Diabetic Doggy

Diabetic dogs usually require insulin on a daily basis. In many cases your dog’s diet does not have to change, and your dog may be fed the same food that it has always eaten. The food, however, has to be the same amount of the same type of food, at the same time every day. Establishing and maintaining a routine is important as this routine is vital to stabilising your dog’s insulin levels. If it is proving really difficult to stabilise your dog’s insulin levels, or if your pooch is overweight, then consult with your vet so that he/she may prescribe a special diet to help avoid any fluctuations in your dog’s blood sugar levels and to ensure that your dog’s weight stays down as to prevent any further serious health issues. A good relationship with your vet is important in this instance as to ensure that your pet is provided with a healthy approach to this disease. Your pet will then still be able to live a full and happy life.

Fat Cat!

Cats are prone to putting on a few kilograms, especially as they get older and less active. It is very important that you monitor your cat’s weight as obesity may lead to diabetes, heart and respiratory conditions and bladder or kidney problems, but to name a few health concerns. It may be difficult to know whether your cat is overweight or not. Regular assessment by your vet is recommended, but to check your cat’s weight at home simply run your hands around your cat’s flanks and abdomen. You should be able to feel (not see) the ribs easily, without a heavy layer of fat. Also, the waistline behind the ribs should be visible when looking down, from above. To bring weight down and maintain health, cut out kitty treats and snacks, cut down food intake, and avoid a ‘crash diet’. Exercise is vital too! So ensure that your cat lives a long and healthy life and implement these very easy steps. It will do your cat the world of good.

An Ode to Astrid

When I got to my dear friend’s house yesterday I was greeted with some very sad news. His rusty-coloured, loyal Doberman, Astrid, suffered a heart attack on the beach, while he was walking her! The news made my ears sing loudly. I really grew fond of that pooch! She was never particularly aware of her size and as a result she would attempt to climb on my lap or sit, with only one bum-cheek, on the couch trying to avoid being told to ‘get off!’ by looking inconspicuous and watching the TV with much interest. I think her presence will be sorely missed this summer season, void of Astrid snapping at the water splashes we make while playing in the pool on a warm summer’s day. She wasn’t always the brightest of dogs, but she loved us enough to thwart a number of attempted burglaries and she only ever greeted us with affection – ALWAYS happy to see us! My friend and I agreed that the beach was the best place for her to have her last experience on this earth. She loved chasing the gulls and snapping at the waves. R.I.P Astrid xoxo

Travelling Feline

Travelling with your cat is usually a major undertaking! Cats tend to be most at ease in their own homes, surrounded by familiar litter boxes and food bowls. So maybe you should consider leaving them at home, with a house-sitter. A trusted house-sitter can clean your cat’s litter box and ensure fresh food and water on a daily basis. House-sitters often advertise at the vet, so scour the notice boards for someone. If you do decided to take kitty with, a cat carrier is essential! Introduce the carrier to your cat in advance, so that it is not frightened by the carrier when it is travelling. Place a cushion and some catnip in the carrier to entice your cat to it. Allow it to get used to the carrier a few days in advance so that by the time you need to load your kitty into the carrier it is used it being around the house and does not associate it with anything negative. And remember, when travelling with your pet, to ensure that your pet has enough water to remain hydrated.

What’s the best way to feed your pet dry food?

Most dry pet food can either be fed dry, or soaked in gravy or in water. Most cats do prefer to eat their food dry, and dry cat food tends to become rather unappetizing in appearance when soaked in any liquid. Some dogs prefer dry food to that of soaked food, however dogs may differ. Dogs that are used to eating canned dog food usually prefer their food to be soaked in a bit of water or gravy. You can soak the food in warm water, for about half an hour, and then allow for it to cool before giving it to your pet. Remember that gravy can be quite salty and there is usually no need to offer this with a dry complete food – this contains all the nutrition your dog will need. At the end of the day, be it dry or soaked dog food; feed your pet what it will happily eat.