Your Pets Daily - Pet health

Unveiling the Vitality of Proper Pet Nutrition: Insights from Purrfect Pets Nutritionists

Rajimol — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 05:29:05 +0000

In the realm of pet care, few aspects are as fundamental and impactful as nutrition. Just like humans, our beloved furry companions thrive when provided with a balanced and nourishing diet tailored to their unique needs. As advocates for the well-being of pets, Purrfect Pets is proud to illuminate the significance of proper nutrition through the expertise of our dedicated nutritionists.

Understanding the Foundation: Why Nutrition Matters

Nutrition serves as the cornerstone of a pet's overall health and vitality. A well-balanced diet provides essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are vital for supporting bodily functions, maintaining energy levels, and bolstering the immune system. Proper nutrition not only promotes physical well-being but also contributes to a pet's mental and emotional resilience, fostering a happier and more fulfilling life.

Tailoring Nutrition to Individual Needs

Just as no two pets are alike, their nutritional requirements can vary significantly based on factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and any existing health conditions. At Purrfect Pets, our nutritionists recognize the importance of personalized care and take a holistic approach to assessing each pet's dietary needs. By considering factors such as dietary preferences, food sensitivities, and specific health goals, we can tailor nutrition plans that optimize health and promote longevity.

Navigating the World of Pet Food

With a myriad of pet food options available on the market, choosing the right diet for your furry friend can feel overwhelming. Our nutritionists are here to demystify the process and empower pet owners to make informed decisions. From premium kibble and canned foods to raw diets and specialized formulas, we offer a diverse selection of high-quality products that meet rigorous standards for nutritional excellence.

Evolving Perspectives: Embracing Holistic Approaches

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of holistic approaches to pet nutrition. Beyond simply meeting basic dietary requirements, holistic nutrition emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At Purrfect Pets, our nutritionists embrace this holistic philosophy, advocating for whole-food ingredients, natural supplements, and mindful feeding practices that nurture pets from the inside out.

Empowering Pet Owners: Expert Guidance and Support

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to empowering pet owners with the knowledge and resources they need to provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Whether you're seeking advice on transitioning to a new diet, managing weight concerns, or addressing dietary sensitivities, our nutritionists are here to offer personalized guidance and support every step of the way.

Conclusion: Investing in a Brighter Future

As pet lovers and advocates for animal welfare, we recognize that proper nutrition is not just a choice—it's a commitment to the health, happiness, and longevity of our beloved companions. By prioritizing nutrition and partnering with trusted experts like the nutritionists at Purrfect Pets, pet owners can embark on a journey of wellness that enriches the lives of their furry friends for years to come.

This article offers insights into the importance of proper pet nutrition, drawing on the expertise of Purrfect Pets' nutritionists to provide valuable guidance and support for pet owners.

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Dog Expert Weighs In After Woman Reveals Dog Became Unwell After Inhaling Fumes From THIS Common Household Item

Tom Stone — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Oil diffusers can be incredibly toxic to dogs and cause a host of medical issues, resulting in large vet bills and potential illness. This is following a case of a dog in New Zealand falling victim to illness following inhalation from a diffuser, with the story going viral worldwide. Marianne Whyte from New Zealand posted to social media to issue an urgent warning to fellow dog owners after her dog was “poisoned” by an oil diffuser.

Posting in 2019, Marianne wrote: “Saturday night I got home late and my dog didn’t recognise me. Being a nanny, I thought I woke him up and he was having a night terror. “Sunday he was still acting weird. I realised that I had been running my new diffuser and decided to turn it off. Sunday afternoon he was feeling better.”

The following day however, the dog sitter informed Marianne that her dog was refusing to come out from under the bed. Marianne said: “I took him to the emergency vet. It turns out that the tea tree oil I was using in the diffuser is toxic for dogs."

Dog experts Kennel Store have written an expert comment detailing which oils are toxic to dogs, and the complications that can occur if inhaled.

“Whilst essential oils are a treat for humans, dogs can become incredibly unwell and decline rapidly.

Essential Oils Toxic To Dogs

Pine oil
Tea tree oil
Pennyroyal oil
Wintergreen oil
Citrus oils
Cinnamon oil
Ylang Ylang
Eucalyptus oil
Sweet birch oil

Symptoms of Essential Oil Poisoning

Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Drooling
Depression
Tremors
Wobbliness
Changes in Behaviour
Lethargy

What To Do If You Suspect Essential Oil Ingestion

If there is any oil on the skin or fur, quickly wash off.
Do not induce vomiting as this can worsen your dog's condition
Put the product in a sealed container and take to your vet

Medical attention from your vet is essential and getting there quickly allows treatment to begin swiftly and can give your dog the best chance of making a full recovery.”

