Canine Health and Nutrition

by cashplus

Up until fifty years ago most dogs ate table scraps. During the fifties when people moved to the suburbs and convenience was the norm cereal companies cornered the pet food market in supermarkets and agricultural feed stores.

Today pet owners get to choose from a puzzling array of colorful bags of dry premium foods, convenient semi-moist packets, and gourmet diets for puppies, adult dogs, hunting dogs, show dogs, lactating dogs, old dogs, and fat dogs.

Compounding this issue is the barrage of advertising touting the benefits of this or that food: It's all natural, it's real meat, it's non-allergenic, it's high protein, it's low protein, it's low-fat, it doesn't have by-products, your dog will love it.

Add to this the claims of the nay sayers: It's cooked, it contains chemicals, it causes allergies, they use road-kill and animals not fit for human consumption, soybeans cause bloat . . . and it is a wonder that anyone can choose. Yet, today, the commercially prepared dog foods made from a fixed formula of ingredients and preparation methods provides your pet with a balanced diet that rivals what is available for humans.

Pet owners can help themselves by doing a little research, by choosing a food that meets their needs as well as their pet. Dogs as well as humans need some diversity in their diets. We would not like to eat the same food day in and day out and neither does your pet.

History

Commercial dog food is a by-product of breakfast cereal processing. American manufacturers included dried meat scraps in their dog meal for a balanced diet. The canning of horsemeat unsuitable for export began in the 1920s, and within 10 years, nearly 200 brands of canned food were available.

The pet food industry took an enormous leap after World War II when the consumption of meat increased and the availability of by-products led to development of the rendering industry and new uses for meat and bone meal. Dry foods gained in popularity and owners frequently top-dressed the kibble with canned meat. Thus the stage was set for an explosion in types of canned and dry foods and development of the convenient semi-moist foods and snacks now available.

Early kibble foods were made from dough of grain flours, meat meals, dairy products, and vitamins and minerals baked in large pans and broken after cooking. The development of the extrusion method, in which the dough was pressed through a rotary machine that molded or shaped the pieces before baking, revolutionized the growing industry.

What should they eat?

Like all living creatures, dogs need a combination of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water in a balanced diet that provides sufficient calories to meet their daily needs for growth, activity, and repair. The claim on a bag of dog food that it is a complete food means nothing unless the nutrients are in a form available for absorption into the dog's systems.

Dog foods also must contain vitamin and mineral supplements in balanced concentrations. Too much of one mineral may interfere with absorption of another; too little of a mineral may interfere with vitamin use or other mineral use.

However, slight differences in processing temperatures, in quality of the ingredients purchased, and storage humidity and temperature of ingredients and of the finished product can cause variations in the quality that may affect a particular dog, a particular breed, or a particular line of dogs within a breed.

In addition, some breeds or groups of breeds may require slightly different percentages of particular nutrients. Therefore, all dog foods are not perfect for all dogs.

Food Sensitivity

An allergy is a condition of unusual sensitivity to a substance or substances usually protein in nature which is perceived by the body as foreign. Signs of allergies in dogs may manifest as itching and in some cases diarrhea. Food allergies account for only about 5 to 10 percent of all allergic reactions in dogs and cats. Although diagnosing and managing food allergies is challenging most pets are not food allergic, so don't automatically think food if your pet has skin or digestive problems.

Diagnosis of a food allergy is a demanding diagnostic process requiring strict dietary management to make sure your dog ingests no allergy-triggering food. Because the signs of food allergy resemble those of other canine allergies - and because effective treatment depends on pinpointing the allergy-causing ingredient - diagnosing food allergies is challenging for both owners and veterinarians. If you bring your pet to the animal hospital with a complaint of itching or digestive distress, your veterinarian will first rule out more common causes of these signs.

The rule-out process might include a physical examination and laboratory tests for flea allergy dermatitis, the most common cause of allergic skin disease of animals, inhalant allergies, seasonal reactions to pollen, mold spores, and dust mites, and food caused digestive intolerance, an acute adverse reaction to food that does not involve the immune system.

If your pet has an immediate adverse reaction to a diet change, the reaction is probably not an allergy because it takes more than one exposure to a food ingredient to incite an allergic reaction. That's why dogs and cats that have been eating the same food for months or years with no problem can develop a food allergy.

Some dogs just get tired of eating the same thing so it is wise to vary their diet between two types of protein. You might feed a chicken based product for six months and then change to a lamb based product for six months and continuing to alternate back and forth. If the food allergy remains a suspect, your veterinarian will then help you try to pinpoint what might be causing your pet's problems.

Most food-allergic dogs are hypersensitive to only one or two ingredients, with beef and dairy proteins topping the culprit list. Ingredients that may also cause problems - but not as often - include grains, pork, chicken, eggs, and fish. Allergies to food additives including preservatives may also be a cause but are rare. To definitely diagnose food allergies, most veterinarians recommend a trial with an elimination diet - a diet that contains a protein and carbohydrate source the animal has never been exposed to.

To start with, feed the elimination diet for a period of up to 16 weeks and monitor your dog's response. Signs should abate if your dog is indeed food-allergic. To get conclusive results from the trial, your dog should ingest nothing but the elimination diet and water. That means no treats, rawhide, or chewable medications. Following this strict regimen can be difficult, especially for those living in multi pet households.

If signs are resolved after an elimination-diet trial, you can assume something in your pet's diet is causing the allergy. But to be certain, some veterinarians recommend reintroducing the original diet. A recurrence of signs within 7 to 14 days confirms food allergy. There is no cure for food allergies. Managing a food allergy means simply avoiding the causative ingredient or ingredients. Long-term avoidance is simply a matter of keeping your dog on the elimination diet you used to diagnose the allergy.

Unfortunately, however, some dogs become allergic to ingredients in the elimination diet over time. If this happens to your dog, you'll need to find another nutritionally balanced diet that contains "new" proteins and carbohydrates. Again this is a reason for alternating your dogs food between two protein sources. Most pet owners will do well by their dogs if they buy a good quality dry dog food.

If a dog has a healthy skin and coat, is energetic, and gets good marks from the veterinarian on the annual checkup, pet owners can continue to feed the same diet no matter which they have chosen.

Two things to remember--any change in your pet's diet should be introduced gradually, and a healthier diet won't make your pet more vibrant if he doesn't get enough exercise everyday. Your pet will love you for it!

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Human Foods that Poison Pets

by cashplus

Feeding pets food that we enjoy is not only wrong, it can also be fatal. There are some foodstuffs that humans relish which cause illness and death if eaten by pets.

Chocolate, macadamia nuts and onions are good examples. Each of these foods contains chemicals which rarely cause problems for humans, but for dogs, these same chemicals can be deadly.
  • Chocolate toxicity
  • Onion and garlic poisoning
  • The danger of macadamia nuts
  • Other potential dangers

Chocolate toxicity Top
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.

When affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhoea are also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous effect. Theobromine will either increase the dog’s heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible, especially with exercise.

After their pet has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours.

Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. A 10-kilogram dog can be seriously affected if it eats a quarter of a 250gm packet of cocoa powder or half of a 250gm block of cooking chocolate. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Thus, a chocolate mud cake could be a real health risk for a small dog. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog unwell.

Semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate are the next most dangerous forms, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate to be affected. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less it needs to eat.

Onion and garlic poisoning Top
Onions and garlic are other dangerous food ingredients that cause sickness in dogs, cats and also livestock. Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger.

Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body.

At first, pets affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhoea. They will show no interest in food and will be dull and weak. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected animal’s urine and it becomes breathless. The breathlessness occurs because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number.

The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness.

Onion poisoning can occur with a single ingestion of large quantities or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion. A single meal of 600 to 800 grams of raw onion can be dangerous whereas a ten-kilogram dog, fed 150 grams of onion for several days, is also likely to develop anaemia. The condition improves once the dog is prevented from eating any further onion

While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.

The danger of macadamia nuts Top
Macadamia nuts are another concern. A recent paper written by Dr. Ross McKenzie, a Veterinary Pathologist with the Department of Primary Industries, points to the danger of raw and roasted macadamia nuts for pets.

The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.

Dogs have been affected by eating as few as six macadamia kernels (nuts without the shell) while others had eaten approximately forty kernels. Some dogs had also been given macadamia butter.

Luckily, the muscle weakness, while painful, seems to be of short duration and all dogs recovered from the toxicity. All dogs were taken to their veterinary surgeon.

Pets owners should not assume that human food is always safe for pets. When it comes to chocolate, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts, such foods should be given in only small quantities, or not at all. Be sure that your pets can’t get into your stash of chocolates, that food scraps are disposed of carefully to prevent onion and garlic toxicity and that your dog is prevented from picking up macadamia nuts if you have a tree in your garden.

Other potential dangers Top
  • Avocado (all parts) - the toxic ingredient in avocado is called persin (toxic amount unknown). Symptoms include difficulty breathing, abdominal enlargement, abnormal fluid accumulations in the chest, abdomen and sac around the heart.
  • Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips (contain cyanogenic glycosides resulting in cyanide posioning)
  • Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
  • Rhubarb leaves
  • Mouldy/spoiled foods
  • Alcohol
  • Yeast dough
  • Coffee grounds, beans & tea (caffeine)
  • Hops (used in home brewing)
  • Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
  • Broccoli (in large amounts)
  • Raisins and grapes
  • Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars
  • Xylitol (sweetener often found in sugar-free gum)
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    Aggression And Dementia: Old Dog Problems

    by cashplus
    As your pet ages, there will be many changes that's bound to happen in its behavior and its relationshep between you and your family. We all know that they age a lot faster than us humans and live a shorter lifespan. As they draw closer to the point of their doom, problems will arise and gradually get worse as time passes. This is a fact that all pet owners are aware of and should accept – but that doesn't mean they should be put to rest in peace courtesy of their veterinarian. There are other alternatives which could be implemented, which could be better for the both of you.

    Like a dying old man, we do everything we can to sustain his life and help make things more comfortable for him before it's his time to go. Putting him to sleep to meet thy Maker would be out of the question, even if he wanted it that way. You should take the same perspective of the morality of this for your pet. Dementia is a disorder that occurs in people, and can happen to your pet too. Dementia is characterized by sudden changes in behavior, and the ability to think properly. It'll become more forgetful, eventually forgetting its own name.

    If you were to call it, it would be wondering who the hell you were calling for awhile before responding. This is because of the damage done to the neurons in the brain, which leads to slower reactions and intellectual responses. Dogs with dementia will be walking without a sense of direction – it'll appear that it didn't know what it was doing or where it was going. Your old pooch could also become aggressive. As a pup it would be wagging its tail or jumping up on visitors to greet them, but when it gets old its hair and tail would be standing while showing its teeth before jumping up on them.

    It could become very hostile towards other dogs as well; seeing it fight with other pets trying to take their heads off should be expected. Being a threat to you and your family is also a distinct possibility. Hard to believe but a fact that has proven to be very true and common amongst many old dogs – according to statistics. There is also a possibility that it could become apprehensive, thinking that something bad is gonna happen - they would shiver in fear at the sight of other animals and humans. When your pet has reached this point, things will be tough for the both of you but there are still ways to help it deal with its condition.

    Luckily there are medicines that can help with some cognitive disorders that it may be experiencing. This would improve its overall intellectual capacity, resulting to a less confused pooch with better memory. A veterinarian could offer lots of advice and prescribe proper treatment of your dog. You should also consult a behaviorist with this as his field of expertise – doing so will be great for the other behavioral problems it may have.
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    Safe Cat Food For A Healthy Feline

    by cashplus
    For the cat lover, their cat is more than a pet; he or she is a valued member of the family. It is essential in maintaining your cat's health to feed a high-quality cat food. Many cat foods and treats claim to have the highest quality ingredients, but not all of them make the grade. In this article we will discuss the essential ingredients to look for in choosing a quality cat food as well as the three to avoid. When you're finished reading, you will have the information you need to choose the most healthy and nutritious food for your precious cat.

    When choosing a food or treat, check the label and make sure the first listing is protein. There are many cat foods which will use a filler ingredient such as wheat or corn instead of protein as the main ingredient. Cats are obligate carnivores, which mean that they must eat meat; no matter how wonderful vegetables may be for the health of a human being, they are not essential or even needed to maintain the health and happiness of our feline friends. Feeding a cat food that has wheat or corn as its primary ingredient can lead to health problems in the long run, including joint, skin, coat, and eye conditions. Also, it is important to remember the wheat gluten contamination that led to the recall of so many cat foods as well as multiple deaths in 2007.

    Another problem with cat foods that contain corn or wheat gluten is that cats can develop allergies. If you notice that your cat is scratching more, or develops scabs around the head and neck, you will want to discuss with your veterinarian switching your cat to a different cat food that contains higher quality ingredients not found in your cat's current diet.

    Many people think premium cat foods are expensive, but in fact, because they have less filler, the cat is able to gain a full day's nutrition eating as little as half the amount as of a lower quality food. As a result, often the cost per day is the same. The difference is, with a high quality cat food, your cat is not immersed in a diet of artificial preservatives such as BHT, BHA or Ethoxyquin, animal by products, or unnecessary fillers. Removing these unfavorable ingredients makes a significant difference in the overall health and well being of your cat, improving quality of life, as well as reducing the likelihood of developing health issues and frequent trips to the vet.

