Month: January 2018

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Top tips to maintain healthy cognitive function in pets

cognitive function in pets

It’s important to maintain healthy cognitive function in pets to help support memory and learning abilities.

Old age is inevitable and some degree of age-related neuro-degeneration could happen along the way, which is why early supplementation can be beneficial. Maintaining healthy cognitive function in pets is extremely important, as it can help to support memory and learning abilities and ultimately a pet’s quality of life.

There are common signs of reduced cognitive function to look out for in your pet, which include, disorientation, decreased activity and loss of prior house training.

To help maintain cognitive function in pets, there are some positive things that you can do, which include:

Monitor their weight

Keep your pet at a healthy size. Overweight dogs and cats require increased support for healthy cognitive function in pets.

Exercise

Keep your pet’s body and mind active. Regular exercise, which is appropriate for your pet’s age and physical condition, can help to keep their mind and body healthy. Use games that exercise your pet’s mind as well as their legs.

Retrain your dog

This can be done using the same techniques as with puppy training. For problematic behaviour issues, consult your vet first.

Positive reinforcement

Behaviour training should include treats and praise. Don’t shout at your pet for bad behaviour, they don’t know they should not do something until they are told.

Treat-release toys

These can be beneficial for mental stimulation and to keep your dog active. Hiding your pet’s treats in toys and throughout the house will help to keep their mind stimulated and active.

Socialise your pet

Allow your dog to socialise with other pets and people. Take your dog to socialisation classes to learn how to behave around people and other dogs.

Be creative

Think of innovative ways to enrich your pet’s indoor environment. For cats you can provide them with scratch posts and climbing spaces. Provide your dog or cat with toys to keep them occupied and rotate them to help maintain their interest.

Consider using Nutramind

Do this as early as possible to help to maintain optimum brain function. Nutramind has a unique formula, which is specifically developed to maintain optimum brain function.

Feed them right

A proper diet will help your pet to have an optimal life. Make sure that the food you are giving your pet contains the essential vitamins and nutrients that they need as they age.

Omega-3s

Omega-3s have been shown to aid learning abilities in young puppies. Other studies linked low blood Omega-3 with dog aggression, which indicates beneficial applications of Omega-3’s throughout your pet’s life to help maintain brain health.

 

Ask your vet about Nutramind and how it can help to naturally maintain healthy brain function for your pet. Nutramind has been developed by vets to provide high strength nutritional support for healthy brain function in dogs and cats. It includes key nutrients for supporting cognitive function in ageing pets, whilst benefiting younger pets in training and learning.

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Top tips when caring for pets post-operation

caring for pets post-operation

To maintain the health of your pet operations may be unavoidable and caring for pets post-operation is important to ensure they recover well.

As an owner, it can be stressful for your pet to be unwell and to leave them at the vets for surgery. Caring for pets post-operation can differ, as each pet is different, and can be dependent on their age, breed and condition.

To aid their recovery and maintain the health of your cat or dog, the care that they receive once they are back home with you may be as important as the operation itself.

To maintain your pet’s optimum health, here are some top tips to aid their recovery following surgery:

Speak to your vet

Following your pet’s operation your vet is the best resource for advice. Make sure you ask them any questions you have with regards to after care, and be sure to follow their advice.

Keep your pet indoors

Some pets may take longer than others to get back to their former self. Be sure to keep your dog or cat inside for the recommended number of days. For cats, it is usually recommended that they stay indoors for 1-3 days following surgery.

Make your pet comfy

Create a safe den for your pet to recover in. Make sure it is in a place that is easily accessible and your pet has access to water and for a cat – their litter tray. Provide them with lots of bedding for warmth and comfort.

Keep your pet calm

Your pet may need a calm and quiet environment to recuperate. Don’t let your dog or cat get over energetic and speak to family members about giving then space and time to recover. Try to reduce any jumping up on furniture to prevent opening wounds.

Keep an eye on wounds

Try to keep an eye on your pet’s wound to look out for infection. If you are worried that it might not be healing as well as it should, speak to your vet.

Prevent licking or biting

Your pet may be restless if their wound is particularly irritating and they may lick and bite them. Your vet may provide a collar for your cat or dog to wear to help to prevent licking. Although these can be hard for your pet to get used to, try to leave it on as long as possible, as it will help the recovery process.

Give your pet some TLC

Just like humans, an operation can be a stressful event. To help reduce stress for your pet and reassure them, give them some attention. Although some pets may prefer to be left alone and recover in peace, be extra attentive and keep an eye on your dog or cat whilst they recover.

Diet

When caring for pets post-operation, your vet may recommend a specific diet to help speed up your pet’s recovery. They may suggest high-quality proteins found in boiled chicken, scrambled eggs and white fish, which can aid wound healing.

Be patient

After a few days your pet may seem like they are back to their normal self. However, be sure to stick to your vet’s advice and not rush their recovery. They may be running around again, but their wounds might still need time to heal.

Keep exercise to a minimum

When your pet is ok to go back outside, only allow gentle exercise to start with. For your dog take them on gentle walks to burn off excess energy. Only let your cat out in the garden and try not to let them wander too far.

 

To help manage your pet’s health whilst they recover, speak to your vet about any of the above. They will be able to offer the best advice with regards to your pet’s health needs. Ask your vet about Nutramed, which has been specifically formulated to support your pet’s natural systems that control inflammation. It also provides multimodal support for joints, soft tissues and liver function.

 

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Top tips to help calm new pets

calm new pets

Getting a new pet can be an exciting time, whether it’s a new puppy, kitten or a rescue pet. Knowing how to calm new pets and reducing any stress is important to help maintain their health during this time.

Settling your new pet into their new environment is important and if you can calm new pets, it will help them settle in their own time.

Whether you have a new cat or dog, each animal is different and the process and time it takes to settle will differ. Cats in particular are territorial and may take longer, it’s important allow them the space and time they need.

To help there are some positive things you can do to help calm new pets, including:

Plan ahead

Get your house ready for your new pet before you bring them home. Make sure you have all the supplies you need for your new cat or dog to ensure the process runs smoothly. This includes the right food, bedding and any litter trays needed.

Pet proof your home

Make sure there are no areas where your new pet can escape. Block off any areas in the home you don’t want your pet to go. Keep doors and windows shut, to ensure that they don’t escape and get lost. Remove any hazards around the house, such as electrical wires, chemicals and plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats.

Litter trays for cats

Make sure your new cat has access to a litter tray in a place that is undisturbed, as they might feel nervous in the first few weeks. For multiple cat homes, be sure to supply a litter tray for each cat, as they are territorial and may not like to use the same one.

Keep cats indoors

Try to keep your cat indoors for the first few weeks to get them used to their new environment. If they go out too soon they might be confused and not be able to find their way back home if they get lost. They could also get into territorial fights with other cats in the neighbourhood, which could make them anxious.

Set up a safe area

Help to calm your new pet by creating a safe zone for them to retreat to should they get overwhelmed. This could be an area where they can sleep, make sure it is in a warm spot, which is close to food and fresh water. For a new dog, you could use a crate or cage, which he can also sleep in.

Stay calm

Although it’s an exciting time, too much noise can startle your new pet. Be sure to allow your new dog or cat the time to get used to other family members and pets in their own time.

Burn extra energy

A new dog can get excitable in a new environment and around family members. Take your new dog for long walks to burn off extra energy and ensure they sleep well in their new home.

Register your pet with a vet

Be sure to register your pet with your local vet. They will be able to give your new pet a full health check and offer advice with regards to vaccinations and flea treatment. This will also give you an opportunity to get your pet microchipped, which is a legal requirement for all pets and prevents them from getting lost if they escape.

