Archive for the ‘Dog Health’ Category

Your Dogs Diet-Are Table Scraps Healthy?

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

All of us have done it. Our cute, little furry friend is practically smiling at us from beneath the kitchen table. Their ears are perked and their tail is waggling. We know what our dog wants. Just a tiny tidbit from dinner would be fabulous, right? What could it hurt? It is just a snack or two after all.

Hold Fido’s ears he will not want to hear this. A dogs diet really should not contain table scraps. People food is just that…for people. A dogs nutritional needs are not the like as a humans. Sure enough, we eat some of the same things, but giving your pet food from the table is one of the largest mistakes for your pet. A dogs diet does not want all the added goodies we add into our meals.

Individuals have often have weight problems like obesity. Well a dog can have this problem also. If your dogs diet involves mostly table scraps, then the chances are that your dog will not keep a healthy weight. Even a a couple of pounds over weight can make a great difference in the quality of health and length of your pets life.

When you have a dog who is not a picky eater, it can be tempting to let your pet be the garbage disposal in your home, but really, this is not a good idea. Certain people foods can harm your dog and should never be a part of your dogs diet. Grapes, for example, have been known to cause serious problems for dogs, even death. Chicken bones and popcorn can also be a problem for your dog. Permitting significant amounts of chocolate can be dangerous in a dogs diet.

A poor diet even shows up out in the yard. When your dogs diet is not at its best, your pets outputs will be bigger in size, smell, and mess. The benefits of choosing a healthy diet for your dog will be noticeable in your pets health, as well as, during those walks around the block.

There are the odd occasions when a supplement or treat from your kitchen may be okay to use, but never in excess. You should speak to your veterinary surgeon about the use of healthy snacks for your dogs diet. Many veterinaries recommend you give your pet ice cubes or pieces of carrot to snack on between there regular feeding times. By furnishing your pet these healthy choices to people food gives you the chance to select the right healthy and nutritious snack for your dogs diet.

The next time your pet begins eyeing your food, what you want to do is redirect their attention. Do not use your table scraps. Instead give your dog a refreshing ice cube to munch on. A baby carrot will keep your dog happy and make you feel good about the right options you have made for the nutritional value of your dogs diet. If you follow these steps, you will know that you are doing your best to give pet a high quality diet.

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All Natural Dog Food Is A Great Way To Keep Your Dog Healthy

Monday, November 10th, 2008

Pets are members of your family what is more, they need special attention in the matter of food. There are numerous advantages of feeding natural foods to dogs. All natural dog food is very rich in vitamin E and C, which is very important for their body.

Vitamin E keeps their coat healthy and vitamin C is good for their bone strength. All these vitamins have the same effect on your pet as they do to the human body. Vitamins such as, beta-carotene are a great help to remove toxins commonly known as free radicals, from their body.

Animals normally eat meat, thus their body gains lots of toxic material and the if toxic material is not withdrawn from their body, then there are lots of chances of them getting infected with diseases of the lungs and heart. It is advantageous to give supplements of all natural dog food day-to-day to keep their metabolic system free from infection and diseases.

All natural dog foods are a great source of fiber and antioxidant. Some of the natural food contains manganese, phosphorous, calcium and potassium all these vitamins and minerals are very much needed in their diet. There are many vegetables rich in antioxidant such as, dark leaky greens. By feeding all natural dog food in their meal is just like getting a insurance policy for your loving pet.

There is lots of proprietary natural food available in market for your pet. Yet, it is better to confer with your Vet before feeding canned natural food. The advice of a veterinarian is essential before going for a experimentation because some canned food is filled with bread.

Every pet owner feels his pet should have good breath, brilliant coat sheen, clean teeth, bright clear eyes and be healthy all the time. For this entire thing, the pet should have good quality of all natural dog food, because a complete diet can only bring this affect to your love able pet. One should take care about the health of their dog so that your pet will also live a longer life.

If your pets are properly fed with rich nutrition, then it will help prevent against common diseases. It is always advised that your vet recommends a holistic food diet or a home made food diet, thus, this will keep your pet away from artificial ingredients.

