vafnana | August 25, 2009
To be digested by cats and dogs, starches have to be well cooked to prevent fermentation in the large intestines if not well cooked this can cause diarrhea. Starches only provide energy. Sugars have no preventative or curative functions in cats or dogs. If used in excess, sugars can cause obesity and diabetes.
vafnana | August 23, 2009
Carbohydrates are molecules of carbon, oxygen & hydrogen that have chemical characteristics in common. Carbs are mostly vegetable with the exception of blood glucose, glycogen in the muscles and the liver, and milk lactose. All vegetables contain carbohydrates. Cats and Dogs can live without carbohydrates in their food, however carbs do improve the body’s functioning for energy, transit of food, and balancing bacteria flora from the fiber. A balanced diet is the best advice, just like humans!
vafnana | August 22, 2009
“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.”
Mark Twain
vafnana | August 10, 2009
for many pet owners, the question of what to feed your dog or cat is usually a wonder. Bonemeal tablets and vitamins are key to add for proper nutrition. Preparing diets for your pets can be no more difficult than preparing your own. A diet can include eggs, chicken, hamburg, potato, sardines, cottage cheese, rice, vegetable oil. Here is a sample recipe that supports a caloric intake of a 22 pound dog:
3 eggs large hard boiled, 3 cups potato, cooked with skin, 2 tablespoons sardines, canned, tomato sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt substitute, 4 bonemeal tablets, 1 multiple vitamin
vafnana | August 9, 2009
If you can’t decide between collie, shepherd, lab or poodle, get them all. Get the best of everything. Adopt a mutt! Please visit your local animal shelters.
vafnana | August 6, 2009
The best way to finding a good vet is by referrals, ask around. Once you have made the conclusion to visit one, assure yourself that conditions are good. Is the office clean? Is the receptionist courteous and knowledgeable? Do the vet’s office hours comply with your schedule? Is there reasonable order in the waiting room? Dogs on leash? Cats contained? Is the examining room and table clean? The next area of judgement is personality of the veterinarian. Is the doctor comfortable around your pet? Is there confidence displayed when handling your pet and is he/she gentle but firm? Don’t be afraid to ask about fees, most veterinarians will hand out written estimates if you ask. The best vets will recommend an annual checkup and ask owners to keep accurate observation and descriptions of symptoms that may occur, this is helpful for a quick diagnosis and effective treatment.
vafnana | August 3, 2009
A Doberman Pinscher came into our clinic the other day. The owner was there for a checkup because the dog was vomiting occasionally, diet hadn’t changed, up to date on fecals and vaccinations but was concerned that he occasionally chewed up things. Xrays were taken, eight golf balls were sitting on the bottom of his stomach! All eight were surgically removed and our dobie friend is back to normal. Tip: golf balls are not dog toys!
vafnana | July 29, 2009
just a little fyi, if you didn’t know. 42 teeth in dogs, 30 teeth in cats. dogs have few taste buds, cats have fewer and they cannot taste sweet flavors. When dogs and cats eat, they swallow their food without tasting it, the food reaches the stomach in chunks. Digestion is fast in the stomach. Transit time of digested food is 24-48 hours in dogs and 24-36 hours in cats.
vafnana | July 26, 2009
I heard this from a maltese breeder the other day. 15 drops of peppermint oil in a cup of water, mix well, spray on washcloth, do not spray on dog or cat. Rub onto the skin of belly, armpits and behind ears. This breeder swears that she hasn’t seen a flea or tick. If nothing else, your pet will smell minty fresh!
remy | July 22, 2009
fleas can be a real problem. the steps to be flea free: 1) treat your home by flea bombing and/or sprays, including rugs, linens, towels, throwing away vaccuum bags, etc. 2) the same day for treating the home, treat the animals with the products that are available but DO NOT USE COMBINATIONS OF PRODUCTS, this could be hazardous to your animal’s health. 3) treat your pet every month with a flea product. These three steps will ensure you will not have a flea problem, providing you do not come in contact with another animal with fleas or bring one in your home with fleas.
