Are Grain-Free Diets Healthy for Dogs?

Are Grain-Free Diets Healthy for Dogs?

Choosing the right pet food can be one of the most difficult choices you make for your dog. Over the last several years, grain-free pet foods gained popularity through clever marketing, but grain-free dog food might actually be making our dogs sick.
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The Troubling Reality of Grain-Free Dog Food

As grain-free pet foods became increasingly popular, veterinarians noticed that they were diagnosing more dogs with a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which is characterized by stretching, thinning, and weakening of the heart muscle. DCM hinders the heart’s ability to pump blood. Although some breeds have a genetic predisposition to developing DCM, veterinarians were diagnosing the condition frequently in dogs with no predisposition. Veterinarians began to wonder what was causing the rise in DCM diagnoses.

The FDA Investigates Grain-Free Dog Food

The FDA opened up an investigation in response to the increasing DCM diagnoses.
After collecting reports from veterinarians and pet owners, the FDA found that 90% of dogs diagnosed with DCM were eating grain-free pet food and 93% were on a grain-free diet that contained peas, lentils, or other legumes as one of the top ingredients.
The FDA looked at the foods the pets were eating and tested them for minerals, amino acids, and metals and found no surprises or abnormalities.
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So, Is Grain-Free Bad for Dogs?

Although there seems to be a pretty strong link between grain-free diets and DCM, more research is needed to understand exactly how grain-free diets are affecting dogs’ hearts. However, it seems that legumes (frequently used as a replacement for grains) might be blocking dogs’ ability to use the amino acid, taurine.
When taken off the grain-free diet and given a taurine supplement, dogs diagnosed with DCM can improve. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for all dogs, as some continue to worsen even after their diets are changed and supplemented.

Are Grains Harmful to Dogs?

Although the findings regarding grain-free diets are so far inconclusive, there is no evidence that diets containing some grains, like rice or corn, are harmful to dogs. So, there’s truly no reason – other than flashy marketing – to choose a grain-free diet for your pet.
When choosing a proper diet for your pet, the best place to start is with your veterinarian. They can recommend a healthy diet based on your pet’s species, breed, size, age, and condition. As a result, you can feel confident every time you fill your pet’s bowl that they’ll be receiving the healthy blend of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats that they need to achieve optimal wellness.

Arthritis Relief for Pets: How to Manage Arthritis in Cats and Dogs

Arthritis Relief for Pets: How to Manage Arthritis in Cats and Dogs

With increasingly effective veterinary care, our pets are living longer than ever. This is great news for pet parents, but as a result, many pets are suffering from more age-related diseases. One of the most common ailments in older cats and dogs is arthritis which causes pain and limits a pet’s mobility. Although arthritis is a chronic condition, meaning it can’t be cured, there are plenty of options for managing the disease’s progression and its symptoms.
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7 Ways to Manage Arthritis in Cats and Dogs

1. Pain Medications

The most common and effective pain management tools are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications formulated specifically for dogs and cats. (Remember that human pain medications are toxic for pets!)

2. Nutritional Supplements

A long list of nutritional supplements has also been shown to be beneficial in slowing the progression of arthritis and/or mitigating its symptoms. Ask your veterinarian about:
  • Glucosamine
  • Chondroitin sulfate
  • Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Green lipid mussels
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Collagen hydrolysate
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
  • Other vitamins and minerals

3. Weight Control

Managing a pet’s weight to prevent extra wear and tear on joints is essential to preventing and managing arthritis. Talk with your veterinarian about whether a special or prescription pet diet could help your pet.

4. Exercise

When it comes to exercise, you don’t want to overdo it with an older pet. But it’s still important to get some gentle physical activity every day.

5. Physical Therapy Treatment Modalities

Physical therapy and its vast selection of treatment modalities are some of the best ways to help your pet with arthritis. Pets can enjoy the amazing health benefits of treatments and therapies like:
  • Hydrotherapy
  • TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy
  • Massage
  • Acupuncture
  • Cold laser therapy
  • Heat therapy (ultrasound therapy)

6. Surgery

Depending on a pet’s condition, joint replacement surgery might be the most-effective treatment option.

7. Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is a promising new arthritis treatment. Injected with stem cells, a pet’s joints can regenerate new cartilage, repairing arthritic joints.

Easy-to-Administer Supplements and Medications for Dogs and Cats

Once you have a solid plan for managing your pet’s arthritis pain, our experts at VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy can help you get the high-quality medications and supplements your pet needs in an easy-to-administer form. Whether your pet will benefit from medications, vitamins, and nutrients formulated into chewy treats, a liquid, a topical, or another form, our compounding pharmacy is fully equipped to get your pet fast relief without any of the fuss or difficulty of administering basic pet meds. To learn more, contact our Ronkonkoma pet pharmacy today!

