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“Hairball! Major hairball!” - Snowbell, “Stuart Little 2” There are always a few cats that care more about their appearance than you do, namely those who excessively groom themselves throughout the day. Then there is that moment when you are thankful that you use a brush to groom yourself when you hear them hacking up a hairball in the other room. With Hairball Awareness Day approaching, here are a few tips on how to spot signs of hairballs and how to reduce the number of hairballs your pet leaves for you to clean up around the house. What causes hairballs? Hairballs are caused when a pet ingests hair into its digestive tract, usually when he or she grooms. While most hair particles are eliminated in the litter box, some sit on the stomach. As these hairs start to collect, they create a “ball” that can’t escape the body through the traditional route. That’s when your pet vomits. How do I know if my pet has a hairball? Hacking or vomiting large clumps of hair at a time, usually in a tube-shaped form, is the easiest way to tell if your pet has a hairball. There are some instances, however, when your pet will only produce bile when they vomit because their stomach was upset by the hair that is freely floating in the stomach. Even if you don’t see the hairball, your pet may still have one. And it will come up eventually! What pets get hairballs? Many people think that hairballs are found only in cats, and in many cases, they are, since cats are known for constantly grooming themselves. However, ferrets can get hairballs for the same reasons as cats, and they’re likely to show the same symptoms if they have one. How can I prevent or reduce the number of hairballs my pet gets? Groom your pet. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, grooming your pet to decrease their hair intake can prevent hairballs or keep them from occurring so often. Give your pet a new toy to divert their attention. Pets sometimes groom excessively when they’re bored. Providing new toys (or rotating existing toys to keep your pet interested) may keep them from grooming too much when you’re not home to entertain them. Try a lubricating gel, like Tomyln’s Laxatone hairball remedy. Gels or chews like Tomlyn’s Laxatone will help push the hairs down the intestinal tract to be eliminated in the litter box. Click here to learn more about hairball remedies or to purchase one. They come in a variety of forms and flavors, and Tomlyn’s Laxatone Gel is also available for ferrets. Don’t let a hairball slow your pet down. Use these tips to help prevent hairballs and spread the word about Hairball Awareness Day on April 25. 

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 22, 2015 – Tomlyn, makers of pet health and wellness products, is monitoring the supply and availability of Trifectant®, a broad-spectrum disinfectant capable of killing 99.9 percent of major viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens, including those that cause canine flu. The H3N2 virus, which is new to the United States, has infected more than 1,000 dogs and killed at least six in the Midwest. “While canine flu isn’t new, it mutates just like human flu,” said Dr. Brian McLaughlin, a Tomlyn veterinarian. “This strain isn’t protected by an existing vaccine because it’s never been seen in the U.S. That’s why it’s dangerous and important to prevent.”  The virus has an incubation period of one to three days, but infected dogs can be contagious for up to two weeks. Symptoms include coughing, nasal discharge, fever and loss of appetite. It is currently not a threat to humans. The virus most commonly spreads through close contact between dogs at daycare centers, boarding facilities, dog parks and similar “crowded” areas. According to McLaughlin, facilities should aim to prevent the virus’ spread by properly disinfecting with a product like Trifectant. It mixes with water for a ready-to-use solution that is safe for humans and animals, biodegradable and effective at killing pathogens that cause canine flu, parvovirus and other diseases that can affect dogs, cats, horses or other animals. Trifectant is available over-the-counter from Jeffers Pets, Doctors Foster & Smith, Healthy Pets and a variety of local retailers. About Tomlyn® Tomlyn, a pet health and wellness company founded in 1976, carries a complete line of scientifically developed, veterinarian-approved pet health products that follow National Animal Supplement Council guidelines. The company’s wide range of product categories include: immune support; vitamins and high-calorie supplements; hairball remedies; joint and hip support; calming aids; pilling solutions; skin, ears, and eyes; all-natural remedies and sanitizers. Known as the maker of Nutri-Cal®, a high-calorie nutritional supplement, and Laxatone®, for the elimination and prevention of hairballs, Tomlyn is a division of Vétoquinol USA and owned by Vétoquinol SA, the ninth-largest veterinary pharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit Tomlyn.com.###

Your pet’s joints can take a pounding from a variety of daily activities – from diving for toys to jumping to high places, like perches or stairs. Much like humans, pets’ joints will change with time. But this doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to help support your pet’s joint health. Giving your pets supplements to support healthy joints and connective tissue may help discomfort associated with normal exercise and daily activity. Supporting joint health and connective tissue early in life is important to your pet’s future joint health. Here are some easy ways you can help keep your pet’s joints healthy for a more active, enjoyable lifestyle. Photo courtesy of flickr user Micolo J Take a few short walks during the day. Shorter walks put less strain on your pet’s joints and muscles. Try taking two 15-minute or three 10-minute walks per day to help your pet get the right amount of exercise without pushing his or her joints too far.   Create new playtime activities. What dog doesn’t love a good swim? Low-impact forms of exercise, such as swimming, can help stretch your pet’s muscles and support flexibility.   Give your pet a little TLC. There’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned massage to relax your mind and body. Massages can do the same for animals, helping relax muscles and stretch joints that may have stiffened during the night while your pet was sleeping or after a long day of active play. However, there’s no need to seek out an expensive pet masseuse. Just give your fur baby a good backrub in the evening.   Provide daily supplements for healthy joints. Try joint health supplements like Tomlyn’s Joint and Hip Chews for both cats and dogs to add beneficial vitamins, proteins and amino acids for joint and muscle support. Tomlyn even has a formula of Joint and Hip Chews made for senior dogs to help support their joint flexibility and mobility. Take the time to ensure your pet’s joints are cared for properly to keep your pet’s lifestyle healthy and happy.

