Monthly Newsletter

The Special Needs of Newborn Puppies

When it comes to adequate nutrition, one of the most critical times in a puppy's life is immediately following birth. At this time, the bitch produces a special type of milk called colostrum, which contains antibodies that newborn puppies absorb through their intestine. These antibodies provide temporary immunity for the puppy, offering it protection from a variety of infectious diseases.

Since the puppy's intestine can only absorb these antibodies during the first 24 hours of life, it is vitally important that it receives adequate colostrum during this period. After this 24 hour period, the colostrum changes, and within three to four days, the mother is producing mature milk.

To determine if the newborn puppy is growing normally, consider weighing the animal daily during the first two weeks and then every three to four days until weaning. During the first three to four weeks of life, puppies should gain one to two grams per day for every pound they're expected to weigh as an adult. For example, if the anticipated adult weight is 25 pounds, the puppy should be gaining 25 to 50 grams daily.

Puppies should nurse a minimum of four to six times daily. In healthy puppies, the mother's milk is adequate for normal growth until about four weeks of age. After this time, milk alone cannot meet the nutrients needed for normal development, therefore supplemental feeding should begin.

Introducing Solid Food

We recommend these guidelines when introducing supplemental food:

• Start semi-solid food at three to four weeks of age.
• Feed a thick gruel of dry puppy diet mixed with warm water (do not use cow's milk, which may cause diarrhea)
• Place the gruel in a shallow dish (i.e., a pie pan)
• Feed a minimum of three times per day. At each feeding, clean the plate and replace unfinished food with new food.
• Dry puppy food (instead of gruel) can be introduced at six weeks of age

The Rapid Growth Period

Puppies grow most rapidly during the first six months of life. During this period, rapid organ growth occurs. Supplying a complete and balanced diet for growth during this phase is essential for normal development. Energy requirements during this period of development are greater than for any other stage in life (except for a female at the end of pregnancy and during lactation). The energy needs of a rapidly growing puppy are three times the needs of an adult dog.

Similarly, the protein requirement of growing puppies is greater than that of adult dogs. Because puppies have higher energy needs and eat more food than adult dogs, the total amount of protein they consume is naturally higher.

Pet foods for growing puppies should contain more protein than foods developed for adult dogs. More importantly, the protein contained in the food should be high quality. The recommended minimum percentage of energy supplied by protein in the diet for a growing puppy is 26 percent.

Food Quality and Energy Requirements

Growing puppies have large requirements for both energy and nutrients. The problem is that they have less digestive capacity (smaller stomachs and intestines), smaller mouths, and smaller and fewer teeth than adults. These differences limit the amount of food a puppy can eat and digest at one time.

The potentially negative effects of poor food quality are far reaching. If a diet contains poor quality protein or is low in energy density, a larger amount of food must be consumed. Moreover, the limits of the puppy's small stomach may be reached before adequate nutrients have been consumed, resulting in decreased growth and impaired muscular and skeletal development.

Also remember that growing puppies should not be overfed. Mild overfeeding early in life can lead to an accelerated growth rate. Primarily in large breeds of dogs, an accelerated growth rate can also result in development of several skeletal disorders, including osteodystrophy, osteochondrosis, and hip dysplasia.

In contrast, feeding growing puppies a moderately restricted level of a well-balanced diet does not affect final body size or development. Based on the latest research, feeding to achieve an average (rather than maximal) growth rate for the dog's particular breed is highly recommended. Strict portion-controlled feeding and frequent assessment of weight gain and body condition are important steps toward realizing this goal. Three small meals per day should be provided until the puppy is four months of age, after which two meals per day should be fed.

Practical Feeding Tips

After puppies are weaned, they should be fed a diet specifically formulated for growth. The food should be guaranteed Nutritionally Adequate for Growth or for All Life Stages, as demonstrated in the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) feeding trials.

For adequate nutrition for growing puppies, consider the following guidelines:

• Feed a highly digestible, nutrient-dense diet specifically formulated for growth
• Feed regular meals and use a portion-controlled regimen
• Try to feed the meals at the same time each day
• Feed three meals daily up to four months of age, and two meals daily afterward
• Feed to achieve average growth rate for the pet's breed, and to support a lean body condition
• Avoid overfeeding or feeding to promote maximal growth rate
• Provide regular daily exercise
• Do not add nutrient supplements to the puppy's balanced diet (adding dietary supplements to a balanced diet is unnecessary and may even be detrimental)

Adequate nutrition is an important component of a puppy's overall growth and development. The guidelines above can help you provide optimal nutrition to meet the diverse needs of growing puppies. If you have questions regarding the proper food for your puppy or adult dog, talk to a staff member at your local veterinary hospital. These professionals know what food is right for your pet.

Thanks to the creation and marketing of cat litter in the mid 1940's, more and more cats have become indoor-only pets. As such, cats are now leading longer lives, with some living 20+ years! Our homes offer a safer, healthier environment than life on the street. The average life span of an indoor cat is 10 years, whereas the average lifespan of an outdoor cat is just 2 years. There is no doubt that indoors is safer.

Yet, when we choose to make our cats indoors-only companions, we have a responsibility to provide the stimulation that was previously provided by the great outdoors. Scratching and climbing posts become trees; interactive toys become hunted birds, bugs and field mice. A rotating array of cat playthings provides excitement, unpredictability and exercise which, in turn, gives your cat everything it needs while extending its life inside. With that said, many cat lovers still prefer to commune with nature with their feline friends. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize the risks.

