Xylitol Toxicity in Pets - The Sweet Killer

Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs

The Sweet Killer

Keep Xylitol containing products away from your pets

                      Most pet owners know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but did you know that items like Peanut Butter can actually be dangerous as well?! Its true! Most peanut butters are safe unless it contains Xylitol. 

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar substitute or sugar alcohol that is popping up in many products. Although not toxic to humans, Xylitol is very dangerous to pets because they metabolize it differently. It causes the animals pancreas to release an enormous amount of insulin which in turn will make the animals blood sugar plummet, causing hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death.

Xylitol can be found in may products including candies, mints, and gum.

What Products Contain Xylitol?

Xylitol is hiding in a lot of products. Even products that you would never think of. That is why it is always so important to read ingredient labels before giving your pet anything. Peanut Butter for example is known to be an acceptable treat for dogs. However some brands are now using Xylitol in their Peanut Butter making it very dangerous for pets. Below is a list of other products to keep away from your furry friend:

-Chewing Gum
-Candy
-Baked Goods
-Toothpaste and Mouth Wash
-Mints
-Medications, Vitamins, Supplements
-Some Peanut and Nut Butters
-Diabetic Snacks

These are just a few products to cautious of. But Xylitol is popping up in many other products too. It is even said to be in some lotions, gels, and deodorants. So please be careful and keep these items out of your pets reach.

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Xylitol?

If you think your pet may have eaten something containing Xylitol, seek veterinary attention immediately. If caught soon enough your vet may be able to safely induce emesis or induce vomiting. It is very important to have your Veterinarian do this and not try to do this at home. There could be reactions, esophageal damage, or aspiration if done incorrectly causing additional issues. Your pet may need to be hospitalized, on IV fluids, and have blood work done. Depending on the severity even with Veterinary Treatment Xylitol can still be fatal. There is no antidote for Xylitol toxicity so it is best to be very diligent to keep away from all pets.

Xylitol can be deadly to your pet even with veterinary care

As you can see from this article, Xylitol is no joke. It can be very deadly to pets and can be found in all kinds of products. So beware. The biggest thing you can do is to get into a habit of making sure you always check all ingredient labels.  And keep all products containing Xylitol out of reach of your pets!

The Dog Flu, What you Need to Know to Keep your Dog Safe

The Dog Flu

What You Need to Know to Keep Your Dog Safe

Keep your fuzzy pal safe and healthy

                       You may have heard about the recent Dog Flu Outbreak in our area. And you may be a little confused as to what the Dog Flu is, how your dog can contract the Flu, Symptoms, and how to keep your Dog safe. You may have not even heard of the Dog Flu until recently. The main reason for this is that it is a new virus to our area. Well we are here to help clarify a few things for you. 

What is the Dog Flu?

The Dog Flu or Canine Influenza is a highly contagious potentially deadly virus consisting of two main strains, H3N2 and H3N8. It may sound odd, but both of these strains mutated into what it is known for today as the Dog Flu. Originally the H3N2 strain originated from an Avian or Bird virus in Asia that evolved to infect dogs. Similarly the H3N8 strain arose from an equine or Horse stain and was first identified in dogs in 2004 in the state of Florida. Although there is no evidence that it can spread to humans, it has been known to infect cats.

Doggie Day care is great for expelling energy and socialization but please make sure your pet is protected against diseases that other dogs may carry.

 How Can My Pet Get the Flu and What are the Symptoms?

Canine Influenza is highly contagious and is transmitted though respiratory secretions, such as saliva and nasal discharge. A dog can contract the virus from coming into contact with a sick dog or anything that an infected dog was around. Objects such as water bowls, leashes, toys, or bedding can be contaminated, but also less obvious things like peoples clothing that was around the infected dog. It is also airborne which makes it even easier to contract. It is best to keep sick dogs away from other dogs and disinfect everything that dog came in contact with.  Symptoms of Canine Influenza consists of  coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, lethargy,  lack of appetite and fever. These symptoms can be  mild to severe with progressive cases causing secondary infections including pneumonia. The more severe the symptoms get the more dangerous it is for your pet. Canine Influenza can be deadly in advanced cases. If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms please seek veterinary attention immediately.

If you suspect your dog may have the dog flu, contact your vet immediately

How to Keep Your Pet Safe?

