Archive for the ‘Dog Health’ Category

Poisonous Foods for Dogs

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

When discussing dog care Every dog owner alike at one point or another has fed their beloved dog something from the dinner table. Whether you do it on a regular basis, or just the odd little morsel now and again, how sure are you that what you are feeding your dog is actually safe for him/her? Very few dog owners actually know the types of food that they can feed to their dogs and the types of food that can be dangerous if eaten by their dogs.

- As a rule of thumb, usually anything that is acidic is not a good food to be offering your dog. Acidity can affect the GI track of the dog, leading to a number of nasty side effects some of which include; vomiting, panting, fever, restlessness etc.

- Grapes and or raisons are very bad for dogs and kidney failure has been documented in dogs that have ingested this fruit.

- Onions are also extremely poisonous to your dog as they affect the balance of red blood cells in the dog’s body.

- Coffee will elevate your dog’s heart rate; can lead to anything from seizures, to GI track difficulties.

- The second most common cause of canine poisoning in the world today is ibuprofen. Dogs love the smell of this drug and will do anything to get at it if a bottle is around the house and not securely locked away.

- The most popular treat people want to give their dogs is chocolate. This is a big no-no! As with coffee, chocolate contains caffeine that will elevate your dog’s heart rate and can promote seizures.

- Always be sure to keep your animal away from rat poison! This is the world leader in canine poisoning and can be prevented if we take care to ensure that the rat traps are not where your dog can get at them.

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Intro to Puppy Nutrition

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Proper nutrition is very important for new puppies. It is important, because puppies will go through an accelerated growth phase during the first 15 months of their lives, and having a diet that can provide the optimum base for stable growth without exceeding or the depleting of necessary elements is very, very important.

Protein for example is needed in larger amounts by growing puppies than it is by the adult dog, due to the rapid growth of the puppy’s muscles, joints and bones. The energy requirements for a puppy are considerably higher also making it essential for them to receive food nutritionally rich and calorie dense.

There are many different puppy foods on the market. This is to counteract the fact that certain breeds of puppies require specific nutritional elements in specific amounts. Little breed puppies for example have a much higher metabolism than those of bigger dogs meaning that they need a different calorie density food than bigger dogs need.

When feeding, try to feed according to your veterinarian’s suggested guidelines, or those set out on the label of the dog food bag. Usually, puppies are fed three times per day, dropping to two daily feedings after the pup is four months of age.

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Cheap Dog Food Vs. the Good Stuff

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Commercial Vs. Premium

Jay writes:
What is the difference between commercial and premium dog foods?

Answer:

The difference between run of the mill dog food and high quality dog foods is quite extensive however, there are easy methods that we as dog owners can take advantage of to ensure that we offer the best possible diet to our faithful companions.

Commercial Dog Food

The commercial dog food market is one heavily relied on by wholesale and commercial stores as it is this type of product that contributes widely to the success of these consumer franchises. Why is this?
For the production of a commercial dog food product, dog food manufacturers use a lower quality ingredient structure. (including animal by product)Why do they do this?

- By doing this, the cost of production is low.

- The profit is high due to the public buying the product at a reduced price than that of the premium product.

- Most pet owners are not concerned with what the label on the bag reads.

- Fillers (cheap additives) are included to make the food taste good.

Premium Dog Food

Premium dog food is exactly how it sounds.

- Products that are manufactured with the dog in mind instead of the dollar.

- Products that are properly nutritionally balanced.

- Products that contain high quality ingredients.

- Products that take due time to be created allowing for proper research to be conducted

- Extensive product testing, ex. Taste trials.

One phrase sums up my illustrated point exactly, that is:
Commercial dog food manufacturers gain from our ignorance! Would you as a parent feed your new baby a low quality formula, or would you go with the more expensive yet far superior brand?
As a dog owner, I can vouch for the latter. Knowing how important a healthy diet is to the present and future longevity of my dog makes me feel guilty that at one point, I was actually feeding him a commercial dog food!

Check List for the Consumer

The below list is a simple guide containing things to consider the next time you go to purchase dog food for your dog:

- commercial products are sold in commercial establishments. (grocery stores)

- Premium products are not sold in grocery stores.

