WHAT'S NEW

Periodically we'll alert you to new products available to improve your pet's health, special events, or animal news we think may be of interest. If you have any upcoming events you would like to share, please contact us.

Tick-Borne Infections

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The right way to feed your pets for optimal health.

Are you feeding your pets the correct amount of Hill's® Science Diet® pet food? Feeding too much can quickly lead to obesity. Not feeding enough can compromise nutrition and sacrifice good health. Reading recommendations on the label is a good start, but different pets have different needs.

Find the right feeding method for your dog or cat's very own way of life

How Much and How Often to Feed Your Adult Dog

It's important to feed your dog the right amount of food at proper intervals, but that can be tricky, as feeding requirements vary greatly from one dog to another. Feeding guides on the food can or bag are just a starting point. It's critical to your dog's health that his physical condition is monitored regularly and the feeding amount is adjusted as needed.

Ask your veterinarian which of these three feeding methods is best for your dog:

• Free Choice: Food is available to your dog at all times.
• Time-Limited Feeding: Food is available to your dog for a limited time.
• Meal Feeding: A measured amount of food is available to your dog at specific meal times each day.
  

To help keep your adult dog healthy, we recommend following the simple steps in this cycle:

• Weigh your dog.
• Feed him based on feeding guides and veterinary recommendations.
• Evaluate your dog's physical condition using our body condition scoring system every two to three weeks for the first six months.
• Adjust the amount you feed accordingly.
• Repeat.
• We suggest that you or your veterinarian evaluate your dog's physical condition every few months. For some dog, your veterinarian may suggest more frequent evaluations.

How Much and How Often to Feed Your Adult Cat

It's important to feed your cat the right amount of food at proper intervals, but that can be tricky, as feeding requirements vary greatly from one cat to another. Feeding guides on the food can or bag are just a starting point. It's critical to your cat's health that his physical condition is monitored regularly and the feeding amount is adjusted as needed.

Ask your veterinarian which of these three feeding methods is best for your cat:

• Free Choice: Food is available to your cat at all times.
• Time-Limited Feeding: Food is available to your cat for a limited time.
• Meal Feeding: A measured amount of food is available to your cat at specific meal times each day.

To help keep your adult cat healthy, we recommend following the simple steps in this cycle:

1. Weigh your cat.
2. Feed him based on feeding guides and veterinary recommendations.
3. Evaluate your cat's physical condition using our body condition scoring system every two to three weeks for the first six months.
4. Adjust the amount you feed accordingly.
5. Repeat.

Decorate without danger
Keep the holiday season safe for your pets.

It's time to deck the halls - one of the best parts of the holiday season. As you decorate to your heart's content, don't accidentally create danger for your pets. A variety of decorations can pose a risk. For example, ribbons and tinsel are frequently implicated in veterinary emergency rooms. And chewed holiday light cords can cause severe burns or even electrocution. Avoid these items or be sure to keep your pets away from them at all times.

Read more holiday safety tips for your dog and cat...

Planning a Safe Holiday for Your Dog
When it comes to the holidays, there are so many things to be careful of – not gaining 10 lbs. on cookies, not getting yourself into debt just to buy some presents – and of course keeping your pets healthy, happy and safe. Here are some helpful tips from your friends at Hill's Pet Nutrition on how you can do just that.

• Provide solitude. Keep your dog's favorite place free from the holiday hubbub so he can relax.
• Reduce stress. Keep your dog's exercise schedule as normal as possible to prevent anxiety and misbehavior.
• Keep poisonous and dangerous plants away. Plants like mistletoe and poinsettia are poisonous, and ingested pine needles can cause digestive tract blockage. Keep your pet away from these plants and you just might save yourself a trip to the emergency vet.
• Decorate safely. There are a variety of decorations that can cause problems for your dog. Ribbons and tinsel are frequently implicated in veterinary emergency rooms. Light cords, when chewed or frayed, can cause severe burns or electrocution. Prevent these disasters by keeping decorations out of reach or locked in an inaccessible room.
• Make holiday trips safe and prepare for them well in advance. Take special precautions when traveling with your pet no matter how you choose to travel. Several days before departing, consult with your veterinarian about how to properly prepare for a trip.
• Table scraps aren't pet snacks. Many holiday foods are loaded with fat and sodium and can cause stomach upset. Chicken bones can easily get stuck in the digestive tract and other foods like chocolate or onions can be poisonous. In short, people food is meant for people, not pets.
• Because chocolate can cause illness and even death in dogs, it should be avoided completely. Chocolate contains theobromine, a potent cardiovascular and central nervous system stimulant that is eliminated very slowly in dogs.
• Stick with healthy treats made especially for pets. Science Diet® treats are nutritionally balanced and make the perfect holiday snack for puppies, adult and senior dogs. Try one of the Science Diet® Jerky Treats® for greater variety.
• If your dog suffers from occasional stomach upset, try the advanced digestive nutrition of Science Diet® Sensitive Stomach adult dog food or an all-natural product like Science Diet® Nature's Best® dog food