Certain foods should be avoided, these are foods containing a high amount of oil and low budget food supplements. Feed this type of food will lead to digestive troubles and could lead to hair loss as well.

Feeding all natural dog food has numerous advantages and when you visit your veterinary to ask for advice, you will find they will say it is best to give natural food to your dog. By using natural food as a diet you will be rewarded with a positive effect on your dogs behaviour. Such as, you will find they become more active and playful, and if your dog is quite aggressive, you may find it aids to calm them.

So feed your dogs with all natural dog food to keep them healthier.

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Proper Care for a Healthy, Happy Dog

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

When you first bring your new baby home, it is only sensible to continue feeding him the same food he is accustomed to. However, if you are concerned about his diet, ask your veterinarian or breeder what he recommends. If you choose to change the diet, do so slowly. For about a week, continue feeding the same food. Then, for the next three days, give him a 50/50 diet: half of the old food, half of the new. Observe his reaction and if all goes well, present him with 75 percent new food, 25 percent old. Eventually, you can move him to the new diet with no repercussions. There is a huge difference in the type of food available on the market. Be sure to check the ingredients list and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to check with a professional. And although your new friend might prefer the taste and texture of wet food, feeding him dry food (at least in combination) is a better solution for tooth cleaning.

Naturally, your little pal needs fresh water — a lot of it. Change the water frequently in his bowl and take care where you place this resource. Shade is a better option because the sunlight can cause the water to heat up rapidly. As for bowls, stainless is probably the best option because they are super easy to clean and therefore, more sanitary.

Grooming your dog is an absolute necessity. Short haired dogs can shed profusely without careful grooming with a short bristle brush. For longer haired dogs, make sure that you are caring for his undercoat by starting in the foot area, using a downward motion and moving up several inches at a time until he is completely groomed. He will love it! When you are ready to bathe your little beauty, please purchase a good dog shampoo — the pH levels in humans and dogs are not the same so he needs his own doggie soap.

Dental health should be high on your list of priorities for your little friend. Purchase a soft dog toothbrush, toothpaste and rinse for him. He may have a preference in flavors (just as you do) so don’t hesitate to try something different if he seems to rebel against the taste. Use a vertical motion when brushing and reward him with lots of good love and pets afterwards. This little ritual will soon become a normal part of his life and healthy teeth and gums will be in his future.

If you choose to trim your dog’s nails yourself, you need to realize that his nails contain a pink area and a white area. Be sure to leave a fair amount of white area when trimming. The pink area is very sensitive and contains blood vessels and nerve endings. If you cut into this segment, an “ouch” is sure to follow. If you are blessed with a dog that has black nails, just take him to the veterinarian or groomer to have his nails trimmed. This task is beyond most of us simply because we don’t really know where the nerves and blood vessels are located.

It is imperative that you find a veterinarian that you can trust — one who will help you keep your friend in optimum health. The first time you bring your new dog home, please take him immediately to your veterinarian for his first check up. If adopted from a kennel, he will definitely be checked for “kennel cough,” fleas, ticks and probably worms. If this is your first experience with a dog, inform your veterinarian of this. He will be more than happy to share his expertise with you, inform you how often your dog needs to be checked and how to keep his vaccinations up to date. Now, your little guy is not able to tell you verbally when he isn’t feeling up to par. But if you take the time to establish a firm relationship with him, you quickly will be able to catch abnormalities in his behavior and make a quick visit with his friendly doctor. A little tip — always keep your veterinarian’s phone number and the number of a 24-hour emergency clinic in an area where anyone who is caring for your dog will be able to see it.

Every dog owner needs to be fully aware of these simple guidelines. If you faithfully adhere to this program, your dog will surely live a long and healthy life, and you will be rewarded with his unending trust and love.

