Archives for July, 2009
Author: godwin
It is commonly known that heavy infestation of fleas and ticks contribute to death and disease. It is also known that more deaths and sicknesses are caused by fleas and ticks than are caused by flea killing devices. The sad part of it is that no deaths or severe illnesses should ever be attributed to flea collars. Flea collars and the newer flea control medications can actually prevent deaths and sickness if but a few basic facts are known, and adhered to, by all dog owners. In a recent poll which questioned a large section of dog owners across the United States, more than 90% believe that their dog’s flea collar merely emitted some kind of protective vapor that was repugnant to fleas and ticks, resulting in the pests dying off, due to the lethal vapor, yet without any repercussions on the dog’s health. The fact is, the pesticide in any flea collar device doesn’t just seep through the animal’s fur as a “protective vapor”. Rather, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolized by the liver. This has a strong effect on the animal’s entire system. The active ingredient in such devices is usually dimethyl phosphate. Used according to directions, and in proper quantities, this ingredient is fatal to fleas and ticks. Serious problems can occur when a dog owner simply places such flea killing devices around their dog’s neck without taking the time to read the accompanying directions. Many times, though the directions are read, they simply are not taken seriously, nor are they followed. Most packages containing flea collars or other similar-type pest-fighting devices usually carry a printed caution on the front: “Do not allow children to play with this collar”. The purchaser is then invited to read the additional precautions printed on the reverse side of the package. Over 50% of the dog owners polled about their knowledge of flea collars admitted that they either did not read the directions, or if they did, simply did not pay much attention to them. Be Careful Flea collars should be buckled securely, but not tightly, around the dog’s neck. A collar buckled too tightly will cause greater levels of the active ingredient to be absorbed into the bloodstream of the animal. This condition usually manifests itself by neck irritation, followed by a loss of hair under the collar. When first placing a flea collar on a dog, the owner should observe the neck area for the first few days and be alert for signs of irritation. If irritation occurs, the collar should be removed immediately. Additional precautions on most packages point out that each collar is intended as an insecticide generator and is not to be taken internally by man or animals. One might ask who in his right mind would want to eat a flea collar for breakfast. No “man” in his right mind would, but a dog (especially puppies) might consider such a collar an intriguing chew toy!
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas
Author: Lizzie Novotny
My two Vizsla hunting dogs get homemade dog food twice each day. I mix an adjusted amount with good quality dry kibble.
Homemade dog food can be better than some commercial products. We don’t realize what’s in the food we give our pets. Always inspect the ingredients.
Commercial dog foods can contain preservatives, and are altered by chemical processes that can be unhealthy for dogs. They can also contain processed unknown animal products and fillers that do nothing to contribute to your pet’s health.
To avoid your dogs ingesting unknown dog food ingredients, make your own. Control not only the content, but the quality as well.
Reasons To Consider A Homemade Dog Food
Homemade dog food, your hunting dog will love you
* dog has allergies to food
* persistent skin problems
* gastrointestinal upsets including diarrhea or constipation
* competes in sporting events or working stock and needs strength for endurance
* control of quality and freshness
* nothing processed so food retains all the vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes
Observe your dog to see he is getting his required dog food nutrition.
* shiny coat, illustrious feel
* sparkling eyes
* alert, good energy and activity
* maintain weight without getting fat
* stool firm and consistent
An appropriately balanced dog food recipe contains roughly 40% meat, 30% starch and 30% vegetables.
1. Meat: Any type can be included. Organ meat, such as liver, is particularly healthy for dogs. Bones should be removed as they are a choking hazard. Cook the meat - uncooked meat can contain unhealthy bacteria and possibly parasites.
2. Starch: Most forms are okay - cooked pasta, potatoes, and rice are common choices for homemade dog food.
3. Vegetables: Most types can be used. Do not use onions as they can be toxic. Cook the vegetables - raw veggies can pose a choking hazard.
Recipe For Quick Adult Homemade Dog Food
This recipe will feed a 50 pound adult dog for one day. If your dog in smaller or larger then the 50 pounds, adjust the amount of ingredients. You can cook enough for many days, divide accordingly and freeze the rest. This food has No preservatives, so refrigerate the fresh food for 3 days maximum. The human vitamin supplement Theragran-M Advanced and calcium carbonate (example: Tums) can be found in any pharmacy. Always consult with your veterinarian.
