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Table of Contents
- Is air travel safe for our pet?
- I have allergies to dogs and cats. Is there any way I can minimize or cope with my allergies?
- How does diet affect my pet's oral health?
- What is heartworm disease?
- What is an appropriate or safe length of time that a dog can stay out in the cold weather?
- How can we have a happy, healthy, and flea free summer?
- Should I be concerned with pet food contamination?
- How do I interpret a pet food label?
- What are the fundamental causes of obesity in pets?
- What are some guidelines for feeding aging dogs and cats?
For more FAQs, visit http://www.animalhealthcare.ca/faq.asp
Is air travel safe for our pet?
As a rule, pets travel very well but air travel can be a very stressful and
traumatic experience for them. In order to minimize this stress, some guidelines
should be followed.
The hazards of air travel are usually not in the actual flying, but rather
during the down time when your pet is being loaded or unloaded from the
airplane, or when it is waiting. Delays can result in extra time spent on the
runways before take-off or after landing. At these times the cargo holds are not
pressurized and the surrounding temperature can vary from very hot to very cold.
In fact, because of this, some airlines will not permit pets to fly during
certain times of the year. For this reason, it is best to contact your airline
to make sure that no risk is involved and to confirm that they will accept your
pet on the flight.
If your pet is small enough, some airlines will allow you to take your dog or
cat on board, provided that the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.
Check with your air carrier.
It is also a good idea to have your pet examined by your veterinarian prior to
departure to ensure that it is in good health and able to endure the rigors of
air travel. Tranquillizers and sedatives are not usually recommended for pets
except on the advice of your veterinarian. This is because sedation can result
in serious complications. For example, it can inhibit your pet's ability to
regulate its body temperature or cause breathing problems.
For the actual flight, make sure that your dog is secure in an approved carrier,
purchased either from the airline, a pet store or an animal hospital. Introduce
your pet to the crate several weeks before departure to get him or her
accustomed to it. Ensure that all the screws on the crate are secured and tight.
Carriers should be labeled "Live Animal" and "This End Up" in letters at least 3
cm high. Also tape some identification (name, address, destination) to the
crate. Ensure that fresh water will be made available to your pet at some time
during or after the flight.
It is best to travel in off-peak hours and on non-stop flights. Ideally, your
pet should be last on and first off the plane. Remember to notify the flight
attendants that you have a pet on board just in case there is a flight delay.
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I have allergies to dogs and cats. Is there any way I can minimize or cope with my allergies?
Persons who have allergies to dogs or cats are actually allergic to the
saliva, dander (i.e. shed skin) and the secretions from the hair glands of these
animals. Dog and cat hairs by themselves do not cause allergies, but the
allergens on the hair shafts do.
The severity of your allergic reaction depends on the amount of allergens you
are exposed to. This in turn depends on such variables as the size of the pet
(i.e. a bigger dog means more shedding) and on how often you groom and wash your
pet. By bathing pets frequently, allergens are washed off and this results in a
decrease in symptoms in allergic owners.
The less hair and dander a pet produces (and sheds), the less likely a person
with allergies is to react to that animal. For this reason, some breeds of dogs
are thought to cause fewer allergic reactions. These include all three sizes of
poodles and schnauzers, Kerry Blue, soft-coated Wheaten and Bedlington terriers,
Bichon Frisé and Irish water spaniels.
Some suggestions to minimize your allergic symptoms include the following:
Restrict your pet, if not to the outdoors, then at least to a certain area of
the house, and especially out of the bedroom. Cat dander can take up to 5 months
to disappear after a cat is removed from a house. In fact, cat allergens have
even been found in houses and schools in which cats have never been present (the
cat allergens are carried in on people's clothing!).
Wash your pets every 1-2 weeks. Studies have shown this to be a highly effective
way to reduce allergens on the pet's hair coat.
Control house dust (especially in the bedroom) by removing carpets, reducing the
amount of upholstered furniture, and washing materials that can readily trap
animal dander (i.e. drapes, bedding, stuffed toys, etc.). Install a high
efficiency electrostatic air filter.
