Category: Pet Food Institute

Wonder Pets: Loyalty, Heroism and Unconditional Love

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It’s always a wonderful treat for pet owners to feel that warm compassion from pets. Their devotion is unwavering especially because it is rooted from the owners’ love and care. While pets are naturally and unconditionally affectionate, it is important to improve the human-pet connection through responsible upbringing.

Pet Food Institute (PFI), the voice of the US pet food industry, believes that good nutrition leads to a healthy experience and long life for both owners and pet cats and dogs. With its Well-fed, Well-nurtured campaign geared towards responsible pet ownership through proper nutrition and care, PFI urges pet owners to practice responsible pet care as the key foundation in building a good relationship.

Human-pet relationships have been immortalized in films and media. Like the story of Hachiko, he has touched the hearts of millions through his fidelity for his beloved master even after his death. But this well-loved canine did not develop his amazing loyalty out of mere instinct; it’s out from his master’s proper care.

Human-pet bond is influenced by emotional, psychological and physical interactions that are essential to the health and wellbeing of both owners and their furry friends. While this bond is a contributing factor in upholding the pet’s wellbeing, a right kind of diet and good exercise should also be taken into account.

Establishing a strong connection coincides with the responsibility of fulfilling the pet’s needs and desires. Cats and dogs enjoy a bit of adventure. Engaging in physical activities boosts the level of comfort between pet and their owners. Moreover, this will improve the pet’s sleeping habits, increase their strength, and decrease stress. A regular morning walk or jog can solidify the bond owners and pets share. Adding a few perks during the physical activities like fetching, or taking a hike can amplify the bond to a long lasting relationship.

Like how a mother cares for her young, pet owners have the magic touch to win their pet’s trust and comfort. A good way to strengthen the bond is through physical interaction. Grooming is more than a process of cleaning. Recent studies suggest animals also socially bond during priming. To do this, pet owners can invest on good stainless steel comb or brush, that does not have any sharp points to harm their pet’s skin, in primping up their Fido’s fur. Regular baths can also be more fun by putting safe toys in their tub to play with or adding few healthy treats to entice them to cooperate. It might seem like torture to pets at first try but the friendship that has formed will eventually pay off.

Just like Hachiko, many other pets are considered heroes. Police canines are known for their unfaltering service for the community because of their sharp senses and fierce courage. They have been around with us to protect as early as the middle ages. Belgian German Shepherd Kye is a good example.

With his intelligent and watchful instinct, he was able to save his handler from combat during a suspect chase. Unfortunately, Kye was killed on duty by the suspect and was given a funeral service attended by about a thousand people and dozens of service dogs.

Service dogs like Kye have undergone proper pet training from their handlers. The amount of time dedicated with their pets affects keenly on the level of association both has developed thus strengthens their bond.

Pet owners, especially new ones, must understand that proper pet training requires patience and discipline. Pet owners should maintain a calm, consistent, and a fair composure to pets. When it comes to reinforcement, pet owners should not put an aggressive approach towards them. Cats and dogs deserve a mutual respect. When pets demand something, it’s okay to give them what they want but when a pet becomes too demanding, it is OK to have a pet “earn” a treat by having it following a command such as “sit” or “stay” before giving the pet what it wants.

Above all these things to fortify the pet-human relationship, pet owners should provide healthy nutritious diet for their pets. Animals have a knack for snacks and treats but should be given with proper regulation. When it comes to choosing the right kind of food, assessing the food label is often overlooked so owners should make it a habit as pets have different amount of nutritional requirement needs depending on their size, age, breed, etc. Experts agree that complete and balanced pet foods made from the high quality ingredients are the best choice for pets in order to sustain a long and healthy lifestyle.

Pet Food Institute (PFI) with its Well-fed, Well-nurtured campaign advocates responsible pet ownership by giving pets the proper nutrition. PFI believes that nutritionally balanced and scientifically formulated commercial US pet food is instrumental in enriching the life of pets. With ingredients, processing techniques, and labeling policies that adhere to the highest of standards, owners are assured to meet their pet’s dietary needs.

Best Practices on Caring for Pets with Special Needs

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Taking care of your disabled pet can be a challenge. Seeing them after an accident or a severe illness is heartbreaking, but this should not stop you from loving them any further. Their condition would require more attention, but don’t let this worry you. Animals adapt to disabilities far better than people do, so you can be assured to see your furry friend regaining that optimistic disposition.

