Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets For Dogs and Cats

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Holly

For dogs or cats, nutrition is an important part of their health and wellbeing. Having a balanced diet helps support vital functions in the body, support growth, and encourage longevity. Nutrition also plays a significant role in those with illness and health conditions. Certain types of diets may be used to help control problems associated with a disease and may accompany medications or other treatments. Veterinarians may choose a therapeutic diet for your dog or cat to help manage a condition or disease they have been diagnosed with.

Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets

Purina Veterinary Diets are therapeutic diets that contain certain types of nutrients and balanced levels of ingredients. They are formulated to help provide nutritional support during the course of treatment options prescribed by your veterinarian. VetRxDirect now offers a variety of Purina Veterinary foods for your dog and cat.

Purina ProPlan Critical Nutrition provides nourishment for dogs and cats recovering from illness or surgery. CN is formulated with key nutrients as well as high levels of fat and protein to support recovery and maintain body mass. It contains additional antioxidants to help reduce oxidative stress and encourage health and functions of the immune system. CN is easily digested and has a smooth texture for syringe or tube feeding. High palatability makes it ideal for dogs and cats with reduced appetite.

Purina ProPlan NF is a diet designed for cats with kidney disease, renal failure, or sodium restrictions. NF is formulated with lower levels of sodium, phosphorus, and protein. It may decrease waste products produced by the body, reduce kidney workload and damage, and increase urine pH. It also contains additional potassium, B complex vitamins, and omega fatty acids for complete and balanced nutrition for your cat.

Purina ProPlan EN is for cats with digestive and gastrointestinal conditions. EN contains low levels of carbohydrates, high levels of protein, and moderate fat content. It’s easy to digest formula has complete and balanced nutrition with additional B vitamins and chelated minerals. EN may be prescribed for cats and kittens during times of diarrhea and vomiting, or diseases like gastritis, pancreatitis, or bowel disease.

Purina ProPlan DM is specifically designed for cats with diabetes. DM is made of low levels of carbohydrates and high levels of protein. It may promote gluconeogenesis, a process in the body that converts protein to glucose. This allows for a more steady release of glucose and may lead to a reduced insulin requirement. It also contains additional antioxidants and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Have you ever used a therapeutic diet for your dog or cat? Let us know your thoughts, leave us a comment below!

*Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets require prescription authorization from your veterinarian.

New Feliscratch and Kit4Cat Products For Cats

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Holly

To many of us, owning a cat is like having another member of the family. They bring us companionship, keep us fascinated, and even help us cope with daily life. Like any pet, cats can sometimes be challenging but we love them anyway. Here at VetRxDirect, we offer a variety of healthcare solutions for cats, from prescriptions to wellness. Feliscratch and Kit4Cat are new noteworthy products that may make homelife and “catlife” smoother.

Feliscratch

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, but it can sometimes be destructive especially on household furniture. Feliscratch is a liquid pheromone that mimics the natural pheromones and marks left by cats while scratching. When applied to a scratching post it encourages cats to scratch there, instead of on valuable items. Feliscratch also contains catnip to help redirect the scratching where you want and correct inappropriate behavior. Ideal for single or multi-cat households.

Kit4Cat

Urine testing is an important part of maintaining your cat’s health. It is used to help diagnose illness and diseases including diabetes and kidney disorders. Urinary tract infections and disorders can also be diagnosed by testing urine pH and for stone and crystals. Veterinarians often ask cat owners for urine samples and it can be a difficult task. Some cats refuse to use non-absorbent litter because of the texture.

Kit4Cat is a urine sample collection kit that just may help these issues. It contains a non-absorbent sand that repels liquid and keeps it on top, making it easy for you to collect a clean urine sample without any mess. The sand has a liquid repellent coating that is natural and non-toxic. It has the same texture, smell, and feel of regular sand making it accepted by cats even finicky ones. Simply place the sand in a clean container, give your cat some privacy, then use the included pipettes and vials to collect the urine from the top of the sand. Kit4Cat comes with sets of sand, pipettes, and vials for collection.

Have you tried one of these with your cats? If so, leave us a comment below! We enjoy hearing from our cat lovers.