Polish and vacuum floors regularly and use a damp cloth or mop to wipe all
surfaces and floors weekly. Certain solutions (e.g. 3% tannic acid) applied on
carpets will destroy animal allergens without harming the carpet.
In very sensitive individuals, allergy shots may help reduce the degree of
allergic reactions to occasional unavoidable animal contact.
Consult both your physician and veterinarian for advice if you suffer from pet
allergies.
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How does diet affect my pet's oral health?
Dental calculus is a common problem in most domestic cats and dogs resulting
from mineralization of dental plaque; plaque being composed primarily of food
particles and bacteria. Studies have reported the existence of dental calculus
in 86% of cats between the ages of 1-4 years and all cats 5 years of age and
older.
A number of options are available to the pet owner to control and maintain the
long term oral health of their pets. Oral hygiene practiced on a regular basis
is the most effective approach. However, pets need to be conditioned to such
procedures from an early age and few owners are compliant on a long term basis.
As a result, most owners look to diet or chew treats as a simpler, more
convenient, albeit less effective, means of achieving this goal.
Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gum, is reversible and manageable through
routine plaque control. If untreated or uncontrolled, gingivitis may lead to
periodontitis, an inflammation of the supporting periodontal tissues.
Periodontitis may well be irreversible and requires vigorous therapy and plaque
control to avoid further progression.
Although often associated with gingivitis and periodontal disease, dental
calculus is not the primary causal factor. Both gingivitis and periodontal
disease are a result of bacterial overgrowth in the gum tissue that surrounds
each tooth. Because dental calculus is so hard due to its mineral content, it
usually is not removed when a pet eats hard kibble. Although dental plaque is
the primary cause of gingivitis, there are other contributing factors, such as
calculus, age, genetics, breed, immune status and diet.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that feeding a regular dry diet alone, when
compared to a canned diet, will reduce the rate of plaque and subsequent
calculus formation. However, what is not thoroughly understood is whether this
effect is due to the mild abrasive action of the diet, or the greater likelihood
of canned food to become entrapped in the gum tissue, leading to greater
accumulation of plaque.
Studies have shown that feeding a dry diet coated with sodium hexametaphosphate
(a component of some pet toothpaste that acts as the calcium sequestrant)
reduced calculus formation by 50 - 80% in dogs. A similar preventive effect was
also shown in cats.
Other studies showed the regular use of rawhide chew strips resulted in a modest
reduction of calculus formation, but when these treats were coated with sodium
hexametaphosphate, again the results showed a significant calculus reduction.
It is not universally accepted, though, that removal of calculus alone is
adequate to prevent gingivitis. The removal of bacteria-laden plaque prior to
its calcification, however, does minimize gingivitis.
Such research reinforces the opinion that the accumulation of plaque and the
impact on oral health can be impacted by the use of certain diets and chew
treats alone. Reduction of gingivitis by such means in indeed encouraging, but
the long term benefits in the prevention of periodontal disease needs further
research.
Within hours of a professional dental cleaning, plaque begins to re-accumulate.
Although the teeth may look cleaner, the bacterial counts are not being
controlled, even with no obvious calculus present. To obtain long term oral
health, oral bacteria must be controlled by minimizing plaque build-up. This is
best achieved by veterinarians continuing to demonstrate brushing techniques and
encouraging their clients to practice oral home care procedures on their pets
from an early age.
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What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which
lives in the right side of the heart and the adjacent blood vessels. Its
presence in these blood vessels causes cardiovascular weakness, compromised lung
incapacity, and eventual death. Heartworm disease occurs primarily in dogs but
can occur in cats and other animals on rare occasions.
Heartworm is transmitted from dog to dog (and cat to cat) by mosquitoes. Over 70
species of mosquitoes have already been implicated. Transmission of the parasite
occurs as follows: when a mosquito draws blood from a dog or cat infected with
heartworm, it takes with it a number of small immature worms called
microfilaria. Once inside the mosquito, the microfilaria develop into larvae.