As pet owners, you should administer the proper care as per your pet’s disability, however, don’t forget to provide them the right amount of nutrition for your pet’s total wellbeing.

The Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured Campaign of the Pet Food Institute (PFI), in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), shares some best practices on proper care for their disabled pets.

The rule of thumb – consult your vet

Seeking medical advice is always good. This is to keep track of your pet’s health. With regular visits to the vet, you’ll able to know any detection of damage and ways that could prevent or cure it. Doctors also offer medical procedures or treatments to pets with special needs. Towel therapy, for instance, supports your pet’s paralyzed hind limbs that would allow them to maneuver their legs and keep their muscles flexible. Specific therapies do not necessarily apply to all types of pet’s conditions, so it is always best to seek a doctor before taking any actions.

Choose the perfect gear

Pets such as those with dysfunctional or amputated limbs would require mobility aids. There is a wide variety of mobility aids for your handi-abled pet available in the market. Wheelchairs or carts come in different shapes and sizes. Make sure it fits perfectly otherwise it could compromise the comfort of your pet. Rear leashes, harnesses and slings offer help by strapping on the body parts where your pets needed it most, and may help to give the exercise they need. Ramps are useful to assist pets who are unable to walk up a leveled surface. Boots on the other hand help senior pets for their stature. The footwear’s friction will help them stand or walk on slippery floors. Special padding or bandaging can help prevent skin abrasions or sores from chafing on the pressure points.

Choosing the right gear can be extremely helpful to both you and your pet. With the right gear, your pet will surely be able to move more freely and comfortably.

Build a habit

Building routines will lessen the burden for you and your pet. Observe how your pet is doing and develop practices that would suit their needs. Your handi-abled friend might not groom themselves as often as they did before, so it is important to give your pet regular thorough baths. If your pet suffers from dry skin, moisturizers can do the trick. Good flea control is also necessary for your pet to keep them from scratching.

More often than not, disabled pets are prone to intestinal infections and arthritis because they tend to urinate and defecate less frequently. Their functional limbs tend to be overworked, too. It is important to supervise their bladder and bowel movements, so always be on the lookout when your pet’s got to go.

It is also important to maintain a balance of proper care and a healthy diet with the right nutrients and ingredients. PFI upholds the practice of proper feeding to nourish your pet by providing the Philippine market a wide range of nutritionally balanced commercial pet food scientifically formulated in the U.S. The ingredients and the processing techniques are made with the highest standards; ensuring pet owners like you can give the proper diet your pet needs.

With the ambition of proper pet care and nutrition, PFI and VPAP’s Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured Campaign encourages pet owners to provide the best nutrition and lifestyle for their pet’s wellbeing.

A sPETacular Summer for You and Your Pet

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There is no better season to enjoy the outdoors than the summer. Picnics, barbecues, pool parties and basking in the sun are only some of the fun-filled activities to do in the summer, and these become even more enjoyable with your furry companions. While the season brings the opportunity to have fun and bond with your cat or dog, it also brings the high temperatures that may expose your pet to several health risks.

With its renewed commitment to engage the Filipinos in responsible pet ownership through good nutrition and pet care, the Pet Food Institute’s Well-Fed, Well-Nourished campaign shares some tips on how to make each summer destination safe and fun for your pets.

The Great Outdoors
Because of the rise in temperatures, your pet will easily get dehydrated and tired. Watch over your pet. Adjust their play or exercise routine so they don’t get too exhausted. Try to keep your pets on cooler surfaces, such as grassy areas. Exposure to hot concrete or asphalt may burn and damage their paws. They should also have access to cool, shady areas in your backyard. On hot days, don’t leave your furry friend inside a car unless the air conditioning is running and the temperature inside the vehicle is cool. If you have to travel by car, ensure your pet’s safety – it should always be placed in a carrier or secured by a harness while travelling in a vehicle. Pets can only endure a high body temperature for a short time before suffering from discomfort, sun burn, and other severe illnesses.

Though protected by fur, your pet can still get sunburned which may lead to pain, peeling and even skin cancer, so limit your pet’s exposure at 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. Pet owners may want to talk with their veterinarian about other options to prevent sunburn.