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Signs of osteoarthritis pain may be mistaken for ‘normal’ signs of aging

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Zoetis Inc. today announced that a survey commissioned by Zoetis, and conducted by YouGov, highlighted that whilst the majority of dog (89%) and cat owners (80%) are aware of osteoarthritis, many could be confusing the symptoms for general aging, or other health issues. With 27% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners unlikely to take their pet to the vet when they display common signs of osteoarthritis, many could be missing an opportunity to improve how their pets are feeling.

Ensuring that dogs and cats are happy and healthy is very important to their owners, with around nearly three quarters, of cat (72%) and dog (73%) owners saying that their pet's health is equally as important as their own, and around one in ten saying their pet's health is more important than their own (10% for cat owners and 12% for dog owners respectively).

"Just like in humans, osteoarthritis is a very common problem in dogs and cats – around 30-50% will be affected at some point in their lives," said Matt Gurney, Vet and President of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia. "Osteoarthritis can be very painful for your pet, negatively impacting their physical health and their emotional wellbeing. But there is hope, as there are ways your vet can help reduce the pain and improve their wellbeing. The first step is identifying the condition using the checklists we're sharing today."

There are common signs of osteoarthritis to look for, such as, in dogs tiring earlier on walks and in cats, difficulty jumping up and down from high surfaces. Treatments are available from veterinarians for osteoarthritis pain for cats and dogs.

Pet owners who are worried that their dog or cat might be suffering with osteoarthritis pain can use the Zoetis online checklists to find out more:

"The power of the human-animal bond is at the heart of what we do at Zoetis," said Jamie Brannan, Executive Vice President and President, International Operations. "We know how much pets mean to their owners and understand the strong connection between the health of people and animals. This is why we are committed to advancing pet care to improve the lives of dogs and cats who might be living in pain. Like people, pets can also suffer from osteoarthritis, and we are proud to offer solutions that can improve the lives of dogs and cats suffering from the condition."

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POORLY PETS: Uninsured owners face fees of £5000 with vet bills on the rise

Tom Stone — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

New data from Admiral Pet Insurance has revealed the potential cost of vet treatments for the most common ailments, with costs up by around 7% in the last year.

It has released the data to ensure unsuspecting pet owners are aware of the possible fees they may face if they don't take out pet insurance, with accidental poisoning being one of the most expensive common conditions for veterinary services, with some treatments costing over £5,000.

Admiral has looked at some of the most common injuries and illnesses pets experience and has provided insight into average costs based on what it has paid for vet treatments in 2022. The insurer has included a range of costs, from basic medical care to major surgery, although precise fees vary around the UK.

The insurer's data reveals accidental poisoning of pets due to ingestion of toxic substances is one of the most expensive common causes for veterinary services with treatment ranging from £289 for examinations, monitoring and medication, to over £5,000 for more extensive treatment including a hospital stay for a dog. The most common toxic items eaten by pets are chocolate, grapes, sultanas and raisins for dogs and antifreeze, lily pollen and toxic household plants for cats. It's one of the most expensive accidents because emergency treatment is necessary in most cases, often requiring a visit to the out of hours vet.

Another common condition which could be costly is lameness, an inability to properly use limbs, with treatment ranging from £120 for a consultation and medication to £3,800 for surgery and aftercare.

The removal of lumps and bumps on a dog could start at £454, rising to £2,000 where poorly pets have had to undergo chemotherapy following tumours.

Admiral has also shared some information on the cost of claims it has received from pet owners, including a cat who needed complicated elbow surgery, which would have cost the owner £4,000 had they not been insured. A dog that suffered a fracture to its foreleg which had to be amputated, totalling £2,240, and a Pointer who had a severe gut reaction to a parasitic infection, whose treatment came to £3,150.