- A lot of commercial products list whole meat of some kind as their first ingredient. (misleading due to the measurement being taken before the meat is cooked, reducing it drastically)

- Premium products will not list whole meat as their first ingredient.

- A lot of premium products contain specific breed formulas best suited for your breed of dog.

- When buying a premium dog food, you pay for what you get. In order to ensure a quality product money is spent to research, test and tinker with the product to create the finished product. I do not mind paying a little extra for my dog’s food because I know that he would thank me if he could for taking such good care of his dietary needs.

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Benefits of Taurine in Pet Food

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic of conversation when referring to the nutritional composition that makes up the human and animal physical structure. Once thought of as an unimportant A.A. recent studies prove that this amino acid has metabolic properties that are very beneficial to various components of the mammal skeletal system. (heart, kidneys, blood)

Taurine – “A colorless crystalline substance, C2H7NO3S, formed by the hydrolysis of taurocholic acid and found in the fluids of the muscles and lungs of many animals.” (dictionary.com)

Taurine’s main purpose is to act as a catalyst facilitating the flow of vital elements to and from cells. Elements such as Sodium, (Na) Potassium, (k) and Calcium (ca) depend on Taurine in order for them to move from one cell to another.

Taurine has been a present element in cat food due to its vital properties and just recently pet food manufacturers have been implementing Taurine into dog foods also realizing that this A.A. can be very beneficial to dogs as well as cats. Taurine is most abundantly found in the retina and cases of blindness have been linked to Taurine deficiency in kittens, however in most cases, the same studies showed a reversal of the blindness when Taurine supplements were administered.

Taurine is also very beneficial for the heart, and cases of dilated cardiomyopathy have been linked to low Taurine levels in kittens. )A disease or disorder of the heart muscle, especially of unknown or obscure cause.)

I know the average dog owner may look at what I just wrote and say something to the effect of “why are you telling me this? I’m sure if this Taurine is so important, my dog food manufacturer will add it to my dog’s food.” Well I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but in actual fact, most dog food manufacturers are out to make a buck, not to make sure that your dog is getting the best optimal diet. That is why doing research and knowing as much as you can about what you are feeding your dog is so important. Dogs will usually eat anything that you give them, that is why in my case, I will always ensure that I familiarize myself with every component that makes up my dog’s food, to ensure that he is getting a stable diet enriched with all the required components to allow him to function at the top of his game.

Whether you realize it or not, research takes time and money. In some cases to compete with competition, dog food manufacturers taking the time and using the resources that are necessary to properly study a potential additive, is just not an option. In today’s world where manufacturers are vying for your attention time is of the essence and this can sometimes be a hindrance when it comes to properly researching and analyzing potential additions to the given product. Sometime when its cold and rainy and you cant face the outside world, you might find it beneficial to “google” a known shady dog food manufacturer and compare their dog food with what you feed your dog. Then “google” a known high quality manufacturer and do the same comparison. I am certain that you will find this simple exercise quite fascinating, I did.

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The Difference Between Chicken and Chicken Meal

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why is it better to go with the chicken meal than the pure chicken?

Chicken meal is simply chicken that has been baked to remove bacteria and other toxins. Chicken is simply pure chicken.

What people dont know about chicken, is that it is made mostly of water. If a label on a bag of
dog food says %60 whole chicken, that is quite misleading as that does not take into account how much of that %60 of chicken is left after baking it to remove unwanted
substances!

When the label on the bag says %60 of chicken meal, your getting more of the chicken because the product has already been baked to remove unwanted affects
such as bacteria.
Explanation:

Converting dry matter basis

This can be the hard part. All pet foods have different levels of moisture. Canned foods can have up to 80% moisture whereas, some dry foods can have as
little as 6%. This is important for 2 reasons. The first is that the food is priced by the pound, and when you buy dog food that is 80% water you get 20%
food and the rest is water. So the amount of food your pet consumes is small and expensive. The other reason for understanding percent moisture is to help
you compare crude protein and fat between brands and between canned and dry. The listings on the label are for the food as it is, not as it would be on
a dry matter basis. So without converting both brands of food to a dry matter basis you will not be able to compare them accurately. Fortunately, the conversion
is not that complicated.

