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Have you ever made the assumption that because a product is on the market it is safe? This unfortunately is not true. There are lawsuits before the courts on a weekly basis because of some of the poor quality things that are on the market. My husband had a very bad experience with a poor product that almost cost him the life of his dog.

About seven months prior to our marriage my husband bought a black lab puppy. My husband is a duck hunter and he was raised in a family that always owned a lab. The puppy was very smart and so his training went quite smoothly. We did not have very much money when we were first married and we were saving for a home. We were always looking for ways to save money. When the puppy got to be a year old we switched it from puppy chow to adult dog food. We were feeding him food that we bought from a large farm supplier. When the dog was about eighteen months old we noticed that his coat was getting very thin. When we would pet him there were clumps of hair that would fall out. He seemed to have no energy. We took him to the vet. The vet’s first question is what have you been feeding the dog. We told him the name of the food and where we were buying it. We found out that our dog was starving. The food we were feeding him was mostly fillers. He was not getting the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy coat or to sustain activity. We felt awful. The vet suggested buying science diet dog food to help get him back on track. The vet explained to us that the science diet dog food might seem expensive; however it is so concentrated with protein and nutrients that you only feed the dog a small amount.

We bought a bag of the science diet dog food from the vet and took the dog home. Within two weeks the dog was filled with energy and you could see that his coat was getting its sheen back. We also noticed that we had much smaller feces to up. When he had been eating the cheap filler food he would have large piles of feces. We went to the farm supplier and told them our experience with using the dog food that they were selling. They told us that the ingredients are listed on the bag as well as the percentages based on weight. They told us that the percentages meet the minimum requirements of the food and drug administration. We could not believe that they could have something on the market that will starve a dog no matter how much was fed to it. We have tried to spread the word as much as possible to let people know the importance of feeding high quality food to their animals such as science diet dog food.

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Image via WikipediaMy friend’s son wants a dog very badly, but it is simply out of the question for them at this point. I told him that they can get one some day, and when they do, they should consider adopting a dog if they can find the right one. There are plenty of places to get dogs, but I would prefer to rescue one that has lost their home as long as they are a good fit for their family. Many children ask for dogs as pets, and if you are in this situation, you might want to consider doing the same thing. When considering dogs, however, there are some things you should think about in regards to choosing the right one.

You have to think about the ages of your children when you adopt a dog. Not all breeds do well with children, but you can’t always go by breed. What is great about going to an animal shelter when you want to adopt a dog, or a cat for that matter, is that they have already figured out what families each dog is suited for. That means they can tell you which one will do well with your children and which ones might not have the temperament to deal with the excessive amounts of love that children sometimes like to give.

Another great thing about opting to adopt a dog from a shelter is that they have been seen by a veterinarian, and they should be up to date on shots and will have been spayed or neutered. You do have to pay for a dog you get from such a place, but the cost covers those things, and you usually pay less than if you were to get those things done on your own. If the dog has an illness, they already know about it, and they will never knowingly give you a pet that is sick and might die soon.

You may find that you have to go through a few things before they allow you to adopt a dog, but they do that to make sure you have the right home and circumstances to care for the pet properly. They may ask you all types of questions, and will want to know about children, other pets, and where you live. They may want to know if you plan to keep the dog inside, and other information that protects the dogs from the wrong families. It might seem like a lot to go through to adopt a dog, but when you do, you know you are getting a great pet that matches your lifestyle.

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As it is with humans, aging is inevitable for dogs. However with advances in canine medical science, the average lifespan of a dog has stretched from 7 to 12 years, and with this comes older dog health issues to which owners should be alert.

Dogs can begin to exhibit signs of aging from as early as 7 years old, and usually the larger breeds age faster than small breeds. Smaller dogs can be 10 to 12 years old before they begin to show such signs. But whatever the breed, older dog health problems will become issues for their owners.

While every dog is different depending on his lifestyle, size and breed, and their health problems manifest themselves in different ways, there are some older dog health issues common to all senior dogs.