* 5 oz. dark meat chicken or turkey beef or fish
* 2 1/8 cups cooked brown rice
* 1 tsp. corn oil
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 2 pills Theragran-M Advanced (crushed)
* 2100 milligrams calcium carbonate (crushed)
Directions:
1. Cook rice until done.
2. Bake your meat, poultry, or fish choice 325 degrees for 30 minutes.
3. Crush human vitamins and “Tums”.
4. Mix all ingredients.
Pay attention to your dog’s response to the new dog food recipes you use. There may be items they refuse to eat or have reactions to a particular food. Try something else in their place, such as substitute chicken for turkey or rice for potatoes. Be aware for changes in your dog’s behavior, especially things such as excessive scratching. This could indicate an allergy to one of the foods you are using.
Homemade dog food recipes generally cause fewer allergic reactions than commercial brands. Plus, by making dog food recipes at home, you can control the proportion of different ingredients. This can be very important to working and sporting breeds that may require more nutrients for their active lifestyles.
While in the kitchen, why not whip up some dog biscuits. Recipes can be found on the Internet, or try your library. Here is an easy dog biscuit recipe, use it for training or a treat. I have never met a dog who didn’t love his cheese!
Any Cheese Biscuits
* 1 cup all purpose flour
* 1 cup whole wheat flour
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or any cheese in the fridge)… dogs Love any type of cheese!
* 2 tbsp. butter
* 3/4 cup milk, lowfat
* grated Parmesan for topping (if you have it on hand)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix all flours and cheese together in a food processor (or by hand, mix well).
3. Add softened butter and milk, mix well.
4. Roll out on a surface to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness.
5. Cut into shapes, squares is fine.
6. Place on greased baking surface.
7. Bake for 15 to 29 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool and store in refrigerator.
Always check with your Veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. For any type of dog, homemade dog food is a good choice to ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life.Author: Lizzie Novotny
My two Vizsla hunting dogs get homemade dog food twice each day. I mix an adjusted amount with good quality dry kibble.
Homemade dog food can be better than some commercial products. We don’t realize what’s in the food we give our pets. Always inspect the ingredients.
Commercial dog foods can contain preservatives, and are altered by chemical processes that can be unhealthy for dogs. They can also contain processed unknown animal products and fillers that do nothing to contribute to your pet’s health.
To avoid your dogs ingesting unknown dog food ingredients, make your own. Control not only the content, but the quality as well.
Reasons To Consider A Homemade Dog Food
Homemade dog food, your hunting dog will love you
* dog has allergies to food
* persistent skin problems
* gastrointestinal upsets including diarrhea or constipation
* competes in sporting events or working stock and needs strength for endurance
* control of quality and freshness
* nothing processed so food retains all the vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes
Observe your dog to see he is getting his required dog food nutrition.
* shiny coat, illustrious feel
* sparkling eyes
* alert, good energy and activity
* maintain weight without getting fat
* stool firm and consistent
An appropriately balanced dog food recipe contains roughly 40% meat, 30% starch and 30% vegetables.
1. Meat: Any type can be included. Organ meat, such as liver, is particularly healthy for dogs. Bones should be removed as they are a choking hazard. Cook the meat - uncooked meat can contain unhealthy bacteria and possibly parasites.
2. Starch: Most forms are okay - cooked pasta, potatoes, and rice are common choices for homemade dog food.
3. Vegetables: Most types can be used. Do not use onions as they can be toxic. Cook the vegetables - raw veggies can pose a choking hazard.
Recipe For Quick Adult Homemade Dog Food
This recipe will feed a 50 pound adult dog for one day. If your dog in smaller or larger then the 50 pounds, adjust the amount of ingredients. You can cook enough for many days, divide accordingly and freeze the rest. This food has No preservatives, so refrigerate the fresh food for 3 days maximum. The human vitamin supplement Theragran-M Advanced and calcium carbonate (example: Tums) can be found in any pharmacy. Always consult with your veterinarian.
* 5 oz. dark meat chicken or turkey beef or fish
* 2 1/8 cups cooked brown rice
* 1 tsp. corn oil
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 2 pills Theragran-M Advanced (crushed)
* 2100 milligrams calcium carbonate (crushed)
Directions:
1. Cook rice until done.
2. Bake your meat, poultry, or fish choice 325 degrees for 30 minutes.
3. Crush human vitamins and “Tums”.
4. Mix all ingredients.
Pay attention to your dog’s response to the new dog food recipes you use. There may be items they refuse to eat or have reactions to a particular food. Try something else in their place, such as substitute chicken for turkey or rice for potatoes. Be aware for changes in your dog’s behavior, especially things such as excessive scratching. This could indicate an allergy to one of the foods you are using.
Homemade dog food recipes generally cause fewer allergic reactions than commercial brands. Plus, by making dog food recipes at home, you can control the proportion of different ingredients. This can be very important to working and sporting breeds that may require more nutrients for their active lifestyles.
While in the kitchen, why not whip up some dog biscuits. Recipes can be found on the Internet, or try your library. Here is an easy dog biscuit recipe, use it for training or a treat. I have never met a dog who didn’t love his cheese!
Any Cheese Biscuits
* 1 cup all purpose flour
* 1 cup whole wheat flour
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or any cheese in the fridge)… dogs Love any type of cheese!
* 2 tbsp. butter
* 3/4 cup milk, lowfat
* grated Parmesan for topping (if you have it on hand)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix all flours and cheese together in a food processor (or by hand, mix well).
3. Add softened butter and milk, mix well.
4. Roll out on a surface to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness.
5. Cut into shapes, squares is fine.
6. Place on greased baking surface.
7. Bake for 15 to 29 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool and store in refrigerator.
Always check with your Veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. For any type of dog, homemade dog food is a good choice to ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Food
Author: Gerry Restrivera
Pet owners should realize the importance of dog food in their dog’s health and safety. Without a well balanced diet, your dog is prone to illnesses that may eventually cause his death. Food is the basic needs of dogs and you have to make sure that your dog is properly fed with nutritious food to keep him healthy. Preparing dog food at home is a good option to take control of your dog’s health and safety. Here are the amazing benefits of natural homemade dog food: Your dog will live longer. Dogs properly fed with natural homemade dog food lives longer than those dogs whose owners feed them commercial dog food. With the absence of dangerous chemicals and preservatives in your homemade dog food, your dog will be healthier, happier and free from all kinds of life threatening diseases. Your dog will have a perfect slim and attractive weight. Obesity is the number one health disorder of dogs. Commercial dog food is usually high in fat and sugar leading to obesity in dogs. You can prevent obesity and take control of the calorie intake of your dog by preparing natural homemade dog food. Your dog is not prone to ear and skin infection, worms and fleas. He will look and feel much healthier. With natural homemade dog food, you will save a lot on vet bills with your dog free from all kinds of infections and allergies. Your dog is well behaved. Chemicals in dog food are proven to cause behavior problems in dogs, including increased aggressiveness. This can be dangerous especially if your dog is around children. Feeding your dog with natural homemade dog food will result to a friendlier and well behaved dog. Your dog is cleaner and smells better. With natural homemade dog food, you dog’s teeth is much cleaner and his breath smells much better. His poo is smaller and has much less stink. Cleaning up is no longer a stomach-turner chore for you. Your dog will get closer to you and he will love you more. Making his own food is another way to bond with your loving pet. Your efforts to feed him with nutritious natural homemade dog food will be greatly appreciated by your dog and he will love you more for taking good care of him. Natural homemade dog food will ensure the safety and health of your dog. Get some healthy, well-balanced dog food recipes and start feeding your dog with natural homemade dog food. Discover a proven survival-guide to a healthier, happier dog that lives up to 8.3 years longer than dogs whose owners feed them commercial dog food.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Food
Author: Dog Science
