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The Benefits of Walking Your Dog (Even When It’s Cold Outside)

Although the cold weather might not be ideal for walking your dog, it’s still extremely important that you head out regularly for walks.

The Benefits of Walking Your Dog (Even When It’s Cold Outside)

It’s winter in Wisconsin, which means less daylight and cold, snowy weather. Although the conditions for walking your dog might not be ideal, it’s still extremely important that you head out regularly for walks. (Pro Tip: If it’s cold, take shorter, more frequent constitutionals.)
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6 Benefits of Walking Your Dog

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1. Weight Control and Good Health
Walking equals exercise, which not only helps prevent obesity, it also helps pets avoid secondary health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, staying active promotes good joint health and digestive health.
2. Mental Stimulation
To stay happy and avoid unwanted behaviors, dogs need to stay mentally active as well as physically active. Out in the world, dogs have plenty of opportunities to exercise their minds while they encounter new sights, sounds, smells, and sometimes even tastes. (Just try to keep your dog away from an abandoned cheeseburger).
3. Bonding
While you can let your dog out in the fenced yard for a little exercise, walking is a good activity to do together. It keeps both of you healthy and helps you bond with your furry friend.
4. Socialization
Going for walks also provides great opportunities for properly socializing your dog. When they encounter strange people and pets, you’ll be able to help them learn the proper way to behave around strangers, and they’ll eventually get used to crossing paths with them.
5. Training
Going for walks involves training your dog to walk on a leash, to leave the previously mentioned discarded cheeseburger, and to behave well around strangers. Not only is this good for strengthening your bond, but it also promotes more mental activity. Additionally, you’ll find lots of opportunities to reinforce your pup’s good behavior with reward-sized treats.
6. Better Sleep
A dog getting enough exercise will sleep soundly at night, which means you’ll sleep better, too!

Schedule a Healthy Weight Consultation for Your Pet

If you’re not sure whether your pet might be overweight and facing weight-related health problems, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at one of Animal Wellness Center’s five Wisconsin locations. Our veterinarians will assess your pet, help you determine a healthy weight range based on species, breed, and age, and set your pet up on a weight management plan.

How to Make the Holidays Happy for Pets

Everyone loves the holiday season, but pets sometimes get overlooked in the midst of all the hustle, bustle, shopping, and celebrating.

How to Make the Holidays Happy for Pets

Everyone loves the holiday season, but pets sometimes get overlooked in the midst of all the hustle, bustle, shopping, and celebrating. During the winter months and holiday festivities, it’s important to pay close attention to your pets to make sure they stay healthy, happy, and away from seasonal dangers.

5 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy This Season

1. Cold Weather Safety

Baby, it’s cold outside – even for your furry friends! If pets are outdoors, make sure they have a warm shelter with dry bedding to retreat to and be sure to change their water frequently to prevent it from freezing over.
If pets only go out with you for walks, keep an eye on their paws. The cold can chap their delicate paw pads and you might need to get a set of booties for your dog or apply a paw ointment upon returning indoors. It’s also good to wash your pet’s paws after walks outside, as they can pick up toxic antifreeze and ice melt and then ingest it when they lick it away later.

2. Travel Plans

Keep your pet in mind when you make travel plans. Will your pet travel with you? If so, what will you need to pack and how much extra time will it take you to arrive at your destination? Will you leave your pet behind? If so, will you hire a pet sitter or check your dog into a boarding facility. Either way, make sure your dog has the proper vaccinations, supplies, and health certificates ahead of time.

3. Food Dangers

Tempting treats fill the holiday season. Unfortunately, most of these are harmful to pets. Keep them out of the kitchen, away from the table, and make sure they don’t ingest any toxic substances (onions, garlic, raisins, nuts, chocolate, xylitol, and more).

4. Celebration Dangers

Twinkling lights, poinsettias, holly, tinsel, wrapping paper, strings, bows, and other trappings of the season are all dangerous for pets. Keep them away from your decorations or put up a gate around the tree to prevent them from accidentally chewing or ingesting something they shouldn’t.