Set up a routine

Get your new pet into a routine straight away to get them used to feeding and walk routines. This can help to reduce stress for your pet and will help them to fit around and get used to your lifestyle.

Slowly introduce them to other pets

If you have other pets, it’s important to ensure the introduction of a new pet goes well. To reduce stress to either pet, introduce new and old pets slowly to prevent any aggression.

Be patient

Give your new pet time to get used to you and their new home. Be sure to tell other family members to do the same, so that your pet can settle in their own time.

Don’t leave your new pet alone for too long

Separation anxiety in dogs is common. It’s recommended not to leave any pet alone for more than six hours a day. New pets could be feeling more anxious in their new home and need more attention in the first few weeks. Try to leave them alone for as little as possible – if you have to, start with short periods of time before working up to longer spells. Leave them plenty of toys to distract them and an item of your clothing to reassure your pet whilst you’re not there.

 

Speak to your vet about any of the above as they will be able to offer advice with regards to your new pet’s health needs. Ask your vet about Nutracalm, which is specifically formulated to naturally calm anxious pets and help to reduce unwanted behaviour.

Your vet may also recommend Nutramind, which is a high strength nutritional support for brain and mental function and can aid training and learning.

 

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Top tips to maintain healthy digestive function in pets

healthy digestive function in pets

As a pet owner it is important to understand how to support and maintain healthy digestive function in pets to prevent unwanted trips to the vet. Dogs are especially curious and can pick up objects they shouldn’t.

Maintaining healthy digestive function in pets ensure they are able to live a healthy and happy life. However, there are a number of causes that can affect your dog’s digestion. These can include: eating spoiled food, scavenging, food intolerance, bacteria imbalance, change of diet, stress or parasites. Typical signs of a sensitive tummy can be characterised by: a frequent runny nose, loose stools, loss of appetite, excessive flatulence and marked lethargy.

To help soothe your pet’s sensitive tummy and maintain healthy digestive function in pets, there are some positive things that you can do, which include:

Water

Your pet should be encouraged to consume more fresh water, which should be presented in a way that your pet prefers whilst having access to a constant supply. The aim of this is to reduce the chances of dehydration.

Diet

Your vet will be able to offer the best advice on your pet’s specific dietary requirements. A bland diet that is easily digestible, such as boneless cooked chicken breast and white rice can be advisable. A specialised diet for gastrointestinal imbalance may be beneficial with small amounts of food given several times a day. Try to keep treats to a minimum as too many could cause your pet to have a sensitive tummy.

Outside access 

To avoid accidents within the home be sure to take your pet outside frequently or ensure that they have easy access to the outside. However, it is important to monitor your pet’s toilet activities and general demeanour. Be sure to keep a close watch on them and not let them stray too far.

Avoid table scraps

Food we eat may not be suitable for your dog or cat. To maintain your pet’s healthy digestion, try to prevent family members from feeding your pet food not intended for them. Try not to give your pet table scraps or snacks, which could lead to a sensitive tummy.

Try to prevent your pet from scavengingpet needs bladder support

When out on walks keep an eye on your dog to prevent them from picking up any foreign objects or discarded food. Also, prevent them from drinking from puddles and eating plant material.

Minimise stress for healthy digestive function in pets

Try to reduce any stress within your pet’s home and outdoor environment. You could do this by keeping to your pet’s routine as much as possible, including sleeping, food and walking routines. Ask your vet about Nutracalm, which can helps to reduce stress and calm your pet’s behaviour.

Keep up-to-date with deworming and vaccinations

Be sure to keep on track with deworming and disease vaccinations. Speak to your vet who will be able to advise a suitable course of action for your pet, dependent on their age or size.

Foreign bodies

Be careful when giving your dog or cat small toys to play with. These can get chewed and swallowed.

Consider natural probiotics for dogs

Nutrabio is a naturally formulated dog probiotic paste for maintaining normal digestive function. It has been developed with a high strength composition of probiotic bacteria, prebiotics for dogs and cats, sweet basil and kaolin, which combine to help normalise digestive function.

Follow your vet’s advice

Be sure to take on board and follow any advice from your vet. They will be best placed to help maintain your pet’s digestion.

To help your pet stay healthy and to support digestive function, ask your vet about Nutrabio, which is specifically formulated to aid healthy digestive function in dogs and cats.

 

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Top tips for travelling with cats

travelling with cats

Travelling with cats can be a stressful experience as most cats associate a trip in their cat carrier to visiting the vet. Stress and anxiety can be a familiar experience for many cats when travelling.

Seeing your pet stressed can cause extra worry for an owner and you may want to calm cats while travelling. No owner likes to see their cat distressed and there are signs to look out for if your cat is feeling anxious, which include:

  • Shaking
  • Excessive vocalisation
  • Hissing
  • Aggression and scratching
  • Excessive grooming

To ensure the journey runs smoothly and to help with your pet’s anxiety, here are some positive things that you can do before travelling with cats:

Use a cat carrier

Picking a suitable cat carrier is key for travelling with cats. Make sure you get one that is secure and big enough for your cat, so that they feel comfortable. As they could be in the carrier for a while ensure it’s strong and easy to clean, in case they have any accidents.

Secure your cat in the car

Don’t be tempted to let your cat roam free in the car, as this could be a distraction whilst driving. They could also easily escape if a window or door is opened.  Secure the cat carrier in the car using the seatbelts, if the carrier is moving around it might cause further stress to your cat.

Microchip your cat

Before travelling with cats, make sure their microchip details are up to date in case they escape, or have clear identification.

Plan ahead

To get your cat used to their carrier before the journey, you could leave it out in the house and use treats to encourage them into it. Soft bedding and catnip might be good incentives to encourage them into the carrier. You could leave it out a few days or even a few weeks before travelling with cats.

Leave plenty of time before your journey

Put your cat in their carrier in plenty of time before the trip. If you try to get them in at last minute, this might cause extra stress.

Get your cat used to the car

You could introduce your cat to car travel gradually. Take short journeys first and gradually build up the length of the journey. Always follow the trip with treats and rewards so that they associate car trips with good things. If you start getting them used to the car as a kitten, this could help for journeys later in life.

Use a blanket for travelling with cats

Cover the carrier with a blanket, as this might help give it a den-like feel. You could place a familiar item of your clothing in the carrier to help reassure your cat.

No food before travel

Try not to feed your cat an hour or two prior to the journey to prevent any travel sickness or any other accidents.

 

Consider using Nutracalm, which has a unique formula specifically developed to naturally help to reduce stress and anxiety for cats and dogs.

If you are worried about travelling with cats, consult your vet who will be able to advise the best solution and advice for your pet’s needs.  Ask your vet for more information on additional ways to help your pet and how Nutracalm can help.

 

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Top tips for keeping pets safe during winter

keeping pets safe during winter

Keeping pets safe during winter and managing their health can ensure that they get to enjoy the season along with you.

Harsh winters can bring a number of challenges and stress for pet owners. With cold weather comes darker nights, which can prove to be challenging when keeping pets safe during winter.

As curious pets will want to investigate new sights during winter that they may have not seen before, it’s crucial to understand how to maintain their health during this period. Snow and ice could be intriguing to your dog and as the weather gets colder your pet might need additional support for their joints.

Here are some positive things you can do to help keep your pets safe during winter:

Keep them warm

To be sure to protect your pet from the cold, keep them indoors as much as possible. Dog jackets and jumpers could be used for walking your dog to help keep them warm. Short haired and senior pets could use them whilst indoors.

Bring pets indoors

If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Bring outdoor pets indoors during winter months. If left outside your dog could freeze or become disoriented.  Also, don’t leave your pet alone in cars during winter, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold the cold in and can cause animals to freeze to death.

