There are many things you can do to ensure your pet is as healthy as they can be and here are some that are easy to follow or work on:

Provide a Good Diet

Just like humans, our pets thrive on a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet. Giving your pet the right amount of food and the right nutrition values every meal can be the difference between a healthy metabolism and a pet with health problems — small or big. You can research online for foods that are clean and offer the best proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients to your pet or you can consult with your veterinarian to learn more about the best food that your pet can eat and one that would benefit them the most.

Help Them Maintain a Healthy Weight

We understand that sometimes it’s difficult to say no to our pets when they beg for food — puppy eyes work wonders with virtually everyone, it’s almost impossible to say no to that. However, you have to consider the difference between a treat and a food extra meal for your pet.

Over-feeding your pet can mean complications down the road. Some of them may be problems with joints and forcing your pet to have a more sedentary lifestyle than they should have which can cause other problems and, believe it or not, our furry friends can suffer from a lot of the conditions that we suffer from over-eating; high cholesterol, joint pain, arthritis, diabetes, and more.

The same could be said about being too strict with the food and underfeeding your pet. There’s some information about how much is enough food or how many times a day you feed your pet that is just not as easy to find because it depends on the breed, size, age, and other factors. Your safest bet is to ask your veterinarian about what times of the day and how much food should you be feeding your pet and with that information, you can assure your pet’s healthy weight.

Keep Your Pet Exercised

This point ties well with the previous point about healthy weight and it’s one of the factors to consider when trying to figure out your pet’s food intake. When you exercise your pet regularly, you can assure their overall health and, most likely, their happiness. 

Of course, not every pet will be exercised the same way. Cats are not as fond of being dragged around with a leash — although, you can still train them to do so — but you can have different toys and structures for them to stay in shape. For dogs, you can engage with them in more outdoor activities like hiking and running as much as playing fetch in the backyard.

Be aware of any odd movements or limping. If you notice something out of the ordinary for your pet when they are playing or going out for a walk, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can take a look and make sure that your friend is in good physical shape!

Vet Checks

Make sure you take your pet to the veterinarian, regularly. Going on regular visits to the veterinarian can be a great way to know that your pet is healthy and it can help you determine if there are any emerging problems, early.

With regular veterinarian checks, you can keep track of any conditions your pet may have or if they have developed any new problems since their last visit.

Vaccinate Your Pet

Vaccinations can help your pet stay away from diseases that otherwise would be very detrimental to their health — not to mention that there are some vaccines that are mandatory by law. Some of the diseases that you can prevent with a vaccine are:

• Parvo
• Panleukopenia
• Distemper
• Rabies
• And Others

All Pets Animal Hospital is always here to help you and your pets with anything you may need. We offer exams and vaccinations, medical and surgical care, daycare and boarding, and more. Allow us to provide you and your pet the care you deserve with the best and most compassionate service that you’ll find in Northwest Arkansas! 

The post 5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Healthy appeared first on All Pets Animal Hospital.

In this post, All Pets Animal Hospital will be talking about five tips to keep your cat in a good mood above all else. We all know that a happy pet will be a loyal and loving companion no matter how bad things get, and cats are no different.

One thing that we have to understand before jumping into this post is that pets are like humans in a lot of ways — temperament is one of those. You can have a frisky, lazy, or a completely loving ball of fur, whatever your cat’s behavior is, there’s something here that can help you keep your cat happy.

We are going to start this list with a very playful item.

Keep Them Busy!

Your cat is most likely an all-time athlete. Most house cats are very active animals that are particularly nimble and full of energy. When a cat is indoors, it can be hard sometimes to use all the energy they possess, which can turn your cat into a bored and annoyed pet.

Make sure to get plenty of toys that require them to be attentive and running around or jumping. Your cat will stay occupied with all the play, and you will enjoy some funny and bonding moments with your kitty. Aside from all that, this will help your cat exercise, stay entertained, and, if you are lucky, it will also give you a calm companion to lay with on the couch and watch your favorite show.

If you notice that your cat has not been playful or has any indication of physical pain, contact us at the All Pets Animal Hospital; our cat vets will take care of your friend!

Bird Watching

Your cat might have a natural curiosity for other smaller animals — those that can be considered their natural prey. Birds are one of those animals that cats are normally attracted to when it comes to hunting games.

Installing a watching station or a cat window can provide your cat with countless hours of bird watching to keep them entertained and happy. At the same time, you can install a bird feeder outside of that window to make the watching experience even more enjoyable for your furry friend.

Better in Pairs

You may need to be outside of the house for long periods due to work, and whenever you come back, your cat might take that time to play and seek attention. 

