Les besoins énergétiques

A l’approche des grands froids, devrions-nous augmenter l’apport calorique des rations alimentaires de notre animal? S’il reste dehors tout au long de la journée, oui; s’il vit en milieu urbain, non. Voici comment évaluer la question.


Déterminer ses besoins

En simplifiant les calculs, on peut utiliser la formule suivante pour déterminer le nombre de kcal/jour[ou BER] dont a besoin un animal sain au repos dans un environnement ou la température n’occasionne aucune perte d’énergie. Par la suite, on ajoute les dépenses énergétiques moyennes selon le stade de développement de l’animal et son niveau d’activité. On obtient alors les besoin énergétiques quotidiens [BEQ] pour cet animal. Le tableau ci-contre permet de déterminer les BEQ de notre animal afin qu’il maintienne un poids sante. Un chien de traineau aura besoin d’une plus grande quantité d’énergie qu’un chien confortablement love dans un fauteuil.

Les BEQ d’un chat stérilisé, âge d’un an et dont le poids est de 4 kg, se situent donc autour de 228 kcal/jour. Selon le nombre de calories par tasse ou par boite que contient sa nourriture, on détermine la quantité a lui offrir. Seule la fiche technique fournie sur demande par le fabricant peut nous informer des valeurs nutritives des produits. N’hésitons pas a consulter les vétérinaires, les techniciens et les conseillers en alimentation.

Savoir s’adapter

Dans l’industrie des aliments destines aux animaux, on inscrit sur les emballages les rations à offrir plutôt gue le nombre de calories par portion. Ces rations ont été déterminées selon une formule similaire à celle qui a été décrite précédemment et elles correspondent aux BEQ d un animal d’un certain poids ayant une activité moyenne. Il faut toutefois demeurer vigilant, car les animaux présentent différents niveaux d’activité et différentes caractéristiques. Il est possible de se retrouver avec un animal obese ou avec un animal en manque d’énergie même si on se fie aux indications qui figurent sur l’emballage.

Les BEQ d’un chien garde a l’extérieur durant l’hiver peuvent ressembler a ceux des chiens de travail. On peut augmenter sa ration habituelle de 10 90%.D’un autre cote, si le maitre du chien urbain devient sédentaire, il est fort probable que l’animal gagne quelques kilos. Dans ce cas, mieux vaut évaluer a la baisse ses besoins et opter pour une diète plus léger avant que le froid ne gagne nos régions. Les chats dont les activités extérieures diminuent par temps froid bénéficieront eux aussi de cette stratégie.

Reference: Animal Magazine

Merci a Tania Monaco

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

The recent movie, “Marley and Me,” highlights the ups and downs of life with man’s best friend by showcasing Marley’s antics, including the terrorization of a hapless pet sitter while the family is on vacation.
While this scene may have instilled fear in some pet owners, it emphasizes the reasons why pet owners should hire a professional pet sitter to care for their pets while they are away.
The benefits of leaving pets at home are numerous. Pets are happier and experience less stress at home; diet and exercise routines are uninterrupted and a pet’s exposure to illness is minimized.
While friends, family members or neighbors seem like a logical choice for pet care, a professional pet sitter has the experience and qualifications necessary to appropriately care for companion animals.
Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, was founded on three key principals: professional excellence, outstanding service and high-quality standards.
PSI membership requires that 51 percent of a member’s business must be obtained from pet sitting services alone. In addition, all members are asked to adhere to PSI’s Recommended Quality Standards for Excellence in Pet Sitting.
PSI members have access to the most extensive benefits and affiliate programs in the industry including monthly educational e-Newletters, a bi-monthly educational magazine and regional and national conventions.
PSI also provides members access to bonding and liability insurance. These policies fully cover pets and property and provide pet owners peace of mind while they are away. To provide for increasing security concerns, PSI members can use background checking services to screen prospective employees to help ensure the safety of pets, pet owners and their homes.
David Pearsall, director of sales and marketing for Business Insurers of the Carolinas, says that his company, who underwrites the bonding and insurance policies for a majority of pet-sitter businesses in the United States, partners with associations because their members show a commitment to the profession and an eagerness to learn from the shared experiences of other professionals in the industry.
“In general, associations attract more professional pet sitters as opposed to fly-by-night pet sitters or inexperienced pet sitters,” Pearsall said. “Our numbers indicate that these business owners take extra steps to grow and protect their businesses.”

