Posts Tagged ‘dog care’
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Nothing is more terrifying than seeing your dog on the floor having a seizure for the first time. They can twitch, shake, paddle their legs, drool, lose bowel control and vocalize.
This traumatizing ordeal can be as short as 30 seconds and can last as long as several minutes. In more severe cases dogs can have horrible seizures that do not stop without medical intervention, and that can lead to death if not treated immediately.
Seizure activity in dogs can be the result of many different causes, including but not limited to epilepsy, cancer, infection, toxins, trauma, and metabolic disturbances. Of these, the most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy in pets can be due to several reasons. The main cause of the condition is the garbling of the messages coming from the brain down to the body. Usually messages from the brain come in an orderly pattern that the body muscles recognize and then co-ordinate accordingly to perform functions. But sometimes, changes to the brain or the neural pathways cause electrical message impulses to malfunction in several ways resulting in a loss of physical, sensory and motor functions.
What are the different types of epilepsy?
1. Primary epilepsy is also called idiopathic or genetic epilepsy. There is no exact method by which doctors can diagnose idiopathic epilepsy. Primary epilepsy typically occurs at an early age between 6 months to about 4 years. There are several breeds that are predisposed to epilepsy due to a genetic component. The most common breeds that may be at risk of seizures are Beagles, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Keeshonds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Irish Setters, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Siberian Huskies, and Wire-Haired Terriers.
2. Secondary epilepsy occurs due to underlying medical conditions that can be diagnosed. Pets that get epileptic seizures after the age of four are more likely to have secondary epilepsy. This type of epilepsy be caused by the following:
• Trauma to the brain and the head
• Degenerative diseases of the body and brain
• Developmental defects like Hydrocephalus
• Metabolic conditions like low blood sugar and liver failure
• Kidney disorders
• Tumors
• Certain medications
• Low calcium levels in lactating females
• Severe body infections like Canine distemper
• Toxins like lead, arsenic, insecticide and metaldehyde poisoning
• Low blood oxygen levels that affect functioning of the brain
• Nutritional defects like thiamine deficiencies and parasites
Types of seizures:
If you know that your pet is susceptible to fits or seizures, it is helpful if you note the symptoms properly before you take your pet to the veterinarian. A veterinarian may be able to diagnose the cause of your pet’s seizure and prescribe the ideal medication for it only after you give a detailed medical history of your pet. The main types of seizures are described below.
Generalized Seizure: These seizures are also called Tonic-clonic, Grand Mal or Mild seizures and they can be really scary for the pet owner who experiences them for the first time. This type of seizure has 2 phases. Initially the pet in the tonic phase may faint and all his limbs will extend rapidly into different directions. There is a strong possibility that respiration may stop for a few seconds. After all the limbs have extended, they then start flexing for about 10-30 seconds.
Symptoms that indicate a clonic phase include:
1. Paddling of the limbs
2. Dilation of pupils
3. Excessive salivation
4. Uncontrolled defecation and urination
5. A mild attack will show nothing except for a loss of temporary consciousness but a prolonged attack may be a sign of primary seizures
6. Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes have the potential to cause lasting brain damage and can result in death if left untreated.
Petit Mal Seizures or Focal Seizures: This is also called Absence Seizures. The main problem with this type of seizure is that it sometimes goes totally unnoticed simply because the symptoms are so mild. A typical Petit Mal Seizure lasts for only a few seconds and pet owners may think nothing of it. Symptoms of a typical petit mal seizure are:
1. Temporary unconsciousness
2. Blank stare by your dog that can last anywhere from a minute to a few seconds. Many pet owners regard this condition as nothing but a temporary distraction.