There are very few household animals that would be in a better place without a buddy to play with. Having a second cat can allow them to socialize and play with each other, because let’s be honest, having a high-energy cat sometimes can be a lot to handle.

Now, if you have another cat that can share and play with your cat, this can help you as much as it will help them.

Catnip!

Catnip is a plant that contains an oil that affects cats in a unique way. This oil, when rubbed or chewed on by your cat, can be interpreted by the olfactory system as a natural cat pheromone.

The effects of catnip are harmless, temporary, and bring joy to your cat. Although, not all cats are affected by catnip. You can try other forms of catnip like sprays or even planting your own plant at home in a sunny spot near a window.

Here are some alternatives:

• Silverine
• Valerian Root
• Lavender
• Tartarian Honeysuckle
• Chamomile

It’s always a good idea to rotate through what you do with your cat so it can have a variety of games and exciting activities. If you feel that your cat’s energy levels have slowly decreased or its mood has drastically changed, for example not wanting the catnip they once loved, contact us to see if it might be necessary to schedule an appointment for your cat. Our outstanding veterinarians will take care of your cat as if it were part of our family!

All You Need is Love

This one is probably not even necessary. Loving your cat can make a drastic difference in their lives. There’s a big difference between owning a cat and having a cat that you love and like to have around. 

A cat that is not loved and barely taken care of can behave differently than one that gets attention often and spends time with its owners. So, this should be a given, besides, how can you not love those beautiful balls of fur? Remember, a happy cat is a loyal cat!

It is always important to take care of your cat and make sure that they are always eating and staying active. Cats can suffer from depression and other illnesses that can make your cat lose energy, start behaving differently, or even get sick from it.

If you notice that your cat’s behavior and energy levels have taken a turn for the worse, contact us to help you assess your kitty’s health and make sure that what they are going through is nothing serious. If it is, it’s better to assess early to take care of the problem before it becomes a bigger complication. Contact your local veterinarian at All Pets Animals Hospital and have your cat get the treatment it deserves!

The post 5 Tips To Keep Your Kitty Happy appeared first on All Pets Animal Hospital.

As a result, you probably want to do all that you can to look out for your dog’s health. For that reason, today’s blog post will focus on how to choose healthy dog food. Keep reading to learn some tips about picking dog food, and be sure to contact All Pets Animal Hospital when you need a veterinarian in Rogers or Bentonville.

Different Dogs Require Different Diets

One of the most crucial things to realize as a dog owner is that different dogs have different dietary requirements. Perhaps you have another dog or you had a previous dog that was happy and healthy with the food you provided. While you can utilize the same process to pick food for your current dog, remember that the same dog food may not be the best choice for a new dog.

A healthy diet for your dog depends on several factors, including the breed of your dog, the dog’s size, their age, and their lifestyle. Larger dogs have different needs than smaller dogs, and certain breeds are predisposed to nutritional deficiencies that need to be addressed. Moreover, if you have a high-performance dog, they may require more protein than a dog that stays home and snoozes more often.

If you have two or more dogs, then you may need to choose different foods for them. This is especially true if they are different breeds, different ages, or different sizes. It’s wise to consult your vet to ensure your pet is receiving the optimal diet for their health.

Pay Attention to Wording on the Package

Another crucial thing to consider when choosing a healthy dog food is the wording on the packaging. Dog food is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that there are regulations about the labeling dog food companies can put on packing. By understanding this wording, you can choose dog foods that use better ingredients.

For example, if the dog food has a simple name, such as “Chicken for Dogs”, then at least 95% of the dog food must be chicken, which is the named ingredient (this does not include the water added to make the food; not counting water, at least 70% of the food must be the primary ingredient). In contrast, if a dog food contains less than 95% of an ingredient but more than 25%, then the label will say something like dinner or platter on it. Similar rules apply to other types of wording used, all of which can be found on the FDA site.

Another good thing to look for on dog food is a statement regarding the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The AAFCO has established strict requirements for dog food. If a product meets those requirements, then the label will have a statement on it indicating that the product meets these nutritional requirements. Check the packaging for this statement, and remember the guidelines surrounding how ingredients can be listed when you shop for food.

Know What Ingredients to Look For

Even label-savvy pet owners may still be confused when confronted with the controversy over grain-free and exotic ingredient pet foods. Here are two common things many people get concerned about.

