Good Nutrition For Dogs Is As Essential As It Is For Humans by Thomas Kearl

Dogs, just like people, need vitamins and minerals in their diet to help provide them with the best overall health. Good nutrition for your pets is just as important as it is for humans. As well, your dog is an individual, just as you are, and no one singular dog food answer is going to be the same for every dog. Each has different needs, but there are some basic assumptions you can rely on.

Pet food labels are required by law to list the ingredients of the food by weight. The first ingredient listed should be responsible for making up the primary source of the product. A meat ingredient should be listed first, with possibly a meat or fish meal listed as a secondary source. Meat, fish, and eggs offer a high percentage of digestible protein and essential amino acids. Some of the percentages can be misleading, though, as they may not take into account the moisture factor. All types of pet foods have different moisture levels, from canned foods that can range up to 80 percent to dry foods that can have as low as 6 percent moisture. The amount of moisture contained can interfere with the actual percentage of food ingredient that your pet will receive.

Many think a good option to offer the right amount of nutrition for dogs is food that is dehydrated in its raw stages and then re-constituted with water upon meal preparation. Dehydration is a method of food preservation that has been around for centuries, and it actually keeps the nutrients in foods in better condition for consumption. In fact, the nutrients can even become more concentrated and richer when dehydrated in their natural state. This method is also advantageous for storage, and it is easy to prepare fresh for each of your dog's meals. Meats using the dehydration method are dried at high enough temperatures to ensure that any bacteria that might be present are killed off during the process.

Dog nutritional information suggests that vegetables, fruits, and herbs are important to include in your pet's daily diet. Many people include home-cooked healthy foods in their dog's meal plans. Herbs and veggies to include as nutrition for dogs comprise yams, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, kale, dandelion, parsley, and rosemary. Vegetables that are known as "root veggies" should always be steamed lightly or pulped in a fashion to aid in your pet's digestion process. Fresh fruits, such as blueberries, peaches, and melons, and dried cranberries can also be helpful to essential nutritional needs.

About the Author

Thomas Kearl lives with his wife and 3 dogs in Escondido, CA. He has written several articles about nutrition for dogs and is an expert in dog nutrition.

Five Things You Can Do If Your Dog Is Bitten By Another Animal by Jeff Nenadic

The possibility of infection is very high if another dog or animal bites your dog, not least because the saliva in most animals contains large quantities of bacteria and can easily spread a new infection through its bite. A small bite which may not appear particularly bad can seriously damage the tissue within the wound. Ignoring or taking such injuries lightly can have serious consequences on the health of your pet. Irrespective of size, any bite should be examined by your vet as quickly as possible, so that if the injury needs treatment infection can be diminished or avoided. Below there are five things that are useful to know:- 1. If a dog is in pain, its instinct is to growl, snarl or warn you off. You and members of your family will not be excluded from this so placing a muzzle on your dog is advisable if he has been bitten. The muzzle will prevent your dog from biting you and protect anyone else who goes near him. A temporary muzzle can be made with a bandage or similar material if you don't possess a muzzle. Tie the material around the dogs mouth to keep it closed making sure that he is still able to breathe. If the dog attempts to vomit or appears to have problems with breathing you will have no alternative other than to remove the muzzle immediately. 2. A smaller dog will not be able to wear a muzzle so wrap the animal in a towel and hold him firmly. At all times, make certain that your dog is able to breathe easily. If the dog is uncomfortable with the towel around him remove it periodically. 3. When you are sure the dog is not able to bite you, place a small amount of water-soluble jelly, such as KY, onto the wound. Using a disposable razor or electric clippers, carefully remove sufficient hair from around the bite, to expose the wound. You will then be able to clean the wound and letting air into it will assist with the healing process. Run lukewarm water over the wound for a few minutes to clean it and then dry it with some gauze or other sterile material. If the dog has had the bite for more than a day, use antibacterial soap to clean the wound as bacteria may have already entered it. Again rinse with lukewarm water and dry. 4. When you are sure that the wound is completely clean and dry, apply an antibiotic cream such as Neosporin which can be bought over-the-counter. If you don't have a bandage to hand use any clean cloth or sterile gauze, ensuring that it is not tied too tightly. 5. Your dogs inoculations and vaccinations should always be kept up to date, including rabies. Monitor the healing progress of the bite and it is advised to take your pet dog to a vet as soon as possible and have the vet look at the wound to ensure all is well.