5. Exercise and Attention

You’re busier than ever, but your pet still needs attention and exercise. Do your best to continue your regular routine through the hectic season.

Make an Emergency Plan for Your Pet

No matter the season and festivities, it’s always smart to have an emergency plan in place for your pet. We recommend keeping the number for the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Hotline on-hand and the number for Animal Wellness Center’s nearest location. To learn more about the holiday precautions you can take to keep your pets safe, we welcome you to schedule a checkup today.

Foods to Keep Your Pet Away From This Thanksgiving

Pets are family, and we want to include them in special family events like Thanksgiving Day. However, with plenty of tempting treats on display, our holiday celebrations aren’t always the safest environments for pets.

Foods to Keep Your Pet Away From This Thanksgiving

Pets are family, and we want to include them in special family events like Thanksgiving Day. However, with plenty of tempting treats on display, our holiday celebrations aren’t always the safest environments for pets.

7 Thanksgiving Favorites to Keep Away From Your Pets

1. Nuts

Nuts contain too much fat for pets and can cause problems like indigestion and pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts and walnuts are highly toxic to dogs and cats. Eating them can be fatal. Keep pets away from nuts and dishes that contain them.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Popular in fruit salads and stuffing, grapes and raisins are dangerous for dogs and cats. Keep pets away from these chase-able round fruits and dishes that contain them.
3. Onions and the Rest of Their Family
The entire onion (allium) family – red, white, yellow, and green onions, shallots, scallions, leeks, chives, and garlic – is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. These ingredients (including dried and powdered versions) are found in our favorite recipes for mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and green bean casserole.
4. Dessert
Desserts often contain nuts and other potentially poisonous ingredients. For example, chocolate and xylitol (a sweetener commonly found in sugar-free desserts) are toxic to pets. Plus, plain-old sugar isn’t good for dogs or cats, either. It can cause an upset stomach. So, keep your pets away from the dessert tray.
5. Poultry
While a bite of turkey might seem harmless for a cat or dog, be careful to keep them from eating turkey skin or bones. They can choke on bones or suffer a perforated intestine if they manage to swallow one. Plus, the high-fat content in a basted turkey can lead to pancreatitis or an upset stomach. 
6. Ham
Ham is another human classic that’s not a great choice for treating pets. It’s high in fat which can upset your pet’s stomach and contribute to obesity. Even a small bite contains a huge amount of calories for a small dog or cat.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to cats and dogs. Be sure to keep all adult beverages covered or well out of your pets’ reach.

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Food on Thanksgiving Day?

It’s safest to keep your pet in a quiet spot in your home during all the excitement of holiday festivities, but if your pet accidentally gets his paws on a toxic food this holiday season, be ready to take action. Contact the Animal Poison Control hotline for instructions and have the number for an emergency veterinarian on-hand at all times.
For more information about keeping pets safe on Thanksgiving Day, schedule an appointment with an Animal Wellness Center veterinarian near you.

Help Your Pets Grow Old Gracefully with Aging Pet Care

Just because your dog or cat is getting older and starting to slow down does not mean that they should also lose their playful spirit, experience a diminished quality of life, become sick, or suffer from chronic pain.

Help Your Pets Grow Old Gracefully with Aging Pet Care

Just because your dog or cat is getting older and starting to slow down does not mean that they should also lose their playful spirit, experience a diminished quality of life, become sick, or suffer from chronic pain. Throughout a pet’s entire life, healthcare and dietary needs change. Just like puppies, kittens, and adult pets, senior dogs and cats thrive with veterinary care, lifestyle adjustments, and nutrition customized to meet their changing needs.
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Specialized Care for Aging Pets

More Frequent Checkups and Health Screenings

Senior pets are at risk of developing age-related diseases. Plus, chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer can progress rapidly. We can most successfully, easily, and affordably treat and manage age-related diseases with early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Senior pets should have biannual veterinary checkups for preventative care, physical examination, and diagnostic health screening.