Vaccinate. The best way to protect your pet against this virus is to get your pet vaccinated. Especially if your dog is around other dogs at dog parks, boarding facilities, groomers,  doggie day cares, etc. Or even if you plan on traveling with your pet. In 2017 there was a breakout in many US Southern States but it wasn't until recently that it was diagnosed in Michigan. Which means this virus is spreading making its way throughout the US and it is something we need to be prepared for and start protecting our pets against. 

Protect your pet against the Dog Flu and other viruses by keeping them up to date on vaccines 

The Dog Flu is something we need to be well aware of as it is spreading to areas that it was never detected in before. Use caution when your dog is around other dogs or in areas where other dogs were. To be safe, vaccinate your dog to protect them against this spreading virus. And if you are noticing any symptoms call your Vet immediately. For more in depth information regarding the Dog Flu please visit https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx

Clicker Training Your Puppy

Clicker Training Your Puppy

Start Clicker Training your Puppy at an early age

               Puppy-hood is such a fun time, full of play and puppy kisses. It is also the time where puppies are very impressionable and learn very quickly. So it is very important to start training your puppy right away. There are many training methods out there but which ever method you choose, always make it fun and positive, and never a negative or punishing experience. 

What is Clicker Training?

Research has shown that a task or behavior is more likely to be learned and readily repeated if the task or behavior is followed by a reward or something of desire. Clicker training is a positive training method that uses a device that makes a "Click" sound when activated and is usually followed up with a reward. The animal will start to associate the sound of the Click with a positive action and will be eager to comply with the command. 

Young Puppy learning the "Sit" command

How does Clicker Training work? 

The trainer will click the clicker at the exact moment the desired behavior or task occurs: the puppy sits, the trainer clicks the moment the puppy's bottom touches the floor. The puppy lays down, the trainer clicks. And so fourth. The most important thing to remember is that timing a very important. You want to make sure you are clicking the exact second the animal complies to the desired behavior or command. The Click is usually followed by a type of  positive reward. Such as a treat, a pet, a toy or even play. The animal will quickly associate the sound of the click with a wonderful reward and will repeat the action that got them the reward readily.

Clicker Training can also be an effective training method for other species as well. For example: The Lion opens his mouth, the trainer "clicks". This type of training is often used in zoos, sanctuaries, and other facilities that works with a variety of animals due to the ease and consistency across species.

Training should always be positive and fun 

Why Use a Clicker? 

The main reason to use a clicker when training is that it is Consistent. We can use our voices to mark the desired behavior and say key words such as "Yes" or "Good", but our voices are not always consistent. Our voice can vary in tone, pitch, sound, and length each time we say something. You may say it high pitched one training session and deeper the next.  While the clicker sounds the exact same each and every time.  Karen Pylor, expert in clicker training even states that " The evidence from dog training schools that have tried both methods suggests that dogs and their owners learn about 50% more rapidly when the marker signal is a click instead of the word "yes."  You can read more about her, her expertise, and clicker training at her website https://www.clickertraining.com/

Positive Training sessions can strengthen the bond between you and your pet

Clicker Training can be an effective and even ideal training method not only for Puppies and adult dogs but for other animal species as well. The consistency of the clicker along with an exciting reward will shape the desired behavior and in turn will help the animal learn quicker. Clicker Training is a great training method, but as stated earlier, whatever training method you decide is best for your pet be sure it is a positive rewarding style of training and never negative. Training not only creates a well mannered dog but also will strengthen the bond you have with your pet. And of course if you have any questions at all please contact us. Dr. Coll would be happy to meet with you and your puppy and go over training methods. And if you are looking for a local trainer, we highly recommend K9 Turbo Training! You can find out more information about K9 Turbo Training at https://www.k9turbotraining.com/.

Protecting Your Pet From Pesky Parasites

Protecting Your Pet From Pesky Parasites

Protect your beloved pet from harmful Parasites 

           One of our goals at Harvey Animal Hospital is to keep your pet parasite free and as healthy as possible.Some of the parasites that affect dogs and cats can cause disease in people as well so keeping your pet as parasite free as possible will keep your family protected too.

Fleas and Ticks 

External Parasites
Fleas are usually easily detected. Most of the time you will see them or evidence of them. Fleas can make your pet very uncomfortable. They can cause them unbearable itching and many pets are actually allergic to them. Severe infestations can cause hair loss, rash, and sores from repeated scratching.

