Puppy Care – 8 Vitamins your Pup Needs

Although many of us just buy a random bag of dog food for our dog, it’s actually important that they get a specific blend or formula, especially if they are still puppies. If puppies do not get the right amount of vitamins and minerals, they are more prone to develop illnesses such as DM in dogs and heart problems. Below is a short list of the different types of vitamins your puppy needs to develop a strong and healthy body.

Vitamin A

This is to ensure that the dog’s eyesight stays in top shape. It also helps build a healthy immune system. It’s important however to never overdose your dog on vitamin A since it’s fat soluble and sticks to the dog’s body fats.

Vitamin D

This vitamin is needed for strong muscles and bones. As with vitamin A, it’s a fat soluble vitamin so you should not overdose your dog with it.

Vitamin B

Your dg will need different types of vitamin Bs. Thiamin or vitamin B1 for high carbohydrate metabolism and energy. B6 is needed for a healthy immune, blood, and nervous system. The right amount of B6 also helps prevent DM in dogs. B6 deficiency can cause muscle twitching, weight loss and anemia. Lastly, B12, riboflavin and niacin is needed to help the dog prevent low levels of white blood cells and low appetite.

Calcium
Calcium is needed for strong teeth and bones. The right amount of calcium also helps normal blood coagulation and a strong nervous system. Lack of calcium will cause skeletal abnormalities.
Copper

This might sound unusual, but it’s also very important for proper bone, cell, and tissue formation. It also helps their fur color stay at its best.

Iron

Red blood cells need iron to work properly. These cells transport oxygen all over the body, and if the dog does not get enough of this substance, they become weak and lethargic.

Iodine

Iodine is needed for proper metabolism and thyroid function. Symptoms of Iodine deficiency would include thyroid gland enlargement, dry and sparse fur, and sudden weight gain.

Zinc
Dogs need this to maintain healthy skin and hair. Not having enough zinc can cause skin lesion, vomiting and low weight gain.

The best way to make sure your dog gets enough of the right vitamins and minerals is to get dog food that is appropriate for its age. You can also give it food supplements.

Benefits of using Hydrotherapy on Dogs

Swimming has always been used as a form of therapy. Hydrotherapy is not only being used on humans, it has been found to yield benefits for animals as well. Dogs for example, can use hydrotherapy to minimize the damage and symptoms of arthritis, muscular strains, and DM in dogs, just to name a few. Hydrotherapy is easier to use since it does not hurt as much as using a treadmill. Water’s buoyancy helps support and lessens stress, encourages freer movements and keeps the dog in a safe ad controlled therapy environment. Below are other benefits when using hydrotherapy.

It is Cooler

When using a treadmill, a dog may have a hard time because of the heat created by their body and the heat of the environment. With hydrotherapy, the dog is placed in a water tank or small pool, keeping them cool as they go through the exercises of their therapy session.  This makes it perfect for the summer time when it’s too hot to have therapy activities outside.

It’s Less Stressful

Resistance and muscle tension is reduced by up 15 to 20 times when under water. Regular walking is too painful and tiring, especially for dogs that have arthritis, DM in dogs and hip dysplasia. With hydrotherapy, dogs can build stronger muscles without too much tension. Dogs who have physical disabilities will also find hydrotherapy easier

It Calms the Nervous System

Water helps soothe and calm the body and nervous system. It can also decrease stress and let the dog have fun. Water also helps stimulate joint position sensation and re-establish broken sensation channels.

Helps the Circulatory and Immune System

Water also helps stimulate blood circulation. Warm water is commonly used to increase the dog’s body temperature to dilate blood vessels and increase blood circulation. This helps detoxify the dog’s blood, removing any toxic substances that could have entered their system and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the organs. Soft tissues are also compresses which help increase lymph movement which decrease inflammation, increase drainage and improve the dog’s immune system.

Improves Apatite and Digestion

Hydrotherapy can actually help you improve your dog’s eating habits. Most of the time, sick dogs become very picky and do not eat as much as they should. This is one way to help it establish an ideal weight and keep it well built. Water also increases smooth muscle or digestion activities, making it easier to eliminate unneeded materials through feces.

