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A Quick Analysis of Dog Food Ideas
Dog Information
Food is a source of energy and a balanced diet is what makes for a healthy life. Be it humans or animals, the source of energy for them is food. Food guarantees a fit and a healthy body. Dog food carries various ingredients. A veterinarian can examine the contents to verify whether the food is suitable and of the highest quality for your dog. The chosen dog food must be able to satisfy all the requirements of your pet. Proper food means a healthy dog with a shiny coat and a longer lifespan.
There are different criteria that one needs to consider when selecting dog food. Few of the basic considerations include keeping into account your dog’s weight, his activity level and whether your pet is suffering from some ailment or not. An underweight or overweight canine requires different level of nutrition. Similarly, an active dog needs more nutrition.
When you visit a store you can see dog food being categorized under three main types -
- Grocery Store Food – One of the cheapest options available in the stores to keep your dog well fed. But this cheap section can cost a lot when it comes to the health of your dog. The food is difficult to digest and contains a lot of chemicals and additives. It maintains the lowest possible quality control standard. Its analysis has revealed substance like plastic being part of the meal. In short, this food should be avoided.
- Premium foods – They are costlier than the previous category. They usually carry preservatives, chemicals, flavors and colors that may harm your dog’s health. But still they have better nutritional ingredients that keep your dog healthy. You must way its pros and cons before picking it up from the store.
- Healthy foods – Maintaining the highest quality standards, healthy dog foods are rich in nutrients and are prepared using vegetables, grains and fruits. They do not carry colors or preservatives instead contain vitamins and minerals that keep your dog shiny and healthy. They are the costliest of the lot but you get the best quality food in return.
Vets around the world suggest that the best dog food is the one that is prepared at home. The food is not only rich in nutrients but is also free from any kind of artificial additives. Some of the common homemade dog meals are soups, stew and vegetables. A home cooked food can never be replaced by the one picked up from store. So instead of spending big bucks in stores you must plan to collect some good dog food recipe.
Paul T Kelly
If your dog has food sensitivities you may need to feed it dog food for sensitive stomachs like some of the great Avoderm dog food selections you can purchase.
Cold Weather and Your Dog
Dog Information
Here it is, winter time up north in December and it is getting pretty cold outside. They say it could get down to zero tonight. And then you add in the wind chill, it could get down to 10 to 15 below zero. You are thinking that is pretty darn cold outside.
I need to take Bailey (my dog) out so he can do his thing. I will put on a big jacket with some mittens. I will also put a stocking cap on my head to keep my ears and head warm. But what do I do to keep Bailey warm.
If it is just cold without any snow on the ground, you would be alright to take him out just as he is. But if there is snow on the ground, then there are a few things you can do to keep him warm. You could put some booties on his feet. They would protect his feet from the cold snow and ice. The booties would also keep the snow out of the inside of his toes. If you have a long hair dog, be sure to keep the hair between the toes as short as possible. The inside part of their toes is very tender and gets very cold very fast. So if you see a dog walking around on three legs in the winter time, it is because their paw is very cold.
Another thing you could do to keep your dog warm on a cold winter day is to put a jacket on him. Some things you might take into consideration, does your dog have thick heavy hair or is it short and thin. If it is long and thick, you will want to put a thin jacket on him. If it is short and thin, you will want to put a heavier jacket on him. Just be careful, you do not want your dog to over heat. You just want to keep your dog warm, not hot.
The ideas I mentioned above are if you are going to take your dog out to do his business, and nothing else. If you are going to go on a run, dog sledding, snow shoeing or just letting him run, then you would not need a jacket. I would put the booties on to be on the safe side.
It can be a lot of fun in the winter if you be careful. Take your dog somewhere they can run and have fun. They will enjoy just running and rolling in the snow. You do not need them to get cold feet or a cold body. Pick up a set of booties and a jacket for the next time you go outside in the bitter cold.
Having owned a dog for a long time, I am not sure what I will do when he is gone. You go to love them so much. Taking care of them year around is a full time job. But it is worth every penny and I would not trade it for nothing. Show your pet that you care and love them and they will return the love. They make you relax and stop thinking about the rough day you had at work.
Dan V Anderson
Visit my site, http://www.mypetisspecial.com and look at some of things you can get your pet. There is everything from food to toys and everything in between for any type pet you have.
Holiday Time: Your Dog and You
Dog Information
Navigate a potentially dangerous holiday season with your dog by watching your surroundings. Dogs like spending time with their owners keep the holidays safe and less stressful by knowing what puts your dog at risk.
