Showing posts with label Dog Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dog Care. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Some Guidance For DOG Owners And Buyers

Shepador Chewer
Shepador Chewer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A dog is a great pet. Dogs are beloved pets virtually everywhere for good reason. They're active, loving and loving. They are going to stick by your side. Because of this, you should be a good friend to your dog and supply them with everything they require. These are some paths to do that.

Look into subsidized medicare for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, along with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or fixed and immunized for a tiny part of vet costs at a sponsored event likely close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your city.

Treatment

When taking your senior dog to the vet for an annual visit, make certain to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to spot any dog worms treatment, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is often minimally invasive and less dear. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for several years to come.

When you're canine training, use the method of positive beefing up. Rewards and praise work better and quicker than violence and predominance. Treating your dog humanely when training is what is handiest and what will be best for him. Always treat your dog with kindness during training so you will see a miles better result.


If your puppy or dog is continually gnawing up your furniture, invest in some chew-toys. Scatter them around the floor, particularly around the legs of the settee and end-tables. Be positive about your offers to play with the chewies with your dog to urge frequent use. This should finally deter him from chomping your furniture.

If you are in the marketplace for a new puppy, make sure you will have sufficient time to devote to his coaching. On average, you want to take a puppy dog outside to do his business eight times each day and that can take a lot away from your list. Coaching takes more tenaciousness and time than most people realize.

Care

Owning a dog is a sizeable monetary commitment. You have to pay for top of the range food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This will cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of greenbacks every year. Emergency vet care is awfully costly, in a number of cases thousands of bucks so you might like to consider buying pet healthcare insurance.

Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by car. Even with your air-conditioning on, the dog may become over-heated in his pet carrier. A straightforward and inexpensive countermeasure is freezing one or two-gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he'll curl up and cool down.

Always remember that you are accountable for the welfare of your dog. This info will help you take great care of your pet. It's vital to provide your dog with a good environment and take excellent care of it so it lives a long contented life.

    About the Author: Edna Torres


Monday, July 9, 2018

Yikes I Saw A Flea On My DOG

Scanning Electron Micrograph of a Flea. See be...
Scanning Electron Micrograph of a Flea. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
At some stage of your pet's lifespan every pet owner will have to deal with the problem of fleas, ticks and mites. If left untreated they can take over your pet's skin and coat so it is really important to keep it under control. It's best to stop the problem before it gets out of control. Rather treat your pet for a few fleas than treat the whole house for an infestation! 

There are some misconceptions about fleas. It is not something that only happens to dirty animals! In fact it is probably more common in clean animals because fleas prefer a clean coat. Coming into contact with other animals also causes exposure to the problem and can start a flea problem in your home.

Fleas, mites and ticks are parasites with a short lifespan so they reproduce quickly. Female fleas can lay up to 25 eggs a day. So you can see just how quickly the problem can get out of hand! They tend to prefer warm conditions so summer and spring are the most troublesome times for pets and owners. 

The main thing is that you want to catch the problem early! This means brushing your dog often and inspecting their coat. Fleas, ticks and mites are tiny black, brown crawling creatures that can even look like dirt. It may help for you to examine the fur under their ears and arms/legs. Fleas like warm places. You can also sea flea egg sacks and flea droppings in their fur if you look closely. If you still cannot see the fleas try combing your dog on a bright surface, something like a piece of paper should work well. 

This is a problem that needs to be treated right away. Instead of heading for the pet store to buy expensive over-the-counter treatments, sprays or dips you should rather seek professional help right away. It will save you time. Your vet should have some pamphlets or handouts about flea control. Some vets even prescribe oral treatments if the problem is out severe. 

If you choose to shop for the products yourself you will need to read the labels carefully to check that you are not inadvertently poisoning your pet! Never allow your pet to ingest any of the products you use; they are highly poisonous. It's also important to protect their eyes from these harsh chemicals. There is a lot of disagreement about whether or not flea collars work. They tend to kill fleas in a localized area around the collar. 

It is important to treat your home for fleas as well. Fleas can survive in almost anything in your home-furniture, rugs and bedding. Any flea treatments will be pointless if the flea's eggs or fleas themselves remain in your living space. 