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Why The Food You Are Feeding Your Dog May Be Killing Your Pooch

Monday, October 27th, 2008

If you are a dog lover, it’s important you understand the dangers of using commercial dog food. With the number of dog food recalls that have happened in the recent future it’s no surprise more and more people are starting to research the food they are putting in their dog’s dish. Much of the dog food you find in the stores has been linked to all sorts of disease and illnesses - obviously you don’t want to put your pup’s health at risk.

The pet food industry did not just taint themselves, they also caused concern and heartbreak among many dog owners that will never be able to regain the faith that most of us all took for granted with this industry.

With all these recalls it is going to be difficult for the dog food industry to ever regain the trust of thousands of dog owners. Many people lost their pets because of tainted food that made it into their house.

The problem isn’t just with dog food that has been recalled - it extends far beyond this. Commercial dog food is produced in a way that would make most people cringe. Since it’s all about cutting costs for the companies they put in all sorts of fillers that have been linked to all sorts of health problems.

It’s no mystery that there has been a huge trend in healthy eating. As humans we are becoming more aware of the benefits of eating a healthy diet and eating nutritious food to keep our bodies well fueled.

Yet, do we consider what foods we purchase for our dogs to eat? Are we simply buying certain dog food based on what we think our pets like the best to eat? You owe it to your pooch to pay close attention to what you are putting in it’s precious tummy.

The companies that produce commercial dog food rely on some of the worst possible ingredients when they put together their “formulas”. They look for the cheapest ingredients that just meet the laws in order to make the most money. The health risks are horrendous.

Corn gluten meal is a by-product. This is added to absorb the toxins of the food as it is being cooked and processed. Unforunately dogs don’t digest corn very well. In fact, corn is one of the biggest causes of allergies in dogs. The reason many commercial dog food companies use corn is because it is a very cheap source of protein and is used as filler in the food.

Another disturbing ingredient used in dog food is chicken by-product meal. Where this comes from is sickening - it is made up of chickens feet, intestines, necks etc. Again, it is an inexpensive ingredient that they are trying to claim is a source of protein. However, the protein is useless and this also has the potential to be tainted or toxic.

Soybean meal is an ingredient that is used in order to provide a source of protein. It’s cheap and is found in many dog foods. The problem is that soybean is the number one cause of allergies in dogs. It annoys me that they would include an ingredient that they know so many dogs will have a reaction to.

There are other ingredients to consider, but I think you have gotten the gist of why some of the major brands of dog food that are on the supermarket shelves should be avoided.

When you do your research about feeding your dog the right foods, you will be amazed at the changes you see. Your dogs mood, energy levels, skin, bathroom habits and even their behavior will improve. It’s amazing what a change in diet will do.

Does this mean that you can’t ever use store-bought dog food? Of course not, but you absolutely must know what to look for. We included a link at the bottom of this article where you can find more information.

It’s easy to find a diet for your dog that doesn’t include any of the nasty ingredients that you find in most of the commercial dog foods in the stores. The benefits to your dog are simple - a healthier, happier, and longer life!

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Caring for Your Small Dog Breed

Monday, October 20th, 2008

Owning a small dog really isn’t that much different to owning a large one. Having said that, there will be some things that will need to be changed for it to be a success. Illustrated below are some points you will need to consider for the daily requirements for a tiny breed of dog.

What are you going to feed your dog?

Of course eating is the most obvious daily activity but the average kibble available from the grocery may be over-sized for your dog. You have to ensure that the kibble is convenient to be used by his minute mouth and these are easily procurable among some of the premium brands of dog food. It is also recommended to offer the Lilliputian canines some canned soft foods.

How to contain them:

It is easy for them to run around and go to the toilet outside providing the area is secure isn’t it? However, fencing used to contain a larger dog may have spaces below or in between for the smaller dog to pass through and escape. Another problem is safety from above because it has been known for large birds of prey to swop down and carry of tiny dogs without any problem whatsoever. Hence, get your pet a kennel which is covered on the top for the right protection.

