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Five
Step Health Check Helps Keep Pets Healthy (ARA) - Can you
pinch more than an inch around your dog? “Pets benefit
from many of the same things that help us live a longer life --
exercise, a healthy diet, and quality time with loved ones,”
says veterinarian Dr. Holly Knor, a regular on Animal Planet’s
“Emergency Vets.” “Many illnesses and injuries can be
avoided if pet owners are aware of basic health changes in their
pets and react to them quickly.” Dr. Knor
recommends a monthly five-point at-home pet health check. The
check will help owners become familiar with the way their
dog’s eyes, ears, teeth and gums and skin normally look and
feel, and help them to spot problems sooner. Begin by placing
your dog on a solid surface, such as the floor or a sturdy
table. During the check-up, speak in a low-pitched, reassuring
tone of voice. Weight check:
Stand above your dog and look for a slight “waist” behind
the ribs. Place both hands flat on the sides of your pet’s
chest and slowly slide them forward and backward. You should be
able to feel ribs, but not any great dips and valleys between
them. If you find a
little extra padding, increase your pet’s daily activity and
be sure you are feeding the proper amounts of pet food. Check
the feeding guidelines on the label and use a measuring cup to
help you to correctly control the portion size. Avoid table
scraps, a bad choice for pets of any size. Choose nutritionally
balanced pet food that is appropriate for your pet’s life
stage. Look for ingredients like antioxidants, omega fatty acids
and protein. Recent studies have shown that the antioxidants
that are so beneficial to people can also protect healthy cells
in dogs, helping to reduce the likelihood of sickness later on.
Omega fatty acids are important for healthy skin, and proteins
help to build strong muscles. Many people
prefer a dry pet food for convenience, but are worried their
pets may not enjoy it as well as canned. One innovative product,
new Pedigree Dry Food for Dogs, combines the best of both worlds
with a nutritious kibble that has a crispy outer shell and a
soft tasty center. Coat and skin:
Your pet’s coat should feel smooth from head to tail. Stroke
your pet’s body several times from head to tail on the top and
sides of the trunk and the legs. Part the fur near the head and
along the spine to check for flakes, scales or cuts. Check for
signs of fleas -- black flakes or specks -- at the base of the
tail and on the rump or stomach. A dull or matted coat may
indicate that your pet might not be receiving all necessary
nutrients or may have a disease. Both are reasons to consult a
veterinarian. Ear check: Ears
should be clean, pink and free of debris and strong odors. Check
for wax, especially dark wax, which may indicate the presence of
ear mites or infection. Eye check: Gently
pull down the lower eyelid to check for a pink color. The whites
of the eye should be glossy white with no redness. Watch for
colored discharge, which can be a sign of infection. Mouth check: Lift
your dog’s lips away from his gums and press a finger firmly
over an upper tooth. When taken away, the white color of the
finger imprint on the gum should return to pink. Watch for
plaque and tartar build-up, which is yellow to dark brown, and
can lead to periodontal disease. Regular veterinary dental
cleaning along with specially designed pet chew snacks can help
reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Monthly at-home
checks combined with regular veterinary care will help to keep
your pet happy and healthy for many years to come. To get a free
copy of the five-point, at-home pet health check, go to
www.pedigree.com.  Article is courtesy of ARA Content Like this
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