To clean your home properly you will need to sanitize and clean the areas where the pet sleeps. Depending on the severity of the problem you may need to throw away blankets that have become infested with eggs. Often - just washing the affected bedding in hot water and some flea shampoo should do the trick. Rather safe than sorry though - if in doubt toss the bedding. Having to have your home fumigated will cost a lot more! 

Fleas can become a nightmare for any pet owner. Rather stop the problem early - check your pet everyday for fleas and regularly use a preventative product approved by your vet.



Saturday, May 12, 2018

DOG CLOTHES - Fad, Fun Or Functional??

leisure
Photo  by annrkiszt 
Your dog is not just a pet. Your dog is not just an animal. Your dog is a bona FIDO member of the family!! So, of course, your dog needs to dress the part – right?

Well, thanks to the internet and the many online boutiques you can dress your dog for every occasion from the comfort of your own home. No more “granny’ knitted sweaters for your sophisticated canine!! But is dressing up your dog just something that you like to do? Is there any benefit to your dog? It all depends on why you bought the clothes!!

A Dog Coat can be a very useful item of clothing for your dog. It can keep him warm in the cold weather, dry in the wet weather and can protect him from infections in the same way that our clothes protect us. It can also keep him clean which may be especially useful after a romp in the park on a wet winter’s day. Just take the coat off after it’s dirty and keep most of the dirt contained. Then you can let your clean(ish) dog into the car which helps keep the car cleaner. Dog coats come in many different styles and colors so pick the coat that's most appropriate for its use. And of course what dog would be seen out without the matching doggie hat??

Just like people wear, you can get ‘designer’ labels for your dog to make him feel like a million dollars, (and it probably costs that too). Many celebrities always have their dogs dressed in the latest doggie fashion. A practice that Paris Hilton with Tinkerbell has raised to an art form, or so it seems!

Apart from coats and sweaters, other useful dog clothing items include dog t-shirts and dog sunglasses. These can look cute but they do also serve to help protect your pet. The sunglasses can protect him from UVA and UVB rays and the t-shirt helps protect his skin. Dogs can develop skin cancer the same way that people can and this is one of the main cancers in dogs. And you thought it was just to make Fido look cute!!


As you can see, getting clothing for your dog is not just vanity on your part, although it is fun dressing up your dog. It can also play a vital role in keeping your dog healthy and happy. And if you do get the urge to step out on the wild side – get your dog some formal wear or a great costume for Halloween – go on have fun and buy your dog some great clothing today!!






Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Preparing Your DOG For A Walk

Walk Your Dog Austin's Dachshund Race
Photo   by MarkScottAustinTX 
You are not alone if it feels like your dog is walking you rather than you walking the dog every time you head to the park. If dogs drag their owners along or darts here and there sniffing and exploring, many find going for a walk with them to be an irksome experience. You can train a dog to walk properly to let you be the guide and let your pet have a great time.

Your relationship with your pet is associated with your dog's leash-walking habits and you might be surprised to learn about this. Instead of owners setting the pace and guide the experience, dogs control the walk and have to be dragged away from bushes and trees. During the walk, the dog is unaware of its owner for the most part. Dogs consider the leash to be an impediment which keeps them from going at whatever pace they want and where they want.

An experience that is pleasant for both the dog and the owner is what all of us really want. You don't want to keep untangling yourself from the leash as your dog wanders about, neither do you want to be dragged along. What that said, training your dog how to walk properly while on a leash is required. It's up to us to provide this dog obedience training since they are not born knowing how to do this.

With the number of different dog leash training methods available today, it is important to find a method that truly teaches you how to understand your dog's very specific personality. If both of you can learn to understand each other, it will be a lot easier to adjust to the training. Additionally, spending time playing with your dog is ideal prior to the walk. The main exercise of the day is often found by walking them and if you burn off energy before your training walks then your dog is more apt to follow along. Spending time before walking them by playing fetch or running around in the house makes the dog feel more relaxed and less resistant to training.

