Small Animal Health and Nutrition

Small animal health and nutrition

Whether they are working beside us outside, or curling up in our laps in the evening, nutrition and weight management are important for our dogs and cats, from birth to their senior years. Here are some key points to consider to keep your companion animal healthy and comfortable.

Diet

Make sure they are on a diet that works for their age and breed. This means providing food that is well-balanced, containing the correct amount of fat, protein, minerals and carbohydrates. Avoid corn, soy and other common fillers found in some food. Aim for feed that has animal protein as the primary ingredient. Yes, you can feed your pets some human food, but make sure this is a small percentage of their diet, and stick to lean proteins. Avoid excessively fatty or salty treats.

Sometimes your pet may have a food allergy or dietary need because of an existing condition, such as diabetes, or a condition or allergy that develops over time. You can bring your pet in for a consultation with our team at Pintler Veterinary Service to map out a nutritional plan that works for your dog or cat.

Hydration

Always make sure your dog or cat has access to fresh water at all times. Remember, water serves a number of purposes, including the absorption of crucial nutrients and digestion. It

also helps our pets’ joints, improves their brain power and regulates their body temperature. Just like humans, when our animals don’t get enough water they become uncoordinated, groggy and disoriented. In extreme cases, severe dehydration can lead to muscle dysfunction and even organ failure.

Exercise

While our Montana winters may make regular exercise challenging for our pets, getting moving provides a number of benefits that keep your animals healthy both physically and mentally.

As well as being essential to their cardiovascular health and weight management, exercise reduces the risk of arthritis and prevents heart disease. Do you have a dog or cat that is anxious? Getting them out on a walk can help combat this, as well as general boredom. It’s not just about taking your pets on a hike. For example, we have wonderful lake areas in this part of Montana that allow for great swimming opportunities for your dog in the warmer months, which is a good low-impact activity. Cats can also benefit from having carpet climbing structures or interactive toys that keep them agile and mobile.

Having a balanced diet, staying hydrated and getting plenty of exercise are the foundation of having a happy, healthy connection to your pet through the years. Get in touch with us at Pintler Veterinary Service if you have any questions about the best food and exercise plan for your companion animal.