A pet’s teeth are part of their unique appearance, but a toothless dog or cat is equally  distinctive. Many factors lead to partial or complete toothlessness. Whether tooth extractions resulted from advanced periodontal disease or another cause, a proactive approach to a toothless pet’s nutritional needs is critical to their health. Additionally, even in the absence of teeth, there are important ways to support overall oral hygiene.

The Long View

Periodontal disease has the potential to spread infection throughout the body, affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Plus, broken, cracked, or loose teeth can impair chewing and cause food avoidance and inadequate nutrition.

Tooth extraction is an alternative to keeping diseased teeth in the mouth, positively impacting a pet’s daily quality of life and even their lifespan. In other words, a toothless dog or cat can still enjoy a long, full life. 

Working Together

Finding the right balance of products to feed a toothless dog or cat is key to their overall health. Prescription diets can deliver all the vitamins, nutrients, and proteins a pet needs to thrive. It is critical to provide them with balanced nutrition. Depending on a pet’s tastes and preferences, we can help you find chewable, appetizing foods. 

Getting Creative

Feeding a toothless dog or cat requires planning, research, and experimentation. Many owners find that simply adding warm water to kibble (or low-sodium chicken or beef broth for flavor) is enough to soften the food, which makes it easier to chew (with the gums) and swallow. You may also try to mash up the hard kibble bits after the water or broth has soaked in enough. This is a good place to start, as a pet may be attached to the smell and taste of their existing kibble product. 

Changing Gears

Toothless pets may need time to adjust to wet food in their diet, especially if they’ve always eaten hard kibble. 

• Slowly add small quantities of wet or canned food to their kibble portion, taking care not to add excessive calories. 
• Gradually increase the wet food ratio until kibble is no longer needed. 
• It can take time to find wet or canned food that becomes preferable to kibble. 
• Take stock of what is left in the bowl after meals and change up varieties of wet food. 
• Many pets enjoy pouches of meal toppers, broths, pate, or gravies. Different brands deliver various flavors that a pet may or may not find appetizing. 
• Experimentation is the key until a pet really shows an interest in specific products. 

Pet Dental Care

Even a toothless dog or cat benefits from pet dental care. Brushing their gums once a day is a great way to combat any oral bacteria. Gum health is connected to overall wellness, and we’re here to help you find the correct products that promote oral hygiene. 

If you have additional questions about feeding a toothless dog or cat, how to prevent periodontal disease, or ways to clean remaining teeth and gums please call Shiloh Veterinary Hospital at 

(818) 614-9929.

The post How to Care for a Toothless Dog or Cat appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

We have a lot in common with our dogs, but chief among them is our mutual appreciation for food. We both love to munch, and enjoying treats together is one of life’s greatest joys. What could be better than growing tasty food in your own garden with the sole purpose of sharing your healthy haul with your best pal? If you’ve been wondering how you can make this work at home, we’ve got some tips on growing fruits and vegetables for your dog. 

Tasty Goodness

Dog owners love to indulge their pups, but they don’t always beg for the healthy stuff, do they? Show your love with natural foods that boost their immunity, offer vitamins, fiber, and minerals to their daily diet, and light up their taste buds. 

We recommend growing any of the following fruits and vegetables for your dog:

• Blueberries
• Apples
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Watermelon
• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Sweet potato
• Spinach
• Romaine lettuce
• Pumpkin
• Zucchini

Once harvested, you can process any of the above to make it easier on your dog’s digestion. Lightly steamed veggies are a home run with many hungry pups, while retaining all of their nutritional power. Always cut up raw fruits and vegetables for your dog and remove any seeds. Small bites are always best to reduce the risk of choking or obstruction.

All of the above-listed fruits and veggies can be added to DIY dog treat recipes. Freeze in order to use up over a longer period of time.

Other Vegetables for Your Dog

If your dog isn’t crazy about lettuce or spinach, try to up their green-game by offering them some dandelion greens or arugula. 

You can also grow herbs like rosemary (rich in antioxidants), parsley (great for use as a breath-freshener), basil (another great antioxidant), and thyme (famous for its antibacterial and antifungal properties). 

Design and Safety Tips

Despite the fact that you’re growing vegetables for your dog to enjoy exclusively, it’s advisable to keep your crops fenced in until you are ready to harvest the goodies. Alternatively, wall gardens or hanging containers can keep your dog from sniffing around for their snacks. Raised beds are easy on your back and deter dogs (and other hungry animals) from causing damage to your plants. 

Be sure that what you’re growing for them is 100% safe and non-toxic. This applies to fertilizer and pesticide products. Some mulches can also be risky to use around dogs. Research everything you bring home, and restrict access to anything that doesn’t pass the safety test. 