Winter Skin Care Tips for Pets

6 Winter Skin Care Tips for Pets

When cold weather arrives in the winter, we blast our furnaces, and this combination of cold, dry air outside and hot, dry air inside wreaks havoc on our skin and hair. Despite their fuzzy, protective coats, the drop in temperature and humidity can also cause cats and dogs quite a bit of discomfort. As a result of winter weather, pets can experience dry, flaky, and itchy skin in addition to a dull coat.
Thankfully, there are plenty of simple things you can do to help protect your pet’s skin and coat from the harsh winter weather and soothe any irritation so they can comfortably snuggle up with you in front of the fireplace.
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6 Tips for Soothing Your Pet's Irritated Winter Skin

1. Dietary Adjustments

If you notice that your pet’s coat seems dull or observe your pet scratching more than normal, talk with your veterinarian about possibly adjusting your pet’s diet. Your veterinarian will help you rule out any other potential causes of itchiness, such as indoor allergies, and might recommend adding an omega 3 fatty acid supplement to your pet’s health regimen.

2. Better Bathtime

It’s best to reduce your pet’s baths as much as possible, as frequent bathing can lead to further skin irritation and drying. When you do bathe your pet, use a conditioning shampoo that’s designed to soothe sensitive skin. Always be sure your pet’s completely dry before heading outside for any cold-weather walks.

3. Continue Brushing

Regular brushing not only keeps your pet’s coat free from debris, reducing the number of necessary baths, but it also stimulates your pet’s skin, improving circulation and overall condition.

4. Run a Humidifier

If your furnace runs frequently, run a humidifier in your home to maintain a reasonable level of moisture in the air.

5. Wipe Paws

Always wash and wipe down your pet’s paws after coming in from a winter walk. This will ensure your pet’s paws are free from any irritating or possibly toxic salts and deicers that are used on the sidewalks.

6. Condition Paws

Apply a pet-safe paw balm to the pads of your pet’s paws to keep them conditioned and mitigate irritation.
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Simple Solutions for Your Long Island Pet's Winter Skin Care Needs

Whether you’re considering a special coat conditioner, paw balm, or a dietary supplement to help soothe your pet’s dry, irritated winter skin, our pet care experts at VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy are here to help. To learn more about dietary supplements and winter skincare solutions for pets, we welcome you to contact our pet pharmacy today.

A Therapeutic Diet Might Be the Best Medicine for Your Pet

A Therapeutic Diet Might Be the Best Medicine for Your Pet

Although therapeutic, or prescription, pet diets aren’t always intended to replace a pet’s medication, they are designed to address health concerns from a very basic level. Just like people managing various health conditions might adjust their diets to limit their sugar or salt intake, reduce their cholesterol, or increase the level of antioxidants in the body, pets can benefit from eating a specialized diet, too! In fact, pets with certain health conditions often experience a major impact from simply switching to a therapeutic diet prescribed by a veterinarian.
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What Is Prescription Pet Food?

A prescription pet food is a food that has been specially formulated to address the unique nutritional needs of pets living with chronic diseases. These formulations are researched, developed, and tested extensively for efficacy much in the same way as prescription medications are evaluated.
While you can find specially formulated pet foods (for weight management, puppies, senior pets, and dental health) on the shelf at the pet store, therapeutic pet foods differ from regular pet foods available over the counter, as they are only available to cats and dogs with a prescription from a veterinarian.

Are Therapeutic Pet Foods Effective?

When correctly prescribed to address a specific condition in a dog or cat, therapeutic pet foods do work. For example, prescription diets have been developed to specifically address the different types of kidney stones that affect pets. These diets alter the acidity of the pet’s urine to dissolve the specific type of stone causing distress.
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Will All Pets Benefit from a Therapeutic Diet?

All cats and dogs will benefit from high-quality pet foods and eating a well-balanced diet with all the nutrition they need to function properly and achieve optimal health. However, not all pets require a prescription pet food. Therapeutic diets are specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of cats and dogs living with chronic health problems such as:
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  • Allergies
  • Arthritis and other orthopedic problems
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Dental disease
  • Diabetes and other endocrine disorders
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Urinary tract disease
  • Skin and coat health concerns
If your pet’s living with a chronic or systemic disease, your veterinarian might recommend introducing a therapeutic diet to address your pet’s ongoing disease and pain management.

Fill Your Pet's Prescription at VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy

Whether your pet has a prescription for therapeutic food or simply requires his medication in a specific form, VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy on Long Island can meet your needs. Our compounding pharmacy specializes in optimizing pet care with compounded pharmaceuticals. To learn more, contact us today.