 

Care for Dogs during summer

When the warmer seasons start rolling in, expect a lot of people going out and enjoying the sun. Many of these people would bring their dogs out to enjoy themselves and also have a good time. However, too much heat might cause the dog to get sick. Below are a few tips that can help your keep your beloved pet dog safe during summer.

No parking

You should never, in under any circumstance, leave your dog inside the car. It does not matter if you parked in the shade or in a covered car park. The interior of your car will heat up and it’s very dangerous for dogs to stay in very hot places. If you are off running errands, leave your dog or bring a leash so you can take it around with you. When taking your pet out, also make sure that its leash is securely on it so that it will not run off or get lost.

Give it a lot of water

Make sure your dog is well hydrated. Give it a good amount of water and make sure their water bowl is full with clean water all the time. Dogs that are paralyzes, such as the ones suffering from dm in dogs, will need assistance in keeping them hydrated. You can use a feeding tube and squirt water into their mouth so it goes into their system. If you are planning to go out with your pet dog, bring a small container of water along with you.

Cut their hair

Grooming your pet will not only make it look good, it will also help them keep cool. Dogs that have long and shaggy hair commonly suffer from heat strokes. Keeping their fur well kept, clean and trimmed will be a big help. Bigger dogs are more prone to heat strokes during summer. Other illnesses that dogs also be prone due to the heat are DM in dogs, arthritis, and bone and muscle problems. A dog who is suffering from a heat stroke are constantly panting, staring at blank spaces, refuse to obey any commands, has dry skin, being tired all the time, and vomiting.

Crank up the cooling system

Dogs who are more use in living in colder areas will love you for it. Boost the temperature of your cooling system to a relaxing and comfortable temperature. Another way to keep them cool is to give them a bath. Once or twice a week should cover it.

Puppy Care – Setting the Right Diet

One of the most frequently asked questions dog owners ask their veterinarians is what to feed to their puppies. Puppies, like human babies, required a more complex diet in order for them to grow well. They are still growing and need more than the usual combination and amount of nutrients to develop normally. Giving them the right diet will also help prevent them from developing any genetic illnesses such as degenerative myelopathy. Below are a few common food choices that dog owners give to their puppies and their pros and cons.

Table Scraps

Many people give their puppy table scraps thinking that they are enough to give them the nutrients they need. It’s also a very cheap way to feet you pets—you basically cook for yourself and your dog.  However, table scraps are not enough for a growing puppy. Scraps still lack the nutrients they need to develop strong muscles and bones.  If you are planning to give your puppy table scraps, you will need to give it food supplements to make up for the lacking vitamins and minerals.

Meat

Meat is also another common thing that dog owners give to their pets. Some vets have also recommended giving dogs meat because of its high protein content. A down side when it comes to serving meat to puppies everyday is that the protein content of meat can be too much for their kidneys. Also, you have to prepare and cook the meat properly to prevent the puppy from getting food poisoning. It can also be a bit expensive over time if you go with an all-meat diet.

Dog Food

This is the best type of food to give to dogs, no matter how old they are. High quality dog food contains all the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals specifically formulated for growing puppies. There are even dog food brands that offer a specific blend for puppy size and breeds. Dog food becomes very cheap if you buy it in sacks of bulks and its available everywhere. However, care must be taken when switching dog food, since puppies have sensitive stomachs and may react negatively when introduced to a new brand. A good way to stop this is to integrate the new dog food slowly into their diet so that their system can get used to it.

Since puppies are still developing, it is a good idea to give them supplements to make sure they are getting enough nutrients. Another thing to be careful about is their diet. Puppies grow very fast, and you have to make sure you do not over feed them. Over weight dogs are more prone to illnesses like cardio vascular problems, degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia and bone disease.