3. Lax muscles for a few minutes
4. Decreased eye movement or even a temporary rolling upward of your dog’s eyes
Partial Seizures: Partial seizures occur when only a part of your pet’s body gets affected. The symptoms of a partial seizure sometimes mimic tonic-clonic seizure and it might be difficult for pet owners to differentiate both. A few of the more common symptoms include:
1. Frequent head turns toward a particular direction
2. Limb bends which may look involuntary and painful to the dog
3. Most partial seizures may progress into complete tonic-clonic seizures if left unattended
Complex Partial Seizures: Complex Partial Seizures are also called Psychomotor or Behavioral Seizures and are extremely difficult to diagnose. Even in humans this type of seizure is characterized by peculiar and highly complex behavior. The same odd (abnormal) behavior is also seen in pets with visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory hallucinations. Abnormal aggression and unexplained snapping are also signs. Other symptoms observed are:
1. Salivation
2. Diarrhea
3. Vomiting
4. Blindness
5. Excessive thirst
6. Sometimes unwary pet owners are frightened of their pet’s odd behavior and leave them unattended until the behavior subsides. Ignoring it, however, can result in the seizure progressing into generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Cluster Seizures: Cluster Seizures are several seizures of a shorter duration that can affect your pet multiple times in a short period of time with periods of unconsciousness in between.
Status Epilepticus: Status Epilepticus occurs as a single continuous seizure, which lasts 30 minutes or more. Status Epilepticus can also occur as a sequence of multiple seizures within a small time interval with periods of unconsciousness. Any pet in status epilepticus requires prompt veterinary care and medical intervention to avoid permanent damage.
I hope this short article has educated you about epilepsy and how to detect its signs. If, at any time, you feel that your pet could be suffering from epilepsy, get in touch with a veterinarian immediately.
Tags: absence seizure, behavioral seizure, causes of epilepsy, causes of seizures, cluster seizure, complex partial seizure, diagnose, dog, dog care, dog epilepsy, dog health, dog seizure, dog seizures, dogs, focal seizure, generalized seizure, genetic epilepsy, grand mal seizure, idiopathic epilepsy, kinds of epilepsy, kinds of seizure, mild seizure, partial seizure, pet, pet care, pet health, petit mal seizure, pets, primary epilepsy, psychomotor seizure, secondary epilepsy, status epilepticus, tonic-clonic seizure, treatment, types of epilepsy, types of seizure
Posted in Natural Dog Health | No Comments »
Thursday, June 11th, 2009
The term arthritis simply translates into inflammation of the joints. For pets who are accustomed to being enthusiastic and energetic, the disease can be hard to bear. Although there is no complete cure for the disease, there are several alternatives that you can try to make your pet’s life easier and more comfortable.
Bedding and food bowls- Adding something soft and warm for your pet to lie on can do wonders for their joints on cold days. You can choose an old mattress, a soft foam mattress or even an old baby mattress that is at least four inches in height. The soft foam or cotton will coddle your pet’s joints as they sleep. Remember to keep the mattress at least four inches to one foot thick, as this is the ideal height to allow your pet to get up and down with the least amount of wear and tear on their joints. Similarly, raise your dog’s food bowl to a comfortable height to decrease any unnecessary bending motions towards the floor.
Exercise- Pets who already have arthritis tend to slow down their daily routines as each movement is painful. Take note, however, that complete rest is not something which will help your pet. Limited gentle exercise, such as walking one or two blocks, is ideal and can also help keep your pet’s weight under control. Nothing too strenuous or energetic, just two or three walks throughout the week and rest on the weekends should be beneficial for your dog. Swimming can also be an enjoyable activity which has the added benefit of having low impact on the joints.
Diet and weight control- Overweight dogs have a greater tendency to develop arthritis as they age. This is due to the fact that the extra weight puts more pressure and demand on joints which can, in turn, lead to premature cartilage damage. As dogs find it more and more difficult to be mobile because of arthritis, they tend to exercise less, leading to an even greater weight gain. This vicious cycle can only be broken if you strictly supervise your pet’s diet and exercise routine. Naturally, maintaining your dog at an appropriate weight from an early age will cause you the least amount of problems, but if your dog is older and overweight, there is no need to despair. Older dogs that need to lose extra weight should be put on reduced calorie diets, treats should be minimized and moderate exercise ought to be a must. Don’t expect to see results overnight, but with time, appropriate diet, and sufficient activity, you should see a noticeable difference in your dog’s weight!
