Does Your Kitty Love Catnip?

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Have you ever wondered why catnip has such a powerful effect on cats? Find out the science behind this amazing plant and why cats — including lions and tigers — go crazy for catnip.

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Could Your Dog’s Diet Be Connected to Heart Disease?

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Are you concerned about the potential link between certain diets and canine heart disease? Learn more about the FDA’s investigation into the potential link between specific grain-free diets and heart health in dogs.

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Q & A Session with Mercedes

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What brought you to NPP?

 I started as a Veterinary Receptionist in 2018 with hopes of becoming a Certified Vet Technician, although I ended up working at an animal shelter in various positions. I ended up as a Foster Coordinator where I was helping care for homeless and sick pets waiting to be available for adoption. Many of these sick pets had skin infections, diarrhea, or joint issues, and although our vets helped them with prescriptions, I wanted to do more in the way of nutrition. We saw pets thrive on things like omega oils, pumpkin, and glucosamine and thus began my curiosity in pet nutrition! 

Tell us about your pets…

My boys are all rescues from having worked at a vet/shelter for a few years. My pekingese Kingsley was “adopted” in 2019 when a client couldn’t afford his medical care (dry eye,16 teeth removed, and anemic) so I took him home that day on a whim. Ferguson my dollfaced Persian is my first cat adopted at the beginning of 2020 and at the end of 2020 I rescued Bean from a Louisiana hoarding case with over 160 dogs. They are all sweet mamas boys![vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”9019″]–  Bean[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”9020″]–  Kingsley[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”9021″]–  Ferguson

Tell us your must-have item from NPP.

Glucosamine is a must have item in my house because I’ve always had senior dogs. With having rescued them I got to see them transform and be more active after being on glucosamine, it is so rewarding!

What are your pets’ favorite treats or toys?

My little dog only has 5 teeth left so his favorite is probably goats milk, but my big dog loves anything to chew on. We give him raw bones, bully sticks, and fish skins for enrichment on the weekends. 

What’s your favorite product to recommend and why?

Goats milk is a product I always recommend because there are so many benefits, and pets love it! I love that we have different flavors like blueberry for antioxidants or pumpkin for even better gut health. 

What is the most FAQ that you get?

I get a lot of questions about what is the longest-lasting chew for dogs, which I can relate to having a Pitbull who destroys chews in seconds. I always recommend antlers, water buffalo horns, or Himalayan chews.

Be Proactive for Your Pet’s Joints

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What You Need to Know About Your Pet’s Joint Health

Joint health is a topic most pet owners don’t think about until their dog or cat has begun showing signs of pain or stiffness. 

The truth is, once you start to notice signs that your pet is uncomfortable, damage has already been done to the joint. It will take time (and a larger expense) to rebuild cartilage and try to reduce inflammation.

Just like with planting a tree, the perfect time to start addressing joint health is yesterday. The second best time is today.

Here are the questions we get asked most frequently about joint health. 

At what age should I start supplementing for optimal joint health?

We believe it’s important to begin taking preventative measures for your pet’s joint health early on. Depending on the age, breed, and activity level, different supplements may be recommended. For instance, for younger puppies and kittens, omega-3 fatty acids are great for their inflammatory issues, as well as for their brain and eye development.

What’s the best supplement to give?

When trying to find the best supplement to improve joint health in your pet, it is important to remember that each pet has unique needs. There is no universal supplement or application.  

Supplements come in many forms, like chewable tablets, liquids, powders, and capsules, and offer different levels of support. Furthermore, there is no universal dosage that is suitable for every pet, so it is necessary to find a dosage that is tailored to your pet. For instance, a fish oil capsule may be recommended for one pet, while a green-lipped mussel powder may be recommended for another.

Is there a food that can help reduce inflammation?

There are a variety of dietary choices that can help to reduce inflammation in our pets. A diet that is high in animal-derived protein, fat and moisture, and low in carbohydrates, generally has a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation. Additionally, these foods can be rich in amino acids to promote organ health, and antioxidants to support our pets’ immune systems. 

Adding fresh fruits and vegetables, raw eggs, and commercially prepared meal toppers to their bowl can have positive effects. Moreover, using bone broth or goat milk can improve joint health as well as provide excellent benefits for your pet’s overall wellness.

What other changes can I make to keep joints healthy?