Tick Sizes at different life stages 

Adult ticks are easy to find when they get large after taking a blood meal.  But the nymph life stage of ticks is extremely small and can be very difficult to see on your pet. They are usually the size of a fleck of pepper or a poppy-seed even after they take their blood meal and spread harmful disease. For more information on tick borne diseases and prevalence maps please visit https://www.capcvet.org 


Internal Parasites
Internal Parasites are more difficult to find and diagnose. Heartworms are spread through the bite of a mosquito and require blood testing to find. When we find Heartworms in dogs they have been infected for 6 months already and can be devastating. Keeping them on a monthly heartworm prevention is easy and much less expensive than treatment of adult worms. Treatment of adult heartworms involves several injections that are painful and hard on the dog. Unfortunately, adult heartworms can infect cats as well but its much more difficult to diagnose and treat. There isn’t treatment for the adult worms in cats so keeping them on prevention is even more important.

Healthy Heart V.s A Heart Infected with Heartworm 

The test that we do to detect heartworms in dogs also looks for diseases that that can be spread by ticks. Lyme disease is one of them but there are several others that ticks can spread as well. Erhlichia and Anaplasma are spread by the Brown Dog Tick that is prevalent in our area, even more common than the Deer Tick that spreads Lyme disease.

Intestinal parasites are detected in a stool sample. When we are looking for intestinal parasites we are actually finding eggs that the parasites are laying. Some of the parasites we look for won’t shed eggs right away and some of them only shed eggs intermittently. This can make it even more difficult to find them so we can treat them appropriately. We have a new test that we are starting to run that can find the adult worms prior to them starting to lay eggs. We won’t need anything more from you than the stool sample you already bring for us to check. This new test can detect parasites 1-3 weeks sooner than just the fecal floatation that we have been doing.

Hookworm Eggs detected on a fecal floatation test

Prevention

Prevention of these parasites can be done with either a topical liquid or an oral chew. Most of these products need to be done monthly but there are some newer products that will protect longer than that. Talk to your veterinarian on which is the right choice for your pet. You can now order your preventative medication right online though our personal online pharmacy! Its fast, secure, and the products are guaranteed! Visit https://harveyanimalhospital.vetsfirstchoice.com/

Our goal is to keep you and your pet healthy and happy. Keeping your pet parasite free is an easy way to do this.

6 Helpful Tips on How to Ease Your Pets Storm Phobia

6 Helpful Tips on How to Ease Your Pets

 Storm Phobia

Dog exhibiting anxiety during a Thunder Storm

           Do you find yourself checking the weather constantly or even dreading the 4th of July because you know your pet will be a ball of nerves? Well you are not alone. "Storm Phobia", "Thunder Phobia", "Noise Phobia" can go by many names, but it is unfortunately very common and quite a problem. In fact, in a recent report put out by NBC News quoting Veterinary Behaviorist Bonnie Beaver "Up to 20% of dogs of all ages and breeds suffer from noise phobias so severe that their people seek professional help for them." These phobias can range in severity and can affect our Feline Companions as well. Pets perceive these loud alarming noises as threatening, and the unpredictability and variation of sound accompanied by flashing lights makes your pet feel like they are under attack in a war zone. So no wonder they are terrified. So what to do?

Tips to Help Your Pets Phobia

1.  Compression Garments: Compression Garments such as a Thunder Shirt or something similar gentle hugs your pet creating a comforting feel and sense of security. These however don't work on every pet but it is something easy that is worth a try. These can be purchased online or at any pet store. 

2. Drown Out Scary Noises: You can lessen your pets anxiety by drowning out the noise. Use calming music such as Classical or Reggae which will help cover the noise and calm your pet. There is even specially designed sound therapy clinically proven to help our canine companions called "Though a Dogs Ear" or "Through a Cats Ear" for our feline companions.  You can also use white noise such as a fountain or fan. 

3. Block Flashing Lights: Try to block flashing lights by covering windows or putting your pet in a safe, comforting area away from the flashes. Even turn on lights to decrease contrast. Create a sanctuary, a little secure area with blankets, music, and even something to get your pets mind off of things such as giving them something to focus on, a toy, bone, a puzzle, etc. 

