Grain free diets - are they better?

Choosing a diet for your dog is a task not to be taken lightly. Grain free and gluten free pet diets have become very popular.
With an increase in the number of people choosing to eat a grain free or gluten free diet there has been a corresponding increase in the number of grain free and gluten free diets available for pets.
Many people assume that grain free diets are ‘more natural’ and carbohydrate free. The growing number of these products on the market is giving the misperception that grain is bad for pets.

New Hills K/D + Mobility Diet

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition often associated with advanced age. According to recent data 1 out of 3 cats will develop CKD in his lifetime and 1 out of 10 dogs will develop CKD. It is also common for senior pets to develop age related conditions such as reduced mobility or cognitive dysfunction which can significantly impact the quality of life of both the pet and pet owner. Studies have shown that 80% of dogs greater than 8 years of age suffer from decreased mobility, and that 90% of cats over the age of 12 suffer from degenerative joint disease (DJD). Nutrition can play a key role in managing these age related conditions. This is why Hills nutritionists and veterinarians developed the new Hills Prescription Diet K/D + Mobility for cats and K/D + Mobility for dogs. This clinical nutrition not only helps to support your pets’ kidney function it also helps support their mobility and increase cognitive alertness and vitality. In fact the nutrition of k/d is clinically tested to improve and lengthen your pets quality of life. Hills K/D + Mobility is available for cats and dogs in both a biscuit and wet food form. Make an appointment and come into the clinic to discuss these diets with the vets.

Chronic Kidney Failure in Cats

Unfortunately kidney failure is fairly common in older cats. Over time the small filtering units of the kidney, called nephrons, begin to fail. Initially only a small percentage will fail, which leads to the remaining nephrons working harder to compensate. In turn the overworked nephrons begin to fail also and it is an ongoing irreversible cycle.

What are the Anal Sacs?

Commonly called the ‘anal glands’ the anal sacs are 2 small pouches on either side of the anus at approximately the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. Each sac is connected to the outside by a small duct that opens just inside the anus.
 
 

Chances are your pet is probably just too sore to run, fetch the ball and jump around as they used to. Inside their inner kitten and puppy might just be bursting to get out!
As 26% of New Zealand’s 700 000 pet dog population are 8 years old or over, it’s likely that many of them are suffering from undiagnosed arthritis.

We are very excited to announce the arrival of a new spot-on flea protection product for dogs. Many of you already use the Bravecto chews which provide 3 months continuous protection against fleas and ticks in one tasty chew.

Hyperthyroidism is a common condition, often affecting older cats.

The thyroid gland is a small gland that sits within the neck; it is responsible for producing thyroid hormones which control our metabolism. With hyperthyroidism there is excessive production of these hormones which result in an increased metabolism. This means the body is burning through more energy.

MPI have now approved the release of a new Rabbit Haemorrhagic Virus Disease strain nationwide this Autumn. Flies are an important transmission vector travelling long distances spreading the disease far and wide. Only a few virus particles are needed to infect a rabbit. There is no effective treatment for the disease other than vaccination.

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Cats act as the intermediate host and can infect humans, but cats don’t normally show symptoms of disease themselves. To prevent developing toxoplasmosis.

It is important to feed puppies and kittens a good high quality commercial pet food designed for optimal growth and stick to feeding guide lines, especially with large breed dogs, to help prevent orthopaedic problems.

Growth diets are high in protein and fat to support growth and provide optimal amounts of calcium, phosphorous, upper and essential fatty acids necessary for bone formation and maturation and cartilage maturation.