Solliquin For Dogs and Cats With Fear and Anxiety

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Holly

Solliquin Now Available at VetRxDirect

Solliquin is a new supplement designed to encourage normal behavior in dogs and cats with anxiety and fear disorders. Just like us, dogs and cats experience fear and feelings of anxiousness towards objects or situations and react with certain behaviors to handle them. Sometimes we can ease their stress or avoid certain events, but for some pets, it can lead to destructive, negative, or aggressive behaviors.

Solliquin helps produce a feeling of calm and contentment for your dog or cat and works to modify negative behaviors. It uses a blend of natural active ingredients including L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, which helps in the production of alpha brain waves. Additionally, it contains magnolia and Phellodendron extracts and whey protein concentrate with 10 essential amino acids. These include the building blocks for glutathione and serotonin production in the brain. Solliquin does not use sedation and comes in tasty chewable.

Common triggers include:

Loud noises from fireworks, thunderstorms, or social gatherings
Being home alone
Kenneling, traveling or moving
New people or pets in the house
Changes to environment or daily routine

If you know what causes your dog or cat to feel fearful, you may plan ahead for these situations. For example holidays. Often, these situations are unavoidable. Therefore, take time to watch your pet to figure out what triggers them to feel anxious or stressed and what behaviors they express in response to it. Meanwhile, dogs and cats can also express phobias to certain objects or situations. For example the vacuum cleaner or bathing. Once identified, work with your pet to condition them to the object or situation. Try using training and give positive rewards to modify their behavior.

Signs of Fear and Anxiety In Cats

Hiding
Excessive grooming
Panting
Going outside litterbox
Spraying
Aggression between cats

Signs of Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

Panting & Trembling
Hiding & Avoidance
Excessive drooling
House Soiling
Destruction
Excessive whining or barking

Nevertheless, for some dogs and cats, these methods alone will not be enough to ease or rid them of their anxiety. If you find yourselves in that position, consult with your veterinarian to find out if a supplement like Solliquin will fit your needs.

Coprophagia Solutions For Dogs and Cats That Eat Stools

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Holly

Our pets can sometimes have habits that gross us out, but when your dog or cat eats their own poop, you may feel completely disgusted. Coprophagia, the technical term for stool eating, has different causes. Dogs commonly express this behavior more than cats, and some dogs are even attracted to other animal feces and litter boxes for cat stools.

Coprophagia can be behavioral. Both dogs and cats may pick up the habit as adults or at a young age. Some animals are driven by boredom or curiosity, by anxiety or confinement issues, or to seek attention. You can help correct the behavior with training and denying your dog access to feces. Supervise your dog while outdoors and keep the area clean from any stools. Keep cat litter boxes in a location where your dog cannot access them. Coprophagia can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition or nutritional deficiency. Certain medical conditions and drugs can increase appetite and stool eating. Some of these include intestinal parasite infections, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and thyroid disease. Dogs that have poorly balanced diets, of malabsorption problems, or lack digestive enzymes may also begin to eat their stools in attempt to replace missing nutrients.

Coprophagia Deterrents

VetRxDirect has a variety dietary and nutritional supplements to help curb stool eating.These deterrents make the taste and odor of their feces less appealing, and help replenish vitamins, enzymes, and nutrients caused by deficiency.

For-Bid is a product used for dogs and cats with coprophagia. For-Bid is a powder that you sprinkle over your pet’s food. After ingesting, the ingredients will make the stools have an unpalatable taste and curb the undesirable habit.

Stop Stool Eating discourages dogs from consuming their own feces as well as other dogs’. It helps support digestive health with a live source of prebiotics and probiotics, as well as digestive enzymes protease, cellulase, lipase, alpha, and amylase. Together these ingredients work to make eating stools less desirable to your dog.

Outta My Box is a soft chew that helps deter dogs from eating cat feces. When given to both the cat and the dog, Outta My Box works to make litter box feces less desirable, reduces their odor, and reduce the dog’s’ cravings and support gastrointestinal health. It also includes salmon oil and flaxseed as sources of fatty acids.

Cease Coprophagia discourages stool eating by making the feces have a bad taste with the ingredient MSG. It includes B complex vitamins, which are a potential cause of coprophagia pets that are deficient. It also helps in the breakdown of fiber by using the digestive enzyme cellulase.

Do you have a dog or cat that eats stool? Have you used a supplement or deterrent to curb their habit?

