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A Short Comparison Of Dog Anatomy With Human

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A dog may be man's best friend, but anatomically speaking which species is superior?

One obvious difference between dog anatomy and human is the contrast in size (and of course that human's walk on two legs and dogs on four!) An average human height is 180cm, with the tallest dog, the Great Dane, reaching 86cm, and the smallest dog, the Chihuahua being 26 cm max.

This immediately identifies one of the fascinating facts about dog anatomy - the wide range of size within dog breeds. No other species has such a wide spread of size and weight as the dog. Not convinced?

Affenhuahua 2kg

St Bernard 120g (ten times more than the Affenhuahua)

Human 61kg (average)

An Extra Eyelid

Of course you are familiar with your own eyes and having upper and lower eyelids. But did you know dog anatomy is such that dogs have three sets of eyelids? They have the additional of a "third" eyelid, also known as the "nictitating membrane."

The third eyelid is located at the inner corner of the eye, and slides across the cornea to protect it when danger threatens. It is most usefully deployed when a dog pushes through undergrowth or if faced with an angry cat - as it forms a barrier to scratches.

Born to Sniff

The dog has a typically black, leather nose, but did you know this feature of dog anatomy is as unique to each individual as a fingerprint is to people? The folds and creases on a canine nose are unique and can be used as a means of identification. Another striking difference between dog anatomy and human is our sense of smell. A dog devotes over 40% more of his brain power to processing smells than the human brain. Indeed dogs are born to sniff with that wet nose being able to detect which direction a faint smell is coming from. The average human has a generous 5 million scent detecting cells in their nose, but this seems insignificant compared to the king of scent hounds, the Bloodhound, which has a magnificent 300 million scent-detecting cells.

Sounds Superior

Another area where dog anatomy wins is their sense of hearing. Whereas we may struggle to hear a sound 20 feet away, a dog can hear the same noise over 80 feet distant. Not only that but whereas the human ear can't detect sounds above 20 KHz, the dog's ear easily hears up to 60 KHz and a whole studio of sound that is denied to us.

A Tale of Tails

Whilst not all dog breeds have tails, for those that are equipped with this marvelous means of canine communication, a waggy tail has to be the most joyful part of dog anatomy. An average tail is made up of 23 articulated bones. But here's the rub. Did you know that people have a vestigial tail? OK, it's only present for a few days, but the human fetus develops a tail from days 31 - 35 of gestation - a throwback to our simian ancestry.

Life Story

And finally, one of the biggest differences between dog anatomy and our own is the dog's shorter lifespan. The average human life expectancy is 71 years, whereas for our canine companions it's just 10 -13 years. Given the effect dogs have on our hearts and lives, this is one area where it's a hollow victory, to be the superior species.

What To Look For When It Comes To Cancer In Dogs

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As a dog owner, it is always important that you remain proactive when it comes to your pet's health. This will mean not only bringing your dog in for regular veterinarian check ups but also taking the time to notice any signs that there could be something wrong health wise. Believe it or not, canines are actually susceptible to the same forms of cancer as humans. The only major difference is that they can start to metastasize a whole lot faster in dogs than in humans.

Of course, the best way to try and detect any possible signs of cancer is looking for some symptoms that can be telling. Have you noticed any sort of swelling that is abnormal? This could actually be a sign that a tumor is growing and it should be looked at to try and confirm whether or not it is cancerous.

Appetite is another factor that you will want to take into consideration if you are concerned about your dog's health. If he or she has cancer, you may find that they will start to lose their appetite as well as lose a significant amount of weight. Hand in hand with loss of appetite can be a loss of stamina as well as a drop in energy levels.

Some dogs that are in the later stages of cancer will start to have issues when it comes to expelling waste. Abnormal patterns for breathing might be a concern and there could even be wounds, bleeding and/or discharge that will occur simply because they have a weakened immune system. If you start to notice these or any other sort of symptoms that are alarming or a big change from the way that your dog normally acts, it is important that you bring them to your vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis.