First, you may have heard about gluten allergies and wondered about feeding your dog a grain-free pet food. It’s important to remember that your dog’s optimal diet will be quite different from your own diet. In fact, a study led by veterinarians at the University of California, Davis, discovered a possible link between grain-free, legume-rich dog foods and taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy, a canine heart disease. Additionally, the FDA has received hundreds of reported cases of dilated cardiomyopathy linked to grain-free and exotic ingredient pet foods. The precise cause is not yet known, but it seems prudent to avoid these types of diets until more research is completed. Fortunately, dilated cardiomyopathy can sometimes be reversed when diagnosed early by a veterinarian. It is important to remember that pet foods manufactured by companies who employ veterinary nutritionists and subject their formulations to feeding trials are a more reliable source than boutique brands.

People also often worry about byproducts in pet food. Since the FDA regulates what can be used for pet food, byproducts are not typically harmful for pets. In fact, they often contain high amounts of organ meat, which plays an essential role in the diet of many dogs. Ultimately, you will want to talk with your veterinarian about the dog foods you choose to use and get their opinion on the nutritional needs of your pet.

Stop By All Pets Animal Hospital in Rogers and Bentonville

When you need to talk with a dog veterinarian, stop by All Pets Animal Hospital in Rogers or Bentonville. We’re here because we love taking care of pets and are happy to advise you on pet nutrition or other topics.

The post How to Choose Healthy Dog Food appeared first on All Pets Animal Hospital.

Ease your concerns about leaving your pet behind while you’re away. At the All Pets Animal Hospital locations in Rogers, we will provide your dog, cat, bird, or exotic pet with a safe, comfortable, “home away from home” atmosphere.

To expedite the drop-off process, we encourage you to complete our Boarding Policies and Consent (one per client-one time only) as well as our Boarding Care form (one per pet-per visit). Submitting these required forms ahead of time online will save you time at drop-off!
We are happy to accommodate any special care or needs that your pet might have. Just let us know when you make the reservation.

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We provide clean bedding, food, and water daily, and more often, as needed. We allow personal items brought from home (washable toys, etc.) but we cannot guarantee against loss or damage. Our staff discourages bringing bedding brought from home.

Overnight guests who require injectable medication (insulin, etc.) or who are experiencing an uncontrolled medical condition (uncontrolled seizures, etc.) will be charged a Med-Care hospitalization fee in lieu of normal boarding rates. Please call if you have any questions and for current Med-Care fees.  Guests who are not on any medications, and those who simply require oral medications are charged the lower, normal boarding fees.

All Pets Animal Hospital provides a high-quality diet (Hill’s Sensitive Stomach dry kibble) and treats. Alternatively, you may bring your pet’s food from home, which we will use at your direction.
When boarding birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, frogs, fish, snakes, iguanas, etc., we ask that you bring your pet’s species-specific food, cage, and bedding materials with you.
All of our kennel spaces are indoors. Additionally, we have a limited number of 4′ x 6′ runs for larger dogs. All boarding dogs are let outside at least three times per day onto a covered, divided patio where they can see other dogs, but may not interact with them.

Boarding cats are more than welcome and are provided with clean, soft bedding, food and water, a litter pan, and a privacy box — just in case they feel like “getting away from it all” in their own private hiding spot.

Pets who are scheduled for three or more consecutive nights of boarding will receive a complimentary bath before they go home. Alternatively, a paid bath may be requested that adds a few more perks and a 15-minute brush-out. We are also happy to provide baths at our normal bathing fees to boarders staying fewer than three nights. For your convenience, just let us know about any veterinary services your pet needs and we will provide them while your pet is our boarding guest.

Our boarding area is staffed with a dedicated Ward Nurse throughout the day during regular office hours Monday-Friday 7:30am to 6:00 pm as well as weekend hours. You have the added benefit of knowing that one of our clinicians will promptly begin treatment if your pet gets sick during his or her stay.

A Visitor’s Check-Sheet is kept on every pet, every day. This sheet logs your pet’s eating, drinking, elimination, attitude and behavior, as well as when/if any medications were given.
To keep all our patients as healthy as possible, we require pets that are boarding with us to have current rabies and distemper vaccinations, along with other species-specific vaccinations (parvo and bordetella for dogs). If your pet is past due for vaccinations we are happy to provide them on the first day of his/her stay with us.

After-hours drop-offs and pick-ups are available Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm and must be scheduled and paid for in advance.
Schedule your boarding reservation today! For a tour of our boarding facilities, feel free to drop by anytime.

*PLEASE NOTE: BOARDING SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR ROGERS LOCATION ONLY*

Please request your boarding reservation then complete this Care form for EACH PET on EACH VISIT.

Please note that completion of this form does not guarantee a boarding reservation. Reservations must be requested and confirmed separately. Submission of your Boarding Care form signifies your authorization of your directives.

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