A cosy bed

Make sure your pet has a nice warm place to sleep. If they are usually kept outdoors, bring them inside for winter months to prevent health problems from the cold. Senior pets can be more sensitive to the cold, raise your dog or cat’s bed from cold surfaces to prevent stiffness in joints. Add more bedding to protect from the cold and add extra padding for joints.

Be aware of chemicals and salts

These are used to melt ice on paths and driveways and could be poisonous to your cat or dog.  Your pet could pick them up on their paws when outside, which could irritate them. If they have been outside you can clean their paws with warm water and cotton wool to prevent them from licking it off.

Antifreeze

This is used in cars to prevent car radiators from freezing up. Your pet will be attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze, however, it can be poisonous to cats and dogs. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately. Consider using one that is ethylene glycol free, which is the ingredient that makes it both sweet and toxic.

Keep up with exercise

Even though it feels colder outside, it’s still important to walk your dog and keep them active to prevent them from becoming overweight and maintain joint mobility. Take them for shorter walks more often to limit the amount of time in the cold. Your cat might also want to go outside less due to the cold weather, be sure to play with them inside to ensure they get the same amount of exercise to prevent unwanted weight gain in winter.

Bathe your pets less

Washing your dog too much during colder months can irritate their skin. Try to do it as little as often to prevent the removal of essential oils, which can increase the chance of them developing dry skin.

Dry skinkeeping pets safe during winter

In cold weather, air in homes can become dry which can have an impact on your cat or dog’s skin. If their skin becomes dry it could irritate them. Prevent this by brushing your cat and dog regularly to increase circulation and improve their skin and coat.

Check your car

When it is cold, outdoor cats can be attracted to the warmth of a car engine. Before starting your car bang on the bonnet or beep your horn before driving.

Ponds and lakes

During winter walks keep your dog away from any ponds or lakes. They could be frozen over and thin ice may break under your dog’s weight. If they fall or jump in this could cause hypothermia. Even if the ice is thick, your dog could slip on the ice.

Paw care

After each winter walk, dry your dog and check their coat and paws for stones or hardened mud. Use warm water and cotton wool to gently clean between their paw pads and toes to prevent salt and ice from causing irritation. If your cat spends time outdoors, be sure to also dry them off and check their paws when they come inside.

Food

Your cat or dog might use up more calories to stay warm, so you could increase their food intake to ensure they are getting the right amount. However if they don’t get as much exercise from not going outside, be sure not to overfeed them. If you are unsure, consult your vet who will be able to offer advice.

Keep your pet hydrated

Your cat or dog can become dehydrated in winter, just as much as in summer. Make sure that they have constant access to clean, fresh water. If they have a bowl outdoors, be sure to keep checking it so that it does not freeze over.

Senior pets

In cold weather your senior cat or dog might need some extra care. Cold weather can aggravate joints, so provide extra padding and comfort to relieve joints in colder conditions.

 

If you are worried about keeping your pet safe during winter, speak to you vet who will be able to offer advice on any of the above. Ask your vet about nutravet products such as Nutraquin+, Nutrabio and Nutramega that can help at this time of year.

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Top tips for maintaining a healthy weight in cats

maintaining healthy weight in cats

Maintaining a healthy weight in cats not only ensures that they lead a healthy life, with almost half of UK cats overweight.

Reduced weight can also reduce pressure on their joints and aid mobility as they age. Understanding your cat’s nutritional and exercise needs can make sure that they stay healthy and happy. Maintaining a healthy weight in cats and looking out for any changes can be key to their quality of life.

Common health problems associated with cat obesity include:

  • Lameness and joint stiffness.
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Exercise intolerance and overheating.
  • Increased aesthetic and surgical risks.

It can be tricky as a cat owner to manage and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. Here are some positive things for maintaining healthy weight in cats:

Understand what a healthy cat should look like

A healthy cat should only have a small amount of fat on its tummy and a visible waist. You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs but not see them. If you are unsure about checking your own cat, your vet will be able to help.

Regular vet visits

Regular vet visits are important for maintaining healthy weight in cats. If you think your cat is overweight be sure to consult your vet. They will be able to check and assess your cat’s body condition and advise on the best course of action to reduce any unwanted weight and monitor them. Regular weigh in visits will also offer an opportunity for your vet to check their overall health.

Portion control

Your cat’s diet can depend on their breed and age, as some cats will need fewer calories than others. Many cats will not stop eating when they have had enough, so it’s important to moderate their food by measuring their portions. If you feed your cat dry food, try not to constantly top up their bowl, as dry food can contain more calories than wet food. If your cat eats a combination of wet and dry food, make sure that the amount of calories from both does not exceed their recommended allowance. Always consult your vet before starting a new diet routine for your cat.

Reduce treats

Occasional treats should come from their daily calorie allowance and human food should be avoided altogether. Human food can be very calorie rich for your cat. For example, one small cube of cheese can be the equivalent to a human eating 10 cubes.

Keep your cat active

Exercise is an integral part of keeping your cat healthy and trim. To ensure your cat has plenty of exercise, take time to play with your cat for around 5-10 minutes several times a day, which can make a big difference. Indoor cats can be more of a challenge, so use their favourite toys to keep them interested in play for longer.

Multiple cat homes ­

If you have more than one cat, feed them separately. This will prevent one or both stealing leftovers and eating more than they should.

Don’t starve you cat

Don’t put your cat on a crash diet or starve them, as you could be denying your cat the right balance of essential minerals and vitamins. Your cat’s weight loss should be gradual over time and be sure to follow your vet’s advice.

Speak to your vet if you are worried about maintaining healthy weight in cats. They will be able to advise the best course of action and provide support during any weight loss or exercise programme.

 

 

 

 

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Top tips to calm dogs while travelling

calm dogs while travelling

Stress and anxiety in dogs is a common occurrence during a car journey and many pet owners will look to calm dogs while travelling in the car.

For some dogs, travelling is associated with a journey to the vets and can cause stress. It’s important to calm dogs while travelling as it’s not nice to see your dog so anxious and can make the whole journey a bad experience.

Common signs of anxiety in dogs when travelling include:

  • Trembling
  • Panting
  • Whining and barking
  • Attempting to escape
  • Agitation
  • Vomiting
  • Tail between their legs

Whether you are just taking your dog to the vets, or if you are planning a longer journey, there are some positive things to do to help calm dogs while travelling in the car:

Get your pet used to the car

Help your dog to get used to being in the car by training them to sit calmly in a stationary car to start with. Help them to feel comfortable in the car with their harness on. Never leave your dog unattended in the car.

Use treats

Use treats, and play games whilst in the car. This will help them to associate the car with good things.

Start with short trips

You can help to calm dogs while travelling by taking your dog for short trips in the car to start with, possibly to the park or the pet shop. Gradually build up the journeys so that they last longer.

Use toys or a blanket

Give your dog an item of clothing with your scent on, or their favourite toy or blanket to keep them calm during the journey. A toy will also help to keep them distracted during the journey.

Play music

Some dogs travel better when there is music playing or if the window is open. Be careful not to open the window too much to reduce injury to your dog or incase they try to escape.

Secure your dog

Be sure your dog feels secure in the car. You can use a harness or a dog cage, which will help them to feel calmer. Make sure they are comfortable. A harness or dog cage will also prevent them from moving around and jumping into your lap whilst you’re driving.

Don’t feed prior to travelling

To reduce travel sickness, avoid feeding your dog a couple of hours before you plan to travel. This will help to prevent any accidents in the car.