About the Author

Written by Jeff Nenadic from My Dog Shop - check for current specials on chew toys online.

Holiday Safety - Is Your Pet Safe?

Holiday Safety and making our homes pet safe is a consideration and concern. We all want to keep our doggy from harm and this time of the year potential dangers are lurking in many places.

Some Dog Safety Issues to Consider ...

Christmas trees can be tempting to pets; they like to chew on them. Keep your trees as secure as possible and the ornaments out of reach. If ingested, ribbons, tinsel, wrapping paper bows and broken glass can cause very serious harm to your doggy.

You certainly do not want your best friend chewing or tripping on electrical cords; tape them to the floor and wall.

Constant supervision is necessary when candles are lit or the fireplace is on. Animals are attracted to light and the embers, sparks or wax are a potential danger to your buddy.

Holiday Safety - Plants and Products to Watch for...

Watch for snow globes some contain antifreeze.

Artificial Snow is a toxin.

Poinsettias and holly make great Christmas decorations but for your dog if he should decide that these plants looks like tasty morsels, they could cause stomach problems or eye and mouth irritation.

A small amount of Yew is toxic and fatal.

Ingesting Mistletoe could bring about vomiting, swelling of the throat and mouth and a drop in blood pressure.

Antifreeze tastes sweet and your pet may be tempted by this but a tad of this could be deadly.

Safe Dog Toys

Our canine friends love toys and love to chew their toys, sometimes to the point of destruction. When searching for a new toy for your dog, look for ones that are made of natural rubber or latex. These provide a non-toxic alternative to ones made from de-isononyl phthalate (DINP) which is used to make hard PVC plastic soft and pliable. The soft, squishy plastic ones that bounce and make squeaking noises are usually the ones that doggies love to play with the most but are also the most dangerous. DINP has been shown in tests to cause liver and kidney damage and possibly cancer if ingested. When choosing a gift, be sure it is safe.

Safe Holiday Food

Chocolate is toxic to dogs and so are macadamia nuts. Choose healthy holiday treats for your dog and give them in moderation.

Keep holiday safety in mind for your best buddy this festive season. Relax and spend some quality time with your pet. Your dog will think that is the best gift of all.

Best Dog Bed...

By donna Boras Published: 12/6/2008

How to Take Your Dog to a Concert

One of the reasons why owning a dog is so fun is because they are always available to hang out. You can take them with you to dog friendly places and you can enjoy all sorts of activities with them. If your town or city has great outdoor concert venues like ours does, that is just one more place you can take your pooch. There is a certain protocol you should follow when taking your dog to an outdoor concert; read below to learn up on the dos and don’ts of taking your dog to take in some music.

Step 1: Before you head out the door, double check your dog’s veterinarian record. Are his vaccinations up to date? Also, make sure your dog’s identification tag is current and has several contact numbers for you, including your cell. (If you’re at the concert, you’re not at home!)

Step 2: Don’t leave home without your dog’s collar and leash. Some dogs require a dog training collar to ensure even the most out of control situations are manageable.There might be other dogs at the concert and their owners might be tempted to unleash their pup. It’s in your best interest to maintain control of your dog by keeping him leashed.

Step 3: Check the weather reports. If it’s going to be a cool evening, outfit your pup with a sweater. If it’s going to be a scorcher, bring an umbrella to keep your dog out of the sweltering heat.

Step 4: Pack the cooler! There’s no doubt you’ll have food and beverages for yourself; don’t forget to pack some for your pooch. He will need fresh water and depending on how long the event is, might need a meal or treats as well. Don’t forget to include the dishes you will serve his food and water in.

Step 5: Make sure there’s room on the blanket for your dog. Although you might stand and sway throughout the entire concert, your dog’s little legs will get tired and he will want to rest. While it’s not necessary to pack his dog bed, he does deserve some level of comfort while enjoying the festivities.

Step 6: Don’t forget the pooper scooper. You will need to find an appropriate place at the concert venue to walk your dog and allow him to relieve himself. If he ends up going number two, you’ll be happy you remembered to pack the poop bags. (And so will the other concert-goers.)
By Shelly Siegel
Published: 1/3/2009

Officials Condemn Mobile Home Inhabited by 2 Women and 66 Animals

Allegan County sheriff’s Deputy Tim Halstead told The Holland Sentinel Friday that health officials had been called to investigate a double wide mobile home and were appalled at what they found. The occupants of the home were a 68-year-old woman, her 22-year-old daughter, 39 adult dogs, 14 puppies, and 13 cats. The names of the women have not been released.