4. Don't Force Your Pet: If your pet is afraid and hiding don't pull or drag your pet from their secure area. This can make matters worse not to mention, a fearful pet may act out and bite unintentionally. You can try to softly coax your pet out, but if they wish to stay hiding leave them be. In addition, never force your pet to "confront their fears" and force them to go outside. This is absolutely the wrong way to handle this situation and will most certain escalate the problem. 

5. Calming Pheromones: Calming Pheromones, such as Adaptil, give off odorless comforting messages that only dogs (Or Feliway for Cats) can sense. These messages are mimicking the comforting sensation a Mother Dog gives off to her pups. These Pheromones can be used in many ways. It comes in a spay, so you can spray blankets, bedding, crates, or even a bandanna to put around their neck. It comes in a plug in that allows the pheromones to continually circulate the environment. Wipes to wipe down areas such as floors, crates, or even or any other surfaces, as well as a collar. 

6. Speak to your Vet: Talk to your veterinarian about any troubles your pet is having with Noise Phobia. Your veterinarian can offer advice and many behavioral solutions. And if severe enough your pet may need anti-anxiety medications such as Trazadone or Gabapentin to help relax them and keep them from getting too upset.  But never give your pet any medications without consulting a veterinarian first. 

Dog looking to her owner for comfort

It can be heartbreaking watching your pet shake with severe anxiety and fear over Thunder Storms and Fireworks. We as humans know there is nothing to fear and that these storms or celebrations will soon pass, but your pet doesn't realize this and feels like an attack is underway.  Owners can feel helpless in trying to get their pet to understand that these noises can't hurt them. But following these tips can really aid in helping your pet get though these situations with less fear, anxiety and stress. 

For more information check out our website at http://harveyanimalhospital.com/

How to Care for a Bearded Dragon

How to Care for A Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are actually known as the most "Dog-Like" reptile, due to their docile nature. Because of this, more and more people are keeping them as pets and they are certainly growing in popularity. But is a Bearded Dragon the right pet for you?

Personality

Although Bearded Dragons can be territorial and even aggressive with other reptiles and should be housed alone, they are quite friendly and sociable with humans. They have a great temperament and are usually calm and tame by nature. They don't mind being touched or handled, unlike other reptile species which is the main reason many people are keeping them as pets. However, they can still scratch or bite so always use caution and handle your Beardie gently. They will also display when they are scared or threatened. They will puff out their beard and lay flat with their mouths open. You might even notice the color of their beard will change black. These are signs your Beardie is upset and on the defense, so its best to let them calm down when they have reached this point.

Bearded Dragon

Habitat and Housing

Bearded Dragons need lots of space. A full grown Beardie needs ideally a 75 - 120 gallon tank. Not only do they need adequate space for growth but they also need specific heat and UV lighting to regulate their body temperature. They need a heat source on one side for basking (about 90 - 100 Degrees F)  and the other side of the tank should be cooler for hiding (around 70 - 76 Degrees F). Improper temperatures or humidity can cause severe illness in your pet.

The bottom of the tank should be lined with reptile carpeting or outdoor carpet or something similar for safety and easy clean up. You can also use paper toweling or other soft cloths but be sure to stay away from cat litter, wood shavings and even sand. These mediums are often accidentally consumed and have been known to cause intestinal blockages, which is a veterinary emergency.

It is important to include different things in the tank to make your Beardie comfortable and happy in its environment. Be sure to  include branches and rocks for climbing and basking as well as a cavernous place to hide. Non-Prickly succulents and non toxic plants can also add enrichment to the Dragons surroundings.

Proper Bearded Dragon Habitat

Diet

Bearded Dragons require an extensive menu to meet all their dietary needs. They need protein in the form of crickets, and many types of worms, such as meal worms, king worms, horn worms and wax worms. They can even eat pink mice as they mature and grow. Be sure the prey you feed is appropriately sized for your Bearded Dragon and that you do not let pray linger for longer then 10 minutes to prevent injury to your pet.

Bearded Dragons also need a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. They need greens such as escarole, parsley, mustard greens, collard greens, dandelion to name a few. As well other vegetables such as green beans, carrots, parsnips and a variety of squash can also be fed. Its important that your Beardie gets a "salad" daily with a variety of leafy and vitamin rich vegetables. Fruits can also be fed such as as Berries, mango, papaya, banana, cantaloupe, etc. But be sure to avoid lettuce, spinach, avocado, and citrus fruits.

