By - Michael Rupkalvis
As the American public has become infatuated with their televisions, and in more recent years with their computers, the problem of obesity has increased dramatically. Most of us do not exercise on a regular basis, especially as we age, and tend instead to lead rather passive lives.
A direct result of this lack of human activity is a corresponding obesity problem with our dog population. If a dog's owner is exercise adverse, then the chances are that his dog will not exercise to the optimal degree. When combined with the bad feeding habits that are imposed on many dogs by their owners, the result is that an estimated 25% to 30% of all dogs in the United States are obese.
And with obesity comes a whole host of potential medical problems for the canine population. These include orthopedic and skeletal problems, diabetes, heart and lung disease, reproductive dysfunction, amongst many others. They are also more prone to injury. Once any of these obesity-related conditions is recognized, a cycle of medical (and often surgical) treatments often arises.
In many cases the diagnosis is made too late in the game, after significant and in many instances irreversible physiological damage has already taken its toll on the dog's body.
We will be discussing these medical problems as well as how to deal with an obese dog in a later article. We will also touch on how to keep a healthy dog from becoming obese.
But for now we want to focus on how a dog owner can tell whether his pet is overweight (or underweight for that matter, as the latter has its corresponding medical issues as well). While the fact is that some dogs are obviously overweight even to the most undiscerning eye, many dog owners really have no idea that their canine friend is obese. The way they learn of their dog's weight problem is from their veterinarian.
However there are some general guidelines and testing methods that can help a dog owner evaluate whether their pet's weight is ideal. The most common test was developed by a researcher with Purina, who created a scale that dog owners can use to evaluate their dog's weight.
Basically it involves the owner making a physical assessment of his dog, to determine which of the 9 grades his pet fits into. The lower the grade, the thinner the dog, as follows:
1. Emaciated: The dog's hips, ribs and other bones protrude and can be seen from afar. There is very little muscle or body fat present.
2. Very Thin: The dog's bones are visible, but more muscle and body fat are also seen.
3. Thin: The ribs and the top of the dog's spine may be visible, and his pelvic bones are prominent. A waist and tuck-up are evident. (A dog's 'waist', as viewed from above, is an indentation between where the ribs end and the hips begin. 'Tuck-up' is the area on the dog's body behind the rib cage and in front of the hind legs, as viewed from the side).
4. Underweight: Exhibits some fat on the ribs and has a visible waist and abdominal tuck-up.
5. Ideal: The dog's ribs can be felt easily, and show a thin layer of fat. A waist and tuck-up are obvious but not excessive. 6. Overweight: The ribs show noticeable fat, while a waist and tuck-up are visible without being prominent.
7. Heavy: Here, the dog's ribs are covered with a heavy layer of fat, while fat deposits show at the base of the tail and along the spine. No waist is easily seen.
8. Obese: The ribs are completely covered by a fat layer, and large deposits of fat show at the tail's base and along the spine. No waist or tuck-up are present.
9. Morbid: Evidenced by excessive fat deposits in the area of the chest, along the spine, and around the base of the tail. No waist or tuck-up are visible, the dog's stomach protrudes, and there are fatty deposits along the neck and the legs.
So the closer the dog's evaluation is to Ideal (Level 5), where there is a thin layer of fat over the ribs, the better. Conversely, the farther the dog is from Level 5, in either direction, the more in need of a thorough medical examination he is.
Besides the 9 Level test, a dog owner should take notice of some behavioral indications that his dog may be obese, including whether he seems reluctant to exercise, has difficulty getting up after he is lying down, or gets tired easily when he does exercise. If your dog exhibits any of these characteristics, or your analysis of his body weight utilizing the 9 Levels system above shows his weight as not being ideal, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for your dog to have a complete physical examination.
About the Author
Michael Rupkalvis manages the TakeCareofYourPet website. The website features a new product called Hope for Pets dog nutrition, the best nutritional supplement on the market to aid in optimizing your dog's health and longevity.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Dog Heartworm Disease & Prevention
By - Brent Goodman
Heartworm disease is a dangerous, but completely preventable infection where parasitic worms grow inside the chambers of your pet's heart and large blood vessels of the lungs. Left undetected, the disease can become serious and even result in death as worms eventually block blood flow to the heart and lungs. That's why heartworm prevention and early detection are so important.