Later, when the mosquito bites a new victim, the larvae are injected and that
dog or cat becomes infected.
It takes about six and a half to seven months for the larvae to mature and start
producing thousands of new microfilaria inside the circulatory system. The adult
worms end up occupying the right chamber of the heart and the pulmonary
arteries, while the microscopic microfilaria circulate throughout the
bloodstream.
All these worms within the blood vessels produce an increased workload on the
heart, along with restricted blood flow to the lungs, kidneys, and liver,
eventually causing multiple organ failure. At first, pets may exhibit a chronic
cough and reduced exercise tolerance, followed by sudden collapse and death.
Once infected, one pet can easily become a "carrier" or reservoir of infection
for an entire neighborhood. Sometimes, a dog or cat may have heartworm disease
but show no symptoms. By the time symptoms do occur, the disease is well
advanced.
Prevention is preferred to treatment. While there are effective treatments
available, most veterinarians prefer to promote prevention of heartworm disease.
Oral and topical medications that are administered monthly and have shown to be
highly effective in preventing heartworm disease are available from your
veterinarian.
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What is an appropriate or safe length of time that a dog can stay out in the cold weather?
Dogs do, as a general rule, love the great outdoors and the winter is no
exception. In fact many seem to prefer the colder months and seem invigorated by
it. Fortunately, dogs were born with "fur coats" and a higher tolerance to
colder weather than their owners; but not all of them like to spend extended
periods of time outdoors.
To properly determine how long your pet should stay outside in cold
temperatures, a number of factors need to be taken into account. These include
breed, coat type, general health and age of your dog; whether he/she has been
acclimated to the colder weather; the availability of shelter; as well as
individual differences in the desire to spend time outdoors. Smaller,
short-coated, ill, or geriatric dogs have less tolerance for the cold and
therefore are limited to the time they may be able to spend outdoors.
Alternatively, one may want to consider purchasing a coat or sweater: with many
different styles and prices to choose from, it should not be hard to find
something that suits every budget and pet personality. Conversely, certain
breeds which are bred for colder weather, such as the northern breeds (i.e.
husky), may actually prefer extended periods outside in the colder weather. If
this is done, ensure that adequate shelter is available and only if they have
been acclimated to the colder weather (i.e.., have spent longer periods of time
outdoors during the change in seasons to allow their coat and metabolism to
accommodate the temperature change).
Shelter should be an insulated dog house, off the ground with the door protected
or facing away from the prevailing wind and some straw or a blanket for the dog
to burrow into. As dogs rely on their body heat to warm their immediate
environment, an appropriate shelter should only be large enough for them to lay
down comfortably - making the garage an unsuitable shelter by itself. Ensuring a
high quality diet and access to drinkable (i.e., not frozen) water is essential
as outdoor dogs burn more calories to maintain their body heat. Also, pay
attention and head cold-weather warnings when they occur.
Perhaps the simplest way of ensuring that your pet's outdoor time is enjoyable
is to spend the time with them. This will allow you to watch for any signs that
they may be becoming cold such as shivering, running towards and standing by the
door, wanting to be held, or loosing interest in the activities that you are
doing. Regardless, revel in your outdoor pursuits as it is a wonderful way to
enjoy your time together and a healthy activity that you can both enjoy.
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How can we have a happy, healthy, and flea free summer?
Flea season is upon us every time spring rolls around! This is truly a
scenario where the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
is true. Many wonderful products have been developed to prevent not only flea
infestations, but other common parasites as well. Many of these are no longer
based on insecticidal products but on newer strategies, such as products that
employ compounds that mimic a parasite's hormones causing them to act as birth
control agents. Since these products are parasite-specific, they have a
much-reduced potential to harm to our pets. Talk to your veterinarian about the
most suitable choice for your pet.