Proper dog training is one of the best investments you can make. Not only will you learn how to teach your dog to behave properly, it will improve the bond and relationship between the two of you. Often one of the main reasons why people forgo dog training is that they simply don't have time to attend a class. With work and family obligations it's often difficult to fit in a scheduled dog training class. For these people, it might be best to opt for a DVD training system, such as The Dog's Way.



Spread over five DVDs are 12 lessons with a workbook that follows along with each lesson with reminder cards that you can take on walks and access to a private, students-only website with extra problem-solving tips is what consists of this obedience training systems. All types of basic behavior such as training a dog to sit and stay walk loosely on a leash, coming when called, staying quiet and much more are included in these dog training video lessons.




Thursday, April 12, 2018

Helpful Products For BLIND DOGS And Helpful CARE Hints

English: Australian Shepherd with Microphthalm...
Australian Shepherd with the microphthalmic eye, from Gypsy's Eye Blind Dog Rescue (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A blind dog can still lead a happy life. There are many products for blind dogs that help them to do just that. It is important that you treat your pet just as you always did. If you treat your canine like he or she is fine, they will adjust. If you treat your canine differently and feel sorry for the dog, the dog will pick up on your sadness and it will be bad for the canine.

One of the best things that you can do for a dog that cannot see, treats it like every other dog. A dog has a very good memory and will often be able to navigate its own home and other areas that he is used to spending time in. Many people who see your pet in its own environment, may not even realize he is unable to see.

No matter how careful you are, there is always the chance that a pet can escape. This is scary for dog and human. A medical tag should be attached to the collar. If anyone stops to help the escape artist, they can see right away that the dog has lost its vision and will need some extra help getting home to you.

A hoop harness is another product that is helpful for any dog who cannot see. The hoop harness consists of a harness with a loop on the front. The loop is held several inches in front of a dogs face. This way instead of your pup walking into walls and other things, the hoop hits the object first. This alerts the animal to walls, and furniture, and prevents possible injury.

The scent of a dog is amazing. They can smell things in the air that humans are clueless about. For this reason, using scented markers can help your pup find dishes, her bed, and another item that she must get to. They work well and they are reusable. They can be easily freshened up each month for continued use.

There are leashes that are made for vision impaired and disabled dogs. They allow you to lead the dog so that he or she knows where to go. They are unlike traditional leashes in that they are short and not made for taking walks. They are wonderful for helping you to help your pet.




As mentioned, your dog will not likely need help to navigate through their own home. That is unless you rearrange the furnishings. This can be very difficult for a blind dog. It is best to avoid moving your furniture, or the dog's bed and other items.

Help your pet to live a happy and rewarding life by keeping the above suggestions and products in mind. With a few helpful items, the animal will be able to figure out his surroundings. Your dog can still be taken for walks, always on a leash, of course. Your dog will still enjoy playtime with you and cuddle on the couch. Continue to love him just as you always did.


    About the Author: Tammie Caldwell


Sunday, March 25, 2018

Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats

230
Epilepsy in dogs and cats is similar to that in humans. The main symptom is a type of seizure. Seizures can come in many forms and several of these are listed below:


Generalized Seizures


Generalized seizures are the most common type of seizures in dogs and cats. There are several variations of these seizures:

1. Absence seizures (petit mal): sudden brief loss of consciousness, rare in animals
2. Myoclonic seizures: muscle jerk of one or more muscles
3. Clonic seizures: rhythmic muscle contractions
4. Tonic seizures: increase in muscle tone in all skeletal muscles
5. Tonic Clonic seizures (grand mal): the most common form of seizure in pets




Tonic Clonic Seizures


Tonic Clonic (grand mal) seizures account for 60% of seizures in cats and 80% of seizures in dogs. They are usually accompanied by a loss of consciousness, and consist of a tonic phase, where the increased muscle tone causes the animal to fall on its side with its limbs extended, and a clonic phase, consisting of intense muscle jerking or paddling movements. 