Article by PSI

5 Ways Never to Behave Around Your Dog

Dogs need a leader. In the wild, they look to a pack leader for guidance. In your home, your dog needs that leader to be you. Pack leaders come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be of any breed, species, or gender. What make a pack leader? Here are five steps to becoming one:
1. Never be aggressive.
Instead: Be calm-assertive. Assertive does not mean angry. Calm-assertive simply means even-tempered and unflappable; always compassionate, but quietly in control.
2. Never project weak energy.
Instead: Be confident. A dominant dog will have its head up, chest forward, ears up, and tail stiff. As a human pack leader, you should follow suit: Stand up straight and hold your head high!
3. Never let yourself get too worked up.
Instead: Be balanced. In the animal world, overly excited, fearful, and anxious individuals are never considered leaders. Pack members must trust their leaders, and that requires balanced energy.
4. Never pick and choose when you discipline.
Instead: Be consistent. Inconsistent reinforcement of the rules leads to inconsistently obedient pack members, so pack leaders make the rules and stick to them!
5. Never forget who's the pack leader.
Instead: Be responsible. In the canine world, a pack leader doesn't take on the role for the cash and prizes involved. Being a pack leader is a big responsibility. The pack leader is in charge of the survival of all the pack members. He or she sets all the rules, deciding when the pack eats, hunts, sleeps, migrates, and plays. Your dog expects the same from you, so don't let him or her down. Rent a DVD that portrays wild dogs, wolves, or other canine species in the wild, and study their social structure. You?ll see close-up the traits of an effective canine pack leader, and can use that behavior as your inspiration to be an awesome pet owner!

Cesear Milan

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Professional In-Home Pet Care

More than ever, pet owners are turning to professional pet sitters to take care of their pets, according to a recent survey by Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters. With each survey, PSI is able to identify and track trends among pet owners as well as pet sitters and their businesses. In the 2008 survey, pet-sitter members report a trend in services that goes much beyond feeding and caring for their customers’ animals. The top eight services demanded by clients include basic pet care, dog walking, care of special needs pets, pet transportation service, overnight pet-sitting, house-sitting with no pets, errand services and pooper-scooper services. Some pet-sitting specialists report offering behavior, obedience and grooming services. “Pet owners tend to treat their pets like a member of the family,” says Patti Moran, president of the 14-year old organization. “If they can provide something for their pets that increases their well-being and happiness, they will do it. Pet owners are purchasing these services for a variety of reasons, including pet care during vacations, midday walks and visits, pet care needs that arise because of work schedules as well as puppy and geriatric pet care.

By: Pet Sitters International

mypets-bestfriend.com for more information and services

Finding a veterinarian in Montreal

I had this conversation during the week about vets. It's sometimes hard to find a good one. You have to feel comfortable and trust the vet as well as his/her team members. They will advise and recommend everything that is necessary for the quality life of your pet, during its life time. I came across this article… I hope it helps and feel free to comment on some of the vet experiences you’ve had.