Supplements/nutraceuticals for joint health- There are thousands of products on market shelves that claim to improve joint health. An educated consumer should be advised that not all of them will succeed at doing what they promise. Most supplements contain helpful ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and fish oils, which do work especially if taken with the right vitamins and minerals. Get in touch with your holistic veterinary practitioner before you start giving your dog any of these supplements, as not all dogs are the same and what works for one may not work for another. Do not give your pet medicines intended for human use unless you have been specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Although there is no permanent treatment for arthritis, pet owners can take comfort in the fact that researchers are constantly finding newer and better drugs to help affected pets.
Pain relieving medications like Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can be essential for dogs that are suffering from severe discomfort due to arthritis. Please be advised, however, that all medications can have a side effect. Before giving your pets any medication, remember to consult with a trained veterinarian about the potential side effects. In addition to prescription medications, ask your veterinarian about complementary therapies that can improve your dog’s condition, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, and the use of supplements.
Arthritis is a painful condition but if you arm yourself with knowledge and the right tools, you will be able to alleviate your pet’s discomfort and suffering and enjoy their company for several years more. Arthritis may not be curable but neither is it a hopeless case. Your pet can have arthritis but still have an active, comfortable life. It’s up to you to take an active role in fighting the disease and ensuring your pet’s health and well-being.
Tags: acupuncture, chiropractic care, chondroitin, complementary therapy, diet, dog, dog arthritis, dog care, dog exercise, dog health, dogs, fatty acids, fish oil, glucosamine, joint health, NSAIDs, nutraceuticals, omega 3, pain killers, pet arthritis, pet care, pets, prescription medication, reduced calorie diet, supplements, weight control, weight management
Posted in Natural Dog Health | No Comments »
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
It’s not easy to diagnose allergic reactions in dogs. Not knowing what to do can cause an owner a lot of stress and distress. But with the proper care and medication you can make sure that your pet does not suffer so much. Here are a few alternatives that vets commonly prescribe to treat allergic reactions in pets.
Symptomatic Therapy- Relieving your pet’s discomfort will be your primary concern until medications can start working. One popular treatment used to soothe skin irritation in pets is cool skin baths with non-scented soaps and shampoos, colloidal oatmeal and Epsom salts, and medicated shampoos. You can repeat this as many times as you want but do not use any non-prescription medication. Synthetic creams and OTC sprays may aggravate the condition due to their chemical content. Dermacool and Cortispray are two simple sprays you can use in case your pet is getting really restless.
Diet control- Dogs can be allergic to a single ingredient in dog food. Try to avoid commercial dog food for an entire day and use only homemade ingredients that are available at home. Use a combination of simple proteins and carbs and avoid anything commercially prepared like biscuits, chew toys and any type of pills.
Immunotherapy-Vets may advise giving your pet allergic shots to improve his condition. But do not expect miracles as these injections take time to take effect. The injections take about ten months to produce results and are quite expensive. It may take six to twelve months before signs of improvement are seen. Intra-dermal allergic skin testing is also possible, but the process is also costly. Your dog is sedated and will be tested for over 60 common allergens. The allergens show up as raised patches on the skin and a trained vet is required to read and interpret the skin reactions.
Corticosteroids- Steroids are used to suppress the body’s immune reaction that causes the skin effects of allergy. It is important to note, however, that steroids are powerful drugs and they can have serious long term side effects on the animal. Most vets do not prescribe steroids unless it’s absolutely essential, as there are side effects like increased thirst and appetite, increased urination and even behavioral changes. Continued use of the drugs can cause diabetes, seizures and very frequent infections.
