Anchor Animal Hospital in Massachusetts: Exercise and Feeding
The news is constantly filled with stories about pet food and its safety. It can be challenging for pet owners to determine which brands and types of food are optimal for cats and dogs. When it comes to proper pet care and food, your South Coast veterinarian will provide the greatest recommendations. As with human food and products, pet food recalls and warnings are essential for maintaining the health of pets. Salmonella, listeria, and other pathogens can infect nearly every mass-produced food item for people and animals. Choose a well-respected, high-quality brand for pet food in Fall River. During your pet’s veterinary checkup, consult your veterinarian if you are unsure where to begin. The nutritional demands of puppies and kittens can differ from those of adult and geriatric pets.
Care, Feeding and Vaccination Requirements in MA
It is essential to stay on top of pet food recalls and information. In recent years, a popular dog food was discovered to contain trace amounts of the medication pentobarbital, according to a preliminary FDA analysis. This substance is frequently used as a sedative, anesthetic, and even to euthanize animals. According to a statement issued by the FDA, pets who consume pet food containing pentobarbital may develop sleepiness, dizziness, excitation, loss of balance, nausea, bystagmus, and inability to stand. They also emphasized that excessive pentobarbital use could result in coma or death.
While the FDA was careful to note that initial tests revealed only low levels of the medicine in the popular pet food, it should not have been there to begin with. According to the report, the presence of pentobarbital in pet food constitutes a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Concerned pet owners should bring their pet in for a veterinary examination if it has consumed this brand of pet food or if it displays any of the symptoms described above after consuming another brand of pet food. If you are concerned about the brand of pet food you feed your pet or if you have any questions regarding pet care and feeding, see your South Coast veterinarian.
Feline and Canine Nutritional Needs
A balanced diet is the most beneficial thing you can do for your cat or dog. Healthy nutrition promotes cell upkeep, growth, and general health. Pets with particular dietary requirements or nutritional deficiencies due to sickness may require special pet food or feeding instructions. It is essential to provide your pet with the necessary nutrients through high-quality pet diets that adhere to nutritional requirements. Younger animals will have differing nutritional requirements than older animals. There may be greater nutritional issues for senior pets than for younger animals. It is essential to schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian to ensure that you are appropriately feeding your pet.
Dietary nutrients are utilized by your pet for healthy existence. Sixty to seventy percent of your pet’s total weight consists of water, making clean, fresh water a need. Even a ten percent reduction in bodily water can result in a major disease, while a fifteen percent reduction can be fatal. Proteins are crucial to the health of your pet, but not all proteins are created equal. Meats derived from animals have complete amino acid profiles, whereas proteins found in vegetables, grains, and soy are incomplete. According to your pet’s nutritional needs, you must supply fats, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Above and Beyond Care and Feeding
Once you have determined the finest option for pet nutrition in Fall River, you must determine how and where to store it. Dry food should be stored in an atmosphere that is cool, dry, and below 100 degrees. This method of storage will avoid the rancidity of pet food. Fats turn rancid when they are oxidized. Never keep pet food in your garage. This widespread practice may contribute to health problems. If stored poorly, vitamins and proteins can degrade, destroying all nutritional value and rendering the food unsuitable for eating. Although many pet owners store dry food in plastic containers, it is not suggested. Plastic containers can impart a flavor and odor to pet food and will not prevent the accumulation of rancid fat. The food should be stored in its original bag, which can be placed inside a plastic or metal container.
For optimal results, moist food that has been opened should be refrigerated and consumed within 48 hours. Use plastic wrap or special pet food lids to create an effective barrier against moisture, air, and stink. Never keep moist food out for longer than four hours for your cat or dog. It is preferable to discard uneaten food than incur the chance of contamination. Care and feeding of pets should entail knowledge about brands and nutrition, in addition to other requirements. At your next veterinary appointment, you and your South Coast veterinarian should address the storage, caloric needs, and other aspects of Fall River pet nutrition. However, if you have concerns about your pet’s diet, you should immediately contact a reputable veterinarian.
Contact Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth for pet care and nutrition recommendations or to schedule a veterinary exam. You can reach us at 508-996-3731 or visit our Dartmouth facility on State Road. With so many brands and varieties of pet food on the market, pet care and feeding can be difficult. If you have any questions about pet nutrition in Fall River, please contact our clinic and talk with a member of our veterinary staff.