As an owner of WOOF! Wellness Center, I’d like to share some of the most common questions I hear from my clients regarding the health of their pets. Here are the answers to six of the most frequently asked questions about pet care.

1. How often should I feed my pet?  

Answer: Most adult dogs and cats are fed twice a day, while puppies and kittens may need more frequent meals. The exact amount depends on the pet’s age, size, and activity level. We highly recommend that pet owners do not free-feed as it can lead to obesity. 

2. Is my pet overweight?  

Answer: Sadly, nearly 60 percent of dogs and cats in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese. It’s a potentially dangerous problem for pets as well as adults—one that should be taken seriously. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association website (wsava.org) is filled with valuable information about pet health. Search under nutrition guidelines for body condition charts for dogs and cats that illustrate various shapes for comparison to your pet. You also may contact WOOF! Wellness Center, and we will be glad to take your pet’s age and level of physical activity into account and recommend a healthy diet. 

3. How do I keep my pet’s teeth healthy?  

Answer: Surprisingly, poor dental health can have a domino effect on behavioral issues and health problems. Regularly brush your pet’s teeth using a small, soft toothbrush or wipe. Remember that regular dental checkups are important. Typically, four out of every five dogs and most cats over the age of three years have some degree of dental disease. Feeding your pet a high-quality diet and providing natural dental chews and toys can help reduce plaque and tartar. It’s a common misconception that hard kibble can “scrape” the teeth or assist in keeping teeth clean. In reality, dogs and cats don’t chew their food; they don’t have the necessary molars to do so. They bite and swallow. At times, the kibble residue will build up on their gums, which may lead to eventual decay, infection, and bad breath.

Traditionally, dental cleaning was limited to in-hospital treatment under full anesthesia. The advent of nonanesthetic dog teeth cleaning provides a new option for many cat and dog owners who did not like the added risk of putting their beloved pet "under" for a nonsurgical procedure. WOOF! Wellness Center sponsors an ongoing, safe, effective, nonanesthetic dental exam and cleaning. It’s performed by a highly skilled oral care technician under the guidance and expertise of a licensed veterinarian. 

4. How often should I bathe my pet?  

Answer: Most pets only need a bath every four to six weeks, but this can vary based on their breed, coat, and lifestyle. Obviously, after a good roll in the dust, you’ll want to at least rinse them off. But keep in mind that overbathing can lead to dry skin and irritation. Regular brushing will improve the coat and likely reduce the frequency of bathing.

5. If I train my dog with treats, will they get fat?  

This is a valid concern our trainers often are asked. After all, we’re all aware of the risks associated with pet obesity. Rest assured that it’s okay to train with treats using the following suggestions:

• Break up treats so that you’re only giving a little bit at a time. It only takes a small piece of a high-value treat for it to be a reward.

• Another trick is to use some of your dog’s daily food ration during a training session. This way, your barking buddy is not eating anything extra; it’s just being spread out over the day.

• Using fruits or vegetables can be a healthy training alternative, if your dog likes them. 

6. How long will it take to train my dog?  

Obviously, there is no magic number. It will depend on a wide variety of conditions, your dog’s breed, training techniques, and even your own attitude! But if you need a number, we suggest that you work with your pup for a minimum of four months to a year. Essentially, obedience training, like all learning, is a lifelong process. You should continue to reinforce good behavior long after the training class is over. 

For more information or to schedule a wellness assessment or mini-groom, contact WOOF! Wellness Center & Training Academy at 435-275-4536 or visit online at woofcenter.com.