The UK might be experiencing the highest level of snow for some 20 years, but, just around the corner we’re pretty sure that it will all change. Look at what’s happened to the weather recently… floods, drought, winds, now snow. One thing for sure, the weather in the UK changes pretty frequently, and along with that our pet’s lives have to adjust accordingly. So, many of us won’t really be thinking about preparing for the hot sticky weather in the UK just yet… BUT, it’s likely to be here before we realise. For those with good memories, we often get a spell of great sunny hot weather around Easter week. Which means in a couple of months, we’ll be out on the fields walking in the sun, dogs running round chasing balls, and cats laid on their backs sunbathing in the gardens! Super… But, the nice hot spring/summer weather brings with it a little problem for us pet owners - Fleas & Ticks! There are generally 3 camps when it comes to dealing with the problems of flea/ticks on our pets; 1. People who take precaution 356 days per year and continually apply treatments/poisons to their dogs or cat’s skin/coat no matter what the season. 2. People who only apply flea/tick treatment during the spring/summer warmer seasons and ‘risk it’ without treatment during the cooler months of the year. 3. People who never apply any preventative treatment, and only take action after their dog / cat has actually been infested with fleas or tics. There are various reasons for these differences, such as finance - many flea and tick treatments can be very expensive to apply throughout the year. Other factors may include the desire to avoid using chemicals and poisons on their pet’s skin and coat unless it’s absolutely necessary. Some pet’s are even allergic to the traditional flea and tick treatments such as Frontline Spot-On for example. Others don’t like the fact their their children are at risk from poisoning if they touch the pet during the initial treatment of the flea and tick treatment. I’ve even heard of people who won’t use the chemicals because they’re highly flammable and don’t want to put their cat at risk from burn injuries by coating their skin in such liquids! And lets not forget of course, many flea and tick treatments cannot be used at all on pregnant cats/dogs, or indeed puppies/kittens full stop. There is an alternative to these poisonous, lotions and potions that have traditionally been used on pet’s, in the form of a small harmless natural ultra-sonic treatment for fleas and ticks. These devices are a about the size of a thimble, and they emit ultra-sonic frequencies which are inaudible to humans, cats and dogs.. but are intolerable for fleas and ticks! As such, where ever the device is placed, tests prove that fleas and ticks do not settle within several meters of that area. One particular product, the Skudo Flea and Tick Repeller, actually has a stack of clinical tests and trials behind it, which concludes that they do indeed work!! So they’re not just a ‘gadget’ or ‘gimmick’ like many alternatives on the market. Even better, the battery in the devices lasts for about 12 months! So based upon the purchase price of the device, it is heaps cheaper than purchasing expensive chemicals, powders, lotions and potions that have to be continually applied! The Skudo device simply attaches to the dog/cat’s collar. It remains there until the battery depletes (aprox 1 year) and then is replaced. Now you can’t get much simpler than that!! No more chemical preparation, rubber gloves, keeping kids away from the pet whilst the treatment is still wet etc. In fact these flea and tick repellers appear to tick all the boxes in my experience. They are safe to touch, completely safe for pets (clinically proved), safe for puppies and kittens, and for pregnant pets. They’re non-toxic or poisonous and completely natural, so you’re not poisoning your pet by using them (which is a big bonus in my opinion!). Plus, they last for a whole year without frequent re-application or the fear or ‘wearing off’, so you can be confident your pet is protected the whole year, safe in the knowledge that you’ve also saved some money by not having to keep buying treatments over and over again. My dogs have been wearing a Skudo Flea & Tick repeller for about a year now, and I can honestly say they’ve never had a flea or tick during this period!! And you know what, I cannot say the same about when I was using Frontline Spot-On previous to this… where both dogs ended up with at least one tick in the summer! Another great benefit we’ve found with the Skudo, is that you can also place a second device in a location where you want to generally protect from feas/ticks. Such as near the dog’s bed. Or in the outdoor kennel perhaps. Places where you think there’s a high risk of fleas or ticks… this way, you’re protecting zones where your pets ‘hang out’ as well as having a Skudo on the dog/cat’s collar. This is something quite unique to this form of flea and tick treatment which maybe a breakthrough for some people. So if you are looking for a good method to protect your pets this year from the fleas and ticks that fill many dog and cat owners with fear as the warm weather approaches, then, there is an alternative to Frontline and other chemical poison-based products, which we’ve had GREAT feedback about from customers in the past, called the Skudo Flea & Tick Repeller. We hope this article has been of use to you, and if so, please pass on to other worried pet owners who may be trying to find an alternative natural way of protecting their pets from flea and tick problems this year!