There are treatments that you can talk with your veterinarian about that are known to help fight cancer in dogs. However, they can be painful and quite costly over the long haul. The more that you educate yourself on the type of cancer that your dog has as well as your options when it comes to treatment or life care, the better equipped you will be to help keep them comfortable as long as possible. Overall, while it can be devastating to hear that your dog has a form of cancer, you can work with your vet to try and treat your pet as soon as possible.

Why Choose Canine Medications

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Why does your canine need medications? Canine medications are used to treat injuries or illness, to relieve pain or inflammation, to improve health through vitamin and mineral supplementation and to serve a variety of other purposes. These medications become necessary as your pet ages and are afflicted with various types of illness and injuries.

Canine medications can be available both through the veterinarians and over the counter. Medications are used to treat diseases and help dogs improve their health. There are a number of medications that are prescribed as a preventive measure against diseases. They can help your pet live a healthy life and assist them in recovering faster from illness.

Our pets as they grow older need a lot of care. They are also prone to a number of diseases, which happen due to old age and injuries. Canine medications will help keep your dog healthy even as they age and aid in its recovery from serious injuries.

There are a number of canine medications available in the market for various purposes. Some of these medications are prescribed for pain or symptoms of an illness, while others improve health or serve as preventative measures.

The two primary sources from where the medications can be purchased are veterinarians and pet stores. Depending on the function of the medication, there are some, which are prescribed through veterinarians alone as they need to be administered for specific purposes. Do not provide any medication without consulting the veterinarian.

Canine medications which are available over the counter can be categorized as

probiotics,
antioxidants,
fatty acid supplements,
joint supplements,
multivitamins,
pain relievers,
dewormers and
urinary health support

Medications which are to be administered under supervision can be fatal if given without any guidance. If the medications are administered incorrectly or if the dosage given is too high, it could lead to complications and in certain cases cause even death.

Veterinarians can also prescribe health food supplements, if they feel that it will benefit the health of the pet. There are certain medications, which could cause allergic reactions in some dogs so it is always advisable that you consult your veterinarian before administering such medications.

If canine medications are administered at the right time, they can help relieve a lot of pain or suffering, your dog could be undergoing due to an illness or injury. It will also help your dog live a long and healthy life

How to Deal Effectively With Common Health Problems in Pet Dogs

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Dogs sometimes get ill and like their human masters they need proper attention and medical care. Here are three common illnesses affecting dogs and a few useful guidelines for dog owners who are looking out after them.

Food allergies

A food allergy manifests in dogs in much the same way as in human beings. Allergies are an itchy business, and dogs who suffer from food allergies will be scratching like crazy. You might see your dog shaking its head repeatedly. Before dismissing it as a cute new antic, you might want to observe the rest of the dog's behavior. The repeated head shaking may be the dog's way of saying that is ate something its allergic to. Dogs can suffer from many different types of allergies and according to the experts 10% are from the food that they eat. The most usual causes of food allergy in dogs are beef, lamb, chicken, fish, wheat, dairy, soy, and egg.

Itchiness is not the only signifier of a food allergy. In some dogs, the signs may include gastrointestinal problems and chronic diarrhea. In most cases, a dog's food allergy is triggered by more than one cause. Allergies are determined by genetics, and most of the time, the dog owner is unaware that his pet is allergic to a certain type of food until the allergy manifests itself. Therefore, you must learn about the predisposition of your pet's breed to food allergies, and learn as much as you can about past medical history if the dog has had a previous owner.

Canine Ear Infections

There are multiple causes of ear infections in dogs, including moisture or earwax, yeast or bacteria, excessive hair and impacted foreign bodies. The ear canal of dogs is more vertical in orientation than humans and so they are many times more prone to ear infections. Canine ear infection must always be brought to the attention of a veterinarian, lest it gets worse and lead to more serious conditions such as total hearing loss and loss of balance. The first signs of ear infection that you must look out for are redness and swelling in the area, increased scratching around the ears, foul odor coming from the ears, and a yellowish or brownish discharge, which is sometimes splattered with blood. Upon examination, a good vet will be able to diagnose the infection and prescribe the appropriate intervention.

Joint Problems

Running and jumping can take its toll in ageing humans. The same is true for their canine friends. Dogs with bodies and limbs that are subjected to high intensity forces such as work dogs are highly at risk for injuries of the joints.

