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Cats and dogs are in integral part of our family, completing the home. So, it makes sense that we would do anything to protect our furry companions.
Inflammation in pets can be a sign that their body is in working order, that antibodies are being produced to fight off infection or other foreign bodies. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is persistent and long-lasting. While it is the body’s way of dealing with trauma, chronic cases of inflammation can lead to much more serious health conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. All of which are threatening to your pet’s life and level of comfort.
Of course, it is not possible to prevent every single ailment or disease – some are genetic or pre-disposed. But we can take crucial, everyday steps to ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent inflammation in our pets.
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Diet, Diet, Diet
Just as the items that we choose to eat affects our health and general wellbeing, it is the same for our animals. And this cannot be stressed enough. Choosing the right diet for your cat or dog is absolutely vital when it comes to preventing sicknesses such as chronic inflammation. So, here are some tips for feeding our pooches and kittys correctly:
- The Raw Food Diet (BARF): While BARF does not exactly sound appealing, feeding your pets the bone and raw food diet can be a great way to provide your pets with nutrients that the natural body recognizes from biological stages before domesticity. This biologically appropriate diet is especially great for cats who are carnivore obligates, meaning that they need meat and not carbohydrates.
- Doggy’s 5-a-day: Dogs, unlike cats, are omnivores, meaning that they need additional sources of food other than meat or fish. You can therefore include some fruit and veg with anti-inflammatory properties, such as berries and leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach.
- Say ‘No’ To Processed Food: Kibble and other dry foods are exposed to extremely high temperatures which decreases its nutritional value. This can trigger inflammatory responses. Steer clear of feeding this food to your pets for the best results. Otherwise, you can add fresh fruit and vegetables to your dog’s dinner to add much-needed nutrients.
Supplements
Multivitamins are all the rage right now, so why not jump on board for your furry friends too? While feeding your cats and dogs a good diet is essential, there are certain supplements that have anti-inflammatory properties to keep pesky ailments at bay:
- Omega 3: Use fish, kelp, or algae oil to boost your pet’s intake of omega 3 – an essential fatty acid.
- Food-Based: Certain spices such as turmeric and ginger boast anti-inflammatory properties. While you can, of course, attempt to add very small amounts to your pet food, they may not enjoy the overpowering flavor. In this case, you may want to try some pet friendly supplements that are adapted to pet palates.
Our pets are our world: they transform a house into a home and we should try to keep them as safe and as happy as we can. Follow our top tips for preventing inflammation in your pets. And, as always, consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary or supplementary changes to ensure that your feline and canine friends adapt as smoothly and successfully as possible.