Is my pet at risk of getting heartworm? If not prevented with prescription heartworm medicine, yes. Heartworm cases have been reported in all of the lower 48 states, dispelling the old notion the disease occurred only in southern states. Your pet needs heartworm protection no matter where you live. Heartworm disease is most common in dogs, cats, and ferrets.
How could my pet get heartworms? Pets get heartworm disease from being bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten another infected animal in your area. Mosquitoes transmit the parasites directly from bloodstream to bloodstream. It takes from three to five months for the heartworm larvae to migrate toward the heart, where they begin to grow into reproducing adults. Some have reached lengths of up to 14 inches.
So how can I help prevent my pet from getting heartworm? Veterinarians recommend a 3-part program as your best defense. A complete heartworm prevention program consists of having your veterinarian test your pet regularly for heartworm, giving your pet preventive heartworm medications as prescribed by your veterinarian, and reducing your pet's exposure to mosquitoes in the first place.
There are mosquito repellents made especially for dogs that can help prevent mosquito bites, which can help prevent heartworm disease as well as West Nile Virus, another very serious condition spread by mosquitoes.
How long should my heartworm prevention program last? It's safest to keep up with your medications all year round so your pet's body is always protected against the parasite.
Are there risks associated with giving my pet a heartworm preventive? As with any medicines there is a very small health risk with heartworm preventives. In over 23 years of practice, I have never dealt with such a case. The benefit of heartworm prevention, however, far exceeds the slight risk. If your pet is not on a heartworm preventive year round, we recommend having your pet tested by your veterinarian before starting on a heartworm preventive.
If my pet does get heartworm, what are the warning signs I should watch for? Dogs with heartworm infections may show a cough, decreased appetite, weight loss, an inability to exercise, and general listlessness. In addition, cats also may exhibit breathing problems, vomiting, blindness, and seizures. You know your pet's personality best, so if you notice marked changes including these signs, you should take your pet in for testing as soon as possible.
Protect your pets year round... learn more about Dog Heartworm Disease and Prevention.
About the Author
Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.
Heartworm disease is a dangerous, but completely preventable infection where parasitic worms grow inside the chambers of your pet's heart and large blood vessels of the lungs. Left undetected, the disease can become serious and even result in death as worms eventually block blood flow to the heart and lungs. That's why heartworm prevention and early detection are so important.
Is my pet at risk of getting heartworm? If not prevented with prescription heartworm medicine, yes. Heartworm cases have been reported in all of the lower 48 states, dispelling the old notion the disease occurred only in southern states. Your pet needs heartworm protection no matter where you live. Heartworm disease is most common in dogs, cats, and ferrets.
How could my pet get heartworms? Pets get heartworm disease from being bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten another infected animal in your area. Mosquitoes transmit the parasites directly from bloodstream to bloodstream. It takes from three to five months for the heartworm larvae to migrate toward the heart, where they begin to grow into reproducing adults. Some have reached lengths of up to 14 inches.
So how can I help prevent my pet from getting heartworm? Veterinarians recommend a 3-part program as your best defense. A complete heartworm prevention program consists of having your veterinarian test your pet regularly for heartworm, giving your pet preventive heartworm medications as prescribed by your veterinarian, and reducing your pet's exposure to mosquitoes in the first place.
There are mosquito repellents made especially for dogs that can help prevent mosquito bites, which can help prevent heartworm disease as well as West Nile Virus, another very serious condition spread by mosquitoes.
How long should my heartworm prevention program last? It's safest to keep up with your medications all year round so your pet's body is always protected against the parasite.
Are there risks associated with giving my pet a heartworm preventive? As with any medicines there is a very small health risk with heartworm preventives. In over 23 years of practice, I have never dealt with such a case. The benefit of heartworm prevention, however, far exceeds the slight risk. If your pet is not on a heartworm preventive year round, we recommend having your pet tested by your veterinarian before starting on a heartworm preventive.
If my pet does get heartworm, what are the warning signs I should watch for? Dogs with heartworm infections may show a cough, decreased appetite, weight loss, an inability to exercise, and general listlessness. In addition, cats also may exhibit breathing problems, vomiting, blindness, and seizures. You know your pet's personality best, so if you notice marked changes including these signs, you should take your pet in for testing as soon as possible.
Protect your pets year round... learn more about Dog Heartworm Disease and Prevention.
