(Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Animal Health Week

Nutrition focus of animal health week

Oct 7, 2019 | 1:02 PM

Optimal nutrition for optimal health is the focus of this year’s Animal Health Week.

It’s a reminder for animal owners that what and how much they feed their animals plays an important role in their animals’ health and well-being.

Animal Health Week has been celebrated across Canada for more than 30 years, and is proclaimed nationally by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). It’s supported by the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA).

SVMA Council President and Melfort veterinarian Dr. Victor Kernaleguen said nutrition can affect everything from an animal’s immune system to weight gain.

“The SVMA supports national campaigns such as Animal Health Week to heighten public awareness of the benefits of veterinary care for all species,” Kernaleguen said. “Optimal nutrition is important for the well-being of animals and for the health of livestock consumers. Animal Health Week gives us a chance to highlight that as well as discuss important measures such as vaccinations and biosecurity.”

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This year, the CVMA is using the week’s theme to encourage animal owners to work with their veterinarians to discuss the unique nutrition needs of their animals, which can be affected by species, age and overall health.

Issues being highlighted this week include keeping nutrition the focus as diets must be appropriate for species, breed, age, and health status of an animal. Portion control is encouraged as obesity is a leading cause of illness and premature death in overfed companion animals. Underfeeding can negatively impact immune and reproductive systems.

Animal owners are encouraged to use body condition scoring which is an effective hands-on tool to assess the amount of fat an animal is carrying.

All diets, prepared commercially or at home, must be formulated with appropriate balances of essential nutrients as required by the animal.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@AliceMcF