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas
Author: Alfred Ngoasheng
This article is meant to help you get into some of the most secret aspects. Being interested in this topic will is a must. Dog fleas are a very common problem in households around the world. As many dogs go out to play, they bring in fleas with them when they come inside. There are many species of dog fleas, though the most common type to live on a dog, ironically, is the cat flea. The cat flea is normally referred to as dog fleas, as this species of flea will feed from just about any type of mammal. Many cat fleas will even feed on birds, should the opportunity arise. Dog fleas are excellent jumpers, which allows them to skip over onto a new host animal easily. This can cause problems for people, as the fleas will climb from a dog to their owner. Flea bites are extremely uncomfortable, causing a red, swelling spot that can itch for up to two weeks. This itchiness commonly occurs regardless of whether or not you are allergic to fleas. If you are allergic to fleas, the bite can be significantly worse and require doctor care to resolve. If you find you have a problem with dog fleas in your home, you should make certain that you treat your pets with either Front Line, Advantage or other anti-flea medications. These medications are highly useful, as they not only protect your dog against bites, they also help kill off the flea populations in your home. There are many ways to get rid of dog fleas from your home if you find yourself facing an infestation. Anti-flea medications on your pet can lower the number of fleas significantly, but this method can take several months to be completed. If you need faster results, you can use flea bombs or flea foggers. These potent, toxic tools can quickly kill a population of fleas in any room if they are used correctly. To be effective, the room has to be entirely sealed off, with air vents being covered and airways surrounding doors and windows being sealed. This can take up to five hours do for each room, depending on how much furniture needs to be protected and how open the chamber is. Dog fleas can also be repelled through use of natural products, such as Citronella, Lemongrass and Cedar. If applied properly, they can form a repelling barrier to prevent fleas from getting in. If you use these in conjunction with flea bombs, you can effectively remove living fleas from a home. However, flea control requires long term care. After all living fleas have been removed, it can take over two years to ensure that every last egg left behind has died. Click Here Thank you for taking you time to read through this information if you’re interested in gathering more knowledge please continue to search this site.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas
Author: John Williams Dog Training
Ok so you want to know about dog fleas, what they do, how they do it, and what dangers you should look out for if you’re suspecting fleas on your dog or in your home.
Well let me start of by saying there is over 2000 different varieties of flea in the world today, the female version of these small little pests can reproduce at the alarming rate of 50 eggs a day max and an average egg count is normally around 20- 30 a day. Fleas can start to lay eggs as soon as 48 hours after having their first blood meal which makes getting rid of these fleas early on essential.
Around half of the flea population are eggs, 30% larvae, 15% pupae and only around 5% of the population are biting adults. These larvae take anywhere from a week to a month to become biting fleas and as you can see by the stats, the key to stopping your flea problem and letting your dog get a good night sleep again is through getting rid of the eggs.
Fleas can’t reproduce without a blood meal from your dog or another animal but can survive for long periods of time (2 months to a year) in hibernation without a meal but usually they will die off within one week without hibernation.
They key places to look out for fleas are near your dog’s bed or under bushes outside that your pet sleeps or rests. Anywhere your dog lies for long periods of time are key areas for fleas to live.
To check for fleas on your dog you will first have probably noticed your dog being very restless and uncomfortable, so the next step is to search for flea faeces, this will look like small bits of dirt to the human eye and rubbing it between your fingers with some water will bring out the red colour of blood if it is flea faeces.
Once you have found evidence of flea faeces you are now ready to move on to the next big step and get rid of the pests that are making your dog feel so uncomfortable.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas
Author: AnneMing
Fleas are one of the biggest problems pet owners encounter with their dogs. Fleas are quite easy to acquire, especially when they are in season. There are different types of dog flea cures and medicines available in the market today. Some involve the use of oral drugs while others are topical treatments. Fleas jump from one dog to another. This is the main reason why it is quite easy to acquire them. One of the best ways you can keep your dogs from being infested with fleas is to take some preventive measures. But how do you really choose the medicine or device to ward off fleas? The surest way to go about the problem is to talk to your veterinarian about it. However, this could mean additional fees for you. If you’re quite on a budget and can’t possibly add vet bills to your monthly finances, you are better off researching to find out the best possible cure for your pet. When choosing among the many dog flea cures available in the market today, it is best that you first determine how much your dog has been infected with the parasite. Try to skim through the fur of your dog. How many fleas can you possibly find on its hair? If you can see much, your dog is most likely suffering from moderate to severe flea problems. Try to go to a pet center and inspect the products you can use. One of the suggested cures is dog flea shampoos. Since you can’t go to the vet for consultation, don’t give your dog oral medications. Reserve this step for later, right when you’re ready to see the vet. Dog flea dips are best used along your choice of dog flea shampoo. This way, your dog would recover faster. Dips are normally used after bathing. You can either apply the dip with the use of a sponge all over the body of your dog, or simply pour the formulation over your pet. The idea is to cover the coat of your dog with it to fully eradicate the fleas. There are also flea foams, sprays, and powders available in the market today. You can use any one of them at any time of the day to boost your dog’s protection from fleas. These cures are used in the same way you use sprays, powders, and foams on yourself. Sprinkle dog flea powder on your pet during the mornings or after bathing so it won’t acquire fleas throughout the day. Same goes for sprays and foams. Dog flea foams are like hair mousse. It is supposed to be applied on the hair of your pet to ward away fleas. There are also dog flea oils available. Try to use it as maintenance for your pet. Even if you see that your dog don’t have any fleas anymore, apply dog flea solutions to it so that you can have peace of mind that your dog won’t suffer from these insects at any point.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas
Author: John Williams Dog Training
Exercise is one of the main way in which dogs keep their muscle tone, bones, joints, and mind healthy, there are plenty of ways in which to exercise your dog. Some exercises are good for keeping you healthy as well, and others are more relaxed and effort free for those times when you get back from work and your dog is staring at you all excited and ready to play.
Some breeds of dogs are more active and need more exercise than others, and sometimes more than a lot of owners think they can give them due to other commitments like work and there not being enough hours in the day. But this doesn’t have to be the case as many professional dog trainers will tell you, and keeping your dog in shape can be fun and rewarding for both parties.
Here are some of the exercises that are popular in the dog community and reasons why –
Fetch
Starting off with the most well known of exercises, the fetch game involves you throwing a ball and your dog running after it and returning it to you. This can be little exercise for you and a lot for your dog if you use any throwing enhancing products that are on the market today.
Tug
The tug game involves both you and your dog pulling on either end of a tugging toy, requires little effort on your behalf and can be played while you sit and watch telly or between breaks of other activities.
Jogging
Jogging is a highly active sport and helps keep your health up as well as your dogs, your dog will love to pay this game with you and it will ensure a healthy and happy dog.
Cycling
Although cycling may seem like a difficult exercise for your dog to follow and keep an interest in, there are special leashes for you to use on your dog to maintain hands free control over your dog giving you a more subtle form of exercise. Care may be needed and basic dog training should be given to make sure your dog will be in no harm during the task.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Training
Author: David Amos
Introduction
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.
To keep your dog healthy he needs plenty of fresh water and should be fed good quality dog food in amounts just right to meet his energy requirements. Always follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.
Picking a dog food
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. According to reviews a better quality dog food results in a healthier coat, fewer digestive problems and firmer stools. 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.
Types of dog food
There are many varieties of dog food to choose from. The three most popular types of dog foods are dry, semi-moist and canned products. Check the color of your dog food. Usually dog food made from natural ingredients will have soft earth tones and contain no preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.
Raw dog food is becoming more popular. 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. You may find that locating free natural home made dog food recipes is not easy. Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice and carrot as your own dog food. Your dog will thank you for it.
If you decide to go the commercial route, try and choose a good premium dog food since it contains more energy and protein than an economy brand. Unfortunately not all dog food brands contain high quality and natural ingredients, so always check the label. It is best if you seek advice from your veterinarian before deciding on which dog food to feed your dog or puppy. He will know your dog’s dietary needs and you will find that veterinary offices and feed stores often carry excellent and natural dog food.
