barnyard vet - Barnyard Veterinary Service & Supply

Old Cats, Kidney Disease and Diets

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

My old cat has just been diagnosed with kidney disease. Should I feed her a special diet?

The stage of renal disease that the cat is in and the clinical symptoms the cat displays helps determine the dietary plan for the pet.

In general, many veterinarians will recommend a prescription renal (kidney) diet for cats with elevated kidneys values. Diets such as Hill’s Science Diet K/D, Purina ProPlan’s N/F, and Royal Canin’s renal line have high quality proteins in decreased amounts compared to those sold in most grocery and farm stores. Controlling the protein level decreases the amount of harmful phosphorus in the diet.

Additionally, these diets have reduced sodium and higher levels of potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. This combination of nutrients helps the cat maintain body condition and muscle mass. Research shows that feeding prescription diets will increase the length and quality of life for your cat.

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Grazing Muzzles

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

What is a grazing muzzle?

Horses are grazing animals. When they are not allowed pasture time on a regular basis they can suffer from psychological and medical issues. On the other hand, continuous grazing of lush pasture can also cause certain horses to become overweight or obese. Founder (laminitis) is frequently seen in these overly fat, carbohydrate sensitive animals.

Unfortunately laminitis can permanently damage the horses’ feet and can become life threatening if severe enough. Grazing muzzles where designed so that a horse could still be turned out to pasture thus supporting his need for exercise and mental stimulation without overconsumption of calories from all day grazing.

The durable soft rubber basket that slips over the horses muzzle can either be attached to a halter or comes with a break away halter for safety. They come in several different sizes to accommodate miniature horses all the way up to draft horses and usually cost around $50.00-$120.00. Depending upon your pasture situation, they can be a nice option for weight control while still allowing your horse the freedom to roam and get a drink of water. Check out www.intrepidintl.com for styles and sizes.

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Beat the Heat

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Sometimes, even a fan isn’t enough

Baby, it’s hot out there! Here are 8 quick tips from the AVMA to help you and your furry friends beat the heat. (These tips can also help cats)

Never, ever leave your dog in the car
Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water
Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside
Take walks during the cooler hours of the day
When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog’s paws
If you think it’s hot outside, it’s even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off
Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet
Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it’s appropriate for your pet), and apply sunscreen to your dog’s skin if she or he has a thin coat

Bonus tip: Your dog may like some pup-sicles. Check out this DIY recipe from the Humane Society (Don’t worry feline fans, they also have a variation for cats!)
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/eating/recipes/animal_treats/dog_popsicles.html

Discover other tips and tricks at:

Humane Society: Keep Pets Safe in Heat
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets_safe_heat_wave.html

PetFinder: Keep your dog safe in a heat wave
https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/heat-wave-safety-dog/

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4th of July and Pets

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

More pets get lost on the 4th of July

Did you know? More pets get lost on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.

Thunder, fireworks and other loud noises can really stress out our furry friends. As a result, this noisy holiday means more “guests” in the “pound” as they seek to escape the loud noises that terrify them.

It also means the possibility of an emergency visit to the Vet for a variety of things, ranging from injuries from escaping to digestive stresses and more.

Here are some quick tips:

Be sure your pet has a safe, den-like place, such as a crate or kennel
Play some music or other “white noise” to help mask the sound of fireworks
Don’t comfort your pet during fireworks or thunder. It rewards the fear behavior.
Be sure they have current ID on them such as a microchip or pet tags. You can also write your telephone number (including area code) on their collar with a permanent marker.
Keep them safe and away from fireworks

To learn more, check out these articles:

Humane Society: Fear of Thunder and Other Loud Noises
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/fear_thunder_loud_noises.html

ASPCA: Fourth of July Safety Tips
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fourth-july-safety-tips

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Pets Can Be Good Medicine

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Pets can be good medicine

Did you know that people with pets visit their physicians less often? The Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative recently announced that pet owners go to their doctor less often that people who don’t own pets.

Individuals who own a dog and actually got out and walked it five or more times a week had a lower incidence of obesity. The result was an estimated $419 million worth of health care related savings.

Caring for a pet may also reduce stress levels by giving someone something soft and furry to pet thus stimulating tactile sensory input into the brain. Furthermore, people often experience less anxiety when they have to think beyond themselves and care for something else. It can also be comforting to have a non-judgmental companion that can make you laugh at their silly antics.

The bottom line is that pets can be good medicine for the heart and soul.

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