Most importantly, while vaccinations are important for indoor cats, they are absolutely critical to the health of outdoor cats. The threat of rabies, FeLV, FIV, and FIP, transmitted through altercations with wildlife, or interaction with stray, un-vaccinated cats, should be enough to have your cat immunized in order to give you peace of mind. All of these diseases can be prevented and can provide your outdoor cat with proper protection should he need it.

If you feel as though your cat deserves the fun of being outside, but want to provide a safe way to experience nature, there are alternatives to opening the door and watching him go. Harnesses and leashes (gasp!) have been developed for cats. Either cat specific or small dog accessories fit well and are relatively inexpensive. Training your cat to walk with the harness takes patience (unless you start with a kitten, in which case it could take less time), but the reward is worth it. Your cat will be able to experience the joys of being outside in a controlled environment. How far he can travel is up to you!

Outdoor enclosures are another great alternative. Since outdoor enclosures are usually homemade, they come in all shapes and sizes. For durability, chicken wire or wire hardware cloth - secured around a simple wood frame - is preferable to ordinary window screening. The most successful structures usually feature climbing and resting furniture inside. A shaded area is necessary for warm or hot weather. Whether you choose an outdoor enclosure or add cat-proof netting to the top of traditional fencing, they are safest used only when you are at home able to check on them often.

Even with the option of training or providing your cat with an enclosed outdoor adventure area, you still need to consider identification. Lost cats result in heartache that can easily be avoided. Microchip and ID tags provide easy identification and may be what reunites you with your cat should he / she get lost or scooped up by a caring, but ignorant stranger.

When deciding whether or not to let your cat outdoors, it is important for you to consider the alternatives. As the pet industry expands and becomes more creative, more and more indoor/outdoor products are going to become available. Of course, there is nothing better than being outside. If you can provide your cat with the proper care and protection, allowing your cat to go outdoors can be a fun and healthy existence.

Is the rental market improving or getting worse for tenants with pets? Some say better, others disagree and scream worse...unfair!

According to a study released in 1999 by the National Council on Pet Population, moving was identified as the major reason for giving up a pet dog and the third most common reason for giving up a pet cat. Moving in itself was not the reason for giving up the pet; it was the landlord's refusal to accept pets in the new apartment or house.

Certain regions of the country are more difficult for renters who have pets. According to a study, renting with pets is most difficult in the Northeast and in California. The area of the country where it is easiest to rent with pets appears to be in the Southeast. The situation in Atlanta is a prime example of why it is so difficult for some pet owners. With only 2500 apartment complexes in the metropolitan area, only about 10 percent take dogs weighing more than 35 pounds. In the metropolitan New York area (including Long Island and New Jersey), it is very difficult for a new renter to find lodging where pets are allowed.

As frustrating as it appears, there are methods to sway owners with firm "no pets" policies.

• Make sure your pet is well behaved. Toilet training is a must and personality problems, such as separation anxiety, must be addressed.
• Adoption of a pet-friendly contract with set rules:
• Spay or neuter requirements
• Obligatory License
• Current with vaccinations
• Leash policy
• Designated toilet area
• Scoop-up regulations
• Supplemental pet security deposit
• Pet committee to oversee the program

The Humane Society of the United States' website offers a "Renting with Pets" section.

In the San Francisco area, pet owners can purchase a revolutionary new insurance policy. This policy protects landlords against pet-related damages. www.LeasesWithPets.com sell policies for about $200/year that cover up to $5000 worth of damage.

If you already own a pet and your landlord is trying to evict you, consult an attorney that has some knowledge in landlord-tenant law as well as in animal law. Many cities and towns have laws that prohibit eviction of a tenant who owns a pet.

For more information about renting with pets, the following websites are worth visiting:

www.hsus.org - Humane Society of the US
www.mspca.org
www.sfspca.org
www.apartments.com - Includes pets as a search criteria

Most of the information for this article comes from the ASPCA. You can visit their website at www.aspca.org.

In general, pets over the age of seven are considered "senior" pets. The following are a few suggestions to help ensure good health to your faithful companion.

As your pet approaches senior status, your veterinarian may recommend basic blood and urine tests as a baseline for measuring future changes. Regular blood testing can help identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.

Note changes in your pet’s behavior or appearance. Treat simple medical problems, such as incessant ear scratching, immediately. A trip to the veterinarian can get problems under control early, before they become major problems requiring more extensive treatment.

Switch to a quality senior food that provides enhanced levels of key nutrients

Ask your veterinarian about a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. Follow the cleaning with recommended dental care at home.

Provide moderate exercise. This will deter anxiety-related behavior problems, help with weight control and keep muscles toned.

Talk with your veterinarian if your dog or cat tires easily or has trouble breathing.

Groom your senior pet at least once a week. Check for lumps, sores, parasites and foul-smelling ears or discharge. Older pets may need to he bathed with medicated or moisturizing shampoo.

Maintain a familiar routine and environment to minimize stress.

If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, ask your veterinarian about having this done. These procedures reduce the likelihood of mammary or prostate gland tumors.

As your veterinarian about a Senior Pet Health Examination. He or she will examine your pet and offer suggestions for maintaining an excellent quality of life.

With warmer weather approaching, plenty of pet owners are thinking of getting into shape before hitting the beach. But what about pets? Obesity is a growing problem among both cats and dogs. And much like humans, too many extra pounds can have far-reaching consequences for our animal companions. In this report from the Veterinary News Network, Dr. Jim Humphries discusses the health problems that can occur if your pet is overweight and shares tips on how you can get your pet's weight under control.