Crops like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and grapes are not safe in yards frequented by dogs. 

Planning Ahead

Now is the perfect time to start planning your spring and summer garden. Growing fruits and vegetables for your dog is an enjoyable pastime, and we can’t wait to hear how creative you get with your garden’s design and the many ways you use your crops. 

Feel free to call us at (818) 614-9929 with any questions or concerns. We’re always happy to help at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

The post Is It Time to Grow Fruits and Vegetables for Your Dog?  appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

December is a very busy month. In addition to all of the other national holidays, it also rings in National Cat Lovers Month. While true cat lovers don’t need a month to acknowledge and celebrate the value of felines in our lives (we do that all the time!), it is an opportunity to promote the healthiest possible feline lifestyle. To that end, do you know what your cat is eating? Finding just the right cat food may not be the easiest experience, but the best product for your unique cat may be closer than you think.

Feline Dietary Requirements

The evolution of today’s domestic cats began in the ancient Fertile Crescent, a region in the Middle East. From Egypt to Israel, the ancestors of our fluffy best friends survived on small, high protein meals. As obligate carnivores, they didn’t have food sources rich in carbohydrates or fat. They sharpened their hunting skills over millennia and descendants today continue to largely benefit from meat-centric cat food. 

A Balancing Act

In addition to boasting high levels of protein and fat, modern cat food should provide felines with a balance of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. Even if your cat could subsist on meals they caught themselves, doesn’t mean they should.

Responsible cat ownership involves providing the best cat food. Today you can choose between canned or wet food, and kibble or dry food. A combination of both is commonly appealing, and meets all the flavor and texture profiles they crave. Plus, with wet or canned food, you’re increasing how much water they take in every day. 

When Cats Have Picky Palates

If your cat doesn’t seem to like their food, try to move it to a different location. They could be easily disturbed by household noise or traffic. If they continue to snub their food, it could be worthwhile to investigate. Inappetence can signal various medical conditions. Once these are ruled out with examination and diagnostics, we can try to figure out their taste preferences.  

It may be a valuable endeavor to slowly introduce a small variety of options for them to taste and try at any given meal. Of course, just because your cat demolished a certain type of food one day doesn’t necessarily mean they want it at every meal. Taking the time to understand what your cat likes (and, perhaps more importantly, dislikes) can help you provide the best cat food for their special preferences. 

Feeding Raw and Grain-Free Diets

The raw-food trend has continued to gain traction in the last several years. Because it attempts to mimic their lifestyles in the wild, the raw food diet can be tempting to try. However, because of the risk of infection with salmonella, toxoplasmosis, e.coli, and listeria, we do not recommend it. Furthermore, while a raw meat diet meets the feline need for protein, it doesn’t account for the essential vitamins and minerals needed for health.

Grain-free cat food can be a wonderful alternative to foods high in carbohydrates, but should only be given to cats under veterinary supervision. The bottom line is that we want to ensure your cat receives a truly balanced meal (or two) every day. 

Ideally, cat food should be provided twice a day, morning and evening (not more than 12 hours apart). You can divide their portions into 3 or more small meals throughout the day, but this schedule is only truly successful if you’re home all day. 

Cat Food For the Win

If you need help finding the right cat food for your best kitty friend, please call us at (818) 614-9929. We are always happy to help at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. 

The post The Healthiest Cat Food Is Within Reach appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Dogs, left to their own devices, will chow down on just about anything edible, whether it is good for them or not. Nuts, while seemingly healthy, can be potentially problematic for your pup. But it depends on the type of nut and the quantity. When we think something is tasty, we naturally want to give our best buddy the same thing.

There are some nuts that are fine for your pet and some that should be off limits. To give you an understanding, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to answer the questions of, “Can my dog eat nuts and seeds?”

A Good Nut

Peanut butter is a popular choice for Kongs and fillable chews for our dogs. They pack a lot of calories, but they are generally a good option for giving your pet enrichment and something yummy to eat. But not all nuts are equal when it comes to pet safety. 

Here are some pet safe nuts your doggo can enjoy in moderation.

• Peanuts – Roasted or raw peanuts are a good source of protein, but make sure they aren’t salted or have any other seasoning on them if your pet is about to munch.
• Hazelnuts – These nuts can be fine for larger dogs who are not allergic to them, but small dogs are more likely to have a choking incident with them. Use caution, or opt for raw hazelnut butter (without sweetener or chocolate).
• Cashews – Cashews are fine for dogs in small quantities, or as a dollop of cashew butter that is unsweetened.

