DID YOU KNOW?

SOME HEALTH ISSUES LIKE TO WORK TOGETHER

Managing one health condition for your pet can be stressful enough, but many pet parents are shocked to hear that their dog or cat is actually suffering from two — or even three — issues all at the same time.

SOME HEALTH ISSUES SIMPLY GIVE WAY TO OTHERS

For example, an obese dog will put more pressure on their joints, bones and heart, which is why mobility problems, osteoarthritis and heart issues can grow into additional concerns over time.

Cats, in particular, have urinary conditions that can be  linked to anything from stress to crystals in the bladder, to inflammation in the urinary bladder. Needless to say, a proper veterinary recommendation can save you and your cat a lot of unnecessary confusion.

Looking for certain SIGNS in pets can help discover linked health issues

One example is a body conditioning score to determine if your dog or cat is overweight.

silhouette of very thin dog

Very Thin

There is no fat around your pet’s ribs, and they are visible to the eye. Bony prominences are also visible with no sign of fat.

silhouette of underweight dog

Underweight

Little fat is covering the ribs, and they are visible without having to touch your pet.

silhouette of ideal weight dog

Ideal

You can easily feel your pet's ribs, but there is a slight layer of fat covering them. Bony prominences also have just a slight layer of fat.

silhouette of overweight dog

Overweight

The ribs and bonier areas are difficult to feel with a thick layer of fat.

silhouette of overweight dog

Obese

A thick layer of fat makes your pet's ribs very difficult to find. Bonier areas like the knees are covered by a moderate to think layer of fat.

As for urinary health issues like the ones previously described, there are specific behaviors that can be clues to a potential issue.

Straining When Urinating

When did the unusual urinary behaviors begin?

Incontinence / loss of bladder control

Have you made any recent changes in their food or litter?

Urinating outside of the litter box

What other unusual behaviors are accompanying the urinary problems?

Crying out in pain while urinating or attempting to urinate

Have there been any big changes within your household, such as a remodel, new pet, baby, or a death in the family?

Above all else, your veterinarian is the best person to make the decisions regarding the necessary treatments. They will consider everything from the patient’s physical exams, medications, surgeries and nutritional needs to develop the best management plan for the individual pet.

Therapeutic nutrition is one of the most important considerations for managing concurrent conditions.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A MULTI-CONDITION FOOD

While mixing two or more single-benefit foods can “dilute” critical nutrients, a multi-condition food optimizes your pet’s nutrition needs for both conditions while ensuring that they are balanced with all other necessary nutrients.

Hill’s understands the high likelihood of certain conditions occurring together. That's why our “Plus” products are designed to optimally aid in the management of both health conditions.

Ask your veterinarian which therapeutic nutrition options are best for your pet.