Nutritional Supplements for Your Pet’s Bone & Joint Health

Nutritional Supplements for Your Pet's Bone & Joint Health

Whether they feel physically energetic or not, dogs of all ages have playful spirits, and there’s almost nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a dog who’s experiencing too much joint pain and discomfort to chase a ball, greet you at the door, or jump onto the sofa for snuggling. When a dog begins losing mobility, his or her reluctance to play is usually related to one or more joint diseases.
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Developmental Joint Disease vs. Degenerative Joint Disease in Dogs

There are two different types of joint diseases that dogs experience:
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Developmental

Dogs are born with developmental joint diseases, which are caused by the incorrect development of a dog’s musculoskeletal structure. One of the most common is hip dysplasia. Many popular dog breeds have a predisposition to hip dysplasia, a condition characterized by overly large hip sockets that allow the bones to pop in and out of the joint.

Degenerative

Degenerative joint diseases, on the other hand, are not related to development. They tend to occur later in a pet’s life or as a result of another condition, such as obesity. One of the most common degenerative diseases pets face is osteoarthritis which is characterized by the deterioration of joint cartilage and the subsequent inflammation of the joints.
Regardless of whether a pet suffers from degenerative or developmental joint disease, the symptoms of joint problems can be severe.

Signs and Symptoms of Joint Disease in Pets

  • Pain, stiffness, and lost range of motion
  • Decreased activity
  • Reluctance to play
  • Lethargy
  • Swollen joints
  • Change in posture or gait
  • Muscle degeneration
  • Refusal to jump up or down or climb stairs
  • Favoring one side
  • Limping
  • Using only the front legs to stand
  • Appetite loss
  • Behavior or temperament changes
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Supplements for Pet Joint Health from VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy

When it comes to maintaining your pet’s joint health and/or managing their joint-related pain and stiffness, one of the best strategies starts with proper nutrition. Certain nutrients can help your pet’s body produce new joint tissues and lubricate their joints to help prevent damage, repair previous damage, and slow the progression of degenerative diseases.
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There are a variety of nutritional supplements that can help slow the progression of disease and improve your pet’s mobility, strength, and balance while managing pain.
  • Chondroitin
  • Glucosamine
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Collage
  • Proline
VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy is proud to offer Long Island pets with a variety of high-quality nutritional supplement options. With everything from tablets and capsules to chewy treats, our compounding pharmacy makes it simple to keep your pet energetic and pain-free with nutritional supplements for joint health. To learn more about nutritional supplements for pets and our compounding pharmacy services, contact us today.

Recognizing and Managing Hypothyroidism in Your Pet

Recognizing and Managing Hypothyroidism in Your Pet

Like humans, cats and dogs have a butterfly-shaped thyroid gland that produces the hormones responsible for regulating metabolism, the system that converts food into energy. Functioning normally, the thyroid gland releases regulated amounts of various hormones. Any imbalances can lead to a variety of symptoms including changes in behavior, energy, appetite, weight, and appearance.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too little hormone, causing health problems.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Decreased hormone levels slow the metabolism’s rate, which can result in symptoms including:
  • Hair loss or other coat changes
  • Flaky, dry skin
  • Darkened skin around the armpits or groin
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Lethargy
  • Ear or skin infections
  • Drooping face
  • Vomiting
  • Neurological issues
Symptoms vary from pet to pet. If you notice any changes in behavior, appetite, energy, or appearance, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian, as these kinds of changes can signify health problems.

How Is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?

During a veterinary visit, your pet’s veterinarian might suspect a thyroid problem based on your pet’s appearance and the symptoms you describe. Hypothyroidism can be confirmed with a simple diagnostic blood panel that measures and compares the levels of various hormones present in your pet’s bloodstream.

Hypothyroidism Risk Factors and Causes

While cats are rarely diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the condition is fairly common in medium and large-breed dogs. Certain breeds are at a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism such as:
  • Airedale terriers
  • Cocker spaniels
  • Dachshunds
  • Doberman pinschers
  • Golden retrievers
  • Irish setters
  • Miniature schnauzers
Pets sometimes develop hypothyroidism for no discernible reason. Other times, the condition can be caused by lymphocytic thyroiditis (an immune problem), cancer, or a malformed thyroid gland which would be present at birth.

Hypothyroidism Treatment: Managing Hypothyroidism in Pets

Hypothyroidism cannot be cured, but for most dogs, hypothyroidism is relatively easy to treat and manage with hormone replacement medication that’s administered one or two times each day. Initially, your veterinarian will prescribe your dog a hormone therapy dose based on the hormone levels found in his or her blood panels.
After the initial diagnosis, you will likely be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment, as well. At this time, your veterinarian will talk with you about symptoms, weigh your pet, and run new blood tests to adjust your pet’s dose and medication schedule. Throughout your pet’s life, medication adjustments will be an ongoing process.
To learn more about thyroid replacement medications for dogs and cats or to learn how our VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy can simplify your pet’s hormone replacement therapy, we welcome you to contact us today.