About the Author
Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Bloat & Torsion in Large Breed Dogs
By - Pj Germain
Gastric torsion is seen most often in large breeds including the Great Dane and Bloodhound as well as some of the intermediate size breeds. Torsion of the stomach is the abnormal positioning of the stomach caused by the stomach rotation about its axis. This is better explained as a mechanical twist of the stomach. In essence, the stomach becomes filled with gas, food, liquid, or a combination thereof which causes the stomach to become abnormally enlarged or distended. At this point when a dog engages in a sudden jump or plays and rolls around, the stomach actually swings in a pendulum-like motion which results with it swinging completely around the fixation point of the stomach where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm, thus giving rise to a twist.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus, also referred to as GDV, is more commonly called bloat. This is what usually leads to torsion, although torsion can occur without bloat. Chronic gastric volvulus, which is ongoing mild torsion, may not cause typical signs of GDV, but should be suspected in dogs with intermittent vomiting, weight loss, mild bloating, rumbling sounds in the bowel known as borborygmi, or belching. Depending on how quickly the problem is dealt with, GDV may result in a stomach that is rotated by anywhere from 90 degrees to 360.
Severe torsion usually means the displacement of both the stomach and the spleen as they actually exchange positions. The speed, at which the stomach empties itself, as well as the stomach digestive contraction pace, is thought to play a role in the development of GDV. Certain food types such as peas, onions, beans, beet pulp, etc. are also implicated.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus most commonly occurs in large breeds, but has also been reported in Bassets, Dachshunds and cats. Reported fatality rates range from 15 percent to 60. There is also a high recurrence rate when Gastropexy surgery is not performed to permanently attach the stomach to an anatomically acceptable part of the body, such as a rib. Bloat surgery is a very painful, major operation and is potentially life threatening especially in cases involving old dogs. Dr. John Lammerding, a board certified veterinary surgeon, with extensive clinical experience with GDV cases, believes that GDV in old dogs are typically caused by excessive hyperventilation via sucking too much air due to the fact that some old dogs, like old people, develop breathing difficulties due to the aging process. Theoretically, this state of hyperventilation can then be prevented by keeping the old dog calm and preventing him or her from hyperventilating. With young dogs, Dr. Lammerding suggests more of a genetic predisposition.
Regardless of the cause of GDV, the end result is a distended and twisted stomach. GDV results in physiological changes that create a medical and surgical emergency. Treatment must be instituted immediately if the animal is to survive. If the dog cannot be treated immediately by a veterinarian, the owner may be forced to render first aid to his dog.
Prevention of this condition is the best choice, and it is highly recommended that you should discuss the treatment of bloat and torsion with your veterinarian the next time you schedule an appointment. Not all veterinarians are familiar with the proper emergency treatment of GDV and fewer yet are familiar with proper surgical technique and post surgery care and monitoring. It is imperative that you make sure that your veterinarian is familiarized with the proper procedures before his or her skills are needed. If your veterinarian is not receptive to or is offended by your queries, then it may perhaps be time for you to find a more responsive veterinarian.
About The Author
Pj Germain
Affiliate-Success.Org
Software Review
Reach the Other 98 Percent
Gastric torsion is seen most often in large breeds including the Great Dane and Bloodhound as well as some of the intermediate size breeds. Torsion of the stomach is the abnormal positioning of the stomach caused by the stomach rotation about its axis. This is better explained as a mechanical twist of the stomach. In essence, the stomach becomes filled with gas, food, liquid, or a combination thereof which causes the stomach to become abnormally enlarged or distended. At this point when a dog engages in a sudden jump or plays and rolls around, the stomach actually swings in a pendulum-like motion which results with it swinging completely around the fixation point of the stomach where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm, thus giving rise to a twist.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus, also referred to as GDV, is more commonly called bloat. This is what usually leads to torsion, although torsion can occur without bloat. Chronic gastric volvulus, which is ongoing mild torsion, may not cause typical signs of GDV, but should be suspected in dogs with intermittent vomiting, weight loss, mild bloating, rumbling sounds in the bowel known as borborygmi, or belching. Depending on how quickly the problem is dealt with, GDV may result in a stomach that is rotated by anywhere from 90 degrees to 360.
