Some of the more common toxic foods that dog owners are generally aware of include:
* Bones - pose a choking risk or can become lodged in the digestive tract
* Chocolate - toxic levels possible with the ingestion of 1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for milk chocolate, 1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for semi-sweet chocolate, and 1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for baker's chocolate
* Onions - can lead to a severe case of hemolytic anemia whereby the blood doesn't carry enough oxygen to all parts of the dog's body
* Raw eggs - can cause salmonella poisoning
* Raw meat - can cause salmonella and/or clostridium poisoning (even though there's a growing number of dog owners who rely on a raw food diet for their dog)
As a responsible and concerned dog owner, there are a number of other foods that you should be aware of that pose a potential health risk to your furry friend. Such items include:
* Grapes - can lead to kidney damage and death if consumed in a large enough quantity
* Green parts of potatoes and tomatoes - can cause problems for numerous body systems
* Macadamia nuts - can negatively affect multiple systems due to an as-yet-unidentified substance
* Raisins - same as grapes
* Rawhide "treats" - can be a choking hazard, can be contaminated with salmonella poisoning, and many are treated with a variety of potentially harmful chemicals
* Sugarless candy and other items that contain xylitol - can cause liver damage and death
* Uncooked bread dough - can swell in the stomach and cause discomfort and/or blockages
* Walnuts - particularly the seed hulls of black walnuts as they can cause stomach problems and moldy ones can cause seizures
Dog owners should also be familiar with non-food items that are commonly available in their environment and that can be hazardous when ingested. These items include:
* Automatic dish detergents
* Batteries
* Cocoa bean mulch
* Coffee grounds
* Fabric-softener sheets
* Grass that has recently been treated with chemicals
* Human medications such as antidepressants, cold formulas, diet pills, pain killers (including aspirin and ibuprofen), and vitamins
* Mothballs
* Numerous houseplants and/or plants found in the landscape (refer to www.aspca.org or www.ansci.cornell.edu for lists of plant-specific symptoms and plant identification photos)
* Potpourri
* Tobacco products
One other commonly overlooked area related to the safety of the food that your dog eats is his or her food and/or water bowls. Make sure that the ones your dog is using aren't contaminated with lead or any other hazardous compounds that might slowly leach out.
The Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has extremely valuable and current informational reports available online that pertain to newly identified hazardous foods and non-food items that your pet might encounter (www.aspca.org). Refer to their web site to help you do your homework both inside and outside your home to identify, remove, and/or properly store potential "food" risks to your dog. The health of your canine companion depends on it.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Supplements and Treats for Your Dog
The best-case scenario is a slightly expanding waistline; the worst-case scenario could involve an overdose of a supplement that he or she didn't really need in the first place.
What do we recommend? As always, caution and moderation. When it comes to supplements, check with your veterinarian first. He or she should be able to help you accurately identify what supplements are needed if any. They might also suggest ways to monitor their use and the actual effects they're having on your dog's system.
Popular canine supplements include those for arthritis relief, digestive assistance, dietary supplementation, immune-system stimulation, mental calming, reproductive support, and skin and coat enhancement. Such supplements are often fed in the form of pills or pastes. Many can simply be added directly to your dog's food via gravies, herbal powders, homeopathic pills, and oils. A word of caution though - glucosamine and omega-3 oil supplements should be used with extreme caution in diabetic dogs as they can respectively cause insulin resistance and increase the level of cholesterol in such dogs.
While your dog will potentially benefit physically from the use of a supplement, such is not often the case when recklessly doling out treats to a pretty pair of batting puppy eyelashes. Of course, your dog would argue that such treats are good for their mental state of well-being. This might very well be the case, but wise choices are still necessary. As we need to balance our intake of candy bars with a little granola every now and then, so should you offer your dog a few vegetable-based "cookies" for every cheese doodle you toss to him or her while engrossed in the latest episode of "Animal Cops."
Treats come in an almost endless array of shapes, sizes, textures, aromas, flavors, and forms. Choose only those your dog can easily consume without choking on or injuring him or herself in some other manner. If you feed rawhide-type treats in any form (which many people do NOT recommend), whether flavored ropes of basted beef or a bleached white pig's snout, closely observe your pet whenever they're actually chewing the treat.
It's possible to find dog treats that are made from 100% natural ingredients, as well as those that are free of additives, binders, chemicals, colorings, corn, dairy, eggs, salt, soy, sugar, and/or wheat. Low-fat options exist, as do sterilized, "all-USA-made and processed" bones. Treats such as nub-textured toothbrush-shaped nylon bones can entertain your dog while also serving as a functional tool to improve dental health.