Make loo stops

If you are travelling a long way be sure to make plenty of pit stops to give your dog some exercise and a chance to go to the toilet and have some water.

Exercise

Exercise your dog before a long journey, this will help them to burn off excess energy and help them to settle during the journey.

 

Consider using Nutracalm, which has a unique formula that naturally helps to reduce stress and anxiety for your pet. If you are worried about your pet’s behaviour, you should always consult your vet, who will be able to offer advise for the best solution for your pet’s health needs. Ask your vet for more information on how Nutracalm can help.

 

 

 

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Top tips to maintain healthy joint function in horses

Maintain healthy joint function in horses

It’s crucial to maintain healthy joint function in horses because their weight bearing joints get little relief from constant pressure.

The areas most commonly affected by joint stiffness in horses are the knee joint, front fetlocks, hocks and coffin joints which can be uncomfortable for your horse when the joint is flexed. It’s important to maintain healthy joint function in horses to enable them to enjoy their life to the full and for their joints to function properly.

Horses often develop stiff joints as they age, but younger and growing animals can also have joint stiffness. Performance horses in particular can put a lot of strain on their legs as they run, jump, spin or pull carriages.

Common signs your horse has joint stiffness include:

  • Your horse may appear stiff and awkward initially and improving as they warm up.
  • Your horse may have a reluctance to perform certain movements.
  • Your horse may experience stiffness after sleeping or prolonged standing.

As their owner, you will be able to recognise a change in behaviour and activity level. To help to maintain healthy joint function in horses, here are some positive things you can do.

Regular exercise

Introduce regular exercise tailored to your horse. Exercise increases joint fluid circulation and tones the muscles. Fitter horses have thicker and healthier cartilage covering their joints.

Maintain a healthy weight

Overweight horses require more attention to their joint health. Excess weight can add more stress to your horse’s joints as well as increase wear-and-tear. Consult your vet who can advise a suitable diet for your horse’s needs to help maintain a healthy weight.

Key nutrients

Glucosamine HCL and Chondroitin Sulphate are essential to maintain healthy joints. A natural alternative can be found in Boswellia Extract, which supports the natural systems that control inflammation and aids mobility, flexibility and supports joint structure.

Stretching exercises

Always make a habit of doing stretching exercises with your horse along with a good warm up before any exercise. This will help to increase blood flow and warm up and soften muscles and ligaments.

Shoeing

Be sure to keep your horse well shod, as well balanced feet will help to reduce the stress on lower limb joints. Your farrier will be able to help to ensure that your horse’s shoes are comfortable and a good fit.

Reduce concussion

To help maintain healthy joint function in horses, it is recommended to try and avoid work on hard ground as this will reduce concussion to the joints and help to maintain optimum joint mobility.

Nutritional joint supplement

Take advantage of the benefits of a high strength, natural and fast acting joint support product such as Nutraquin+ to help rebuild joint cartilage and maintain optimum joint health. Giving your horse Nutraquin+ will not only aid mobility, it will also soothe stiff joints.

 

If you’re worried about your horse’s joint health, you should speak to your vet who will be able to advise the best course of action and provide support. Ask your vet about Nutraquin+, our fast acting natural joint health product. Nutraquin+ is specifically formulated to maintain healthy joint function with the added advantages of Boswellia Extract, which supports the natural systems that control inflammation.

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Top tips for cat health

cat health

Maintaining cat health is essential to ensure they lead a long and happy life. As a cat owner you will understand your cat’s needs and behaviour and come to recognise if they are not themselves.

Cats can be very independent, but also make great companions and seeing them unwell can be stressful as their owner. Looking out for early signs of poor health is key to maintaining optimum cat health.

Here are our top tips to help monitor and maintain cat health:

Diet

It’s important to feed your cat a healthy balanced diet. Factors such as your cat’s age, activity level and health should be considered when choosing their food. Whether you feed your cat dry or wet food, or a combination of both, it needs to be specifically formulated for cats and contain essential nutrients.

Water

You should ensure that your cat has a fresh supply of water. The water should be changed daily and their bowl should be kept away from where they are fed. You could distribute a few water bowls around you house to ensure they have easy access.

Bedding

Cats like to have their own place to retire to. Although they will settle wherever they like, it’s always best to have a cat bed should they need it. Make sure they have a warm and safe place to sleep, with plenty of bedding and access to clean water and their litter tray.

Cat proof your home

Make sure your home is safe for your cat. Avoid buying any poisonous plants or flowers that can affect your cat’s health. Be sure to block any small places they might be able to get into, and check washing machines and tumble dryers before use. Be careful not to leave windows open where your cat can jump out of and hurt themselves. Some household cleaners and chemicals can be toxic to cats, be careful not to leave any lying around to prevent your cat ingesting them.

Scratch posts

All cats love and need to scratch to help shed the outer layer of their claws, as well as marking their territory. A tall and stable post will give your cat something to scratch rather than your furniture. Your cat’s claws may also need trimming occasionally and you can ask your vet for advise on how best to do this.

Grooming

Grooming not only helps to keep your cat looking nice, it can help to remove loose hairs, especially on long haired cats. Brushing your cat’s hair at least once a day can prevent the build up of hairballs in their stomach. This also gives you an opportunity to check their coat and skin for fleas or ticks.

Dental care

It might not be the easiest task to perform on your cat, but regular dental care is important. Brushing their teeth daily with a soft toothbrush helps to remove plaque and bacteria. Regular checks of your cat’s mouth should also be done, looking out for broken teeth. If you start brushing their teeth when they are kittens this will to get them used to it early.

Nutraplaque is a 100% natural tartar and plaque remover for cats, which provides an advanced double action formula to help aid oral health and hygiene by systemically working against bad breath, tartar and plaque for healthy teeth and gums.

Exercise

To maintain good cat health, it’s important that your cat gets a sufficient amount of exercise to prevent weight gain and aid their mobility. Engaging your cat with 10-15 minutes several times a day is a good way of ensuring they get the exercise they need. Use toys that are proven popular. You could consider using Nutraquin, which aids optimum joint health as your kitten grows.

Ear care

Keep an eye on your cat’s ears, as they can be prone to bacteria, ear mites and feline polyps. Checking their ears and consulting your vet if you spot anything will help to maintain their health.

Eyes

Your cat’s eyes should be bright and focused. Keep a check on them to make sure there isn’t any excessive discharge in the corners.

Vaccinations

Keeping up-to-date with your cat’s vaccination schedule can help to prevent and protect them from viral infections. Yearly booster vaccinations are also a great opportunity for your vet to give your cat a full health check.

Regular vet checks for cat health

Your vet is best placed to monitor cat health, it is important to have regular health checks with your local vet to ensure that your cat is receiving the best possible care.

Fleas and ticks

Use an effective flea management treatment to prevent fleas and ticks affecting your cat’s health. Your vet will be able to advise on a sufficient flea management treatment for your cat’s health needs.

Reduce stress

Try to reduce any stress in your cat’s home environment. Read our top tips on keeping your cat calm and consider using Nutracalm, a unique formula specifically developed to naturally reduce stress and anxiety for cats and dogs.

Litter boxes

Be sure to place their litter box in a private place away from where your cat eats their food. If you have more than one cat, it’s advised to have a litter tray for each cat. Cats like a clean litter box otherwise they will go to the toilet elsewhere in your home. Ensure that it is cleaned daily to prevent any stress, which could lead to urinary tract problems. To help maintain bladder health, keep an eye on their activity for any irregular urination.

 

To help maintain cat health, consult your vet, who is best placed to monitor your cat’s health. Ask your vet about Nutravet products such as, Nutraquin, Nutracalm and Nutracys+, which can all help to maintain the health of your cat.