The range of costs for common conditions needing vet treatment:

Most common condition highest to lowest	Condition	Treatment cost range	Range of potential treatment needed
1	Gastrointestinal issues	From £124 - £3,150	Treatment could include a consultation/exam and medication, to a dog requiring treatment for a severe gut reaction to a parasite infection
2	Skin wounds/infections	From £141 - £975	Treatments including a simple skin tear, or sedation and stitches to cleaning infections, testing, medication and monitoring
3	Lameness	From £120 - £3,800	From an initial consultation and medications, to full general anesthetic and cruciate ligament surgery and aftercare
4	Lumps and bumps	From £454 - £2,000	Fatty lump removal under GA, to chemotherapy and surgery following a bone tumour
5	Accidental poisoning/ ingestion of toxic substances	From £289-£5,313	From consultation and medication, to lengthy hospital stays, testing and IV fluids
6	Eye issues	From £60 - £1,628	From medication for conjunctivitis, to a full GA and 3rd eyelid surgery
7	Limb fractures	From £220-£4,000	Treatment could involve an initial assessment, x-ray and medications, to further GA and complex elbow surgery or amputation
8	Ear infections	From £100 - £785	From consultation and medication, to a dog requiring full sedation, procedures, laboratory tests and medications.
9	Lethargy/not being self	From £300 - £730	Treatment could involve multiple tests to rule out conditions

Dispelling 'two price' and pet plan myths

Admiral warns some people are making the mistake of not taking out pet insurance as they believe they are covered by vet healthcare plans. The insurer wants to make sure customers are better informed about the need to take out pet insurance, and that they understand that healthcare plans are not a substitute for insurance cover.

Pet insurance policies cover unexpected events, so you are likely to be covered for accidents or illnesses and they usually include a certain amount of vet fees as standard. This could include consultations with a vet, medication, surgery and examinations including X-rays, MRI and CT scans.

Healthcare plans provide vaccinations, pest treatments and health checks. They may also offer discounts on vet care and medication but usually won't cover for accidents or illnesses. Admiral has created a guide to what pet insurance covers which can help anyone in doubt.

Why are costs increasing?

Pet insurance experts at Admiral have shared the reasons why the costs of vet treatments have risen by around 7% year on year. An increase of vet's overheads and supplier costs, and difficulty sourcing medications and importing them quickly from the EU have all contributed to rising prices. Admiral Pet Insurance says that veterinary staff levels have also decreased so the provision of qualified staff is becoming more expensive.

Pritpal Powar, head of pet at Admiral Insurance, comments:

"Vets do an amazing job treating our sick and injured pets, but like many businesses they have seen an increase in their overheads. We've seen vet fees rise by around 7% over the last year, so owners whose pets are not insured could be in for a surprise if they have to make a trip to their local vet. Prices vary from region to region, but when looking at the typical fees we have paid, there's no doubt that costs are going up.

"We're also concerned that some people are under the impression that pet health plans are a substitute for insurance. We've had a few situations where owners have been wrongly under the impression that the pet health plans will cover treatment costs, but this is not the case.

"It's also important to understand that vets do not charge two different rates to pet owners who have insurance and those who don't. Having pet insurance gives you more options in case your pet does need treatment than if you had to pay yourself.

"For many of us, pets are a big part of the family. If your pet is unwell and needs a trip to the vet, having cover means you'll have one less thing to worry about so you can focus on helping your pet when they need you the most."

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Survey reveals the health improvements in pets since switching to a raw diet

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Bella & Duke's customer survey of over 1,500 pet owners reveals 97% saw an improvement in digestion after switching to raw

Pioneering raw pet food and wellbeing company Bella & Duke have run their annual Health & Happiness survey, speaking to 1,399 dog owners, 212 cat owners and 33 cat and dog owners to concretely understand the beneficial impact its customers have seen since switching to a raw diet for their pets. The company have also done research looking into the misconceptions around pet nutrition, breeds and owners, with the results of the Health & Happiness survey debunking many of these.

Bella & Duke champion providing pets with the most species-appropriate diet that contains the essential nutrients and amino acids that they need to live the happy and long lives they deserve. As the conversation surrounding what truly is best to feed our pets Bella & Duke also conducted a wider UK survey to gauge the understanding the public has about pet diets, specifically their thoughts on raw feeding. The majority of participants thought that canned/wet dog food (31%) and kibble (19%) were the most nutritious options for their furry friends despite raw feeding being the most natural way for our pets to digest their food.

However, after speaking to over 1,500 pet owners feeding their pets raw, 81% agreed that feeding raw helped their pet maintain a healthy weight, and 87% saw positive poo changes from their pets, highlighting the health benefits of a raw diet.

The UK wide research of their customers also saw improvements in their pets' lives while dealing with existing serious medical issues such as: diabetes (100% of pet owners saw their dogs cope better with diabetes since switching to raw), pancreatitis (97%), liver problems (50%), heart issues (20%), kidney issues (75%) and after switching to a raw diet 34% of subscribers saw a decrease in vet visits.