I recently had a discussion on the Veterinarians in Montreal. Although most of them seem nice, it is sometimes difficult to have full trust. The Veterinarian you choose should be there through the life stages of your pet. Today’s world, pet’s mean more then just animals, they are our ‘babies’ in which we love and want the absolute best for them to be happy. A veterinarian should recommend you different preventative measures so you can help your pet live a long and healthy life. We all want the quality care for our pet and that is why it is important to have a bond with your vet. This article should help you find as they say your dream vet and his/her team. If you want more info and some of my recommendations, feel free to contact me at mypets-bestfriend.com

5 best ways to find a vet
Easy steps to finding your pet's dream doctor.
By Adrienne Robertson
Whether you just adopted a kitten or you're moving to a new city, finding a vet who meets your needs is as important as selecting the right family physician. “The quality of the relationship and bond with your veterinarian is pretty important to feeling good about the health care that you're getting,” says Dr. Darcy Shaw, chair of the department of companion animals at the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown. Here's how to sniff out the best vet in the pack.

1. Ask around Start searching for a vet as soon as possible. “Don't wait until it's an emergency,” says Dr. Kathleen Cavanagh, a veterinarian based in Ridgeville, Ont. Start by asking family, friends, dog walkers and neighbours where they take their pets. “You trust opinions from people that you know,” adds Shaw, so you can start visiting vets with extra confidence if they come recommended.

Make a list of your top three choices and call the clinics to inquire about a tour or meet-and-greet with your pet. One of the most effective ways to establish whether the relationship between the vet, your pet and you is going to work is to schedule a routine health check, suggests Shaw. “That gives the veterinarian the opportunity to not only discover background history but also get to know your pet,” he says. This can be particularly important if you have an exotic or “pocket” pet, such as an iguana, rabbit or parrot, which some vets may not be experienced in treating.
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2. Visit the premises Outside: Evaluate a clinic or hospital from the outside in. If the premises, such as location, accessibility or parking, are a concern, consider how the hassle will affect how often you visit the clinic. Survey the parking lot: are there any grassy areas where you can take your dog for a quick stop before or after an appointment? Is the parking lot so busy that you fear getting hit on the way into the hospital? Take out a notepad and keep track of pros and cons, starting with the outside environment. This list will grow as soon as you enter a facility.
Inside: Assess the waiting room. Some clinics split their waiting rooms into canine and feline sections so that cats and dogs can't see one another, which helps create a calmer environment. Note the number of people in the waiting room and ask about wait times, but be aware that a full waiting room could be the sign of multiple emergencies, not necessarily long waiting periods.
Cavanagh says many vets will also put educational materials in their waiting rooms or are willing to loan material to clients from a hospital library. These resources can help you learn about medical conditions or how to handle a new pet. Some clinics also offer seminars on caring for puppies and kittens, so if you are looking to learn, this may be a bonus. This interest in informing clients speaks to the vet's care and concern for the well-being of his patients.

3. Ask questions• What are your qualifications? Choosing the right vet is like interviewing a candidate for any other service. You want to make sure the vet you choose meets your needs and those of your pet. Most vets will be proud to share their accomplishments and any special training they have received.
• What equipment is on-site? You need to know if the practice has specialized equipment, such as ultrasound or endoscopy. “If you find a clinic that has that piece of equipment, and the people are appropriately trained, that's certainly a nice thing to have available,” says Cavanagh.
• Are any tests or treatments outsourced? Ask about what is available right in the clinic and what treatments or tests may be outsourced to another practice. “If there are top-notch specialists in the neighbourhood with all the bells and whistles, a lot of practices won't make that investment,” says Cavanagh. “They can send [patients] down the road and get that expertise and special equipment without having to train themselves.”
• Do you provide emergency care? Not all clinics deal with emergencies on-site. Vets in larger cities, for example, may refer you to an emergency hospital during off-hours, such as late at night or on weekends. Ask for a referral for emergency care so you are prepared for injury or sudden illness.
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• Who decides which vet will treat my pet? If you are visiting a clinic with multiple doctors, you might not see the same veterinarian every time. Some clinics take on a team mentality, while others ensure owners will see one vet consistently. Cavanagh says both methods are effective, but owners must be aware of the differences and determine what they are comfortable with.
• What are your hours? The clinic that looks and feels best might not be the one for you if its hours don't match your schedule, so ask about vet hours as well as the hours of the clinic, which is useful if you want to pick up medication or food.