Supplements support balanced microbial flora and intestinal healthFORT WORTH, Texas, March 4, 2015 – Tomlyn®, creator of pet health and wellness products, today announced the release of its new Pre and Probiotic supplements for dogs and cats. Both formulas come as water-soluble powders for easy use."A healthy level of beneficial bacteria is essential to good health – both in humans and in pets," said Jim Spiezio, DVM, a Tomlyn veterinarian. "Dogs' and cats' intestinal tracts naturally contain bacterial microorganisms, which are beneficial and help our pets digest food and absorb vitamins and nutrients. Pre and probiotic supplementation is a great way to ensure the health of your pet, and that’s where Tomlyn's Pre and Probiotic supplements come in."Because the amount of intestinal flora fluctuates, sometimes pets don’t have enough healthy bacteria. According to Dr. Spiezio, this can be caused by treatment with antibiotics, a dietary imbalance, dietary indiscretion or even unexplained low levels from birth. While a balanced diet may help replenish some good bacteria, sometimes supplementation is necessary to promote optimal digestive flora and digestive health.Tomlyn's Pre and Probiotic supplements are sold in individual packets for easy use, as well as to maintain live cells. The supplements for dogs and cats are made up of an advanced formula with one of the highest colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotics available on the market today – with more than 8 billion CFUs per dog packet, 4 billion per cat packet and added prebiotics to support the growth of beneficial bacteria. The supplements contain direct-fed microbial structures to supply beneficial microorganisms that occur naturally in the hindgut of healthy animals with the nutrients they need to begin healthy colonies. These microorganisms include Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophillus and Bifidobacterium breve, among others. Finally, the flavorless, odorless powder is easy to use by mixing in with a pet’s water or food once per day.For more information on the supplements, visit the products page at Tomlyn.com.About Tomlyn®Tomlyn is a pet health and wellness company founded in 1976 that carries a complete line of the finest scientifically developed, veterinarian-approved pet health care products that follow National Animal Supplement Council guidelines. The company has a wide range of product categories, including: immune support, vitamins and high-calorie supplements, hairball remedies, joint and hip support, calming aids, pilling solutions, skin, ears, and eyes, all natural remedies and sanitizers. Known as the maker of Nutri-Cal®, a high-calorie nutritional supplement, and Laxatone®, for the elimination and prevention of hairballs, Tomlyn is a division of Vétoquinol USA and owned by Vétoquinol SA, the ninth-largest veterinary pharmaceutical company in the world. For more information about products for dogs, cats and other companion animals, visit Tomlyn.com.

A healthy diet and nutritional supplements are crucial to keeping a dog from running out of gas during lengthy hunting or trail trips. If their diet isn’t properly supplemented with a product high in fat and protein, most dogs will run out of energy on three- and four-day trips, no matter how fit they seem.  It’s no secret that a dog needs more carbohydrates while he or she is in the field. Due to high activity levels and the strain placed on their bodies during these trips, a dog can lose 20 to 30 percent of its body weight. So, what should you do?    Provide a good nutritional base.  First, make sure the dog’s regular food provides a good nutritional foundation before the hunt. The exercise metabolism for a hardworking dog is best when fat is used for producing energy for muscles. This is because fat is the best energy source for promoting and supportingendurance exercise, which is exactly what most hunting dogs require for optimal performance.  Keep your dog hydrated.  One of the major factors to consider out in the field is your dog’s hydration level. Water is vital for working animals. Unlike their human handlers, dogs don’t sweat or use large amounts of electrolytes, which control how the body processes waste and absorbs vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It’s a good practice to hydrate your dog every 15 to 20 minutes.      Consider a high-calorie supplement.  Hardworking dogs are nothing less than elite athletes in every way, and hunters train their dogs for high performance while on hunts. Some hunters supplement their dog's with pre-exercise supplements. A supplement like Tomlyn's High Calorie Nutritional Gel - Nutri-Cal® for Dogs can put essential supplements in place and sustain a dog longer while he or she is active if given 30 minutes before intense exercise. Likewise, supplements like these serve as a re-energizing boost if given during a particularly long excursion.  A lot is invested in training and maintaining peak performance levels of hunting and high activity dogs. It’s important to consider what their needs will be while they’re working and on the hunt. Whether it’s joint and hip support, skin/eyes/paw support or nutritional needs,  Tomlyn has just what you need. Tomlyn’s products will keep your high-endurance dog ready to go in the field and at home.  