For those who like to spend time in the kitchen with their dog, you can purchase biscuit-making kits that include recipes, dough cutters, and mixes containing most, if not all, of the ingredients. Bone-shaped ice trays allow you to make flavored watery treats while a durable plastic refillable ice mold provides a slowly melting self-contained bone-shaped treasure for old Duke to chew on.
If you want Duke to get a little mental and physical stimulation while noshing on his treats, invest in one of the interactive treat dispensers. Examples include a doggy gumball machine that has a bone-shaped depressor arm for your dog to push down on and a rolling ball with a "level-of-difficulty-adjuster" that dispenses your pre-recorded messages along with the treats hidden inside. You could also buy a treat tote to attach to your waistband and use small freeze-dried treats to teach your old dog some new tricks.
Maybe your dog relishes the postman-shaped butter-flavored semi-moist snacks. Perhaps pooch's preference leans towards doggy ice cream bars. Whether your cupboards are stocked with carob meringue cookies, potato-based chew bones, or energy bars made of green tea and fruits for your active dog, use restraint and don't let Duke convince you that one more raid of the canine cookie jar won't hurt anything. Instead, treat your dog to a loving hug and a good belly rub.
What do we recommend? As always, caution and moderation. When it comes to supplements, check with your veterinarian first. He or she should be able to help you accurately identify what supplements are needed if any. They might also suggest ways to monitor their use and the actual effects they're having on your dog's system.
Popular canine supplements include those for arthritis relief, digestive assistance, dietary supplementation, immune-system stimulation, mental calming, reproductive support, and skin and coat enhancement. Such supplements are often fed in the form of pills or pastes. Many can simply be added directly to your dog's food via gravies, herbal powders, homeopathic pills, and oils. A word of caution though - glucosamine and omega-3 oil supplements should be used with extreme caution in diabetic dogs as they can respectively cause insulin resistance and increase the level of cholesterol in such dogs.
While your dog will potentially benefit physically from the use of a supplement, such is not often the case when recklessly doling out treats to a pretty pair of batting puppy eyelashes. Of course, your dog would argue that such treats are good for their mental state of well-being. This might very well be the case, but wise choices are still necessary. As we need to balance our intake of candy bars with a little granola every now and then, so should you offer your dog a few vegetable-based "cookies" for every cheese doodle you toss to him or her while engrossed in the latest episode of "Animal Cops."
Treats come in an almost endless array of shapes, sizes, textures, aromas, flavors, and forms. Choose only those your dog can easily consume without choking on or injuring him or herself in some other manner. If you feed rawhide-type treats in any form (which many people do NOT recommend), whether flavored ropes of basted beef or a bleached white pig's snout, closely observe your pet whenever they're actually chewing the treat.
It's possible to find dog treats that are made from 100% natural ingredients, as well as those that are free of additives, binders, chemicals, colorings, corn, dairy, eggs, salt, soy, sugar, and/or wheat. Low-fat options exist, as do sterilized, "all-USA-made and processed" bones. Treats such as nub-textured toothbrush-shaped nylon bones can entertain your dog while also serving as a functional tool to improve dental health.
For those who like to spend time in the kitchen with their dog, you can purchase biscuit-making kits that include recipes, dough cutters, and mixes containing most, if not all, of the ingredients. Bone-shaped ice trays allow you to make flavored watery treats while a durable plastic refillable ice mold provides a slowly melting self-contained bone-shaped treasure for old Duke to chew on.
If you want Duke to get a little mental and physical stimulation while noshing on his treats, invest in one of the interactive treat dispensers. Examples include a doggy gumball machine that has a bone-shaped depressor arm for your dog to push down on and a rolling ball with a "level-of-difficulty-adjuster" that dispenses your pre-recorded messages along with the treats hidden inside. You could also buy a treat tote to attach to your waistband and use small freeze-dried treats to teach your old dog some new tricks.
Maybe your dog relishes the postman-shaped butter-flavored semi-moist snacks. Perhaps pooch's preference leans towards doggy ice cream bars. Whether your cupboards are stocked with carob meringue cookies, potato-based chew bones, or energy bars made of green tea and fruits for your active dog, use restraint and don't let Duke convince you that one more raid of the canine cookie jar won't hurt anything. Instead, treat your dog to a loving hug and a good belly rub.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Types of Dog Food
One of the fastest growing segments of the dog market is food options. While dog owners still have the familiar choices of dry, canned, or semi-moist food products, these are no longer the only selections available. Today you can find information and supplies for feeding your dog an "all natural," home-cooked, organic, raw, and/or vegetarian diet. While still not popular choices for many people, such diets are quickly gaining in popularity especially as they become available in various pre-packaged forms.