    Humans may eat junk food once in awhile but we surely couldn’t survive or thrive with a daily diet like this. Imagine now that we tend to feed our felines the same thing everyday. Daily feeding of junk food (which unfortunately some cat food brands are) would not be healthy for them. Sometimes we will see this manifest into a dull coat or bowel/urinary issues. Sometimes we may not see anything wrong. However, as most people know quality nutrition and proper absorption of nutrients is beneficial to over all health and the same is true for our cats.

    Whether we have two legs or four, what we eat makes a difference. Avoid animal by-products, fillers such as corn or wheat gluten, and keep your cat on a food that promotes health.
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    Dog Food Ingredients, The Bad and Good

    by cashplus
    The dog food that you buy your dog is more than just a meal. What your dog eats impacts his health and it can even make him sick. As a concerned dog owner, you must take your time to choose dog food that is high quality and that does not contain ingredients that could harm your dog’s health.

    It can often be difficult to tell if a dog food is high quality just by looking at it. It is really not about how the food looks as much as it is about what is inside of it. To really access the quality of a dog food, you must begin by looking at the list of ingredients.

    Ingredients are listed according to how much of the ingredients are used in the food. This means that the ingredient listed first is the main ingredient. This first ingredient should be an animal protein. The preferred ingredient would be “chicken” meal (not something like meat meal or poultry meal). It is important to note that poultry meal is not the same thing as chicken meal. Also meat by products are also not a good protein choice because by products lack the proper nutritional value.

    Some grains, such as corn, wheat or soy can be difficult for a dog to digest. This leads to less nutritional value, less nutrition for your dog and more digestive issues that can be uncomfortable for you and your dog. Furthermore, they can cause allergic reactions that could be very harmful to your dog.

    Another thing to look at is the fat sources in the food. As with the human diet, in the canine diet some fats are better than others. Animal fats are better for your dog because animal fats are easier on your dog’s digestive system.

    Something else that you want to watch out for is preservatives. Watch out for them. Just as with the food you eat, preservatives add little value and they are not good for your dog. Some preservatives are very harmful to dogs. BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin are a few examples of preservatives that have been proven to be harmful to dogs when they consume them over a period of time.


    Lastly, take an overall look at the dog food. Just what does it offer your dog? Does it provide extra benefits? Some things to look for are vegetables, beet fiber, antioxidants, minerals and bacteria cultures.

    When you take all these things into mind you should be able to choose the best dog food for your dog. You should feel confident that the food you are feeding your dog will be healthy for him and that it is going to provide him with great taste that he enjoys. You will become a pro at spotting dog food that is just not right for your dog.


    As humans, eating fast food is sometimes convenient and even tastes good. Eating like this once in awhile isn’t bad. However, this couldn’t be a realistic diet everyday because of lack of nutrition. Eventually the wonders of our body would crave something more. The same hold true for you dog. They can’t tell you though when they are looking for something better, healthier and more nutritious. We tend to feed our dogs the same food everyday. Some dog food brands can equate to human fast food. If we wouldn’t eat everyday like that; why would we feed our dogs food daily like that?
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    Bulldog + Mastiff = Bullmastiff

    by cashplus
    Judging by its name, the breed is the result of crossbreeding a Bulldog with a Mastiff. The need for a better guard dog was what triggered this combination. A faster and stronger dog was needed for the job, so this pooch came into the picture, which was more than enough for the job. The result of the experiment was a great success – the people of England (this is where this pooch originated), ended up with a massive dog. The Bullmastiff could weigh anywhere between 110-130 pounds, and stand 24 to 27 inches. Despite being a giant, it also possessed good agility and an abundance of stamina, making catching intruders a simple task to carry out.

    It looked tough too, giving people with malicious intentions second thoughts of doing whatever they had in mind. Many people consider dogs of this breed to possess some very attractive traits. These attributes are what made it extremely popular amongst the average pet owners everywhere. Even though it was a huge, which made it seem to be dangerous to have around children, it was completely different in the inside. One good thing about this dog is its understanding of fragility – it's rather gentle with its human owners and very tolerant of pain inflicted by kids. Unlike many hyperactive and rowdy breeds, this one is reserved and stays passive, unless it's put in a situation that requires it to defend itself or its master.

    The Bullmastiff is affectionate, so expect it to constantly do things to catch your attention. It'll try to find you when you're not around, because it feels the need for human companionship. Exercise is something that it'll most definitely need. Taking it out on daily walks, jogging, or running will do it good. Also try setting time aside for play; this does wonders for the relationship shared between you two. Another thing you should know about having it as a pet is the importance of behavioral and obedience training. They have the tendency to become stubborn, especially if placed in the hands of an owner that's too soft.

    You as the owner should establish your superiority over it before it thinks the other way around. Never be too strict or harsh, and never hit or shout - be firm, but gentle at the same time. Educate its mind while it's still young, not starting early only makes things harder for the both of you. Allow it to get used to the idea of daily training routines – of which every session must be worth its while. Grooming this pooch doesn't require a lot of effort – occasional brushing of coat and clipping of nails coupled with bathing when needed will be enough.

    But if you really want it clean, get a dog toothbrush and toothpaste; killing the bacteria in its mouth will lower the odds of it getting sick. When trained properly, it can serve as a wonderful pet, an outstanding guard dog, or even both. All you have to do is use the right methods of training, be consistent, and patient – the end result is something you wouldn't want to skip out on.
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    How My Dog Licked Cancer

    by cashplus
    You may have heard about the research, still in its early stages, about dogs’ ability to sniff out cancer in people. Pretty remarkable. Talk about being human’s best friend – what a solid to save someone’s life!

    A dog may have saved my life when I had cancer, at least in a way. The backstory:

    Before my cancer surgery, I yearned to be able to practice visualization, knowing of its ability to both strengthen the immune system and reduce stress and anxiety. But I had the hardest time. While others imagined little PacMen ferreting out and eating stealthy cancer cells, heat-seeking missiles tracking down tumors and pounding them, or even Robin Hood-clad warriors with bows and arrows shooting down the errant cells, I couldn’t conjure anything violent. A peace-lover, I knew there had to be a more compassionate way to lick the disease.

    There was, and I found it, in a different kind of licking - the licking that my Jack Russell Terrier mix, Bean, engages in as part of his genetic makeup. Jack Russells apparently love to lick – human legs, when they come out of the shower; bare feet (the smellier the better); and any age or size human face. (Of course, this is assuming such behavior is allowed, which in our home, it is.)

    When I had cancer, I went outside each morning at the break of day to meditate. I would first practice conventional meditation for about 20 minutes, then try to practice some sort of peaceful anti-cancer visualization.

    One day the image came to me and I almost jumped out of the wooden chair on my deck. In my mind's eye I saw Bean licking the inside of my feet – or rather, he was shrunk down to the size of a mouse and was literally on the inside of my feet, licking up any remaining cancer cells. He moved up into my ankles, calves, thighs, and then into my abdomen and chest. Then he crept down my left arm to my forearm and hand, back up again, across my chest and over to my right arm, where he did the same thing. Then up into my head, licking the inside of my brain.