How To Reduce Holiday Anxiety For Your Dog or Cat

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Holly

When it comes to winter holidays many of us enjoy going to parties or gathering with family and friends. When celebrating the season it’s also important to remember your pets during the hustle and bustle. Some dogs and cats suffer from anxiety disorders, while others can have a sensitivity to loud noises. Holiday festivities can trigger these problems and sometimes lead to negative behaviors. We have included some ways to keep the holidays less stressful for your pets.

Visitors and groups of people can upset dogs and cats. Even pets that aren’t normally shy may become nervous with the noise and excitement that accompany a holiday gathering. A Room of Their Own: Give your pet their own quiet space to retreat to. Make sure your pet has a room or crate somewhere away from the commotion, where your guests won’t follow, that it can go to anytime it wants to get away.

Traveling is a common source of tension for pets. Car rides may cause animals to become nervous and sometimes carsick, making it unpleasant for both you and your pets. If you are leaving for an extended period of time or going out of town, you may choose to board or kennel your pets. Some pets experience anxiety and distress when separated from their owners. Make considerations and plans in advance for your pets when traveling, especially for those with separation anxiety.

New Year’s Noise: Many pets are scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches. Animals that have firework anxiety react negatively to other loud noises as well. Keep in mind that common party items and celebrations can cause your pet to become anxious and fearful. These may include party poppers, party horns, and balloon popping. Learn more about holiday pet safety.

Medication For Anxiety

For some dogs and cats, these methods won’t be enough to ease or rid them of their anxiety. If you find yourselves in that position, consult with your veterinarian and get an assessment to find out if medication is appropriate for your pet. VetRxDirect offers a variety of anxiety medications and supplements.

Fluoxetine is a prescription antidepressant medication. It works with certain chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced. It is commonly used to treat certain behavior disorders in dogs and cats such as anxiety. Fluoxetine is available in tablets or capsules. Compounded oral suspension or transdermal gel is also available.

Zylkene is a natural way to soothe your pet. It helps discourage behavioral problems that stem from stress including improper urination, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior. This nutritional supplement is made from a special milk protein with peptides that can impact the brain receptors that cause stress. It has a calming effect on dogs and cats without causing sleepiness.

Have you used a medication to treat your pet’s anxiety?

Keep Halloween Safe For Your Pets

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Holly

When it comes to Halloween most of us enjoy taking part in the frightening activities. Whether it’s dressing up in costume, decorating the house, or enjoying the trick-or-treaters, it is important to remember your pet. Halloween festivities can expose your pet to a number of potential hazards and may be a stressful time for them. Here are some ways to keep Halloween safe and fun for you and your furry family.

Tricks But No Treats

Giving out candy to trick-or-treaters is a popular and fun tradition, and it is tempting to snatch some of the treats for ourselves. Be sure to keep Halloween candy out of reach from pets, as they will also be drawn to the sweet smell and taste, and it can be dangerous. Chocolate is one of the most popular, but also one of the most dangerous. Chocolate contains methylxanthines which are chemicals that are toxic to both cats and dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe symptoms. Watch out for candy wrappers, which can be a choking hazard or possibly cause a bowel obstruction.

Things That Glow

Glowsticks are popular with kids, but cats find them especially fun play with and may bite and puncture them. The liquid in most glowsticks is non-toxic but it does have a bitter taste, which can cause pain and irritation in the mouth of your pet, and cause them to drool and be uncomfortable. Be cautious with candles and jack-o-lanterns, they can cause burns and a fire hazard if tipped over from curious pets.

All Dressed Up

Costumes can be fun for the whole family. If you are planning on dressing up your best bud, ensure that the costume fits well and isn’t going to slip and tangle them up. Check to see that it does not have any small pieces that could be ingested or cause a hazard if chewed on. Make sure your pet is comfortable in a costume, and watch them at all times while they are wearing it.

Have Fun, But Keep Calm

Loud noises, groups of visitors in costumes, and other spooky activities may be stressful for your pet and make them feel anxious or fearful. If you suspect your pet is feeling nervous or is known to have stress, keep them in a separate quiet part of the house. You may also talk with your veterinarian about calming options for pets with anxiety.