4. Feel it out Cavanagh and Shaw agree that the vet's ability to communicate and show compassion are important factors in choosing a veterinarian. Good communication includes involving you in the decision-making process, explaining conditions or treatments as much -- or as little -- as you wish and giving you the opportunity to express any concerns without rushing.
“You can be a brilliant person in terms of your knowledge and ability to diagnose disease, but if you can't communicate that effectively with clients, you really can't do your job at all,” says Shaw, who conducts a communications rotation with senior-year students at the Atlantic Veterinary College to reinforce the importance of doctor-client relationships.
Vets, like other professionals, all have different personalities. Some may want to get down on the floor and fawn over your pet like a long-lost friend, while others are more businesslike. After your initial visits, consider which style feels most natural to you and what suits your particular needs.

5. Dollars and sense When comparing prices, keep in mind that one vet's price for a specific treatment may include painkilling medication and monitoring, for example, while another vet's price may not include these necessary treatments; ask for the total price for a procedure. All clinics will have varying overhead costs, which is why practices in urban centres may have much higher prices than those in smaller towns. Fees are not standardized across Canada to account for these differences.
Check it outHosted by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, animalhealthcare.ca offers an online clinic finder. Enter any Canadian town or city for a list of vets.
Hosted by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), healthypet.com offers an online search for accredited animal hospitals anywhere in Canada or the United States. Accredited practices have completed the application process of the AAHA. Accreditation includes an on-site visit to evaluate facilities, staff training and more.
Your pet's body talkAnimals use body language to communicate and show emotion. “You want to see your pet react to the vet as he or she would a friend at home,” says Janet Parker, owner of Clever Canine Training and Behaviour Consulting in Victoria, so make the vet's office a fun place. She suggests taking extra trips to the vet's office for a weigh-in and treat so not all veterinary experiences involve needles and uncomfortable prodding.
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Parker says a comfortable pet will display the following behaviours.• Eager to enter the vet's office• Loose and relaxed attitude• Interest in surroundings and alertness
Behaviours of an uncomfortable pet include the following.• Clinging to your side• Stiff movements• Ears pinned down• Refusing food• Excessive drooling or panting
Parting with your vetMost people cease their relationship with a veterinary clinic due to perceived attitude or communication problems, says Dr. Scott Kelman from Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital in Calgary.

While it might be awkward, vets will appreciate feedback on why you're leaving, particularly if it has to do with inadequate services such as outdated technology. “Writing a letter or an e-mail is a great idea because it starts dialogue and allows the veterinarian to respond,” says Kelman. If you can't sort things out, many vets are happy to refer you elsewhere. All of the information in a patient's file belongs to the practice, but owners can pay for copies.

Inviting a pet as a family member

There are so many parents who decide to take on another responsibility. Pets in general are like babies, which is why sometimes we call them as such. It’s important to inform yourself which pet will suit your needs, do you have the time to give your pet the care and attention he/she needs. Do you have the financial stability to undergo another expense if yes how much? Do you travel a lot, who will take care of your pet? Do you have the finances to bring your dog for basic training, what if an emergency arise…. All these question, please ask yourself if the answer is still “yes, I can care for a pet” then let’s move on to the next step… This article will help you choose the right pet for you. Share with us your comments and experiences, we all learn from them. You can post at My Pet’s Best Friend face book group or go to mypets-betsfriend.com to e-mail your stories.

Children share special bonds with pets. They grow together, share affection with one another, learn lessons -- and sometimes get into mischief together. But peaceful, loving relationships between pets and children are not automatic; they require thought and planning. If you have kids at home and are thinking about adding a dog or cat to your family, consider the following.

Choose with care
1. Choose a dog or cat with a personality that is fairly calm and not threatening or defensive, says Dr. Patricia Stapley Chase, owner of Pine Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Cobourg, Ont. "But keep in mind that any dog can be a challenge and any dog can be pushed to his limit."

