Pets And Their Crowning Glory

Many pet owners have countless problems with their pets' skin and coat health. Take Ms Casey from Ipoh, for instance, (not her real name) was feeding a local non-premium range of pet food. She told us how her year old pug and two old Dalmatian were suffering from unhealthy looking skin and coat for more than a year. When unsightly patches under the dog's stomach and chin were first noticed she just did not know what to do. So she started switching to various brands to seek a remedy for her adorable pug. Soon after switching to a premium pet food, she noticed a vast improvement on the skin and hair coat of her two pets. “The improvements are just fantastic”, she says. She only regrets her ‘Inusan' had to go through such an ordeal.

She noticed that the hair coat is smooth and much softer now. She is very satisfied with the progress her pug has made so far and even sent us 5 shots of her pug with the new soft shiny coat, in all its shining glory. Both owner and pet have never been happier. This is the kind of success story we dream about for our beloved pets.

The above has been a true testament from our much valued customer. Do remember that when you decide to switch to any new food for your pet, you have to do a gradual switch that will take about a week. If a pet food is changed suddenly, the dog can get tummy upset or diarrhea.

Please note the following below to understand how to switch gradually:
• 1st - 3rd day - 1/4 new food + 3/4 previous food
• 4th - 7th day - 1/2 new food + 1/2 previous food
• 8th day onwards - 100% new food

Well, what do puppies and kittens need from a new owner besides a good home? Good nutrition. When pets receive quality nutrition from a young age, it will help establish the foundation that will affect all the lifestages that follow. Remember that a puppy formula will not be appropriate for an adult dog or that for an older / geriatric dog which is seven years and above, it is important to choose a good pet food for your beloved pet according to his age and lifestyle.

In a recent survey conducted by Hill's, nearly half of all dog owners report that their pets have an occasional problem with dry, itchy or flaky skin. There are many pet foods in the market claiming to deliver better skin coat with high levels of skin-nourishing vitamins and fatty acids. But often, pet owners rarely see the difference and end up having second thoughts about pet food in general.

Well, let's take a look at how nutrition plays a vital role in keeping your pets' hair coat and skin in immaculate condition?

Pets can even shed too much hair when there is excess of certain minerals, such as phosphorus, magnesium and sodium. Balanced nutrition will promote healthy skin and hair coat. It should not have too little or too much of certain nutrients.

Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids

N-3 and n-6 also referred to as “Omega-6 and “Omega 3 fatty acids help improve the condition of body cells and skin, help repair tissue and play a role in cell growth. Research has shown that feeding foods with high levels of fatty acids nourishes the skin and improves coat condition. When pets get higher levels of nutrients, they have a positive effect on the skin.

Recently, however, veterinary nutritionists of Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., a subsidiary of Colgate Palmolive, have proven that by modifying the amounts of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids given to pets, inflammation and some associated symptoms can be controlled. Research also shows that pets going through trauma, injury, some types of cancer, dermatitis, (for e.g. dry flaky skin), arthritis, and colitis have shown vast improvements in coat and skin when omega 3 and 6 were supplemented in their diets.

Anti-oxidants

A premium choice of pet food should contain sufficient amounts of anti-oxidants for an excellent immune system. Anti-oxidants are derived from vitamin C & E products and are known to give pets a powerful boost in their immune system. When your pet's immune system is strong, pets are healthier and live longer. This will also contribute to a great looking coat without a doubt and give you peace of mind knowing that your pet is having the best nutrition that he rightfully deserves!

L-Carnitine

Studies show that L-Carnitine is excellent to aid in weight loss in people and we have all seen how well they work in slimming programs. Therefore, Hill's has come up with pet foods specially formulated with L-Carnitine to aid obese pets that are prone to gain weight easily, maintain their ideal weights during their lifetime. With the supplementation of L-carnitine obese cats and dogs showed significant weight loss clearly reducing tissue fat content and increasing protein content. Now you can have puppies that have well-built, lean muscles and strong bones too. Large breed adult dogs too are prone to obesity and the formulas such as Hill's Science Diet works well for puppies and adults alike. L-carnitine also helps breaks down stored fats into energy while your pet exercises or moves around. Thus, with innovations in pet food these days, your worries on an obese pet can be put to rest by choosing to feed the right diets.

Glucosamine chondroitin sulphate

Another innovation in pet food these days looks at joint problem that older, as well as active dogs face during their lifetime. Hill's has a solution for these dogs and it is in the form of a supplement call glucosamine chondroitin sulphate (GCS). Your older/active pet will have well lubricated joints and it will also help maintain a healthy cartilage. What is joint cartilage? Cartilage is a slippery and resilient tissue produced and maintained by its own specialized cells. It cushions the surfaces where two or more bones form a flexible joint. When a dog is in motion there is tremendous pressure in the joint. Cartilage, joint fluid, and underlying bone work together like a shock absorber allowing flexible joint function. Because cartilage lacks a direct block supply, nutrients must pass into the cartilage from surrounding tissue. Glucosamine chondroitin sulphate sustains cartilage cells and healthy cartilage structure.

Good grooming habits enhances skin and coats too.

Other important aspects to a healthy pet are certainly a thorough check on his, eyes, ears and mouth. Oral hygiene plays an important role in keeping your pet with clean fresh breath. Take your pet for that long due dental scaling to remove stubborn stain and tartar build-up to prevent unwanted problems at least once a year starting from the first year.

Do make sure his ears are clean and dry, you can use Aristopet's Ear Cleaner. You pet's eyes too must be checked to see if they are bright and clear. Tear Stain removers are ideal and should be used daily too keep away germs and flies from your pet.

Grooming is also very important because the condition of a cat or dog's skin and coat is the first indicator of overall health and may be the first visible evidence of illness or nutrient deficiencies. Good grooming habits will help maintain healthy skin and coat in your pet. Grooming will also allow you to check for potentially serious problems. Check for areas of hair loss, inflammation, unusual tenderness or lumps under the skin. Good grooming habits also prevents fleas and ticks on your pet and thus helps keep them under control. Constant scratching in a particular area may also be an indication of a problem. Check with your veterinarian about any unusual problems you may find.

Well, we hope the above tips have been helpful in keeping your pet immaculately groomed and looking grr..eat!