Frequently Asked Questions

Cat FAQs
How has Hill's improved its feline products for healthy skin and coat?
Why is skin and coat health important in cats?
What other health benefits can cats derive from Science Plan feline formulas?
Need to Know about animal spaying. Is it Halal and benefit the cat?
Is it true that not all pets suitable to eat premium cat food, since two of my cats eat different products. One is Science Plan and the other is Purina.
Need info on cat gestation period. Any signs to know when is the right moment the cat going to deliver baby.
My maine Coon was stolen after 2 weeks delivered 5 kittens. Need to know about cat milk that is suitable for kittens.

General FAQs
What is neutering?
Why is de-worming important?
Why fur drops in dogs and cats?
How do I switch my pet from regular pet food to Hill's Science Diet food?
Why must female hamsters be separated from the male soon after they give birth?
Do pets respond to food the same way that humans do?
What determines food and flavour preferences?
What can I do to help my pet enjoy its food?
How can I encourage my sick pet to eat?
Trimming and declawing, which one is better? What is the best age for declawing?
When actually is my pet ready for uniting?
Need your advice on how to take care of a new born hamster? Is there any special environment or food required?
What is the minimum age considered suitable for spaying?
What is periodontal disease and what are the symptoms?
My vet told me to brush my cat and dog's teeth. How can I get my pets to let me accomplish this assignment?
Can I use human toothpaste on my pets?
Do my dog and cat need dental checkups?
Is it normal for cats and dogs to have bad breath?

My dog is afraid of loud noise eg. fire crackers, what shall I do?
When not exposed to loud sounds, people and other animals, some dogs can get very scared. They will go hide under the bed, especially if it is fire crackers. Reassure him and give him lots of attention during this time and slowly but surely he will become less afraid.

My St. Bernard has an extra toe. He is 6 months old. What do you recommend I should do for him?
The extra toe will be very painful for him. Take him to the vet and he will advise you on what has to be done.

How often do bitches come into heat?
It is not necessary that females come into heat exactly every 6 months, the timing can be very variable in some females.
Some bitches may have silent heat, i.e. they will come into heat but it will not be obvious. If a bitch has very irregular heats then it is best to spay them to prevent them from getting mammary tumours and pyometra. Back to top

What is the gestation period for dogs?
Gestation period for dogs is 60-65 days.

I feed my dog home-cooked food and sometimes he has no mood to eat. How can I increase his appetite?
Home cooked food does not have the important vitamins and minerals for his growth and development, and this will greatly affect his health and when is older.

Why do some dogs eat their own stools?
Although frequently encountered and disgusting to the pet owner, the actual causes of 'coprophagy' (eating their own stools) are not well established. It is usually due to a behaviour problem, boredom or bad habits.
An insufficiency of pancreatic enzymes occasionally may be involved. Dogs may eat their own or another animal's feces which contains unabsorbed nutrients. The objectives in combating 'coprophagy' are:
- Prompt removal of stools from the environment to curtail opportunity.
- Activity for the dog.
- Provision of a highly-digestible, balanced diet adequate in all nutrients.

The management of 'coprophagy' should include the following;
- Spend more time with the dog and provide more opportunity for exercise.
- Sprinkling commercial meat tenderiser, such as Adolf's on the dog's food in the same manner as salting one's food may decrease stool palatability.
- Unseasoned meat tenderisers should not be used for dogs with known gastrointestinal disorders, as ingredients used in the seasoned type may irritate the dog's gastrointestinal tract. If pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is present, management by a veterinarian will be necessary. Back to top

Why should you switch the pregnant nursing dog from Science Plan Adult to Science Plan Puppy?
Pregnant and nursing cats/dogs require higher levels of nutrients, for the proper skeletal growth and development of their litter. The demands of gestation and particularly lactation drastically changes a female's nutritional needs' and they need four times more calories of nutrients during this important period. When puppies are born they will have a strong and healthier immune system thereby.

How much to feed your new puppy?
Puppies can start on a wet formula after weaning around 2 months old and some dry food such as 'Science Plan Canine Puppy' can be gradually introduced with pet milk such as 'Aristopet Nutrilac Milk Replacer.'