Dog training:

While tiny dogs aren’t any harder to train than large dogs, the consensus of many pet experts is that many of them end up spoiled. However tiny your dog may be, the small dog is still a follower of pack behavior where the important thing to remember is that you do not lead the pack, the dog does. Getting them house trained is just as important too even though their mess might not be as great, this is still an important issue that must be dealt with. Dogs are naturally working creatures with many types bred purely for this function so this should also refer to your pet too. Never reward a dog with goodies or a meal till he has perfected your command for doing tricks or even simple jobs like sitting or fetching.

His appearance:

A small dog needs special sprucing and you have to bear this in mind. One such need is frequent manicuring since these tiny animals spend less time on rough surfaces than larger dogs, which usually wears the nails naturally. If the pet is on soft canned diet, make sure that he brushes his teeth at least twice a week. Small dog care is not that different for a large one except you have to be aware of certain needs that will affect a smaller animal. The differences between each dog, may look minor and insignificant, but when you pay extra attention to each one aspect, it can provide the correct answer to a dog’s specific requirements.

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Homemade Dog Food: How To Help Your Dog Stay Healthy

Sunday, October 12th, 2008

With all of the uncertainty about food safety today, many dog owners have started making their own dog food. Homemade dog food is actually quite easy to make. In fact, dog owners who make their dog’s food usually discover that the process saves them money, while also ensuring their dog is fed healthy foods. But, before you decide to make your own dog food, you must consider the Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of kibble.

Expert opinion is that the most healthful diets for dogs should be made up of 70% carbs, 25% meats, and 5% vegetables and other ingredients. Because dogs are omnivores, they need to get their nutrition from both meat and vegetable sources. Flours, garlic, and bonemeal are also okay to incorporate.

There are many sources for the carbohydrates in your dog food mix. Flours, cornmeal, oats and different kinds of rice are sound options for the base of your homemade dog food. Most of your dogas food regimen should be made up of good carbohydrates such as these.

The next ingredient in the dog food should be healthy meats or proteins. You can use lean beef, chicken, fish, even egg whites. Think of these are you refer to the Dog Food Analysis iia Review of kibble. A helpful tip is to break up or mince the meat before you add it, as it makes it easier to work with.

To ensure your dog receives all the nutrients he needs, many other foods can be added to dog food. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, corn, and spinach are all healthy additions. It is always a good idea to grind the vegetables to aid in your dog’s digestion process. Bonemeal or dehydrated milk can be added to boost calcium.

When youare set to begin making the dog food, all you have to do is mix the ingredients together with a little water and cook it all until all of the protein or meat is fully cooked. An example of an easy recipe is to mix one cup of cornmeal, one fourth of a cup of ground chicken and one tablespoon of ground carrots. To this, add a sprinkling of bonemeal. Mix all of the ingredients together in a pan with half a cup of water and cook on medium-low until the chicken is fully cooked. Homemade dog foods can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

There are a couple of ingredients to avoid when you make dog food at home. Anything containing caffeine, such as chocolate, can cause seizures in dogs. There are also foods such as grapes, avocados, and onions, that can be very unhealthy for dogs and should also be avoided.

When you make your dogas food at home, you can ensure that your dog is eating healthily. Certainly, ask your vet about the Dog Food Analysis iia Reviews of kibble. On the whole, making your dogas food at home is how you can ensure your dogas health and save money at the same time.

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Dog First Aid - How Can I Do CPR on My Dog?

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

Just like a human being, in the event of a traumatic accident you can administer CPR to your puppy. There are a lot of accidents that your dog could face that may require Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. If your dog is playing with an electrical cord and get shocked or even if your puppy is hit by a car, his heart or lungs could stop functioning and in the event that this happens, knowing the proper first aid that can save your puppies life is important to any pet owner.

In today’s article we are going to discuss basic artificial respiration as well as CPR that you can give your dog in case the situation calls for it. Please know that the following steps are just basic guidelines and you are encouraged to take a small class on first aid so that you can be better equipped to handle an accidental injury to your puppy or dog.

1) For Starters, if you find your puppy lying on the ground injured, the very first thing that you must do is to check for the heartbeat. If there is no heartbeat to be found, then you must immediately start to administer CPR to the dog.

a) Place your hand on one side of your puppy’s chest. If he is a large dog then roll him on one side of his body. b) Then start compressing the area of the heart on his chest in short bursting movements, one compression for each second. c) Administer one breath of air every six seconds (follow steps 2-6 below). If successful, your puppy will spring back to life.

2. The second first aid tip on your checklist is to check to see if there are any objects or obstructions in your dog’s mouth. If you notice any blood or mucus, clear it out as best possible.

3. In order to make sure that the puppy’s airway is clear, pull the tongue out of his mouth. Then shut his mouth gently.

4. Next pull the lips over your dog’s mouth and make them secure by wrapping your hand around the mouth and under the chin.

5) Using your other hand you will create the tunnel for the breath of air making sure that it is as air tight as possible

6. Now slowly but smoothly take a deep breath and exhale the air gently into his nose. Repeat this breathing action on your puppy every six seconds.

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What Are You Feeding Your Dog?

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

Food is important for human beings as well as animals. Human beings require essential nutrients like vitamins, proteins and minerals for their all round growth. In the same way dogs also require nutritious food. This article will help you choose ‘Quality Dog Food’ for your dog.

Its very important that you choose the right kind of food for your dog. Lots of dog owners ignore the health of their pet. Understand that if you truly want to increase your dogs life span it is essential that you choose a high quality dog food.

So many people think that commercial food is better than organic food. But this far from the truth, commercial food may not have the essential nutrients your dog need. In fact commercial dog food contains preservatives that are unhealthy for your dog.

A remarkable fact is that it is quite easy to prepare dog food at home. However, for making the right kind of food for your dog at home, you must make yourself aware of the nutritional requirements of your pet dog.

Never choose a food based on its stylish bag. Advertisements found on commercial brands of dog foods are often misleading. Dogs are carnivores; they must have meaty foods on a regular basis. However, different breeds and types of dogs have different nutritional needs.

Cooked bones are harmful for the health of your dog. Similarly, tea, chocolates and grapes are harmful for your dogs. Do not give salty foods to your pet dog. Dogs cannot digest cooked vegetables. Spicy foods are also hazardous for your dog’s health.

Dogs need more than meat and protein; they must have carbohydrates, fat, minerals and vitamins to grow. Your dog can have muscle spasms as a result of eating that is not fit for it. Your veterinarian can help you to select a Quality Dog Food.

There are many web sites from where you can download free dog food recipes. In order to differentiate high ‘Quality Dog Food’ from low quality dog food, you would need a little bit of experience. Dogs are the most faithful animals on earth. If kept properly, they can keep you happy 24×7.

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Dog Health Diagnosis and Holistic Dog Health

Tuesday, October 7th, 2008

Holistic dog health is quickly becoming the way for owners to make sure that their beloved pets have a reliable dog health diagnosis for any health issue that arises, and that they remain healthy and playful, and that they live long, happy, and full lives.

Perhaps the most important aspect for a dog’s health would be a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to make sure the joints, organs, and digestive systems make work in harmony. The skin and coat of your dog is probably the first sign either of health or illness in a dog. A great diet for your pet dog is holistic in approach, with meals consisting primarily, though not exclusively, of meat. The most important thing is to avoid processed foods.

Once you have a dog health diagnosis, you can go the conventional treatment way, or use a combination of various essential oils, flowering essences, plant extracts, and certain herbs. You can consult with a holistic veterinarian, or you could do your own research on holistic dog health care and run your ideas past your vet before embarking upon a holistic treatment regime. These ancient healing practices have in recent years found their way into pet care and are now becoming increasingly popular as more and more dog owners are looking for safer, healthier, and less invasive alternatives to treating their pets.

Calendula and chamomile may be recommended for promoting the healing of wounds, with the latter often being used for the treatment of respiratory ailments also. If your dog is suffering from constipation or a bowel disorder, crushed flaxseed mixed with plenty of water may be helpful. Dry, itchy skin, can be soothed with oats, and if your dog is having trouble sleeping, you may well find that lavender essential oil may help your to relax fall asleep just as well as it will work for yourself if you suffer from insomnia.