A word of caution: many of these nuts are made into spreads, such as peanut or cashew butter. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in dog poisoning due to the sugar substitute, Xylitol, being added to the ingredients. Do not use sugar-free products for your furry friend. 

Nuts that Are No-Nos

There are nuts that cause a range of symptoms if ingested by your dog. These include:

• Almonds – These popular nuts cannot be digested by your dog and can cause gastrointestinal upset and blockages in the intestinal tract.
• Macadamias – High in fat, the macadamia, while not toxic, can create pancreatitis, if eaten in moderate to large doses. Pancreatitis is a dangerous condition when the pancreas becomes inflamed.
• Pecans – This nut contains the toxin juglone and causes gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
• Walnuts – These nuts are considered one of the more toxic because they contain tremorgenic mycotoxins. In higher amounts, they can cause seizure.
• Pistachios – Like macadamia, they have a high fat content which causes gastric upset. Dogs who regularly eat pistachios can also develop pancreatitis.

The Lowdown on Whether Your Dog Can Eat Nuts

Ultimately, any nut can cause stomach issues with a Fido who eats one too many. Nuts, while considered a healthy snack, can be fattening and add pounds to your pooch. Only allow your pet to eat a few if you want to treat them with some nuts.

Would you like more information on what nuts your pup can eat, or would like to schedule an appointment? Please contact our friendly team. There is no such thing as a nutty question when it comes to keeping your pet safe and healthy. 

The post In the Know About Nuts: Can My Dog Eat Nuts? appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Unless your pet is either trained incredible well or completely disinterested in table foods, you’ve probably battled over incessant begging for samples. Sure, they’re unlikely to ask for a taste of Brussels sprouts or tofu, but if there’s meat, cheese, and bread being passed around, all bets are off. 

As a result of all this begging and giving-in, many pets eat pizza. But should they? In other words, where does this beloved Italian-American treat fall on the pet-risk-o-meter?

A Simplified Approach

Taking responsibility for your pet’s health and safety is a big deal. No pet owner wants to consciously endanger their pet, but when they “treat” them to certain table foods, these good intentions can prove dicey.

That’s a “No”, Then?

Pets are drawn to pizza because, let’s face it, it’s amazing. They’ll steal it, sneak it, and beg for more until the box is taken to the trash can. Behaviorally, once they develop a taste for pizza they’ll always want a bite or two whenever it’s in the house. Enjoyed on a regular basis, pizza doesn’t bring high nutritional value to pets and can make them sick.

Unsafe Pizza Ingredients

The ingredients that comprise the dough, sauce and various potential toppings can cause serious issues to an animal’s delicately balanced system. Sure, a veggie slice may seem like a good idea, but pizza inherently has a lot of sodium and certain spices, such as garlic, that should be off-limits to pets. 

Similarly, toppings like onions (which are poisonous to pets) or fatty meats, such as sausage or pepperoni, can lead to a painful bout of pancreatitis. It is also well-known that lifelong exposure to processed meat can lead to heart disease, cancer, and obesity in both people and animals.

The Lookout

Whether your pet sneaks a piece of pizza or was offered a bite, please watch out for the following red flags:

• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Pain in the abdominal region
• Jaundice
• Depression
• Red-tinged urine

Please do not wait to seek help when you see the above listed symptoms. Contact us at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital for immediate support. 

Other Worrisome Effects

Cheese is another common culprit when pets eat pizza. Because they are generally considered lactose intolerant, pets really shouldn’t be exposed to the greasy goodness. Be prepared for some terrible gas, bloating, diarrhea, and overall GI discomfort. Like the effects of fatty meat, cheese can also lead to a flare up of pancreatitis.

Likewise, tomato sauce is salty and can contain dangerous herbs. Pizza dough may seem harmless, but it can also be salty and is full of carbohydrates that pets just don’t need. If they are treated to items like this over time, they can quickly gain unnecessary weight.

No Pets Eat Pizza

If you feel a bit guilty for indulging in pizza, but not sharing it, opt to give your pet a tasty treat of their own. Blueberries, bananas, canned pumpkin or a peanut butter Kong go a long way toward distracting your pet and keeping them satisfied, too.

As partners in your pet’s health journey, we are always happy to assist you in our mobile veterinary hospital. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

The post They Know We Love It, But Can Pets Eat Pizza?  appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Feeding your bird right can make a huge difference in their health and happiness. Of course, most birds don’t come with an instruction manual to tell you what and when to feed.

Good thing Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you decode the best practices of a healthy avian diet! 

Bird Breakfast Basics

In the wild, different birds have evolved to thrive on different diets. Some are carnivorous (think vultures), dine on insects, prefer grains, nosh on nectar, or even fish for their food. 

