All Dog Foods Are Not The Same

Posted on September 9, 2011 by admin

Your dog’s health and wellbeing is important to you and your family. Not to mention keeping down the cost of veterinarian bills!

So you need to carefully consider the food that you give your dog. People sometimes just pick the first dog food bag they see at the store. It’s easy to overlook the importance of dog food but it is essential to pick the right one for your dog.

The first challenge in choosing a dog food is picking one that has overall quality. The term that comes up a lot about dog food is human grade. Human grade implies that the dog food is good enough for us to eat.

Many commercial dog foods are made from materials unusable or less desirable for human consumption. Often the meat that is used in dog food is of a quality considered unfit for humans to eat.

Major dog food companies try to provide balanced proportions of vitamins and minerals for maximum benefit to your dog. Although you may see that many brands of dog food have almost identical labels, a reputable dog food company will provide an explanation for each supplement and how it benefits your dog.

Always read the label to see what proteins, vitamins and minerals are being provided to your dog. Try not to use store brand dog food they may short change your dog on much needed nutrition.

Studies have shown that the primary ingredient in dog food should be meat-based protein, not corn meal, flour or corn gluten meal. Pet nutrition experts agree that the best dog food is made from human-grade ingredients like meat, whole grains and vegetables. Premium dog food is so important because good nutrition is essential for a long, healthy life.

More and more veterinarians recommend feeding your dog with raw dog food. They feel that this is the best choice and is the healthiest food for your dog. After all, you’ve never seen your dog enjoy commercial dog food the way he enjoys a good meaty bone. Raw food advocates concede the diet costs more than traditional dog food, but they argue it’s worth it.

Read labels and pick the most nutritious dog food that you can afford. The closer to raw and natural the better for your dog.

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Arnica for Your Dog

Posted on March 28, 2011 by admin

Arnica is a homeopathic remedy that can be given to your dog. Arnica is good for healing sprains, brusies and overexertion. It decreases pain and promotes tissue healing.

Arnica comes in small sugar pellets and can be put directly in your dog’s mouth. Most dogs love the taste.

I have heard that mushers give their sled dogs arnica after a tough run. It can also be used after surgery. There is some evidence that it can help with the pain of arthritis.

You can buy arnica at your health food store or online. It is cheap enough to try for both your dog and yourself.

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Healthy Dog Food

Posted on March 21, 2011 by admin

Scientists say that every year a minimum of 100 pets die by toxic food. Avoid inferior meat meal, cheap grains (including corn and soy), fillers, by-products, pesticides, preservatives and toxins.

Look for a natural pet health food that contains only human-grade, natural ingredients. Look for a food that is easily digested, and has a high degree of assimilation of important vitamins and minerals.

Always buy quality meats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and complete vitamin and mineral supplements for you pet. Never buy a food containing “by-product meal” or “meat and bone meal. They are not a reliable source of nutrition for your pet.

Avoid generic or store brands. Avoid “light,” “senior,” “special formula” foods. These foods may contain acidifying agents, excessive fiber, or inadequate fats that can result in skin, coat and other problems.

In general, select brands promoted to be “natural.” Read the label to be sure. Your dog’s health is a result of the quality of food you feed him.

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Hip Dysplasia Treatments

Posted on December 29, 2010 by admin

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease affecting a dog’s hip joints. Hip dysplasia is seen in almost every dog breed, but it is predominant in larger dogs. Dogs of all ages may have some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia. The vast majority of cases begin to show up in the middle or later years.

Dog owners usually notice that something is not quite right when their pets begin walking with an abnormal gait. Be sure to visit your veterinarian at the first sign that your dog is not walking correctly or seems to be in pain.

Treatment depends upon the severity of clinical signs and x-ray results. Conventional treatment may consist of steroids and or surgical procedures. Total hip replacements are now performed on dogs.

Non-surgical treatment of hip dysplasia is essentially the same as non-surgical treatment for any other type of arthritis. Treatment is combination of prescription drugs, diet, exercise, and vitamin supplements. Exercise is a must for dogs with hip dysplasia.

