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Dog Food, You Can Get Better For Less

Dog Food, You Can Get Better For Less

puppy chow

Don’t be fooled by fancy photos, read the label and compare!

Unless you have been living under a rock you have noticed things are heating up in the pet food industry. Everywhere you look there’s an ad for pet food. Beneful, Friskies, Purina, Blue Buffalo etc. How do you decide what to feed your dog? What’s best? Are you paying more but getting less? [Read more…]

Senior Cats Special Needs

Senior Cats Special Needs. 

Just as human seniors may have special needs, so do senior cats.

Asenior cat special needs cat can be considered senior at ages 7-9 years and geriatric beyond that.

As your cat ages, the process can be accompanied by physical and behavioral changes. These changes may not be outwardly obvious. Their immune system can be weaker than that of a younger cat. Dehydration which is common in older cats can further diminish blood circulation and immunity. [Read more…]

Whisker Fatigue, Is Your Cat Suffering?

I feel as though I am pretty knowledgeable regarding cats. I’ve owned cats all my life whisker fatigue and your catand up until recently had never heard of Whisker Fatigue. I’ve always known that a cat’s whiskers are sensitive and help them determine if they can fit through or in something (whiskers are usually about as long as a cat is wide). But in researching the topic of Whisker Fatigue I learned some new things as well.

Most people know that a cat’s whiskers are thicker, longer hairs but did you know [Read more…]

New Years Resolutions for You and Your Pet

Is Your Dog or Cat Overweight ?

Resolve to Change it and they will live longer, healthier, happier lives.

 

an overweight dog would benefit from more physical activityOver 50% of U. S. pets are overweight . This can lead to a shorter lifespan, health problems as they age and difficulty walking with extra weight bearing down on their joints. Here are some simple ways to keep your dog or cat’s weight in check or help them to lose weight.

Measure your pet’s food at every meal. Look at the feeding guidelines of your pet’s food. They usually go by age and weight. This is a starting point only. Depending on overweight cat need to be on a feeding routinehow much daily activity your dog or cat gets you may need to add a little or subtract a little.

Feeding Routines are important!  Most cats and dogs will benefit by a twice a day feeding routine. Even cats can learn to eat when the food goes down. Leave the food down for 15 minutes only. If you pet is not actively eating after 15 minutes take the food up and don’t put it down till the next meal time. At each meal you feed them ½ of their daily your dog or cat can get overweight if you don't measure their food portions daily.requirement. If they don’t eat it all just add to it at the next feeding time to make a serving.

Do not be alarmed if your pet skips a few meals to start. When they get hungry enough they will eat. During the initial transition it is best to stay away from treats in between as these just add empty calories to your dog or cat’s diet and keep them from being hungry enough to eat the food which carries important nutrients.

Add activities to your pet’s daily routine.

A nice daily walk around the block with a daily walk would help your overweight dog burn calories.your dog or a 15 minute play session with your cat chasing a teaser will burn calories that will add up over a years time.

Make this new year the healthiest yet for you and your pet and you’ll enjoy many happy years together.

 

Terie Hansen, Professional Dog Trainer, Dog Walker, Pet Sitter & Owner at Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care-may be reached at 404-422-9832  www.gooddogcoaching.com

Good Dog Coaching & Pet Care specializes in professional dog walking, pet sitting and dog training.