Pets can suffer from high cholesterol just like people. Cholesterol and triglycerides are the fats (lipids) in the blood stream and elevations of these levels is called hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia can cause severe heart-related and other problems in people and 500,000 Americans die from this condition each year.

Hyperlipidemia is most common in dogs and has been overlooked as a cause of dog health problems until fairly recently. Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for pet obesity, gastrointestinal upset, vision problems and even more life threatening problems like canine pancreatitis and seizures.

Hyperlipidemia is easily diagnosed by basic blood work and can usually be effectively treated with a low fat diet and fatty acid pet supplements.

Click here to read more about identifying and managing hyperlipidemia in dogs.

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So, you’ve decided to take the leap into the wonderful world of dog ownership! Congratulations, you have many fun days ahead!

Responsible dog ownership involves more than food, water and walks for Fido, however. There are many important things that need to be done before you even bring the new pooch home. For instance:

• Purchasing necessary items, such as food, treats, bedding, crates, and grooming tools
• Dog proofing your home
• Deciding who in your family will feed, walk, groom and pick up after the dog
• Finding a veterinarian who agrees with your natural approach to caring for your dog

To read more about getting your home ready for a new dog, as well as how to make his or her transition as smooth as possible, please continue reading here. Have fun with your new pup!

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The topic of getting a new dog has certainly been in the news lately with President-elect Obama’s search for the perfect White House puppy! Getting a new dog isn’t an easy decision for anyone, and if you are thinking of bringing a furry ball of love into your own home, there are many things to think about.

Bringing a dog into your life is meant to be exciting and joyful…but getting the wrong dog can bring frustration and heartache. As a responsible pet owner, there are several considerations that will help you determine what breeds might be best for you. For example:

• Why are you getting a dog — as a companion, a protector, a working dog?
• How much “dog space” do you have?
• How much time (and energy!) do you have to devote to training your dog and other activities (grooming, exercise, etc)?
• Is a puppy or an adult the best choice for you?
• Mixed breed or purebred?

These are just a few questions that you should answer before choosing your new dog. Click here to read more about selecting the right dog for your lifestyle. Enjoy your new friend!

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Let your pets live it up with the rest of your family with wholesome holiday dinners! In the right proportions, your human holiday feast can be the perfect meal for your furry friends, too! Sharing is truly caring — when it comes to real food.

Chef Marx, the culinary wiz who created Spot’s Stew (HALO’s healthy, homemade foods for dogs and cats), suggests a few slices of traditional holiday turkey (without the skin or fat), a spoonful of simple green bean casserole (or other vegetable choice, but no onions, please!), and a dollop of sweet potatoes (for dogs only). Sweet potatoes are extremely nutritious and don’t clog the digestive tract like regular potatoes.

According to Marx, they’re wonderfully flavorful and full of vitamin A, calcium, iron, and other important minerals. Sweet potatoes also strengthen the spleen and pancreas and help the body release toxins. Follow the guide below as a suggestion for portions. Keep your meals free of spices, use simple ingredients, and try not to overfeed, even though they’re going to love it lots!

Note: For cats, skip the grains entirely. Holistic veterinarians recognize that grains can contribute to urinary problems and other health issues for cats.

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The following post comes to us from David Yaskulka, Halo’s VP of Marketing Communications. David’s career has been devoted to socially responsible and highly philanthropic companies — which is what brought him to Halo (plus the lobbying from his dog Bert and cat Sterling).

“Furry signs of a down-trending economy peer dolefully from every kennel at the [local] shelter and hundreds of others across the country,” began a recent CNN report. It’s become such a tough time for thousands and thousands of now-homeless pets.

Halo is very proud to support The Amanda Foundation at this time of need. It’s a nonprofit organization that “rescues dogs and cats who, through no fault of their own, are spending their last days at City and County Shelters.”

“Bow Wow Beverly Hills” is an exciting annual event supporting The Amanda Foundation, sponsored by Halo, Purely for Pets, Tiffany & Co., The Rodeo Drive Committee, Fred Hayman, The Beverly Hills Petcare Foundation and the Beverly Hills Courier. Check out this cool ABC TV video of Hollywood coming out to support furry friends in need.

If you have any food, time or money to give, I hope you’ll join in, or find your way to your local animal shelter.

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