The weather is getting much colder throughout the U.S., and with colder temperatures comes joint stiffness in our older fur-babies. This is primarily due to an increase in blood flow to the major organs, which is how the body stays warm. While the major organs have increased blood flow, this means that there’s less blood flowing to the limbs, making the joints colder and stiffer. As pets get older, the issue becomes more pronounced. Many older dogs and cats have a harder time getting exercise outside in the cooler weather. Joint health is especially important for short-haired dogs during the winter because they don’t have as much fur protection. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to tell when a pet is not comfortable. While dogs may show physical signs of discomfort, cats are more likely to hide their physical signs. Indoor cats may have fewer issues with the cold, but as they age, they may move around less. This is why it’s important to make sure even older cats get moderate exercise. Here are a few additional joint support tips: Exercise Often It’s essential to give your pets as much exercise as possible during winter, as well as year-round. Dogs need to exercise outdoors multiple times throughout the day. Taking older dogs on short walks will help prevent joint stiffness. Cats, especially indoor cats, need exercise too, and will play on their own if given the right toys and incentives.       Dress Warmly Cats usually have enough fur if they’re indoor/outdoor cats. It’s helpful to have a cat door so they have the opportunity to go inside whenever they need to get warm. Greyhounds and other short-haired dogs need extra layers. Make sure you have a sweater that fits your dog snugly, but don’t leave it on 24/7, as it can cause the fur to mat.      Don’t Overdo It Even though it’s important to give your pet exercise, it’s also important to pace your pet so that you don’t overdo it. For dogs, ask your vet to recommend the right amount of outdoor exercise in the winter. For cats, make sure you take them to the vet for regular visits because they tend to hide signs that they’re not comfortable.     Use Hip and Joint Supplements Hip and joint supplements are designed to offer a strong line of defense during times of cold weather and stress. High levels of creatine, which promotes muscle support in pets, can make a major difference. Tomlyn’s Joint & Hip Chews for dogs and cats contain high levels of creatine and other nutrients to help support healthy joints and connective tissue in your pets. Whether your goal is to support healthy joint structure and function or to help with flexibility and joint comfort, it’s important to speak with your vet before giving your pet a new supplement.   

In 2014 we saw photos of dogs chewing on their beds, videos of cats climbing curtains and testimonials telling of ferret curiosity. So it’s clear to the Tomlyn team that humans are not the only ones who should make some resolutions for 2015 at this time of year! Whether it’s a promise to work hard on kicking a bad habit, learn a new trick, tackle a fear, try something new or to just keep being your loveable four-legged friend – they can keep their promises on our Facebook and Twitter pages using #TomlynResolutions. Share away and encourage your pet pals to post their resolutions as well until Saturday, Jan. 10 for a chance to win some Tomlyn products! Need a few ideas? Here are a few resolutions from our pets to yours for encouragement in 2015:"To find the most comfortable place in the house for my naps." - Tabitha Cromer's cat, Roxy “I will not chew my mom’s shoes in 2015.” – Shannon Morlas’ dog   ”I will try not to scratch the window at the front door when I see cats, squirrels or my friend – the neighbor’s dog – go by.” – Darren Bartels’ dog, Leia  “I will not beg for treats every second of every day. I will also try to learn to clean up my ‘messes’ outside!” – Michael Ficke’s dog, Lucy  “I will try not to get on mommy’s couch when she leaves for work.” – Katherine Kear’s dog, Jasmine 

As we say goodbye to 2014 and hello to 2015, families around the country will be celebrating New Year’s Eve in their own ways - at home watching the ball drop in Times Square, attending a party, watching fireworks or popping their own. Of course, you want your four-legged friend with you to ring in 2015, but loud noises and changes in environment can cause your pet to be stressed. Here are seven tips to make sure your pet can enjoy the New Year’s Eve celebration, too! 1) Exercise Before the evening celebration commences, make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise. Besides having many health benefits such as weight control and reducing digestive and behavioral problems, it also helps your pet become less anxious and more peaceful at night after the celebration. 2) Try calming or stress-reducing supplements New Year’s Eve preparation and celebrations can bring big changes that can have a significant impact on your companion. Some signs that your pet may be stressed include excessive vocalization, isolation and a decrease in appetite. Calming aids, like Tomlyn's Relax & Calm Chews for Dogs and Cats, are a great way to alleviate pet stress. This product uses natural ingredients and is perfect for dogs and cats that are exposed to loud noises (like fireworks), traveling, large crowds or any change in environment.  3) No fireworks If possible, keep all pets away from fireworks displays, both when they are being lit and afterward. In addition to the loud noises being harmful to their ears, they can also be deadly if ingested at any time. Even a “burnt out” firework is not safe for your furry friend! If you do choose to pop fireworks in your yard, try to collect any of the leftover shells before allowing your pet in the yard the next day. 4) Safe haven If you're leaving for the evening or celebrating at home, providing your furry friend with a safe haven in your home is essential. Dogs that are crate trained will most likely be comfortable in there with their favorite toy, treats and a shirt or towel with your scent on it. Cats can be kept in bathrooms with water, food and their litter box. A nice, quiet room where your pet feels comfortable is also an option. 5) Music therapy Studies have shown that music and other soothing sounds can help pets with anxiety and behavior issues. Their internal organs speed up or slow down to conform to external rhythms. Playing music can calm your pet down, as well as block out the sounds of fireworks. 6) Tags Fireworks really scare dogs because they have sensitive hearing and sounds are magnified. They are known to jump fences, dig holes and run to escape these loud noises. Make sure your pets have up-to-date tags, a microchip and a fitted collar so they can be found just in case they do go missing. Better yet, bring your dogs or cats inside for the night!  7) No pampering If your pet hears loud noises, they may become distraught. Experts say that coddling your dog can reinforce their scared reaction. Instead, try to distract them with a game or a toy. Remain calm and collected, and it will help your pet do the same.