Planning a Safe Holiday for Your Cat
When it comes to the holidays, there are so many things to be careful of – not gaining 10 lbs. on cookies, not getting yourself into debt just to buy some presents – and of course keeping your pets healthy, happy and safe. Here are some helpful tips from your friends at Hill's Pet Nutrition on how you can do just that.

• Provide solitude. Guests may cramp your cat's style, so keep her favorite place free from the holiday hubbub so she can relax.
• Keep poisonous and dangerous plants away. Plants like mistletoe and poinsettia are poisonous, and ingested pine needles can cause digestive tract blockage. Keep your pet away from these plants and you just might save yourself a trip to the emergency vet.
• Decorate safely. There are a variety of decorations that can cause problems for your cat. Ribbons and tinsel are frequently implicated in veterinary emergency rooms. Light cords, when chewed or frayed, can cause severe burns or electrocution. Prevent these disasters by keeping decorations out of reach or locked in an inaccessible room.
• Make holiday trips safe and prepare for them well in advance. Take special precautions when traveling with your pet no matter how you choose to travel. Several days before departing, consult with your veterinarian about how to properly prepare for a trip.
• Table scraps aren't pet snacks. Many holiday foods are loaded with fat and sodium and can cause stomach upset. Chicken bones can easily get stuck in the digestive tract and other foods like chocolate or onions can be poisonous. In short, people food is meant for people, not pets.
• Because chocolate can cause illness and even death in cats, it should be avoided completely. Chocolate contains theobromine, a potent cardiovascular and central nervous system stimulant that is eliminated very slowly in cats.
• If your cat experiences occasional stomach upset, consider Science Diet® Sensitive Stomach for adult cats or try an all natural food like Science Diet® Nature's Best® cat food.
• A holiday recipe for a healthy homemade cat treat. Take Science Diet® canned cat food and cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook in the microwave for approximately two-and-a-half to three minutes. In a conventional oven, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
• Use dry cat food by grinding it into flour using a blender, then add water until it is the consistency of dough. Make into cookie shapes and bake on a cookie sheet for approximately 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Let your cat watch you make them to build anticipation

Provide the best care through the winter
Take extra steps to keep your pets healthy and happy.

Even a few minutes in the yard or a quick walk around the block can expose your pets to risks associated with winter. When the first blast of colder weather arrives, let your pets get used to it before staying outdoors for longer periods of time. Be mindful of sudden drops in the temperature to prevent your best friends from being left out in the cold too long. Frostbite is most often seen on the ears, tail and footpads. Look for pale, glossy or white skin as signs of a problem requiring your veterinarian’s attention.

Winter Tips for Your Dog

With temperatures dipping, your dog will need a little special attention to stay warm, happy, healthy and safe this winter. Follow these helpful tips to keep your dog at her best during the cold months ahead.

• If your dog goes outdoors during the colder months, make sure he or she is acclimated and doesn't stay out too long, especially when the temperatures are below freezing.
• Check and clean your dog's paws regularly, especially after an outing when road salt, ice or snow can collect and cause frostbite or irritation.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. It's seen most often on ears, the tail and footpads, and look for pale, glossy or white skin. Better yet, prevent frostbite all together by limiting your dog's time outside.
• For shorthaired and small breed dogs, consider a sweater for trips outdoors.
• Feeding your dog Science Diet® brand pet foods help ensure he'll get all the nutrition he needs to handle most winter weather conditions. Severe weather conditions may require more frequent meals or increased amounts; consult with your veterinarian if you suspect severe cold weather conditions.
• Antifreeze has a sweet taste dogs like but it's toxic enough to cause serious illness and even death. Make sure your car isn't leaking any fluids and keep containers safely locked away.
• Shelter for outdoor dogs is essential. Provide a house elevated slightly off the ground that's large enough for your dog to stand, lay down and turn around in; but small enough to retain body heat. Make sure it's insulated, watertight and has plenty of clean, dry bedding.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice changes in your dog's behavior, such as energy-level or appetite-decrease.