As an aside, be careful of the many myths that surround flea control, especially
relating to common household products such as:
Garlic - although some fleas may be deterred by garlic, it will not
prevent fleas (many fleas apparently develop a taste for it!) Besides, pet
breath is difficult to accept at the best of times, let alone with garlic!
Garlic should never be given to cats since it is toxic.
Brewer's Yeast - this has no effect on fleas and in actual fact may
provide fleas with valuable nutrients to grow.
Avon Skin-So-Soft® - this product will deter some fleas, but once again,
it will not completely prevent fleas from infesting your pet.
Penny Royal Oil - this has been recently touted as a dip to be used to
prevent fleas but, as with anything that is applied to your pet, will be licked
and has the potential of causing kidney or liver damage.
Cedar Shavings - these may be helpful for preventing fleas, especially
when used in your pet's bedding but may aggravate respiratory problems or asthma
should your pet be prone to these problems.
Remember that your daily grooming session can be used as a time to track down
fleas and remove them using a flea comb. This is a completely safe approach, and
is especially useful in very young puppies and kittens because of their
sensitivity to some preparations. Placing the flea comb with the flea into a
bowl of warm, soapy water, or a dish of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol will
effectively drown them. Grooming has the added benefit of clearing out dead
hair, and keeping the skin and hair coat healthy!
Control of fleas also involves environmental cleanliness. If fleas are resident
in yards, households, or basements, periodic environmental treatments with
approved products may be needed. Talk to your veterinarian about the best
strategy for your home and pets.
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Should I be concerned with pet food contamination?
In recent years, concerns have been expressed by some pet owners regarding
the potential for contamination of pet foods that contain grain products with
naturally-occurring mycotoxins . Mycotoxins are metabolic by-products of fungi
that are toxic to both animals and man. These concerns are based to some extent
on current data which has shown that mycotoxins are toxic to farm and laboratory
test animals. Food contamination may be more relevant in pets since they are
maintained and fed for longer periods of time than farm animals and thereby are
theoretically more vulnerable to chronic exposure to toxicants.
It is generally recognized by pet food manufacturers that mycotoxin contamination
is a source of increased problems in their industry. Ingredients that are at
risk of becoming contaminated are wheat and wheat products , corn and corn
products, soybean meal and hulls, barley and oats.
Mycotoxins can develop prior to harvest where their concentration depends on
weather and natural conditions, including moisture, temperature, pH and stresses
such as drought and associated growth of other fungi and microbes. Grains and
feeds can also be contaminated with mycotoxins between harvesting and drying, as
well as during storage. Once produced, these toxins cannot be readily extracted
from contaminated feed.
The major mycotoxins with potential for contamination of pet foods are
aflatoxins,vomitoxin, zearalenone, fumonisins, and ochratoxin A. Three genera of
fungi, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium (Gibberella), are the most
frequently implicated causes of mycotoxin contamination.
Aflatoxins are one of the most potent naturally-occurring carcinogens known to
man and have been associated with a variety of health problems in both animals
and man. All species appear to be susceptible to this toxin, although
susceptibility varies from species to species. The primary target organ for
aflatoxins is the liver with liver disease resulting from dogs ingesting
aflatoxin-contaminated dog food.
Vomitoxin, known chemically as deoxynivalenol (DON), affects weight gain and
appetite in pigs, with 10 ppm resulting in loss of appetite, vomiting and weight
loss. It is also known to adversely affect the immune system, although at what
levels this would start to occur remains unknown. Little is known about its
toxicity in pets. It is known that dogs are susceptible to relatively low levels
of vomitoxin and exhibit health problems similar to that seen in swine. Cats, as
well as cattle, poultry, and humans, can also be affected.
Zearalenone has been reported to cause clinical signs in poultry, swine and man,
but not in dogs or cats. Zearalenone has a chemical structure similar to that of
estrogen and causes hyperestrogenism in both laboratory animals and agricultural
livestock. Its effects are mainly on the reproductive system. In pigs, it can
cause serious reproductive problems, including failure to show heats and reduced
sex drive in boars. It can also affect fetal development and the viability of
neonates. The intensity of symptoms is dependent on the amount of toxin
consumed.
Fumonisins interfere with cell membrane metabolism and the signs of toxicity
vary with species. The only studies conducted to demonstrate the effects of
fuminosins in pet species has been in rabbits. Ochratoxin A is a nephrotoxin
(i.e. toxic to the kidneys) and is also teratogenic (i.e. causes fetal
malformation during the first three months of pregnancy) in all species tested.
It also impairs the immune system and is a suspected carcinogen.
In order to deal with the potential occurrence of mycotoxins in pet foods, pet
food manufacturers currently employ mycotoxin testing programs. These programs
include the screening of incoming ingredients prior to their utilization in the
formulation of pet foods, both by suppliers and manufacturers. As well,
manufacturers perform periodic analysis of pet food products for mycotoxins.
Whether the concern for the presence of mycotoxins in pet foods is a valid one
remains under discussion. Since relatively little information exists regarding
the toxicological effects of mycotoxins on dogs and cats, further studies are
indicated to determine both the identity and sources of mycotoxins that could
contaminate pet foods, as well as the effects of mycotoxins on pets. In the
meantime, pet food manufacturers must continue to ensure that their mycotoxin
management programs are stringently maintained.
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How do I interpret a pet food label?
One of the more frustrating experiences for a small animal practitioner is to
make a specific diet recommendation to a client, only to discover later that the
client chose another diet. In many cases, the alternate diet was chosen because
it was very similar to the recommended food based on label information. Some pet
store employees will commonly use label comparison to support their claims of
equality or superiority of their own house brand when compared to virtually any
other pet food. If the labels appear similar, owners conclude that the contents
are similar. However, perception is often not reality.
In Canada, labeling requirements are minimal. Industry Canada regulates that
labels must appear in both official languages and include the identity (e.g.
"dog food") and net quantity of the product and the manufacturer's/distributor's
name and place of business. For foods manufactured in Canada, there are no other
label requirements, not even for ingredients or nutritional claims. In practice,
however, a great deal more information appears.
The CVMA Pet Food Certification Program has very stringent requirements for its
manufacturers which in most respects mirror or surpass the U.S. guidelines.
Because manufacturers compete within a global framework, U.S. regulations take
precedent over those of the Canadian government. In the U.S., a number of
agencies are involved in determining what appears on a pet food label -
including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Based on the CVMA's or AAFCO's guidelines, the following is a synopsis of what
must appear on a label. The principal display panel must show the manufacturer's
name, brand name and product name. An acceptable product name is determined by
what are known as "the percentage rules". For example, using the term "beef" on
its own, indicates that more than 90% (AAFCO's is >95%) of the total product
must be beef. "Beef dinner/platter, etc." indicates at least 25% beef content.
"Beef flavor" usually indicates less than 25% beef, yet enough to allow pet
recognition. The AAFCO percentage rules also legislate a maximum of 78% moisture
content, unless described with such terms as "in gravy". The principal display
panel also includes a species designation, net weight, product vignette and a
graphic or pictorial display.
The information panel includes an adequacy claim, e.g. "complete" or "balanced".
The panel may also include a nutritional claim based on extensive feeding
trials. All ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight, using
official names with proper definitions (refer to AAFCO Official Feed Ingredient
Definitions). The label must also contain a guaranteed analysis: Crude protein
(minimum %) , crude fat (minimum %), crude fiber (maximum %) and moisture
(maximum %). The manufacturer's/distributor's name and address, universal
product code and feeding instructions must also appear.
