Supporting elderly or overweight dogs
Exercise for elderly or overweight dogs requires careful attention due to potential health issues. Conditions like osteoarthritis can impact mobility. It's crucial to have our veterinarians assess your pet's health before starting any new fitness routine. Opt for low-impact exercises, such as leisurely walks and gentle off-leash activities, to promote fitness without strain.
Let’s elaborate on those exercise tips for elderly or overweight dogs:
Managing coexisting health issues
Elderly or overweight dogs often face health challenges that can impact their exercise routine. Conditions like osteoarthritis are common in pets eight years and older, affecting mobility and strength. Overexertion during exercise can worsen joint conditions, leading to discomfort or stiffness. Additionally, heavier pets are at risk of respiratory distress or overheating, especially in hot weather. Before starting a new fitness regimen, it's essential to have your pet's health assessed by our veterinarians. We can provide further diagnostics or treatment to manage any pre-existing conditions.
Promoting low-impact exercise
For elderly or overweight pets, low-impact exercises are ideal for improving fitness without strain gradually. It's important to maintain a steady pace and avoid activities that involve jumping or sudden movements. Low-impact exercises such as on-lead walks, off-lead sniffing, and shallow water wading are gentle on joints while promoting physical activity.
Consult Sorrento Animal Hospital for personalised health and exercise recommendations tailored to your pet's needs. At Sorrento Animal Hospital, we prioritise your pet's well-being by providing comprehensive preventative care and guidance. Contact us for expert advice on maintaining your pet's health and fitness.
Navigating pet food choices
The good, bad & ugly!
Choosing the right pet food amidst conflicting information can be overwhelming. Look for products labeled "complete and balanced" to ensure essential nutrients. If preparing homemade meals, seek guidance from a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist to avoid deficiencies. Prioritise safety by selecting foods compliant with industry standards and free from harmful additives. For pets with allergies, consult our veterinarians for personalised recommendations.
Nutritional balance
Opt for commercial foods labelled "complete and balanced" for your pet's life stage, meeting international nutrition standards. If preparing homemade meals, consult a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist to address potential nutrient deficiencies, as homemade diets often lack essential nutrients.
Safety
It's crucial to verify that your pet food manufacturer adheres to the Australian Standard for the Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food AS5812:2017. This ensures compliance with food quality and safety regulations, including regular laboratory testing throughout the production process. Consult our guide to understand how to decipher pet food labels and confirm that the product meets these standards.
When selecting meat for your pet, prioritise fresh, human-grade options. Steer clear of commercial "pet meat" or "pet mince," as they may contain sulphite preservatives that could result in Vitamin B1 deficiencies.
For households with immunocompromised individuals or young children, it's advisable to avoid feeding pets raw diets due to the heightened risk of harmful bacterial contamination.
Personalised needs
Persistent skin irritation or digestive upsets may indicate a food allergy, requiring further investigation by our veterinarians. Opt for high-quality commercial diets tailored to your pet's preferences and health requirements, whether kibble, tinned food, or pre-packaged meals. For personalised dietary recommendations, consult our knowledgeable veterinary team.
At Sorrento Animal Hospital, we're dedicated to supporting your pet's health through informed nutrition choices. Contact us for expert guidance tailored to your pet's unique needs.
Addressing protein-related issues
For pets experiencing recurring skin irritation or digestive upset, an underlying food allergy could be a significant concern.
Understanding Food Allergies
Food allergies arise when pets develop an allergic response to specific proteins. This reaction may occur after years of consuming the same diet, rather than as an immediate result of recent dietary changes.
In dogs, common protein-related food allergies include beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, and lamb, while cats commonly react to beef, chicken, and fish. Diagnosing food allergies When suspecting a food allergy, the most reliable diagnostic approach is through a hypoallergenic dietary trial, also known as an elimination diet. This entails feeding the pet a strict, limited-ingredient diet for a defined period, typically 8-12 weeks. This can involve:
- A novel protein diet, consisting of a single protein type that the pet has never consumed before, along with a bland carbohydrate like potato.
- A hydrolysed protein diet, where the protein has been chemically altered to reduce the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction.
Throughout this process, the pet should not receive any other treats, snacks, or flavoured medications.
A food allergy diagnosis is confirmed if the pet responds positively to the hypoallergenic diet, followed by a relapse of symptoms within two weeks of reintroducing their regular food.
Treating food allergies
Once a food allergy is identified, our veterinarians can recommend suitable long-term dietary options that are nutritionally complete and balanced. It's essential to note that pets may suffer from multiple allergies concurrently, and recurrent skin or gut issues could stem from non-allergic causes. Therefore, seeking guidance from our veterinary team is advised if your pet experiences similar symptoms.
At Sorrento Animal Hospital, we're committed to identifying and addressing your pet's nutritional needs. Contact us for expert guidance and support tailored to your pet's requirements.