    He loved licking up those cancer cells. And they didn’t hurt him at all; I told myself that his digestive juices destroyed them on contact.

    I credit Bean for helping to save my life when I had cancer not only because he slurped up the cells with his warm little tongue, but because stayed in bed with me for weeks as I recovered from major surgery, setting his chin upon my chest while I lied flat on my back. He also gave me incentive to get up and go, literally, for a walk with him in the hot August air.

    I’m not sure Bean knows that he helped heal me, and it doesn’t matter a bit. I have rewarded him with more love than I thought was possible for one person to feel for a dog. He is truly my best friend as well as my savior.
    --
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    Shar Pei Pointers for Raising

    by cashplus
    When raising a Shar Pei dog, know that you'll most likely experience difficulties in the process. One thing that has been a well-known about this breed is its fierce loyalty. This breed originated from China, where they served as guard dogs for Chinese Royalty, as well as fighting. The latter was rather inhumane, but was luckily put to an end as time progressed. After years of evolution, it still retained many of the traits such as being very protective, brave, and some of the bad ones. Many people choose this breed for its unique look, somewhat seemingly strange in an attractive way.

    It has many wrinkles which are quite deep – people find this to be cute. Cute doesn't cover the fact that it can develop some behavioral problems along the way. One of those will be a trust issue – it easily grows suspicious of strangers, especially ones visiting the house. The Shar Pei has the tendency to become overprotective, causing it to misinterpret human gestures. Even if you don't mean harm it will think otherwise. This can make it a fantastic guard dog, one that is loyal to only you and its family. It will let you know if anybody has gotten in the house, and can take action if provoked.

    But it likes overdoing things sometimes, which also makes it a lousy guest entertainer – even doubting the intentions of visiting friends. This definitely doesn't mean it's a lost cause. For every behavioral defect corresponds a solution – the best one imploring early correctional methods, commonly termed as puppy training. Starting young means you'll be getting a head start; you can beat the problem before it even develops. Throughout the early months, take note of any unwanted behavior, and do something about it. Some times ignoring it works, but the success of it ain't always absolutely sure. Let it know when you don't like what its doing.

    When teaching basic commands, use a tone of voice that it will easily recognize you being serious. Be firm and gentle, establishing the “superior parent” figure. This will make it respect you but not fear you, which is essential in molding behavior and obedience. Keep sessions interesting and fun, but never too long. Here I stress the importance of intensity of duration, meaning shorter sessions held through out the day packing everything it needs for learning. Your Shar Pei must be allowed to socialize. Introduce it to other animals and humans, so that it can familiarize itself with normal behavior.

    Taking it out for walks or just for play will be vital for the bond between you too. Remember to love your dog, that it is prone to make mistakes; which of course should be accepted because there was never meant to be a perfect pet. Lower yourself to their level – when I say this I don't mean degrade yourself, rather put yourself in their shoes to better understand them. Better understanding your Shar Pei will help you determine the causes of the problems that has been happening, and think of a good solution. Proper raising will require time and a lot of patience, but the end result will be more than enough payment for the effort.
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    What Does Guaranteed Analysis Mean in Pet Food?

    by cashplus
    We love our dogs and cats. We buy them gourmet treats, designer apparel and lavish them with our time, love and attention. They share our lives, our woes and are by our side throughout all of our ups and downs. They are purely and simply an important part of our family. But how many of us stop to think about what we are really feeding them until it becomes a front page headline or a news alert on the web?

    Pet nutritional experts believe that our dogs and cats have the genetic potential to live up to 20 years, yet many of our four legged family members are considered long in the tooth if they reach eleven or twelve. The National Institute of Aging (2006) has stated that the average human life expectancy has almost doubled in the last century mostly due to improvements in nutrition and the control of disease. Maybe it is time to expect the same for our pets. As we demand more from our own food source we should be asking the same tough questions about our pet’s food.

    Where is our pet food prepared? Is it a USDA certified facility? Are the ingredients cast offs from our food supply chain due to their poor quality or are they human grade quality. Has the food been prepared using chemicals such as BHA and BHT, known carcinogens, and Ethoxyquin, a rubber stabilizer? Last of all, who from the company, we buy our pet food from, can we talk to for advice and honest answers concerning the nutritional welfare of our pets?

    Most people are surprised when they learn that the pet food industry, a multi million-dollar industry, came about during World War II. Cereals and grain considered waste from factories was bagged and sold as pet food. The industry then evolved as manufacturers recognized that to ensure animals were not undernourished they would have to incorporate meat into their products; meat that had been rejected from our food supply chain due to its poor nutritional quality, condition or health risk.

    Has much changed?


    Before we look at what should be in our pets’ food, let us look at what we should not find on the pet food menu.

    1. Cereal and Grains such as corn, wheat and soy. Often labeled under several other names. When grouped together they increase the protein allocation in the Guaranteed Analysis. Yet cereals and grains contain allergens. Corn is #3 on the list of allergens affecting pets reported by pet owners and veterinarians
    2. By-Products are also indigestible protein sources. Parts of an animal not fit for human consumption such as feet, bones, and hides.
    3. Meat and bone meal made from the five D’s, dead, diseased, dying, disabled and drugged animal, a policy still practiced today.
    4. Preservatives. Chemical preservatives are used to maintain pet food for extended periods, chemicals that can cause cancer such as BHA and BHT.


    Many progressive and forward thinking pet food consumers have educated themselves on the “Guaranteed Analysis” of their pet food. Consumers have been guided to look for certain percentages within three categories, Protein, Fat and Fiber. Some consumers are satisfied with their choice in a product if these three components meet the levels recommended by industry professionals.

    Would you be happy with food based on a percentage quota of protein if the protein came from a leather shoe, or the fat from a bowl of cooking oil and the fiber from peanut shells? Is the guaranteed analysis a good enough guide to ensuring our pet’s food is meeting the nutritional requirements of our pets?


    So what should be in our Pet’s food?

    Protein
    First our pets’ food should not contain any by-products or inferior grains. Protein should come from a high quality, easily digested protein such as chicken meal. The food should contain fresh vegetables and fruit to provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and bioflavonoid to support the immune system.

    Fiber and Carbohydrates
    Whole brown rice provides an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrate needed for short-term energy and dietary fiber.

    Fats
    Chicken fat, catfish meal, flaxseed meal and eggs provide a natural balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and provide a shiny coat.


    There should be no added flavors or coloring. Premium holistic dog foods are made using a method called “Fast Cook”; this ensures all the nutrition from quality ingredients remains in the food. The better pet food manufacturers also make their food in small, frequent batches to avoid using chemical additives or preservatives and to ensure the customer receives the freshest food possible.