As a dog ages his metabolism slows down and you will notice him taking longer to recover after exercise, and being slower to stand up, especially after resting. He may no longer be able to jump into the car, or run upstairs as he did when a puppy.

Dogs, especially the larger breeds, can suffer with joint and bone problems, particularly arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint, and for dogs (as with humans) it can be extremely painful. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication may be required. Vets often recommend a gradual weight reduction for those dogs that are overweight, because the heavier the dog, the more pressure his joints are under.

Older dogs are also susceptible to eye problems, particularly cataracts and glaucoma. Owners usually notice cataracts when their dog’s eyes take on a cloudy appearance. Glaucoma on the other hand is very difficult for owners to detect and as such can be potentially very serious if left untreated.

All of a dog’s internal and external organs become compromised as he ages. The kidneys, lungs, heart and liver work less efficiently and the immune system ceases to fight viruses and bacteria as well as it used to.

Canine dental care is another area that can cause problems as a dog ages. Owners should check regularly that gums a bright and healthy and that there is no build up of plaque on the dog’s teeth. Any dental problem left untreated could affect other organs, even the heart.

With many of the conditions of older dog health, the best thing you can do for your dog is to lavish him with affection. Monitor any changes and brush his coat daily.

It is vital that owners acknowledge the fact that their dog is slowing down, and adjust the his diet accordingly. Continuing to feed a dog without a downward adjustment to its calorific count will result in an overweight dog. Carrying around that extra weight puts renewed pressure not only on the joints, but just about every other organ as well.

So the best older dog health tips are: regular visits to the vet, monitor any changes in your dog’s mobility, regularly check his gums, teeth and eyes, and feed him a diet that reflects his slower lifestyle. Oh yes, lots of cuddles and pats.

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It’s obvious that should a dog have a paw injury or health problem, its mobility will be affected in some way. Detecting that a problem exists before it becomes debilitating for him is the responsibility of his owner.

Dog paw health can be adversely affected by injury, illness or allergy and acting fast will alleviate discomfort and hasten recovery.

For dogs who enjoy outside activity, foreign objects like twigs and thorns can lodge in between his toes. If you find this has happened and can easily remove the object, follow up with bathing the area with a saline or hydrogen peroxide solution for a few days to prevent infection. By leaving it unattended, an abscess may form and result in infection.

Just as cuts in human fingers and toes bleed profusely when cut, so too do the pads and webbing between the toes in dogs. It is because these are vascular areas and to stop bleeding a pressure bandage will be required. If the cut is very deep, a visit to the vet is advisable.

If swelling is apparent between the toes, it is possible that the dog has developed an interdigital cyst. These are not uncommon and are caused by a sweat gland blockage. Soaking the paw in salty water will help bring the cyst to a head. If it doesn’t, a trip to the vet is required.

One of the most common paw problems in dogs is interdigital dermatitis, and is often caused by allergies, especially to some grasses. If the dog cannot be prevented from licking the area, the skin could become raw and the veterinarian will need to be consulted for anti-inflammatory or antibiotic medication.

The ideal ways to ensure good dog paw health are:

• Examine your dog after playing and exercising to ensure he has not scrapes, cuts, prickly seeds, splinters etc. especially if you have been in an open grassy area or forest
• Always dry your dogs paws carefully after he has gone swimming, has been on wet grass, after giving him a bath
• Stop your dog from licking any area of skin that is swollen, ulcerated, or irritated (you may need to bandage the area).
• If you ever suspect that your dog has walked over dangerous chemicals wash the dog’s paws very carefully with sponge and cold water, don’t allow him to lick the area, and call your veterinarian.
• For dogs who do not walk and run often, it may be necessary to cut your dogs nails. Take instruction from the vet on how to do this, or better still, have the vet do it. If allowed to grow long, nails can snag and break causing a lot of discomfort to the dog.

Dog paw health is an area that can be overlooked but a dog spends a lot of time on his feet and will suffer if any problems are left unattended.

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There are many different methods of toilet training a dog, and which is best depends on the owner’s situation.