 

 

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Top tips for separation anxiety in dogs

separation anxiety in dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is a common reason for pet owners to visit the vets, as dogs can become stressed when left alone.

We all love our dogs and enjoy nothing more than spending time with them. However, if left alone for only a few hours some dogs can become nervous or stressed. Separation anxiety in dogs can be shown in a variety of ways.

Common signs of separation anxiety in dogs include, trembling, whining, destruction of property and sometimes aggression. Dogs will also hide in an enclosed safe place, such as under a bed or in a den.

What causes anxiety in dogs?

Anxiety in dogs can be caused by a number of factors, such as loud noises, travel, being left home alone, vet visits, moving house and even the introduction of a new pet.  Dogs can experience separation anxiety when their owners go out to work, or simply leaving them home alone for a few hours.

Separation anxiety in dogs can occur if your dog is not used to being left on their own, or if they are scared of something in particular in the home. It is common for younger dogs to develop puppy separation anxiety when getting used to their new home. Although dogs should not be left for too long throughout the day, we can’t always be with them 24 hours a day.

Tips to help manage separation anxiety in dogs

If you have a nervous dog and have to leave them alone whilst at work or for a few hours, here are a few top tips to help reduce any stress for them:

Distractions

Make sure that your dog has enough toys to play with, which would be a great distraction whilst you are out. Stuffed toys with treats are a good way to keep them busy and happy during the time you are away. You could also leave the TV or radio on for background noise.

Exercise

Make sure your dog has had enough exercise before you leave the house. If you are going to be leaving them for a number of hours, take them for a long walk before doing so. This will help to get rid of excess energy and they may sleep whilst you’re out.

Safe zone

Create a safe zone or den for your dog to retreat to if they are feeling extra anxious. You could leave a jumper or t-shirt with your smell on for your dog, which is familiar to them. This will help to comfort them while you are gone.

Prevent accidents

Make sure they have had the opportunity to go outside and go to the toilet prior to you leaving the house.

Close curtains

If your dog can get distracted by outside noise or you live on a busy road, close the curtains to reduce any distractions which might make them anxious and bark for prolonged periods.

Ask someone to check on them

If possible, ask a friend or family member to stop by and check on your dog, even if it’s for 10 minutes to allow them to go to the toilet outside.

Training to reduce separation anxiety in dogs

If you know you have to leave your dog alone, try to train them from a young age to get them used to being separated from you during the day. You could start by leaving them for a short period and increase the time you are away. Make sure that you give your dog plenty of attention when you return as a reward.

Pet proof your home

If you don’t want your dog to have the run of the house whilst you are out, be sure to close doors and block off areas you don’t want them to go. Be sure to check the area/room they will be in for any hazards to be sure they are safe whilst on their own.

Don’t discipline bad behaviour

If your pet has misbehaved whilst you are out and caused damage or toilet in the house, don’t discipline them on your return as this could cause further anxiety. It could also lead to your dog worrying about your return home.

If you are worried about separation anxiety in dogs, ask your vet for more information on additional ways to help your dog and how Nutracalm can help to naturally reduce stress in your dog. Nutracalm has been specially formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets and reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour.

 

 

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Nutravet reveals new website

Nutravet are pleased to reveal their new website. The website has been specially developed to meet the changing requirements of visitors and customers. With an emphasis being put on usability and helping pet owners find the information they want simply and efficiently.

The new Nutravet site is built to be responsive on numerous devices, thus allowing mobile users to navigate the website more efficiently and gain a better all round user experience.

The site has been created to focus on the needs of pet owners and the increasing demand for access to instant information. An automated ‘Where to buy’ section of the website has been developed which informs visitors of their nearest Nutravet authorised stockist instantly.

A focus on pet healthcare in the form of a new blog has been created to provide useful health based articles and information to support and inform pet owners on topics such as, maintaining joint health, keeping pets calm and skin and coat health.

Designed and developed by design and marketing agency, With Creative, the new website builds on the established Nutravet brand, whilst introducing a more visually appealing and user focused website.

Nutravet Managing Director, Matthew Shaw, said: “We are delighted with the overall appearance and development of the new website. We have spent the last few years working closely with the team at With Creative to gather key information on how we can make our site work better for our customers. Our aim is to ensure pet owners are able to access the information they need intuitively whilst improving the efficiency of how we as a company interact with the site.”

The new website went live on 1st January 2018 and will continue to change and grow to the meet needs of visitors and customers.

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Top tips to manage urinary tract health in cats

urinary tract health in cats

Urinary tract health in cats is a common reason for pet owners to visit the vets. Changes in a pet’s routine or environment can lead to stress. This could include, moving home, car travel, inter-cat conflict, new family arrivals or pets, lack of exposure to the outdoors, or boarding in a cattery.

There could be several reasons why your cat may need help in maintaining normal urinary tract health. However, it is important to consult your vet who will be able to offer the most appropriate advice for your cat’s specific health requirements.

In order to maintain a healthy quality of life, there are positive ways in which you help to manage urinary tract health in cats:

Water

Encourage your pet to consume more fresh water and present it in a way that your cat prefers. The aim of increasing water intake is to produce more dilute urine, which will be less irritating. Make sure you place their water bowl away from their food. Adding water to their food could be another way of encouraging them to consumer more.

Food

Wet food may be preferable to dry because of the increased water content. Consult your vet as to whether a diet change is appropriate. Offer the new diet in an additional separate container to allow your pet to express its preference.

Exercise

Encourage your pet to take more exercise as this helps to stimulate the bladder. Overweight cats can have poor urinary tract health more than normal weight felines, so exercise and diet can play an integral role in maintaining your cat’s urinary health.

Minimise stress

To help minimise stress for your cat, their indoor environment should include opportunities for scratching, climbing, hiding and resting. If there is a local cat in the neighbourhood causing stress to your cat, try to prevent your cat from gaining access to the aggressor. It is also important that you stay calm during this time, as cats are very good at reading body language and can pick up on any stress you are feeling yourself.

Litter boxes

Litter boxes should be provided in several quiet, stress-free locations throughout the house, particularly in multi-cat households. There should be one litter tray per cat plus one. Litter should be non-scented and cleaned daily avoiding a strong disinfectant.

Increase play

One of the major factors in the occurrence of poor urinary tract health in cats is inactivity. Increased play can also help to reduce anxiety. Some cats prefer to be petted, whereas others may prefer playing with a variety of small toys.

Senior cats

Poor urinary tract health in cats can be more common in senior pets, so it is important to take them for regular health checks. Regularly monitoring their urinary health can help to ensure that your cat has a better quality of life.

Visit your vet

Your vet is best placed to monitor your cat’s health. It is important to have regular health checks with your local vet to ensure that your cat is receiving the best possible care.

 

Consult your vet for more information on additional ways to help your cat and how can help to naturally maintain a healthy bladder in your cat. Ask your vet about Nutracys+, which has a unique formula specifically developed to help support healthy urinary tract function.

 

 

 

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Top tips to maintain a healthy weight for your dog

Obesity in dogs is a common problem and like humans, a balanced diet and the right amount of exercise will help to maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

Obesity in dogs is common and like humans, a balanced diet and the right amount of exercise will help to maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

It’s important to maintain a healthy weight for your dog to ensure that they have the best quality of life with you. Managing your pet’s weight can also help to aid their mobility and prevent joint stiffness.

As their owner, its key to understand what a healthy dog should look like. You should be able to feel their ribs but not see them. There are common signs that your dog may be overweight which include: trouble breathing, unable to groom themselves, no definition, trouble getting around and constipation.

