Myth or Fact: Raw Food Diet

 Myth or Fact:  A raw food diet is the most natural and, therefore, the best diet for cats and dogs.

MYTH. 

The Facts:
Raw diets may contain bacteria.

• Raw meat and poultry may be contaminated with harmful microorganisms, such as salmonella.

• Feeding raw meat to pets can expose them to bacteria, parasites and protozoa.

Preparing and feeding a raw diet can also expose your family to harmful organisms.

• Members of the household will also be exposed to the same bacteria, protozoa and parasites when you feed a diet containing raw meat to a cat or dog.

• These microorganisms pose greater risk to the young, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Salmonella was found in 80% raw diets and 30% of fecal samples from dogs fed raw diets.  

Bones as part of a raw diet can be hazardous to pets' health.

• Raw (and cooked) bones can fracture teeth.

• Jagged or sharp points can tear the esophagus, stomach or intestines.

• Fragments of bones may become lodged in gastrointestinal tract.

Raw diets may not be nutritionally balanced or complete.

• Diets made of mostly meat or poultry and bones may be lacking in important nutrients.

• Calcium deficiency is a common problem with these diets, which can lead to impaired growth, spontaneous fractures and loose teeth.

• Vitamin A toxicity can occur if large amounts of raw liver are fed.

Sources:
http://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/HealthAndNutrition/Myths/detail.aspx?name=RawFood

Valentine's Day Pet Safety Tips.

Valentine's Day brings many wonderful gifts from our loved ones.  However, some of  these gifts may be toxic to your pets.  Here's some friendly tips and reminders which items should be kept out of your pets reach.    



Chocolate.  Most seasoned pet owners know chocolate is toxic to dogs.  While all types of chocolate should be kept away from pets, baking chocolate has the highest level of toxicity.

Flowers.  Lilies are potentially fatal to cats.  If you are buying a bouquet for someone, request an arrangement without lilies.  Also with those sharp thorns, keep roses out of your pet's reach as well.     

Candy.  Many sugar-free candies and gums contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to pets, especially dogs if ingested.  It can cause vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and in severe cases, liver failure.    

Gifts.  Keep the ribbons and strings away from the pets.  These "fun-to-chew" items can be irresistible to cats, but if swallowed, can lodge in their throat or digestive track, causing him/her to choke or vomit. 










There are many ways that you can include your pets in your Valentine's Day celebrations.  Stop by the dog bakery for a special treat for your pooch or purchase a new toy for your kitty to treat your pets on Valentine's Day!  Or create a "Kissing Booth" like we did at SDMVC for a memorable photo op!  







Sources:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/valentines-day-tips.aspx

Ten Tips for Preventing Pet Behavior Problems

1. Set rules immediately and stick to them.

2. Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior.

3. Observe the pet and provide what it needs to be cared for and attended to. 

4. Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided individual attention and training, and restrict the pet's access to a limited area of the house until training is complete.

5. Encourage good behavior with praise and attention.

6. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives. (A toy for a slipper, scratching post for the sofa.)

7. Never physically punish or force compliance to commands. This may lead to fear biting or aggression. 

8. Don't play rough or encourage aggression or play biting.

9. Expose pets to people, animals, and environments where you want them to live.

10. See your veterinarian serious or unresolved behavior problems exist.

References: AAHA, www.healthypet.com