Despite this information, label comparisons of the product's quality remains
difficult for a number of reasons. With respect to guaranteed analysis, only
minimum and maximum values are stated. Although the CVMA does require a maximum
ash value for all cat foods and a maximum magnesium level for
magnesium-restricted foods, AAFCO has no such requirements. Furthermore, crude
fiber is a poor measure of fiber content, and provides no indication as to
solubility. Additionally, there are difficulties with interpreting the
ingredients list. Ingredients are listed in order of weight with no reference to
relative moisture content. For example, there may be more grain at less than 10%
moisture than fresh meat with 75% moisture, yet meat is listed first. A primary
ingredient such as wheat could be placed well down the list if divided up into
its different components, e.g. wheat grain, wheat middlings and wheat mill run.
Finally, several different grades of foods can have similar names.
How a diet was analyzed to achieve the label values should be considered. Pet
food composition can be stated either on an "as fed" basis, percentage dry
matter, or a percentage of total energy. Each method of analysis results in very
different information on a label. Although many pet food manufacturers will use
percentage dry matter, many nutritionists contend that, because an animal eats
to meet its energy requirements, it is the percentage kilocalorie basis of
analysis that is the method of choice. Few companies provide this information.
Under the CVMA Pet Food Certification Program, foods are tested every 2 months
as part of the ongoing monitoring. In the case of the AAFCO regulations, a pet
food may be only required to be tested once in its life time. The net result is
that the consumer has to be very wary of comparing pet food labels to deduce
quality. By advising owners to look for the CVMA's certification logo and to
follow the veterinarian's specific recommendations, many of the possible
pitfalls in interpreting pet food labels will be avoided.
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What are the fundamental causes of obesity in pets?
Obesity is one of the most common nutritional medical disorders affecting
companion animals, with approximately 24-40% of pets being classified as
overweight. Obesity is defined as an increase of over 20% above the optimum body
weight. Reasons for this include a more confined and sedentary lifestyle for
pets, availability of highly-palatable, energy dense pet foods and treats, and a
strong human-animal bond which leads to overfeeding and snacking.
The fundamental cause of obesity is excess of caloric intake over energy
depletion with the surplus being stored as fat. There are many factors which
affect this balance, including age, breed, sex, hormonal abnormalities, as well
as external factors such as lifestyle, diet formulation and intake.
Hound breeds, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors and Shelties are some of the more
common breeds affected. Neutered females, dogs older than 4 years of age and
pets belonging to obese owners are more prone to excess weight gain.
The risk of certain health problems increases with obesity, as well as an
aggravation of existing clinical disease, such as arthritis and respiratory
disease.
Weight reduction can be achieved by lowering of energy intake, coupled with
correction of concurrent medical conditions. Increased exercise is critical, but
can be impractical in cats or difficult due to owners' lifestyles. Very often
behavioral modification techniques are necessary to eliminate inappropriate
behavior such as begging. For any weight reduction program to be successful, an
owner must first acknowledge that a problem exists and then be committed to its
correction.
Calorie reduction in dogs can be quite dramatic, utilizing complete starvation
(not recommended in cats due to the possibility of precipitating hepatic
lipidosis). This is likely to be unacceptable to owners, would require
vitamin/mineral supplementation, and result in an unwanted loss in lean body
mass. Moderate weight loss can be achieved by feeding 10-20% fewer calories
through less volume of regular food. Restricting calories also restricts
protein, vitamins and minerals. However, most pet foods contain sufficient
excesses for this degree of calorie restriction.
With grossly obese or less dedicated owners, a more severe caloric restriction
may be necessary. Diets which have a more severe restriction of calories (25% or
greater) must be specially formulated and fortified to avoid nutritional
imbalances. Diet restriction must be introduced cautiously in obese cats as they
can often only tolerate moderate caloric restriction. Furthermore, many low
calorie/weight reduction diets may be unpalatable to some cats. It is important
to ensure that the cat does, in fact, eat the diet when it is first introduced.