Dietary Adjustments

Aging pets benefit greatly from diets designed to meet their unique nutritional needs. Switch senior pets to an appropriate pet food formulation and consider adding nutritional supplements to help your pet maintain a healthy coat, weight, and joints.

Grooming

Regular grooming will keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy and their nails remain trimmed to encourage healthy posture. In addition, grooming is a great way to ensure the early detection and diagnosis of new lumps, bumps, or unusual growths as they develop.

Dental Care

Without proper dental care, dogs and cats are at risk of tooth decay, infections, mouth pain, and periodontal disease (and all its risks like organ damage and death). Due to the need for general anesthesia, some senior pets are not candidates for professional dental cleanings. However, you can still promote dental health at home with dental-friendly treats, chew toys, and regular brushing.

Accessibility

Like aging people, older pets often experience mobility limitations. Try to accommodate your aging pet by making adjustments around your home. Consider elevating your pet’s food and water bowls, providing stairs up to the bed or sofa, and placing non-slip rugs over any slippery flooring.

Aging Pet Care in Wisconsin

From puppy and kittenhood through their golden years, our veterinarians at Animal Wellness Center’s five Wisconsin locations can help you navigate your pet’s ever-changing wellness needs. We’ll help you determine when your pet should be considered a senior pet (at around seven years of age) and guide you through their ongoing care. From providing thorough health screenings and continuing preventative treatments to managing chronic pain and systemic medical conditions, we’ll be with you and we’ll be there for your pet every step of the way.

How to Choose a Healthy Diet for Your Pet

When selecting a food for your pet, it’s very important to select a high-quality brand with high-quality ingredients and consider their individual needs.

How to Choose a Healthy Diet for Your Pet

Nutrition is the foundation of health, but selecting the right food for your pet can be tough. There hundreds of pet food brands and endless varieties to choose from. Plus, each bag of kibble, packet of treats, or can of wet food has its own marketing, making health and quality claims. With all the flashy packaging and choices, how can you tell which pet foods are actually the healthiest?
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Consider Your Pet's Individual Needs and Choose a High-Quality Pet Food

The first consideration to make when choosing your pet’s food is to select a high-quality brand with high-quality ingredients. Check the product’s nutrition label and look for whole, quality ingredients, like chicken. The FDA requires that pet foods be labeled honestly and list all ingredients.
When selecting a food for your pet, it’s also important to consider their individual needs. Of course, you should choose food that’s formulated for your pet’s species. It’s also important to consider the age of your pet and, depending on their life stage, select a food that’s been formulated for puppies, adults, or senior dogs.
If your pet has dental disease, joint problems, or weight concerns, there are also pet food formulations that contain ingredients designed to help with these health problems.
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Ignore the Grain-Free Diet Hype

While cats are true carnivores, dogs are actually omnivores, and they need a well-rounded diet that includes certain nutrients from plant-based foods. Along with the rise of humans adopting grain-free and gluten-free diets, pet food manufacturers began marketing grain-free pet food options. There’s no evidence, however, that grain-free options are actually healthier for dogs, and there’s even some evidence that these types of diets might even be harmful to dogs.
Since 2014, the FDA began receiving increased reports of dogs developing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). (DCM is a canine heart disease that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood and can be fatal.) Of these dogs, the FDA found that 91% were on grain-free diets, and 93% were eating foods that replaced grains with lentils, peas, and other legumes.
The development of DCM might be related to a taurine deficiency in dogs eating a grain-free diet with legumes, but the exact reason why these types of diets/ingredients seem to be associated with an increased risk of DCM is not yet fully understood.
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Schedule a Nutrition Consultation to Set Up a Safe, Personalized Nutrition Plan for Your Pet Today

If you’re uncertain about the type of pet food to choose for your cat or dog, we welcome you to schedule a nutrition consultation with a veterinarian at Animal Wellness Center. We can recommend a prescription pet food for a pet with allergies or other dietary medical concerns. We’re also available to help you pick a high-quality brand and formulation that’s available at any pet supply store.

Does Your New Pet Need Puppy Training Classes?

