Library
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Each dog is an individual and one standard feeding plan may not work for every pet, but following a set schedule can be beneficial for a number of reasons. For most dogs, two meals per day is best. The use of food toys or interactive feeders can add interest to your dog's mealtime. Routines help your dog adjust to changes that may occur in your home and allow you to monitor their health.
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With any cancer management strategy in dogs, optimal nutrition is essential. The metabolic effects of cancer will persist after treatment. By anticipating the nutritional impacts of cancer treatment, you can work with your family veterinarian and/or a qualified veterinary nutritionist to adjust your dog's nutrient profile and potentially avoid some negative side effects.
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Selecting your dog’s food is a choice you make to support their health and well-being for each of their life stages. Complete and balanced commercial dog foods are designed to have specific nutrient profiles, and different diet types are available for healthy dogs or those with a medical condition. Your veterinarian is always ready to help you make the best nutritional choices for your dog.
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The primary nutritional goals for the young adult dog are to maximize health, longevity, and quality of life. Obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs of all ages. Your veterinary healthcare team can help choose a nutrient profile that best suits your individual dog.
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Food allergies can be problematic for many dogs, especially after years on the same diet. Clinical signs may manifest as gastrointestinal or skin problems. Some animal proteins are the most common causes and strict avoidance is the best way to treat affected dogs. An eight to twelve-week elimination diet trial on a special veterinary diet is the only definitive method to diagnose a food allergy and, in some cases, the veterinary diet may need to be continued long-term.
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Food intolerance covers a large number of adverse food reactions that do not involve the immune system, and generally cause digestive issues. This handout outlines the various types of food reactions, and how you can help your pet.
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This handout discusses the causes and potential treatments for excess gas (flatulence) in dogs. Factors such as diet, speed of eating, exercise, and foods to avoid are outlined.
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A gastrostomy (G-) tube is a small rubber or silicone tube that passes directly into the stomach through the dog’s skin and abdominal wall. It allows you to deliver food, water, and medications directly into the stomach. This article outlines how to use and maintain a G-tube for your dog.
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Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time with plenty to consider. In this handout you will find general care advice for your puppy, including nutrition, play, chewing behavior, housetraining, socialization, nail trimming, and basic first aid.
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Skin and gut issues are problematic and can be caused by many things, including food allergies. The best way to identify food allergies is through an elimination-challenge diet trial, in which you eliminate potentially allergenic foods and treats for the length of the diet trial, then methodically add foods back into the diet to determine response. If a food allergy is identified, avoiding the food usually results in a good outcome, although some dogs develop new allergies in later years.