    Some of the premium pet food manufacturers have also incorporated innovative technology into their food by adding live Probiotics to support the immune system and digestive tract and antioxidants such as grape seed extract, an ingredient sought by many of us for our own consumption.

    I buy a product for my pets that not only contains all the above but is also prepared by an APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) certified manufacturer to sell pet food in the European market, a market with more stringent regulations than the U.S for pet food industry.

    Does this all make a difference? You bet it does. Remember, your pet eats the same food every day at every meal so what you give them is critical to their health and longevity. Serving your best friend foods full of chemicals, by-products and preservatives would be like letting our children eat at a fast food restaurant 3 times a day 7 days a week. We all know that would be a recipe for nutritional disaster.

    Author's Bio
    Niki Tudge is the owner and founder of The DogSmith, America’s Dog Training, Dog Walking and Pet Care Franchise. Niki achieved her Canine Behaviorist Diploma in England and Dog Obedience Training Diploma in the US. Niki is a Certified Dog Trainer by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a Endorsed member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Trainers.
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    Eye Infections in Dogs

    by cashplus
    An eye infection is a relatively general description of a medical condition that may result in discomfort, discharge and abnormal appearance of a dog's eyes and surrounding tissue.

    Conjunctivitis
    This is generally the most common type of eye infection seen regularly in dogs. Conjunctivitis is characterized by the inflammation of the portion of the eye called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane that protects the eye as well as the inner eyelid. The cause of this condition is most commonly a viral infection, an allergic reaction, or a bacterial infection.

    The most common bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are streptococci and staphylococci. In Allergic conjunctivitis, the cause may be any number of airborne irritants that are causing an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis that is caused by a virus is usually a result of a respiratory infection, flu, or other viral conditions. Regardless of the specific cause, this is the condition that manifests with all of the general symptoms of an eye infection, without any secondary symptoms.

    Blepharitis
    Blepharitis is a condition that usually manifests as an inflammation of the eyelids. The most common cause of this condition is a bacterial infection, which causes the subsequent inflammation of the eyelid. Other causes include demodectic mites, sensitivity to the sun, trauma, and other eye diseases. Though this condition may affect humans as well as dogs, it is occasionally seen in cats and other mammals.

    Ulcerative Keratitis
    In the condition of Ulcerative Keratitis, a dog's eye is subject to inflammation of the cornea. This is usually characterized by specific erosions of the cornea, though may also manifest as ulcers. This condition can be caused by several factors, though is commonly caused by keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

    The common name for keratoconjunctivitis sicca is “Dry Eye”, and is characterized by a deficiency of tears, usually caused by abnormalities in the tear ducts. Other causes of this condition include herpesvirus, trauma(where eye is punctured), other disease affecting the eyes/tear ducts, and facial nerve paralysis.

    Juvenile Cellulitis (Puppy Strangles)
    This is a condition that usually manifests as blisters around the eyes, in addition to blisters around the lips, mouth, nose and ears. These blisters will cause irritation to the eyes, resulting in many of the common symptoms of an eye infection. The blisters will eventually become ulcerated, and a dog will have other secondary symptoms, such as enlarged lymph glands and anorexia. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection.
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    Eye Infections in Dogs

    by cashplus
    An eye infection is a relatively general description of a medical condition that may result in discomfort, discharge and abnormal appearance of a dog's eyes and surrounding tissue.

    Conjunctivitis
    This is generally the most common type of eye infection seen regularly in dogs. Conjunctivitis is characterized by the inflammation of the portion of the eye called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane that protects the eye as well as the inner eyelid. The cause of this condition is most commonly a viral infection, an allergic reaction, or a bacterial infection.

    The most common bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are streptococci and staphylococci. In Allergic conjunctivitis, the cause may be any number of airborne irritants that are causing an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis that is caused by a virus is usually a result of a respiratory infection, flu, or other viral conditions. Regardless of the specific cause, this is the condition that manifests with all of the general symptoms of an eye infection, without any secondary symptoms.

    Blepharitis
    Blepharitis is a condition that usually manifests as an inflammation of the eyelids. The most common cause of this condition is a bacterial infection, which causes the subsequent inflammation of the eyelid. Other causes include demodectic mites, sensitivity to the sun, trauma, and other eye diseases. Though this condition may affect humans as well as dogs, it is occasionally seen in cats and other mammals.

    Ulcerative Keratitis
    In the condition of Ulcerative Keratitis, a dog's eye is subject to inflammation of the cornea. This is usually characterized by specific erosions of the cornea, though may also manifest as ulcers. This condition can be caused by several factors, though is commonly caused by keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

    The common name for keratoconjunctivitis sicca is “Dry Eye”, and is characterized by a deficiency of tears, usually caused by abnormalities in the tear ducts. Other causes of this condition include herpesvirus, trauma(where eye is punctured), other disease affecting the eyes/tear ducts, and facial nerve paralysis.

    Juvenile Cellulitis (Puppy Strangles)
    This is a condition that usually manifests as blisters around the eyes, in addition to blisters around the lips, mouth, nose and ears. These blisters will cause irritation to the eyes, resulting in many of the common symptoms of an eye infection. The blisters will eventually become ulcerated, and a dog will have other secondary symptoms, such as enlarged lymph glands and anorexia. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection.
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    Asthma in Dogs

    by cashplus
    Dogs that have asthma are less frequent than felines that have it. Some studies have shown that the asthma is more frequent in small and middle age dogs. Asthma can change the life of the pet, just like in humans.

    Have you ever seen a dog that had asthma or he had an asthma attack? It can be shocking to watch. They begin by coughing, wheezing and sneezing. If the attack is too severe, the dog can even faint or have serious respiratory problems.

    What is the reason for Asthma in dogs?

    Most dogs that have asthma have it because they are allergic to something. The asthma is a response to the allergic reaction. The dog has a weak immune system and this is why he is more available for allergies and the allergic response. The dogs that have asthma can have an asthma attack because they are allergic to some irritants in the air. They can be allergic to cigarette smoke, perfumes, dust, or other in air problem.

    Other causes for the asthma are the viral and bacterial infections, the worms, or even cancer. They can cause asthma in dogs. Here are the top seven symptoms related with asthma that happens to dogs. The dogs typically show some of these top signs:

    1. They can lose the appetite

    2. Coughing appears

    3. The dog wheezes

    4. Lethargic movements

    5. The dog sneezes

    6. Sometimes weight loss appears

    7. Sometimes the tongue gets blue

    If your pet has any or some of these symptoms, you should take it immediately to the doctor. The vet will give him some blood tests, some chest X-rays and he will look for the asthma.

    Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe the most efficient treatment. Hopefully this material about dogs’ asthma has been helpful for you and your dog.
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    Symptoms and Treatment of Lyme Disease in Dogs

    by cashplus
    The Lyme disease is quite a new disease. It has been found recently in the north and western parts of the US. The alarming thing about this disease is that it can be transmitted form dogs to humans quite easily. Since 1975 this disease has been a constant sign of concern in all the states of the United States of America.