In order to diagnose true epilepsy, other causes of seizures must be first ruled out. Once a tentative diagnosis of epilepsy has been made (by excluding all the other known causes of seizures), the animal can be prescribed anticonvulsant drugs. These drugs are not appropriate for animals with seizures caused by a problem outside the brain. The overall goal of anticonvulsant therapy is to eradicate all seizure activity, but this is rarely achieved. A more realistic goal is to reduce the frequency of the seizures to a level that is acceptable for the owner, without having negative side effects for the animal. 


Since epilepsy is not curable, the owner must be prepared to give the medication for the rest of the animals life.




Saturday, March 24, 2018

PARVOVIRUS & Discussion Of ASPIRIN For Dogs

English: High mag. Image: Parvovirus infection...
High Mag. Image: Parvovirus infection
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you want to talk about the parvovirus - often shortened to "parvo" - as it relates to dogs, there are two main categories to consider. Depending on the age of the dog being affected, the virus in question may be associated with the intestines or the heart, both of which are vital for the dog's long-term condition. As serious as this condition is, you may still wonder what it is all about. For those who do not know, here are a few details to consider, aspirin for dogs included.

Like one could imagine with any virus, the way that parvovirus is spread is from one being to the next. When a human or creature comes in contact with an infected dog's waste, they stand the chance of passing that condition along to others. This is even more noteworthy when you consider that the illness in question can last for a number of months in the open air. For this reason, as well as others, the idea of solutions has a greater level of importance.

To some degree, I think that there is a help to be had with alternatives to aspirin for dogs. As for Assisi Animal Health, in addition to other companies, will tell you, this particular condition can be characterized by a number of symptoms. However, with the discomfort that vomiting and the like can cause, wouldn't it make sense for the aforementioned alternatives to be brought into the fold? It's just a matter of understanding what's safe for dogs to use.

If you want to talk about long-term solutions to this very problem, vaccinations cannot be overlooked. Your dog is unlikely to catch the condition when he or she is young, meaning that you should see your vet for the appropriate shots. For dogs with the parvovirus already, veterinarians may issue antibiotics in addition to extensive therapy sessions. Once these are given and carried out, it's easy to see that your dog's condition will become better.


These are just a few of the essential details to cover when it comes to the parvovirus. Dogs may contract this disease, which makes it all the more important for pet owners to exercise the greatest level of care imaginable. You have to know that a condition like this can only be helped by respectable authorities, veterinarians being the most helpful. Make it a point to consult those in the medical field and, before long, you'll have all of the information and care you could want.




Thursday, March 8, 2018

CLIPPING a dog

Patti's Pet perfection
Photo  by Patti’s Pet Perfection 
Many dog owners generally think of clipping as only a mechanical activity. Few understand that clipping a dog is an art.  Clipping a coat or nail needs to be carried out in a careful manner to avoid the injuries to the skin or nail.  Clipping of the coat is to be taken care of as per the breed characteristics. If the coat is not properly clipped, this may lead to the dust accumulation in the coat and the animal may start showing signs of skin diseases.  This is true especially when the grooming activities are not done in a proper manner.

Clipping of coat helps to get rid of the parasitic burden to a greater extent and also, the clipping of your dog is of more use to expose on the type of parasitic problem that the dog is likely to suffer. Many pet health parlors are available wherein the clipping of dog will be carried out in a more systematic manner.

Always make use of a sharp clipper and in the winter regions, avoid the close clipping. This is due to the fact that the closer clipping in the winter seasons may expose the dog to the environmental stresses like the cold climate.  Hence, the dog may become more vulnerable to the frostbite.  Avoid the close clipping of coat or nail because this may cause injury to the underlying tissues and may cause bleeding in the concerned animal.

Many pet owners need to avoid any clipping activity when the animal is not in health status. Clipping instruments are available to a greater extent in many pet shops. Avoid the blunt instruments because they may not clip well and hence, repetition is required often. Always use modern equipment for clipping activities.



Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Everything You Should Know About CARING For Animals

puppy
Photo   by Dawn Ashley 
Most of us have had pets of one kind or another. If you have a dog or you think that you may need one in the future, you have got to think about some things first. This article will supply you with superb advice on caring for your dog.