If a dry dog food has 10% moisture we know that it has 90% dry matter. So we look at the label and check the protein level that reads 20%. Next, we divide
the 20 percent protein by the 90% dry matter and we get 22%, which is the amount of protein on a dry matter basis. Does this make sense so far? Good. Now
let us compare this to canned food that has 80% moisture. We know that with 80% moisture we have 20% dry matter. The label shows 5% protein. So we take
the 5% and divide it by 20% and we get 25% protein on a dry matter basis. So the canned food has more protein per pound on a dry matter basis after all
the water is taken out. We can do the same for fat, fiber, etc.

good luck calculating!

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Aging Dogs Need Special Attention

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Older dogs although appearing normal to the naked eye, will have, and will exhibit teltail signs of age that only the experienced dog owner will be familiar with. Adding to this fact, that dogs will mask symptoms of certain ailments, makes it all the more important to know what to look for as your dog ages, so you can get a head start on treatment options if necessary.

As a dog ages, it will generally begin to slow down. I say generally, because there are of course exceptions to every rule, this one, no exception. You might not even realize the level of your dog’s activity has decreased. It will happen over such small increments, that by the time you realize it, a significant change in activity level will have taken place.

It is key to remember that just because your dog’s activity level is not what it once was, does not mean he/she is less willing to bound around due to a painful joint or joints. Dogs tend to simply become more prone to wanting to ly by the fire or cuddle with you on the couch as they age. They tend to seek affection, something that they would tend not to do as younger dogs. Night time walks will consist of them remaining close to you instead of forging ahead and waiting for you to catch up. They will attempt to spend as much time with you as possible, still independent, just appearing more devoted and loyal.

Something you can do to prepare yourself for living with your aging dog, is to research your dog breed

Find out through friends, other dog owners, your vet, books, or the internet, what to expect to see as your dog ages. Remember changes that take place, are not always visible, or physical for that matter. In the above example, the dog did not slow down due to painful joints, but was simply more inclined not to be as hyper.

This does not mean to ignore a change in your dog’s behavior. If your dog does exhibit behavior that you may think is health related, then by all means make an appointment with your veterinarian. There are diseases that a dog becomes more prone to as they age, but if properly diagnosed, and caught at an early stage, your dog can be treated leading to the dog living happily.

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Dogs Will Love Massages Too

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

Those of us that have had a professional massage, no how good it makes you feel. Those of us who have never experienced one, I strongly advise you to do so. Dogs included?

As with humans, massaging your dog can provide them with the same healthy benefits gained from the technique; ranging from relaxing your dog during a stressful situation, simply relaxing your dog after a long day, soothing those tired tight doggy muscles, to helping to eleviate pain after surgeries.

The technique to massaging your dog is similar to the technique used to massage another human being. Simply gently but firmly rubbing your dogs body from its neck to its tail in a circular motion releases lactic acid from your dog’s muscles and will make him/her feel really good. Chances are, if you practice on some one, you can use whatever makes them feel good to apply to your dog’s body.

Older dogs having to deal with the aches and pains of aging will benefit hugely from hands on interaction as the simple act of massaging old muscles may help to increase bloodflow leading to increased capacity for movement.

Linda Tellington Jones is the woman that first introduced T-touch to the world and has because of this, changed the lives of countless animals not just dogs. Cats and horses also benefit from her technique that has become very popular the world over.

For more information on this very interesting topic, check out
Linda Tellington Jones

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Express Anal Glands from Home

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

One important component to dog care is one that we as dog owners do not like thinking about, or dealing with.

A dog’s anal glands play a big role in its ability to eliminate. These glands are located on either side of the dog’s anus, and In the wild these glands are used to mark territory as they secrete a dark displeasant odor along with the bowel movement. Usually when a dog deficates, the glands will suppress and express however for various reasons, there are times when this does not happen naturally.

Some problems that can occur as a result of a blocked anal gland are; a foul smelling odor, diarrhea, and even infection.