Treatments for canine arthritis range from natural supplements using chondroitin and glucosamine and acupuncture. Some herbal supplements that have been used for centuries in India are boswellia and turmeric. Conservative treatment is sometimes enough and will depend upon the severity of the case.

Keep your dog from becoming overweight as this will only contribute to the pain and arthritis.

Many new arthritis and hip dysplasia treatments are available for dogs. Check with your conventional veterinarian and your alternative medicine veterinarian. Remember your best friend cannot tell you about the pain he is in. If you suspect your dog is in pain call your veterinarian.

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Keep Your Dog Safe This Christmas

Posted on December 12, 2010 by admin

Christmas and the holidays can be a fun time for you and your dogs. Or, a dangerous time if you don’t take precautions. So often around the holidays we are so busy that we forget about our four legged friend.

The Christmas tree can be a danger to your dog if ornaments are hung to close to the floor and he can readily get at them. Your dog may get entangled in the electric cord for the lights. He may chew the cord and electrocute himself.

Tinsel when eaten can harm his digestive system. Ornaments knocked off the lower branches of the tree can be dangerous if chewed. Keep an eye on the ornament hooks. Dogs will eat the wrapper when eating candy canes and other candies.

And the tree may topple over if he goes under it to drink the water in the base. Or he may smell something in the gifts around the tree and topple the tree over as he goes after that gift.

Your dog may also chew on the gift wrapped item and become sick from swallowing the wrapping paper.

Artificial snow, potpourri and incense if ingested can be harmful. Christmas stockings filled with candy and small items will attract your dog’s attention. Keep them out of reach.

Lit candles are a danger to your dog. Keep them well out of reach.

If you are having a holiday party dogs are sometimes forgotten. Don’t use toothpicks for hors d’oeurves. Your dog may roam the room and eat toothpicks which are left on the end tables. Never leave glasses with alcohol around for your pet to drink. Alcohol is a poison and can be toxic to your animal.

People feed dogs at parties. If you are trying to keep his weight in check make sure none of your party guests especially the kids give your dog food.

Common sense goes a long way over the holiday season. Keep an eye on your pet during your holiday parties and dinners. Keep holiday items out of your dog’s reach. Get down on the floor at his level and look around. See what he can get into. Then remove it.

With awareness you can keep your dog safe this holiday season.

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Posted on December 1, 2010 by admin

Ping site

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Dog Chiropractic Care

Posted on December 1, 2010 by admin

D.D. Palmer developed Chiropractic in the year 1895. Many racing greyhounds, agility dogs, working dogs and police dogs have undergone chiropractic care. Now, more and more family dogs are benefiting from this manipulative therapy.

In 1996, the American Veterinary Medical Association stated that “Sufficient clinical and anecdotal evidence exists to indicate that veterinary chiropractic can be beneficial.”

So what exactly is animal or dog chiropractic care? Chiropractors look at the spinal column and joints for misalignments and muscle spasm. Gentle manipulation and adjustments are used to realign joints out of alignment.

This therapy attempts to restore normal movement and nerve function to the dog. Adjustments are used to relieve pressure on the spinal column.

If your dog shows signs of lameness, neck or back pain, stiffness and even tail pain he might respond to chiropractic treatment. For musculoskeletal problems, chronic arthritis, hip dysplasia, spondylosis or tendon problems veterinarian chiropractic manipulation may help the pain and relieve the underlying problem.

Ask your veterinarian if your dog is a candidate for this holistic treatment. Your veterinarian will know who is certified to treat your dog.

Since a chiropractor or a veterinarian trained in veterinary chiropractic adjusts your dog’s spine be sure to seek out one who is certified by the AVCA to perform animal chiropractic. This might be just the treatment your dog needs to relieve his pain.

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Carrot Cookies for Your Dog

Posted on November 26, 2010 by admin

Here is another recipe for healthy dog treats. Please note that you must take all treats into account when you are trying to help your dog lose weight. Do not over feed your dog treats no matter how healthy the treats may be. Remember, fresh, raw, organic vegetables or fruit are by far the best treats you could give your dog. And vegetables and fruit are fast and easy and don’t require any cooking.