Pets are prone to heatstroke during the summer and it is important for you to take preventive measures. Don’t let your pet stay under the sun for too long. Provide ways for them to cool off, such as filling a kiddie pool with ice, placing fans for them to lie in front of, and giving them access to lots of clean, fresh water. Watch out for signs of heatstroke which include excessive panting, bright red tongue and gums, sticky or dry tongue and gums, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, collapse and body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. Heatstroke in pets can be fatal very quickly, so it is important to give first aid immediately. Get the pet out of the heat if possible, such as by bringing it into an air conditioned room or allowing it to lie on cool shaded grass, or provide small amounts of water or ice cubes. Pour cool water over the pet or put the pet into a bath of cool water for up to two minutes, especially if it collapses or if its body temperature rises above 40 degrees. Don’t use ice water and be sure the pets head stays out of the water. Once the pet’s temperature falls below 39 degrees, stop any effort to cool the pet’s body temperature. It is important to administer first aid and subsequently consult with your veterinarian after an episode of heatstroke because serious health problems can follow even after your pet is back on its feet.

Backyard Barbecues
Barbecues and garden parties are also popular during the summer. If you plan on bringing them with you, watch out for the human food and drink that your pet might consume. Be cautious of plants, flowers and chemicals too. Some plants and flowers, as well as fertilizers, plant food and insecticides may be toxic if ingested by your furry friend. Supervise your pets when outdoors to make sure they don’t nibble on them. All of these items, if ingested, may be poisonous to your pet and can cause depression, heart problems, comas or even death.

Water Waders
If you’re out for a day on the beach or the pool, don’t leave your pet unsupervised. Not all dogs can swim and though some cats like the water, most cats hate it. If you want your pet to swim with you, don’t rush it into the water. Ease them in slowly and gradually. Always keep an eye on them and immediately come to their aid if they have difficulties swimming. Also make sure that your pet doesn’t drink any pool water as chlorine and other chemicals may cause upset stomachs and vomiting.

Stay healthy, stay cool
To ensure that your pet is ready and healthy for hours of summer fun, pay a visit to the vet. Take your pet for a routine checkup and get its vaccines updated. You may also ask your vet for additional tips on how to handle the heat and how to stave off illnesses during the summer season.

The heat may be daunting but don’t let it spoil the summer fun for you and your pet. Cool down your furry friend with ice cubes, pet-friendly ice cream or other icy treats, but always treat in moderation. Your furry friend should always have access to a clean bowl of fresh water to hydrate. Constant hydration and good nutrition are equally important for your pet to stay healthy throughout all the seasons.

To ensure that your pet gets all the nutrition it needs, provide your pets with the right amount of pet food so they receive a complete and balanced diet. Through extensive scientific research and highly regulated requirements, commercial pet food makers from the United States produce products that provide sound nutrition and to support a long, healthy life for your pet.

As the voice of the United States pet food industry, PFI and partner organization Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) is committed to promoting and encouraging the Filipino pet owners to provide proper nourishment and care to their pets, striving to make them Well-fed, Well-nourished cats and dogs.

Pet Food Institute holds forum on responsible pet ownership in the Philippines

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As part of its Well-fed, Well-nurtured campaign, the trade association for US pet food brands Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) recently hosted a lecture on responsible pet ownership in Makati City. The discussion focused on basic animal nutrition and care for senior pets.

PFI’s Well-fed, Well-nurtured campaign aims to reach out to Filipino pet owners through informational materials and workshops to promote the proper care of pets. The campaign is also is geared towards fostering animal health and wellness through partnerships with animal institutions in the country. Hills Animal Science and Royal Canin were also present to provide pet food samples to the attendees.

In photo: Dr. Marco Ripoll, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), Technical Manager, Animal Science, Inc. (Left) and Dr. Menandro Valerio, DVM, Fellow in Canine Medicine, Philippine College of Canine Practitioners (Right).

Public awareness advocacy educates on animal aging, nutrition, and proper feeding

As cats and dogs step into more advanced life stages, their needs, from basic food to physical activity, will begin to change. Setting expectations and providing best care as they grow older will prove to be a challenge. However, by engaging in the right steps towards age and basic nutrition, the health and wellbeing of every pet can be guaranteed.

With the aim of building on responsible pet ownership in the Philippines, the Well-fed, Well-nurtured campaign of the trade association for U.S. pet food brands, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) recently led a lecture on animal aging, nutrition, and proper feeding. Dr. Marco Ripoll, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), Technical Manager, Animal Science, Inc. and Dr. Menandro Valerio, DVM, Fellow in Canine Medicine, Philippine College of Canine Practitioners (PCCP) shared expert insights with pet owners on administering care for their maturing cats and dogs.