For dog owners who are more comfortable with using the traditional aforementioned forms of food, the quality and number of special medical needs that such foods are designed for has increased dramatically. It's now possible to find the following types of food products for your dog:
* Allergy-reducing
* Arthritis-relieving
* Breeding needs
* Dental aids
* Diabetic control
* Puppy needs
* Nursing female needs
* Senior needs
* Weight management
For dog owners who are more comfortable with using the traditional aforementioned forms of food, the quality and number of special medical needs that such foods are designed for has increased dramatically. It's now possible to find the following types of food products for your dog:
* Allergy-reducing
* Arthritis-relieving
* Breeding needs
* Dental aids
* Diabetic control
* Puppy needs
* Nursing female needs
* Senior needs
* Weight management
Choosing a Healthy Dog
Regardless if you've decided to get a purebred dog or a loving "mutt," you'll want to make sure that the dog you're interested in offering your heart and home to is as healthy as they are happy. To help you make such a decision, we'd like to recommend that you follow a few general guidelines in determining the overall health of any dog that you're seriously interested in adopting or purchasing.
If you're in the market for a purebred dog, whether for breeding, showing, or companionship purposes, try to familiarize yourself with the breed's specific body characteristics, as well as any medical ailments that such a breed might be prone to encounter. Have your veterinarian exam your candidates thoroughly to see how well they match up to the breed's standards and to see if they're already exhibiting symptoms of common illnesses or physical limitations of the breed.
Ask your vet for input pertaining to any additional medical procedures that he or she would recommend for any of the dogs that you bring in. You might want to request that the vet conduct a basis blood chemistry work-up, a fecal and urine analysis, and/or such things as having the hips of the dog x-rayed if their breed is susceptible to problems and they haven't already been "certified."
If you're in the market for a purebred dog, whether for breeding, showing, or companionship purposes, try to familiarize yourself with the breed's specific body characteristics, as well as any medical ailments that such a breed might be prone to encounter. Have your veterinarian exam your candidates thoroughly to see how well they match up to the breed's standards and to see if they're already exhibiting symptoms of common illnesses or physical limitations of the breed.
Ask your vet for input pertaining to any additional medical procedures that he or she would recommend for any of the dogs that you bring in. You might want to request that the vet conduct a basis blood chemistry work-up, a fecal and urine analysis, and/or such things as having the hips of the dog x-rayed if their breed is susceptible to problems and they haven't already been "certified."
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Feeding Your Dog
Feeding Your Dog
Feeding Schedule
Determine a feeding schedule that will work best for both you and your dog. Be as consistent as possible with the time, location, and the food that you use. If your dog eats small amounts throughout the day, perhaps a gravity feeding set of food and water bowls will work best. If you have multiple dogs and want to ensure that each one is eating properly, put food bowls down at certain times only.
Pointers for properly feeding Fido
When it's time to feed your furry canine companion, please remember that they deserve more than just a recycled plastic bowl from your microwave meal and a handful of economy kibble tossed in it every now and then. Like they say, "Garbage in, garbage out." Give thought to more than just the food itself; pay attention to all of the little details that make up your dog's dining experience.
Dish Selection
Start from the beginning. What kind of food and water dishes will work best for your dog? If he or she is tall, consider using one of the many elevated feeders available on the market. Such dishes help your dog eat in a healthier standing position and provide extra comfort to dogs with arthritis problems. Some of these feeders are adjustable to "grow" along with your dog. Bowls with sloped edges or ones that are tall and narrow are handy for dogs with dangly ears that serve more as sponges and napkins than protective listening appendages.
Avoid dishes made of toxic-containing elements such as lead that can leach into your dog's food or water. Use ones that are easy to clean thoroughly and protect your dog from bacteria build-ups. For additional dog bowl pointers, refer to our article entitled "Your Dog's Food and Water Bowls: Making the best selection to suit your dog's needs."
Bowl Location
Place the bowls in a location that's convenient for you to fill and for your dog to reach. Keep them out of the flow of traffic and allow your dog to eat in as calm of a setting as possible with the least amount of distracting activity. However, some dogs seem to like having an audience when they eat. Make sure to accommodate their needs as well.