Canine Carrot Cookies
2 cups carrots — boiled and pureed
2 eggs
2 tablespoons garlic — minced
2 cups unbleached flour — *see Note
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup wheat germ
*or rice flour or rye flour.
Combine carrots, eggs and garlic. Mix until smooth. Add dry
ingredients. Roll out on heavily floured surface and cut into bars or
desired shapes. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes or to desired
crunchiness. The centers will continue to harden as they cool. Brush
with egg white before baking for a glossy finish.

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A Dog’s Diet and Oral Health

Posted on November 21, 2010 by admin

Your dog is your very best friend. Every single time you walk through the door your dog is so happy to see you that he wags his tail and practically smiles at you. How can you show your pets how much they mean to you?

Well, one way is to take care of that smile for your pet. Did you know that your dog’s diet can influence their oral health?

Humans need to brush and floss their teeth regularly to keep their teeth, tongue, and gums in good condition.

Research has recently shown a link between good oral health in humans and a lower risk of heart disease. If good oral health can have such a profound effect on people, then it only makes sense to consider the impact it can have on man’s best friend.

It is important to brush your dog’s teeth frequently to keep plaque and tartar from becoming an issue. Even wiping his gums with a clean, damp cloth can be beneficial. You can buy dog toothpaste. And there are finger brushes that might be easier to use than a regular toothbrush.

Your dog’s diet also plays a crucial role in your pet’s oral health. Do you typically feed your dog canned or dry dog food? What kind of treats and toys do you provide for your pet? All of these things can affect the likelihood of trouble with your pet’s teeth.

When your dog’s diet is nutritionally sound, containing essential vitamins, nutrients, and enzymes, your pet’s oral health will be at its very best. A natural, chemical free dog food is best for your dog.

The treats you give your pet are part of your dog’s diet just like snacks are part of a person’s diet. As humans, we tend to want to overlook our snacking habits, so it can be easy to overlook the treats you give your dog. This is not a good idea. Carefully consider any and all items your dog will consume.

Many of the treats and snacks you provide in your dog’s diet can be just empty wasted calories. Some treats, alternatively, provide excellent opportunity to improve oral health.

Special treats that help to keep tartar at bay are Greenies and TarterCheck dog biscuits. The softer snacks, such as jerky treats, do not provide much relief from plaque. The healthy treat, on occasion, will also prevent your dog from having bad breath.

Your dog’s diet must be healthy to ensure excellent oral health. Don’t forget to select treats for your pet that will enhance your dog’s diet. Consciously monitoring your dog’s diet will positively influence your best friend’s oral health.

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Feed Your Overweight Dog Pumpkin

Posted on November 16, 2010 by admin

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up pumpkin comes to mind. And believe it or not, canned pumpkin is a wonderful food for your dog. Most dogs seem to love canned pumpkin.

Canned pumpkin, since it is low in calories, can help your dog with weight loss. Pumpkin puree is the consistency of canned dog food and can be mixed in with his canned food or used with dry food. Do not use pumpkin pie filling which has sugar and spices as this has extra calories and sugar is not good for your dog.

I’ve mentioned adding green beans to your dog’s food as a way of reducing calories and helping him feel full. Many dogs do not like green beans but will readily eat pumpkin. Reduce your dog’s food by about a third and replace it with canned pumpkin.

You may feed your dog from 1 teaspoon for small dogs, and anywhere from 2 teaspoons to a tablespoon for medium to large dogs. A can of pumpkin will last a long time and to keep it from going bad put it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Defrost the number of cubes you need every day.

Pumpkin is also very nutritious. It has vitamin A, beta carotene and potassium.

If your dog is suffering from constipation canned pumpkin is very high in fiber and water. It will help to relieve constipation. And as contrary as it may sound pumpkin is also a remedy for diarrhea.

So when you are doing your shopping pick up a can of pumpkin for your dog and start feeding it to him with his main meal and you will be astonished at how his health will improve.

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