Antihistamines- Antihistamines are one of the most common medications used to control allergic reactions and they work very well in dogs. The only side effect is drowsiness. Common antihistamines used in dogs for allergic skin reaction are Atarax and Seldane.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids- Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega- 6 fatty acids are all great for suppressing the immune reaction in pets. They are not dangerous and definitely help the dog to have a healthier skin and a glossy coat.
Clean your house- If one of the allergens is something similar to plastic or dust then rid your interiors of the material at once. Even if you have already started using allergy shots to control the reactions, it’s a good idea to clean your home of the irritant immediately. This makes the living situation more comfortable for the dog and prevents future breakouts.
No matter what medication you use, do get your pet thoroughly checked by a vet to make absolute sure that they are well cared for!
Tags: allergic reactions, allergies, allergy, allergy symptoms, antihistamine, corticosteroids, diagnose, diet, dog, dog allergens, dog allergies, dog care, dog health, dog itching, dog scratching, dogs, fatty acids, food, immunotherapy, omega 3, omega 6, skin allergies, symptomatic therapy, treatment of allergies
Posted in Natural Dog Health | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
Dogs are an adventurous and inquisitive species. They just love to sniff and roll and poke through nearly every little bit of dirt and garbage they find. It’s just the way they are! But just as humans can be allergic to synthetic and natural compounds, dogs can get allergic skin reactions too. The main difference between humans and dogs is the fact that humans can develop a runny nose and itchy eyes- obvious indications of an allergic reaction, while dogs’ symptoms may not be as noticeable and thus, not as quickly treated. The symptoms of allergies in dogs can include poor coat thicknesses, hot spots, itching/scratching, infected ears and self-mutilation. Allergies are difficult to diagnose as the symptoms can resemble other serious medical conditions like thyroid and adrenal gland illness.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Causes of Allergic Skin Reactions
There are many substances that can cause allergic reactions. Some examples include natural and synthetic food ingredients, artificial and natural fibers, creams and soaps used on the animal, medications, plants, flea saliva and even common household dust. Just as every human is unique, every dog is unique too. It’s not possible to predict exactly what type of material can cause allergic reactions and how the allergic reaction will manifest in animals.
How does an animal get allergic to a compound?
Each pet is unique. Each one carries a special genetic print which makes him or her one-of-a-kind. For whatever reason, the pet’s genes decide that there are some materials it just does not like and will not tolerate. It might be a perfectly simple material like cotton or wool. Every time the pet’s body comes in contact with the irritating material, it starts an internal defense mechanism to try and kill or isolate the material or the allergen. This antigen or allergen is permanently recorded in the body defense mechanism cells as a foreign body and every time the dog is exposed to it, the dog’s immune system goes into overdrive to protect him. Flea saliva is a prime example of how the animal’s body attacks the allergen and goes all out to kill the “enemy”. A few of the side effects common with this defense reaction is skin swellings, irritation, severe itching and redness, vesicles, scaly skin, excessively oily skin, inflamed skin, hair loss, and many other problems that can make your dog extremely uncomfortable. Relentless itching and scratching are some of the most common reactions.
Basic Types of Allergies
There are several types of dog allergies but a few of the more common ones you will see are the following:
• Atopic dermatitis- Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of allergies seen in dogs. These symptoms are caused by inhaled allergen particles. The most common particles which cause allergic reactions are pollens, molds, dust mites and dander.
• Contact allergies- Several materials may cause contact allergies in your dog. The most common materials are rubber, latex, and plastics. The most regular symptoms are itchy skin, shedding, hives and swelling. Grass allergies are also another very common allergen which can cause irritations.
• Food allergies- Food sources can cause allergic reactions very easily. Dogs can become allergic to various proteins in their diets, not just meat proteins. Common allergic ingredients include beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, corn, and pork. However, these are not the only possible foods an animal can become allergic to. Other ingredients like coloring, preservatives and chemicals can also cause a breakout.
• Flea bite allergies- Fleas saliva is another ingredient which can drive dogs wild with scratching. If the scratching continues too long, the dog may develop deep skin defects and serious secondary infections.
