HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
Pet Health
• Change up your pet’s exercise routine – Outdoor walks may be limited in
cold winter months, so change your play routine to ensure adequate exercise
for your pet. See if your community has an indoor recreation area to get out
some energy.
• Adjust food portion sizes – To accommodate the fluctuation in activity,
adjust the amount of food and treats you give to your pet. Avoiding weight
gain during months that your pet is more sedentary is important.
• Limit bathing – Natural oils help your pet maintain a healthy coat during dry
winter months. Be sure to keep bathing to a minimum to reduce skin issues. If
you need to bathe your pets, be sure to dry them thoroughly, even if they are
staying in the house.
• Pets need moisturizer, too – In addition to limiting baths, help prevent dry
skin with coconut oil, a natural moisturizer that can aid flaky or cracking skin.
• Wipe away chemicals – Wash and dry your pet’s paws and stomach to
remove chemicals from road salt after outdoor walks. These chemicals can
cause burns to paws and skin if not removed (plus you don’t want them in
your house). If your dog has furry feet, trim the fur between the pads to
prevent build-up of ice and snow.
• Prevent burns – Block off heat sources such as fireplaces and space heaters to
prevent burns and accidents.
• Warm bed – Keep your pet’s sleeping area away from drafty doors and cold
floors. Providing a cozy bed will help keep pets warm during cold months.
• Watch for hazardous edibles – Keep holiday ornaments, lights, poinsettias,
alcohol, and chocolate out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion. If you
suspect your pet has ingested something hazardous, call your vet immediately.
• Never leave your pet unattended in the car – No matter what season it is,
do not leave your pet in the car. Freezing cold temperatures are equally as
dangerous as the heat of the summer months. Leave your pet at home, or find
a pet sitter to stop by to visit while you’re out.
increased right alongside optimism
levels.” So when you’re feeling down,
remember that staying positive affects
more than just your day, so keep your
head up and your heart happy.
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Digestion
Digestive issues affect all of us at one
time or another. From upset stomach,
gas, and heartburn, to constipation and
diarrhea, digestive problems are painful
and embarrassing. Some of the most
common are:
• Food Intolerance – Often confused
with food allergy, food intolerance
likely allows you to eat a small
amount of an offending food without
any issues (while a food allergy
could be life-threatening). Causes
of intolerance include celiac disease,
sensitivity to food additives, food
toxins, and absence of an enzyme
needed to fully digest a food.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD) – A chronic
digestive disease, GERD is defined
as experiencing acid reflux and
heartburn at least twice a week. It
affects 20 percent of Americans and
can cause persistent bad breath,
tooth erosion, nausea, and pain in the
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SOUTH FAYETTE
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WINTER 2018
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