Although there is no cure for canine diabetes, if your dog suffers from the condition you can manage it with medication and special treatment. November is National Pet Diabetes Month, and we wanted to take time to share a few things you should know when it comes to monitoring your pet for signs of this growing canine disease.   Canine diabetes can sneak up on pet owners. The signs are often subtle, and when unrecognized, may result in life-threatening complications. Be aware of any change in your dog’s urination, water intake and body weight so you can detect possible early signs of diabetes. If you are concerned, collect a small amount of urine and check its glucose levels, then take your dog to your veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis. Most of the time, diabetes affects middle- to older-age dogs. It results when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, which allows sugar into the bloodstream to enter cells where it can provide calories and energy for cell function. High blood sugar in dogs Much like human diabetes, the most obvious signs of high blood sugar in dogs are increased water intake, increased urination and weight loss. Without early detection and treatment, canine diabetes will progress to a much more serious form known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a life-threatening alteration to the body’s normal metabolism that could lead to brain damage. Although there are at-home tests to check your animals for diabetes, the definitive diagnosis should be made by a veterinarian. Diabetes and diet While you can help manage diabetes through your dog’s diet, there is no diet or supplement that will reverse diabetes in dogs. It’s important for dogs with diabetes to eat a diet with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and increased levels of fiber. Pets with diabetes also need to eat specific amounts at specific times to help minimize fluctuations in blood sugar levels. If you’re concerned your pet is not getting enough nutrients, be sure to give them a high quality nutritional supplement for dogs (and cats) tod support a healthy and consistent diet. Again, remember that any time you have a concern about your pet’s health – particularly when it comes to diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, be sure make an appointment with your veterinarian! We’re always available to offer insight into our products. Just send us a message at tomlyn@tomlyn.com. We look forward to hearing from you! 

The changing of seasons brings with it environmental allergens and irritants that can affect the eyes, nose, skin adn other body systems of both people and animals. Most companion canines and felines will be able to adapt to these seasonal changes. But, for those animals that are not quite able to self-adjust, pet owners must intervene with baths, conditioning rinses, eye/ear drops, or other medications and supplements to help our four-legged friends get through the season. A pet’s ability to adapt to environment allergens is based on a variety of factors and to help prevent these allergens from affecting your pet’s immune system, here are a few tips to keep in mind: Keep your home low in allergenic potential. Vaccum alll carpeting and upholstry and wash all pet and human bedding at least every seven days. Keep windows closed and run an air filteration system on a year-round basis. Change filters on both heating and cooling systems per manufacturer guidelines. Bathe your pet every seven to 30 days (once weekly or once monthly) or as your pet’s veterinarian suggests based on your pet’s skin and coat needs. Use an eye irrigating solution, like Tomlyn’s Sterile Eye Wash – Opticlear™. This will help clear any discomfort and itching. Schedule a physical examination with your veterinarian every 12 months or more frequently depending on your pet’s age and health. Provide a freshly prepared, whole food-based diet with human-grade protein, vegetables, fruits, fats and fiber. Avoid ingredients lacking in protein and grain “meals and by-products” with artificial colors or flavors or other feed-grade components. Commit to readily resolving or managing disease conditions, like inflammation associated with illness that can negatively impact immune system health. Maintain your pet’s weight (ideally three out of three on the Body Condition Score) for the lifetime of your pet. If your pet is obese or overweight, this could cause unnecessary stress on all body systems and contribute to inflammation, which can cause serious health problems.

We’re excited to announce our newest team member, Tabitha Cromer, who joins us as marketing and product manager at Tomlyn. Tabitha has been in the marketing profession for more than 15 years. She brings a passion for and wide-ranging knowledge of marketing to Tomlyn from her previous experience working for a dog health product company, as well as others in California, Georgia and Alabama. We’re thrilled to welcome Tabitha to her new Texas home and hope you will take a moment to get to know her! Q: Tell us more about your new role at Tomlyn. A: I will be involved with the team increasing sales and building awareness of the Tomlyn brand. I’ll work on new product development, product launches, national marketing and advertising, developing branding materials and probably more to come as I get settled into the Tomlyn family.     Q: What motivates you on a daily basis?   A: I like to think my motivation lies in making a positive difference professionally and personally.   Q: What do you like most about Tomlyn? A: I love the team, and the products are great quality for pet parents!     Q: What is your favorite animal and why?   A: My favorite animals are cats. They are independent, playful and mysterious. The best part is when cats purr. I have adopted all my animals from rescue groups and currently own two cats, Roxy and Zeta.   Q: What is something you’re excited most about Texas? What will you miss most from San Diego? A: I’m excited about the Texas culture! And, I’ll probably miss our church home at Rock Church, as well as the gorgeous beaches – but we’ll be visiting!   Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? A: I love to experience new things; new hobbies, new places, meeting new people and trying new foods. Have other questions about our marketing or product departments? Contact us! We’re always available to offer insight into our products. Just send us a message at tomlyn@tomlyn.com

Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 8, 2014 – Tomlyn®, creator of pet health and wellness products, today announced the expansion of its team with a new marketing and product manager. Tabitha Cromer, who brings more than 15 years of professional marketing experience to the animal health industry, will be involved in building and developing Tomlyn's brand through product development and placement nationally."We're excited to have Tabitha join our team and strengthen our marketing efforts across the region and look forward to her contributions," said Eric Alsup, DVM, general manager of Vétoquinol, the parent company of Tomlyn. "Growing our marketing and product team with talent like Tabitha's will help Tomlyn continue to expand distribution to our consumers, and in turn, help enhance the bond between pet owners and their pets by providing pet health solutions with our products."Tabitha holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing with a minor in advertising from the University of Alabama. Before joining the team at Tomlyn she worked in various marketing manager and director roles at Innovacyn, Inc., Applied Solar, Inc., Solatube International, Inc., RTM Restaurant Group and BANGERS, L.P. She is a huge animal lover and has also served on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Escondido. Tabitha has also been an active volunteer at Humane Societies in Alabama, Georgia and California and adopts all of her furry friends from local rescue groups. Her and her family currently own two cats, Roxy and Zeta.Founded more than 35 years ago, Tomlyn has expanded its product line rapidly in the last two years. For more information about the company’s variety of scientifically formulated products for pets, visit Tomlyn.com.About Tomlyn®Tomlyn is a pet health and wellness company founded in 1976 that carries a complete line of the finest scientifically developed veterinarian-approved pet healthcare products. The company has a wide range of product categories, including: vitamins and immune support, high-calorie supplements, hairball remedies, dermatological, all natural remedies and sanitizers. Known as the maker of Nutri-Cal®, a high-calorie nutritional supplement, and Laxatone®, for the elimination and prevention of hairballs, Tomlyn is a division of Vétoquinol USA and owned by Vétoquinol SA, the tenth largest veterinary pharmaceutical company in the world. For more information about products for dogs, cats and other companion animals, visit Tomlyn.com.