There are some avian diet basics, though, that are important for pet bird owners to understand.

• All birds need fresh, clean water
• Bird nutritional needs vary from species to species, so understanding your individual pet species is important
• Food is a source of stimulation, both mental and physical, and mimicking normal foraging behavior is ideal
• Monitoring food intake can help us to identify when something is amiss
• Understanding which foods are treats and which are dietary staples is important

Avian Diet Types

In general we can classify the diet an individual bird species requires into a few categories.

Florivore — These birds, which include the Military, blue and gold macaws, and the red-faced parrot, eat a diet of seeds, fruits, nuts, barks, and berries

Frugivore — Frugivores like the blue-throated and green-winged macaw prefer mostly fruit and flowers

Granivore — These birds, such as the budgerigar and cockatiel, require grains and seeds in their diets 

Nectarivore — Lorikeets and lories eat nectar, pollen, insects, and seeds

Omnivore — Other bird species like the sulphur-crested cockatoo and red-tailed Amazon incorporate insects and other invertebrates into their seed and fruit diets

We can’t always mimic the exact diet a bird in the wild might eat, and sometimes this is a good thing. Wild birds expend much more energy flying and foraging, so the less energy-dense offerings we tend to feed are often ideal to maintain a healthy body weight. 

Most pet birds benefit from eating a formulated diet in addition to species-appropriate seeds, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. This helps to provide a balanced avian diet as birds will tend to overindulge on their favorites if allowed (who doesn’t?). This is why premade seed mixtures are often not ideal.

For most pet bird species, a formulated pelleted diet should make up about three-quarters of their daily intake. The remainder should be mostly vegetables. A variety of safe produce offerings can help to keep your bird stimulated and engaged. Offer more natural foraging situations such as hanging or hiding food. 

The avian diet can be quite varied from species to species and day to day. It is important to understand your goals for your individual pet  in order to avoid nutritional excesses and deficiencies. Please call us for advice on how to feed your bird. We are here to be your partners in pet care, and it is important to us to educate you on good care for all your critters. 

The post Eat Like a Bird: The Avian Diet Demystified  appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Angelenos hoping for a pleasantly-mild summer, prepare for a little heartbreak – we are on course to break record record highs, again.

High temperatures coupled with an extremely arid climate can make southern California a tad uncomfortable for all residents – including pets. With our summer pet safety tips, your best pal can relax in the shade, enjoy a tasty frozen treat, and stay far from trouble, all summer long.

Dawn. Dusk. Repeat.

Until the pavement no longer feels too hot for your own bare feet, it’s best to hold off trotting down the block with your dog. The hours surrounding dawn and dusk are optimal for summer stroll, pet safety–wise. Otherwise, the direct hit from the sun can make sand, concrete, asphalt, gravel, and even dirt pathways quite dangerous for delicate paw pads.

If you must be out and about in the middle of the day, be prepared with the right gear:

• Booties
• Collapsible water dish
• Fresh water
• Shade
• Frequent breaks

Special Considerations

All pets require extra care and attention when it comes to the heat, but seniors and overweight pets are at higher risk of overheating when exercising. Additionally, brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, cannot easily regulate their internal temperatures through panting. It’s best that they are never exposed to high heat and excessive exertion.

Chillin’ at Home

Sometimes, pets are just safer at home. They can still pop outside if they want to (and can!), but they should have a few different chill zones to retreat to when the day becomes too hot. Fans, air conditioning, water, and proper cross-ventilation are great ways to counter the heat.

Heat Stroke Dangers

If you are running errands with your pet, we urge you to never leave them inside your parked vehicle. Even a car that has all the windows “down” and is sitting in the shade can be fatal.

If you ever notice that your pet is panting excessively, unsteady when walking, and pacing around, they may be suffering from heat stroke. Drooling and abnormal gum color can precede collapse. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital recommends seeking pet emergency care promptly.

Summer Pet Safety Can Be Fun!

Swimming is a top-rated activity for people and pets alike, but there are many things that can easily take the fun out of it. Swimming is tough and animals tire easily. Give them opportunities to rest and drink water in the shade.

If you have a pool, train your pet how to get in and out safely. Keep the area covered and surrounded by an alarm if at all possible. Supervise your pet closely whenever they are in or around water. Rinse well, dry their ears, and give them a delicious frozen pet treat to reward them.

Safe, Then Happy

If your friends at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can assist you with any questions about summer pet safety, we’re always here for you.

The post Hot and Dry Conditions: Summer Pet Safety Tips for the Los Angeles Area appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.