Wellness Starts at Concepcion
During the forum, Dr. Valerio shared that the health and wellness of your pet today is a result of the quality of care that he received upon conception. The regular check-ups, basic vaccinations, and good nutrition, will determine his health when he grows older. Keeping in mind that essential basic and professional veterinary care will depend on your cat or dog’s age can surely add more years and quality to the life of your developing pet.

Creating a simple action plan to foster responsible pet ownership should be the first step that every owner should take. Upon welcoming a new pet as a member of the family, one should be able to determine the changes in the home environment and additional activities in the daily routine to involve the cat or dog. The map to being a responsible pet owner should include a communication scheme between you, your veterinarian, and of course your pet. Regular veterinary counseling can help you beyond diagnostic check-ups. Your veterinarian can guide you in making decisions and provide support in understanding the life of your pet.

Managing Health with Growth
Any changes in feeding practices and physical and mental exercises should be done gradually. One should be mindful of the pace and requirements needed to meet an animal’s necessities. As an example, a diet plan should be changed slowly for a week or so to favor the digestive system of cats and dogs.

Pet food contents direct a balanced health status. Pet owners are encouraged to design their feeding practices with pet foods that combine appropriate nutrients and high quality ingredients fortified by vitamins and minerals to help their pets experience a healthy and long life.

Dr. Ripoll stressed certain methods that pet owners can adopt to support their pet’s health. It is important to follow the recommendations on the pet food label regarding how much to food to give to a pet. Whether the food is given several times throughout the day or the pet is allowed access all day long, the key is to measure the amount of food given. Each pet has a different metabolism and activity level. It may be necessary to adjust the amount fed, either giving a bit more or a bit less, depending upon whether the pet is maintaining weight, gaining weight or losing weight on a particular diet. Pet owners should be able to easily feel the ribs of their pet cats and dogs. If it is difficult to feel the individual ribs, then the pet is probably getting a bit pudgy. If you can see the ribs, then the pet is too skinny. With older pets, as with puppies and kittens, it can be helpful to take up food and water several hours before bedtime to help avoid accidents.
“Commercial pet food has changed the lives of millions of pets because pet owners are now able to give scientifically-formulated and nutritionally-balanced food to address their pets’ complete dietary needs. US pet food brands are made with the highest of standards, so that pet owners can be assured that ingredients used in production, processing techniques and labeling policies guarantee the highest safety and nutritional levels for their cats and dogs,” said PFI President Duane Ekedahl.

Veterinary counseling will also evolve and involve a more advanced series of exams for your growing cat or dog. A consultation with your veterinarian should include the measurement of your pet’s weight and assessment of his health status. Any significant changes to the weight of your pet can be coupled with the early stages of a growing disease such as obesity or malnutrition. That is why keeping your pet in a well-balanced diet is vital to avoid encountering minor to severe health problems. Regularly ask your veterinarian to recommend the type of food and supplements that you should provide based on your pet’s age, weight, health status, and breed. Be attentive to his weight and match the nutritional needs with his age. Know that giving excess nutrients, as good as it may sound, can also be harmful to your pet’s health.

With the advances in veterinary technology, special preventive care programs are now also available to extend the lifespan of your pet. Programs as such can include combinations of oral exams, blood tests, urinalysis, and radiographs (X-rays) that can determine the deficient and sufficient body necessities of the cat or dog. Being able to recognize potential problems earlier can speed up the treatment and develop a good outcome.

“Beyond the health procedures and routines, every owner should know that the most important support that a pet can receive is love and guidance through the stages of life. Veterinary support and proper nutrition are avenues to show immense care for your pet’s wellbeing. PFI and VPAP are set to highlight this in leading the road to a well-informed Philippine pet community through the Well-fed, Well-nurtured campaign,” said Dr. Gabriel Paz, VPAP President.

PFI will continue to roll out informational materials, partnerships, and workshops to drive awareness towards proper care for pets. “Fostering responsible pet ownership via the campaign is only the first step towards a mature pet community. We are working on building our relationships with organizations like VPAP to create initiatives that will advance pet care practices that enable us to successfully maintain our pets’ wellbeing,” added Ekedahl.