Diagnosis
A proper physical examination of the dog can do wonders to find out what’s causing the problem. It’s also a good idea to switch the dog over to a special hypoallergenic diet. These diets can help to soothe and diagnose symptoms which arise from food allergies and are good for your dog too. Allergy testing and blood testing are other alternatives that one can use to find out exactly what is causing the problems. Get in touch with an experienced veterinarian to spare your pet the discomfort and to discuss treatment options.
Tags: allergic reactions, allergy, allergy symptoms, atopic dermatitis, causes of itching, causes of scratching, common allergies, contact allergies, dog, dog allergens, dog allergies, dog care, dog health, dogs, flea bite allergies, food allergies, kinds of allergies, skin allergies, treatment of allergies, types of allergies
Posted in Natural Dog Health | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009
Digging is one of those things your dog does that you just can’t quite figure out, but you can stop scratching your head in confusion now as we provide you with some explanations as well as possible solutions for how to stop this frustrating and sometimes destructive habit:
- Sometimes digging is just in their blood. This holds true for hunting breeds, particularly terriers.
- Dogs also dig because they might have a few treasures (i.e. bones or other food) stashed somewhere.
- Dogs dig for temperature control. During the winter, the ground underneath may be warmer and during summer, it may be cooler than the hot air on the surface. One way to prevent them from digging is to address their needs. Ensure that your house is warm during colder months and give them lots of water and keep them under the shade in the summer. They might love some A/C too.
- Dogs also dig to expel excess energy. They key to solving this is by making sure they get enough exercise. This ought to keep them from becoming restless.
- Finally, dogs dig simply because they are bored and they do it as a form of entertainment. So why don’t you give him or her more attention? I’m sure your dog would prefer to play fetch with you than to dig around your backyard by him/herself!
Tags: boredom, climate control, cold, digging, dog, dog care, dog digging, dog odd behavior, dogs, heat, hunting dogs, odd behavior, odd behavior explained, restless, strange behavior explained, temperature, weird behavior explained
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Sunday, May 17th, 2009
Potty training your puppy can be a hassle, but it’s not something you will want to put off. Dogs are creatures of habit and these habits are learned early, so it’s best to teach them early too! Potty training your pup can be inconvenient and a real test of patience, but if you hang in there, you will soon have a potty-trained puppy and you will see the fruits of your labor in as little as two weeks! If you’re a first-time dog owner and are a little lost on how to potty train your little one, don’t you worry. DNV is here to help. Just keep the following pointers in mind:
- The first thing to remember is that your puppy is like a child. It does not yet know the difference between right and wrong, which is where you come in. The key to puppy training is a lot of patience and understanding. Your little puppy isn’t peeing or pooping on your grandmother’s rug to annoy you- the poor thing just doesn’t know any better, so don’t take it personally. Remember: Patience is a virtue!
- When you start potty training, you have to decide on a designated spot outdoors where you should teach your puppy to go. Be specific so not as not to confuse your puppy. Pick a specific tree, for example, not a whole backyard.
- When your puppy has had an accident indoors, firmly say, “No!” and then quickly take your puppy outside. Do not physically abuse your puppy no matter how frustrated you may be!
- Your puppy naturally aims to please you, so while you let your puppy know of your displeasure when they’ve peed or pooped indoors, you should also let him or her know of your approval if they’ve managed to go at your designated spot. After they’ve done it right, praise them! Make sure you use the same phrase each time so they will eventually know what that one phrase means. You can say “Good potty!” The key is to be consistent! Another thing you can do to show how pleased you are with them is to give them a toy or a treat after they’ve accomplished their task!
- Another important tip is to set a specific schedule for meal times and potty times. It may not be a good idea to free feed your pup before he or she has been potty trained. Feed your puppy at the same time everyday so he or she will also go potty at around the same time. If you have to leave the house, make sure that you give your puppy food two hours before you have to leave, so as to give him or her enough time to eat and go potty. Also, there should be at least four hours between the puppy’s last meal and bedtime, and two hours between the puppy’s last drink of water and bedtime. This ensures that he or she won’t have to go in the middle of the night.