Severe torsion usually means the displacement of both the stomach and the spleen as they actually exchange positions. The speed, at which the stomach empties itself, as well as the stomach digestive contraction pace, is thought to play a role in the development of GDV. Certain food types such as peas, onions, beans, beet pulp, etc. are also implicated.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus most commonly occurs in large breeds, but has also been reported in Bassets, Dachshunds and cats. Reported fatality rates range from 15 percent to 60. There is also a high recurrence rate when Gastropexy surgery is not performed to permanently attach the stomach to an anatomically acceptable part of the body, such as a rib. Bloat surgery is a very painful, major operation and is potentially life threatening especially in cases involving old dogs. Dr. John Lammerding, a board certified veterinary surgeon, with extensive clinical experience with GDV cases, believes that GDV in old dogs are typically caused by excessive hyperventilation via sucking too much air due to the fact that some old dogs, like old people, develop breathing difficulties due to the aging process. Theoretically, this state of hyperventilation can then be prevented by keeping the old dog calm and preventing him or her from hyperventilating. With young dogs, Dr. Lammerding suggests more of a genetic predisposition.
Regardless of the cause of GDV, the end result is a distended and twisted stomach. GDV results in physiological changes that create a medical and surgical emergency. Treatment must be instituted immediately if the animal is to survive. If the dog cannot be treated immediately by a veterinarian, the owner may be forced to render first aid to his dog.
Prevention of this condition is the best choice, and it is highly recommended that you should discuss the treatment of bloat and torsion with your veterinarian the next time you schedule an appointment. Not all veterinarians are familiar with the proper emergency treatment of GDV and fewer yet are familiar with proper surgical technique and post surgery care and monitoring. It is imperative that you make sure that your veterinarian is familiarized with the proper procedures before his or her skills are needed. If your veterinarian is not receptive to or is offended by your queries, then it may perhaps be time for you to find a more responsive veterinarian.
About The Author
Pj Germain
Affiliate-Success.Org
Software Review
Reach the Other 98 Percent
8 Ways to Stop Submissive Urination in Dogs
By - MR Bruno
If your dog urinates when he gets excited you can easily stop submissive urination in dogs once you understand the root cause of the problem.
It is always a good idea to initially consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for submissive urination. Once ruled out, you can look to behavioral roots of the problem and proceed to stop submissive urination in your dog.
Dogs with submissive urination behavior commonly exhibit this dog behavior when :
* You walk in the door after being out for a few hours and you give your dog an excited and emotional greeting
* When friends and other visitors arrive at your home
* If there is discourse or loud arguing going on
* When a dog or puppy is scolded
* If a loud noise frightens your dog such as thunder, firecrackers, tire blowout, siren or yelling.
* Young puppies and timid, frightened dogs, as well as those with dog parents who are less friendly with their pooches are most frequent displayers of submissive urination.
Submissive urination as a dog behavior is a way that your dog or puppy is telling you that you are in charge, he submits to your power and dominance, or that of another who has come to visit. Be a friend to your dog, not a tough bossy taskmaster.
8 Ways to Stop Submissive Urination in Dogs
* Warmly compliment your dog for positive behavior such as going outside to urinate
* Greet your dog calmly from a standing position. When you bend down and your dog lies down to say hi, he will be showing more submissive behavior which reinforces other behaviors of this nature such as submissive urination.
* Avoid direct eye to eye contact when you first see your dog upon returning home. This can be intimidating to a timid pooch and precipitate submissive behavior.
* Don't grab and hug your dog when you walk into a room where submissive urination has occurred. Once again, a shy pup may see this as an act of dominance and the result will be submissive urination.
* If submissive urination occurs at a specific time, such as before sleeping, or just before you go out, try limiting your dog's water drinking at that time. Be careful not to deprive your dog's water access for more than just a very short period of time as water is essential to his well being.
* Don't make a big deal out of your return home. The excitement in your voice and greeting can be a signal to your dog that he should submit to your entrance and respond with submissive urination. Enter the room calmly and without fanfare. Just let your dog come to you. He will relax once he knows this is not a time for him to respond to dominant behavior by submissive urination.
* Join a group dog training class. Submissive urination is not a house training issue. But by helping your develop other behaviors such as responding to basic commands of sit, stay, come, fetch and others you will be reinforcing positive behaviors and can then divert your dog from submissive urination when that moment occurs.
* Never scold or punish your dog who is displaying submissive urination behavior. This will only reinforce the behavior and in the case of punishment can be inhumane and unlawful as well. Just say "NO", in the popular vernacular of many anti drug use advocates. Do this in a firm but calm voice each time.