Halstead told reporters that the older woman said she started out with only four dogs, but then they began having puppies. "The problem just got away from them," he said. Officials said that the two women are animal loves, but they quickly became overwhelmed by the rapidly increasing size of their menagerie.

Everything inside the home, including the furniture and every inch of floor space, was covered with animal waste, up to three inches in places. Animal rescue volunteers called to the home said that the 66 animals were caked with feces, and everything in the home was soaked in urine.

Authorities in Cheshire Township, about 35 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, removed 16 animals from the home on Monday and the remaining animals were removed Wednesday. The animals were cleaned up and examined by two area veterinarians, who said that although the animals were filthy, most of them appeared to be in good health.

According to Ben Williams, an environmental health worker for Allegan County, the county health department has condemned the mobile home because the well is broken and it has no running water. There is also no working furnace in the home. Lt. Scott Matice of the Allegan County sheriff’s office told The Grand Rapids Press that the trailer will probably have to be destroyed. All of the animals have been quarantined at a veterinary hospital and the county animal shelter.

The two women, who are now staying with relatives, had become accustomed to having most of their clothing covered in feces, particularly the lower parts of their pants. The mother and daughter also shared a bed that was drenched in animal waste. Deputies said that they wore thick jackets and heavy pants at night to protect themselves from the filth they slept in.
By Buzzle Staff and Agencies
Published: 1/29/2007

Symptoms of Dog Poisoning

Dogs are curious animals by nature and they tend to eat anything that they find interesting. A dog owner should keep watch on the dog while it is eating anything, as such indiscriminate eating habits can lead to poisoning. You can identify dog poisoning by knowing its symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, muscle tremor and rigidity, heart failure, etc.

Dog Poisoning

Generally, most dogs have a tendency to hunt for different things. This habit can put them in direct contact with dead animals, insects and toxic plants. Dog poisoning can be caused by gas inhale, ingestion, or absorption through the skin by direct contact with certain types of substances. Dog owners also can be unknowingly responsible for dog poisoning by giving them unsuitable foods, leaving various chemical products, or inappropriate use of medications and topical applications to kill fleas. Some of the substances that are poisonous to dogs are alcohol, chocolate, cleansers, caffeine, avocado, mothballs, fish, raisins, garlic, grapes, insecticides, onions, rat poison, tick products, zinc, etc. Most poisons are ingested, while some are inhaled or absorbed by the body.

A chocolate consists of a poisonous substance known as theobromine. It can give rise to some symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, seizure and heart problems. In some rare cases, it can lead to death. Some plants such as oleander, mistletoe, Easter lily and azalea are extremely toxic to dogs, causing the symptoms such as vomiting, rash and kidney problems. If a dog ingests the bleaching agents, it causes vomiting, drooling and abdominal problems.

Symptoms of Dog Poisoning

The effects of poisoning in dogs are not always immediately apparent. Although most symptoms of poisoning appear within three days, the toxic substances may not cause any illness for several days, months or even years. The prognosis depends upon a type and amount of poisonous substance and duration of exposure. Poisoning causes a wide range of symptoms such as skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth irritation, lethargy, lack of appetite, drooling, staggering, breathing difficulty, hallucination causing over-reaction to light or sound, bleeding disorders, seizure, muscle tremor and rigidity, liver or kidney problems, heart failure, coma and death.

Generally, the time required to appear the symptoms depends upon the quantity of chemical substances ingested and duration that these substances remained in the body before starting the treatment. You need to start the treatment as early as possible in order to prevent serious illness in the dog. Some types of poisoning can cause a permanent damage and even death, if immediate treatment is not given.

Dog Poisoning Treatment

If the dog exhibits the symptoms of poisoning, then you should immediately take your dog to a veterinarian. The best way to eliminate the poison from the dog’s intestine is to induce vomiting. Laxative is given to a dog in order to enhance the process of eliminating the poisonous content from the body. If the dog’s skin comes in contact with poisonous substances, then it should be cleaned by bathing the dog with warm water and soap. It prevents the dog from licking the poison on its skin.
By Reshma Jirage
Published: 8/11/2008