As the owner of a new puppy, it’s your responsibility to set your pet up for success – around temptations, distractions, people, and other dogs – with proper training.

Does Your New Pet Need Puppy Training Classes?

Playful, energetic, and impulsive, puppies are a joy to be around. Left to their own devices, however, puppies will soon grow into overly exuberant adult dogs. Large, medium, or small-breed, an untrained dog can be a nuisance and a danger. As the owner of a new puppy, it’s your responsibility to set your pet up for success – around temptations, distractions, people, and other dogs – with proper training.

Why Puppy Training Classes Are Essential

Owners Need Training, Too!

In addition to introducing behavior expectations to dogs, obedience lessons teach humans to become dog handlers. You’ll learn how to walk your dog, command your dog, reward positive behaviors, and correct mistakes.

Develop Your Bond

Receiving undivided attention, puppies develop especially strong bonds with their owners during training classes.

Socialize Your Pup

Puppies have a small window for socialization (learning how to behave with other dogs and people). Obedience classes allow you to safely expose your puppy to a variety of people and other dogs.

Personalized Tips and Immediate Feedback

In lessons, you’ll receive personalized advice (based on your dog’s breed and unique temperament) and immediate feedback on your progress.

Choosing a Puppy Obedience Course

When it comes to dog training, there are plenty of options that run the gambit from researching and watching YouTube videos at home to registering for group classes or working one-on-one with a canine behavior specialist. What’s the best option for you?
Before deciding, think about what you want to get out of the class. For example, a group class will help to socialize your puppy with other dogs and people, but you’ll receive more direct training in private classes. You should also look for a class that focuses on the specific lessons you want your dog to learn: leash training, socialization, and commands.
Look for an educated and experienced trainer who uses positive reinforcement, offers classes in a clean and safe environment, and who comes recommended by your veterinarian.

Register for Puppy Obedience Training Classes in Watertown

Our canine behavior specialists at Animal Wellness Center, also known as Gentle Healer Pet Clinic, are excited to introduce puppy training classes available at our newest location in Watertown, WI. While it’s never too late to start teaching an old dog new tricks, it is much easier to train a puppy who has yet to pick up any bad habits. If you’ve recently adopted a dog, we encourage you to start working with your new pet right away.
To schedule obedience training classes for your new dog, we welcome you to contact Animal Wellness Center in Watertown. We’ll help you and your puppy learn to work together to walk on a leash, discourage jumping up on people, to understand basic commands, and more.

What You Need to Know about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Your Pets

With its 15 Days to Slow the Spread guidelines, the White House has implored all United States citizens to take precautions and follow recommendations to stop the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our country. As our Wisconsin communities practice social distancing and as potentially exposed individuals go into self-quarantine, pet owners everywhere are wondering how/whether COVID-19 can affect dogs and cats (other than leading to unprecedented levels of daytime belly scratches, snuggles, and purring).

What You Need to Know about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Your Pets

With its 15 Days to Slow the Spread guidelines, the White House has implored all United States citizens to take precautions and follow recommendations to stop the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our country. As our Wisconsin communities practice social distancing and as potentially exposed individuals go into self-quarantine, pet owners everywhere are wondering how/whether COVID-19 can affect dogs and cats (other than leading to unprecedented levels of daytime belly scratches, snuggles, and purring).

What We Currently Understand about Pets and COVID-19 So Far

At this point, we really don’t know much about if or how Coronavirus can affect cats and dogs. Two dogs that were exposed to the virus in China are in quarantine and have been tested. While signs of the virus were found in the nasal swab of one dog, no sign of the virus was detected in the other.

Can Cats and Dogs Transmit or Contract Novel Coronavirus?

So far, there’s no definitive evidence showing that dogs or cats can either contract or transmit COVID-19, but much more research is needed to actually answer these questions.

