Feeding Your Dog – Could You Be Feeding Your Dog the Wrong Things?

Dog Food by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Canine nutrition has been the subject of much research in recent years. Since prepared dog food accounts for a greater volume of supermarket sales than any other single grocery item, the commercial incentive is tremendous. As a result, American dogs are the best fed in the world, probably the most expensively fed, and certainly the most often overfed.

Biologists describe the dog as a carnivorous mammal. But modern authorities say that his cohabitation with man has caused him to become like us, omnivorous. Dogs are remarkably adaptable to different kinds of diets, including diets that are high in vegetable content.

The dog’s digestive system is not exactly like ours. The general process is the same, but the timing is different. First of all, mastication is less important in canine digestion. The dog’s teeth and jaws are designed for tearing meat and grinding bones with amazing efficiency and up to 300 pounds of force. Dogs chew little and swallow rapidly. They cannot chew with their mouths closed.

The dog’s taste buds are situated under his tongue, but his food passes quickly, practically untasted, through the pharynx and esophagus into the stomach, where the principle digestive process takes place. The dogs gastric juices are much stronger than ours, allowing him to digest matter which would give us a severe stomach ache, to say the least.

Your dog’s stomach is very elastic, and can expand to a capacity of one pint in a small lap dog, while large dogs make room for 8 quarts of food. The gastric juices in his stomach are high in acid and food remains there longer than it does in ours. This is why they require a richer, more concentrated diet than we do. Digestion takes place mostly in the stomach, very little in the mouth.

The dog’s …

Dogs Need Good Food Too – Your Guide To Your Dog’s Diet

Dog Food by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Dogs’ nutritional needs may differ from ours. What we deem as healthy for us might not sufficient or appropriate for them. To give your dog the best nutrition available you will have to understand their specific needs and how to address them. After all, taking care of man’s best friend does take a little preparation and know-how.

Your dog needs the essential nutrients to grow, go, and glow. If your dog does not receive proper nutrients it may result in poor health, stunted growth, lethargy and shortened lifespan.

Dogs like most animal life forms need the six basic nutrients for survival: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients serve different functions in sustaining the health and well-being of your dog. This guide will elaborate on dogs’ need of these nutrients.

1. Proteins: the building blocks of your dog’s health
Proteins are chemicals made of amino acids. Your dog can produce some of these chemicals in their own bodies. The rest has to be supplied through food. The best sources of these amino acids are meat and its byproducts. Dogs can extract proteins from these sources a lot easier than it would with plant sources.

Choose feeds that have an adequate amount of protein in them to help your puppies and working dogs grow. Too much of this, however, may cause kidney problems and has been known to cause temperament problems.

2. Fats: delivering other nutrients to the body
Fat sound like a bad word – everyone tries to avoid it because it causes tons of health problems. Dogs, however, just like man, also have a need for these nutrients – albeit in a moderate amount.

The right amount of fat is needed to promote good skin health, and to transport fat-soluble vitamins. Fats are also essential to kidney function …

Dogs Are Gods of Frolic

Dog by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Dogs are amongst the most amazing creatures because they give unconditional love. Dogs love their masters and the masters reciprocate by providing them with all the things of comfort they can afford. Dog supplies are important and useful things for keeping your dog healthy and happy, and include items for dog grooming and maintaining good dog health. Canine or dog supplies can be classified into several sub categories, including dog training supplies, dog grooming supplies, and even more specialist items like hunting dog supplies.

Dog Grooming:

Dogs are gods of frolic. Undertaking thorough dog grooming is like having a permanent job requiring lots of patience, yet packed with exercise and the general fun of bringing up a dog and ensuring it lives a long and carefree life. Dog grooming is an important practice which should not be underestimated – a practice which ensures good dog health and hygiene and should also help to eliminate most dog health problems.

Dog grooming is in fact a somewhat intense program of dog health care that covers the entire life span a dog. Puppy care, canine health care, giving a hygiene bath, washing, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth and underside, nail trimming, removing dog fleas and insects, and fixing regular meetings with a professional veterinary are all important activities that a dog owner should undertake. A dog’s masters should follow a schedule of regular grooming sessions.

Puppy care is a very important practice that requires a lot of diligence and patience. Like children, puppies require some extra special attention. A puppy needs to be handled with extreme care, and should be groomed properly, fed carefully and well, and bedded properly.

Dog Grooming Supply:

Good dog grooming supplies are required to help undertake the important activities of dog grooming and care. A dog supply …

Dog Training: How To “Lick” Your Dog’s Incessant Licking Habit!

Dog Training by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Does your dog seem to spend an infinite amount of time licking himself? Why is he doing it? And how do you, as a dog owner, correct that annoying licking habit? Here are five of the most common reasons why your dog might be incessantly licking himself and the solutions to correcting the habit.

