Archive for the ‘Dog Health’ Category

Why Dog Nutrition Should Include a Pet Vitamin Supplement

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
by Geraldine Dimarco

What is it that you have every morning that gives you the energy to do what you want through out the day? The answer is simple, your vitamins. You have them to keep you active and resistant to ailments. Of course all these views are endorsed day in and day out by commercials and programs on television. And if you are a keen dog lover, you would naturally feel inclined to extend this healthy habit to your pets too. At the end of a stressful day, you do come home and unwind with your furry friend. So why not give him that extra boost for his energy levels too. Not only will your precious pooch be healthy, he will also live longer!

Vitamins work to enhance your immune system and in dogs too they do the same. If you think dogs lead a more comfortable life, think again. They need nearly the same enhancers that we do. When the immune system is working full throttle, canines are less susceptible to germ attacks! Canine Vitamin supplements are all the more important now after the recent pet scare coming out of China. In fact, the supplements are necessary in spite of the top quality dog food your pet receives. Which vitamins to give and how you give them depends on the type of dog you own and his daily regimen.

What type of dog vitamins that you give your dog will depend on where they are at in their life. For example, a very active puppy will need specific vitamins that will help him have the best start on his journey through life. They will more than likely need to include some sort of Omega-3 fatty acid to keep his heart healthy. Another type of popular pet supplement is for the older dogs. Many dog vitamins for senior dogs will have glucosamine included and this will help to keep their joints agile and moving. For the adult dog in the prime of his life, you can find vitamins that are specifically made for overall health and intended to just keep the animal at peak performance and health.

Dog owners should take special care while choosing the right type of vitamins for their precious pets. Keep in mind the requirement as per the breed and the age of your doggie. While purchasing the supplements and even the food, see the labels carefully to find out where the packet has come from. At times, many people buy stuff that is available at a discount. If it is the right food, go ahead but don?t buy it just because it is cheaper. This could cause damage to your pooch?s delicate digestive system. He or she could come down with a bout of diarrhea or some other tummy disorder when you change its diet. So, if you really really love and care for your little furry pal, take the trouble of finding out the specific requirements for them. Then go and purchase the best you can. Remember that they too need all the extra nourishment like we do to enjoy a healthy existence. It would be the ultimate gratification to have your precious babies grow with you and stay healthy too!

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Giving Pills To Your Puppy

Wednesday, April 9th, 2008


The best way to give any pill is to wrap it in a small piece of meat; most puppies eat meat hungrily, and the pills go down easily. I give my puppy a vitamin-mineral supplement that is in powdered form. It is unfortunately rather insoluble, but she doesn’t mind, and eats it up easily with her morning meal. If you start this habit with young puppies, they get accustomed to it.

All puppies should get accustomed from an early age to having their mouths opened without biting. Try opening the mouth and popping in a piece of liver, each time commanding the dog to “Open.” You will find that your puppy will quickly learn to open her mouth on command, hoping for the liver.

You must never try to open a puppy’s mouth with your hand on the bottom jaw. Always place your hand over the top of the muzzle, with your first finger and thumb in the puppy’s mouth where the teeth are absent, just behind the large canine tooth when it comes through. Keep the puppy’s head up, and stroke its throat until you see it swallow. Always put the puppy to the sit before attempting any medication. Otherwise it might struggle and choke.

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Disorders Your Dog May Inherit

Friday, March 7th, 2008


A vital part of good prevention is to know the common types of illnesses and disorders associated with particular dog breeds. For dogs, the parts of their body that are most frequently affected by congenital problems are the central nervous system, the eyes, the muscles, and the bones. For instance, the Beagle, Collie, miniature Poodle, German Shepherd, and Keeshond are more likely to inherit epilepsy.

Different types of nervous system disorders are often passed on within certain breeds. Examples are paralysis of the front and back legs, which is common in the Irish Setter, a failure of muscle coordination common in Fox Terrier, and abnormal swelling of the brain is common in the Chihuahua, English Bulldog, and Cocker Spaniel.

A great number of common breeds suffer from congenital eye abnormalities including glaucoma, cataracts, and blindness.
Breeds such as Basenji, Basset Hound, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, and Cairn Terrier have a high risk for inguinal hernias (gut protrudes into the groin). Umbilical hernias (gut protrudes through the navel) are inherited defects in breeds like Bull Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Pekingese, Basenji, Collie, Weimaraner, Airedale Terrier, and Pointer.

In order to keep health problems in your dog from getting serious, you need to detect them early. Therefore, it is necessary to give your dog a basic check-up about once a week. This check-up takes no more than a few minutes, and it can help prevent problems as well as expenses down the road.

Start with a body rub. This makes your pet comfortable. While giving him his rub, check for any signs of flaking or scabs which can be a sign of parasites, a skin disorder, or allergies.

Also check for any lumps and bumps. Although they are a normal part of aging in dogs, they can also be a symptom that there is something wrong. Check for any swelling that could indicate parasites, heart trouble, or cancer.

His breathing should be smooth and quiet, unless he is panting. If his breathing is raspy or rattling, he could have a respiratory problem.

Your dog’s heartbeat should be regular and strong. To check for his pulse, place your hand against his chest by his left elbow. Count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply it by four. The rate should range between 60 and 160.

Lastly, examine his ears, eyes, and mouth and check for any signs of abnormalities

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