Cobalequin and Vitamin B12 Supplements For Dogs and Cats

Posted on October 10, 2017 by Holly

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in within the body of dogs and cats, including the function of the brain and nervous system, cell growth, protein synthesis, metabolism of fat and carbohydrates, and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12, which is also called cobalamin, is not made by the body and must be supplied by food or nutritional supplements. Having a lack of B12 can lead to other health problems, and both dogs and cats can develop a deficiency of this vitamin. In certain breeds, B12 deficiency in dogs can be genetically passed on, especially in beagles, border collies, and giant schnauzers. B12 deficiency in dogs and B12 deficiency in cats can also occur with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition that prevents animals from being able to digest and absorb nutrients from food because they lack digestive enzymes in the pancreas. Animals suffering from EPI can become deficient in multiple nutrients including B12, because they can not absorb it from the food they eat. Some common signs include weight loss, anemia, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your dog or cat has a deficiency, talk with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may use blood tests and lab work to diagnose a B12 deficiency.

B12 supplements are used to help increase and maintain vitamin levels in animals with deficiency, anemia, pancreatic insufficiency, and other conditions. They may be given as a one-time treatment by your veterinarian or prescribed as a routine supplement to help maintain your pet’s levels. You should always talk with your vet before using a new supplement or medication.

Cobalequin

Cobalequin for Dogs and Cobalequin for Cats

Cobalequin is a supplement for dogs and cats that contains cobalamin, a form of vitamin B12. It helps increase and maintain levels of B12 and replace nutrients missing from your dog or cat’s regular diet. Cobalequin helps increase levels of vitamin B12 in those animals with deficiency and may be given as a regular dietary supplement. Cobalequin comes in a tasty, chicken-flavored chewable tablet making it easy to give. Available in two sizes: Cobalequin for Cats and Small Dogs, and Cobalequin for Dogs Medium and Large.

Vitamin B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 Injection for Cats and Dogs

This is a prescription injectable for dogs and cats that contains cyanocobalamin, a man-made form of Vitamin B12. Injections are typically given in the muscle or under the skin. B12 njections for dogs and cats are typically prescribed to help treat B12 deficiency, anemia, pancreatic insufficiency, or digestive disorders.

Rx B12 and Rx B12 Forte

Rx B12 for Dogs and Cats

Rx B12 contains cyanocobalamin, a man-made form of vitamin B12, and is a nutritional supplement for dogs and cats. Rx B12 Forte contains a higher concentration of cyanocobalamin. It may be given to animals will illness or deficiency or to help replace nutrients missing from their diet. It comes in a flavored, palatable liquid.

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Bath Time Without The Water

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Holly

Is your dog hard to bathe? Have you ever even tried to wash your cat? Does the thought of bathing your pet make you cringe? For many dog and cat owners, bath time is a messy, lengthy, and sometimes impossible endeavor that can leave both you and your pet upset. Luckily, there is a solution that doesn’t involve flooding out your bathroom and may save you the time and inconvenience. Waterless shampoos may be your answer! Whether you are bathing your pet due to a skin condition or just to get them cleaned up, there’s good variety of options including sprays, foams, and powders.

Dry or waterless shampoo works just like a regular shampoo, but without the water. It absorbs excess oils on the skin and coat without stripping them away. It also gets rid of odors, so your dog or cat is left smelling clean and fresh. Some of the formulas even lift up dirt and debris from the coat so you can just brush it out. To use it, you just apply it and make sure it spreads well so you can get the best clean. You can work it into the fur just like a normal shampoo, and then brush it out or towel off the extra. With the right shampoo, your pet will be left with a soft, clean and better smelling coat.

Unfortunately, waterless shampoos do have a limitation on how much they can achieve. They do work well between regular baths and are good for quick clean ups if your pet gets dirty often. But if your pet is really dirty, it won’t be able to completely replace bathing with a conventional shampoo.

You should always ask your vet before choosing new shampoos and conditioners for your pet. Your veterinarian will also know what product will work best for your pet. VetRxDirect offers several types of waterless shampoos to choose from, some of the most popular include:

Hypo-Soothe Waterless Foaming Shampoo is designed for dogs and cats with sensitive skin and allergies because it does not contain soap. It gently cleanses without irritation and moisturizes. It has a non-irritating white lotus plum fragrance that will leave your pet smelling clean and fresh.