The Trouble With All That Food
Holidays and food go hand in hand. But with all that temptation you have to be vigilant about what your dog has access too. When you have family and friends around you also usually have some of the big problems foods and drinks around.
• Chocolate: Chocolate, and coffee, contain xanthines. In dogs this causes damage in the nervous and urinary systems, and can cause excessive stimulation of the heart. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous for your dog, but you’ll want to keep all chocolate out of your dog’s reach. Even if your pet doesn’t suffer any of the more serious affects you may still have to take care of a dog with diarrhea. And who wants that!
• Alcohol: When friends and family are around for holiday gatherings there will also be drinks around. Alcohol and pets don’t mix. Dogs are drawn to the sweet taste of mixed drinks and holiday specialties like eggnog, but they can be lethal. Keep an eye on drinks set on easily accessible coffee tables. After the party resist the urge to wait to clean up, clear leftover drinks up right away.
Be careful what goes under your tree. You may want to wrap up a treat for your special pup. Don’t put it under the tree, at least not unattended! Your dog will smell something yummy under there and you risk him eating more than just his present. Trees and holiday plants can cause upset stomachs and irritation. Don’t tempt your puppy by putting treats next to them. If you want a package under the tree for your favorite pup choose from a selection of favorite dog toys. Or get your dog some aromatherapy shampoos to enjoy after the holidays to help relax. You can look up dog shampoo reviews to choose the best one.
Shiny Shimmering Ornaments
Holiday decorations are shiny, shimmery, and sooooo tempting for a dog to play with. There are two major concerns when it comes to holiday decorations.
• Intestinal Blockage. This happens when your dog eats strings, ribbons, bows, yarn, or Christmas decorations like tinsel. When your dog eats these things they can become stuck in their intestines requiring surgery to heal.
• Cuts and other lacerations. Dogs love to play with balls or other things that may look like favorite dog toys. And they will use their mouths to explore them. Glass decorations can easily break and cut your pooch.
Adding to the Family
A new puppy needs all of your love and attention. They are full of energy and can easily find trouble. The holidays are a far from an ideal time to add a new puppy to your home. If you had been planning on giving a dog as a gift consider alternative options. Put together a basket of favorite dog toys. Or a basket of all the things they’ll need like brushes, jackets, or organic dog shampoo. You can choose the shampoo using dog shampoo reviews. Then when things calm down after the holiday you’ll be ready for your new pet.
After the Holiday Stress
Now that the holidays are through give a treat to your dog. Aromatherapy is a great choice. Look at the dog shampoo reviews to find just the right one for your pet.
Stay out of urgent care over the holidays by watching your pet and keeping them out of potential trouble.
Joy Randel is the owner of Dazzle Dog Delight, an online store that offers a variety of high quality dog products and accessories from funny dog stuff to designer dog supplies. We are passionate about dogs and would love to send you a FREE e-Guide on how to solve barking problems and other great info. Get your FREE e-Guide now at http://www.DazzleDogDelight.com
My Dogs Ears Stink – How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Dog Information
A healthy dog’s ear will appear to be the same pale color as the rest of your dog’s skin and there is no particular smell. An infected ear can look and smell awful. Additionally, your dog’s infected ears may be overly sensitive and if you touch them he may cry or try to get away from you. It may be despite the terrible smell that only the outer part of the ear is infected and the problem is not too serious. If your pet’s ears are filled with brownish-pink wax, there is a good change that allergies have triggered a yeast infection
If your pet has an inner infection, they will need to be treated by a vet. They may exhibit such symptoms as head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles, or drooping eyes. In this case your pet will probably need antibiotics to knock out the infection. In addition, your vet may need to drain pus and other fluid from inside the ear.
It is also possible your dog may have ear mites, if they are frequently scratching their ears and shaking their heads. Ear mites are very tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye. If the mites have been present for awhile, you may also see dried blood inside his ears. A veterinarian will need to diagnose this condition.
You can clear up yeast infections by cleaning the ears thoroughly and it is just a good practice in general to clean your pet’s ears to prevent future infections. Veterinarians often recommend using white vinegar, because the vinegar helps break down the wax in the ear, and helps restore a healthful chemical balance in the ears.
Here are the steps to clean your dog’s ears:
1. Assemble your supplies. You will need a couple cotton pads or balls, which can be found at any drug store. Don’t use a cotton swab because you might hurt something in the ear. Choose your ear cleaning solution. You can use vinegar or a natural ear cleaning product.