    The source of infection

    The source is a microscopic parasite also named deer tick. The white-footed mice and the white tailed deer are the main hosts. When the mice or the deer is in the wood area or areas with plants, the tick attaches itself to the body of the host. These ticks don’t fly or jump. They just sit there and wait for the host to carry them out.

    Attack method

    The ticks can attack a dog almost everywhere on the body. They can attach themselves to ears, neck, feat or head. The tick bites are not painful, they are like a bee sting. It is quite common that an infected dog doesn’t show distress from the tick bites.

    The symptoms

    The infected dog will show an elevated temperature. He can also be restless and show a bit of limping. Other symptoms that follow are the pain, warmth and joint swelling. Also, it is hard to notice, but underneath the dog’s coat, some inflammated areas can appear. That is where the tick has bitten the skin. Make a habit of checking the dog’s skin form time to time and watch out for these symptoms.

    The treatment

    Once you have spotted some symptoms, take the dog straight to the doctor. The vet will diagnose the dog and give him the right medication. Don’t wait awhile before taking the dog to the vet. The Lyme disease can easily spread to you too and in advanced stages it can even kill the dog.

    Serious repercussions happen if it is left untreated. The dog can even get paralyzed in his limbs. After attacking the front and then the back limbs, the disease will for sure attack the chest muscles and disable them. This means the dog will no longer be able to breath on his own. He will choke and die of asphyxiation.
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    Top Dog Breeds for Families

    by cashplus

    A dog can make a great addition to a family. After all, dogs are cute, cuddly and loyal companions for kids and adults. They are intelligent, affectionate and protective of their human family members. There’s a dog for everyone so which breed should you choose? Some dog breeds are just more family oriented than others so let’s take a look at those who get along well with children and enjoy being treated like any other member of the family.

    Collie

    Collies are not only beautiful but highly intelligent dogs as well. They are friendly with a gentle disposition. Collies are playful, peaceful and make good companions. A collie is a good choice for a family dog.

    Poodles

    Poodles are cute, cuddly and love affection. They are active dogs that love to play. Despite their size, they are good watchdogs too. Poodles are ideal family dogs.

    Labrador Retriever

    Labrador Retrievers are loving, loyal and patient. They are obedient dogs that are easy to train. They are active, social and friendly. Labrador Retrievers are people-oriented dogs who love attention. They are a wonderful choice when considering a family dog.

    Boston Terrier

    These gentle, well-mannered dogs have an easy going demeanor. They’re also easy to train. The Boston Terrier is a fun-loving, playful and intelligent dog. Boston Terriers make good companions and they are protective over their family members.

    Beagle

    Beagles are happy, energetic and playful dogs. They have gentle dispositions and love attention. They also form a protective bond over their human companions. A beagle is definitely a family dog.

    Pug

    Pugs are generally happy, loving and affectionate dogs. They are quite playful and energetic. The pug is a highly intelligent and clever dog. They make loyal companions.

    Schnauzer

    Schnauzers have fun-loving playful personalities. They are intelligent, social and affectionate. Schnauzers are very family-oriented and protective over their human companions.

    Bichon Frise

    The Bichon Frise is an intelligent, easy to train breed. They are happy, gentle dogs with a good disposition. Bichons are friendly, social and affectionate. This breed is excellent with kids which makes them a wonderful choice for a family dog.

    Great Dane

    This breed is affectionately known as the gentle giant. Great Danes are large, energetic dogs but they are also very friendly and loving. They are good with children and make excellent family dogs.

    Australian Shepherd

    This dog breed has an easy going, gentle demeanor. The Australian Shepherd is loyal and dependable companion. The breed is excellent with children and very protective of them.

    Basset Hound

    The Basset Hound is cute, adorable and mild-mannered. The breed is obedient , loveable and affectionate. Basset Hounds make excellent family dogs.

    Golden Retriever

    The golden retriever is an intelligent, friendly and loveable dog. The breed is active and energetic. Golden Retrievers love outdoor play which makes them excellent companions for active children.

    Boxer

    Boxers are energetic, happy, playful dogs. They are very affectionate and love attention. Boxers are intelligent and learn quickly. Boxers are very family-oriented dogs. They are protective of children and get along well with them.

    Irish Setter

    Irish Setters are gentle, calm and very loving. The breed is generally energetic and happy. Irish Setters are family-oriented dogs that get along well with children.

    Newfoundland

    Newfoundlands or Newfs as they are sometimes called are large, hardy dogs with a good temperament. They are intelligent, social and gentle. Newfs get along well with children. They possess the qualities of patience, playfulness and protectiveness that make them good companions for kids and a good choice for a family dog.

    Cocker Spaniel

    Cocker Spaniels are loving and obedient. They are generally active, happy dogs. Cocker Spaniels are affectionate dogs that love attention. They are excellent companions for people of all ages.

    Pomeranian

    Pomeranians are small, cute and cuddly. They are also quite clever and intelligent. The breed is protective and independent. Pomeranians are friendly, loyal and loveable. They make adorable companion dogs.

    Shih Tzu

    The Shih Tzu is cute, energetic and playful. This breed loves attention and makes a wonderful companion for people of all ages. The Shih Tzu gets along equally well with children and adults making it a perfect family dog.

    Burmese Mountain Dog

    The Burmese Mountain dog is a large, even tempered dog that is easy to train and eager to please. The breed is friendly, obedient and protective. These dogs get along well with children and make an excellent family addition.

    Airedale

    Airedales are excellent canine companions. The breed is friendly, playful, protective and loyal. They are intelligent and obedient dogs that easily fit into the family structure.

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    Should You Feed Your Dog Marrow Bones?

    by cashplus

    If you have a dog, then at some point in time you’ve probably given it a bone. There are two schools of thought on marrow bones for dogs. On one hand, raw bones seem like a natural choice for dog diets, something that they’d get in the wild. Marrow bones can be beneficial for dogs’ teeth and gums, adding nutrients to their diets that they just don’t get from processed dog food. Then there’s the pure enjoyment factor. On the other hand, there are possible dangers in feeding raw marrow bones to your dog, which at the extreme may be life-threatening or even fatal.

    Bones can be a natural part of a dog’s diet, especially if you’re a proponent of the raw foods diet. If you’d like to feed bones to your dog, the best type of bone to give is a raw, meaty marrow-filled bone. The bone should be a knuckle bone or a femur, with some meat still attached to it, along with the cartilage and marrow still inside. Make sure the bone is too big to fit completely in your dog’s mouth, as it may choke.