Some of the most common orthopedic problems diagnosed in dogs are ligament tears and osteoarthritis, which are common in humans as well. Ligament tears are usually due to direct trauma to the joint, while osteoarthritis develops with advancing age. Ligaments are also prone to degeneration with repeated usage and time, and injuries could lead to degenerative problems which often manifest as a limp or excruciating pain. Nevertheless, you must be observant because joint problems manifest early as a change in the dog's movement patterns and/or level of activity. If they are diagnosed early, then a worsening of the condition can be prevented.

Why Choose Canine Medications

Health and care, pet medication, Pets health, Puppy Health No comments

Canine medications which are available over the counter can be categorized as

probiotics,
antioxidants,
fatty acid supplements,
joint supplements,
multivitamins,
pain relievers,
dewormers and
urinary health support

Technology Helping Pets - Chemical Free Flea and Tick Solution

Health and care, Pets health, pets technology, Puppy Health No comments

1 tag lasts 4 years, saving an average of $1,300.00 over a 4 year period, compared to traditional products

Scalar waves have been shown to provide benefits to your dog including improved blood circulation, higher energy levels, and a boosted immune system

No chemicals involved, whatsoever

Fleas and Tick are gross, and what's more important, they are dangerous to pets and people. Ticks carry Lyme's disease, which left untreated, can cause liver damage in pets and people. While there is no shortage of treatment and prevention products on the market, the options are not as safe as the manufacturer's claims imply.

Traditional treatment and prevention products for fleas and ticks include:

• Perimeter Sprays

• Spot on applications for your pet

• Flea and tick sprays

• Fleas and tick collars

• Flea and tick shampoos

All of these products have one thing in common - they all contain pesticides. In fact, they contain a chemical that is commonly used in Raid and other household ant and roach killing products. When applied to your dog's skin, these products get absorbed into the bloodstream. Over time (and for some dogs, immediately) these chemicals become toxic and cause death. Other dogs have suffered skin burns and temporary muscle weakness, making them unable to walk. There have also been reports of nausea, vomiting, and seizures.

These products are dangerous for people too. During or after application, chemicals can get onto skin, clothing, furniture, or carpets And if you have children who hug and play with your dogs, you certainly don't want them exposed to potentially toxic chemicals.

A PILL FORM OF PARASITE PROTECTION

This is another form of parasite protection. It is given to your dog monthly and not only prevents fleas and ticks, it has the added bonus of preventing heart worm, another parasite that can attack dogs. For this reason, many pet parents choose the pill form of protection. It is one medication that protects against three kinds of parasites. It's easier to administer, and less costly.

However, illness and sudden death have been reported in animals after taking just one pill. The brand known as Trifexis was the focus of an investigative report done by WSB-TV in Atlanta. After several tragic dog deaths resulted from administration of just one Trifexis pill, the station decided to investigate.

Many dogs are able to tolerate Trifexis with no side effects. But for some dogs, death has resulted after just one pill. The problem is this: there is no way to determine which dogs will be fine and which may die. You won't find out if your dog is one of the minority until it's too late.

Pet Protector - Innovation At It's Best

An "out of the box" thinking team has come up with a scientific solution to the age-old flea and tick problem. Pet Protector is a simple metal tag, that when placed on your dog, creates a field of protection using scalar waves. These waves are safe for you and your pet, but they create a hostile environment for external parasites including mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. Ten years of research and testing have gone into this product. Here are some of the advantages that Pet Protector has over other products for protecting your loved ones:

This technology eliminates pet owner concerns about chemical exposure and the possible damage it can cause to their beloved family members.

Best Puppy Training Tips

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Adults who want to have the best trained dog in the whole wide world will need to follow the best puppy training tips that I am going to share with you in this article. Just like raising a child, all you need to possess in order to train your puppy is time, love and caring, a lot of patience, and provide a great deal of dedication on your part. Right now, I am going to share with you 5 training tips on how to train your puppy successfully.

