The vets will see you now LE T THE FUR FLY! ANSWER S TO YOUR HAIRIE ST PE T QUE STIONS
Q. Life in the slow lane
We have a new turtle. How should we set up the tank? A. Most pet turtles need at least a 50-gallon tank—about the size of two three-drawer filing cabinets. “They should be able to swim four body lengths before having to turn around,” says veterinarian Aundria del Pino, who specializes in exotic pets. Use over-the-tank UV lighting to keep the water warm—72 to 82 degrees—and mimic a reptile’s sunny habitat. Include a basking area (a rock or piece of nontoxic wood with an overhead 250-watt infrared bulb). You can buy pieces individually or as a set; try All Living Things Aquatic Turtle Equipment Kit ($70; petsmart.com). For food (feed it two to four times a week), vets suggest variety: dark greens, veggies, mealworms, and dry food, like Tetra’s ReptoMin floating food sticks ($7.50; amazon.com).
THE PET EXPERTS AUNDRIA DEL PINO, DVM,
Marathon Veterinary Hospital, Marathon, Florida MARY GARDNER, DVM,
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, Los Angeles ANN HOHENHAUS, DVM,
Animal Medical Center, New York City GAYLE O’KONSKI, DVM,
Q. Food for thought When should I switch my 7-year-old chocolate Lab to senior food? J.B., via Facebook
FUN FIND!
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A. Right now. Generally, this switch should take place halfway through a pup’s life span (between 5 and 10 years old, depending on the breed). Why? “Older dogs don’t metabolize at the same rate as younger ones, so they need food higher in fiber and lower in calories and fat,” says veterinarian Gayle O’Konski. “It’s easier for them to digest and less likely to cause weight
FEBRUARY 2017
gain.” Choose a formula with fewer than 400 calories per cup, plus added omega-3s (which help keep a dog’s mind sharp) and glucosamine and chondroitin (they strengthen joints). O’Konski’s pick: Iams Proactive Health Senior Plus ($15 for 12½ pounds; amazon.com). Phase in the new food over the course of two weeks, mixing it with the familiar food and gradually changing the ratio. Even if your dog is not yet at midlife, consult your vet if you see significant weight gain—it may be a sign to switch sooner.
Written by
Sarah Grossbart
74
REALSIMPLE.COM
Morris Animal Hospital, Granger, Indiana
Q. Cat fight My husband and I disagree on whether our new kitten should be indoor-only or allowed outside. How do we decide? C. T., via Facebook
A. Some pet owners feel strongly about giving a cat room to run. But most vets advise against letting cats out, because of the inherent risks: predators like coyotes and foxes, dangers such as cars, and the chance of picking up fleas or parasites (or even leukemia or AIDS) from a stray, says veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus. Your best bet is letting your indoor cat spend time in a screened-in porch (if you have one) or an enclosed backyard dwelling, like the Deck and Patio ($140; kittywalksystems.com). If you’re set on letting your kitty roam, “make sure it’s up-to-date on vaccines and is taking flea, tick, and heartworm medication,” says veterinarian Mary Gardner. “For peace of mind, it’s worth the $40 fee to have it fitted with a microchip.”
T U R T L E , PA S T O R S C O T T/ I S T O C K /G E T T Y I M A G E S P L U S ; C AT B A C K PA C K C O U R T E S Y O F U - P E T
R E L AT I N G home
P.S., via Facebook