An owner who is home all day has the advantage of being able to devote a lot of time initially to the task, with probably quicker results. However for working owners, who may find it necessary to leave their pet confined and unattended for 3 or 4 hours at a time, it will take a little longer.

The type of food and frequency of feeding influences the timing of when a dog needs to eliminate. Premium dog foods are highly digestible and can make toilet training much easier. Because they contain high quality ingredients, the dog requires less, meaning less frequent bowel movements and less stool volume.

A gastro-colic reflex takes place when a dog eats, i.e. when the stomach receives more food it sends a message to the bowel that it is time to eliminate as there is more on the way. This results in a dog usually having a bowel movement from 30 to 60 minutes after eating.

Puppies are best fed three times a day. The first feeding should be just after the puppy has been taken outside to urinate in the morning. The second should be mid-afternoon and the third at around 8 pm. Keeping a record of feeding times and noting when he eliminates will help you predict when to take him out for a bowel movement.

The most important aspect of toilet training a dog is to teach it to relieve itself in a specific area.

If the dog does not eliminate when you take him outside, confine him (either in a cage, or a flight kennel, or a small room) for around 30 minutes, and take him outside again.

Dogs usually urinate first and follow a short time later with a stool. When this is produced, don’t hold back on the praise! Tell him what a good dog he is, and reward him with a walk or outside play time. It is no reward to bring him back inside.

It will only be a matter of weeks before the puppy understands the reason for this praise, and a routine will be established. Only when this has occurred should you introduce food treats, which should be given immediately it has eliminated, on the spot. Don’t call the dog to you for the treat or it will think it is being rewarded for coming when called.

As mentioned earlier, the last feed should be at around 8 pm, which will make the morning elimination at a reasonable hour. Feeding a puppy at 5 pm will usually require a bowel movement at the unsociable hour of 4 am.

One technique that is growing in popularity is hanging a bell from the door handle of the door to outside. Give the bell a tinkle every time you open the door to go out. Clever puppies will watch and learn to ring the bell when they need to relieve themselves.

Lastly, and most importantly, owners should understand that when toilet training a dog, delayed punishment does not work. If you discover that your dog has had an accident, taking delayed action is counter-productive. Praise and reward desired behavior, ignore the accidents.

They’re so cute! That’s the first among many reasons to get a small dog for your family. Small dogs are a great choice for people living in apartments, or those who can’t manage to exercise a larger breed. They eat less and shed less and generally make less of a mess, while maintaining large personalities and huge hearts. If a tiny dog has captured your heart, keep a several things to keep in mind about the care of small dogs as you prepare your home for him.

A fenced yard is great for exercising your dog. However a fence that will contain a large dog may have gaps or holes that a small one can fit through. Check the area outside your house thoroughly to make sure there are no large containers that your small dog can fall into or get stuck in.

Remember, too, that little dogs can be harmed by predators that wouldn’t dare bother a bigger one. An enclosed, roofed area is best if you are planning to put your dog outside by himself. Otherwise, make sure you are present while he’s running around the yard.

Smaller dogs may have special food requirements. Regular dog kibble is often too big to fit comfortably in their little mouths. Many small pet owners choose canned food. If you don’t use dry food, you may want to brush your dog’s teeth fairly often. You’ll need to be sure you’re not overfeeding your pooch; some tiny breeds eat as little as 1/8 cup per day.

Remember that your small dog needs lots of exercise. Often tiny pets are carried around and do not run as much as they should. Chasing a ball or toy in the house is also good exercise. One of the advantages of having a small dog is that you can really wear him out in a small amount of space!

Very small dogs are easy to trip over or step on! Your family will get used to using caution when walking down a dark hallway or opening a door quickly. When guests come over, make sure the dog is in his crate or basket, or that you are holding him.

Children need to be watched especially carefully, as they love to play with small dogs, and may not realize how delicate they are.

Generally, small dog care is not very different from any dog care. Love and attention are the main ingredients necessary for long and happy lives.