- Like his eating schedule, his sleeping schedule has to be regular also. Take him outside when he wakes up every morning. They always have to go after waking up. They usually have to go after intense physical activity too, so take them to their designated potty area after play or exercise.
- Study your puppy’s behavior. If you see him restlessly walking around or sniffing around the house, this may mean that he has to go!
- If your puppy ends up having an accident indoors, make sure you clean the spot thoroughly, removing all traces of smell. Your puppy’s sense of smell is a lot more sensitive than yours. If he smells the slightest hint of his pee or poop, he might think of that spot as a toilet.
Just follow these pointers and you will find yourself constantly saying, “Good potty” to your new puppy very soon enough!
Tags: dog care, dog training, eating schedule, feeding schedule, go potty, house breaking, peeing, pooping, potty, potty schedule, potty train, potty training, puppy care, puppy training
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Blame Paris Hilton et. al. for the rise in the number of dog clothing brands out in the market- and in the number of dog owners who will gladly purchase their wares. But before we start judging our fellow dog lovers who have turned their dogs into fashion plates, we should also remember that making your dog wear clothes can actually be a good thing. Here are the benefits:
- Clothing protects them from the elements. Some dogs’ coats are not thick enough to keep them warm during colder weather. Consider getting your dog a jacket especially if he or she will be spending a lot of time outdoors. One in a waterproof material is best. If you want to go all the way, you can even buy him or her some dog boots to protect his precious paws from extreme temperatures- either from ice during winter or the hot concrete pavement during summer.
- Clothing will also make them less sensitive to allergies as it protects them from allergens around their environment. In addition, clothing will also prevent dogs from scratching and chewing on their own skin, actions that could exacerbate their allergies. Remember when your mom forced you to wear oven mitts when you had chicken pox? This is similar to that- except better. Dog clothing, unlike your oven mitts, still allow for lots of freedom of movement!
- Having your dog wear clothes can be good for him or her- as well as for you too! It is especially beneficial if you are prone to allergies. Allergens will stick to your dog’s clothes, which you can then wash off, as opposed to being spread around the house like on your couch or your bed.
So with all of these benefits in mind, you no longer have to feel guilty about dressing up your dog. Form and function, you could say.
Tags: advantages of clothing, allergies, allergy, benefits of clothing, dog, dog care, dog clothes, dog clothing, dog coats, dog health, dog jackets, dogs, weather
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Water is life, they always say, and this adage is as true for our dogs as it is for us. While many pet lovers are extra cautious about what kind of food they feed their dogs, not as many are careful about what kind of water they give their precious pets. Here are our tips to help you determine what kind of water is best and healthiest for your dogs:
- It goes without saying that you should only give your dogs clean water. Many dog lovers are under the wrong impression that tap water qualifies as such. The picture above may look cute, but you should refrain from letting your dog drink tap water. The harmful effects of tap water may not be immediately evident but will be noticed through time. Tap water contains chlorine and fluoride which are harmful for your pet. Fluoride, in particular, causes several problems, including damage on your dog’s teeth enamel. Avoid tap water and give your dog filtered water instead.
- Always make sure that there is fresh (we repeat, fresh) water around at all times of the day. Dogs will easily forget to drink if there is no water around, and they certainly don’t have the ability to ask you for some! It’s essential that the water is always fresh to make it more appealing for them to drink.
- Wash your dogs’ water bowls regularly. Put yourself in your dog’s shoes (or paws!) and think- I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be drinking out of a dirty glass either! Stainless steel bowls are easier to clean so we highly recommend those.
- If you feed your dog mostly dry food, then all the more important it is to keep him or her hydrated!
- Dogs generally prefer cold water especially in warmer temperatures. During colder months, they might like having room temperature water instead.
