logotype

Nutrition For Pets: Is It Really Important?

Wellness and nutrition for pets has become more important than ever. Awareness among people is also fast-growing. Pet-owners are more focused on preventive healthcare and general wellness to improve the overall quality of life for their pets, keeping them in the best of their health.

 

Every year, 600,000 pets are adopted in India, and even more are being bred and bought. Dogs are the most popular pets in India while cats are second most popular. People are more open to having pets at home, as a companion as well as a part of their own mental wellness.

 

–> SEE ALSO: Does Your Cat Blink Frequently?

 

 

 

As a result, people are spending more on the nutritional needs of their pets to keep them healthy and happy. In 2022, the Indian veterinary healthcare market is valued at $169 million and is expected to reach $186 million by 2027.

 

Why is Pet Wellness So Important?

 

Why is Pet Wellness So Important - Nutrition
Image Credit: Pexels

 

As pet-owners, you can give conditions for proper exercise, play with them and spend cuddle time to tend to the pets’ psychological needs. But the truth remains that for basic health and nutritional requirements, most Indian pets are faring bad.

 

–> SEE ALSO: Pets, Parasites & You

 

 

 

Here are some of the important facts about the nutritional requirements of pets:

 

1. Vitamin Requirements: Outwardly, a pet may be seemingly healthy but with vitamin deficiencies they tend to grow weaker with age. Eliminating common vitamin and amino acid deficiencies can help a pet avoid serious health problems later in life.

 

2. Iron: Cats and dogs tend to adapt to anaemic conditions i.e. not having enough iron in their blood. But this is not healthy for the animals in the long run. Moreover, anaemic conditions can also occur due to hemorrhage from gastrointestinal tumours. Or genetic conditions. In these cases, supplementing their iron intake is important to keep their energy levels up, keeping them active and happy.

 

3. Good Digestion: While the digestive system of dogs and cats are fairly tough, they can encounter complications occasionally. Food is often the greatest source of excitement for most pets and having a poor digestion can cause a lot of discomfort and distress for them. Excessively oily, salty human food is bad for companion animals. Some pets may also have chronic indigestion or a poor appetite in which case, appetizers or digestive supplements are advised.

 

4. Immune System Boost: As pets are in their formative years, the condition of their health defines the strength of the immune system for the rest of their lives. Also as they grow old with age, they are more likely to be prone to illnesses and common diseases. Therefore, supplementing the pet’s immune system against disease-causing infections is essential.

 

5. Fiber Requirements: The health of the gastrointestinal system along with smooth bowel movements is entirely dependent on the right quantity of dietary fiber in dogs. Between 2% to 4% of the dog’s food must be fiber in order to meet this requirement. Too less and too much can cause digestive issues. If your dog is a picky eater, you can consider herbal appetizers that aid bowel movement.

 

SAVA Vet Wellness Range

 

SAVA Vet pets Wellness Range
Image Credit: Pexels

 

Sava Vet is a leading producer and manufacturer of small animal healthcare products and pharmaceuticals. With a range of differentiated products across therapy areas, Sava Vet aims to meet the current unmet medical needs of Veterinarians.

 

With the aim of better pet nutrition, Sava Vet has an extensive range of Wellness and Nutrition medicines and supplements. These are prepared with the utmost care and precision, keeping in mind the needs of our small companions:

 

1. REFEMATE

 

The composition of this tablet is Ferrous Asparto Glycinate, L-Methyl Folate, Methylcobalamin, Zinc Sulphate. This special formulation is suitable for both cats and dogs.

 

This helps to fight:

  • Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).
  • Nutritional deficiency anaemia.
  • Patients recovering from tick fever, CPV.
  • Anaemia during pregnancy & lactation.
  • Improves health of weak & debilitating animals.
  • Helps to boost immunity in young and aging animals.

 

2. PETSAPP

 

The composition of this herbal appetizer syrup includes proven herbal ingredients like Amla, Thai Ginger, Jeera, Brahmi, Ashwagandha and Trikatu. PETSAPP is indicated for the use of pets that have loss of appetite, loss of weight, under-weight pets, indigestion and are recovering from illness.

 

This syrup helps by:

  • Stimulating appetite.
  • Increasing bile secretion.
  • Curing digestion problems.
  • Aiding in bowel movement & digestion.