With the aid of a number of computer programs or nutritional texts, the daily
caloric requirements of the pet can be calculated and the appropriate amount of
a specific food prescribed by the veterinarian. The principle in all therapeutic
diets is to offer a reduced energy density coupled with a compensatory
supplementation of protein, vitamins and minerals. A number of different
formulations used by different manufacturers and the most effective has not been
established. Some foods offer a lower fat content coupled with higher levels of
complex carbohydrate which not only lowers energy density but adheres to the
concept that fat is more efficiently laid down as adipose tissue than
carbohydrate. Other foods which are low in fat, coupled with high levels of
indigestible fiber, rely in part on an earlier feeling of satiety to limit food
intake. However, stool volume and palatability may be adversely affected.
Alternative bulking methods involve higher water content in canned foods and
higher air content of dry foods.
As most dogs and cats will eat to meet their daily caloric requirements, calorie
restriction remains the essence of successful weight loss. Although most cases
of obesity can be corrected with proper owner compliance, early pet owner
education remains the best preventative measure. Overfeeding puppies and kittens
may lead to an excess production of fat cells and a tendency to being overweight
later in life, In puppies, overfeeding may also accelerate the growth rate,
which in certain breeds may increase any predisposition to certain skeletal
diseases. Young pets should be fed an appropriate daily amount of a balanced
food with a caloric density that will result in normal growth rates and lean
body condition. For most adult pets, avoidance of free choice feeding and poor
behavioral habits (e.g. begging), and regular exercise will provide a successful
approach to the prevention of obesity.
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What are some guidelines for feeding aging dogs and cats?
The nutritional requirements of aging pets have been the subject of much
discussion in recent years, particularly with the introduction of therapeutic
specialty diets. Even though there is little experimental information on the
nutritional requirements of senior dogs and cats, commercial diets are
nevertheless currently available on the market designed specifically for the
geriatric pet. These diets differ from adult maintenance diets in that they
contain altered protein and fat levels, fiber content, and vitamin/mineral
levels. Whether or not these changes are necessary in all older pets remains to
be seen.
Aging results in numerous changes in the geriatric dog and cat that have a
direct effect on their nutritional requirements. These changes occur in all the
organ systems, causing a decline in body functions and a decreased ability to
maintain optimal health . As pets get older, long-term exposure to oxidants,
both within the body and outside the body, results in the production of harmful
molecules called "oxygen-free radicals". These radicals cause damage to cells in
the body. Aging is also associated with a decline in efficiency of the immune
system and, since nutritional deficiencies and excesses can modify the immune
response in animals, the nutritional make-up of the senior diet must take these
factors into account.
As pets get older, there is a decrease in total energy needs because of reduced
physical activity and a decline in their ability to metabolize what they eat.
For this reason, it is usually recommended that older animals be fed fewer
calories per unit of body weight than a younger animal in order to maintain a
constant body weight. However, the energy intake of a pet should be based on the
individual needs of the pet rather than reducing the caloric intake in all
geriatric pets regardless of health status or body mass.
Most older pets, regardless of health status, will benefit from some nutritional
guidelines. For example, because food intake is often reduced in the older pet,
the percentage of protein may need to be increased modestly in order to maintain
an adequate protein intake per unit body mass. There is presently no evidence to
indicate that protein restriction in the normal pet will prevent development of
kidney disease. Similarly, in those pets that have a reduced food intake,
moderate increases (e.g. 25-50%) in the concentrations of vitamins and minerals
in the diet may also be beneficial. Increased dietary fiber in the geriatric
diet can be helpful but may not be indicated in all senior pets. Current studies
indicate that the digestive system of older dogs and cats is very little
affected by age and older pets are no less efficient in extracting nutrients
from food than younger animals.
Aging brings with it numerous changes which adversely affect normal body
functions. However, it is important to realize that these changes do not
necessarily affect all pets at the same time. There is currently no evidence to
suggest that all geriatric pets would benefit from a specially-formulated
therapeutic diet designed specifically for older animals. Above all, it is
important for the practitioner to distinguish between the normal, healthy
geriatric pet and one that exhibits clinical signs related to diseases due to
the aging process before making any recommendations regarding dietary changes.
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For more FAQs, visit
http://www.animalhealthcare.ca/faq.asp (source)
Revised:
11/15/04
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