How to Protect Your Pets from COVID-19

Until we know more, the AVMA recommends taking precautions with your pets. Restrict their interaction with animals and people from other households — just like you’re limiting your own interactions. You should also have a plan in place for protecting your pet should you fall ill yourself. Make arrangements with a friend or family member who can care for your pets in the event you contract COVID-19. Animals and humans can transmit and contract certain viruses to each other, so you should always use proper hygiene with your pets. Always wash your hands before and after playtime.

Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) and Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) Are Not the Same as Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dogs and cats have their own species-specific Coronaviruses that affect only them. These viruses are not the same as COVID-19, and they cannot be transmitted to humans.

Should You Reschedule Your Pet's Appointment? Safety Concerns During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic

At each Animal Wellness Center location, our staff is taking extra precautions to protect our clients and our staff during these uncertain times. We’ve ramped up sanitization efforts in all the high-traffic, high-touch locations within our clinics. That being said, the federal government has recommended that people stay home as much as possible, and deciding whether you should venture out is a decision to make while considering yourself, your family, and your pets. We welcome our clients to reschedule their pets’ appointments or to contact us for more information about visiting one of the Animal Wellness Center locations at this time.

Why All Those “Chonky” Pets Aren’t Very Cute

Why All Those "Chonky" Pets Actually Aren't Very Cute

The United States has more chubby pets than anywhere else in the world. The internet is flooded with affectionately captioned images of “chonky” cats and dogs, which seem to glorify a very real health problem. With over 50% of pet dogs and cats overweight, obesity isn’t cute; it’s sad. Obesity is the leading health threat for pets, and many Americans don’t know what an unhealthy, overweight pet actually looks like.

What Health Risks Do Obese Pets Face?

Like overweight people, pets packing extra pounds also face additional health risks. Obesity can lower a pet’s life expectancy by more than two years. Overweight pets are more likely to suffer from arthritis, diabetes, respiratory disease, kidney disease, cancer, and cardiovascular problems. Obesity also increases your pet’s risk of injury to bones, joints, and muscle tissues.
By maintaining a pet at a healthy weight with proper diet and plenty of exercise, you’ll give your cat or dog the best chance at living a long, healthy, and happy life.

How to Tell if a Cat or Dog Is Overweight

While there are weight range guidelines for various breeds of cats and dogs, healthy weight is more than just a number on the scale. It’s more about assessing whether your pet’s body composition is healthy, which can be done by examining the pet’s overall body shape.
This chart from the AVMA is very helpful, when assessing the physique of a cat or dog. At a healthy weight, a cat’s or dog’s tummy should tuck in, narrowing as it extends toward the animal’s hind legs. From above, you should be able to see your pet’s waist grow narrow near its hips. Overweight dogs and cats have a tummy that droops and balloons outward without much narrowing toward its hips. Overweight pets might also have rolls of fat above their neck and shoulders. If you can see a pet’s ribs, then the cat or dog is likely underweight.

How to Help Your Pet Lose Weight

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for helping a pet lose weight. Weight loss will look different for every pet, depending on their age, medical condition, species, breed, and lifestyle, but most weight loss plans include a combination of diet and exercise. The following tips will help you and your pet on your journey to a healthy weight:
  • Remember that your whole family needs to commit. That means communicating about feeding schedules and portions and being honest about treats.
  • Remember that there are other ways to give a pet praise besides giving them treats.
  • Human food should always be off-limits to pets.
  • Use a special dish to slow your pet's eating and only feed low-calorie, highly nutritious foods.
  • Set realistic goals and track your pet's progress with our veterinarian.
  • Keep weight loss fun by exercising with your pet.
Most importantly, if you’re concerned about your pet’s weight, diet, or activity level, our Wisconsin veterinarians at Animal Wellness Center’s five locations are always here to help.

Start an Oral Hygiene Routine with Your Pet for National Pet Dental Health Month

Start an Oral Hygiene Routine with Your Pet for National Pet Dental Health Month

Each February, we like to spread awareness about the importance of caring for pets’ teeth to celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month, along with cats, dogs, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and other veterinarians across the country.

So, Why Is It Important to Care for Your Pet's Teeth?