1. As human beings, we get confused very easily when too many people talk to us at the same time. The same can be said about training your puppy. If there are too many masters trying to train a puppy at the same time, the pup's progress will stop. Find someone who will train the puppy, one on one, so that the pup can learn the new commands from one individual.

2. When you are using positive reinforcement to train your dog for good behavior, remember that you have to use constant repetition so that your pup will know that what they are doing is good. Never get after your dog for negative behavior; applying negative reinforcement will be detrimental to your pup's training process.

3. When we learn a new language, we have to start at the very basics; learn one step at a time. With dogs and puppies, you have to teach one command at a time. Once they have mastered that command, then you can teach your dog or pup another one.

4. Always have a cheerful voice when you are training your dog or pup. For you parents, think of how your children will respond if you are trying to tell them something in a loud or angry voice. They will become frightened; the same can be said for a pup. If you are trying to train in a loud voice, all the pup will do is shrink and hide.

5. Let your dog explore. This is a very valuable training tip that I can give you. Take your dog or pup on a walk, let them explore new things. This is also a great time to do some additional training for your dog or pup. During the summer, after work, I would go on my evening runs, my dog, who is an Australian Shepard would run along side me, sometimes, she would wander off, all I would have to do is call her name and pat the side of my hip and she come running right beside me. The training process was a pain in the neck, but over time and having lots of patience, she finally obeyed.

The training process will be long and sometimes it can lead to frustration, but if you follow the best puppy training tips that I have provided in this article, in the end, it will be worth it. You will have the best dog in the whole neighborhood and you will someday say to yourself, "truly, a dog is a man's or woman's best friend!"

Dogs With Food Allergies: Novelty Protein Dog Food

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The Story

I have a boxer, bull mastiff mix named Leo, who struggles with itching and scratching all the time. It got to the point to where I felt so bad for him not only because he's my best friend but because I can tell he was uncomfortable. I finally had enough and gathered up my veterinarian's phone number and took a trip to the vet. Leo was having rashes on his belly and kept licking his paws to were they were getting infected.

The first thing the vet asked me was, "what kind of food do you feed him?" I replied with "a healthy food with no corn or bi-products." He said "that's good but what is the formula?" I told him it was chicken. He said I might want to try feeding a novelty protein, something other than chicken beef or lamb, which are common ingredients found in dog food. The vet told me that most people come in and think that their dogs are scratching from fleas but it turns out it's usually the food that they're feeding. He said that if I try feeding a healthy dog food with a novelty protein my dog is most likely going to have a better reaction because he's never been exposed to that specific meat source. The vet said that just like humans, dogs can become allergic to any ingredient at any time. He had mentioned some options of foods that I could feed but I insisted on going home and doing my own in-depth research for myself to see which dog food would be right for my dog. I came across a lot of very healthy foods that were grain free but I still didn't know which direction to take. I finally narrowed it down to a couple limited ingredient diets which contained a novelty protein as the first ingredient, that might work for my dog. The types of dog food that I found were very simple, easy on the stomach and the skin.

The Progress

Week by week Leo became a whole new dog. His skin issues have improved greatly and the dermatitis areas between the paws disappeared. His rashes near the belly had also gone away.

The Solution

Turns out that Leo was simply having a reaction to the chicken. Now not that chicken is a bad ingredient but chicken is a cheaper protein and in most of the foods he ate, chicken was the main ingredient. After switching to a novelty protein the skin cleared up.

The Conclusion

If your dog has skin issues, take a look at the ingredients on the package of dog food you feed and see what the meat sources are. If you see chicken, beef or lamb, chances are that could be the issue. Also make sure there is no corn, wheat or soy. Grain free would be a good choice with a single novelty protein.

The Benefits of Choosing an Orthopedic Bed for Your Dog

Health and care, Joint Pain, Pets health, Puppy Health 2 comments

Orthopedic dog beds are designed to provide maximum comfort for your animal's body while also working to gently support his back, his joints, and his whole skeletal body. That is to insure that your dog always has a comfortable resting and sleeping experience. There are three types of orthopedic dog beds. Memory foam, orthopedic foam and thermal beds make up the choices.