Finding that balance of a good diet and exercise for your pet can be tricky. To help your dog lead a healthier life, here are some positive changes you can make:

Diet

There are two ways you could help to manage your dog’s diet and reduce their calorie intake. The first would be to simply feed them less food and the second is to feed them a dog food that is low in fat, low in carbohydrate and high in protein. If you are unsure, consult with your vet, who will be able to advise a sufficient diet for your dog’s age and health needs.

Measure their food

To ensure you don’t over feed your dog, measuring out their food at set times of the day can help to control their intake. Don’t leave food out all day for them to graze, feed your dog small portions at set times. This also prevents your dog from eating too quickly, which can aid digestion.

Limit treats

Although it may be tempting to give your dog the odd little treat, any that they have should be included in their daily calorie allowance, or reduced altogether. Also prevent other members of the family from sneaking treats and food from dinner plates to your dog.

Regular exercise

Keeping your dog active is just as important as a nutritional diet. Exercise also improves muscle tone, increases metabolism and helps to reduce boredom in your dog. Your vet will be able to advise the amount of exercise that your dog should be doing dependent on their age, breed and health needs. If possible, don’t just walk your dog, although this is great exercise, playing fetch with them and using their favourite toys can also help to shift unwanted weight.

Regular vet visits

To help maintain a healthy weight for your dog, regular vet visits will offer an opportunity to monitor their progress. Your vet will be able to advise on how much weight they need to lose. Consult with your vet before you start a new food or exercise routine for your dog. This will also offer an opportunity for your vet to check their overall health.

Multiple pet homes

If you have more than one dog or even a number of different pets, feed them separately to prevent your dog from eating food not intended for them.

Leave human food out of reach

Don’t feed your dog food not intended for them, such as human food. Some human food will not only be more calorific to your dog but could cause sensitive digestion. Be sure to place food that is not intended for your dog out of their reach.

Don’t crash diet or starve your dog

Reducing your dog’s food intake and upping their exercise should be enough to help reduce weight. Don’t put your dog on a crash diet or starve them as this could prevent them from getting essential nutrients.

 

To help maintain a healthy weight for your dog, speak to your vet who will be able to advise the best course of action and provide support during any weight loss or exercise programme.

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Top tips for pet owners during spring

Top tips for pet owners during spring

As the weather gets warmer your cat or dog will be able to enjoy more time outside, our top tips for pet owners during spring help with hazards at this time of year.

Like most seasons, spring presents some challenges for pets and these top tips for pet owners during spring highlight some to avoid. As a pet owner you will understand that it is important to ensure that your pet stays safe during this time to prevent an unwanted trip to your local vet. Although you can’t watch your pet 24 hours a day, there are some things to look out for to ensure that they stay safe and healthy during this season.

To help keep your pet safe and healthy, we share some top tips for pet owners during spring:

Easter treats

Although it’s nice to enjoy a chocolate treat during Easter, chocolate is toxic for dogs and should not be given to them. Be sure to keep all chocolate treats away from your dog and don’t let them pick up any scraps from the floor or off other family members. When you are eating your Easter eggs, keep some of your dog’s favourite treats to hand to stop them from begging and prevent you from being tempted to give them some.

Cold water

Despite the weather being slightly milder, the water in lakes and streams will still be too cold for your pet. Don’t let your dog jump in, as the shock of the cold water could cause them to freeze up and struggle to swim or cause them to develop hypothermia.

Spring-cleaning

Be aware of household cleaning products and don’t leave them lying around the house for your pet to sniff out. Commercial cleaning products, almost without exception, contain chemicals that are toxic to your dog or cat. To prevent any problems try switching to non-toxic household cleaning products.

Vaccinations

Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date to safeguard them from Parvo or any other contagious diseases. Warmer weather and more contact with other pets could encourage these types of diseases to spread, so be sure to keep your dog protected.

Allergies

Just like you, your pet may need support for dry, itchy or sensitive skin, which could be caused by grass, pollen or even plants. To prevent your pet from scratching all through spring, speak to your vet early to lessen the severity and give early relief. Ask your vet about Nutramega, which is specifically formulated to calm sensitive skin and reduce itching and scratching.

Grooming

Brush your cat and dog regularly to remove any excess hair that they will start to shed. This will also help to keep your pet’s coat free from dirt and distribute natural skin oils that help to make their coat shiny. Grooming your pet will also give you an opportunity to look out for fleas and ticks and maintain a healthy coat and skin. It will also help to prevent fur balls from building up in your cat’s stomach.

Bedding

To help maintain your pet’s healthy skin, be sure to keep your cat or dog’s bedding clean, as during this time they may shed more fur than usual. This will also help to reduce the amount of fur and dirt around the house.

Clean feet

During spring walks the weather might not always be dry and with rain comes mud. After your dog has been for a walk, be sure to clean their paws to prevent the mud from drying and getting stuck between their toes and tangled up the fur.

Garden hazards

Be aware of hazards in the garden for your pet. This includes slug pellets, as they are toxic to your pet and could cause illness if swallowed. Some spring flowers are also toxic to pets and if swallowed could cause your pet to become unwell. These include, daffodils, tulips and crocuses. If you think that your cat or dog has eaten any of these, you should contact your vet immediately.

Flea prevention

As the weather starts to warm up and alongside the central heating still being on in some homes, fleas can become a nuisance for you and your pet if not treated properly. Be sure to keep up with your pet’s flea treatment to help maintain their healthy skin and coat. Remember to also treat areas in the home where your pet likes to sleep or sit, as well.

Close windows

As the weather gets warmer, be careful not to leave windows open that your cat or dog can jump or fall out of.

Exercise

If your dog has been particularly inactive during the winter season, make sure you ease them back into their exercise routine. Start off slow to help rebuild muscle tone before engaging in strenuous outdoor activities.

 

To help maintain your pet’s health during this season, or think that they might have eaten something that they shouldn’t have, consult your vet who is the best resource to ensure the health and wellbeing of your cat or dog. Ask your vet about Nutravet products such as Nutraquin+, Nutrabio and Nutramega, which can help to maintain the health of your pets during this time of year.

 

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Top tips to maintain optimum joint health for cats

joint health for cats

Maintaining optimum joint health for cats is key if they are going to live a happy and healthy life. Cat owners often mistake joint stiffness for their cat simply getting older.

Although cats do usually get joint stiffness more as they get older, there are other reasons for this to happen. If your cat is overweight or has a broken bone or trauma, this could reduce mobility and managing joint health for cats is key to reduce stiffness.

During the colder months, joint stiffness will appear more apparent, as the cold can aggravate joints. As a cat owner you will be able to understand and spot behavioural change in your cat, but there are common signs to look out for which include:

  • A reluctance to jump up on furniture or struggle to go up stairs.
  • You may notice that they sleep more and play or go out less.
  • Your cat may not groom themselves as much as usual.
  • They may be irritable when handled.
  • Your cat may find it hard to get into a comfortable position when sleeping.

To help with your cat’s mobility and to ensure they maintain a healthy life, there are positive things you can do, which include:

Visit your vet regularly

This will ensure that your cat’s joints can be monitored. Your vet will also be able to advise the best course of action moving forward, as they are the best resource to safeguard the health and wellbeing of your cat. Ask your vet about using a high-quality joint supplement such as Nutraquin+, which can help to maintain healthy joint function for your cat.

Managing their weight

If your cat is overweight this could cause unnecessary strain on their joints. Weight gain is a major aggravating factor for joints, so it’s important to keep a check on your cat’s weight to ensure this stays at a normal level and doesn’t add any unwanted pressure to their joints. Feed your cat a good quality diet to prevent any unnecessary weight gain.