1. Your dog might have developed an unrelenting licking habit because he needs a bath.

If your dog spends alot of time outside, romping through the woods, tramping in the mud, rolling in the grass or wading in the nearest stream or pond, he is probably dirty. So, your dog may be constantly licking himself because the dirt is irritating him! Plus, all that outdoor activity may have gotten him infested with ticks, fleas, mites, or lice. Your dog’s incessant licking may be an attempt to rid himself of those nasty varmints!

Give him a bath with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick shampoo. Before bathing him, make sure you brush out all the mats and tangles from his coat or the bathing will make them worse.

2. Your dog might have developed a chronic licking habit because he has a skin disorder.

Some common skin disorders that a dog may develop are mange or dermatitis. Mange is a skin disease in dogs that is caused by various types of mites. The dermatitis could be caused by an allergic reaction to fleas, dust mites, mold or a certain brand of dog food. If you suspect that your dog has a case of mange or dermatitis, your veterinarian will be able to diagnose what the disorder is and prescribe a course of treatment.

3. Your dog might have developed a persistent licking habit because he is under stress.

The stress may be a result of a new adoption, …

Dog Supplements

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What to Look For In a Dog Supplement

The market is exploding with products claiming to improve the health and wellness of individuals using vitamins and nutritional supplements. People are now seeking the same products to complement the health of their pets. The benefits of appropriate nutritional supplements are overwhelming and can add several healthy years to your life, as well as your dogs.

Dogs Age Faster Than People

Longevity is attributed 30 percent to genetics and 70 percent to lifestyle. Up to 90 percent of diseases in dogs are due to the degenerative processes associated with aging.

Does Your Dog Act His Age?
Because dogs age seven times faster than people, major health changes occur in a short amount of time. Dogs are considered puppies for about one year, adults from age two to six, and seniors at age seven. Giant breeds, like Great Danes, age even more quickly and are considered seniors at age five. Signs of aging in dogs occur slowly, but generally begin at maturity, somewhere between age one and two.

Dr. Denham Harman’s Free Radical Theory of Aging, applies to people and pets, including dogs. This universally accepted theory states that aging is a process in which the body’s systems deteriorate faster than the body can repair them.

The changes occur due to oxidative damage caused by harmful compounds called free radicals. Free radicals are toxic, electrically unstable molecules. As we age, they are produced more quickly.

Free radicals damage your dog’s body similar to the way oxygen causes iron to rust. They are detrimental to your dog’s genetic material, his DNA and RNA, his cell membranes and enzyme systems.

Free radicals are formed each time we take a breath. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as well as to environmental toxins, pollution, heavy metals …

Dog Flea Control Management: How To Prevent, Treat, And Kill Dog Fleas

Health by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For effective treatment both the host animal and the environment must be treated at the same time. Control of fleas on the pet generally requires the use of insecticides. Although flea combs can remove some fleas, combing should be thought of as a method for detecting fleas rather than removing them.

If an animal is to be treated for other conditions besides fleas, such as expression of anal glands, these procedures should be done before the insecticide application to minimize insecticide contact with interior mucosal membranes.

A wide range of insecticides are available for flea control. The pyrethrins and pyrethroids have the lowest mammalian toxicity. These insecticides come in many formulations including shampoo, dust and powder, mousse, aerosol and non-aerosol mist or spray, dip, spot-on, roll-on and collar. Organophosphate drugs for oral use are available, by prescription from veterinarians.

In addition, some on-animal formulations contain insect growth regulators (IGRs) that kill flea eggs on the animal. *Remember to read all insecticide labels, and to follow all precautions and dose directions.

The insecticides used for flea control vary widely in toxicity and efficacy. Considerations for selecting a formulation include the size, weight and age of the animal, as well as the species.

For example, greyhounds are a very chemical-sensitive breed and are more sensitive to insecticide products than most other dogs. Do not attach flea collars or flea-killing medallions on these dogs. Do not use chlorpyrifos, DDVP, methoxychior or malathion on greyhounds.

Cats are more sensitive to organophosphate insecticides than dogs. In addition, cats groom themselves more than dogs and are more likely to ingest an insecticide by licking the residue from their fur.

Kittens and puppies, because of their smaller size, require a lower dose than adult animals. Young animals may …

Are Dogs Good for Our Health?

Health by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

They say that a dog is a man’s best mate. And while there may not be much scientific evidence to back up this claim, it’s hard to argue with the fact that dogs have helped their owners through some rough times at least in theory. There’s something about these furry creatures that makes people want to take care of them and give them love when no one else will.

 

Even if you don’t own a pet, you’ve probably seen someone walking down the street holding on to a leash and admiring their favorite mutt or stray as though it were a small child. The question is why do we feel so attached to these animals? What qualities make them such an important part of many people’s lives?