A pet’s comfort and health can suffer big-time, if their teeth are neglected. Pets can break teeth and suffer from cavities and abscesses just like people. The primary health concern with a pet’s mouth is periodontal (gum) disease.
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that occurs when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth along the gum line. This buildup creates dark, damp pockets between the gums and the teeth, where harmful bacteria thrive. If not properly prevented or treated, periodontal disease can lead to serious health problems that spread throughout the body. Periodontal disease will begin with uncomfortable oral symptoms like tender, swollen gums, but can eventually turn into a blood infection, which harms vital organs throughout the body.
Left untreated, periodontal disease can become so serious that it leads to organ failure and death.

How to Care for Your Pet's Oral Health

In dental care, prevention is always the best form of medicine. To prevent periodontal disease, humans are supposed to brush and floss twice a day and see a dentist at least once a year. We understand that this type of rigorous oral care regimen might not be feasible for pets, but it’s still important to make dental care a regular part of your pet’s healthcare routine.

Caring for Your Pet's Teeth at Home

The most important dental care actions you can take are the ones that happen on a regular basis in your home. We recommend brushing your pet’s teeth at least once a week with a specially formulated pet toothpaste and specially designed pet toothbrush.
You can also provide your pet with dental-friendly treats, chew toys, and kibble which are all designed to help break up plaque and tartar on your pet’s teeth.

Seeking Professional Pet Dental Care with our Veterinarian

During your pet’s regular wellness appointment, our veterinarians always inspect the pet’s teeth. If needed, we might recommend a professional teeth cleaning. Pet dental cleanings are performed with a pet under general anesthesia to ensure they remain calm and safe.

Schedule a Dental Check-Up

If you notice any signs of potential dental problems in your pet (red or swollen gums, reluctance to eat or drink, or bad breath), we recommend scheduling a checkup right away. We welcome you to contact any of Animal Wellness Center’s five convenient Wisconsin locations.

5 Ways to Prepare Pets for the Cold Wisconsin Weather

5 Ways to Prepare Pets for the Cold Wisconsin Weather

You might think your pet’s coat is a natural cure-all for winter weather. Fur will provide your pet with some warmth, but it can’t keep your pet completely warm and safe when the temperature (or windchill) drops below freezing. With Wisconsin’s harsh winter weather upon us, remember these tips to keep your cats and dogs safe.

1. Stay Inside

If it’s too cold outside for you, then it’s too cold outside for your pets. The safest plan is to keep your pet indoors. If your pets are used to being outside, keep them busy with toys, attention, and other enriching indoor activities.

2. Provide Adequate Shelter

Staying inside is best, but some pets (especially feral cats) won’t come inside. If this is the case with your pet, it’s essential that you provide shelter. A pet house should be secure, blocked from wind, and insulated. Provide warm bedding, using old coats, blankets, or even straw, and check the bedding every day to make sure it’s dry. If you provide electric heat to the pet house, be sure you use a heating pad or mechanism that’s designed specially for pets to prevent burns.

3. Put On (Supervised) Layers

If it’s cold outside, but you still want to bundle up and take your pet for a walk, then outdoor winter pet gear is the perfect way to keep your furry friend warm while getting some exercise. Winter coats and booties are a great way to protect their bodies from the cold and their paws from icy and salty sidewalks. Dressed pets should always be supervised to prevent strangulation or suffocation.

4. Towel Dry and Wipe Paws

When your pets come inside, towel dry their fur and wash their paws. This will keep them warm, prevent their skin from becoming irritated, and also prevent them from licking potentially poisonous salts and ice melt off of their paws.

5. Fill the Bowl

Outdoor pets should have heated water dishes, so pets always have a source of water that’s not already frozen. In cold weather, your pet’s metabolism will burn more calories than normal while keeping his or her body temperature stable. If your pets spend a significant amount of time outdoors in the cold, it won’t hurt to feed them a little extra to make sure they stay warm and maintain a healthy layer of insulation on their bodies.

 

For more information about keeping your pets safe during the winter, we welcome you to contact any Animal Wellness Center today!