Let's look at the first type of bed. It is made of memory foam. Memory foam is called by this name because it keeps its shape when you push your hand down on it. Memory foam adjusts and molds to the weight and shape of the dog's body. This type of orthopedic dog bed significantly reduces pressure points and improves blood circulation making your dog more comfortable.

Memory foam was developed for NASA in the early 60's. Its intent was to drastically reduce the effects of the excessive G-forces that Astronauts experience during takeoff and re-entry to our atmosphere Memory foam has been greatly improved in the past fifty years.

Orthopedic or convoluted foam is another type of orthopedic dog bed. The unique convoluted surface reduces pressure points and discomfort while increasing air flow in the mattress. Convoluted beds provide firm foam support for all areas of your dog's body while helping relieve pain associated with arthritic joints, hip dysplasia, or other injured skeletal parts. You may have heard someone refer to convoluted foam as "egg crate foam" because the shape resembles the packing in egg crates to cushion the eggs and keep them from breaking. As you may guess this type of convoluted foam allows your dog to lie comfortably without undue pressure.

Another option is a thermal or heated bed. People who have arthritic joints complain that the cold weather tends to make their joints "stiff and achy" Anyone with arthritis knows that heat can make your aching joints feel better. People sometimes use a heating pad or heated mattress cover to relieve their painful joints. Dogs with arthritis tend to move more slowly when they experience cold weather. Just as with people, heat is sometimes recommended for dogs with painful arthritis or hip dysplasia. Heated or thermal beds can make your mature or aging dog more comfortable. Thermal beds, along with medications, can help to make your older dog pain free. Some orthopedic dog beds come with a thermal unit in between the orthopedic foam layers. This thermal unit can be battery powered so there are no cords for the dog to chew. Dogs who live in cold weather regions would benefit greatly from one of these thermal orthopedic dog beds.

Why buy this type of dog bed? Orthopedic dog beds eliminate a number of pressure points on your dog's body. This allows the blood to flow through his joints as your dog sleeps or rests. This is just like oil in a car... the blood lubricates the joints in his body. You may see your dog get up from a genuine orthopedic dog bed with less aches and pains. He will probably move around more easily when he has rested comfortably.

How To Tell When Your Dog Is In Pain

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Knowing whether or not your dog is in pain is crucial for figuring out if it needs medical attention. Pet owners need to focus in on listening to their animal's behavior and look at how they function on a daily basis to get a sense for how their dog is looking. For instance, if a dog is limping for a few minutes then it may have just twisted its leg or bruised itself, but if it is limping for an entire day and the next morning then that means the dog is in pain.

Knowing the signs if a dog is in pain can be helpful in figuring out how to help your animal in its time of need. You do not want to allow your animal to suffer for a long time, nor put it in a position to suffer any further. A small pain could worsen and cause a great deal of more damage to your animal, take that into account so that you can do what is necessary to receive medical attention for your dog when necessary.

First off you should check your dog every day or so. Simply pet your animal and see if it reacts to you touching it anywhere. If you notice your dog lets out a whimper when you pet it in a particular area, or when you see it moving then that means it is in pain. So start listening to your dog to see how it is functioning on a daily basis. You want to ensure that you are taking every precaution necessary in order to understand when it is functioning normally, and when it is in pain. At first you may not notice anything, but after a few years if something does happen you'll know your dog is hurt.

Another sign that your dog is in pain is when it stops being active. When an animal who is usually active stops running or moving around then it is a sign that there might be some emotional or internal pain. Pain is not always something you can see or hear, it is something that can be psychological as well. Make sure that you are giving your dog love and attention, that way you know you are doing everything in your power to keep its spirits up and your animal function at its best.

From here on out you should have a basic understanding of what it means when a dog is in pain. Pay close attention to your animals and give them the attention and love they deserve. By taking the time to tend to your animals you will figure out how to cater towards your animal's needs better. That is a good way to ensure that you are raising a healthy and vibrant animal. There is a difference between an animal that is healthy and one that is constantly in pain, so make sure your animal is more on the healthier and happier side.

Will Anxiety Medication's Work For Dogs?