 

There are several reasons why owning a dog seems like such a great idea. One reason is that dogs are very social animals. They’re not just packed animals; dogs tend to form strong bonds with each other. These friendships often last beyond death, even when the owner isn’t present. Another reason dogs are popular pets is that they’re relatively inexpensive compared to most other pets.

 

Dogs also require less maintenance than cats, birds, and rabbits, which means they’re easier to keep clean and more economical to feed. Pets provide companionship, too. Many people find comfort in the company of another living being. Finally, dogs are extremely loyal. In return, humans offer food and shelter.

 

But perhaps the most compelling argument for keeping a canine friend is psychological. Studies show that having a pet reduces stress levels. This effect has been attributed to two factors.

 

First, pets relieve boredom by providing activity. Second, since pets are usually dependent upon their human counterparts for survival, they become familiar with the …

Are Dogs Carnivores?

Dog Diet by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

If your dog is like most dogs, he probably loves you more than anyone else in the world except maybe his favorite human family member. But that doesn’t mean your pooch has to be so smitten with the taste of flesh that it prefers meat to healthy food. In fact, there are many reasons why your dog might not want to eat as much meat as you’d like him to eat.

 

Meat-eaters or Vegetable-Eaters?

 

Just because your dog enjoys eating steak every now and then, it doesn’t necessarily follow that your pet should enjoy eating lots of red meat. It may just be too rich and heavy for his digestive system. In addition, if your dog eats too much animal protein, he could become overweight, which can lead to health problems.

 

Because your dog has such a short gastrointestinal tract compared to humans, he can’t break down large amounts of meat into small enough pieces to digest properly. Plus, the enzymes needed to digest certain proteins aren’t present in dogs.

This means that even though your dog may like the flavor of beef stew, he won’t get any nutritional value from it. He also wouldn’t benefit from eating large amounts of milk products, since these don’t contain the same nutrients found in cheese.

 

While some people believe that their dogs need meat to build strong bones, this isn’t actually true. Bones are made up largely of collagen, which is what gives them strength. Collagen is produced naturally by the body, and it forms when connective tissue cells die (this happens constantly). If your dog gets plenty of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential to bone development, he will still develop strong bones without consuming large amounts of meat.

 

The question arises of …

Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

Habit by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

If you’re like most people, you might not realize that dogs actually need and benefit from nap time. In fact, some experts say that napping can help improve your dog’s health and well-being. It also helps regulate body temperature and reduces anxiety, making it a good option for pets with trouble sleeping at night.

 

Your pooch may already be aware of all this. But if he or she needs convincing, consider how many hours a day your furry friend sleeps. The average adult dog gets between 10 and 12 hours of shut-eye each night. If your pup isn’t snoozing away those hours, there could be something wrong.

 

We’ve all seen our dogs curl up on couches, chairs, and beds after an exhausting day. We know these moments as comforting reminders of home and family. And we probably don’t give it another thought when our canine companions get down for a power nap. After all, they should be happy just to be together. So what exactly happens during that little slumber party? How long does a dog nap typically last? What happens while they’re asleep? And can you let them have short breaks? Read ahead to find out.

 

How Long Does a Dog Nap Usually Last?

 

A typical nap lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, although some dogs take longer than others. During this time, muscles relax, blood pressure drops and body temperature evens out. This means that your pet will wake to feel rested instead of groggy.

 

Napping is also beneficial because it gives dogs a chance to recuperate from the physical activity of walking, running, and playing. Dogs who spend too much time awake can suffer “weariness,” which makes them more prone to accidents such as chewing shoes, digging holes, or getting into …

Is it Better to Get a Crossbreed Dog?

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You know those commercials where they say “Do Your Own Research”? Well, when it comes to pets, it really does pay off. The Internet is full of information about different types of animals, from cats to horses, as well as all kinds of other potential issues like training and behavior problems.

 

You can also find out everything you need to know about specific breeds, including their origins and characteristics. It’s easy to do research online, and once you’ve done some investigating, you’ll be able to make an informed decision before making any purchases.

 

So why not take that same approach when deciding which type of pet to buy? That way, if you end up finding out later that your choice isn’t right for you, at least you didn’t waste money on something you wouldn’t have wanted anyway. There are plenty of purebred dogs available today, but did you know that some people don’t consider them the most ideal option?

 

In fact, some experts argue that buying a purebred might actually cause more harm than good by creating health problems due to inbreeding. Instead, they suggest giving crossbreeds (a mixture of two different dog breeds) a chance. But how much better is a crossbreed over a purebred? And is it even possible to create such an animal?

 

Crossing Breeds Is Not Always Easy

 

When someone says “mixing breeds,” most people automatically think about mixing up a few ingredients to come up with something completely new. However, we often overlook the fact that the process of breeding animals to produce offspring is already somewhat random. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that crossbreeds aren’t viable options, it does throw into question whether certain traits will emerge, because unlike humans, animals can only mate within their own species.

For …