When you have a dog, make certain that you give him enough water. Water should be provided to your dog at all times of the day, particularly in the summer. Put his water bowl somewhere where nobody will trip over it, otherwise, you will be cleaning your floors all day!

If your puppy dog is teething and chewing at everything, buy him an exciting gnaw toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only will this provide him with a good substitute for your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel a bit better. Most younger dogs nibble out of necessity, not poor manners.

Pup

If you're brooding about adopting a dog, try taking one or two weeks off work so you can spend some time with your little dog and teach it one or two good habits. Coaching your little puppy and helping it become used to its new environment will be way easier if you're home.

When clipping a puppy's toenails, start slow. Introduce your tiny dog to them prior to beginning cutting. You'll only be well placed to get a single nail done in a sitting. It might take a while for puppy dog to become ok with the concept of nail clipping, but shortly, you'll be able to get through it all at once.

Treatment

When taking your senior dog to the vet for a once a year visit, be sure to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to identify any kidney, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is typically minimally invasive and less pricey. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for many years to come.

When you train your dog, you'll always need to use positive reinforcement. Rewards and praise make your pet learn quicker than threats and violence. Tolerant coaching is better for several years to come and it's better. be kind during training; you will get better and faster results.

Care

Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by vehicle. Even with your air conditioning on, the dog may become overheated in his pet carrier. An easy and lower cost dog ringworm home-based treatment and freezing one or two-gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he will curl up and chill.


If your dog is really rowdy or simply excitable, gurus recommend that you don't bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and misunderstanding of a new area full of strangers are too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant events may occur. Find a great dog house to look after your pooch as an alternative.

These pointers may help you become a better owner for your dog. Use these different tips and do more research on the things you have got to know about to correctly take care of your dog. Read this draft over as many times as you need to.


    Author: Lisa Thomas



Monday, October 16, 2017

Hefty DOGS

Unfortunately, more and more canines are becoming overweight. Obese pets live shorter lives and generally acquire other related health issues. What is it possible to do if your puppy is putting on the weight?

The very first thing to do is take a good look at the way you interact together with dog.

Do you feed the dog family table leftovers? Does your dog get between mealtime treats? Does your dog have chips with you if you are watching television?

overweight dog profile
These items can easily be eliminated. Only feed the dog at his dinner times. He does not require all those additional calories. You don't have to be terrible, but you will have to reduce the number of snacks he receives every day.

Look at just how much dinner you will be providing him and read your dog food label carefully. You may be over feeding the family dog. Nearly all puppy foods list on the content label exactly how much food a pet ought to be given on a daily basis. Make certain that you're following these instructions. Numerous owners find out that they have switched companies and did not take the trouble to go through the content label and discover that the canine is actually receiving an excessive amount of food.

Do you have to give your canine a goody to make him obey? If you do, you might want to spend some time re-training your four-legged friend. Most dogs love to delight their masters, and often will perform for encouragement by itself. Keep the puppy guessing. Ask him to complete a trick but only reward him every second time. Give the animal a lot of compliments and pets as soon as your puppy does respond accurately. Continue on doing this and slowly get rid of the need for a food incentive.

Additionally you need to look into the amount of physical exercise your four-legged friend is actually receiving on a daily basis. Leaving the animal outside in the backyard just isn't adequate. Very few family pets will workout themselves. They may be outdoors but they are probably not really burning calories from fat. You must get out and have fun with the dog or take him for a walk around the block.

When the weather conditions or even your situation won't allow for a lot of walks you'll want to consider additional workout choices. Retain the services of a walker, find ways to get the dog lively inside your home, but get your pet moving.

As a responsible dog owner see what and how your puppy eats and your friend will live a a lot longer and much healthier life.



Saturday, October 7, 2017

The Importance Of Organic DOG GROOMING

2013 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: Tibetan Mastiff GCH Sierras'Sasha-Yakone Nanuk
Tibetian Mastiff - Photo   by       http://www.petsadviser.com 
Despite the savings to your schedule and wallet, you may still feel that the hassle of learning grooming instructions outweighs the benefits. Grooming your furry friend takes a lot of time and patience, preparation, and commitment. Without these, you cannot survive to take the responsibilities of an owner.