Dogs like to have work to do, and one job they inherently have is to protect their owners. Unfortunately, this can take the form of barking at inappropriate people, places or times. If your dog has problem barking, you’ll need to identify the problem, and then train him to change his behavior.

There are several reasons that dogs bark. They do it to alert their humans that danger is present. You know that the UPS man is not a threat, but your dog does not. Don’t make the situation worse by yelling. A dog that barks at the mailman, for example, has his behavior reinforced every day – he barks, the mailman goes away. If you then raise your voice to reprimand the dog, he will think that you are yelling at the mailman, too! Instead, teach him to do something else when someone comes to the door, such as lying down, and give him lots of praise when he cooperates.

Stress or fear can lead to problem barking. Again, yelling at the dog will only make the situation worse. He needs you to be calm to let him know he has nothing to fear. Is there another dog in the neighborhood that’s causing him to get upset? Take a little time to see if there is something bothering your dog, and then whether you can eliminate it from his environment.

Many dogs bark because they are bored. If your dog is used to lots of attention, he may feel lonely and frustrated when you are not around to entertain him. This is often the cause of problem barking for dogs that are put outside when their owners are out of the house. They may come to associate being outside with being abandoned, and thus bark incessantly while you are away.

The cure for this one may be difficult for dog lovers – you have to stop giving him so much praise for doing nothing! Pet him and lavish love on him when he has obeyed a command, but otherwise leave him alone. Your dog will begin to realize that he can be okay on his own.

Your dog may bark for attention. If you regularly respond to his barking, maybe he’s doing it just for that reason. The way to deal with this type of problem barking is to ignore him when he’s barking, and praise him as soon as he stops.

Dogs are pack animals, and can become lonely when they don’t get enough attention. They also have lots of energy – if they don’t get to expend it running or playing, they may turn to barking! Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and lots of attention at appropriate times.

If all else fails there are experts in problem barking to help you. Don’t hesitate to elicit their help, and any frustration you are feeling with a problem will be detected by your sensitive dog, and will confuse him further.

Healthy Dogs Have Healthy Teeth

Dental health is just as important for dogs as it is for humans, but many dog owners don’t think about their pet’s teeth until a problem arises. It is estimated that if a pet owner manages his dog’s dental health well, it would probably live up to 7 years longer.

The immune system of pets is greatly stressed by dental disease, so much so that their resistance is lowered and they become susceptible to other, more serious, health issues. Mouth infections can lead to serious gum problems and affect other parts of the body, even the heart. So it is vital that a dog’s dental health be integral to any care program.

Puppies have 23 baby teeth, and adult dogs have, depending on their breed, around 42 teeth. Just like humans, as adult teeth arrive, they push out the baby teeth. Watch needs to be kept that, as the puppy grows, the adult teeth are coming through comfortably and are not crowded by baby teeth.

To check your pet’s mouth, start by talking to him gently. Cover his muzzle with your hand and gently lift up the sides of his mouth. There are some important things to watch for. Firstly, healthy gums are firm - they can be spotted, black or pink; and check that the dog’s breath is not foul smelling.

Look for soft white matter (plaque) or hard white, yellow or brown matter (calculus) on the teeth. The plaque can be brushed away, but calculus is a build-up that will need to be scraped off by a veterinarian.

Dog’s teeth should be cleaned regularly, and there are toothbrushes, toothpastes and gels designed specifically for dogs. A dog’s gum tissue grows very rapidly, so care must be taken not to damage it. Never use products made for humans - the brushes will be too firm and the pastes may contain harmful ingredients that will induce vomiting.

To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, start by rubbing his gums and teeth with your finger. Introduce a small quantity of toothpaste and let him lick and sniff it. Let him do the same with the toothbrush. Once familiar with the brushing sensation and the products you are introducing, the tooth brushing process should not be distressing for him, or you.

What a dog eats can also affect his dental health. Dry kibble helps keep teeth cleaner than wet dog food. As the dog chews the kibble, plaque is scaped from the tooth surface. Chewing dog biscuits has similar teeth-cleaning benefits.