All Natural Dog Food
Many natural dog foods contain only fresh, natural and wholesome ingredients for your dog. Not only are the protein ingredients digestible, but the carbohydrates in the dog food are digestible. Natural dog food has 100% nutritional value which is important for healthy strong dogs. Chicken, egg and fish are examples of protein that is provided in natural dog food. There are also ingredients in natural dog food that really help the health of your dog’s skin and also your dog’s coat. One of the main draw backs of natural dog food is that it has a shorter shelf life and may spoil before it is used.
Dried Dog Food
A good high quality dry dog food will work out to be more economical than the generic brands even though they cost more per pound. A vast majority of dog owners go for dry dog food for its convenience and ease of storage. The cheaper dry dog foods are made from soybean, corn or rice, while many premium dry dog foods are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.
Vegetarian dog foods
There are dog foods specially formulated for dogs that are allergic to wheat, corn, and/or chicken. There are also vegetarian dog foods marketed to owners who do not want their dogs to consume meat products. Most vegetarian dog foods use soy as a protein source. If your dog has allergies consult your vet before putting him on a specialized diet.
Conclusion
Overall it’s usually best to let dogs enjoy dog food and not our food, even though they may prefer what we’re eating! Of course you can feed your dog treats from time to time, every dog needs some TLC from time to time!
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Food
Author: Dog Care Tips
All pet dogs should be treated as members of our family and adequate attention must be paid to the canine’s health. Sometimes dogs become sick but may not look so. It is very important to recognize and understand dog illnesses symptoms.
Since prevention is a better cure, we must learn something about dog illnesses and symptoms so we can better understand their conditions. This will help us recognize some common dog illnesses. If appropriate and adequate vaccinations are administered to the puppies, most of the common dog illnesses can be easily prevented.
Some elementary observations are useful to recognize certain common dog illnesses. Dogs take a lot of sleep but their sleep is marked by alertness. If a dog is sluggish then there may be various causes contributing to it, right from anemia to old age. If the dog is limping then you should check for prospective painful areas using a firm and yet gentile hand. Check out for any signs indicating lameness from time to time.
The appetite of the dog is bound to be affected by ill health. Look for any signs of loss of appetite. An important sign of dog health problems is excessive thirst. A pronounced weight loss is also an indicator of ill health. Check the eyes for any ulcers, discharges, veins or sores.
The mouth of a healthy dog is pink. There should not be any discoloring or cavities in the teeth. Look for signs of discharge from ears. It is advisable to clean the ears from time to time. The dog’s head should be regularly checked for sore patches, hair loss, or deep wounds.
Investigate the limbs and trunk for the same signs. If the dog is vomiting, there may be various underlying problems. If the body temperature of your dog is not between the range 38 to 39 Celsius it is an indication of some kind of illness. Check the female dogs for any kind of foul smelling vaginal discharge, which needs attention of a vet.
The symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by a dog can give us many clues about the possible underlying illness. If the dog is suffering any abdominal pain, it may be due to canine hepatitis, enteritis or it can be a simple case of constipation. The abdominal swelling dogs indicate canine bloat and roundworms in puppies. Aggression of the dog may be caused by rabies. Roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms my cause anemia in dogs. Any behavioral changes in dog can be an indicator of hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, canine arthritis, heart disease, canine, or parvovirus.
Kidney diseases sometimes cause blood in urine. Eye infections and entropion cause bloodshot eyes in dogs. A ruptured diaphragm, obstructed airway, lungworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, heatstroke, allergies can cause respiratory problems in dogs.
There are various reasons of sudden change in weight of dogs like heart disease to heartworms. Hernia might be caused due to long term constipation in dogs. Allergies, parvovirus, hepatitis, lungworm, TB, pneumonia or distemper may be one of the reasons of coughing in dogs. Cannine parvovirus can also cause dehydration in dogs. Any pancreatic disorder, food poisoning can give rise to diarrhea in dogs. The dog may suffer from hair loss due to mange, red mange demodectic, scabies, cheyletiella mange, or cushings syndrome.
If dog indicates any signs of failing genital bleeding, persistent constipation, projectile vomiting, fainting, hair loss, seizure, stumbling, trauma, trembling, mouth bleeding, rectal bleeding, lethargy, shaking, urinating problems contact a dog care specialist.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Illnesses