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/”>cc</a>

Common Health Problems in Beagles

In continuation with our focus on the top 10 breeds and their health problems, we have will continue today with the 3rd most popular breed in the United States… Beagles! The following health ailments listed are the most common occurrences in Beagles.

  • Cherry eye– Aptly titled because it resembles a cherry, the cherry eye results when the tissue that holds the tear gland becomes out of place and is visible. Because infection is highly likely if not taken care of as soon as possible, please call your vet and set-up an appointment to have it removed. Cherry eye can occur in Beagle puppies and adults.
  • Chondodysplasia, also known as ‘dwarfism’– This is caused by a very rare disease which causes the Beagle to remain very small, with deformed legs and joint pain. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are medications to ease the pain and discomfort.
  • Puppy pyoderma– a bacterial infection that is reminiscent of acne on the skin. This can be eliminated and controlled through medicated shampoo and antibiotics.

Other common health problems that result in Beagles, as well as several other popular breeds are:

  • Allergies
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Idiopathic epilepsy
  • Intervertebral disc disease

Since joint ailments often occur in older Beagles, check out our variety of joint supplements for canines, as well as our Wholistic Shark Cartilage, which is especially essential for adult dogs.

Although there is no focal point or cause as to why certain Beagles get ‘dwarfism,’ we can suggest that your adult female Beagle be supplemented during her pregnancy with our Wholistic Red Raspberry Leaves, which strengthens and tones the muscles of the pelvic region. Since Colostrum is known as ‘Mother’s First Milk,’ and is essential for protecting newborns against the onslaught of a harsh environment, we suggest our Wholistic Colostrum Powder. It provides your pet with an influx of immunity during stress, illness, and other minor causes of immune deficiency.

For other excellent holistic health supplements and remedies, treats, and dog breed gifts and collectibles, visit our Happy & Healthy Boutique.

Source: Beagles.net