2. Large dogs and small dogs generally are not good choices for families with preteen children, says Dr. Betsy Brevitz in her book Hound Health Handbook (Workman, 2004). A child who is considerably smaller than the family dog is likely to have trouble earning the dog's respect, and a small dog may be intimidated by the rambunctious play of young children.

3. Take a moment to observe the demeanour of the animal. "If you're choosing a puppy," says Stapley Chase, "and one is sitting in the corner fairly quiet and the other is barking aggressively at you, which one do you want?"

4. "With dogs, there is always a hierarchy, and the children need to be above that dog," says Stapley Chase. "Otherwise the dog is always challenging the kids." Participation in obedience training is an excellent learning opportunity for children 10 years and older. During these classes, the dog learns to respond to people.

Recognize animal warning signs
5. Often accidents occur when a child teases a pet or touches him in a disturbing manner, such as grabbing a cat's tail or pulling at his legs. This is especially important for young children who may not understand warning signs from a pet.

6. Clearly state these rules: Never disturb a pet when he's eating, sleeping or chewing on something. Don't grab the pet's feet, ears or tail -- ever.

7. A cat may be less tolerant of a child's playful behaviour than a dog. Teach your child how to properly hold the cat, providing support under the chest and back legs. Touching the sensitive stomach area may bother the cat enough to bite, so the child should be aware of this delicate area.

8. Play calmly and with no fast motions toward the animal. If a child plays roughly with a cat, for example, he may attack with his claws; a dog may grab and cause puncture wounds. "Pets don't know their own limitations," says Stapley Chase. "Also, an adult may recognize warning signs from a dog, but a child might not know those boundaries."

9. In the event of a fight between two animals, teach children to never stick their hands or feet between them. "You're going to get bitten because the animals won't be able to differentiate between your limb and the one they're being aggressive toward," says Stapley Chase.

10. Learning to read an animal's warning signs will keep your kids safe. For dogs, if their eyes are down, ears are back and tail is between the legs, they may be in a fear position. "Some animals bite when they feel trapped or cornered," says Stapley Chase. Cats are more vocal with their fear and may hiss, or the hair on their backs stands up and their pupils enlarge.

Showing your child how to love and respect animals will create a more loving bond that will last a lifetime and help build empathy for all living creatures.

From: Laurie Mackenzie

Pet Sitting in Montreal

Hi Friends!
Pet sitting in Montreal is a great pet care option when you leave on vacation or a full day event. It gives your pet the comfort and security they need when you’re away. Pet sitting services are offered by My Pet's Best Friend also obtaining a great quality of services due to the certification as a veterinary technician. Your pets are not stressed as you know love being in their own 'territory' My Pet's Best friend is a professional pet sitter and also does exotics, small animals, birds and fish. You want someone with experience and a current knowledge on how to maintain the well-being of your pet. Big cages can stay at home with the help of My Pet's Best Friend your bird can spread his/her wings and practice singing and/or speaking with someone. When you hire My Pet's Best Friend as your pet sitter, prepare all the days you want a visit for your pet(s). Pet sitting is an individualized service requesting what ever you think is best for your pet. Do you have an aquarium or a terrarium with an automatic heater, feeder and /or humidity gauge? You can ask My Pet's Best Friend to do a couple of visits while your away assuring that everything is working properly even after a black out. An electrical fuse or UV light bulb burnt for your lizard or automatic timers? It's important for the health of your pet that you take the proper measure to correct the situation. Please note: don’t leave your hermit crabs outside in the middle of a sunny day… water evaporates quickly.
Professional pet sitting with My Pet’s Best Friend provides you with the peace of mind that your pets are being well-cared for. You can concentrate on your things while My Pet’s Best Friend professional services in Montreal concentrate on your pets. My Pet's Best Friend adapts to you and your pets needs! Keeping your pet's happy when you can't be there. Your pet sitter!