You and your dog will achieve greater success and harmony and stop submissive urination in the process.
About the Author
Does your dog urinate every time mom walks into your house? Does he pee the floor when you call the family to dinner? Whatever the problem, help is at hand. Find out how to easily solve any dog behavior issue at http://www.dogs-4life.com/disobedient-dog-help.html
This article may be reproduced intact with the author's link displayed.
If your dog urinates when he gets excited you can easily stop submissive urination in dogs once you understand the root cause of the problem.
It is always a good idea to initially consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for submissive urination. Once ruled out, you can look to behavioral roots of the problem and proceed to stop submissive urination in your dog.
Dogs with submissive urination behavior commonly exhibit this dog behavior when :
* You walk in the door after being out for a few hours and you give your dog an excited and emotional greeting
* When friends and other visitors arrive at your home
* If there is discourse or loud arguing going on
* When a dog or puppy is scolded
* If a loud noise frightens your dog such as thunder, firecrackers, tire blowout, siren or yelling.
* Young puppies and timid, frightened dogs, as well as those with dog parents who are less friendly with their pooches are most frequent displayers of submissive urination.
Submissive urination as a dog behavior is a way that your dog or puppy is telling you that you are in charge, he submits to your power and dominance, or that of another who has come to visit. Be a friend to your dog, not a tough bossy taskmaster.
8 Ways to Stop Submissive Urination in Dogs
* Warmly compliment your dog for positive behavior such as going outside to urinate
* Greet your dog calmly from a standing position. When you bend down and your dog lies down to say hi, he will be showing more submissive behavior which reinforces other behaviors of this nature such as submissive urination.
* Avoid direct eye to eye contact when you first see your dog upon returning home. This can be intimidating to a timid pooch and precipitate submissive behavior.
* Don't grab and hug your dog when you walk into a room where submissive urination has occurred. Once again, a shy pup may see this as an act of dominance and the result will be submissive urination.
* If submissive urination occurs at a specific time, such as before sleeping, or just before you go out, try limiting your dog's water drinking at that time. Be careful not to deprive your dog's water access for more than just a very short period of time as water is essential to his well being.
* Don't make a big deal out of your return home. The excitement in your voice and greeting can be a signal to your dog that he should submit to your entrance and respond with submissive urination. Enter the room calmly and without fanfare. Just let your dog come to you. He will relax once he knows this is not a time for him to respond to dominant behavior by submissive urination.
* Join a group dog training class. Submissive urination is not a house training issue. But by helping your develop other behaviors such as responding to basic commands of sit, stay, come, fetch and others you will be reinforcing positive behaviors and can then divert your dog from submissive urination when that moment occurs.
* Never scold or punish your dog who is displaying submissive urination behavior. This will only reinforce the behavior and in the case of punishment can be inhumane and unlawful as well. Just say "NO", in the popular vernacular of many anti drug use advocates. Do this in a firm but calm voice each time.
You and your dog will achieve greater success and harmony and stop submissive urination in the process.
About the Author
Does your dog urinate every time mom walks into your house? Does he pee the floor when you call the family to dinner? Whatever the problem, help is at hand. Find out how to easily solve any dog behavior issue at http://www.dogs-4life.com/disobedient-dog-help.html
This article may be reproduced intact with the author's link displayed.
Spunky And The "Apple a Day Dog Treat" Dog Food Recipe
By - Bonnie Jo Davis
My dog, Spunky, was put on a new diet last fall by our veterinarian who sold us the food. After five days Spunky became very ill. He was vomiting, eating less, became listless and staggered when he tried to walk. His veterinarian refused to admit that the new food was causing his illness. Spunky became so ill that he was hospitalized for five days and came to the point where we were told he was dying.
I insisted that we try to feed him some of his old food before we gave up on him. We visited the animal hospital and fed him small amounts of his old food. Within hours his bloodwork was back to normal and he recovered very quickly. Some damage to his liver, kidneys and gallbladder remained but these are problems that can be monitored. In my anger and despair I decided to publish an all natural cookbook of dog food recipes. Several months later the very food that made Spunky ill was added to the recall list and this only served to make me more aware that pet owners need to consider feeding their pets human grade food.
An Apple A Day Dog Treat
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple, chopped or grated1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3/8 cup water
Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal in large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water. Mix until well blended. On work surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size.Place treats on prepared sheet. Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed for 1 hour to make the treats crispy. Remove treats from oven. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag, and place in refrigerator or freezer.