Your vet can provide valuable input and recommendations in relation to holistic dog health care, but if you have a vet who is not interested in discussing alternative health methods with you, you should do your own research, as well as consider finding another vet who is willing to listen to your views about the use of alternative treatments for your dog.

Nowadays, many veterinarians are developing faith in a holistic dog fitness approach, and are using it as a way to augment their practices. A veterinarian who practices holistic pet care treats animals as a whole, rather than identifying a certain problem and prescribing one type of treatment related to that specific injury or illness.

As an example, if your dog presents with a skin rash displaying symptoms like itching, irritation, redness, and possible infection with concomitant fur loss, a presciption from a “traditional” vet would certainly include an antibiotic and maybe an ointment for the itching.

While a “regular” vet would probably prescribe an antibiotic to treat most skin irritations and infections, as well as a topical ointment to address the itching, a holistic veterinarian will probably place more emphasis on finding out what could have caused the rash to occur in the first place, which, of course, was the root of the infection. With holistic care, the dog’s indoor and outdoor environment, his daily lifestyle, eating habits and nutritional intake are all taken into consideration before attempting to diagnose or treat the animal.

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Parvo - What to Look for

Monday, October 6th, 2008

Before we look at the symptoms of parvovirus in your dog lets take a look at what it is, what it does and how it is spread. Parvovirus is a virus first identified in 1978 that spread worldwide in just two years. Over the years, the virus has mutated into two distinct strains and there is evidence of a third strain in Spain, Italy and Vietnam. All cases of canine parvovirus or CPV come from the first two strains. It was originally thought that the virus would mutate into the feline panleukopenia, a feline parvovirus but this was found to be untrue. All species have their own parvovirus but it is not spread outside the species.

It is evident that parvovirus cannot be spread from a cat to a dog or from a bird to a cat. However, it can be spread by contact. For instance, if your cat would wander through your neighbor’s yard and would pick up the virus on her feet, she can track it inside of your house and infect your dog. Sadly enough, my neighbour’s puppy contracted parvo virus. The puppy had all of the classic dog parvo symptoms, yet my neighbour really did not know what was wrong until he took the puppy to the vet. Once he did that, treatment began immediately. After several days of intensive treatment, the puppy was free to come home.

The parvo virus works in two ways either through the intestines or through the heart. When a dog gets an intestinal infection, it is picked up by the animal through oral contact with contaminated feces. Simply put, your dog would have to come into contaminated feces from another dog. The intestinal dog parvo symptoms occur when the virus attacks the bone marrow, rapidly dividing cells in the intestinal crypts and the lymph nodes. This allows normally occurring bacteria from the intestines to enter the blood stream to make the animal septic. The virus can be shed in the stool for up to three weeks thus making this a very contagious disease for pets that have not been inoculated.

The cardio form of this infection is usually seen in puppies that are infected before birth or shortly thereafter. It is noteworthy that the cardiac form of CPV is not as common since the mother passes immunity on to her pups from birth. The parvo virus will then attack the heart in the infected puppy and death will occur shortly afterwards.

Symptoms of CPV usually present within 3-10 days of contact and they include lethargy, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. The diarrhea then causes severe dehydration and secondary infections. These are the actual causes of death rather than the virus itself.

Survival rate depends on how quickly parvo virus is diagnosed and treatment is begun. If it is not caught early enough, the best treatment is an IV through which fluids are pushed to re-hydrate the dog more quickly. In addition to the fluids, antibiotic and anti-nausea shots may be given intramuscularly. With the proper care the prognosis is good, but without it your dog is sentenced to an early death. There has been some evidence that the human antiviral, Tamiflu, can be effective in treating parvovirus, but there are not studies to substantiate this. A veterinarian will recommend that you get your pet vaccinated against parvo approximately eight weeks after the puppy is weaned. With the prevalence of this virus and its ability to kill, some precaution should be taken to protect your dog. Get your puppy vaccinated ? we speak from experience!

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