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We want our dogs to be as happy and comfortable in our home as we are. For some dogs, this isn't a possibility without help. Many people don't realize that dogs can suffer from the same psychological problems that people do. This includes, but isn't limited to anxiety disorders. If your dog is suffering from mental illness, it's cruel to not do anything about it. A lot of vets can help your pouch with the right medication. The meds your vet gives your dog are formulated in a similar manner to the anti-anxiety medications given to people.

There are things you can do to help with your dogs stress besides medications. These medications will do a lot, but they can't fix all the anxiety. Many people who have been on anxiety medications tell us that it takes the edge off, but doesn't get rid of the fear all together. We have to assume that it's the same case for dogs. Here are a few things you can do to ease your dogs anxiety.

If your dogs super afraid of thunderstorms, it's probably because he feels that he's not sheltered enough for it. Leaving a crate open is a perfect place for your dog to hide from the storm. If your dogs afraid of storms, you should never leave him or her out in one. This will only make it worse. They hate storms, it's practically torture to leave them out.

Make sure there isn't too much pressure when it comes time for your dog to meet another dog, or person. Don't force the relationship. Look at your dog, see how she or he's responding to this person. Does he look comfortable? If not, you need to make sure he is. Anti anxiety medications can help with fear of strangers, but you need to know that your dog will always be weary around them if he or she has this fear. A little sensitivity can go a long way when helping them get over it.

If you're seeing any problems with the medication, or not seeing any improvement, you should contact your vet right away. There are many options when it comes to anti anxiety medications for dogs, just like there are a lot of options for people.

Anxiety medications can also help your dog with compulsions. Has he been biting at his skin more then usual? Keeps chasing his tail? These are symptoms of Doggy, Obsessive compulsive disorder. Yes, such a thing actually exists. If you'd like your dog to stop with the tail chasing, you need to get him treatment for his OCD. It'll make your dog much happier, and save quite a bit of his fur from being chewed off.

I know you'll find the right solution for taking care of your dogs anxiety problem once you talk with your vet. Dogs deserve treatment just like people do, but they won't get it unless you take the time, and the financial sacrifice to ensure it.

What You Need To Do If Your Puppy Gets Sick

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Puppies are fragile animals that need extra love and attention until they can grow into their full adult bodies. When a puppy becomes sick you may be confused as what to do to ensure that the puppy recovers fully. There are a few practices you can take to help your puppy heal and feel better about themselves throughout the entire sickness. Follow the advice outlined here so that you can rest assured that your puppy will be fine and that he or she will recover in a short amount of time.

First of all it is important to keep the puppy warm, especially during the colder months out of the year. Consider purchasing an extra blanket or two for the puppy's bed so that they can snuggle comfortably in between the sheets. Secondly, keep your home warm to allow your puppy a comfortable area to inhabit. Always make sure your puppy has plenty of food and water so that they can remain properly nourished to help combat their sickness. All of these things are important towards helping your puppy remain comfortable and healthy.

Have you taken your puppy to the veterinarian? Depending on the severity of the sickness, you may want to take your puppy to get checked by a veterinarian. He or she may be able to prescribe some medication for your puppy to take so that he or she can heal quicker. No matter what you do it is important to help make your puppy feel loved, especially if they just moved into your home not too long ago. Pet your puppy and give it genuine love to let he or she know they are accepted in your household, that way the puppy feels confident about its living situation.

One last thing you should always do in your home is clean it thoroughly. Remove as much dirt, dust, and grime from your home as possible. Avoid creating an atmosphere where the puppy can breathe in a lot of dust and other particles, this is not healthy for the puppy. Try your best to clean your home as frequently as possible not only for your puppy's health, but for your health as well. Also, clean your kitchen and bathroom thoroughly to remove the possibility of mold from accumulating throughout your home. Mold is toxic and can harm you, your puppy, and anyone else living in your home. Maintain a clean home and take care of your pet and they will be back to normal in no time.

Foods Known To Be Harmful To Dogs

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Just about all dogs love to eat, particularly those foods they notice their human companions enjoying. While it is certainly fun to feed dogs the things they relish, it is important for anyone caring for a dog to know which foods pose a real danger to their canine friends. Some of the most serious dietary threats follow below.