    These raw bones are very beneficial for the nourishment of the teeth and gums and the marrow itself is great source of fat and protein. The chewing action will strengthen your dog’s jaw muscles and clean and whiten its teeth. Most dogs absolutely love raw bones, and they’ll spend many enjoyable hours gnawing away on them. Giving marrow bones as an occasional treat, once or twice per week, will greatly reduce boredom and keep your dog’s mind occupied.

    There are some possible dangers involved in giving raw marrow bones to your dog that you should keep in mind. First of all, never give your dog any kind of bones without supervision. Some dogs are very aggressive chewers and will move the bone to their back teeth where they can crack them. This will allow shard and splinters of bone to break off and possibly cut their tongues and gums. Take the bone away after a day so it doesn’t start to harden.

    There’s a greater danger that pieces of bone will be swallowed. Most healthy dogs’ immune systems can handle small pieces of bone, but sometimes a piece can get lodged in the intestines or esophagus and cause major damage before the problem is discovered. There have been many unfortunate cases of dogs eating bones that have actually punctured the intestines, requiring major surgery to repair the damage. Avoid feeding any kind of bone that can splinter, such as chicken bones or rib bones.

    Feeding raw marrow bones to your dog can be enjoyable and beneficial to both you and your pet. They help clean their teeth and gums and are a great boredom-buster. Just make sure to feed the right kinds of bones, and to never let your dog chew on them without supervision. Why not give your dog a special treat tonight?

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    Acupuncture For Dogs

    by cashplus

    It is likely that you have probably heard about acupuncture for people, but the concept of dog acupuncture may be somewhat new to you. The idea of a therapy that uses needles to penetrate acupuncture points may seem slightly ridiculous for a dog. Why would a canine even need this type of therapy? Where can you take your dog to have acupuncture performed? Here are some of the different things that any pet owner consider acupuncture for dogs should be sure to take into consideration.

    Why Choose Acupuncture For Dogs?

    Acupuncture can provide a wide variety of health benefits for animals, just like it can for people. One of the most common reasons that dog owners choose acupuncture is because many canines experience arthritis when they get older. This tends to be more common among larger breeds, such as Golden Retrievers. Acupuncture can help ease the pain that the dog will normally experience. Some of the other health problems that acupuncture can help ease include hip dysplasia, injuries, strains, respiratory problems, and epilepsy.

    How Many Acupuncture Sessions are Necessary?

    The number of acupuncture sessions that will be necessary to improve health problems will vary according to your dog. Every dog is different, and the amount of time that it will take for the dog to heal will be different. That said, most dogs will require between three and five acupuncture sessions in order for there to be a noticeable difference in pain relief. Some dogs may require more or less acupuncture sessions, however. Almost all dogs will need to have at least more than one session to see results.

    Who Performs Acupuncture For Dogs?

    Keep in mind that acupuncture is not typically a form of therapy that your dog can receive just by visiting the veterinarian. In order to perform acupuncture for a dog, one must be a Certified Animal Acupuncturist. You may be able to find an acupuncturist for animals by looking in the phone book for “holistic veterinarians” or one may be recommended to you by a vet. Often, those who are certified to perform acupuncture for humans become certified to perform it for animals as well so don’t be afraid to call and ask.

    What are the Potential Side Effects?

    If you are thinking about acupuncture for your dog, then you are also probably wondering what the potential side effects are. Some of the possible problems that may occur include fatigue and ruptured blood vessels or nerves. Another one of the problems that can occur with acupuncture for dogs is a broken needle. The needle may break inside the dogs skin and surgery may be required to remove it. Keep in mind that side effects of acupuncture for dogs are very rare, however.

    Acupuncture for dogs can be highly beneficial. If your dog has experienced some type of injury or is simply in pain due to a health condition, it may be a good idea to think about acupuncture. Although there are side effects associated with this form of holistic therapy, the health benefits of acupuncture greatly outweigh them.

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    A Dog Lover’s Guide to Golden Retrievers

    by cashplus

    If you’re considering getting a dog, then you may be wondering what breed would be best. Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, second only to Labrador Retrievers. These dogs are a relatively new breed and were originally developed for hunting. They’re friendly and highly intelligent and stay as playful as puppies well into adulthood. These qualities can help you decide whether or not Golden Retrievers are the right dog breed for you and your family.

    Golden Retrievers were bred for hunting during the 18th century. They became popular very quickly since they were able to retrieve the catch whether it was in the water or on land. They’re fairly large dogs, weighing between 65 and 70 pounds, and standing up to 24 inches at the shoulders.

    Their large size and hunting background means that these dogs need daily exercise. Typically, a stroll around the lawn or down a busy city street is not enough to release the tremendous amounts of energy that these dogs contain. They need to be able to run and play and can do so for hours at a time. Owing a Golden Retriever means being committed to providing this physical activity that’s necessary for the dog’s health and well-being.

    The personality of the Golden Retriever is one of main reason for this breed’s popularity. They mature slowly and love to play even as adults. This makes them very popular with families that have children, since the dog will seldom tire of playing with the kids.

    That means that this is not the type of dog that can simply be tied to its doghouse in the yard or kept shut up in a crate. Goldens need to be with the family all the time in all activities. They need to be involved and interacted with – if they’re left alone too much they may become depressed and morose, leading to destructive behaviors and discipline problems. This is a breed to avoid if you aren’t willing to integrate it into your family life and treat it like a member of the family.

    Golden Retrievers are friendly and highly intelligent. Easily trained, they can learn large vocabularies of over 200 words. Couple this intelligence with their sweet, outgoing personality and this makes them excellent for use as service dogs and in sport dog competitions.

    However, the one area that Golden Retrievers are not easily trainable for is as attack dogs. They are extremely loyal to their families, but consider everyone to be their friend. If the family home were to be robbed, the Golden would show the thief where the jewels were located, wagging all the while. They can be very vocal, however, and while they won’t attack someone, they will bark loudly to let the family know that a new friend has arrived. So while being a guard dog just isn’t in their nature, being a watch dog is.

    Golden Retrievers are friendly and intelligent and make a perfect family pet. Bred for hunting, their large size and sporting dog nature requires plenty of daily exercise. While they aren’t guard dogs, they will alert you to visitors. Keep these traits in mind when you’re getting your next dog – you can’t go wrong with a Golden Retriever.

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    A Dog Lover’s Guide to Beagles

    by cashplus

    If you’re looking for a small dog with a big heart, then you can’t go wrong with a beagle. These dogs are great family dogs with a distinct personality, and are able to adapt to small apartments or country living. Their sense of smell is one of the highest in the canine world, and they’re used by hunters and drug detection teams to detect everything from rabbits to cocaine.

    Beagles are physically small dogs and are sometimes confused as a toy breed, although they’re not. Their size ranges anywhere from 13 – 16 inches in height at the shoulders, rarely weighing in at more than 30 pounds. Their coats are short and sleek, requiring daily grooming, though a weekly brushing should be done to remove dead skin and hair and keep the skin healthy.