Feeding Schedule
Determine a feeding schedule that will work best for both you and your dog. Be as consistent as possible with the time, location, and the food that you use. If your dog eats small amounts throughout the day, perhaps a gravity feeding set of food and water bowls will work best. If you have multiple dogs and want to ensure that each one is eating properly, put food bowls down at certain times only.
Pointers for properly feeding Fido
When it's time to feed your furry canine companion, please remember that they deserve more than just a recycled plastic bowl from your microwave meal and a handful of economy kibble tossed in it every now and then. Like they say, "Garbage in, garbage out." Give thought to more than just the food itself; pay attention to all of the little details that make up your dog's dining experience.
Dish Selection
Start from the beginning. What kind of food and water dishes will work best for your dog? If he or she is tall, consider using one of the many elevated feeders available on the market. Such dishes help your dog eat in a healthier standing position and provide extra comfort to dogs with arthritis problems. Some of these feeders are adjustable to "grow" along with your dog. Bowls with sloped edges or ones that are tall and narrow are handy for dogs with dangly ears that serve more as sponges and napkins than protective listening appendages.
Avoid dishes made of toxic-containing elements such as lead that can leach into your dog's food or water. Use ones that are easy to clean thoroughly and protect your dog from bacteria build-ups. For additional dog bowl pointers, refer to our article entitled "Your Dog's Food and Water Bowls: Making the best selection to suit your dog's needs."
Bowl Location
Place the bowls in a location that's convenient for you to fill and for your dog to reach. Keep them out of the flow of traffic and allow your dog to eat in as calm of a setting as possible with the least amount of distracting activity. However, some dogs seem to like having an audience when they eat. Make sure to accommodate their needs as well.
Dog's Health
A dog owner should think like a Boy Scout when it comes to maintaining their canine companion's health.
If you're not worried about having a veterinarian picked out for your dog prior to its arrival or at least prior to when you need one, you really should reconsider your position. We'll explain why and we'll provide you with information on how to start the selection process as well as how to bring it to a successful conclusion.
As a responsible pet owner, you should also give some thought to the topic of spaying and neutering your dog. If you're hesitant or unconcerned, we'll provide you with a number of reasons to work through your concerns and to gain an appreciation as to why every dog owner should consider "fixing" Fido or Fifi.
If you're not worried about having a veterinarian picked out for your dog prior to its arrival or at least prior to when you need one, you really should reconsider your position. We'll explain why and we'll provide you with information on how to start the selection process as well as how to bring it to a successful conclusion.
As a responsible pet owner, you should also give some thought to the topic of spaying and neutering your dog. If you're hesitant or unconcerned, we'll provide you with a number of reasons to work through your concerns and to gain an appreciation as to why every dog owner should consider "fixing" Fido or Fifi.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Your Dog's Habitat
There are numerous things that you need to do before your new puppy or adult dog arrives on your doorstep in advance to prepare for this bouncing bundle of fur to enter your world. A good place to start is by looking at your environment from the perspective of your new pooch.
Dog food dishes and water bowls are something many pet owners don't put much thought into when deciding what to purchase. We'll present you with a list of the options that are currently available on the market. Believe it or not, there's probably a set of dishes that's best suited for your dog.
We'll give you guidance into making sure that you have the necessities of a dog's life on hand. From collars to beds, we'll try to help you think straight while you're giddy with anticipation at your puppy's impending arrival.
If you want to keep your dog safe - and what responsible pet owner doesn't - we share a number of tips to doggy-proof your home and surrounding area. From foods to escape routes, we try to cover it all.
Talking about lists - we'll provide you with a long one pertaining to the products that you might need to have waiting in the wings to help you avoid, if not outright remove, the lovely lingering odors that your dog brought along with him or her when they moved in, as well as the new scents they've added to the environment since their arrival. You'll be amazed and pleased at the number of options.
Dog food dishes and water bowls are something many pet owners don't put much thought into when deciding what to purchase. We'll present you with a list of the options that are currently available on the market. Believe it or not, there's probably a set of dishes that's best suited for your dog.
We'll give you guidance into making sure that you have the necessities of a dog's life on hand. From collars to beds, we'll try to help you think straight while you're giddy with anticipation at your puppy's impending arrival.
If you want to keep your dog safe - and what responsible pet owner doesn't - we share a number of tips to doggy-proof your home and surrounding area. From foods to escape routes, we try to cover it all.
Talking about lists - we'll provide you with a long one pertaining to the products that you might need to have waiting in the wings to help you avoid, if not outright remove, the lovely lingering odors that your dog brought along with him or her when they moved in, as well as the new scents they've added to the environment since their arrival. You'll be amazed and pleased at the number of options.
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