Winter Tips for Your Cat

With temperatures dipping, your cat will need a little special attention to stay warm, happy, healthy and safe this winter. Follow these helpful tips to keep your cat at her best during the cold months ahead.

• If your cat goes outdoors during the colder months, make sure he or she is acclimated and doesn't stay out too long, especially when the temperatures are below freezing.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. It's seen most often on ears, the tail and footpads, and look for pale, glossy or white skin. Better yet, prevent frostbite all together by limiting your cat's time outside.
• Feed your cat a nutritionally-complete food like Hill's® Science Diet® brand cat food. And always keep plenty of fresh water available at all times. Nutrition and water are important because a well-nourished pet is better equipped to cope with harsh weather.
• Cats love curling up in a warm place for a nap. Prevent potential burns and fires by protecting your cat from open fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters. Warm engines are also a favorite place for outdoor cats, so honk the horn or bang on the hood before starting your car.
• Antifreeze has a sweet taste cats like but it's toxic enough to cause serious illness and even death. Make sure your car isn't leaking any fluids and keep containers safely locked away.
• Give your cat a cozy place to sleep by offering some bedding in a warm place, free from drafts. Raise the bed off the floor, too, cats love that jungle lair feeling.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice changes in your cat's behavior, such as energy-level or appetite-decrease.

Health & Wellness

Did you know pets get diabetes, too?
Diabetes can affect the overall health and happiness of your mature adult pet. Excess weight, even one extra pound in some cases, can put a dog or cat at risk for diabetes. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Ask your veterinarian if your pet could be at risk and should be screened for this serious condition.

Learn what you need to know about diabetes and your mature adult dog or cat .

Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

Just like in humans, diabetes in dogs is serious, but manageable. Your dog can develop diabetes if she has the following conditions:

• Obesity
• Genetic predisposition - females are twice as likely to develop diabetes
• Poor nutrition
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Stress

If your dog appears weak or thirsty, frequently urinates, experiences rapid weight loss, is depressed, or has abdominal pain, she could be diabetic.

This condition is usually caused by damage to the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing the proper amount of insulin to control sugar levels. If your dog's pancreas is damaged, long-term and potentially life-threatening symptoms could occur and must be managed.

While there is no cure for diabetes mellitus, veterinarians recognize it can be controlled with insulin, exercise and proper nutrition. Fiber is key in managing the disease because moderate to high-levels of fiber lower insulin requirements and blood glucose levels. Fiber also makes the body more responsive to insulin.

It's also important to be consistent in the food you feed your pet. Feeding a veterinarian-recommended food with a consistent nutrient profile will help keep your dog's metabolism level stable so she can stay healthy.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Diabetes Mellitus in Cats

Just like in humans, diabetes in cats is serious, but manageable. Your cat can develop diabetes if he has the following conditions:

• Obesity
• Genetic predisposition (diabetes is more prevalent in males)
• Poor nutrition
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Stress

If you cat appears weak or thirsty, frequently urinates, has rapid weight loss, is depressed, or has abdominal pain, he could be diabetic.

This condition is usually caused by damage to the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing the proper amount of insulin to control sugar levels. If your cat's pancreas is damaged, long-term and potentially life-threatening symptoms could occur and must be managed.

While there is no cure for diabetes mellitus, veterinarians recognize it can be controlled with insulin, exercise and proper nutrition. Fiber is key in managing the disease because moderate to high-levels of fiber lower insulin requirements and blood glucose levels. Fiber also makes the body more responsive to insulin.

It's also important to be consistent in the food you give your cat. The nutritional profile of many commercial foods may vary from batch to batch, which can complicate the disease. Feeding a veterinarian-recommended food that has a consistent nutrient profile will help keep your cat's metabolism level stable so he can remain healthy.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian