Supplementing Your Dogs Feed
By Stuart J Smith

To ensure that your dog’s immunity system is kept in top condition you will need to ensure that there is a good balance of vitamins and minerals in his diet. It is not uncommon in homemade foods that this balance is derived from a supplement.

As pet owners we need to know what vitamins are in the food and the symptoms of excess or deficiencies in each vitamin. We also need to know which vitamins need topping up daily and which are stored in the body. Vitamins B (thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine etc) and vitamin C are called water-soluble vitamins and they are not stored in the body and need replenishing each day. Vitamins A, D, E and K dissolve in fat before they are absorbed in the blood stream to carry out their functions. Excesses of these vitamins are stored in the liver. It is not therefore necessary to replenish these vitamins daily.

Cod liver oil is a very good source of Vitamin A and can help to avoid night blindness and is also very good for skin condition. Vitamin D can also be found in fish oils and egg yolks and promotes the healthy growth of bones by increasing the body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Vitamin B1 is important as it helps to release the energy from foods. Typically B1 is found in peas, beans, lentils and other legumes so if possible try and get some of these vegetables into the food mix. It has been known for dogs that are fed with fish in frozen conditions that a supplement of B1 is required as they will not be getting the B1 from the fish and the conditions are not ripe for supplementing the food with vegetables.

It is also important to ensure that your dog is receiving the correct balance of minerals. To promote good skin health the dog must get the correct amount of zinc and he will need potassium for muscle health and for his teeth he will need calcium with phosphorous.

It may be possible that if your dogs feed includes a good variety of vegetables with meat such as chicken, beef or mutton that the requirement for artificial supplements may be greatly reduced. If, however, that balanced diet cannot be provided then you should consider supplementing the diet. As always it would be best to consult your veterinarian to evaluate your dogs feeding practices and then recommend the best supplement.

The author of this article writes for a puppy website called House Train Ur Puppy. You can find more articles like this one at HouseTrainUrPuppy.com
 

Dogs and cats get orthopedic injuries just like we do. In fact, it may surprise you to find out that almost any surgery that can be performed in human medicine has a corresponding animal procedure for your pet. Veterinary medicine has changed–and improved–drastically over the years as the human-animal bond has increased.

Photo: pcvhvet.net

Working with veterinary surgical specialists over the last several years has really opened my eyes to the possibilities that exist. Not to mention the fact that I have had to take advantage of some of these "possibilities" for not only personal pets, but also for rescue animals in my care.

So, what kinds of injuries require specialty orthopedic surgery?

Broken bones, of course, come instantly to mind. But, does your pet need to be seen by a surgical specialist, or can your primary veterinarian repair the fracture? Well, this depends not only on the complexity of the fracture and the procedure to repair it, but also on the skill and experience of your veterinarian. I have seen cases where the pet had to undergo additional surgery by a specialist after a first attempt by a primary care physician. Think of it this way: if you had been hit by a car and required major surgery, would you go to your GP, or would you want to be operated on by a surgeon?

Joint injuries are also very common, especially in large, athletic breeds, and in overweight dogs. We routinely operate to correct torn cruciate ligaments and luxating patellas. These procedures are usually fairly costly, and the last thing you want to do is try to save a few dollars by having an inexperienced doctor perform these procedures. I have seen hip surgeries go so badly that there is no longer anything for a specialist to work with. There is nothing as difficult as telling a client that you could have helped their pet — if you had been able to operate first, or sooner.

Recovery and rehabilitation are difficult for many pets, and for their owners! It takes a long time for bones to heal properly. So, if you pet needs orthopedic surgery, you are looking at approximately 12 to 16 weeks — yes, that’s 3 or 4 months! — before "Roscoe" will be able to go back to normal, off leash activity. I’m not sure who this is more difficult on, the patient, or the owner. But, the worst thing you can do is assume that because "Roscoe" doesn’t seem to be in any pain, you can relax on the exercise restrictions. You don’t want "Roscoe" to end up back in the operating room, or worse, end up not being able to be restored to normal activity at all.

Not only have I seen pets have to come back for second, third, even fourth surgeries, I have also seen dogs that had to be put down because their prognosis for recovery was so poor when exercise restrictions were not followed. When the surgeon says 2 weeks in a crate, and an additional 8 weeks of on-leash walking only, she means it!

The use of orthotic devices is an option for pet owners when surgery is risky or to help in your pet’s recovery process. Custom braces can support the operated limb and allow proper healing to take place. They can also help correct the limb’s function without surgery. Your surgeon will be able to let you know whether this is an option for your pet.

Baby Girl is a beautiful Australian Shepherd at Mill Creek Animal Rescue. She came to us when she was about six months old with a horrible limp. I took her to an orthopedic surgeon. X-rays showed that she had suffered a fracture of her front left leg at some point in the past. Unfortunately, this was never treated, and there was a mal-union of the radius/ulna. Her ulna had tried to grow, but was growing out, rather than in length, while the radius continued to grow normally. This resulted in her paw being pushed sideways at a terrible angle. The doctor felt that although she had probably attained 65% of her full size, that surgery would benefit her and provide improved quality of life.

Baby Girl underwent surgery in early January. A 1 centimeter segment of the ulna was removed, and then the bone stabilized by divergent pins. The x-rays looked promising, and her foot appeared much straighter than it had pre-surgery. Now, Baby Girl thought she was better immediately. She wanted to romp and play the day after surgery. But, having seen post-surgery disasters, I followed the aftercare instructions to the letter. Two weeks post surgery, the splint came off. Baby Girl was walking much more normally, but still remained crated except for 3 or 4 daily leash walks.

Last month, Baby Girl returned for x-rays to determine whether or not the bone had healed. The x-rays revealed: SUCCESS! Although a pin had migrated and had to be removed, Baby Girl was released back to full, unrestricted activity — much to her joy and mine!

In closing, orthopedic surgery can greatly improve your dog’s quality of life. If your dog requires surgery, first find a good orthopedic surgeon. If your primary care veterinarian doesn’t have a recommendation for you, visit the ACVS (American College of Veterinary Surgeons) website for the name of a specialist near you. And, whatever you do, follow the aftercare instructions. It may be difficult on both of you, but in the long run, you’ll be glad you did!

Cheree is practice manager of Azzore Veterinary Specialists, and founding director of the Mill Creek Animal Rescue - both in Russellville, AR. You can view pets available for adoption at Petfinder or visit her at MySpace. You can view Baby Girl’s x-rays in her own photo album at myspace.

Healthy snack treats for dogs is one of the best ways you can take care of mans best friend. Your dog requires the correct food if it is going to mature into the healthy dog it was meant to be. Healthy snack treats for dogs are an necessary part of that affect. Mans best friend is just like you and needs the right amount of vitamins and minerals if it is going to grow up full of energy and life. You can make your own healthy dog treats without much cost.

If you have not recognized by now there is a lot of trash that goes into most commercially made dog food. There are heart wrenching stories of people thinking they were feeding their animal the best food available only to have their puppy become ill and realize that it was the store bought food that had made them that way. If you really knew what went into dog food it would make you think twice before feeding it to your animal.

Many dogs have died as a result of contaminated commercial dog food. One of the key ingredients in this tragedy was the ingredient Melamine which is used to make fertilizer and plastic. It can be deadly if consumed by dogs which is exactly what happened. Many things that go into your dogs food are not allowed to be included in your food. Probably the most gross thing about commercial dog food is that it contains deceased animals which dog food producers are permitted by law to put in their food.

Enough about the food you thought was safe for your dog. Don’t give up. There are recipes for healthy dog treats. Treats which you make yourself can be as different as healthy peanut butter flavored dog treats for your dog. It is a fun and gratifying experience to have a dog. A pet will provide you with many years of loyalty and love but you must treat it right.

Don’t think that love is all your dog needs. A puppy will demand different foods than a older dog but luckily there are recipes for healthy dog treats that will fit the needs of your dog. There are many different kinds of dogs. That will also influence your dogs dietary needs. A smaller dog will require different amounts of foods than a larger one. It will be essential that you have your dog eating regular meals. Your dog however will like a snack now and then. That’s where recipes for healthy dog treats are needed.

You can make healthy dog treats in your home and save money over store bought dog food. In addition it will be healthier for your dog as well. Taking care of your dog might require a few changes in your way of thinking and doing things. Giving them plenty of love and healthy dog treats for your dog will help to insure a healthy life for your pet.

Do you know what ingredients your dog is being fed in it’s commercial dog food. Learn the right way to care for your puppy or dog by visiting http://healthydogtreats.blogspot.com/

You’ve worked on training in the house and leash training, and you’re excited to bring your puppy with you to the beach and everywhere else. There’s only one problem: your dog vomits every time you are in the car. Cleaning up dog vomit is definitely not an enjoyable task, and many dog owners fear that their dogs will never be able to ride in the car. There are some dogs that do get motion sick, but there are others who vomit because they are stressed.

Photo: kango.com

The first thing you should do is make sure that your dog is not stressed in the car. Bring your dog, on leash, into your car. Put him where he will be sitting, then sit in the driver’s seat. Do nothing else for five minutes. Allow him to walk around and get comfortable with the feel and the smells of the car.

After you’ve done this for five minutes, start the engine, but go nowhere else. Look at your dog and see if he is exhibiting signs of being car sick, for instance, is he drooling or has his ears dropped. If he is not, continue to idle for five minutes or so. If he is looking car sick, turn off the car and allow him more time to become accustomed to it.

Once he is able to sit for five or ten minutes in an idling car without getting sick, it is time to go for a little drive. Keep it short, under five minutes or less, and try to avoid bumpy roads. If your dog is able to keep his kibble down, increase the amount you drive on a daily basis. If not, you may want to speak with your vet to see if you can give your dog Dramamine, which works well for both people and pets. Be aware, however, that most dogs that are truly carsick often grow out of it before they are a year old.

To learn exactly how I trained my dog, visit http://www.rapiddogtraining.com/ where you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to become pack leader and much more.
 

Certain foods for dogs should be avoided at all costs. Although dogs can often eat some things that humans eat, there are some things which dog owners should definitely know about.

Photo: Stockxpert.com

A clear example is alcohol - even in smaller amounts this can cause major problems for your dog like intoxication. In extreme cases it may also result in a comatose state - or worse, death! Drugs, such as marijuana and similar substances, are an equally bad idea. These can adversely impact the nervous system and change the heart rate, cause vomiting, and more.

Liver is a food that should only be given to dogs in small amounts, as larger servings can result in too much Vitamin A being built up inside the dog, leading to Vitamin A toxicity. This can have a significant negative effect on the muscles and bones of a dog, especially over an extended duration of time.

Raw eggs and raw fish are believed by some people to be acceptable, however uncooked eggs have avidin, which is an enzyme that inhibits the absorption of certain vitamins in the B group. This can lead to (sometimes, but not always) subtle problems with the hair or skin of the dog. Raw fish on the other hand, is even worse. This can cause a deficiency of thiamine, possibly leading to seizures or death, however this usually only becomes serious if the dog is fed raw fish on a regular basis.

Sugary foods should also be avoided for the most part. Obesity and dental problems are the obvious hazards here, however something called diabetes mellitus is also a potential risk.

Allosia Online Books has a section of online dog books.

In celebration of earth day all around the world we can include our dogs and keep them safe and healthy as well as be good to the earth.

Today more than ever we should be concerned about not only what are we feeding our dog or pet, but what we can do collectively to do less damage to the environment.

Photo: Stockxpert.com

Going green is the buzz word today and it doesn’t have to be hard or expensive it’s a matter of making good choices and there are arrays of products out to help us be better guardians of mother earth.

We can be eco friendly as well as having pets and that starts with adopting pets from a shelter or Human Society. Instead of buying cheap food - buy organic foods you will save a ton of money on your vet bills. Do not use human shampoos or sprays on your dog unless you are using totally organic products that are safe for pets. Here are some tips on keeping the earth safe while enjoying your pet dog.