And of course, fresh cool water needs to be provided at all times. Shallow bowls or dishes are ideal, to allow for easily accessible drinking.

Bearded Dragon

Like most exotic pets, Bearded Dragons require a lot of care in the form of habitat specifics and diet. However, their gentle nature and wonderful temperament make them the ideal reptile pet. They are a long commitment having a lifespan of roughly 10 - 14 years. But If you are willing to take the steps needed to care for them properly, they make great and interesting companions!

A Pug Puppy and his Bearded Dragon Friend

Keep All Lilies Away From Your Kitties

Keep All Lilies Away From Your Kitties

Spring is Springing and Easter is right around the corner. It's a time where the sun
is shining and flowers are blooming. But did you know there are many flowers and
plants that can be toxic to your pet?

Its true! Common plants such as Daffodils, Daisy's, and Tulips can be very
dangerous to your pet. And one of the most common and most dangerous,
especially to our feline friends, is the Lilly! Just a taste of the petal, leaves,
the pollen or the water from the vase and be deadly. There are many different
species of lily and most all are highly toxic. Listed below are are few of the most dangers species.

The top 8 most deadly species of lily are as follows:

- Asiatic lily – including hybrids (Lilium asiatica)

- Day lily (Hemerocallis species)

- Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum)

- Japanese Show lily (Lilium speciosum)

- Rubrum lily (Lilium speciosum var. rubrum)

- Stargazer lily (Lilium ‘Stargazer’- a hybrid)

- Tiger lily (Lilium tigrinum or lancifolium)

- Wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum or umbellatum)

***For a full list of poisonous plants visit: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-
poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants ***

Tiger Lily - Highly Toxic

If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to a lily (or any other poisonous
plant), take them to the vet immediately. Lilies can cause severe kidney failure and
are potentially lift threatening. So take their exposure seriously. Most of the time you will not notice
symptoms until its too late.

Fresh flowers and potted plants are a beautiful Spring time staple. But BEWARE
of their dangers! Many plants and flowers are poisonous, not just lilies. It is best to keep your pets safe and keep  plants and flowers away from your pets!

Why Does My Pet Have Bad Breath?

Why Does My Pet Have Bad Breath? 
Bad Breath Blues 

Are you avoiding puppy smooches and kitty kisses because your pet has bad breath? Smelly breath can be very off putting but don't overlook it. Bad breath can be an indication of a problem with your pets health and most likely their mouth. We see the Dentist once a year and even more if there are problems and your pets should too. Oral health is very important for your pet and if not taken care of can not only be painful but can cause other problems as well. 

Does my pet need a Teeth Cleaning?

The answer is YES! Our pets should be receiving annual dental exams from their veterinarian to make sure things are in tip top shape! They will be able to notice if a full dental cleaning is recommended by examining the mouth and the state the teeth and gums are in. (If the animal is cooperative of course.) But if you notice anything abnormal with your pet at home let your veterinarian know right away. Below are a few things you can look out for:

Signs of Oral or Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats:

-Bad breath

-Tarter Build up

-Red gums 

-Loose Teeth or discolored teeth

-Drooling abnormally

-Dropping food or toys

-Pet does not want mouth touched

-Bleeding

-Loss of Appetite or weight loss

If you notice any of the signs above alert your veterinarian right away. Your Veterinarian will recommend a Dental Cleaning for your pet and possibly, further procedures like tooth extractions if needed.

This cats owner noticed a bad odor coming from her mouth. This kitty was in need 

of a dental cleaning in which the odor indicated severe gingivitis and too decay resulting in 

tooth extraction. Note the Severe Red gums

What happens during a Pet Dental?

Your pet will need to be fasted prior to your appointment and will need to have blood work prior as well. Since your pet is put under anesthesia for this procedure, your vet will want to see recent blood work results to be sure your pets internal organs are functioning as they should. If everything looks good on blood work they will place an IV catheter and begin to induce anesthesia. Once under anesthesia, the technician will begin scaling or scraping off tartar build up and will check for gingivitis. They also check for pockets, cavities, and will be able to see things under the gum line such as bone recession by taking dental radiographs. If any of these things are noticed, the veterinarian will preform the necessary tasks which may include tooth extraction. The teeth are then polished and the pet is sent to recovery. 