In order to keep your pet’s joints healthy, it is crucial to maintain their weight. Too much weight can put a strain on the joints, reducing their activity. For instance, a 20-lb dog that gains 3 lbs is equal to a human gaining 26 lbs. This extra weight can rapidly lead to a dangerous cycle of health complications, such as joint stress, a decrease in activity, and obesity. 

To prevent this cycle from starting, we recommend you take these two steps to manage your dog or cat’s weight. 

  1. Stay active! Schedule time each day to keep your pet active, whether it’s a quick walk or run around the block or a backyard fetch session. Exercise keeps the joints healthy and increases metabolism to help maintain a lean body shape. 
  2. Feed the correct amount. We understand that feeding guidelines on pet food labels can be vague and inaccurate. In our experience, following those guidelines typically leads to overfeeding. Give us a call or stop by the shop to let us help you determine the appropriate amount to feed your pet based on genetics, age, and lifestyle. Don’t forget to pay attention to calories from treats!

Preventing pain and discomfort in your pet’s joints is crucial to their enjoyment of life. And fortunately, there are many options for your pet. Please remember that there is no clear-cut solution, and your pet will respond differently to different dietary choices and supplementation – so professionally guided experimentation is key for both you and your pet.

Are Our Dogs Judging Us?

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A recent study revealed that our dogs are always evaluating our ability to complete tasks. If we’re incompetent, they tend to ignore us. If we demonstrate that we have skills, our dogs — especially females — will give us more of their attention.

SEE WHAT SKILLS DOGS VALUE

Study Shows Dogs Have More Than Just a Taste for Treats

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Emory University’s Gregory Burns is making remarkable discoveries regarding the relationship between humans and our canine friends. His research indicates that dogs are not merely motivated by treats, but are emotionally connected to us on a deeper level that goes beyond food rewards. This is a thrilling development in the field of animal behavior, providing further proof that dogs really do love us.

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6 Steps to Make Your New Cat Feel At Home

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Getting a new pet is an exciting milestone for everyone! You’re probably wondering what you can do to make the transition easy and stress-free for you and your new cat. Making a few minor adjustments can go a long way and make the whole transition easier for everyone! 

1. Give your new cat or kitten enough time to decompress. Most cats prefer time to themselves to become comfortable with the sights, smells, and noises associated with their new home. This can take weeks or a couple months depending on the cat’s age and background. Let them warm up to you to build their trust and bond. Overcrowding or forcing your new cat to be held can create a skittish cat.

2. Be aware of their diet. Most cats will come on a diet they are already used to eating, and we don’t recommend switching it right away (even though you might want to). Your new cat has already been through plenty of significant changes, and the last thing they need is unnecessary stress from a diet change. Once your cat becomes comfortable, we recommend offering a few healthy options to see what they prefer before switching the diet.

3. Setting up their area. While setting up your cat’s necessities, make sure to keep food and water away from the litter box. Cats are clean by nature and appreciate a clean feeding area. 

    • Easy access to drinking water is essential for cats, especially those eating kibble. Keeping the water bowl separate from the food bowl will encourage your cat to drink. Also, you can place a water bowl in more than one place in the house to promote water consumption. 
    • If you exclusively feed your cat canned or raw, it is normal for your cat to have little to no water consumption.

4. Meeting other furry family members. If you have other cats in the home, it is best to keep the new kitty in a quiet, safe place for several days to a couple of weeks for both cats to get used to hearing and smelling one other. Once any hissing and growling have decreased, you can feed them on each side of a closed door. Sharing a meal among any species can be a bonding experience that will encourage positive behavior. You may have to repeat this step for several days to a few weeks.

5. Play and Exercise. Once your cat is comfortable in its new home, play and exercise are essential for a healthy and productive lifestyle that can prevent bad behavior from developing. You can provide your cat with a toy that dispenses treats or toys as your cat chases and plays. Several options on the market will provide your cat with the satisfaction of the hunt and catch. Try these out after extensive play when your cat is hungry for stimulating them mentally and physically, which results in a well-exercised and tired kitty!

6. Understand their natural routine. Cats are most active from about 3 AM to 5 AM. Early morning is the best time to hunt, and if your cat were outside, they would be hunting small animals such as mice, chipmunks, birds, and even bugs! However, since most cats are indoor cats, or at least inside at night, their prey drive is directed to toys and small objects. Cats are intelligent animals, and if you let them know that their antics get you up, they will keep making a game out of it. When a cat is new to your home and begins this behavior, it is best to ignore or do your best to prevent the situation. Most owners appease their cats by offering a snack or breakfast during these early morning hours, which only solidifies the thrill and catch of the hunt! For more tips to engage your kitty, click here. 