What is the difference between supermarket brands and Hill's Science Diet Puppy formulas?
A healthy well-balanced diet is very important as puppies/kittens need correct levels of nutrients to grow and develop. Too much or too little can be harmful. Hill's is based on the lifestage concept backed by 50 years of research and testing. Each bag is endorsed and guaranteed to fulfill and satisfy a customer and his pet's needs completely. It is nutritionally balanced with 23 vitamins and minerals for good bone, muscle and tooth development. A young puppy will need higher levels of nutrients than an adult or senior dog. Each time there are improvements in the ingredients, we add them to all our formulas. Now anti-oxidants i.e. vitamin C and E are added to all our formulas. Hill's is always busy developing the next innovation to meet the high demands by pet owners. Supermarket brands, though easily obtainable do not act as a preventive health food for pets. They are mostly mass-produced without any adherence, whatsoever to the 'lifestage' concept.

My dog's fur has been shedding since the last six months. Any solution or recommendation?
Hair molt or fur shedding could be either signs of hormonal, nutritional or skin disorder. Regular grooming can help to get out the dead hair. Corn and fish oil or zinc supplement can also be included in diet, and it helps a lot in nutritional related cases. If this treatments plus regular grooming do not resolve the problem, your pet may have a skin problem. Please seek advice from your local veterinarian. Back to top

My dog considered quite fierce and he bites someone yesterday. Should I bring him to personal dog trainer?
First, you have to differentiate between aggressiveness and just being a defensive dog. Normally, dog who is poorly socialized will act aggressively. The best thing, consult a professional dog trainer for help. If you would like any recommendation on that, do contact us for help.

I have 1-year-old dog and it has sensitive skin and rashes. Any suggestion?
Not all dogs can accept all proteins of food given due to skin sensitivity. Hill's Science Diet had formulated unique formula, Canine Sensitive Skin to meet the unique diet needed by this kind of dogs. This special formula contains Superior Antioxidant Formula with higher levels of vitamin E to promote healthy skin and coat. It's also nourished with higher levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to nourish skin and help replenish natural oils, as well as managing dry, and flaky skin. Should this not help, seek for your local vets' advice, and asks for Hill's Prescription diet z/d (the ultimate in food allergy diet).

My Shih Tzu nowadays has lost his appetite. Please advice me on it.
Eating refusal may be resulted due to stage transitional of your puppy. Do you also feed other diets like taste food, treats, etc? Dogs tend to be choosy when they are given options. Cut the options and just feed the dog only single diet. After a day of starving, any dog will surely get back to the food.

I currently fed my puppy Science Plan Lamb & Rice. It's fur started to drop and have white spot. Any other suggestion?
The problem your dog faced could be caused by food allergies. It might be certain ingredients of the flavor that make the dog react that way. You can give the dog Hill's Canine Puppy Sensitive Skin for better skin and coat. You can also feed Canine Prescription Diet z/d, which is developed specifically for pets with allergy and irritated skin, coat and ear or even digestive problems. In case this will not help, consult your local vets for advice. Back to top

My dog not eating much of the dog biscuits, It prefers to eat banana, carrot and apple. How?
The dog tends to be choosy due to diet spoilt. It's very simple, just stop feeding him fruits for a while and just feed or recommend dog biscuits. Do that until he started eating.

I have problem in toilet training my dog. Please help me.
Toilet training is actually a development process with 2-3 months period, and its results depend on the effectiveness of your training. Training a puppy is much more easy compare to the older dog. Here are few tips you can follow: Put your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals and last thing at night. If you do not have a garden, use a newspaper. Encourage him by gently rubbing his tummy. You can also praise your pup when it does something. Of course, there will be mistakes at first, but be patient, use newspaper to protect carpets etc. Good luck.