A misconception identified in the research found people believe that raw is too expensive (19%) but once broken down into each meal it can be a justifiable switch that aids your pets day to day living. Since switching customers reported several benefits it brought to their pets' lives with 74% reporting it supported the muscle health, oral health (70%), immune system (79%) and digestion (87%) of their pets.

Driven to do what's right by our pets, Bella & Duke offers free guides around pet nutrition, safety and behaviour on its website to support anyone beginning their journey into raw and taking that important first step to look at what we feed our loyal companions.

Mark Scott, CEO at Bella & Duke, said: "It's important for us to speak to our customers and understand how their pets are doing, and we're absolutely delighted with the results, and seeing so many positive outcomes. The journey we've been on at Bella & Duke started from looking at my own health and understanding what I was putting in my body and this needs to apply to our pets. We only want what is best for our pets and we understand that raw feeding may be a new concept to many which can bring on these misconceptions, but we urge everyone to just take the step into understanding what our pets need to live the healthy, happy and long lives they deserve."

Other key stats include:

59% of pets were more enthusiastic about their food
45% saw an improvement in their pet's behaviour
70% saw positive changes to their pet's coat
69% saw an improvement in their pet's allergies

You can find out more about the nutritional benefits and Bella & Duke's product offering at: www.bellaandduke.com, to read the full 2023 Health & Happiness report, visit: https://www.bellaandduke.com/health-happiness/?page_id=937916

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New AI technology helps pets with heart disease live longer

Tom Stone — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Cats and dogs with heart disease could live up to 18 months longer thanks to new AI-empowered testing technology being developed by diagnostics expert MI:RNA.

With current standards of testing missing early signs of heart disease in up to 9 out of 10 cases, MI:RNA's diagnostic testing technology has 85% sensitivity and 83% accuracy for spotting common diseases, such as mitral valve disease (MMVD), even in the earliest stages.

The company's NEMO Cardiac Health Screening test detects heart disease earlier in dogs and cats by analysing microRNAs - newly discovered biomarkers involved in disease progression and resolution. When combined with AI, this approach significantly improves early identification of complex conditions like MMVD giving pets the chance to access the best care more quickly.

MMVD can lead to heart failure. Symptoms include reduced exercise tolerance, coughing, restlessness and breathing issues. Early cases are often missed as they have no pronounced symptoms and this preclinical phase can last months or even years.

By identifying MMVD earlier, MI:RNA's microRNA profiling and AI algorithms can help vets diagnose and monitor disease progression more effectively and assist pet owners and breeders in directing care and resources.

Importantly, the technology is applicable for early detection of other pet diseases too, including epilepsy, kidney disease, intestinal diseases and cancer.

Eve Hanks is the founder and CEO of MI:RNA. She said:

"MMVD is the most common cardiovascular disease in canines and it is estimated that 10% of all dogs seen in primary care veterinary practices have some form of heart disease. In older dogs the prevalence can be as high as 60%.

"It's clear then that there is a need for additional reliable tools to diagnose and correctly stage MMVD in dogs, by using approaches like the application of microRNA profiling, backed by powerful AI algorithms.

"This slowly progressing condition eventually leads to congestive heart failure as a result of thickening the cusp of the mitral valve on the left side of the heart, which ensures that blood flows in the right direction. Thickened valves fail to form a complete seal, which allows blood to leak back into the atrium.

"The use of precision medicine in veterinary diagnostics will help pet owners and breeders alike to ascertain where to direct their efforts and finances accordingly. There is massive potential to use this technology to help breeds who have real problems with heart disease and other diseases and will consequently help owners and breeders to identify affected animals more quickly."

Professor Joanna Dukes-McEwan is a professor of veterinary cardiology at the University of Liverpool. She said:

"From our cardiac investigations, we knew exactly the underlying heart disease and the severity of this, so our data was used as a training set for the MI:RNA panel analysis. We have previously collected samples from dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease and are currently collecting samples from cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

"I think the MI:RNA panels are most useful for vets in primary care practice to identify and confirm the severity of underlying cardiac disease in their patients. A simple blood test which could confirm that the cause of a heart murmur is MVD, and also indicate its severity, and whether the patient would benefit from treatment would be really helpful for primary care vets in practice. They might indicate which patients may benefit from referral, or indicate when a specific treatment is indicated. Future research with miRNA panels may also indicate novel pathways in progression of disease which might increase our understanding of the disease, or novel therapeutic options."

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