Most people have heard that chocolate is not something that should be given to dogs. Sadly, far too many dogs are exposed to chocolate during times of celebration such as Halloween, Easter and Christmas. The danger of chocolate is also part of daily living, since many dog owners enjoy a bit of this sweet treat themselves.

The caffeine and the theobromine found in chocolate, however, can cause toxicosis in dogs, and must not be given to them. Dog owners should note that generally speaking, darker chocolates pose a greater threat to a dog's health than those that are lighter in color. The signs of dangerous chocolate exposure in dogs include high temperature, muscle tremors, vomiting and unusual thirst.

It is also important that dogs are not given raisins or grapes, as they can cause serious health effects that can sometimes prove fatal. While these foods may seem harmless, perhaps even healthy, they can actually cause kidney failure in canines. Dogs suffering from toxicosis due to the ingestion of these foods tend to exhibit lethargy, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea. Death resulting from kidney failure can come as soon as 3-4 days following ingestion, and dogs who survive may end up with lasting damage to these organs.

Dog lovers everywhere should also be mindful of the risks posed by raw bread dough when accidentally ingested by their pets. A dog's stomach is just the sort of damp, warm environment in which bread yeast will thrive, multiply and ultimately produce a large expanse of dough. The growth can cause the stomach to expand to the point where tissue is compressed and circulation is reduced to a dangerous degree. Pressure on the dog's diaphragm can cause breathing trouble that is difficult to overcome. Alcohol production resulting from the yeast growth can also cause dogs to become dangerously intoxicated.

Though every dog lover knows the pleasure of giving their best friend a delicious treat, it is critical for all to become familiar with the threats presented by certain kinds of foods. By taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure to such items, it is easy to keep canine companions healthy and well

Does Your Dog Need Vitamins and Supplements?

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Dogs' nutrition has changed even more than human nutrition has in the last 40 years. With the advent of dry dog food (for convenience) nutritional for dogs has changed dramatically. Because of the nutritional deficiencies of dry dog food, dogs have a hard time getting the right vitamins and minerals in their diets. The question of whether or not your dog needs vitamins and supplements will be answered below.

The short answer to this question is yes. Dogs do need additional vitamins and supplements in order to maintain proper nutritional levels. In order for dogs to get the proper amount of vitamins and minerals, they should be either given supplements to fill the gaps, or be provided real food, innards, and bones from animals. Dogs are just like humans in that they will not function optimally unless they have an optimal nutritional intake. The fact is, dogs are not meant to eat grains and other fillers that dog food is largely made up of. They are meant to eat real nutrient dense foods such as; beef liver, soft bones, and hearts. Without these staples in a dog's diet, they end up without essential nutrients and these essential nutrients can only be made up by giving supplements.

Supplements are definitely not the ideal thing to feed your dogs. Just as real food is ideal for humans, it is the same with dogs. Dogs should only be given supplements if it is not feasible to provide them with the necessary building blocks on their regular diets. Although not ideal, supplements will end up being better than nothing. They will help dogs maintain a balance in their diets and allow them to function better than they would without any supplements to begin with.

However, it is very important that the supplements you buy/give are from a reputable manufacturer. Because supplements are not FDA regulated, the market is full of irresponsible companies that are selling bad quality supplements. You need to be sure that you are not one of those people that buys the supplements made from these kinds of manufacturers. You should always do extra research to ensure that the supplements you purchase are made of good quality and come from good sources. In order to do this, you should look at the supplement companies reputation on the Internet. By searching for the reputation of the manufacturer, you should get a good idea on how reputable they are.

Another way you can tell is if you check out third party reviews. By checking out third party reviews, you can see which supplements are the best on the market and which ones do not live up to the proper quality control standards. One of the best websites for this type of information is Consumer Reports. This website has great information on different supplement manufacturers for dogs, and you should be able to obtain enough reliable information to make a better informed buying decision for your dog. Always check with a veterinarian professional before making any changes to your dogs health care routine.