My two dogs are very fussy in food, only eat cooked chicken meat and also Eaukanuba Small Breed.
Hill's have done so many researches regarding the taste of its products. The result shows that Hill's foods are preferred by pets over other leading brands. However, we realize that some pets are very picky and fussy eaters. That's why our food comes in variety of tastes, and all offers excellent nutrition. We advice you to try the varieties until you find the taste that your pet like best. Remember, introducing new food for pets requires gradual transition. Make sure you increase the amount day by day until your pet eats nothing but the new food. Back to top

My Snowy (3 months old Terrier) has itchy and sensitive skin. The fur also drops and sheds every 3 months. Any suggestion?
Hair loss problems are normally caused by temperature condition, nutrition, diseases and grooming. This will also result on the skin itchiness that causes pets to scratch. Improving dog's diet and adding omega fatty acid to diet might help. Regular grooming can also help to improve skin conditions and stop the itchiness especially caused by fleas and ticks. If still got problem, consult your reliable vets for advice.

My Beagle is very active, but he is still very much overweight. Need advice on that.
Weight gain is usually associated with excessive calorie and fat intake combined with a lack of exercise. You can try Prescription Diet Canine r/d, which is designed specifically for the management of dogs that are overweight or obese. It's low fat, reduced calorie, high fiber formula helps dogs lose weight while helping them feel full. The highest levels of L-carnitine of any therapeutic weight loss food to help burn fat while increasing lean muscle mass. One months of Prescription diet r/d alone. Back to top

When is the best time for pets to mate?
Dogs averagely reach puberty at 6 months of age. It occurs every 6 to 7 month and last for 2 weeks. However, this average is variance depending on age and breed. First heat can start as late as 12 or even 14 months of age or later in rare cases. Again, it can vary from dog to dog depending on the breed. During the mating season, the female will be on heat and show keen interest to any male dog that is around due to pheromones. Remember, breeding should only be performed with pets free from inherited/ breed defects like one testicle, hare lip, etc.

How many times to feed my puppy daily?
The best is 3 times daily. Once they reach 7 - 8 months of age, 2 times daily is sufficient.

My dog's eyes are watery. Need help.
You will need to visit a vet to check on this. Too many possibilities.

My Puppy is growing older. Shall I get him a kennel or a cage?
It doesn't matter. The idea is to get him one that he will be able to grow into and have enough places to move around. The bigger the better.

Is it suitable to give treats to 5 months old puppy?
Puppy can eat treats for as young as 2 month old. However, never replace the meal with treats for it will spoil the diet.

How has Hill's improved its feline products for healthy skin and coat?
We have increased the levels of zinc in these products, zinc helps make skin soft and supple and makes the hair stronger. Other improvements include increased copper, riboflavin and folic acid. Copper improves the richness of the coat's color. Riboflavin fights dry, flaky skin. Folic acid helps in skin cell growth and regeneration of healthy skin.

Why is skin and coat health important in cats?
It is important because the condition of a cat's skin and coat is the first indicator of overall health and may be the first visible evidence of illness or nutrient deficiencies.

What other health benefits can cats derive from Science Planfeline formulas?
At Hill's we've devoted many years of research to learning about the proper care and nutritional needs of cats during different stages of life and different styles of living. Each formula provides cats with their Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of key nutrients, every day. Back to top

Need to Know about animal spaying. Is it Halal and benefit the cat?
Spaying is considered to be the best way to prevent unwanted puppies/ kittens. According to the local Islamic authority, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), such practice is considered Halal and prevention against reproduction diseases. Furthermore, such practice is proven to decrease the risk of mammary tumors, uterine infections, sexually transmitted cancer, testicular and prostate cancer, and other behavioral problem.

Is it true that not all pets suitable to eat premium cat food, since two of my cats eat different products. One is Science Plan and the other is Purina.
It will be difficult to change your cat's feeding habits especially if he has been accustomed to the food since the young age. Remember, do not spoil your cat's eating habit. Try to stick with one single food, to avoid your cat being choosy. Remember, super food like Science Plan is the best your cat can get.