This month’s Q&A; is with Dr. Brian McLaughlin, one of Tomlyn’s veterinarians who specializes in the know-how of our products and how they’re beneficial to your furry friends. This Q&A; focuses on puppy and kitten health and how Tomlyn’s products, Nutri-Cal® Puppy, Nutri-Cal® Kitten, Puppy Drops and Milk Replacer for Puppies and Kittens can help provide your pet with needed nutrients in the early stages of their lives. Q: How long have you worked with Tomlyn? Tell us more about your role at Tomlyn. A: I’ve been with Tomlyn for a little over two years now. My role as a veterinarian is to provide technical support to our representatives in the field and product managers in the office. On a daily basis, I work mostly with our representatives and clients in the Western and Central regions of the U.S., thoroughly answering questions submitted by our customers or providing support to our representatives. Q: How important is it for pet owners to include vitamins/high-calorie supplements in their pet’s daily routines?   A: First and foremost, it’s important to feed your pets a complete, balanced diet for growth and/or maintenance. The goal is to feed your pet food that is rated at least either four or five stars by the Association of American Fed Control Officials (AAFCO) during growth and adulthood. Supplementing with vitamins and high-calorie nutrients is important, specifically if there are signs of deficiency. Puppies and kittens have lots of energy and also use that energy quickly. If you notice your pet going into lull moments frequently, it is likely there is a drop in blood sugar, and they may need high-calorie supplements after consulting with your veterinarian. Q: Thinking about puppy and kitten health, why is a product like High Calorie Nutritional Gel for Puppies/Kittens (Nutri_Cal) beneficial? What does it offer for pet growth and development? A: These products provide a quality source of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and calories.  Your pet may need more energy or help with growth and development, and the vitamins in these products will help your pet develop properly. Across the board, it depends on the specific situation of the puppy or kitten or the weaning time period. For example, small-breed puppies tend to get low blood sugar and may need additional supplements to get through their first few months until they can become dependent on their own. This would be a great time for Milk Replacer for Puppies. At any age group, depending on what your using it for, Tomlyn has the product to supplement your pet during low-nutrient times. Q: Why do you suggest the use of a product like Puppy Drops? Aren’t there enough vitamins in the food I feed my pet? A: Our Puppy Drops offer several important vitamins, including iron to help support red blood cells, immune systems and development. The majority of foods made for pets contain adequate amounts of vitamins for optimum development. However, the use of Puppy Drops is necessary for situations where perhaps your pet is not eating enough, like after weaning or if overcoming an injury. If your puppy is sick, this could be another time where pet owners could use this product to assist in providing important vitamins and minerals. Q: What are the main differences in Nutri-Cal Puppies and Puppy Drops? Do they complement on another or should pet owners only use one or the other? A: The main difference is delivery of both products – one is a gel formulation and the drops are liquid based. It’s important to know that each product has subtle differences that both provide vitamins and minerals to support growth and development. One of the primary differences is that Puppy Drops contain more iron. Because there is some crossover with the ingredients, I would suggest only to use one at a time and not combine. Your veterinarian also will be able to let you know which product is best to use for your puppy. Q: What are the key things pet owners should consider when it comes to puppy and kitten health? A: First, provide adequate nutrition through a balanced, growth diet. It’s also important to focus on their behavioral health, providing exposure to other kittens, puppies, adult cats and/or dogs and people to help socialize them. Next, make sure you’re getting your pet on a schedule for proper feeding, vaccines, deworming, parasites, etc. If you’re noticing lull in energy, consider using supplements that provide your pet with quality nutrients and consult your veterinarian. Q: Tell us more about the Milk Replacer. Is it to supplement nursing puppies and kittens or to be used in the absence of a nursing mother? A: The Milk Replacer is a nutritionally complete milk replacer to be fed as a nutritional supplement when the supply of mother’s milk is inadequate or as a sole ration in the absence of the mother’s milk.  Tomlyn’s Milk Replacer contains colostrum, optimized levels of protein and fat, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from cod liver oil, and arginine. The product is also formulated with probiotics, which establish a normal bacterial population in the digestive tract.  When indicated, Milk Replacer may be used to supplement the mother’s ration in late gestation or early lactation to meet increased nutritional requirements. Q: What are the drawbacks of not using a supplement for my pet, if any? A: The uses of supplements for a pet are based on situational need. A lot of foods on the market provide adequate nutrients. But, if your puppy or kitten is in need of more nutritional support (again, correlating to weaning, energy reduction, illness, etc.), that’s when a product like Nutri-Cal Puppies or Nutri-Cal Kittens and Puppy Drops could be used. If a puppy is hypoglycemic or has low blood sugar a supplement may be needed to assist with these conditions. Q: Finally, tell us the most important thing to remember about owning a new puppy or kitten? A: When getting a new puppy or kitten, preventive health care is certainly important. Establishing your pet with a veterinarian and having a set schedule or health care plan to make sure your puppy and kitten is covered from diseases they may be exposed to over the first year and after is vital for their health. Nutrition for developmental growth and correcting behavioral issues are also important to consider when your puppy or kitten is still young.   Have other questions about puppy and kitten health or the products mentioned above? Contact us! We’re always available to offer insight into our products. Just send us a message at tomlyn@tomlyn.com.

