VETERINARIAN VISIT (Leo's first trip to the vet!)

My human is watching #eurovision while I nap away. It's the weekend after all.🌞😴 #vancouver #vancouverdogs #nap #chihuahua #chisofinstagram #instadog #lfl #sleepy #yvr #pawsinvancity #cute #form #paws #instadog #dogsofinstagram #pet #adoptdontshop #gold #leo #adorable #space #bed #yay #love #vcblife #buzzfeedanimals #instagramdogs

A photo posted by Leo (刘雷欧) (@leocappuccino) on May 14, 2016 at 2:16pm PDT

Some background information - Leo was very recently adopted (a about month ago) and we know that he has not had any vaccines done in the past 5 years. It's always important to see a vet, not just when emergency happens but also for wellness checks.

We have a family friend who is a fantastic vet so of course we went to her Capitol Hill Animal Hospital which was a really positive experience. 

The annual exam and vaccines took about 30 minutes and she answered many of my questions and concerns.

TIPS FOR GOING TO THE VET 

• If it's your first time with your adopted/rescue pet, IF you do have any documents, bring a copy of them so they can put it on file. If not, then it's okay. 
• Have a list of questions either written down or in your mind 
• Have the pet on leash since there is a high chance there are other animals and dogs at the vet.
• Let the dog pee before hand. 
• Book your appointment in advance  

DOGGO GOT  - 

Lyme Vaccination (needs a booster shot in a month)  - We got this for him because I found a tick in my front yard. Also ticks love shrubby areas which we frequent. 

Leptospirosis (Found in Raccoon and Skunk Urine). Although my doggo does actively avoid waters, he also steps in puddles with full confidence. And I do want to take him swimming sometime. However, I read afterwards that Lepto is only effective for 30% of dogs, so this is one I need to research more. 

IN ADDITION, 

Our Chi likes to scoot on the carpet. And this is usually a sign that his anal glands are filed up. 

So we got his anal glands expressed (they were pretty big.) 

We are going to add more fiber into his diet. Metamucil and pumpkin was recommended.

Leo was super good at the doctors. Yay! 

Hope you found this helpful!

x

Leo & Angel

GLOBAL PET FOOD TRENDS 2016 [Freeze dried food, aging and overweight pets]

The trendy girl in me (although this may not be reflected upon how I dress) is always looking at the global trends of things. Whether it is cars, technology, entertainment, or food. Of course, I saw a couple interesting pet food articles that presented the global pet food trends of late 2015 early 2016.

Here are some notable quotes I pulled from the articles. 

•  Aging animals suffer from age-related conditions such as joint, coronary, cognitive, and immune-system issues, and even diabetes and cancer. 
• The pet industry saw a wave of premiumization in 2014, such as organic and natural treats, food, and toys, as well as high-tech medical therapies, prescription medications, and luxury services. 
• Many companies and brands still push the human/pet bond theme...
• A survey conducted in January 2015 found that only 11 percent of dog owners say they have an overweight dog and 20 percent of cat owners say they have an overweight cat. When in reality, just over half of American dogs are overweight, and 58 percent of cats are overweight. 

Read more at:

http://blog.marketresearch.com/projected-2016-trends-in-the-pet-industry

• Freeze-dried petfood
• While still a small category at only US$74 million in 2014 (just 1% of the petfood market in that channel), sales of freeze-dried petfoods and treats increased 43.7% from 2013. 
• Grain-free petfood sales reached US$2.2 billion in 2014—a 30% petfood market share in US pet specialty—and accounted for four of every 10 new items.
• Nestle Purina PetCare launched Pro Plan Bright Mind, a food touting medium-chain triglycerides from botanical oils to help senior dogs stay alert and mentally sharp. 
• Another major petfood launch announced at GPE came from Nutram, a division of Canada-based, private label manufacturer Elmira Pet Products. 
• more than 10% of US pet owners are new pet owners, equating to nearly eight million new pet owners within the last year, the majority of which are Gen Y and Gen X. 

Read More at:

http://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs/7-adventures-in-pet-food/post/5027-global-pet-expo-petfood-trends-new-formats-for-big-names

x

Angel

TOP 5 ANIMAL RELATED YOUTUBE CHANNELS

Vet Ranch is one of the best Youtube channels right now. Just watch this amazing video. <3 I always learn so much and feel so much when he saves animals.




Mercola, a little bit of a more corporate channel BUT has lots of good information. They never push their product which is nice.




One of my favorite charities, with a wonderful Youtube channel.




Their videos are definitely getting better with time. I recommend following your local SPCA's youtube. Lots of good info.





If you ever felt like you need a good cry but also a restoration in humanity, watch these amazing rescue stories.

BONUS VIDEO




One of the chillest people ever, tells us what good stuff she gives to her dog to keep him healthy!!! Most of her other videos are human food based, but I found this video to be super helpful.


x
Leo