Recipe makes 24 servings.
Pet owners who love their pets will no doubt be searching for new food sources. Remember that when changing your dog's diet (no matter what the food source) that you need to introduce the new food carefully and in small amounts before actually making the switch. If you have any concerns about allergies and food sensitivity please consult your veterinarian before introducing human grade food.
(c) 2007, Davis Virtual Assistance. You may reprint this article so long as you keep it intact with the resource box and make all links live.
About The Author
Bonnie Jo Davis is the publisher of niche recipe cookbooks such as dog food, baby food, fudge, holiday meals, leftovers and more. More dog food recipes are located at http://www.fifty-fantastic-recipes.com/dog.htm
My dog, Spunky, was put on a new diet last fall by our veterinarian who sold us the food. After five days Spunky became very ill. He was vomiting, eating less, became listless and staggered when he tried to walk. His veterinarian refused to admit that the new food was causing his illness. Spunky became so ill that he was hospitalized for five days and came to the point where we were told he was dying.
I insisted that we try to feed him some of his old food before we gave up on him. We visited the animal hospital and fed him small amounts of his old food. Within hours his bloodwork was back to normal and he recovered very quickly. Some damage to his liver, kidneys and gallbladder remained but these are problems that can be monitored. In my anger and despair I decided to publish an all natural cookbook of dog food recipes. Several months later the very food that made Spunky ill was added to the recall list and this only served to make me more aware that pet owners need to consider feeding their pets human grade food.
An Apple A Day Dog Treat
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple, chopped or grated1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3/8 cup water
Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal in large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water. Mix until well blended. On work surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size.Place treats on prepared sheet. Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed for 1 hour to make the treats crispy. Remove treats from oven. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag, and place in refrigerator or freezer.
Recipe makes 24 servings.
Pet owners who love their pets will no doubt be searching for new food sources. Remember that when changing your dog's diet (no matter what the food source) that you need to introduce the new food carefully and in small amounts before actually making the switch. If you have any concerns about allergies and food sensitivity please consult your veterinarian before introducing human grade food.
(c) 2007, Davis Virtual Assistance. You may reprint this article so long as you keep it intact with the resource box and make all links live.
About The Author
Bonnie Jo Davis is the publisher of niche recipe cookbooks such as dog food, baby food, fudge, holiday meals, leftovers and more. More dog food recipes are located at http://www.fifty-fantastic-recipes.com/dog.htm
Have You Got A Dog Sitter
By - Ian Williamson
The flights are reserved, the bags packed and the kids are finally ready! But just as you're rushing out the door, you run into Fido with those big, sad puppy eyes. Oh NO, what about Fido?
When planning vacation and holiday getaways, our pets are often a forgotten, last-minute detail.
Next time, consider using a pet sitter. It allows your dog to stay in the comfort of their home and maintain their normal routine. These are things even well-meaning friends or family, and certainly kennels, cannot offer. Also, having a trusted pet sitter in your home can help protect your home from intruders.
But how do you find the perfect pet sitter? Start looking before your next trip and follow these 10 recommendations:
1. Personal Referrals. Ask trusted friends or family members if they can recommend a pet sitter they have used. Word-of-mouth is often the best reference.
2. The Interview. Set up a meeting in your home with each potential pet sitter. Watch how the sitter relates or interacts with your dog. Are they actively involved with the dog or are they distant or restrained around them? Does your dog want the pet sitter's attention? Don't second-guess your dog's reaction (or your own); if they don't seem engaged, move on.
3. Questions, Questions. The kind and volume of questions pet sitters ask will showcase their actual experience in caring for your particular breed of dog. A professional sitter will take notes; you should too. If they don't ask questions, cross them off your list!
4. Affiliations. Judging solely by an organization affiliation (such as PSI Pet Sitters International or NAPPS National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) is tempting. However, remember these national organizations do not know these individuals or their reputation. Instead, ask for local affiliations and follow-up.
5. Client References. Ask for other client references. These will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect if you hire this person.
6. Bonding & Insurance. Bonding and insurance protects you in the case of damage or theft of your property. However, is does NOT ensure that the pet sitter is reliable, caring or trustworthy.
7. The Dotted Line. Ask for a copy of their contract and carefully review the details later. A contract will protect you and your dog. It will also spell out exactly what you can and cannot expect from the pet sitter. It should also list the appropriate rates for all services offered. Do not hesitate to ask questions!