Pet Dehydration: What Happens When a Pet Doesn’t Get Enough Water?

Pet Dehydration: What Happens When Pets Get Too Little Water?

Although easily prevented and resolved, dehydration in pets can cause permanent organ damage and even be life-threatening if it goes unchecked. Dehydration is always a concern for pets and humans alike, but pets – especially those spending time outdoors or in a hot indoor environment – are at a higher risk of dehydrating during the warm, summer months.

How Do Cats and Dogs Get Dehydrated?

Pets become dehydrated for two reasons:
  • Reduced Water Intake - Pets sometimes drink less water due to limited access or as a result of diseases that cause them to drink less (pancreatitis, parvo, or leptospirosis). Sometimes, pets stop drinking due to stress.
  • Fluid Loss - Pets can lose excessive amounts of fluid due to heatstroke, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disease, urinary tract conditions, endocrine disorders, kidney failure, and cancer.
Puppies, kittens, pregnant pets, senior pets, and pets suffering from the above-listed medical conditions are at an increased risk of dehydration.

What Happens When a Pet Is Dehydrated? Signs and Symptoms of Pet Dehydration

Water comprises about 80% of dogs’ and cats’ bodies, and it’s essential to all of their bodily functions such as circulation, electrolyte balance, digestion, metabolism, organ function, and waste removal. As a result, dehydrated pets experience a variety of issues such as reduced oxygen delivery throughout the body, lack of bowel movements, and more.
Signs and symptoms of pet dehydration include:
  • Appetite loss
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Dry Mouth
  • Excessive panting
  • Lack of coordination
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Red, inflamed gums
  • Respiratory trouble
  • Seizure or collapse
  • Sunken eyes
One simple way to determine if a pet is dehydrated is to pinch the loose skin between the shoulder blades. If the skin stays put or is slow to return to its normal position, then your pet is likely dehydrated.

What to Do If Your Pet Is Dehydrated

If your pet is dehydrated, provide them with cool drinking water and contact your emergency veterinarian right away. Dehydrated pets often require medical attention to replenish their fluids and restore the balance of electrolytes in their system. Depending on the severity of your pet’s dehydration, intravenous fluids might be necessary. Other pets, however, do well with a simple injection of fluids into a pocket beneath the skin.
Once the veterinarian has stabilized your pet’s condition, they might recommend additional diagnostic testing to rule out or identify any underlying medical conditions that might have contributed to dehydration. The veterinarian will then work with you to address those underlying concerns in order to prevent your pet from becoming dangerously dehydrated in the future.

5 Summer Skin Care Tips for Feisty Felines and Cuddly Canines

5 Summer Skin Care Tips for Feisty Felines and Cuddly Canines

You already know that you need sunscreen to protect your skin during summer, but did you realize that there are also special steps you can take to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy during the hottest months of the year?

Top 5 Summer Skin Care Tips for Pets

1. Sunburn Prevention

You might assume that giving your pet a short haircut for summer will help them beat the heat, but going too short leaves them vulnerable to painful sunburn and skin cancer. Leave at least two inches for sun protection. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian to find out whether your pet has the type of coat that even should be trimmed in the first place. Some breeds have special double coats that are designed to protect them from the heat, and these should never be cut.

2. Guard Against Parasites

Summertime is high-season for parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitos. Protect your pet’s skin and health by making sure your pet has a high-quality parasite preventative.

3. Avoiding Irritation

Swimming in freshwater, saltwater, and swimming pools as well as getting too many baths can all lead to skin irritation in pets. Be sure to rinse your pets after swimming to remove chemicals, bacteria, and salt from their coats, but be careful not to give them too many baths as this can strip the natural oils in their skin and fur.

4. Allergy Awareness

Many pets suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergens come in the form of pollen, mold, and even flea saliva. If your pet’s extra-sensitive to summer allergens, take care to prevent their exposure and to keep their skin and coat free from irritants with plenty of brushing and baths with gentle soap after romping around in the grass.

5. Paw Pad Protection

Whether your pet takes walks on hot cement or plays around the rough edges of a swimming pool, their paw pads are at risk of injury. Be wary of walks during the hottest times of the day and always check the temperature of the pavement with your hand. If your pet’s paws become raw, apply a special paw balm to soothe them and help them heal.

Choose VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy for Your Pet's Skin Care Needs

Whether you’re looking for the perfect parasite prevention, a topical for your pet’s sensitive skin, or a gentle shampoo for a healthy bath time, we’ve got you covered! At VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy in Ronkonkoma, we can help you find the right pet care products and pharmaceuticals to meet all your pet’s unique needs.