    There aren’t many dogs that can plead with their eyes as well as beagles can. Their soft dark eyes, soulful expressions and long, floppy ears all add up to an endearing little dog that blends well with any family. They get along great with kids and other pets, though they need to be acclimated early to any pets other than dogs.

    Beagles are known for their keen sense of smell. All dogs excel in this area, but beagles are one of the top scent hounds. Historically, they were used as hunting dogs and still are today. Their keen noses can track rabbits and other animals for their owners. Even though they aren’t the fastest at chasing them, their tracking ability still leads the hunter right to the quarry.

    Today, beagles are commonly used by law enforcement in various capacities. Drug detection teams use them to sniff out cocaine and other illegal drugs at airports and crime scenes, and these little dogs are also used on search and rescue missions to find lost hikers. Various canines also function as cadaver dogs, whose job is to find dead bodies at natural disasters such as earthquakes. Beagles perform extremely well at all of these types of jobs.

    When trained specifically, beagles also have the rare ability to pick up the scent of illegal agricultural items such as fruits and vegetables. Illegal (and sometimes unintended) import of these kinds of items is extremely difficult to detect, but beagles are one of the few breeds that are capable of it.

    Beagles pack a huge personality into a small body. Friendly and nonagressive, they like nothing more than being included in every family activity and are often found right in the middle of family life. They do tend to be vocal, especially if left alone for extended lengths of time. Beagles are highly active and, for such small dogs, need quite a bit of daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need a patient but firm hand when it comes to training, but as they mature they settle down and relax.

    Whatever you want in a dog, whether it’s companionship, a family pet, or a hunting partner, you can find it in a beagle.

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    How to Care for a Pregnant Dog

    by cashplus

    Making sure that your dog has a healthy pregnancy requires careful planning and patience. For somewhere between 58 to 68 days, the average length of pregnancy for dogs, she will need you to provide her with expert care. You might have guessed that dietary changes and plentiful exercise will be necessary, but you’ll also have to take care of her emotional health as well. There are also certain precautions you will need to take in order to keep your dog and her puppies safe.

    At 30 days into your dog’s pregnancy, take her to the vet for a checkup. The vet will perform a blood test to confirm the pregnancy at this time. Do not let your dog receive any vaccinations while she is pregnant since these will harm the fetuses. Immunity from vaccines given before pregnancy will pass to the pups.

    Your dog will need to increase her food intake as her pregnancy progresses. Once the initial loss of appetite and nausea associated with the early weeks of pregnancy subside, she’ll be ready to start eating more food. After the first month, she should eat twice as much food as she normally does in order to meet the increased calorie requirements her body needs. Overall, her weight gain should fall between 15 to 25%. Around 35 days into her pregnancy, slowly switch her over to puppy food, which she’ll need when nursing. Do not give your dog any calcium supplements. These are unnecessary and could interfere with her ability to nurse.

    Take your dog out for walks so that she gets plenty of exercise, especially if she is overweight. Obesity can cause problems during pregnancy, particularly with blood sugar levels. Keeping your dog in shape will help her maintain a healthy rate of weight gain. After four to six weeks, you need to limit the amount of exercise your dog gets. Light to moderate exercise is still alright, but do not attempt any form of agility training or other training requiring strenuous physical activity. If she is a show dog, avoid showing her. Also avoid obedience training during this time.

    Heartworm prevention products are safe to use on your pregnant dog. Be careful with flea products since not all are intended for use during pregnancy. Check the labels before buying any flea product for your dog. If she does have a parasite infestation, such as roundworms or hookworms, the pups will also be infested and will need to be dewormed after birth.

    Even though you probably give your dog lots of attention already, she’ll need more during pregnancy. Besides, the happier your dog is, the better off her puppies will be in terms of health, intelligence and agility. Make sure you set aside a special area for her as her due date approaches. Give her a warm, cozy area to call her own so that she’ll be as comfortable as possible when giving birth.

    During the final three weeks of your dog’s pregnancy and for three weeks after she gives birth, she’ll need to be kept isolated from other dogs. This protects her from contagious diseases such as Canine herpesvirus, which can lead to miscarriage or death in newborns. Keep her in your yard when she’s outdoors and separated from other dogs in your house. Just before isolation, your dog’s vet will do a radiograph to count the number of pups.

    Caring for your pregnant dog is a huge responsibility, but shouldn’t be a burden. Keeping her happy, well-fed and in shape will strengthen the bond between the two of you and ensure a healthy litter of pups.

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    How to Choose a Dog Breed

    by cashplus

    Looking to welcome a new dog into your home, but not sure which breed is right for you? There are several factors to take into consideration when making your decision. With so many breeds to choose from, you’re bound to find one that is perfect for you.

    The amount of space you have will help you narrow down your choice of breeds. If you have a house with plenty of space, you can get a medium or large breed such as a Springer Spaniel or Great Dane. If you live in an apartment, you’ll be better off looking at smaller breeds or toy breeds such as a Cocker Spaniel or Maltese. If you have a big, fenced-in yard, dogs that require a lot of exercise such as Australian Sheepdogs will be perfectly happy. If you don’t have a yard, consider getting a lap dog such as a Japanese Chin.

    If you have children or other pets, select a dog breed carefully. Certain breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, are calm and gentle enough to be around children. Herding breeds such as Border Collies, might nip at their heels in an attempt to herd them. If you have young children, avoid toy breeds due to their fragile builds. Sporting dogs such as Pointers are more prone to chase other animals in the house or view smaller ones, like guinea pigs or even cats, as prey.

    If you don’t want to spend a lot of time grooming your dog, choose a short-haired breed such as a Doberman. Long-haired breeds such as Shetland Sheepdogs and Yorkshire Terriers require regular grooming to keep their coats clean and smooth. If you worry about shedding, both short-haired and long-haired breeds do plenty of this. To avoid vacuuming or sweeping up fur throughout the year, choose a hairless breed such as an American Hairless Terrier. Hairless breeds are also ideal if you have allergies.

    When choosing a dog breed, do your research on the health problems associated with various breeds. German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, while Dalmatians are prone to deafness. Having an idea of the types of ailments or diseases your dog could be facing at some point will help you prepare emotionally and financially. Keep in mind that medical bills to treat some of these conditions can be highly expensive. If you would rather reduce the risk of your dog developing a hereditary illness or impairment, consider getting a mixed breed.

    Cost can also be a factor when deciding on a dog breed. Aside from health issues, practical costs such as food should be taken into consideration. If you’re leaning towards a larger dog, you’ll be spending as much as three times more money on food than you would for a small or toy breed. If you prefer long-haired breeds, prepare to spend more money on grooming supplies.

    There are hundreds of dog breeds to choose from. However, once you’ve narrowed down the options based on your preferences and living situation, you’ll be much closer to discovering which breed is best for you and introducing your pup to his new home.

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