Omega 3’s and Your Dog’s Health

For years, we have heard about how Omega 3 fatty acids can improve the shine of our pet’s coat. Chicken Soup For the Pet Lovers Soul™ would like to remind you that Omega 3 acids also contribute to the overall health of your pet.

Below you will find some aspects of Omega 3’s that you may not know, for instance…

• Plasma Triglycerides and Cholesterol: Just like in humans, Omega 3 oils have been shown to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol in our pets.

• Eyes: Omega 3 fatty acids are vital in the development of the retina and the visual cortex.

• Yeast Infections: Fatty acids have been known to slow the growth of Malassezia pachydermatis, which is fairly common in cats and dogs.

• Arthritis: EPA, one of the Omega 3 acids, can be helpful in reducing the inflammations associated with arthritis, according to current research.

• Heart Conditions: Some new evidence suggests that Omega 3 and other fatty acids are helpful in preventing certain cardiac problems in cats and dogs.

Fatty acids have also been known to lessen the effects of allergies and autoimmune issues in pets. At Chicken Soup For the Pet Lovers Soul™ we urge you to include healthy Omega 3 oils in your pet’s diet. The right food, exercise, and a loving environment can help to ensure that your four legged friend will enjoy a long, happy life.

PETS NEED FRUITS AND VEGGIES TOO…

We all know that humans need fruits and vegetables in our diet to ensure that we have all of the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. At Chicken Soup For the Pet Lovers Soul™, we would like to remind you that your cats and dogs need these essential elements for their health as well.

Many of the fruits and vegetables that we turn to for our own health are also recommended for our pets. For example many quality pet food manufacturers use the following ingredients in their products.

• Apples which are a natural source of vitamin C, dietary fiber and B vitamins
• Blueberries which are not only rich in fiber, but have high antioxidant value as well.
• Cranberries (in powder form) as a source of potassium and vitamin C. Cranberries are thought to be good for the urinary tract as well.
• Kelp for fiber and iodine.
• Carrots for B vitamins and beta carotene.

While this may sound like an ingredient list for your next dinner party, Chicken Soup For the Pet Lovers Soul™ advocates looking to fruits and veggies in your pet's diet to provide natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Please remember though that there are several foods that should never be given to your dog… for instance…

• Chocolate
• Onions
• Garlic
• Raisins (or grapes)

(For a complete list of foods to avoid for your pets please ask your vet)

Chicken Soup For the Pet Lovers Soul™ would like to remind you that you should pay attention to your pet’s dietary needs as you would your own, and that many of the fruits and vegetables that we would use for our health, can be used to benefit our four legged friends too

Do you wear glasses or contacts? Maybe you’ve had laser surgery to correct your vision. Well, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s SoulÔ wants you to know that your pooch can have eye trouble too.

Feeding a high quality diet, like one of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul dry dog food formulas, will help keep your pet happy and healthy. Still, most veterinarians recommend two preventive health care visits for your dog every year. Part of these checkups should be a thorough eye exam. Although your vet won’t ask your dog to read the letters on a chart to test for perfect vision, he can detect many different types of problems with the eyes and even with the rest of the body simply by taking a good look.

Just like people, dogs can develop cataracts or glaucoma, and both of these problems can be found during a thorough eye exam. Visit the Pet Care section of the Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s SoulÔ website to read more about Common Eye Problems in Dogs.

For even more information, visit the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Visit Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Vet Notes to learn more about keeping your pup in tip-top condition!

Spring time is just around the corner and Chicken Soup For the Pet Lovers Soul™ brand encourages you to protect your kitty with proper flea and tick protection.

As the weather turns warm, your feline pals may want to lay about outside on the patio or venture into your yard. Unfortunately this is also prime time for fleas and ticks to come out too.

Fleas and ticks are more troublesome than just the itching and nuisance of them being near your home – they can be dangerous. Fleas and ticks can carry diseases and pass them on to your kitty cat with one bite! Cats are very thorough self-groomers so you may not ever see a flea on your cat. This does not mean your cat does not have fleas or has not had fleas that have bitten her and then been groomed away. Often cats will swallow the fleas, which leads to a tapeworm infestation in your cat’s digestive system.

Luckily there are a wide range of topical products that are easy to use and can be purchased through your vet.

In addition to prevention – feeding your cat healthy food, like Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul™ brand Adult Cat Dry Food formula, can help to maintain overall health and well being!

Check out Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul™ brand’s Vet Notes for more tips!