Need info on cat gestation period. Any signs to know when is the right moment the cat going to deliver baby.
The length of gestation in cats is 63 days from the time of ovulation. Within 12 to 36 hours of giving birth, a queen's temperature will drop, usually 24 hours before giving birth. The cat will usually start showing some nesting behavior like seeking out a secluded spot to have her kittens earlier. Another signs could be behavioral changes such as restlessness, anxiety and panting, eating refusal, shivering and occasionally vomiting. When this happened, you can start to prepare a nice box or bed with good nesting materials like shredded disposable baby diapers and put it in quite secluded and calm spot. Any disturbances should be avoided. Back to top

My maine Coon was stolen after 2 weeks delivered 5 kittens. Need to know about cat milk that is suitable for kittens.
Animalac is a good substitute to mother's milk.

What is neutering?
Neutering and spaying are done under humane conditions under general anaesthetics. It is a small operation which is routinely carried out by most veterinarians. The reason for neutering and spaying is to stop unwanted propagation of life. Cats can litter 3 times in a year and the kittens can litter in geomatical progress. That is why many people are unable to control the reproduction; throw unwanted kittens and puppies on to the streets. It is not known to be inhumane as believed by some pet owners.

Why is de-worming important?
Deworming is needed every 3 months especially if she has a bad habit of eating stool. But then it is better to put your dogs on heartworm preventative medication. Heart worms are very common in Malaysia and are transmitted from dog to dog via the mosquito. So, before your puppy is 6 months of age it is advisable to put them on heartworm preventative medication to prevent this. Most of these medications (Interceptor & Heartgard Plus) also takes care of intestinal worms too. If your dogs are > 6 mths of age they need to have the heartworm antigen test first to make sure they are heartworm free before starting preventative medication. It is important to de-worm, pregnant bitches as they can pass worms to the puppies across the placenta and then through the mother's milk.

Why fur drops in dogs and cats?
Season or hormonal change due to menstruation in females. Stress is another factor. Unbalanced diets that are too high in certain nutrients such as protein, phosphorus etc. She should be fed complete balanced diet that is healthier such as Hill's Science Diets lifestage formulas. Some pet foods do not regard nutrition as an important part of a pet's health. When pet food is mass-produced it has a much lower quality and standard of manufacturing is also lower. The pet food having too much salt. Back to top

How do I switch my pet from regular pet food to Hill's Science Diet food?
You can start on Science Diet for your pet right away, but you have to make a gradual switch from the old food to the new.

While making sure your pet's total amount of daily food intake remains constant, mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the previous food over a five-to-ten-day period. This should reduce the possibility of gastro-intestinal upset during a diet change.

Why must female hamsters be separated from the male soon after they give birth?
- After birth some female hamsters go through some stress since the babies become her main responsibility.
- The male should be separated from the female for a few weeks.
- If there is no fighting then only it is okay to place them together.
- The bedding for the mother and babies should be good quality pine or cedar wood shavings and it should cover at least 4-5 inches of the hamster cage.
- The mother will make a burrow through the bedding and bury the babies inside when they are just born to keep them warm since they don't have much hair covering at this stage.
- If the male and female fight it is advisable to separate them, they can even kill each other when aggressive. Back to top

Do pets respond to food the same way that humans do?
The major differences between pets and humans in their response to food are that pets are,
• much less concerned about the appearance, particularly the colour, of a food,
• more influenced by its smell and taste, and
• better able to judge the quality and freshness of ingredients.

The similarity with people is that pets,
• develop individual preferences for certain ingredients and flavours,
• look for novel foods, but
• are wary of foods that are too different from those experienced previously and may need to be introduced to them graduallyOwner report that the minced testure of Hill's Prescription Diet Feline canned products is etremely popular with their cats.

What determines food and flavour preferences?
A lthough some reactions to flavours are instinctive, and there may be genetic influences, food and flavour preferences are determined in large part by experience.
Examples of innate behaviour include:
• the rejection of bitter compounds, which is a natural mechanism to protect against the ingestion of toxic substances, and
• eating only a small quantity of a new food initially to assess its safety (neophobia: fear of anything new), often evident in cats; in extreme cases a new food may be rejected persistently.
As animals mature, instinctive behaviour is modified by experience. Animals become not only willing to try novel foods but seek them out, provided that they have good palatability and are not too dissimilar to already familiar foods. New foods are eaten in greater amounts, and may eventually be preferred. However, aversion will develop rapidly to any taste or smell that is associated with an adverse experience, such as vomiting, that occurs up to 24 hours after eating.
Older pets may require stronger flavours to overcome sensory losses and maintain their appetite. Back to top