Dogs and Joint Pain - Natural Relief

Dogs, Health and care, Joint Pain, Pets health 1 comment

Dogs who suffer from joint pain generally favor a certain leg, limp, or walk stiffly. They may be hesitant to climb stairs, run, or jump. From there it progresses to overt lameness-holding the limb funny, or holding the limb up.

Types of Joint Pain

The two major categories of joint pain are developmental and degenerative problems. With developmental problems you have things like hip or elbow dysplasia, where the joint does not develop properly in a number of different ways. Degenerative problems cover several areas. The most common are ligament problems, where ligaments degenerate over time. In general, increased size and weight are determinate factors related to joint problems in pets. Bigger dogs are the poster children for joint problems.

Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy

Physical therapy with professional rehab therapists is really exploding. Many private practices and academic centers have these employees on staff in their practices. The therapy can include underwater treadmills, electric stimulation, and ultrasound therapy. Everything we humans think about physical therapy is being applied to our pets.

Surgery

On the surgical side, more minimally invasive procedures that employ different types of injections or replacements of tissues. Surgery is the most expensive treatment, and sometimes the only option. Surgery used to be more common, however today that is not the case because more options for treatment are available.

What you can do to help prevent joint injuries in your dog.

Keep your dog at the right weight and in good body condition throughout its life. Feed your dog good food and keep them lean. Always provide your pet with plentiful exercise. Keeping your pet in good condition is key. If you are buying a puppy, especially a pure breed, investigate known health problems in that breed. If you don't care about the breed, purchase a mutt. With a mutt, there is less chance of joint related problems. The genetic diversity seems to limit joint related problems overall.

Dog owners can help make pet companions more comfortable with soft bedding, massage, gentle play, and by providing ramps to make it easier for pets to get up and down from high places. Some pets can benefit from shedding excess pounds. Shedding pounds can also reduce their risk of weight related issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Dogs and cats from 1 to 100 pounds or more can experience relief with a natural plant base homeopathic blend that contains ingredients historically used to help pets with the discomfort, swelling, and stiffness associated with pet joint pain.

Winter Tips for Your Dog - Dog Care

Dogs, Health and care, Pets health, Puppies, Puppy Health No comments

Winters are quite demanding and can take a toll on your precious four legged friend too if you are not careful! Your dog requires proper care during the entire winter season if you want him to stay healthy, strong and happy like always. Here are some basic tips that you should always keep in mind:

Keep him/her indoors as much as possible

You should endeavor to keep your dog indoors as much as possible if you live in extremely cold and frosty areas. Outdoor activity and exercise would simply lead to possible congestion, colds and other ailments in addition to a numbing sensation that your dog will not love at all!

Buy proper outdoor gear online

Dog Jackets and Dog Sweaters are must haves if outings and walks cannot be put off altogether. There are multiple options available online in this regard, including attractive striped and cable sweaters in addition to sweatshirts in a variety of colors. There are lovely and bright jackets including the Supaw, Royal Chocolate and Quilted jackets which are made of the warmest and most comfortable materials and promise to protect your dog from the common vagaries of the season. Always check for a proper fit when you shop for winter wear for your dog as this can otherwise lead to unnecessary discomfort.

Tucking up your pet in winter

Tuck up your pet each day with the finest dog blankets and related accessories. Invest in decent dog beds that can hold your furry friend in comfort and buy blankets and wraps online. Some options that you can take a look at include ones made of fleece with cool design motifs including paws and others. Ensure that you get the right blanket size from your dog as these come in all standard sizes including XL and medium. These blankets will help your pet curl up in comfort on the sofa or on his/her own bed at night.

Dog food and personal care tips

Winter is one season where you will have to regulate your dog's diet very carefully owing to the absolute lack of exercise and considerably longer snooze times. You do not want your pet to pile on the pounds rapidly and this necessitates a proper consultation with your vet ahead of the onset of winter. Expect dog food consumption to increase in winter and ensure that your dog drinks only fresh water. All bowls have to be examined for fleas and other elements that might stick to frozen water. Keep your dog at arm's length from sources of heat like lamps and room heaters to avoid sudden burns and injuries. Never leave him/her alone in your car and check for any illnesses. Groom your dog properly and keep him/her hydrated properly in winter.