8. Arrange another visit. Arrange for the pet sitter to spend some alone time with your dog. A walk is a great idea. Monitor your dog's reaction; is he happy and comfortable with the pet sitter? Or does he seem eager to get away from them? This also gives the pet sitter a chance to see if they can appropriately handle your dog (particularly if the dog is a large-breed, strong or very energetic).
9. Listen to your gut! Finally, go with your gut feeling! If it doesn't 'feel' right, it's not! Keep looking.
10. Before you leave. Leave detailed instructions (prepared earlier), phone number(s) in the event of an emergency, and your vet's name and number.
Investing your time in advance and following these steps will ensure the best possible pet sitting experience. So the next time you're making those early travel plans, remember to put Fido, and his pet sitter, on your checklist to avoid those big, sad puppy eyes!
About The Author
For more Dog Articles by Ian Williamson please visit www.real-articles.com/Category/Dogs/58
The flights are reserved, the bags packed and the kids are finally ready! But just as you're rushing out the door, you run into Fido with those big, sad puppy eyes. Oh NO, what about Fido?
When planning vacation and holiday getaways, our pets are often a forgotten, last-minute detail.
Next time, consider using a pet sitter. It allows your dog to stay in the comfort of their home and maintain their normal routine. These are things even well-meaning friends or family, and certainly kennels, cannot offer. Also, having a trusted pet sitter in your home can help protect your home from intruders.
But how do you find the perfect pet sitter? Start looking before your next trip and follow these 10 recommendations:
1. Personal Referrals. Ask trusted friends or family members if they can recommend a pet sitter they have used. Word-of-mouth is often the best reference.
2. The Interview. Set up a meeting in your home with each potential pet sitter. Watch how the sitter relates or interacts with your dog. Are they actively involved with the dog or are they distant or restrained around them? Does your dog want the pet sitter's attention? Don't second-guess your dog's reaction (or your own); if they don't seem engaged, move on.
3. Questions, Questions. The kind and volume of questions pet sitters ask will showcase their actual experience in caring for your particular breed of dog. A professional sitter will take notes; you should too. If they don't ask questions, cross them off your list!
4. Affiliations. Judging solely by an organization affiliation (such as PSI Pet Sitters International or NAPPS National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) is tempting. However, remember these national organizations do not know these individuals or their reputation. Instead, ask for local affiliations and follow-up.
5. Client References. Ask for other client references. These will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect if you hire this person.
6. Bonding & Insurance. Bonding and insurance protects you in the case of damage or theft of your property. However, is does NOT ensure that the pet sitter is reliable, caring or trustworthy.
7. The Dotted Line. Ask for a copy of their contract and carefully review the details later. A contract will protect you and your dog. It will also spell out exactly what you can and cannot expect from the pet sitter. It should also list the appropriate rates for all services offered. Do not hesitate to ask questions!
8. Arrange another visit. Arrange for the pet sitter to spend some alone time with your dog. A walk is a great idea. Monitor your dog's reaction; is he happy and comfortable with the pet sitter? Or does he seem eager to get away from them? This also gives the pet sitter a chance to see if they can appropriately handle your dog (particularly if the dog is a large-breed, strong or very energetic).
9. Listen to your gut! Finally, go with your gut feeling! If it doesn't 'feel' right, it's not! Keep looking.
10. Before you leave. Leave detailed instructions (prepared earlier), phone number(s) in the event of an emergency, and your vet's name and number.
Investing your time in advance and following these steps will ensure the best possible pet sitting experience. So the next time you're making those early travel plans, remember to put Fido, and his pet sitter, on your checklist to avoid those big, sad puppy eyes!
About The Author
For more Dog Articles by Ian Williamson please visit www.real-articles.com/Category/Dogs/58
Top Three Death-Causing Toxic Chemicals That Can Be Found In Commercial Dog Foods
By - Dominic Tay
As a dog owner, you should be always looking for healthier dog food with higher quality.
The problem is that most of the dog owners like you are taught to believe that commercial dog foods are healthier choices for your dogs. The truth is most of them are NOT. Read on to find out why.
Here are the top three death-causing toxic chemicals that can be found in most commercial dog foods:
1. Sodium pentobarbital 2. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene), Ethoxyquin and Propylene glycol 3. Lead
Their devastating effects have led them to be banned from human consumption. Read on to find out.