Is your four-legged friend 100-percent adorable? Summer’s coming to a close, and we know you have some great photos of your pets from the season in the sun. So, we invite you to submit a photo of your lovable pet now for Tomlyn’s Summer Shenanigans Pet Photo Contest! The contest kicked off Monday, Aug. 18, and runs through Friday, Sept. 5. To participate, submit your summer pet photo through our Facebook page (remember, photos of pets only for this contest; no humans allowed). The deadline for photo submissions is Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. (CST). On Thursday, Aug. 28, the top 10 pet summer shenanigans photos selected by the team at Tomlyn will be posted on our Facebook page through the Woobox App. Fan voting will begin at 2 p.m. (CST) on Aug. 28. The last day of fan voting is Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. (CST). The photo with the most fan votes will be announced on our Facebook page Friday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. (CST). The winning pet will receive a gift basket of Tomlyn products valued at $100 and will be featured on our Facebook page throughout the month of September! Think your pet has what it takes? Head over to our Facebook page now to show off your furry friend’s summer shenanigans! Visit our Facebook page to enter and be sure to share so your family and friends can vote for your pet! Rules and Criteria: 1.     Pet owner participants must visit Tomlyn’s Facebook page to submit their pet’s photo via the Woobox App. 2.     Upload the cutest photo of your furry friend taken over the summer. 3.     Photos must be submitted by Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. (CST). 4.     The team at Tomlyn will select their choices for the top 10 summer shenanigans photos submitted and post those photos on our Facebook page through the Woobox App. 5.     Fan voting will begin at 2 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, Aug. 28. 6.     Please submit photos of pets only; no humans allowed in photos for this contest. 7.     All pet photo entries must be approved by pet owners for future use in social media posts and/or marketing campaigns. 8.     Ask your friends and family to vote by Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. (CST) Be sure to tag with #TomlynSummerShenanigans! 9.     One entry per person per pet (we don’t want to leave out pet owners with multiple pets). 10.  The winner will be announced on our Facebook page on Friday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. 11.  The winning pet will be featured on our Facebook page throughout the month of September and receive a gift basket of Tomlyn products valued at $100. 12.  No photos may be submitted that have been altered using PhotoShop, stitched or otherwise edited (filters, cropping and basic stuff are OK). 13.  Please message us on our Facebook page if you have any questions or concerns during the contest. We can’t wait to see the photos of your furry friends doing silly furry things! 

Summertime is great in that we are able to spend more time outdoors. Even though August marks summer’s coming to a close, it’s also the hottest time of year in many parts of the country, which means high temps, heartworm-causing mosquitos and lots of time at the pool. Here are some tips to remember to protect your pet through these last days of summer. Visit the vet. Make sure your pets get their yearly heartworm and flea preventive medication, particularly if you’re located in one of these hot spots for heartworm incidences. Know the warning signs. Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Don’t forget to protect your pet’s paws! If you think pavement is hot to your bare feet in summertime, just imagine how it feels to your pet! Try to walk your dog in grassy or unpaved areas during the hottest parts of the day to prevent damaging burns to their delicate pads. No parking! Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time (even with the windows open), which could lead to a fatal heat stroke. Take your furry friends home before running a quick errand. Make a safe splash. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and be certain they know how to get out of the pool on their own. Summer style. Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut will help prevent overheating. Shave down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so your dog still has some protection from the sun.

Tomlyn® prides itself not only on our products but also on the people who make our company great. We want to introduce you to the faces behind our products to give you insight into why we do what we do to ensure you have the best products possible for your pets! Our first Tomlyn Spotlight is with Dr. Jim Spiezio, veterinarian and scientific affairs manager for Tomlyn and our parent company, Vetoquinol, USA. Q: How long have you worked with Tomlyn and Vetoquinol, USA? A: I was in private practice for 11 years and then joined Vetoquinol/Tomlyn in September of 2008 (six years ago). Q: Tell us what you do for Tomlyn. A: As the scientific Affairs Manager, I generally work to keep our products up to date, and to ensure we’re meeting industry standards. Some of our products have been reformulated, and I’ve helped in that process, as well. I help disseminate the proper usage of our products to our staff and the public in general. I also work to keep track of product and consumer trends in the industry, while providing customer support all in an effort to continue to satisfy the changing needs of pets and their owners. Q: What makes Tomlyn’s products different from others on the market? A: First and foremost, I think the biggest difference is the quality of the Tomlyn line of products. Tomlyn produces products under the guidelines of current GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices) and the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council). Many of our competitors cannot say that. At Tomlyn, we pride ourselves on giving our customers the information and products they need, based on proven science, in order to better the lives of their pets. Tomlyn has been a sign of excellence in the pet industry since 1976, and since then we have been making improvements and innovating new products based on scientific facts, not old wives tails like so many others. Q: Which products were you involved in developing? A: I was involved in the making of Pill Masker, a product designed to make administering medications to dogs and cats easier by folding it around any size pill or capsule, making it a flavorful treat instead of a dreaded medicine. The L-lysine chews and powders for cats, and the Puppy Drops vitamins are two others I also helped develop. Q: Why did you decide to become a veterinarian and to work at Vetoquinol, USA/Tomlyn? A: I became a veterinarian because I always liked science and animals. When the opportunity came to join the Tomlyn family, I had been in private practice for 11 years, and this provided me a broader way to use my science background for the good of pets and their owners than did traditional practice. Q: What topics do you like discussing most with pet owners and customers about the products you develop and create? A: I enjoy talking about our L-Lysine products for cats. I really like explaining how it can help a cat live a longer and healthier life. Q: What question do you get asked the most by pet owners? What is your No. 1 piece of advice? A: Can I use (this product) to treat my dogs/cats problem? Do not wait to bring your animal to the veterinarian especially if it’s a puppy or kitten. Q: Which is your favorite animal? A: I have many animals that I admire and am truly unable to place one above the other. I’m interested in all kinds from raptors to ocean mammals. Q: What was the No. 1 influence on your becoming a veterinarian? A: My interest in biology and wildlife conservation. Q: What do you consider Tomlyn’s most popular product and why? A: There are two products I consider to be Tomlyn’s most popular; Nutri-cal and Laxatone for dogs and cats. Nutria-cal helps provide a high calorie easily digestible palatable source of energy for dogs and cats of all ages and Laxatone has provided so many cat owners with hairball relief over the years that it could be one of our best products of all time. Q: What motivates you on a daily basis? A: I enjoy the challenge of my job. Keeping abreast with the fast growing and innovative pet food industry. This industry is one that is really exploding and is geared toward doing real good in the life of our four legged family members. Those are good motivating things for me daily! Q: What three words would you use to describe Tomlyn’s products? A: Proven, Effective and Affordable.