Key nutrients

Boswellia extract is a natural alternative to support your cat’s natural systems that control inflammation and helps to aid mobility, flexibility and supports joint structure. Glucosamine HCL and Chondroitin Sulphatejoint health for cats, are also essential for maintaining joint health for cats.

Move food bowls

If your cat is usually fed on a high surface, move their food and water bowl to a more accessible place, so that they do not have to jump up to get it. Also make sure that they have easy access to their litter tray, which they may struggle to get in and out of.

Bedding

Make sure your cat has a warm and comfy place to sleep with plenty of bedding. Extra bedding could be used to add padding around sore joints. Move their bed from a cold floor to a warm carpeted room, as the cold surface could aggravate them. You cat may seek out warm spots around the house to soothe joints, so you could move their bed close to radiators or warm spots to help.

Exercise

Your cat needs an appropriate amount of exercise to keep their joints mobile. It is important to maximise the range of movement and fitness of the muscles around the joints. Slow and gentle play can be helpful but should be introduced gradually. Try to avoid any vigorous play sessions that involve leaping, jumping or turning.

Grooming

If their joints are especially stiff, your cat may not be able to reach certain areas to groom or they could stop grooming altogether. You could help by brushing your cat, which will also help to keep their coat shiny and healthy.

 

To help maintain your cat’s joint health and mobility, consult your vet, who is best placed to offer advice and the best course of action. Ask your vet about using a high-quality joint supplement such as Nutraquin+, which is specifically formulated to help to maintain healthy joint function for your cat. Find out more about Nutraquin+.

 

 

 

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Top tips to help keep horses hooves healthy

keep horses hooves healthy

Owning a horse is a big responsibility and ensuring you keep horses hooves healthy is an important aspect. As they bear a large proportion of your horse’s weight, strong and healthy hooves are crucial to support them throughout their life.

Despite being tough and resilient, the ability to keep horses hooves healthy can ensure they enjoy a better quality of life. Understanding what to look out for to support healthy hoof growth can be key to your horse remaining healthy and strong.

When taking care of your horse’s feet and hooves, things to look out for include:

  • Thrush
  • Punctures
  • Cracks
  • Abscess

Management factors play a significant role in optimising hoof health. To help manage and support your horse’s hoof health, here are some top tips:

Horseshoes

These will help to protect your horse’s hooves. Horseshoe requirements will differ from horse to horse, so it’s advised to consult a farrier who will be able to suggest the best shoe for your horse’s needs.

Stable management

One of the biggest factors of hoof health is stable management and keeping on top of the environment they live in. Make sure your horse has clean and dry bedding and their stable is free of wet or dirty materials. Avoid keeping your horse in a muddy paddock or pasture.

Pick out your horses feet

This is the single most important thing you can do to keep horses hooves healthy. It’s important to do this regularly to check for any stones or small objects that may have become lodged in their feet. It’s recommended to check your horse’s feet before you ride them, when you bring them in at night and before you turn them out in the morning.

Regular handling

Handle your horse’s hooves on a regular basis to get your horse used to them being picked up and worked on. This will also give you an opportunity to keep an eye on their hooves to maintain their health.

Hoof oil

Applying hoof oil to your horse’s hooves everyday during the summer months can help to maintain their health. In dry weather, soaking your horse’s feet in water and applying a hoof dressing can help the hooves to retain moisture.

Don’t leave them to stand in mud

Avoid leaving your horse to stand for hours in mud or damp conditions. This could encourage thrush and the suction of deep mud could also drag off a shoe that is already loose due to alternating wet and dry conditions.

Check your horse’s shoes

Look for signs of wear and tear that might mean a farrier is needed. Problems to look for could include, risen clenches, pinching across the bulbs of the heel and overgrown and misshapen feet.

Schedule regular farrier visits

It is recommended that this should be on average between six to eight weeks each time, depending on your horse’s individual needs. This may change from summer to winter months.

Help your horse to grow the best possible hooves

Some horses naturally have healthier hooves than others. You could help your horse to grow healthy hooves by:

  • Feeding them an appropriate diet for all their nutritional needs.
  • Provide them with consistent exercise, working on good surfaces, especially walking and trotting, which helps to increase circulation and promotes growth.
  • Consider using Nutrahoof, which contains Biotin and aids the development of strong and healthy hooves, as well as improving hoof growth.

If you are concerned about your horse’s hoof health, we recommend that you consult your vet or farrier, who can advise the best solution for their health needs. Ask your vet about Nutrahoof, a unique formula, which is specifically developed for horses with weak, cracked and brittle hooves.

 

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Top tips on how to calm an anxious dog or cat

anxious dog

An anxious dog or cat is a common reason for pet owners to visit their vet to get advice. Stress in pets can be a familiar occurrence for many owners with a number of reasons why it happens.

If you have an anxious dog or cat, they may show common signs, which include: aggression, a decreased appetite, increased vocalisation, their ears may be pulled or pinned back, and they could be trembling or shaking.

Both cats and dogs alike can suffer from anxiety, which can make certain situations stressful for their owner. Situations that may stress your pet include:

  • Loud noises
  • Travel
  • Staying in a cattery
  • Vet visits
  • New pet
  • Fireworks
  • Separation anxiety
  • Staying in kennels
  • Moving house

If you have an anxious dog or cat, they may show common signs, which include: aggression, a decreased appetite, increased vocalisation, their ears may be pulled or pinned back, and they could be trembling or shaking.

In some pets, stress can also lead to other health concerns, such as urinary tract function in cats. No pet owner likes to see their beloved companion distressed, but we highlight some positive things that could help to calm an anxious dog or cat:

Create a safe zone

Make sure your pet has a den or a spot they can retreat to if they start to feel anxious. For your cat, make sure that there are plenty of places available to sleep or hide in peace.

High areas for cats

Provide high accessible areas for your cat, such as shelves or on top of furniture. This allows them to feel safe, whilst still being able to watch and feel included in the family.

Exercise your dog regularly

Stress and anxiety can sometimes create uncontrollable energy. Taking your pet for regular walks or encouraging your cat to play and go outside can help to relieve some of that energy.

Keep to your routine

Fixed routines can help to keep your pet calm. Any changes to your normal household routine can upset and stress your pet. Stick to the same feeding and walk routine and stay calm yourself. Pets can pick up when you’re anxious and that could in turn cause them stress.

Distract your pet

Try to keep your anxious dog or cat occupied. Use toys to play with your pet and keep them focused on something else. Play will also help to use up energy and they may sleep through the stressful situation.

Scratch posts

Make sure that your cat has access to a scratch post to relieve boredom and anxiety. Stressful situations might make them scratch your furniture if they don’t have a suitable place to do it.

Multi-cat households

If you have more than one cat, make sure that you have at least one litter box per cat. Ensure that you cat also has somewhere to retreat to and get away from your pet dog or other pets.

Don’t shout at your pet

If they do anything out of the ordinary due to stress, such as toilet in the house or scratch furniture, refrain from shouting at them. Reward their positive behaviour with treats and ignore any unwanted behaviour. This can be a reaction to how they feel in a situation and shouting at them could lead to further stress and behavioural problems.

Keep the noise out

Play calming music if you have to leave your dog home alone, to help drown out external noise that could make them anxious. Create a calm environment for your cat or dog.

Comfort your pet

Sit close to your pet and stroke them to try and keep them calm. Physical contact could help to make them feel safe and reduce their anxiety. If they prefer to be by themselves, let them wander off to find a safe place to hide. Keep checking on them to make sure they are ok.

Plan ahead

If you know a specific event, such as fireworks night or a trip to the kennels or cattery will cause stress, try to prepare ahead of the event. For trips to the vets of kennels, consider using a calming aid for dogs, such as Nutracalm, which can be given 2 hours before the event. Nutracalm is specifically formulated to naturally calm anxious pets.