2. If your dog isn’t comfortable with you touching his ears or the ears are so infected they are painful you may not be able to clean them. If you have the time, you may want to start handling your pet’s ears on a daily basis for awhile before you attempt a cleaning.
3. Fold your pet’s ear back so that you expose the inside of his ear flap. This should not be painful for your pet. If your pet seems uncomfortable with this be more gentle and speak in a soothing tone of voice. Pour a small of vinegar or ear solution into the ear canal. Massage the area, and then gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball. The wax and dirt will come free with just gently wiping. Avoid pushing the pad into too far into the ear as this could do damage to your pet.
4. If you are cleaning to cure an infection you will need to perform this procedure once a day until the ear is healed. If you are cleaning for maintenance and to prevent infection perform the procedure once every few weeks.
There are other natural ways to help prevent ear infections plus some good natural products which can help clean your pet’s ears and protect them from future infections. See our post Clean Dogs Ears With Vinegar for more on natural cures for ear infections.
Marianne Wolff
Naturesway4pets supports natural cures for common pet problems. Please stop by and visit with us. You will find well researched information about home remedies and natural cures for dogs and cats.
Medications Kill Countless Pets Per Year
Dog Information
Two things Americans love are their pets and their medications. This is especially true of their prescription medications! The problem is, pets and medications don’t mix!
Veterinarians are seeing a sharp rise in the number of toxic pets, especially puppies and dogs, being brought in for emergency treatment for poisoning. It can also happen with kittens and cats too, but, for the most part, they are generally a bit more discerning about what they eat!
The leading cause is carelessness by owners with their medications.
The trouble is, most don’t realize their puppy or dog has ingested their pills, until it’s too late.
Recently released statistics in the past year report, approximately 40 Americans die each day due to over medication of prescribed drugs. Those are just the ones who have died! That is not including the thousands, possibly millions who are walking around addicted and over medicated right now. Regrettably, many are pet owners.
Over medicated people are normally less functional and less responsible, not only for themselves and families, but also for their pets. The majority are not as conscious of what they are doing, when in their preferred altered state. They are forgetful. And, they tend to procrastinate more than someone who is functional.
Medications are spilled and not picked up. It could be they didn’t realize they dropped them, or it could be it’s too much effort to look for them.
Medications are left within reach of the pets; instead of in secured containers, kept in drawers or medicine cabinets.
Sometimes they know they dropped their pills or spilled their medications, but forget to look for them or wipe it up.
They know they dropped their pills, but they will look for them…later.
They know they spilled their medication, but they will wipe it up…later.
Later, may be too late!
Signs and Symptoms of Drugged Puppy or Dog
Not all puppies or dogs have the same response. Age, size and general health may work for or against you. Puppies, toy and small breeds, those in poor health and senior dogs usually have the slightest chance of survival.
Signs to watch for are: drooling, vomiting, disorientation, eyes appear dilated, lack of focus/response, lack of control of bodily functions, tachycardia, lethargy, sleepiness, weakness, restlessness, itchiness, shallow or labored breathing, weak pulse, pale gums, cold limbs, seizures, anaphylactic shock, collapse, and coma.
Veterinary attention is essential immediately, at the slightest likelihood your pet may have gotten into your medication.
Time is of the essence; if you suspect your pet is toxic! It is suggested to call the nearest veterinarian, inform them of what you suspect, and the name and dosage of the medication, so that they will be prepared to respond as soon as you arrive.
Side Effects
Even if you are fortunate enough to save your pets life, there may be serious and life long side effects of the poisoning. They can include: seizures, liver and/or kidney damage as well as neurological problems.
Note: Even if you are not on medications, your friends or your house-guests may be. Be extra cautious! Inform them the rules of the house are all medications must be secured and are not to be left anywhere the family pet may have access to them. If they drop them, they must make sure every single pill is accounted for immediately! If they spill it, it must be cleaned up immediately.
Don’t be shy! It’s your pet’s life that will depend on your candor and watchfulness!
Bottom line: Unfortunately, for the most part over medicated people are in an inflexible and perpetual state of denial. This article will mean little or nothing to them.
That means those who live with them, as they well know, must relentlessly watch everything they do. That includes keeping medications out of the reach of pets and being vigil for spilled or dropped medicines.
It could be the difference between the life and death of your pet.
Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite – http://www.facebook.com/pages/GOOD-DOG-DOG-TRAINING/95917282486