Dental chew-toys are also on the available, and these have been designed to have an abrasive effect.

If bad breath (halitosis) is a problem, and other health issues have been ruled out, then there are products available that can be added to the dog’s drinking water to help.

There many products on the market now that are specifically designed to help you care for your dog’s dental health.

There are many aspects to dog health that a pet owner needs to be aware of if they want to keep their companion in tip top shape. A visit to the vet at least once a year for vaccinations and a physical is a must, and of course whenever problems arise.

To keep your pet healthy it is necessary to feed him a balanced and nutritious diet and to pay attention to its dental and eye health. Sometimes what seems like a minor problem can escalate to affect the dog’s quality of life.

Dogs are susceptible to a variety of eye diseases that can occur at any time in their lives. Because of the structure of their eyes and the natural inquisitiveness of dogs, eye injuries are often the reasons for visits to veterinarians.

It is important for dog owners to check their pet’s eyes and teeth in between visits to the vet, and keep a watch for any squinting, cloudiness, discharge, redness or swelling. If you are concerned and your dog exhibits other symptoms their possible causes could be:

Fluid build up in the eye – can be the first indication of glaucoma;
Inflammation of the eyelids – possible conjunctivitis
Opacity of the lens – definite sign of cataracts
Third eyelid’s tear glad protruding – a sign of cherry eye
Eyelids turning inwards, scratching the eye – Entropion

Although not possible for most owners to detect, Progressive Retinal Atrophy is another common disease that causes blindness due to the retina’s cell deterioration.

While allergies and dust are often the causes of redness and itchiness, the possibility of other problems should not be ruled out. Tear ducts can become blocked, and virus or bacterial infections can cause a creamy discharge from the dog’s eyes.

If your dog is prone to allergy or irritated eyes, having some natural eye wash on hand is a great preventative move. If left to scratch, a dog can do further damage to an otherwise good eye with excellent vision. By scraping along a foreign object to relieve the itch, he can pick up splinters or otherwise exacerbate the problem.

By pet owner’s being alert to their dogs’ everyday health, they can take early steps to prevent their pets from suffering eye disease.

It is a natural progression for people who are concerned about their health to look carefully at the foods they are giving their pets.

The quality of food eaten by both humans and dogs affects their everyday lives and has long-term benefits to their health. A holistic dog food regime will ensure a dog receives a balanced nutritional mix of high quality ingredients.

Holistic dog food recipes are designed to include a blend of ingredients including bones, meat, vegetables and supplements to meet a dog’s nutritional needs. When you think about it, isn’t this the type of diet dogs consumed before humans, tinned food and supermarkets began to control their lives?

Nearly all commercially manufactured dog foods contain fillers, and artificial flavors and colors. The meat component is often poor quality and of dubious origin. Pet food recalls evidence that the filler components are easily tainted.

Before dramatically changing a dog’s diet to a more holistic dog food diet, it is recommended that pet owners consult with their veterinarian to ensure what supplements, if any, will be required to benefit the pet. The type of supplements could vary according to the dog’s breed, age and weight.

There is a huge range of holistic dog food recipes available on the internet, and applying variations of them is easy. It is not necessarily a more expensive option to commercially made dog food, and cooking up a supply and freezing it in portions is often the most economical system used.

By making your own dog food you can be sure of the ingredients, and modify them to suit your dog’s changing needs. Supplementing with natural ingredients can assist with canine health issues like shedding, fleas and halitosis. Indeed by consuming holistic dog food, a dog will avoid having any of these conditions at all.

Dogs who suffer from health problems like allergies that cause itching and rashes will often benefit from home made dog food, which by its very nature will not contain any preservatives - a common cause of allergies.

Apart from the health benefit to dogs, their owners can also benefit in a variety of ways from giving their dog a natural diet. Firstly, they will notice a reduction in flatulence from their pet (yes please!), and they will no longer have to haul all of those tins of dog food home from the supermarket (yes again!).