- Do not let your dogs use snow as a substitute for water! Snow can be contaminated. If they really like frozen water, try giving them ice cubes instead!
- Limit their water intake after they have just exercised or done any strenuous physical activity. Too much water after these said activities can result in water intoxication.
We hope this has been helpful! As always, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you!
Tags: best water, clean bowl, clean bowls, clean water, dehydrated, dehydration, dog, dog care, dog health, dogs, drinking water, filtered water, fresh water, healthiest water, hydrate, hydrated, safest water, water, water intoxication
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Monday, April 27th, 2009
Is there such a thing as too much freedom? No, we’re not trying to be overly philosophical here - we are merely referring to the practice of ad libitum or free-choice feeding. This same question that philosophers have been discussing for ages is also one that pet owners have been debating for years – regarding the proper feeding to method to use on their pets, that is! Ad libitum or free-choice feeding is when the pet owner just leaves food out for his/ her pet to eat whenever he/ she wants. Some vets and pet owners are proponents of this feeding method, while others strongly caution against it. Here, we present the two sides of the argument so you, the pet owner, can decide for yourself what is best for your beloved pet!
The PROS: Fans of the free-choice feeding method argue that if practiced when your dog is only a puppy, it teaches him/ her to only eat when he/ she is hungry. Also, this could encourage your pets to eat frequent small meals, which gives them a more constant supply of nutrients and is great for blood circulation. In addition, pets who are fed ad libitum are also less prone to barking to demand for food since they are used to constantly having it around. Thus, food becomes a non-event and they are able to control their appetites better, leading to a more healthy, fit weight.
The CONS: Well, firstly it could be very impractical when you have one or more pets around the house who might end up fighting over the readily available meal! But more importantly, opponents of the ad libitum method argue, that leaving food lying around could lead to overeating especially if your pets are bored and have nothing better to do. Overeating, as we all know, could result in obesity and developmental bone disease. Large breed dogs are particularly at risk.
After being informed about both sides of the issue, the decision is ultimately yours. Just like humans, each pet is different and unique in his or her own way. Naturally, it follows that what is beneficial for one pet may be detrimental to another. If you’re interested in free-choice feeding, try it with your pet and observe closely if he/ she has the tendency to overeat or not. With keen observation, you should be able to decide on the right choice to make. After all, no one knows your pet better than you do!
Tags: ad libitum, dog, dog care, dog health, dogs, eating, feeding, feeding method, food, free choice feeding, free feeding, obesity, overeating, pet, pet care, pet health, pets, weight control, weight management
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Sunday, April 5th, 2009
Every pet owner wants his or her dog to have a silky, shiny coat. Shiny fur brings out your dog’s natural beauty, and more importantly, beyond vanity, it is also an indication of your dog’s inner health. Here are our some tips to give your precious pooch a silky smooth coat:
High quality diet: Choose a dog food brand that is rich in protein and has only small amounts of fillers such as wheat, grain, and corn. Also make sure your dog gets lots of fresh water to drink
Necessary extras: Supplement a protein-rich diet with vitamins and pills containing fish oil, Vitamin E oil, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These vitamin supplements are some of the most effective methods to achieve a healthy, shiny coat.
The right shampoo: Herbal and oatmeal shampoos are supposed to be moisturizing and not as drying as other kinds. Try out different brands to see what works best for your pet.
Brush regularly: Frequent grooming is not only a good way to bond with your dog, but it’s also one way to ensure that your pet’s fur is smooth, shiny and tangle-free!
Bathe less frequently: First of all, let’s be clear that this is only advisable for pets not pet owners. Washing and shampooing can be drying on your dog’s fur. Try bathing your pet less often to allow their fur to release their natural oils, which in effect will make their coat appear shinier. Just remember, however, not to use shiny fur as an excuse for a stinky dog!
Tags: coat, diet, dog care, dog health, dogs, fish oil, grooming, hair, pet care, pet health, pets, protein, shiny
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