Cogent Pet Health

02/27/2023

Listen - Is the soundtrack to your day full of beeps, chimes, and buzzes? If you live in the city, you can add honks, sirens, and shouts.

But even if your neighborhood is more serene, our digital, tech-filled world is full of noise – day in, and day out.

You might overlook it, but your dog sure can’t. What we’ve tuned out might be a regular stress trigger for your furry friends. With highly sensitive sound detectors (i.e. ears) that could hear a squirrel a mile away, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that your morning alarm clock might send a shock to your dozing dog.

It might amuse us when our pets howl, hide, or take out their duress on a toy, but ongoing stress is no laughing matter! We’re here to protest for the overstimulated pups.

Try a few of these ideas to limit the loudness:

Take a walk in your dogs paws for the day and take note of noises you can control – then, turn ‘em off or down!

Tackle loud activities outdoors and provide a safe and quieter space when you need to do noisy household chores

Provide plenty of opportunities to release pent-up stress and energy in the form of walks and playtime

Reward your faithful companion with calming treats that promote a healthy immune response during daily stressors

02/16/2023

Can My Dog Go Vegan?

Many more people are choosing to go vegan nowadays, whether for health, the environment, or extra animal empathy. At least 20% of animal agriculture is devoted to pet food! And unfortunately, our pets are starting to develop diet-associated health issues at the same pace as their owners.
So if you’re keeping meat off the menu, should your dog join you?

Despite claims to the contrary, canines are omnivores - not carnivores - meaning they can maintain good health on a nutritionally adequate plant-based diet. That means a variety of protein, complex carbohydrates, and all the vitamins and minerals that drive healthy metabolism.

But if you’re considering a switch to salads for your dog, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

Talk to your veterinarian – This should always come first! Check whether your pet has any issues or sensitivities that might prevent him from thriving on plant protein & veggies.

Be informed – Do your research, and know what proper nutrition looks like for dogs. A healthy canine diet is similar to, but not exactly like, our own!

Stock up on supplements – Some nutrients are harder to come by on plants alone – like taurine, L-carnitine, and iron. Try a fortified vegan dog food or add a good multivitamin to cover all the bases.

Stay alert – Along with regular vet visits, keep an eye out for any changes in energy or behavior. Be a responsible pet parent and do best by your pup!

02/09/2023

Tummy gurgles, gags, t***s, the runs – is this normal for a dog? Ask the same question of yourself and you’ll quickly know the answer!

Just like in humans, gut health is central to overall wellness, so don’t overlook these signs that your pup’s digestion, intestinal function, or microbiome are out of balance. And beyond the obvious symptoms, restlessness or problem behaviors can also be rooted in gastrointestinal issues.

The most common culprits behind an unhealthy gut are a poor-quality diet, environmental irritants, and stress. But stress is the worst offender, since it goes both ways and can create a vicious cycle of worries & gut woes.

Here are the best ways to bring peace to your pet’s tummy:

Variety – Dogs are omnivores, meaning they tend fare best eating a mix of meat and carbohydrates, primarily from whole vegetables and fruits rather than starchy corn, rice, or potatoes.

Skip the Handouts – Human food is typically richer in fat and sugar than what’s suitable for dogs. Save snack-time for high-quality supplements that promote your dog’s health
Nourish the Gut – Add probiotics, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, and prebiotics like pumpkin to your pet’s daily diet, or choose foods that contain these gut-loving ingredients

Recall the Wild – Treat your canine with bone broth to provide gelatin and collagen, commonly praised for the ability to nourish and heal a leaky gut (skip real bones, which can be a safety risk)

02/03/2023

Go to the link in our bio for a complete look at why adopting is awesome!


https://www.cogentpethealth.com/a-friend-for-life-adopting-responsibly

01/23/2023

Cold-weather Safety for Your Dog
We might look in envy at our dog’s built-in fur coat, but our pets still feel the chill. Unless your lucky pup is a double-coated breed like a Husky or Burmese Mountain Dog, he might start shivering when you do!
Sub-freezing weather can do a number on tender noses and toes. So when the mercury drops and snow is on its way, keep your canine companions safe and comfortable with these ways to fight winter’s worst:
Dry Skin – We can sympathize with the moisture-sapping effects of arid air. Check for redness and flaking as signs of irritation and limit baths in wintertime. Support your dog’s skin barrier with nutritious food, supplements, and plenty of fresh water.
Sidewalk Salt & Deicers – Avoiding dangerous slips is a must for us clumsy humans, but the sand, salt, and chemicals we use to melt our walkways are often harmful to delicate paws and tummies. Be sure to wipe your pup’s feet and body of any remnants and use booties if it’s a regular encounter.
Limited Exercise – If your dog’s daily activity is limited to potty-breaks that feel like polar bear plunges, try to provide more ways to expend indoor energy. Buy a few new toys and play games. Maximize sunny walks in the warmest part of the day.
Emergencies – Don’t be caught off guard by power outages and frozen pipes when you’re down to your dog’s last scoop of kibble. Always keep your emergency kit stocked with a few cans of food and bottled water for your furry family members.

01/12/2023

We get it - those sad, pleading puppy eyes are a force to be reckoned with! Not all table scraps are off-limits, but it’s best to keep your dog’s dining a separate event.

Human foods can not only be toxic or indigestible to our pets, they carry the risk of accelerated weight gain and encourage poor begging behaviors.

01/07/2023

Choosing a Veterinarian with You and Your Pet in Mind

08/26/2022

Happy National Dog Day! 🐕🐩🦮🐕‍🦺
!

04/22/2022