The Pet Vet Ally

14/12/2020

Did you know that approximately 59% of 🐈 and 55% of 🐶 are considered to be overweight or obese? Did you know that there is a whole website and association dedicated to increasing awareness and providing helpful tips on pet obesity prevention? Check out www.petobesityprevention.org

With that being said, let's chat about how your determines if your pet is overweight. They look at a few areas of the body - the hips, waist, and ribs - to determine a body condition score (BCS). An ideal BCS:
1. allows the ribs to be easily palpated
2. has an hourglass figure when looking above
3. has a slight upward slow of the tummy as it goes back to meet the back legs

(Swipe right to see the charts that we were taught in through our careers - we have been taught to score animals on a scale of 1-9)

While a body condition score is great for helping you determine if your pet is overweight, its not the only piece of information that is needed! First, and perhaps foremost, you MUST know how many calories your pet should recieve. There are many formulas, but the one I use the most is:

[body weight (kilograms) x 30] + 70 = Kcals/day

If you know your pet's weight in pounds, then just divide the pounds by 2.2 to get the kilogram weight. Using the back of the bag or can is great, but those have been formulated for pets in general and for animals that are unaltered (not spayed or neutered).

The BCS chart is helpful because it can help you determine how much food to restrict or add based on where your pet falls on the chart. For every 1 point your pet is away from the ideal number of 5, that pet is either 10% over or underweight (depending on the side of the 5 they fall one). (We will talk more on the next post this!!!! And how it can help you determine how many calories your pet may need to lose weight!!!)

Our are at increased risk of , , when overweight or obese. So, pay attention to the next few posts as we talk about how to help lose the weight or gain the weight!

04/12/2020

🎶 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 🎶I 😍😍time of year! The time of peaceful snow, twinkle lights, hot cocoa, and time to celebrate the . As you prepare your home this year, let's chat about some ways to make it safe for your pet:

🎄 Choose artificial over a real tree; not only can they be a 🔥hazard if they aren't properly watered, but the sap and pine needles can be irritating to you pet's mouth if they chew on them.
🎄Regardless of the tree you choose, make sure that it is stable. Cats and dogs could potential topple over the tree 😨 and injure you or themselves 🤕
🎄Garland & Tinsel - Just skip it. Period. Or if you must, make sure that the pet's can't get too it. Same goes for ribbon. It doesn't quite look as beautiful when it has to be removed from your pet's gut 😕
🎄Considering decorating with plants? or giving a plant? According to the Animal Poison Control center, Christmas cactus are non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. These plants have a bright red flower and don't have the spines like a regular 🌵. Please don't grab that poinsettia!! Consider this option instead! 😁 (Also, if you're anything like me and don't have a green thumb, it might be easier to take care of as well!)
🎄Ornaments - Plastic or natural fibers please. Skip the glass. Even though they are very beautiful!! The hurt to step on and probably don't feel good when 💩 out. Glass can potentially lead to serious consequences if ingested by your pet.
🐶 Lastly - consider training your pet to stay away from the tree. Provide positive reinforcement rather than punishment if they seem to be interested in the tree or other holiday decorations! To do this, every time they walk by the tree uninterested reward them. Or if you have the "leave it" command, use that!

💛 ThePetVetAlly

24/11/2020

Winter is fast approaching!!! 😱 And many places have already had their first snow!! According to and , these are some of the common winter illnesses your pet may face:

1. Hypothermia (too cold of a body temperature)
2. Frostbite
3. Anti-freeze poisoning
4. Houseplant poisoning (i.e. lilies, poinsettias, palm sago plants)
5. Vechile accidents

How can you prevent them??
1. Only allow your pet outside for the period of time that you, yourself, can tolerate.
2. If you are walking your pet - consider short walks, also consider placing petroleum jelly on their pads or booties to help prevent against irritation from icemelt. Also, consider purchasing pet-safe icemelt to protect your follow pet neighbors!! 🤗
3. Make sure your garage floor and drive-way is clean! Pick up spills right away!
4. Consider not purchasing these plants or giving them as gifts.
5. Make sure your pet has a florescent jacket or collar. It's getting dark out earlier and this might save BOTH YOU AND YOUR PET!!

23/11/2020

Does your pet HATE getting medication in pill form?

Tip - consider placing the pill in a clear capsule (found on amazon in various sizes). 🎶 Helps the medicine go down-wown, the medicine go down 🎶 😆

21/11/2020