Pro Plan® Expert FAQs

While every dog and cat has a one-of-a-kind personality, they usually share some common ground. For example, their owners all want to do more for their pets! Our experts have been asked many questions repeatedly. Here are some of the more prevalent questions and answers that pet parents have requested.

DOG FAQS

I love cuddling up to my freshly bathed dog, but a friend told me it's not good to give her a bath every week. How often can I safely bathe her?

Bathing is an important part of skin and coat care. But excessive bathing and harsh shampoos strip away vital protective oils and waxes from the sebaceous glands, leaving the skin and coat very dull and dry. Many owners react to this dry skin by giving another bath, which can lead to a vicious cycle of more frequent bathing and ever-drier skin.

When selecting shampoos and conditioners, only use products specifically made for dogs and avoid any over the counter "fix-all" medicated shampoos. A word of caution: Keep the shampoo and rinse water out of your dog's eyes and ears or you may have a serious problem requiring medical treatment.

We're having puppies! Do I need to give the mother calcium supplements at this important time in her life?

Although it is true that a female's need for calcium increases during pregnancy and lactation, supplementing with calcium should not be necessary. A pregnant dog's calorie requirements also go up. By feeding an increased amount of complete and balanced food, her calcium and calorie needs will be met.

How can I make sure my dog develops a healthy immune system?

The effect of inadequate nutrition—or over nutrition—on a dog's immune system can be profound. The defense system that is so important in maintaining health and vitality can break down if the nutrients it needs to run efficiently are lacking, or in some cases, provided in excess. Feeding a complete and balanced dog food is the best way to help ensure healthy immune function.

My beagle is chubby, but I feed him according to the package. What's going on?

The causes of obesity are generally divided into three categories:

Excess caloric intake is the most common cause. The pet consumes too much food and does not expend the energy required to use the calories and maintain normal body weight. Many pet owners encourage an overweight condition by overfeeding or by giving excessive treats or table scraps.

Genetic predisposition may contribute to obesity, especially in certain breeds. For example, Labrador retrievers, beagles, basset hounds, and dachshunds seem to be more susceptible to obesity than some of the other sporting or working breeds.

Endocrine imbalances such as thyroid or pituitary dysfunction may cause obesity.

If you believe your pet is overweight, an examination by your veterinarian is suggested. Any predisposing abnormalities can be diagnosed or treated or your veterinarian may recommend a weight reduction program.

CAT & DOG FAQS

How much water should my pet drink each day?

An animal's water requirement is determined in large part by the amount of food it consumes each day. A general guideline is that animals require 1 ml of water for each kcal of energy. A dog requiring 1000 kcals per day, therefore, would require 1000 ml of water or approximately 1 quart. Some animals would need more than this amount, while others would require less, which is why it is commonly recommended that dogs and cats have a ready source of fresh, clean water available at all times.

As food intake increases, an animal's water intake also increases. When the water content of a diet increases, the animal usually drinks less water. Therefore, animals consuming canned diets, which contain approximately 70-75% water, will generally drink less water than animals consuming dry diets, which contain about 8-12% water.