Pet Ownership

Owning a pet is a privilege, but the benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.

1) Avoid impulse decisions when selecting a pet.

2) Select a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle.

 3) Keep only the type and number on pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.

4) Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet(s).

5) Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money.

6) Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, preventive care, etc) as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.

7) Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.

8) Properly socialize and train your pet.

9) Limit your pet's reproduction through spay/neuter, containment, or managed breeding.

10) Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.

11) Make sure your pet is properly identified (tags and microchip).

FortiFlora: Nutritional Supplement for Cats & Dogs

  

Intestinal problems are one of the most common reasons dogs and cats are brought to their veterinarians.  The normal intestinal tract of dogs and cats is home to thousands of different types of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful.  In a healthy intestine, these bacteria are in balance.  

In many cases of loose stools, the normal balance of bacteria in the intestine is upset.  One way to help re-establish a normal intestinal balance is to feed a nutritional supplement containing a probiotic.  Probioltics are live beneficial bacteria that promote intestinal balance.  

FortiFlora

FortiFlora is a nutritional supplement made for dogs and cats and has been formulated to promote intestinal health and balance.  FortiFlora works by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria, which help to protect the intestine from harmful bacteria and pathogens.  FortiFlora also promotes a healthy immune system.  

Dietary Considerations

FortiFlora has been formulated to achieve the following characteristics:

• Contains a special strain of probiotic that has been proven to promote intestinal health and balance
• Contains a guaranteed amount of live active cultures
• Promotes a healthy immune system
• Contains high levels of antioxidant Vitamins A, E, and C
• Excellent palatability

How does FortiFlora work?
FortiFlora may help nutritionally manage dogs and cats with diarrhea in many situations, including:

• Stressful situations such as boarding or change in home environment
• Diet change or consumption of inappropriate foods
• Soft stool in puppies and kittens
• Antibiotic therapy 

 Sources:
http://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/default.aspx
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120606102710.htm  (picture)

Winter Pet Care Tips

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during the long winter months! 

Housing:
Provide proper shelter for your pets.  If yours is an indoor pet, make sure a bed or crate is kept in a warm, draft-free area.  If your pet is outdoors, you must provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter.  The house should be elevated enough that moisture cannot accumulate inside.  Provide a "door" to keep out the wind.  If the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring your pets inside.

Food and Water:
Staying warm requires extra calories.  Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet.  Clean, fresh water should always be available to your pet.  If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check the water frequently since it can freeze quickly. 

Frostbite:
Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat.  Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing.

Snow Removal Salt:
Some substances produced to melt ice and snow have a low to moderate toxicity to pets.  Read the labels and take necessary precautions.  Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet's and children's reach and be sure to remove any salt from your pet's paws immediately.

Anitfreeze:
A very small amount of antifreeze can be fatal to a pet.  Thoroughly clean up spills at once.  Keep containers closed tightly and store them where pets cannot get to them.

Napping Cats:
Cats sometimes climb onto vehicle engines for warmth.  Before starting your car, knock on the hood and honk the horn.  Even if your own cat does not have access to your vehicle, a neighbor's cat may have taken shelter there.

Sources:
Purina http://www.purina.com/
ASPCA http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/cold-weather-tips.aspx
 http://www.beirut.com/l/18978