Fort Worth, Texas, June 24, 2014 – Tomlyn®, creator of pet health and wellness products, today announced its attendance at SuperZoo 2014 with its new product line, Joint & Hip Chews, along with the launch of reformulated Relax & Calm Chews line. Both products will be on display at the company’s booth, No. 9017, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas July 22 through July 24. The launch of Tomlyn’s newest products features a fresh, new brand design, which better conveys the product and its use for pets. Additionally, Tomlyn continues its focus on enhancing the relationship between pet owners and their pets with the launch of these two products."We’re excited to showcase our ‘shiny new coat’ and bring our new and reformulated products to potential customers and retailers attending SuperZoo," said Katherine Kear, marketing and sales coordinator for Tomlyn. "Additionally, since we know attendees will have long days during the expo, we’d like to invite all attendees to our booth, No. 9017, to check out our new products and receive a complimentary chair massage." New to the Tomlyn family of products is the Joint & Hip line, veterinarian-formulated chew supplements designed to maintain healthy cartilage and support normal joint and muscle functions for cats and small, medium, large and senior dogs. The supplements are easy to administer (only one or two daily), which enhances compliance, and contain proven ingredients including glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin from a natural source, Perna canaliculus and creatine, plus EPA and DHA.Tomlyn also is re-introducing its Relax & Calm line, reformulated chew supplements designed to support balanced behavior, relaxation and reduce hyperactivity in dogs and cats. The chews are easy to administer and calm naturally, without causing excitation, and contain proven ingredients including chamomile, ginger and a high level of L-tryptophan as compared to other chews in the market. "Tomlyn has dedicated its efforts to helping enhance the bond between pet owners and their pets by providing relief for joints and hips and behavioral issues in cats and dogs," said Eric Alsup, DVM, general manager of Vétoquinol, the parent company of Tomlyn. "Both Relax & Calm and Joint & Hip help with these areas of concern, which have the most impact on the pet owner-pet relationship, including decisions to give up a pet to a shelter or have a pet euthanized later in life." Founded more than 35 years ago, Tomlyn has expanded its product line rapidly in the last two years. For more information about the company’s variety of scientifically formulated products for pets, visit Tomlyn.com.About Tomlyn®Tomlyn is a pet health and wellness company founded in 1976 that carries a complete line of the finest scientifically developed veterinarian-approved pet healthcare products. The company has a wide range of product categories, including: vitamins and immune support, high-calorie supplements, hairball remedies, dermatological, all natural remedies and sanitizers. Known as the maker of Nutri-Cal®, a high-calorie nutritional supplement, and Laxatone®, for the elimination and prevention of hairballs, Tomlyn is a division of Vétoquinol USA and owned by Vétoquinol SA, the tenth largest veterinary pharmaceutical company in the world. For more information about products for dogs, cats and other companion animals, visit Tomlyn.com.