 

This is available as both 100 ml and 200 ml bottles, depending on the dosage patterns of the pet. This appetizer syrup is suitable for pet birds, adult dogs and cats, puppies and kittens.

 

3. VAAV

 

This is a multi-vitamin and essential amino acid syrup that provides vitamins and minerals which are necessary for growth and overall wellbeing of pets. With a perfect blend of 10 Vitamins and 10 Amino Acids, it has unmatched palatability and may become your pet’s favourite wellness syrup.

 

It helps:

  • Fight fatigue.
  • Restore energy.
  • Fill nutritional gaps.
  • Promote growth & development.
  • Maintain healthy skin & coat.
  • Prevent recurrent infections.
  • Provide strength during recovery from illnesses and injuries.

 

It is highly beneficial for pregnant and lactating dogs, and can be used to meet the general nutritional need of pet birds, adult dogs and cats, puppies and kittens.

 

4. ADVAMUN

 

The composition of this Immunity Booster Syrup includes proven herbal ingredients like Tulsi, Aloe vera, Turmeric and Giloy.

 

They help:

  • Provide protection against infections.
  • Boost disease resistance.
  • Support natural immune response.

 

This is available as both 100 ml and 200 ml bottles, depending on the dosage patterns of the pet. The immunity booster syrup is suitable for pregnant and lactating dogs, adult dogs and cats, puppies and kittens.

 

5. ADVAPLAT

 

The composition of this Platelet Enhancer Syrup includes Papaya leaf extracts, Giloy and Kalmegh which have scientifically proven benefits for healthy blood formation.

 

It helps:

  • Papaya leaf extract boosts platelet production.
  • Giloy helps acts as a blood purifier.
  • Kalmegh acts as a natural antioxidant.
  • ADVAPLAT enhances platelet count.
  • It promotes recovery in anaemic conditions.

 

This is available as both 100 ml and 200 ml bottles, depending on the dosage patterns of the pet. The platelet enhancer syrup is suitable for pregnant and lactating dogs, adult dogs and cats, puppies and kittens.

 

Dog running
Image Credit: Pexels

 

Wellness for pets is no longer a luxury with the wide range of pet wellness products that Sava Vet offers. It has not been easier for pet-owners to keep track of the nutritional needs of their pets with the specific products for specific needs of their small companions.

 

Thousands of happy pet parents and companions trust in Sava Vet for a healthy quality life for their pets.

 

–> SEE ALSO: Why is my dog so itchy?

Does Your Cat Blink Frequently?

Cats blink at you all time and it could mean several things. Cats mainly meow to communicate with their humans, but sometimes they also use their eyes.

 

Sometimes cats give you a kitty kiss – which is a slow eye blink. This is usually towards humans and other animals or cats they trust. But this is very different from excessive blinking and could be a sign of dry eye syndrome, also called KCS.

 

SAVAVET is a leading manufacturer of small animal pharmaceuticals that offers differentiated products across therapy areas that meet the current unmet medical needs of Veterinarians. SAVAVET’s Visio Tears is an effective solution for KCS in cats. Let’s find out what this means for their treatment.

 

What does this mean?

 

Cat Blinking Eye
Image Credit: Unsplash

 

Firstly, excessive blinking from your cat is a sign that there is irritation or pain in the eyes. It is not normal. If the cat is constantly trying to rub its paw on the eyes, that is also a sign that something is not right.

 

Redness, dryness of the eye and tearing from the eyes can also be noticed.

 

–> SEE ALSO: Why Cats Make Amazing Companions?

 

 

 

What could be the reason?

 

There could be a scratch in the cornea, or an infection in the eye. It’s best to get the cat checked by a vet for these problems. If there is no noticeable infection, another reason could be dry eye syndrome, also called, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).

 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome (KCS)?

 

Dry eye syndrome is simply because the cat’s eye gets abnormally dry and causes inflammation of the cornea. The cat’s lacrimal gland produces tears, which consists of a combination of mucous, water and oils.

 

When the lacrimal gland does not produce enough tears, it causes the situation of dry eyes. This is a condition that needs treatment for a better and comfortable life for your furry friend.