Joint Health Solutions: Exploring Joint Supplements for Cats and Dogs

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Joint health is an important concern for pet owners, as joint problems can cause pain and decreased mobility in cats and dogs. Thankfully, there are a number of joint supplements that are designed to help improve joint health and reduce pain. These supplements typically contain one or more of the following ingredients: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine HCl, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid. 

Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients and how they can benefit your pet’s joint health.

Glucosamine sulfate & Glucosamine HCl 

Both glucosamine sulfate & glucosamine HCl are forms of glucosamine, a naturally-occurring substance found in the cartilage and other connective tissues of both cats and dogs. Glucosamine helps to protect and strengthen the cartilage, which helps to prevent joint damage and reduce pain. It can also help to reduce inflammation in the joints.

Glucosamine may take weeks or even months to start working, so it’s important to be patient when adding them to your pet’s diet. 

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is another natural substance found in the cartilage of cats and dogs. It works in conjunction with glucosamine to protect and strengthen the cartilage and can also help reduce inflammation.

If your pet is taking other medications or supplements, it is essential to let your veterinarian know since chondroitin may interact with them. 

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM is another naturally-occurring sulfur compound that helps reduce inflammation and joint pain. It also helps to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness and inflammation. MSM can also help rebuild cartilage and minimize further joint damage.

MSM supplementation does have potential side effects with higher doses. These can include nausea and dizziness. Please follow dosage instructions carefully.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is found in the joint fluid of both cats and dogs. It is a major component of joint fluid and helps to lubricate and cushion the joints. As pets age, the levels of HA in their bodies decrease, leading to joint pain and inflammation. Giving your dog or cat HA supplements can help replenish the natural lubricant in their joints and improve joint health.

Like glucosamine, hyaluronic acid can take several weeks before your pet may experience benefits. 

All of these ingredients are effective at improving joint health in cats and dogs. They help to protect the cartilage and reduce inflammation and pain while also helping to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. As a result, your pets can enjoy better mobility and less pain.

If you notice signs of joint stiffness or decreased mobility, stop in to speak with one of our experts to determine the best supplements for their needs. 

Can Your Dog Really Have Too Many Toys?

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Dear NPP,

I love spoiling my dog with new toys. I bring home new ones for him all the time but he gets bored of them so quickly. Nothing really holds his interest for longer than a couple of days. What can I do to keep his interest?

Sincerely,

Drowning in Dog Toys

Giving toys to your dog is a great way to encourage play, enhance mental stimulation, and increase bonding. However, like with everything good in life, moderation is key.

NorthPoint Pet Tips

  1. Lump your dog toys into groups. Each group should have at least one toy for each type of play: tug, fetch, puzzle, and chew. You can customize these categories for your dog’s favorite activities like outdoor play, swimming, etc. You can determine how many toys is appropriate, but 4-5 should be plenty. Put each group of toys into their own basket or storage container. One toy group may include: Mammoth rope toy for tug, a Kong tennis ball for fetch, a West Paw Toppl for mental enrichment, and a Benebone for chewing.
  2. Put away all but one collection of toys. Each week, swap the “old” toys for a new group of toys. At any given time, your dog should have access to just one of those collections of 4-5 toys. When you dig out those new toys, offer them with as much excitement as you would if you brought home a brand-new toy.

Pro Tip: When exchanging toy collections, inspect them for damage that may be hazardous to your dog. If the toy can easily become a choking hazard, discard the toy immediately.

This is also the perfect time to give those toys a good cleaning! Some rubber and plastic toys are dishwasher safe, but most can safely be cleaned with mild dish soap and warm water. Most plush toys are machine washable.

Why It Works:

Having a huge assortment of toys can actually have an adverse effect on your dog. He can easily become overwhelmed and overstimulated, resulting in a lack of excitement around playtime. By removing the “old” toys and replacing them with some that he hasn’t seen in a few weeks, you’re refreshing his play drive with a brand-new variety for him to engage with.

What Should I Do If My Pet Is Overweight?

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Many pet owners don’t even realize their pets are overweight. A few extra pounds might not sound like a big deal, but it is.

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