Pooper Bags:

Now the smarter manufacturers of pet products are going green with bio- degradable pet poop bags. These bags do not stay around for 20 years they break down into harmless waste and are conveniently found in grocery and pet stores.

Poop Converters:

You can have green adventures at home also by using the Poop Converter and save cash for something important.

Have you ever hoped for making use of the waste your dog produces in the back yard and turning it into organic compost and fertilizer for your garden? Well its here…the new Poop Converter does not need chemicals it works with worms that convert the dog waste into liquid gold for your plants. Yes it works for cat waste also just think of the possibilities as most pet people are plant people too.

The worms convert the waste into worm castings that are highly concentrated organic fertilizer for flower gardens and potted plants. One Converter works for 2 medium size dog droppings and its easy to use just drop the refuse into the bin and let the worms go to work and the best part is there is no odor.

The unit should come with worms, instructions and gives you back compost tea liquid gold and you can be a winner in the green Olympics. The Poop Converters keep the earth clean, cuts down on cost of garbage disposal for cities and the best part gives you something you would have to go and buy at a store, so it saves you money.

Get Green Pet Toys:

The Eagle Tribune quotes Don Griffith "But the industry isn’t all lavender and mint dog shampoo and stylish leashes made of hemp. In addition to environmental benefits, green pet accessories tend to be much safer for dogs and cats, said Don Griffith, president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. The pet industry has little or no regulation, he said, so that cheap rubber bone you bought for Fido might be coated with poisonous chemicals or tainted with lead. Don is seeing more and more dogs coming in with liver and pancreatic problems from ingested toxins in chew toys and treats.

Toxic Rawhide Bones:

Those toxic rawhide bones, pigs ears and smoked bones sound so appealing for your dog but since they carry so much bacteria its like a low dose of poison for pet owners. This comes from a veterinarian and I bet your vet doesn’t give you this advice to warn you on how not to make your dog sick.

Non-Toxic Toys:

The Doggy Tug toy is another great invention made right in the USA by a dog owner who bought toys on the market that fall apart easily. She invented her own toy, and it is not toxic, washable and very durable. See the article and enter the contest by signing up for the newsletter.

Today there are organic dog toys for dogs and cats to play with that are made of totally organic materials. Pet owners have the best intentions to give their dogs amusing toys but cannot expect to know what is in each product on the market especially with no quality control or inspections of foreign products that are untested and not safe.

These non toxic toys are called Doggy Tugs and are made right here in the USA - the added benefit of these toys is that they durable and there is no lead paint or toxic substances. They are made tough and last even through the toughest handling by a big dog. If you want a new business to invest in the eco-friendly pet product industry is going to grow to 1 billion in sales by 2009. To find the sources for these products go to the resource box for further information.

Teri Salvador is a freelance writer with a site primarily on dog health issues that offers frequently updated articles on natural remedies, pet product reviews and current articles on pet foods. You will read it first on DogHealth1.com even before CNN gets around to covering the story. Visit: http://www.DogHealth1.com

At the height of the flea season, you’ll want to protect your dogs, cats and household from the pesky flea. But, don’t do so at the expense of the health of your pets. There are better methods other than what mass marketing has conditioned us to reach for.

Photo: greenlivingonline.com

Use non-toxic natural flea protection solutions. That means no flea powders, sprays, collars, shampoos, and dips that are toxic and harmful to your pet; including the newer products that are given by pill or applied to a spot on the skin. Despite the manufacturers’ claims of safety, these solutions do not offer natural flea protection, and many problems, some quite serious, have been observed with these products. Why risk the health of your pet?

Many flea products on the market are not considered natural protection against fleas. Most of these products are in fact dangerous chemicals that you would not think of placing on your own body or your children’s. Many people regard their pets as family and we owe it to them not to endanger their health. Dogs and cats entrust their lives to us, their guardians.