You can get a behind the scenes look at the procedure by going to the AVMA website: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Pet-Dental-Care.aspx

Before and after shot of a dog pre and post Dental. Tarter and 

staining are cleaned visually as well as bacteria below the gum-line

What about Anesthesia Free Dental Cleanings?

Theoretically this sounds like a great option right? Cleaning my pets teeth without having to put them under anesthesia? Wrong! Actually anesthesia free dental cleanings are not very beneficial to your pet at all. This method ONLY scrapes the front surface of the tooth, it does not get to where it matters, under the gum line. 

According to the American Veterinary Dental Collage (AVDC) "Scaling (scraping surface of the tooth with an instrument) the plaque and tartar from the outside surfaces of the teeth does not remove the plaque and bacteria from beneath your pet’s gum line and does not decrease the risk of your pet getting periodontal disease. Consider this, the same level of “gross” build up you see on your pet’s teeth, is also thriving beneath their gum line where you can’t see it or the damage it’s doing. Cleaning and scaling below the gum line is most important because it’s where periodontal disease is most active. This can’t be done without anesthesia."

Not to mention it is very stressful to you pet! We all know we can't tell our pet to open their mouth and "AHH" as we work in their mouth. So if awake, your pet will need to be restrained as they scrape the surface of the teeth. This can be extremely scary and even painful for your pet. It is much more humane and beneficial to your pet to put them under anesthesia so the tasks can be preformed efficiently and stress-free. 

To learn more on Anesthesia Free Dentals please visit:

http://avdc.org/AFD/reasons-not-to-choose-anethesia-free-pet-dentals/

Oral health is very important to your pets overall health. Not only can it be painful for your pet but also constantly swallowing bacteria from decaying teeth can affect your pet systemically as well. Keep your pet happy and healthy by keeping their oral health in mind!

Whats Your Pets New Years Resolution?

Whats your Pets New Years Resolution?

Now that the holidays have passed and we have rang in the New Year, many of us have declared a New Years Resolution. And for many of us that New Years Resolution is to loose weight and be healthier. But what about our pets? If your dog or cat is chunkier then they should be maybe you should include them in your New Years Resolution to be fit as well. 

An alarming 58% of cats and 54% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese.  We all love our pets and they look so cute begging for table scraps or meowing for extra treats but we are killing them with kindness?  Much like humans carrying around extra weight is not healthy for them. Here is a list of a few of the negative effects extra weight can cause. 

*It can be painful. Muscle and joint pain make it harder for your pet to get around and increases risk of osteoarthritis.

*It can compromise the respiratory system. Causing your pet to have a harder time breathing

*Increases surgical and anesthetic risks

*Increases risks of disease, such as heart disease, hypertension, Diabetes, liver disease, etc

*Deceases the immune system making them more prone to sicknesses

*Increases risks of cancer

For starters be sure that you are accurately measuring the amount of food your pet should have in a day.  Which depends on many things. The size and breed of your pet, the type of food you are feeding and if there are any extras like treats or food toppers. Most foods have a weight recommended chart on the back of the bag to help you determine the amount of food that should be given in a day. However it is always a good idea to speak to your Veterinarian about specifics.

 If your pet is over weight you may want to consider eliminating treats or choosing a low calorie option instead.  Many veggies are OK for your pets to eat and can be given as treats such as carrots or green beans. They can even be frozen and be given as a cool treat in the hot summer months.

Exercise is very important too, if your pet is able to of course. Going for an extra walk, playing catch in the back yard or going to the dog park are great activities for your dog. It is however, little more tricky to get your cat to exercise but it can be done. Playing with your cat with toys or a laser pointer can be great kitty exercise. Feeding your cat in an area that they have to go up or down stairs or placing their meal in multiple areas can get them moving more.  Supplying cat trees and other cat safe furniture is another great idea. 

Treat balls are a fantastic idea for both cats and dogs. Using a low calorie treat or even part of your pets regular kibble. A treat ball will slowly dispense 1 or 2 treats at time after its batted around a bit. Which will encourage play and exercise. 

Of course Regular vet visits are very important for your pet to keep them in tip top health. Your Veterinarian will be able to suggest appropriate food options and amounts as well as exercise suggestions catered to your specifics pets needs.

Its a New Year, and setting a New Years Resolution can be a great motivator for people to get fit. But don't forget your pet if they are overweight also.  Its a New Year, a Fresh Start, and time for a happier healthier you and a happier healthier pet!