Just a couple of minutes every day may increase the bond between you and your pet as well as improve its overall health. Also, it is better to consider organic dog grooming in Miami. There are many natural ways of grooming. All dogs can benefit from regular bathing. However, the same with dog food, a lot of shampoos also contain harmful ingredients.

It is vital to choose the safest and effective shampoo products that cannot dry their skin as well as their hair. You should check if there are ingredients mixed in any product such as surfactants, insecticides, artificial fragrances, and foaming. It is better to use herbs like citrus oil and organic compounds. This way, you will be able to protect them from skin irritation.


Apart from bathing, another thing to consider is to keep their ears clean as it can lessen itching and even bacterial and yeast ears infections. Thus, before choosing a product, it is vital to check the label of your shampoo to avoid those products containing harmful chemicals that could irritate them. Try using ear cleaners and washers that only contain organic oils and avoid those products with alcohol.

Dental disease is a common disease of many dogs and other animals. Thus, a regular brushing is helpful to reduce the frequency of cleanings that could only be performed under anesthesia. A product that is put on toothbrush should not contain harmful chemicals. You should also avoid using human dental products as it contains artificial components which are toxic to them.

With just a bit of research, you can easily find high quality organic and natural grooming products that are safe enough and effective. Basically, groomers seem to be getting more expensive as time flies and for owners who need high maintenance for their dogs, they have to drive to the groomer, drive back and pay for the service. It is quite a time consuming and expensive as well.

You only have to consider the things that should be done to save more money and time. You may consider doing it by your own and use organic products. There are some dogs that are not wagging their tails especially if they are traveling far places to their groomers. So, if you would reduce this activity to them and learn the process of proper grooming, then it will also worth your time and effort.



Grooming your pet at home will likely to become a source of bond for both of you. It allows you to spend more time and obedience training with them. Even if you decide to continue using a professional groomer from Miami, FL, you still need to groom them from time to time. Remember, cleanliness means healthiness.

Once you have gathered information about this undertaking, then it would be easier for you to perform it. This way, you can build a relationship with them while maintaining their health. Through this, you will be able to obtain the results you are aiming for.


    About the Author: Leslie Ball



Monday, September 11, 2017

Tough Time Finding Good DOG CARE Patterns Use These Ideas

Anybody can go out and get a dog and bring him home. But if you wish to properly care for your dog, you've got to know what you're doing. Concentrate on the following useful information on ringworm canine so that you can confirm your dog has everything it needs so as to live and long and healthy life.

Cookie: "What, I gotta shower too?" Me: "That little red patch looks suspicious. Might be ringworm." Cookie: "Gunfunnit." #dog #dogbath
Cookie: "What, I gotta shower too?" Me: "That little red patch looks suspicious.
Might be ringworm." Cookie: "Gunfunnit."
Photo   by       effin_peaz  (cc)
If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet straight away. Shelter dogs may be sick or exposed to different viruses. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.

To make certain that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to get access to clean water at all points during the daytime. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important elements. The sole exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy dog for three hours before bedtime.

Lift your dog correctly. If you have a little dog or puppy dog, place your one hand under their chest and use your other hand for supporting their rump and hind legs. If you're lifting a huge dog, lift them from their underside supporting their chest using your one arm and using your other arm to support their rear end. Never lift a dog by their back legs, tail, or the nape of their neck.

You have to give careful thought to a decision to bring a dog into your life. Often, it is difficult to resist the delightful face of a puppy or dog, but don't forget how much is concerned in the care of a pet. Take everything into account first to be sure you can supply your little puppy with everything that he needs and to be in a position to manage it successfully.



Consider young dog coaching classes for your young pet. Puppies are eager to learn, and a class is a superb atmosphere to let them do so in. Classes are also regularly less expensive than individual lessons. This could teach your pup necessary behavior abilities and permit both of you bonding time too.

Your dog loves you completely, and you would like to ensure you supply the most for him. it's important that you utilize the information you have been given so you can work towards taking great care of your pet. Your pet merits correct care, and you can now provide that to him.

