Articles
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As dogs live longer, they have a greater chance of developing diseases associated with advanced age, such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Diets rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, flavonoids, and carotenoids have been shown to help slow the decline of brain function. Your veterinarian can help you choose a diet with a nutrient profile suitable for your dog.
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There are many different causes of colitis, so it is important to have a veterinary evaluation of any dog who experiences diarrhea, especially if it continues for multiple days or includes blood. The veterinary health care team must consider the role of diet in the cause and potential treatment for all cases of colitis.
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The clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) are seen in many dogs as they age. The two most common causes of CHF are chronic valvular disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. Hypertension (high blood pressure) may contribute to heart disease and CHF. Secondary medical conditions, such as obesity, low thyroid, or kidney disease may require dietary changes. Key nutritional goals are to maintain a stable body weight, deliver appropriate Calories, and feed a balanced diet that the dog will regularly eat.
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Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body can no longer appropriately manage glucose for its energy requirements. Overweight and obese dogs are at greater risk of developing DM, so obesity prevention should be started early in puppyhood, with portion-controlled meal feeding. Once a dog has been diagnosed with DM, an owner must work closely with their veterinarian to choose insulin therapy and an appropriate diet to achieve stable blood glucose (good glycemic control).
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Nutritional management can be an effective strategy in the treatment of liver disease when used in combination with appropriate medical therapy. Nutritional management of liver disease focuses on controlling the clinical signs of disease, as opposed to targeting the underlying cause.
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The journey to a more ideal weight is not always easy. This handout discusses how many factors play a role, such as feeding management, portion control, and exercise, and how nutrition is critical to help pets lose weight safely.
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Managing the nutritional needs of an older, less active dog requires more than simply reducing food intake. This article explains how veterinarians assess the causes of inactivity, recommend appropriate diets, and guide weight-management strategies for individual cats. It also reviews the role of treats, activity, and regular weight monitoring.
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The optimal diet for working and service dogs depends on several variables, including the intensity and length of their activity, the goals of the work being performed, environmental conditions, and the dog's unique energy requirements. Outlined in this article are nutritional considerations to ensure a complete, balanced, and life-stage appropriate diet.
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This handout discusses the risks and benefits of feeding commercially prepared fresh, whole-food diets, as well as home-prepared recipes for your cat or dog. Topics highlighted include food safety, nutritional imbalances, and the need to ensure that any diet has been well-researched for nutritional safety and completeness.
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Feeding your dog the appropriate amount of a well-balanced diet is vital to their overall health and well-being. Each dog has unique nutrition needs, dependent on individual preferences and activity levels. In addition, nutritional requirements and dietary preferences change over the course of the dog's lifetime.