Sodium pentobarbital is the chemical that veterinarians use to put dogs and cats to ‘sleep’. This toxic chemical cannot be removed completely during food processing. So when your dog eats those commercial dog foods, it is possible for this death-causing toxic to accumulate inside their body system permanently. When it reaches a toxic level, it will kill, if not, cause irreversible damages to your dog’s body system eventually causing it to fall ill easily or result in organ failure.
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene), ethoxyquin and propylene glycol are commonly used as fat stabilizers in dog foods as preservatives. BHA and BHT cause liver and kidney dysfunction while ethoxyquin is a potential cancer-causing agent. Hence, many companies have claimed that they moved away from using ethoxyquin. Another toxic chemical, propylene glycol, is found in many semi-moist dog foods and causes red blood cells destruction.
Lead, an extremely toxic heavy metal is also commonly found in pet foods. A research conducted in Massachusetts Institute of Technology published as "Lead in Animal Foods," presented one shocking discovery – A typical 9-pound cat was found to be ingesting, through commercial pet food, far more lead daily than the toxic level for children in their lifetime. Imagine that on your dog. And here is the worst part – heavy metals reside in body systems permanently. Heavy metals have known to cause nervous damage to animals when accumulated in their body systems.
This is a very real fact of commercial dog foods though not all commercial dog companies pumps all these materials into their dog food products.
So if you truly want the best for your dog, the best way out is to personally prepare food meals for it. At least you know you won’t be pumping the food up with any unnecessary deadly preservatives.
About The Author
© Dominic Tay, DogFoodSecretsExposed.com Dominic Tay is a dog lover and the owner of DogFoodSecretsExposed.com, a site dedicated to educating dog owners the real truth behind commercial dog food. Visit his website now and find out how he can save your dog from the devastating effects of commercial dog food and prolong your pet’s lifespan by 134% NATURALLY at http://www.dogfoodsecretsexposed.com/.
As a dog owner, you should be always looking for healthier dog food with higher quality.
The problem is that most of the dog owners like you are taught to believe that commercial dog foods are healthier choices for your dogs. The truth is most of them are NOT. Read on to find out why.
Here are the top three death-causing toxic chemicals that can be found in most commercial dog foods:
1. Sodium pentobarbital 2. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene), Ethoxyquin and Propylene glycol 3. Lead
Their devastating effects have led them to be banned from human consumption. Read on to find out.
Sodium pentobarbital is the chemical that veterinarians use to put dogs and cats to ‘sleep’. This toxic chemical cannot be removed completely during food processing. So when your dog eats those commercial dog foods, it is possible for this death-causing toxic to accumulate inside their body system permanently. When it reaches a toxic level, it will kill, if not, cause irreversible damages to your dog’s body system eventually causing it to fall ill easily or result in organ failure.
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene), ethoxyquin and propylene glycol are commonly used as fat stabilizers in dog foods as preservatives. BHA and BHT cause liver and kidney dysfunction while ethoxyquin is a potential cancer-causing agent. Hence, many companies have claimed that they moved away from using ethoxyquin. Another toxic chemical, propylene glycol, is found in many semi-moist dog foods and causes red blood cells destruction.
Lead, an extremely toxic heavy metal is also commonly found in pet foods. A research conducted in Massachusetts Institute of Technology published as "Lead in Animal Foods," presented one shocking discovery – A typical 9-pound cat was found to be ingesting, through commercial pet food, far more lead daily than the toxic level for children in their lifetime. Imagine that on your dog. And here is the worst part – heavy metals reside in body systems permanently. Heavy metals have known to cause nervous damage to animals when accumulated in their body systems.
This is a very real fact of commercial dog foods though not all commercial dog companies pumps all these materials into their dog food products.
So if you truly want the best for your dog, the best way out is to personally prepare food meals for it. At least you know you won’t be pumping the food up with any unnecessary deadly preservatives.
About The Author
© Dominic Tay, DogFoodSecretsExposed.com Dominic Tay is a dog lover and the owner of DogFoodSecretsExposed.com, a site dedicated to educating dog owners the real truth behind commercial dog food. Visit his website now and find out how he can save your dog from the devastating effects of commercial dog food and prolong your pet’s lifespan by 134% NATURALLY at http://www.dogfoodsecretsexposed.com/.
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