Many popularly used products contain ingredients such as carbaryl (Sevin), a nerve-paralyzing chemical that can cause a host of side effects, DDVP (dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate), methylcarbamate, rotenone, pyrethrins, and piperonyl butoxide. Piperonyl butoxide is used as a booster in most of the new pyrethrum products. It is associated with liver disorders. DDVP is the chemical found in the majority of plastic flea collars. DDVP numbs an insect’s nervous system and, although your dog cannot speak, the chemical can have the same effect on your pet.

Don’t bathe your loved pet in chemical insecticides that suds or agents called flea dip.

You can attain natural flea protection without bathing your pet with a chemical flea shampoo that leaves a petrochemical residue on the dog’s skin, which is potentially unsafe for the canine and the household. Unlike with a more natural flea protection, when the pet licks itself, it gets an oral dose of a toxic chemical. Spraying or dipping with a residual pesticide to rid your dog of fleas has little or no lasting effect. Flea shampoos often only help get rid of fleas from your dog’s fur. If live fleas are in the bath water they can re-infest your pet with a simple splash. Do not allow bath water to accumulate. Regular and proper use of hypoallergenic shampooing and conditioning or a brand name dishwashing liquid will kill fleas on contact and act as a repellent.

The healthier your pet is, the less attractive it is to fleas. Parasites and fleas in particular are attracted to weak, unhealthy or young animals whose immune system is not functioning well. The quality of nutrition is a major factor in achieving natural flea protection. There is ample research showing that fatty acid supplements, in the ideal dietary ratio of 5:1 of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, can be beneficial in pets with atopic dermatitis and flea allergy problems. These supplements are also advocated in cases of kidney disease, elevated cholesterol and arthritis. They are derived from fish oils of coldwater fish such as salmon and trout. Veterinarians are discovering that fatty acids can be valuable for a variety of conditions. Fatty acids are supplied in liquid and capsule form, and are readily available.

We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of http://www.CalloftheDog.com and http://www.CalloftheDogShop.com — created to provide the things your dogs and pets need. Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well.

The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.
 

It has been said that Great Danes are descendants of Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound and Bullenbeisser. Years of careful breeding resulted to this tall, chiseled dog, so robust yet so gentle, so regal and elegant. Great Danes possess remarkable characteristics that capture attention and admiration wherever it goes.

Photo: pups4sale.co.nz

Probably some people think that this breed won’t make good household pets (especially those who are living in apartments) because of their giant size. Their height ranges from 30 to 40 inches and the typical weight for males ranges from 54 to 90 kg. and 45 to 68 kg. for females. In fact, a Great Dane named Gibson holds the title as the world’s tallest dog in the Guinness World Records in 2004. But despite their giant size, a Great Dane can manage life in an apartment quite well. Their energy is not as high as other breeds and only need half an hour walk and some run few times a week.

Being a creature with fairly slow metabolism, they really don’t eat that much. Two cups of dry dog food a day is enough to keep them fueled. Too much protein should be avoided to prevent damaging the bones and joints. Bloat, formally known as Gastric Volvulus is their enemy. It is a serious problem that may kill this breed, or other large breeds in minutes. Gastropexy (tacking of the stomach to the right abdominal wall) is usually done to Great Danes especially those who have relatives with history of bloat. Using elevated food dishes and avoiding strenuous exercise and other activities right after meals are other ways to prevent the occurrence of bloat.

Would you believe that these remarkably large dogs are also remarkably gentle? They are sweet and kind large creatures, good with children, other dog, other animals and even strangers. They do not cope well without close contact with their human family and may cause them to become mentally unstable and depressed if left alone for too long. They don’t respond well to training based on hard corrections given that they are emotionally sensitive dogs. Aggression may occur at times due to their nature as wild boar hunter and their drive to protect their family members from what they perceive as threat or danger.

People should understand that this breed grows rapidly. They should think thoroughly and discover more about this breed before taking them home. Remember that ignorance, often if not all the time, leads to wrong decision. You may not want to abandon your gentle giant in a shelter or organization, don’t you?

Richard Cussons is a writer and a dog expert. Visit greatdanesavvy.com for great information about Great Danes and effective Great Dane training tips.