Author: Scott Araiza


Sunday, September 3, 2017

Feeding the OLDER DOG

Dog Food for the Older Dog

What changes do you need to make to your dog feeding regime as your dog gets older?
The changes you make to your dog feeding regime, and when you make them will vary depending on the age of your dog, and the breed of your dog.
It is considered that the larger and giant breeds of dog age earlier than the smaller and toy breeds of dog.
Your objective in managing the nutrition of the older dog is to enhance his quality of life, delay further ageing changes, and to extend his life whilst maintaining his optimal weight.
You are also trying to slow down the onset of disease and improve immune function.

Her Sniffer
Photo by OakleyOriginals
Older dogs will generally be less active than younger dogs so as a rule will require a less energy dense dog food, unless of course the dog's appetite is reduced for some reason.
Continuing to feed a dog the same amount of food with less exercise will inevitably result in obesity, a problem all too common in many dogs today.
In the old dog obesity can be a bigger problem than in the young dog as there may also be concurrent arthritis and organ problems which will be made worse.
A keen eye is needed to assess the energy needs of your dog as it ages, so be aware and switch brands if your dog's weight shows marked changes as it ages.

For the older dog a good quality animal protein based on meat, fish eggs, milk or cheese is better than cereal protein.
A balance needs to be struck between providing too much protein which may be a problem for dogs with renal failure (a common problem in older dogs), and providing too little.
As ageing dogs tend to have less muscle and bone they will have less of a tissue protein reserve and need a certain level of protein in their diet to avoid a negative nitrogen balance.
Your veterinarian is the best person to monitor your ageing dog's renal function and advise the appropriate level of protein in his diet.
When your dog's protein intake is low due to inappetance, this can be increased by heating the food to increase palatability and release more aromas, and by feeding smaller more frequent meals and by supplementing with vitamins.

Carbohydrates are mainly provided by cereals and legumes in the diet, and these are a cheap source of energy.
Care should be taken with the sugar content of some of these foods

Fats are essential in the diet to provide a vehicle for fat soluble vitamins, and are essential for the health of old dogs.
However too much may result in obesity, so again moderation is the rule.

Fibre has a role too in the elderly dog as many are predisposed to constipation.
Adding fibre in the form of wheat bran or cooked vegetables two or three times a week will help to keep your elderly dog regular!

Most dog foods will have more than adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus for the older dog.
There may be a case for reduced levels of phosphorus and salt in the diet.
Some supplementation of zinc and vitamins may be helpful in the older dog, particularly the vitamin B complex.



The main food types for the older dog are - dry, semi-moist or canned.
Diet changes should be made slowly to prevent tummy upsets and diarrhoea.
Be sure to have plenty of water available for your dog, particularly if fed a dried food, and also if kidney and liver disease is a problem.

Reduced appetite in older dogs may be helped by feeding them 2 or more times per day with smaller portions so that they get their full daily requirement.

There are many commercial senior dog food diets now available.
It will pay you to thoroughly examine the different types to increase the life span and vitality of your older dog.





Friday, September 1, 2017

Guideline For Choosing DOG TREATS

What makes you love your dogs? Is it because of the way he loves you in return and the eagerness that you feel when he attempts to please? This love can be more emphasized through dog training as it creates the firm bond between you and your pal.

English: Gourmet dog treats produced by dog ba...
Gourmet dog treats produced by dog bakery Natertot Bakery
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)

One well-recognized method of dog training is through the use of dog treats. But dog treats are not for positive reinforcement dog training alone. Most dog owners have used them as snack alternatives. This does not proceed pleasurable experiences but may also aid in maintaining your pal's health.

Like with other pet stuff, there are considerations that an owner should first evaluate before allowing his pet to dog treats. Health components concerning with calorie content is on the priority list.

One of the growing concerns about dog health nowadays is obesity. Almost half of American dogs are overweight. Like with the case of human, obesity may lead to a variety of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Overindulgence is thought as one of the contributing reason for obesity. This may be due to the human factor. Most owners tend to give dog treats on an unregulated basis. For most, it doesn't matter how many calories does a single biscuit may contain. To resolve this issue, an owner needs to cut back on the daily calorie intake of his pet until he reduces some weight. Controlling the quantity of dog treats throughout the day may be of great help. You may also choose to lessen his foods gradually until he reaches a normal weight. In line with this, it is ideal to stick with dog treats with low calories. The subject of obesity may further be resolved through consulting the vet and to implement a regular exercise regimen.

