Three Steps to a Healthier Weight for Your Pet

Maintaining a healthy weight is just as important for our pets as it is for us and our families. Overweight pets are at risk for some of the same health issues that we are, like diabetes and joint problems, not to mention just plain not having the energy to do the things they like. If you want to help your pet lose weight or stay in good shape, we’ll give you three easy things you can do so your little buddies will live longer and healthier lives. Since March is National Nutrition Month, why not get started today?

In order to help your pet, you need a little information. Contact your vet prior to any weight loss program to be sure what you do is right for your pet and address any physical conditions, like a sluggish thyroid that could contribute to weight gain. Your vet also can help you choose the right type of diet and how much food is appropriate for your pet. Remember that suddenly changing your pet’s food can be harmful. All changes should be gradual.

You also should know what a healthy weight is. That usually is determined through “body conformation.” That is the shape of your pet’s body. If you stand above your pet and look down, you should be able to see a defined “waist” between the ribs and hips. You should easily be able to feel your pet’s ribs under her coat. Knowing these things, here’s where to start.

First, if pet weight loss is your goal, eliminate the bottomless food bowl and feed your pet a measured amount of food once or twice a day. As mentioned, this should be done slowly until the proper amount of food is reached.

Second, do not eliminate treats, but be conscious of what and how much you give your pet. We don’t recommend eliminating treats because this is such an important bonding time for you and your pet. However, keep in mind how much smaller they are than we are, and know that chunk of cheese or scoop of ice cream is going to have much more impact on them calorie-wise. So, portion control is crucial. Feed your pet a smaller portion in tiny bites. Also, substitute lower calorie treats for high calorie ones—cheese and ice cream being good examples of the latter. Some dogs will eat green beans as a treat and really love them frozen.

Third, what else? Exercise! With your vet’s guidance, walk your dog twice a day at least 15 minutes. If weight loss is an issue, you may want to go for a longer walk. Always increase times slowly, by a couple of minutes a week, until you reach the ideal time. Just like us, our pets’ stamina will improve over time. Cats are another story. Entice them to chase you or call them to come and find you. Toss a ball or dangle a string. Just get them to move!

If you do follow these three simple tips, let us know how your pet does. Leave a comment on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CriticalVetCare.

March is National Pet Nutrition Month

Recently, Dr. Anne Chauvet spoke for Sarasotadog.com at Poochie’s Pampered Pups about how to boost your dog's health and help it live a longer life. Dr. Chauvet discussed the merits of supplements like fish oils for better brain function, glucosamine for joints, vitamin B complex and vitamin E as well as the avoidance of obesity. The conversation engaged owners and encouraged them to be proactive in creating a healthy life for their dog through frequent interactions, varied activities and inviting them to learn new tricks.

Dogs, like people, enjoy touch therapy, and their health is better for it. Who says you cannot teach an old dog new tricks? Like us, dogs can get dementia. This is best prevented by varying their play, activities and teaching them new things. They cannot drink large amounts of coffee nor can they pick up piano lessons to promote their memory, but they sure can learn to search for treats in various places and be exposed to new environments and stimuli. The main message is be part of your pet's life, give them a well-balanced healthy diet and be educated on the type of supplements that may benefit them. As well, ensure they have regular visits to their doctor to catch diseases early and focus on prevention.

Chocolate Sundae Contest!

Win tickets to

The Annual UCP Chocolate Festival on March 4, 2012

http://ucpsarasota.org/ucp-events.htm

To win a ticket to the chocolate festival on March 4^th , 2012, you must work for a veterinary clinic and…

1. Print the questions below

2. Write your name and phone number on the form and the clinic your work with.

3. Answer all the questions completely

4. Fax to 941-929-1819 before February 24^th, 2012

5. Of the submitted correct forms, twenty (20) names will be drawn on the 24^th for winners to attend the Chocolate Festival on Snday, March 4th at Michael’s on East in Sarasota, Florida

Here are the Questions:

1. What is the normal expired CO2 and the oxygen saturation desired in an anesthetized patient for routine procedure?

2. Withdrawal reflex is an indicator that deep pain is present… TRUE or FALSE

3. Give us three (3) uses of hyperbaric chamber in medicine, human or animal.

a. ---

b. ---

c. ---

4. Other than true hypoglycemia in a patient, what other reason is there for low blood glucose on chemistry results?

5. How do you choose the anesthesia system and the size of the rebreathing bag for anesthesia?

Name ___________________
Number _________________
Clinic ___________________

Don't Spend Your Holiday Weekend at the Vet

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Who isn't looking forward to great food shared with great friends and family? Well unless you want to spend Thanksgiving night or Black Friday in the vet's office or emergency clinic, you should be cautious before letting your four-legged family members join in the feast.

Every year, dogs and cats end up in the vet for post-Turkey day problems.

• Foods that are fatty and high in sodium like turkey (especially the skin) and ham can wreak havoc on the digestive system of a dog. Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of pancreatitis, which can become very serious and costly to treat in severe cases.
  
• Avoid feeding any bones to your pets. These can become lodged in the esophagus, splinter and perforate the GI tract, or cause a blockage in the intestines which may require surgery.
  
• Grapes and raisins found on hors 'douevres platters and in stuffing and desserts can cause kidney failure in pets and should not be given.
  
• Also watch for pets getting into the trash for tasty morsels and packaging which can cause intestinal blockages.
  
• Look for signs that your pet is stressed by the visitors to your home. A houseful of unfamiliar people, small children, or visiting pets can make even the most well-adjusted pet anxious, afraid or even aggressive, especially when there is a large amount of food nearby. You certainly don't want your dog or a family member to spend the holiday in the ER because of a dog fight.
  

It is great to have pets around us at the holidays. They are part of our lives, and part of our families. Be thankful that they are able to share in your family's joy this holiday season. Exercise self control when your pup is begging for scraps on Thanksgiving. Remember that your dog doesn't understand that eating a whole plate of turkey giblets is not good for him, so it is up to you to keep them safe.

If anything doe happen, we'll be here Thanksgiving Day, and all through the weekend if you need us. Here's to you and yours having a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving, free of trips to the vet's office.

CCVSS ADDS PRIVATE ROOM FOR CLIENTS TO STAY WITH THEIR PETS

Human-animal bond can prove beneficial for recovery

of a pet who is seriously ill or injured.

SARASOTA, Fla., Nov. 10, 2011 – Critical Care & Veterinary Specialists of Sarasota LLC (CCVSS), which provides advanced intensive-care-unit and emergency veterinary medicine, has added a private room for clients who wish to stay overnight with their pet.

“We recognize the very powerful bond between our clients and their pets and wanted to give pet owners the option to stay with their pet as long as it is possible to do without compromising medical care,” said Dr. Anne Chauvet, a veterinary neurologist and founder of CCVSS. “Pets have become family members, and we want to honor that. Having a pet’s owner present can calm the pet and help with recovery in some circumstances.”

The room is equipped with a lounge chair that converts to a bed as well as a bed/rest area for the patient. Clients may bring a computer and have access to the Internet. Video monitoring allows veterinarians and staff to observe the patient, and the room is connected by telephone to the intensive care unit for assistance if needed. Charges for use of the room are based on the clinic’s out-of-pocket costs only and are determined by the degree of monitoring and individualized care needed. More information is available by calling 941-929-1818 or online at www.criticalvetcare.com.