Join Lisa Kluslow, DVM, in her talk about the why and how of integrating functional nutrition into your veterinary practice. While giving practical steps, Dr. Kluslow shows that integrating functional nutrition results in healthier pets, happier clients, which ultimately leads to a thriving practice.

Join Laura Gaylord, DVM, DACVN, in her talk about omega-3 fatty acids and their benefit for humans and pets. She also reviews other types of fats and their effects. Dr. Laura takes us through the science then gives practical steps through several case studies to see omega-3s at work.

Join Donna Raditic, DVM, DACVN, CVA, in her talk about the brain-gut-microbiome axis. She discusses how to combine nutrition and supplements in treating your pet patients.

Research indicates that owning a pet is good for both physical and mental health, and pets are increasingly considered family members by many Americans.1,2 This has led to heightened interest and attention on diets for dogs and cats, including the addition of functional foods and supplements, as well as homemade diets.1

The bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the musculoskeletal system serve a fundamental purpose: move the body. The musculoskeletal system also provides general support to other body systems, as many systems in an animal’s body rely on the actions of muscles, from chewing and swallowing to breathing and seeing. A healthy musculoskeletal system also provides stability, strength, cushioning, and flexibility for the entire body as well as secretes important signaling compounds.

Kidney function often declines as animals age, in part due to loss of nephrons, the filtering unit of the kidney. Although kidney disease is a multi-factorial process, targeting pathways involved in its progression can help delay loss of kidney function. Incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and antioxidants can help support kidney health in both cats and dogs.

As part of the Research Spotlight series on WholisticMatters, “Omega-3 Dosing in Pets” highlights the need for including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of both dogs and cats, as well as the benefits associated with the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Because omega-3 fatty acids are not synthesized in sufficient quantities in the body and conversion remains inefficient or nonexistent, providing DHA and EPA through the diet is very important. They have been demonstrated to help improve specific conditions often seen in dogs and cats and are essential for brain development in both puppies and kittens.