The act of expressing a dog’s anal glands is a simple medical procedure that can be performed by you in your own home. Many dog owners will take their dog to the Veterinarian for this treatment due to their unwillingness to deal with their dog’s rear end, however to save the price of a vet bill, why not glove up and dig in?

Procedure

- In one hand gently pull up the dog’s tail towards its head.

- In the other hand have a paper towel or tissue handy.

- Using the hand holding the tissue, place your thumb on the left side of the left gland, and your 4-finger on the right side of the right gland. The glands will be quite visible especially if they are full and will feel like little sacks.

- Squeeze firmly but gently and a brownish liquid will empty on to the tissue or paper towel.

- If the glands are severely impacted, this will not come easy.

Impacted Gland Expression

This will be the situation if when you squeeze the glands nothing comes out of them, and they appear swollen and full. They may also omit a foul smelling oder which is another telling factor. To aid you and to provide a more comforting experience for your dog, using some kind of lubricant such as KY jelly is strongly advised.

- Each anal sack must individually be expressed.

- Place your thumb on one side of the gland, and your 4-finger inside the dog’s rectum in order to squeeze and express the gland.

- The fluid that comes out as a result, may be thick and pasty, and may be a black, grey or brown colour.

- Do the same to both glands.

If a bloody pus like substance is extruded, this is a telltail sign of infection, and your Veterinarian will put your dog on antibiotics.

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Protect Your Dogs from Developing Lead Poisoning

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

www.GuideDogs.com

Lead poisoning is not something that we dog owners tend to concern ourselves with, however it is always a possibility that our dogs become sick as a result of lead injestion and we should at least know what to look for.

Lead poisoning affects the gastrointestinal tract and the neurological system. Some symptoms include: anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nervousness, tremors, ataxia, blindness, deafness and dementia. Keeping your pet’s medical history up-to-date is crucial in helping your veterinarian make the diagnosis; lab tests can confirm the suspicion of lead poisoning. Treatment can usually reverse the condition if started promptly.

There are many ways your pet can be exposed to lead; here are a few precautions to keep in mind:
List of 5 items
- When working on remodeling or construction projects, keep paint dust from getting in your pet’s fur and on its paws where it can be licked and ingested.

- Store all water and food bowls and any pet toys away from the work area. Although lead-based paint is no longer used on building materials, lead can be exposed when sanding or scraping paint from an older home.

- Never feed your pet from ceramic bowls or plates, which can often be decorated with lead-based paints. Use stainless steel dishes instead.

- Keep battery-operated toys, flashlights, garage door openers, etc., away from your pet; when chewed, the batteries can be a source of lead poisoning.

- Be mindful of your pet around curtains. The lead weights used in the hem of drapes to keep them hanging straight can present a danger to a playful animal.

- Store fishing tackle where it is unobtainable to your pet. Lead fishing weights (which can also be found along the banks of rivers, lakes and streams),
are a potential source of lead poisoning.
list end

In conclusion, if your pet exhibits any of the clinical symptoms of lead poisoning, see your veterinarian immediately. And remember, prevention and supervision are the keys to maintaining a healthy pet. Best wishes for a safe and happy new year from all of our veterinarians!

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Protect Your Pet from Obesity

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

The obesity epidemic that we are experiencing in our society, is beginning to surge to the forefront of cause for concern for our pet population. Dogs and cats world wide are overindulging thanks to their owners spoiling them with treats, and excess food.

Killing our pets with sheer kindness is a statement that may sound humorous to some but is the truth. The growth of product sales relating to pet treats has quadrupled this decade compared to the last and as a result, we are seeing in influx in overweight pets.

Like Humans, pets that are overweight are prone to ill health and will be more susceptible to conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, stroke, etc.

Keeping our pet’s diet under control is simple. Put it this way, if your dog does not have access to it, then they will not miss it. Simply speaking, if you dont feed your dog excess treats on a regular basis, then your dog will not beg for them frequently.

Exercise will also help keep your dog slim. Walking your dog daily is a great way for you to also get your daily exercise. By walking your dog regularly, both you and your dog will benefit, and although you may not see results immediately, overtime you will.

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