 

Cat Eye Closed
Image Credit: Unsplash

 

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome:

 

  • The cat blinks excessively or keeps the eyes shut.
  • An inflammation in the form of redness can be observed on the outer eye layer.
  • The cat’s eyes look a bit dull.
  • The eyes also produce cloudy, yellow, green or white mucous as a discharge.
  • The cat may also squint often as a sign of discomfort.
  • It may also use paws to scratch the eye due to irritation.

 

Why does my cat have KCS?

 

There can be a number of reasons why your cat has developed Dry Eye Syndrome. Conjunctivitis in cats however, does not depend on the breed or age of the cat. But you can take a look at the following possibilities:

  • If your cat has had a recent surgery involving anaesthesia, it may have temporarily reduced tear function.
  • Bacterial infections like chlamydia can cause this.
  • The main cause is usually infection by the feline herpes virus.
  • If your cat has been exposed to radiation during radiographs or radiation therapy, a direct beam to the eye may have caused this.
  • Immune diseases that affect the lacrimal gland can also lead to reduced tear production. This is a genetic condition.
  • Neurogenic KCS is also a situation where an inner ear infection affects the nervous system.

 

Can I ignore my cat’s Dry Eye Syndrome?

 

It is advised to get medication for dry eye syndrome because the condition causes a lot of pain and irritation for your dear pet. Cat eye infection treatment is also inexpensive if treatment starts at an early stage.

 

–> SEE ALSO: Pets, Parasites & You

 

 

 

Moreover, constant scratching may also cause scarring to the cornea, leading to reduced vision. In extreme cases this may also lead to blindness.

 

Cats with KCS can also live a comfortable life if you monitor appropriately and administer medication at intervals.

 

How can you safely diagnose Dry Eye Syndrome?

 

White Black Cat Looking
Image Credit: Unsplash

 

It is always best to approach a veterinarian doctor to confirm the condition in your cats. The doctor will consider the following tests:

  • An eye examination along with a thorough physical check up. Share details of the cat’s health history and medical records, if any.
  • A Schirmer Tear Test (STT) may be used by the doctor to measure the rate of tear production. A special strip of paper is put inside the cat’s eyelid and held in place for 60 minutes for this test.
  • Corneal staining may also be performed as a test to check for further bacterial infections.

 

Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

 

It is not possible to permanently treat dry eye syndrome. Rather, with proper care and medication, you can keep the symptoms under control and reduce your pet’s discomfort.

 

The medications used for Dry Eye Syndrome aim to stimulate production of tears in the eye and replace the tear film that does not allow the cornea to get damaged. So, a doctor may consider the following medication:

  • Cyclosporin: this is used in case your cat’s symptoms are from an auto-immune disorder. It suppresses immune destruction so that tear production gets better.
  • Tacrolimus: This is a second option in case the cat’s condition does not show improvement from treatment with cyclosporin. This is also an immune disorder drug.
  • Pilocarpine: If the syndrome is triggered by a problem in the nervous system, this drug is used.

 

Other options are also available:

 

  • You may be asked to administer an artificial tear solution every few hours depending on how serious the situation is.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication can also help reduce the inflammation of cornea to treat a secondary infection from scarring.
  • You can soothe the cat’s pain by gently cleaning the eyes multiple times daily with a warm, wet and clean cloth.
  • You can also use eyedrops that can help lubricate the eyes. Visio Tears by SAVAVET is an effective medication that helps soothe and lubricate the eye and enhances the stability of the tear film.
  • Suppose your cat does not permit or respond to any of the medications mentioned above, surgery may be performed by a certified surgeon to reposition the salivary duct and let is secrete saliva into the eyes. The risk associated with this procedure is also considerable, which is why this is only a last resort.

 

Cat Looking
Image Credit: Unsplash

 

It can be disheartening to know that your cat has a chronic condition that is painful. However, with lifelong therapy and careful monitoring and support from your part, your cat can have a pain-free life too.

 

With more developments for this condition, dry eye syndrome is no longer a hopeless condition, especially if diagnosed early.

 

SAVAVET’s Visio Tears is an effective medication that can help your feline friend live more comfortably with Dry Eye Syndrome without experiencing the pain associated with it.

 

As long as you help your cat follow proper medication as prescribed, combined with occasional visits to the vet to see the progress of medication, your cat can have pretty much a pain-free, normal life.

 

–> SEE ALSO: How to Improve Your Senior Pet’s Quality of Life?