HylaGroom Mousse is a soap free shampoo designed for dogs and cats with sensitive skin and coats. It is hypoallergenic and pH balanced. It supports healthy skin with essential fatty acids and moisturizes dry skin. HylaGroom also includes ceramides to promote and reinforce the natural skin barrier.

VetraSeb P Mousse is a mild, soap free cleanser made with pramoxine, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe to soothe and calm itching and irritation. It also contains phytosphingosine and essential fatty acids to prevent skin damage.

Help Your Pet Maintain a Healthy Weight

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Wes Hepker

Courtesy of Bill Hails/Flickr

Some studies show that more than 50% of cats and dogs in America are overweight or obese. That doesn’t bode well for Fido and Fluffy because excess weight causes a host of health conditions including:

joint pain
heart disease
diabetes, especially in overweight dogs
decreased liver function

Unfortunately, many people don’t even recognize that their pet is too large. To check if your pet could stand to loose a few pounds:

Place your hands on your pet’s side applying only slight pressure. You should be able to feel the ribs. If you can’t feel the ribs at all, your pet is likely too heavy.
Stand above your pet and look at the body shape. You should see a clear “waist” behind the ribs. If that area is wider than the ribs or hips, your pet is overweight.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s weight visit your veterinarian. She can assess your dog or cat’s condition and advise you on steps you to take if your pet is too heavy. Be sure to discuss any symptoms your pet may be exhibiting due to his weight, how often you feed, what kind of food you give your pet, and how much exercise your pet gets.

Your veterinarian will suggest a regimen to get your pet back in shape. It’s likely to be pretty simple: more exercise, less food (especially treats and scraps from the table), and possibly some medication to address a disease or illness.

Ask your veterinarian if a nutritional supplement would be helpful, too. Nutritional supplements provide important vitamins, minerals, and other active agents that support overall health especially under certain conditions such as illness or during dietary adjustments.

Animal Necessity, the maker of the popular Ocu-Glo products, makes a series of nutritional supplements including Weight Guard Vet. These small capsules are packed with active ingredients — including extracts of green tea, white kidney beans, and cinnamon — that are specially formulated to keep pets at their ideal weight. Weight Guard Vet helps:

support healthy weight control in dogs and cats
promote normal blood sugar levels
protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals that can do damage to the body

On that note, think I’ll take my dog for a walk!
Wes

Explore products available now at VetRxDirect:

Fall Pet Tips

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Labor Day Pet Love

Labor Day is a great holiday to kick off the beginning of the fall season. Fall is one of the most enjoyable seasons because of its reasonable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Fall may seem like a safer season for pets than summer and winter, but it carries it’s own risks. Fall pet care can be a great way to ensure the safety and happiness of your pets.

Courtesy of Josh McGinn/Flickr

Fall pet tips:

Dog obesity- Most dog parents enjoy exercising with their pooches during the summer months but tend to get busier and less active in the fall and winter. It is important for you and your dog’s health to keep active and keep off the cool weather pounds.
Pet malnutrition- On the flip side, pets need more calories and nutrients as the temperature cools to maintain their nutritional status. This is especially true if you have an outdoor pet with a short or thin hair coat. It is important to consult a veterinarian about the nutritional requirements needed for your pet when the temperatures drop.
Rodent poisoning- As the temperatures drop, the rodents will start to make homes out of your own to prepare for winter. Most people will combat this with traps or poison, both of which can harm your pet. You need to make sure your method of ridding rodents is not available to your pet. For more information regarding rodent poison, see the VetRxDirect blog post, Rodent Poisoning in Pets.
Coats for pets: Depending on your location, climate, and pet breed, you may need to consider shopping for a coat for your pet. Fall can be a season of dramatic drops in temperature while your pet is still working on growing their winter coat. If your pet doesn’t usually get much of a winter coat or if they haven’t quite developed it during a cold spell, they can suffer from hypothermia. A pet coat is an easy way to prevent hypothermia in pets. For more information regarding coats for pets, stay tuned for an article about how to pick out and use pet coats.
Fall plant poisoning: Some plants that bloom or produce fruit during the fall can be toxic to pets. A good example are some of the toxic mushrooms that grow in the fall. Your local DNR office and veterinarian can be great resources to know what you should protect your pet from.

This article highlighted some of the broad fall pet care tips to keep your pet safe. What specific tips do you have for other pet parents?