What can I do to help my pet enjoy its food?
There are several things that an owner can do to increase a pet's enjoyment of its food,
• Store the food carefully to preserve its freshness and flavour, i.e. reseal opened bags and cans to minimise oxidation and avoid contamination with offflavours, such as disinfectants, bleaches and household cleaners
• Refrigerate opened cans and use within 5-7 days
• Ensure that feeding bowls are clean and free from detergent residues
• Avoid leaving wet food in the bowl uneaten; it becomes stale and may attract flies
• Provide a quiet and undisturbed eating environment
• Site a cat's feeding bowl away from its litter trayFor dogs, to release extra flavour from a dry food, moisten it with water at blood heat, and let it soak for ten minutes before feeding. (This isn't recommended for cats because they so dislike sticky food.)

How can I encourage my sick pet to eat?
There are a number of steps that can be taken to encourage pets to eat:
• introduce a new food gradually, ideally over a period of a week, (unless it is essential that it should be fed as the sole food immediately). Mix it with the pet's usual food, increasing the proportion each day until only the new food is being fed
• Warm canned food to body temperature -but no hotterbefore feeding
• ‘Loaf-type' canned foods can be cut into slices and lightly fried before serving
• Keep the nasal passages clear to preserve the sense of smell
• Place small amounts of canned food on the paws or lips, this may encourage a licking response and stimulate appetite
• Give food infrequent, small meals Back to top

Trimming and declawing, which one is better? What is the best age for declawing?
Definitely trimming. Declawing can lead to behavioral problem in the long term. It is very stressful and painful procedure, and it eliminates some of your pets rational/ability. It should only be done when all other options have been considered. i.e. scratch posts, scratch pad, trim nails. Back to top

When actually is my pet ready for uniting?
You need to specify breed and age of your pet. Normally, dog's first heat occurs as early as eight months of age. Again it varies between breeds.

Need your advice on how to take care of a new born hamster? Is there any special environment or food required?
New born hamsters need enough supply of mother's milk. At first, you need to ensure that the mother is well fed in order to produce sufficient milk for her young. Maintain ideal temperature (32°C) and avoid any disturbance for 1-2 weeks.

What is the minimum age considered suitable for spaying?
Normally, spaying can be done as early as 6 to 7 month of age. However, it is better to do it after their first heat, which may vary between breeds. Asks your local vet for advice. Back to top

What is periodontal disease and what are the symptoms?
Periodontal disease starts from plaque buildup in your pet's mouth, leading to tartar along the gums, and then gum inflammation known as gingivitis. The inflammation progresses and destroys the gums and tissues that support the teeth. If you notice bad breath, buildup of yellow-brown tartar, bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, or changes in chewing or eating habits, consult your veterinarian.

My vet told me to brush my cat and dog's teeth. How can I get my pets to let me accomplish this assignment?
Place some pet toothpaste or a soft treat on your fingertip and gently place it inside your pet's lips. You don't even need to open the mouth. Once your cat or dog is used to your finger, try the same thing with a small, soft, children's or pet toothbrush. If all attempts fail, talk to your veterinarian for more suggestions. Back to top

Can I use human toothpaste on my pets?
No. Your pet will surely swallow the toothpaste, and human toothpaste is not intended for ingestion. Specially-designed pet toothpastes are much better suited for the task and come in enjoyable flavors for your pet such as poultry, beef, or seafood.

Do my dog and cat need dental checkups?
Yes. Regular dental check ups should be a part of your pet's annual physical examination. By the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show some signs of a dental problem.

Is it normal for cats and dogs to have bad breath?
A common misconception is all dogs and cats have stinky mouths. Unpleasant breath odor is often a sign of periodontal disease, a gum inflammation that can lead to bleeding gums, tooth loss, and more serious illnesses such as heart, liver, and kidney disease. Food designed to clean teeth and regular veterinary and home care can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup and maintain fresh breath so when your pets are near you can smile instead of cringe.Back to top