Fort Worth, Texas, March. 6, 2014 – Tomlyn®, creator of pet health and wellness products, today announced the repositioning of their brand with the launch of a new product line, Joint & Hip Chews, along with the launch of reformulated Relax & Calm Chews line. Both products will be on display at the company’s booth, No. 2209, during the Global Pet Expo® annual trade show March 12 to 14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.The launch of Tomlyn’s newest products falls on the heels of a yearlong process of examining what the company means to its customers and what they want for their pets. The new products feature a fresh, new brand look designed to better convey the product and its use for pets. Additionally, Tomlyn continues its focus on enhancing the relationship between pet owners and their pets with the launch of these two products. v"We went directly to our consumers through focus groups and in-­-depth research – something our company had not done before – to identify how we can better serve pet owners," said Eric Alsup, DVM, general manager of Tomlyn. "To continue our efforts in finding new ways to meet the needs of pet owners and their pets, we have converted to a more user-­-friendly packaging that allows pet owners to understand how each product helps solve their pet’s problem at first glance."New to the Tomlyn family of products is the Joint & Hip line, veterinarian-­-formulated chew supplements designed to maintain healthy cartilage and support normal joint and muscle functioning for cats and small, medium, large and senior dogs. The supplements are easy to administer (only one or two daily), which enhances compliance, and contain proven ingredients including glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin from Perna canaliculus and creatine.Tomlyn also is re-­-introducing their Relax & Calm line, reformulated chew supplements designed to support balanced behavior, relaxation and reduce hyperactivity in dogs and cats. The chews are easy to administer and calm naturally, without causing excitation, and contain proven ingredients including chamomile, ginger and a high level of L-­-tryptophan."Tomlyn has dedicated its efforts to helping enhance the bond between pet owners and their pets by providing relief in joint inflammation and behavioral issues in cats and dogs," Alsup said. "Both Relax & Calm and Joint & Hip help with these areas of concern, which have the most impact on the pet owner-­- pet relationship, including decisions to give up a pet to a shelter or have a pet euthanized later in life."Founded more than 35 years ago, Tomlyn has expanded its product line rapidly in the last two years. For more information about the company’s variety of scientifically formulated products for pets, visit Tomlyn.com.About Tomlyn®Tomlyn is a pet health and wellness company founded in 1976 that carries a complete line of the finest scientifically developed veterinarian-­-approved pet healthcare products. The company has a wide range of product categories, including: nutrition/supplements, internal health, dermatology and home sanitizers. Known as the maker of Nutri-­-Cal®, a high-­-calorie nutritional supplement, and Laxatone®, for the elimination and prevention of hairballs, Tomlyn is a division of Vétoquinol USA and owned by Vétoquinol SA, the tenth largest veterinary pharmaceutical company in the world. For more information about products for dogs, cats and other companion animals, visit Tomlyn.com.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Feb. 20, 2013 — Tomlyn®, creator of pet health and wellness products, today announced the addition of a new company brand, Tomlyn Scientifics. The first products in this new line will be on display at Tomlyn's booth #2209 during the Global Pet Expo annual trade show, Feb. 20-22, 2013, in Orlando, Fla.Tomlyn Scientifics brings pet owners premium health and wellness solutions with products that have the quality found in vet clinics. The first products under Tomlyn Scientifics are L-lysine Chews and L-lysine Powder, both for cats and kittens, which are formulated for support of a healthy immune system and recommended for conditions responsive to L-lysine. LLysine Chews and Powder are not only veterinarian-formulated products, but they also carry the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal. NASC works with the makers of U.S. companion animal supplements to uphold products to the highest quality production and manufacturing standards.In addition, L-lysine Chews and Powder for cats and kittens help support normal respiratory health, and help maintain normal eye function. L-lysine Powder, in fish and chicken liver flavor, is highly palatable and easily administered orally. L-lysine Chews, which are fish flavored with a touch of Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, are administered easily like a treat for cats and kittens to enjoy."Tomlyn is proud to announce the addition of our new brand, Tomlyn Scientifics," said Peter Trevino, business unit manager for Tomlyn. "At Tomlyn, we strive to provide pet owners with the highest quality supplements available on the market, and Tomlyn Scientifics products stand up to that reputation."Founded more than 35 years ago, Tomlyn has expanded its product line rapidly in the last two years. For more information about the company’s variety of scientifically formulated products for pets, visit Tomlyn.com.About Tomlyn®Tomlyn is a pet health and wellness company founded in 1976 that carries a complete line of the finest scientifically developed veterinarian-approved pet healthcare products. The company has a wide range of product categories, including: nutrition/supplements, internal health, dermatology, and home/sanitizers. Known as the maker of Nutri-Cal®, a highcalorie nutritional supplement, and Laxatone®, for the elimination and prevention of hairballs, Tomlyn is a division of Vétoquinol USA and owned by Vétoquinol SA, the 10th largest veterinary pharmaceutical company in the world. For more information about products for dogs, cats and other companion animals, visit Tomlyn.com.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Sept. 11, 2012 — Tomlyn, creator of pet health and wellness products, today announced the company’s acceptance into membership of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). This recognition of the company and its products reinforces Tomlyn's reputation as one of the top developers and manufacturers of high-quality pet health and wellness products in the U.S.Founded in 2001, NASC seeks to protect the health of U.S. companion animals and horses by cooperating with state, federal and international government officials to regulate the manufacture and distribution of safe, high-quality animal health supplements. As an industry trade group, NASC works with the makers of supplements to ensure the safe production and manufacturing of these products, upholding them to the highest quality standards."Our company seeks to find solutions for common pet health and behavior needs," said Peter Trevino, business unit manager for Tomlyn. "By participating in NASC’s processes we hope to underline that providing well-made, useful pet health supplements is our priority, from the scientific formulations to the manufacturing process to ease of use. We share a common desire with pet owners to see animals thrive—and participating in an organization like NASC provides an additional comfort level that our efforts make life better for the pets themselves."Membership in NASC is voluntary for the makers of animal health supplements. As a member of NASC, and in order to obtain the NASC Seal of Quality for their products, Tomlyn undergoes NASC's required independent audits of their facilities. With these and other protocols in place, Tomlyn customers can have the peace of mind that the supplements they purchase for their pets from Tomlyn are of the highest quality. For more information about the company’s full line of scientifically formulated products for pets, visit Tomlyn.com.About Tomlyn®Tomlyn is a pet health and wellness company founded in 1976 that carries a complete line of the finest scientifically developed veterinarian-approved pet healthcare products. The company has a wide range of product categories, including: nutrition/supplements, internal health, dermatology, and home/sanitizers. Known as the maker of Nutri-Cal®, a high-calorie nutritional supplement, and Laxatone®, for the elimination and prevention of hairballs, Tomlyn is a division of Vétoquinol USA and owned by Vétoquinol SA, the 10th largest veterinary pharmaceutical company in the world. For more information about products for dogs, cats and other companion animals, visit Tomlyn.com.