Month: June 2020

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Caring for pets in a heatwave

Caring for pets in a heatwave

It’s always lovely to be able to enjoy more time outside with pets. However, caring for pets in a heatwave is important to ensure they stay happy and healthy in the sun.

During the summer months, temperatures can reach the 30s and if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Caring for pets during a heatwave can help prevent unnecessary trips to the vets.

To help care for your pet in hot weather, here are some top tips:

Hot cars

Never leave you pet alone in a car in hot weather. Even for short periods of time, car temperatures can rise fast in the sun and cause serious health problems for pets.

Sunburn

Just like us pets can get sunburnt if they spend too much time in the sun. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair, such as white cats are more susceptible to sensitive skin from the sun. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun. You could also use sun cream that is specially formulated for pets.

Protect paws

Be sure to protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces during the summer. Pavements and surfaces can get hot in high temperatures and could burn your pet’s paws.

Offer shade

Make sure your pet has access to plenty of shade, out of the sun. You could even set up a small paddling pool in your garden to keep your dog cool.

Fresh water

Make sure your pets have access to fresh drinking water. You could put some ice cubes in their water bowl to help keep it cool. If you take your dog for a walk, take extra drinking water for them.

Exercise

Your dog still needs exercise, even on hotter days. Walk them early in the morning or late at night to avoid the hottest times of the day.

 

If you are worried about your pet’s health during hot weather, contact your vet who is best placed to offer advice on caring for pets in a heatwave.

 

 

 

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Quercetin for dogs and cats

Quercetin for dogs and cats

Quercetin for dogs and cats is often teamed up with other natural ingredients such as L-Tryptophan and N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine as a triple action support for urinary tract health in pets.

Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid) which is found in many plants and foods, such as green tea, apples, berries, Ginkgo Biloba and St John’s Wart.

Quercetin is the most abundant dietary flavonoid and has been linked to improved exercise performance and reduced inflammation, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

It is a naturally occurring antioxidant and recent studies have shown Quercetin supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes and is particularly beneficial to supporting urinary tract health in dogs and cats.

Quercetin also works very well for pet allergy symptoms. It suppresses the release of histamine, which is what causes much of the inflammation, redness and irritation caused by pet allergies.

When to use Quercetin for dogs and cats?

Urinary tract health is a common reason for pet owners to visit the vets. There could be several reasons why your cat or dog may need support maintaining healthy urinary tract function. Stress is one of the most common reasons.

Poor urinary tract health is more common in cats as changes in their routine or environment could lead to bladder problems from stress or other cats in the neighbourhood.

There are many reasons why your cat could be stressed, which include: changes to their indoor environment, territorial problems, unfamiliar noises or cattery visits. These are just some of the reasons why your cat will need support maintaining a healthy bladder.

Natural Quercetin supplements

If you’re looking for a Quercetin supplement for pets, Nutracys+ is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland. Nutracys+ is specifically formulated to provide high strength, triple action support with the added benefit of reducing stress and anxiety.

Nutracys+ contains the unique triple action combinations of N-Acetyl D Glucosamine, Quercetin and L-Tryptophan which are beneficial for supporting normal urinary tract function whilst reducing stress and anxiety.

 

 

 

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Sweet Basil Extract for dogs and cats

sweet basil extract for dogs and cats

Sweet Basil Extract for dogs and cats is a palatable ingredient that has several important effects on gastrointestinal health and digestive balance.

Basil is a herb which is native to tropical regions from central Africa to southeast Asia. There are many varieties of basil, as well as several related species or hybrids. The type used commonly as a flavour is called Sweet Basil.

Part of the plant that grows above the ground is commonly used to make medicine. It is commonly used for tummy problems such as spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, diarrhoea and constipation. Basil also helps to prevent cellular damage, can calm your anxious dog and ease arthritis pain.

Unique to Nutrabio, Sweet Basil Extract is a palatable ingredient that has several important effects on gastrointestinal health and digestive balance.

Sweet basil extract for digestive health

Sweet Basil fortifies the digestive and nervous system and can be a good remedy in human healthcare for headaches and insomnia. The Eugenol present in the leaves ensures anti-inflammatory action in the digestive tract. Sweet Basil helps balance acid within the body and restores the body’s pH level.

Sweet Basil extract for dogs is an excellent source of Vitamin K, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. It is also a good source of calcium and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Sweet Basil extract is often used with dog probiotics and prebiotics to support a pet’s digestive health. If you are looking for a Sweet Basil probiotic supplement for dogs and cats, Nutrabio is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland.