Train your pet to deal with certain situations

If a trip in the car or a visit to the vet causes your pet to have anxiety, you could train them to get used to these situations. Separation anxiety is also common in dogs. Getting them used to being home alone for short periods of time can help. Reward your dog with a treat and praise them when they respond positively to training.

Socialise your pet

If you have an anxious dog when around people or other dogs, training classes could help reduce anxiety during these occasions. Don’t lock your dog away when visitors come or this will only add to their stress. Help them to become accustomed to socialising with people other than family members. Reward good behaviour with treats.

 

If you are worried about changes in your pet’s behaviour, speak to your vet who will be able to advise the best solution for your pet’s health needs. Ask your vet for more information on ways to aid your pet and how dog calming products such as Nutracalm can help. Nutracalm is specifically formulated to naturally calm anxious pets and help to reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour.

 

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Top tips when caring for your horse

caring for your horse

Caring for your horse is a long-term responsibility and it’s important to understand the importance of horse health.

There are many different breeds that can vary in shape and size and caring for them could depend on this. As an owner, you will be best placed when caring for your horse and be able to recognise signs that they are not well. Looking out for signs and treating any health issues early will help to maintain your horse’s quality of life.

There are many positive things you can do when caring for your horse, which include:

Feed your horse good quality food

Horses need roughage (hay or pasture) to stay healthy. High quality food will lead to a healthy horse. Try to resist the temptation to buy cheap hay, which might not have the best nutrients needed. Your horse will need a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals that are essential to keep them healthy.

File your horse’s teeth

Horse’s teeth can wear down unevenly over time, due to them eating the same type of food. It’s important to get their teeth checked by a vet, where they can file them down and examine their mouth at the same time.

Let your horse live outside

It might not always be possible to let your horse live outside, but doing so can be important for your horse’s health and wellbeing. Turnout can help to provide exercise, which also helps to prevent weight gain. Weight gain in horses can then impact on other health issues such as joints. You horse can also get bored and frustrated being confined to a stable all the time.

Exercise your horse daily

Your horse should be exercised daily to help prevent weight gain and keep them healthy. If you are not able to do it every day make sure your horse has access to a field to walk in, or ask someone to go to exercise them for you. Exercise is also beneficial as it encourages natural hoof growth.

Hoof health

It’s important to regularly check your horse’s hooves. Be sure to pick them out regularly to check for any rocks or objects that might bruise them. Your horse can develop problems with their hooves if they are not cared for properly. It’s important to not only check them when you’re preparing to ride, but every day. You should also get a farrier to trim their hooves. Consider using Nutrahoof, which is specifically formulated for horses with weak, cracked and brittle hooves. Nutrahoof is a natural solution to help improve elasticity and hoof health.

Schedule regular vet visits

When caring for your horse, it’s important that your horse has a vet visit at least once a year, to keep a check on their health and keep up-to-date with vaccinations. Not getting your horse checked could lead to health problems developing in the future.

Grooming

Your horse should be brushed daily. The more you brush, the more you help to distribute the natural oils that coat your horse’s hair evenly. Invest in good quality brushes and make sure you keep them clean. If you have more than one horse, try to use a separate set of brushes for each horse to reduce fungal infections.

Provide sufficient shelter

Be sure that your horse has sufficient shelter at all times. It needs to provide protection from the rain and wind, as well as being comfortable and safe. Also provide them with enough bedding to keep them warm in the winter and make them comfortable at night.

Provide fresh water

Horses need a daily supply of clean and fresh water. Depending on breed and size, a horse can drink between 5 -10 gallons of water a day. Be sure to also keep the water bucket clean to help reduce bacteria build up. In warmer weather, horses might need extra drinking water and to be cooled down with water.

Minimise stress

If you know that certain situations can cause your horse to become stressed, try to reduce this by preparing for the event or situation in advance. Consider using Nutracalm, which has a unique formula specifically developed to naturally help to reduce stress and anxiety in horses.

 

If you are worried about changes in your horse’s health or behaviour, it is best to consult your vet, who will be able to advise the best solution for horse health. Ask your vet about Nutravet products, such as Nutracalm, Nutraquin+, Nutrahoof and Nutramed to help maintain the health of your horse.

 

 

 

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Top tips to manage joint health for pets

joint health for pets

Maintaining excellent joint health for pets is essential to ensure they lead a good quality of life.

There are a number of reasons why you should manage joint health for pets, which include, old age, being overweight, as well as trauma or injury. Joint stiffness tends to occur more often as your pet ages with dogs being more susceptible. However, young dogs can also develop joint stiffness. Some large breeds of dog in particular, are more prone to developing joint stiffness.

During the colder months, joint stiffness can appear more pronounced in your pet. They may need support when bending down to their food bowl and may not jump up as much. It is especially important to support joints in senior pets, as they may feel the cold more. If your pet has had any broken bones, this may also mean they are more sensitive to the cold.

There are common signs to look out for which include:

  • Your pet may like resting more following exercise.
  • Your cat may sleep a lot and not play or go out as much as you would expect.
  • They may avoid performing certain tasks, such as jumping into the car or onto a chair.
  • Your pet’s may seem irritable or sometimes aggressive.
  • Your pet might seek out warm spots around the house, such as sunny areas, heat vents or near to radiators.

The mobility of your pet’s joints can have a dramatic impact on their quality of life, it can even affect your pet’s sleep. To help maintain optimum joint health pets, here are some positive things you can do:

Manage their weight

Excess weight can put pressure on joints, aim to reduce your cat or dog’s weight and keep them at a healthy weight for their breed and age. Speak to your vet before starting your pet on a diet, they can offer advice on the best way forward.

Exercise

It is important that your pet gets regular exercise to avoid stiffness and muscle wastage. Avoid long or infrequent walks and make sure your dog goes for several, short walks throughout the day. Think little and often to keep the joints mobile.

Diet

Feed your pet a good quality diet. Reassess your pet’s food and consult a veterinary professional who can recommend the best diet for their needs. Where appropriate raise water and food bowls so your dog or cat doesn’t have to bend down to them.

Comfort

Keep your pet warm and avoid cold and drafty or damp conditions that can aggravate joints. Provide a cosy warm place to sleep with enough room to find a comfortable position. Add extra bedding for senior pets and shorthaired dogs to help pad around their joints. Try to limit stair use and jumping on or off furniture

Grooming

Help to groom your pet when their joints become stiff as they may not be able to groom as freely.

Use ramps around the home

Continuously jumping on furniture or in and out of the car can easily cause injury. Install pet-friendly ramps to reduce the jumping and any damage to their joints.

Joint Supplementation

Your vet may recommend a natural supplement like Nutraquin+, which aids joint stiffness and supports the natural systems that control inflammation.

Key nutrients

Glucosamine HCL and Chondroitin Sulphate are essential for maintaining healthy joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and synovial fluid. Boswellia Extract supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory process and plays an important role in maintaining smooth and comfortable joint movement.

Visit your vet

Regular vet visits ensure your pet’s joints can be monitored frequently and the best up-to-date advice can be given. Ensure you follow your vet’s advice.

Alternative solutions

You could consider alternative methods to help your dog or cat, such as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. These can help to increase circulation and mobility in your pet.

If you are concerned about joint health for pets, consult your vet as they are best placed to offer advice and the best solution with regards to your pet’s health needs. Ask your vet about Nutraquin+, which is specifically formulated to offer natural joint support to cats and dogs. It contains high quality key nutrient that are essential for maintaining healthy joints.