It is also an ill practice to give your dog commercially produced human foods. Some of which may contain elements that are not suited for your dog's health. Commercial foods are also often rich in fats and calories and low in nutrients and vitamins. Moreover, this practice is really not healthy for your dog's manners. This only encourages begging. Give him his dog treats in his own place instead but always bearing the thought of how healthy the dog treats you give are.




Tips on Dog Treats Selection


It is always best to buy naturally produced dog treats. These save you from unnecessary additives that may post threats against your dog's health. Fat and sugar-rich dog treats are a complete no-no. look for dog treats that have a high concentration of fibers and protein.

Dog treats that are primarily made from fishes are good sources of unadulterated health components. These are great foods for human as well as dogs. They are low in calories and fats.

Avoid giving dog treats before any major meals. If you are training him using positive reinforcement, cut back portions of his meals to balance his diet with dog treats.

There are dog treats that are specially made to optimize your dog's health. Working in the same principle as that of the vitamin supplements. These are aids to maintain your dog's health and may even relieve symptoms of certain diseases.

Don't allow that dog treats may cover as much as ten percent of your pet's diet.

In choosing the ideal treat, it is helpful to rely on your best judgments. It is you who know your pet well enough but in cases of doubt, you may as well consult a veterinarian.



Monday, July 24, 2017

Health Problems in the GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

As with most pedigree breeds, there are certain hereditary conditions that can be a problem in the German Shepherd as well as other health issues that are more prevalent in this breed which need to be considered if you are thinking acquiring a GSD.

English: 9-week-old German Shepherd puppy.
9-week-old German Shepherd puppy. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy it is important to ensure that you only purchase a healthy dog from a reputable breeder and a good idea would be to contact the breed council who should be able to provide you with a list of such breeders. Most reputable breeders don’t need to advertise but if they do they tend not to use free papers or other general advertising media but will usually place their advert in a specialist dog magazine or paper. The Kennel Club will provide a list of breeders but this does not signify that they are reputable only that they register their puppies with the KC.
There are a number of common conditions seen in this breed, some of which have a better prognosis than others but all of which are expensive to treat – so insure your German Shepherd Dog as soon as you get it.

Inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia are becoming more common largely because of irresponsible breeding so you should look for a puppy whose parents are both hip scored and the lower the score the better – ideally less than ten. This is a distressing and painful condition for a GSD as well as the costs for treating being prohibitive if the animal is not insured. Elbow dysplasia is also a common hereditary condition.

Bloat or gastric torsion is a real emergency and a life threatening condition, which has become more common in deep chested dogs over the years. Experts are divided but good tips for reducing the risk are that it is best to feed 2 small meals rather than one large meal a day and to avoid feeding your GSD before strenuous exercise.

Anal furunculosis is a distressing auto immune condition which can be controlled with expensive drugs for a while but will inevitably progress as is the condition CDRM which is a degenerative disease which will ultimately lead to the loss of use of the dogs back legs and then bowel/urinary incontinence.



For whatever reason there seems to be an increasing number of GSD’s suffering from PI – pancreatic insufficiency, which presents as chronic watery diarrhoea and failure to thrive. This condition is treatable with expensive pancreatic enzymes and a low fat diet but the regime must be strictly adhered to.

Epilepsy is also more common these days and although it can be controlled by drugs, usually tolerance eventually occurs which will often result in the loss of control of the fits and the likelihood of brain damage as a result of prolonged uncontrolled fitting.

To protect your new puppy and in order to try to minimise long term or future health problems, it is vital that a high quality feeding regime is adopted from the start. German shepherds often have digestive problems so it is important to find a quality food that your dog likes and one that doesn’t upset the digestion. If in doubt ask your vet for advice or contact German Shepherd Rescue UK.