Nutrabio is a naturally formulated paste for dogs and cats to maintain normal digestive function. It has been developed with a high strength composition of probiotic bacteria, prebiotics, Sweet Basil and Kaolin which combine to help normalise digestive function.

 

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Reduce cat separation anxiety when lockdown ends

cat separation anxiety

Although they often seem independent, cat separation anxiety is cause for concern for many owners, especially following lockdowns.

During the COVID-19 crisis, pet owners have spent lots of time with their feline friends, which can lead of the development of cat separation anxiety after being around their owners 24/7.

Now that lockdown restrictions have been relaxed, many cat owners will be returning to work and it’s important to ensure the process is stress free for you and your cat.

There are some common signs of cat separation anxiety, but these may differ from cat to cat, and can include:

  • Your cat may spray around the house, which is a common sign of stress
  • They may scratch furniture or at carpets
  • Your cat may constantly want attention and meow if you’re not giving them enough attention
  • Stressed cats may also over groom or under groom
  • Urinating outside their litter tray and around the house can also be a sign of stress

If you are worried about your cat, be sure to speak to your vet as some symptoms of stress may be a sign for other health problems, such as urinary tract problems.

Tips to help reduce cat separation anxiety

To help your cat we share some tips for when you return to work after lockdown:

Give your cat some space

Don’t over handle your cat while you are at home or follow them around the house to pick them up as this can lead to stress. Take time away from your cat to allow them to get used to you not being around.

Create safe spaces

Make sure your cat has a den or a safe place to retreat to for some quiet time. Create high places for them to use – for multiple cat households make sure there is more than one.

Make gradual adjustments

To help reduce cat separation anxiety, gradually adjust your routine to how it would be when you go back to work, such as feeding times etc.

Distractions

Prevent boredom in house cats especially by providing toys and scratching posts to keep your cat occupied whilst you’re out. Most cats tend to spend their time sleeping, but if they cannot get outside, they may become bored and anxious.

Restrict attention

Don’t over handle your cat or pay them too much attention. This will help to get them used to when you’re not there. Also, over handling and following them around to pick them up could lead to stress.

Don’t punish them

Try not to punish your cat if they scratch at furniture or urinate somewhere other than their litter tray. This could be a sign of stress and if you punish them, it may lead to further anxiety.

Consider natural supplements

Using a natural supplement such as Nutracalm could naturally calm your cat as well as reducing any unwanted behaviour. Nutracalm is a fast-acting supplement with calming properties and is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland.

Nutracys+ has been specifically formulated to provide high strength, triple action support for healthy urinary tract function for cats and dogs with the added benefit of reducing stress and anxiety.

Always consult your vet if you are concerned about your cat’s health or behaviour. They will be able to offer the best advice dependant on your cat’s age and health needs.

 

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Omega-3 for dog joint health

Omega-3 for dog joint health

Giving your pet an Omega-3 supplement can benefit their overall health as well we specific areas such as joints, skin health and brain function and renal health.

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body needs but cannot produce naturally. Omega 3 fish oil can help to reduce the intensity of joint symptoms such as stiffness, tenderness, swelling and discomfort. Omega-3 for dog joint health can increase blood flow throughout the body during exercise, which can help to reduce joint pain and swelling.

One of the main benefits of Omega 3 is its anti-inflammatory properties which can play a role in reducing joint pain. Fish oil contains the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). EPA and DHA play a role in promoting the reduction of inflammation in the joints as well as limiting the production of certain negative proteins that inhibit various types of joint problems.

Studies show that Omega 3 can improve activity and performance in pets with joint stiffness. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce the early signs, for example it keeps collagen and cartilage healthier for longer and helps to give your pet’s joints the shock absorbing properties they need.

EPA and DHA for dogs

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) are both Omega 3 fatty acids, which are found in cold water fish. Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential part of normal metabolism, but they cannot be produced naturally in the body so have to be consumed through diet or supplementation.

EPA and DHA are highly unsaturated fats due to them only containing six and five double bonds on their structural chains. Being unsaturated is an advantage as it makes it easier for the body to break down and utilise the fatty acids.

Make sure you look for Omega-3 supplements which state the EPA & DHA levels on the label, this is a declaration of the purity of the product.

If you are looking for Omega-3 for dog joint health, Nutraquin is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland. Nutraquin aids mobility, flexibility and supports joint structure and helps to maintain your pet’s quality of life by maintaining optimum joint health.