 Puppy Care Video

 

Taking Care of an Older Dog

A few people might end up getting an older or an adult dog instead of a puppy. So might consider adopting a dog from the local pound and give it a family that it deserves. Others might get one from a friend or family member that is not able to take care of it anymore. Taking care of an older dog might sound easier compared to taking care of a puppy, but it’s actually more complex then you think. Older dogs face a few certain types of illnesses that puppies may not experience. Here is a guideline on how you can take care of an older dog.

Keep a very close eye on their weight

Like humans, dogs tend to have a more active metabolism when they are younger. As they age, it slows down and it’s easier for them to gain a few pounds. To assure that the dog’s weight is just right for their height and breed, weight the dog regularly. Keep a small notebook or list with you or use a track chart and write down any changes on their weight. You need to keep their weight at a certain rage to keep them healthy and prevent any illnesses. If you do not have a scale, you can go to the vet and ask them if you can use theirs. Most vet office let their clients use their scale for free.

Include more healty activities
An excellent diet is not enough to keep your dog healthy. It will also need some exercise and physical activity. A great way to let your dog get some exercise and also let you enjoy spending time with it is to play games. A popular game that most dog owners sign up for is dog Frisbee. You and your dog can enjoy running around in a field, throwing and catching a Frisbee. Some games even have competitions and many dog owners would train their dogs to become the best. Keeping an older dog active helps minimize the possibility of them getting arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, hip dyspepsia and more.

Visit the vet more often

Making frequent visits to the vet is needed for older dogs. More frequent visits will detect any illnesses while it is still on its early stages. Illnesses that only affect older dogs, like degenerative myelopathy, can be tested for. Vets know what is best for your dog during this age so talk to them and ask for a few care tips as well.

3 Tips for Keeping your in Top Shape

Keeping our pet dogs healthy is one of our top priorities. We treat our pets like a part of our family and we want them to live a long and happy life. Many dog owners would go the extra mile when it comes to taking care of their pet dogs. Some even buy the best and most expensive necessities, accessories and toys just to keep their dogs cheerful. However, health and proper care is still the best thing we can give to our pets. There are many things to consider in making sure that our pet dogs are always healthy.

1.    Expert Vet Care

The best veterinary care covers the overall health of our pet dogs. We need to make sure that our vet is trustworthy. Dogs also need to be given regular checkup; a routine wellness test should be given to the dog twice a year. Moreover, senior dogs and puppies need more visits to the vet because of their age. Dogs that have special needs, such as the ones that have degenerative myelopathy, might need an on call vet in case of emergencies.

2.    Optimum Nutrition and Exercise

Picking out the right diet is one of the pillars of keeping a healthy. We can’t just feed them table scraps and bones. They need a balanced diet to stay in good physical shape. There are hundreds of brands of dog food that offers a special formula for certain types of dogs. Ask the vet which one is the best for your dog’s breed and age. Along with a balanced diet, dogs also need a good amount of exercise. Exercise is also a form of therapy for dogs that have joint diseases and degenerative myelopathy. Besides, taking your dog out for a walk will let you bond and build a stronger relationship.

3.    Dental Care and Grooming

Taking care of your dog’s teeth is one of the most forgotten tasks. Just as in humans, tartar and plaque can build up in dog teeth, leading to mouth and gum problems. Most find it difficult to brush their dog’s teeth since dogs move around a lot. A simple solution to this is to give the dog a dental treat that they can chew on that doubles as a way for them to clean their teeth remove oral odor.

Grooming is also important. Besides giving the dog regular baths to keep them clean, their fur also needs to be brushed. Depending on the breed, some dogs might also need to be taken to a grooming parlor to get their fur trimmed and have matted fur removed.

Dog Care – Skin and Fur Care

Knowing how to take good care of your dog’s skin and fur should be something that you as a dog owner learn about. Different dogs have different fur and coat types so care will vary from dog to dog. They require special grooming, fur care and prevention against any bacterial infections that could possible result from exposure to dirt and grime.

Unlike human hair, dog hair has a more coarse texture to it. They also shed a lot, so dog owners need to clean up after them. Depending on the dog breed, some might require a higher level of maintenance then others. Here are some basic tips on how to take good care of your dog’s skin and fur.

Check their Diet

Making sure that your dog is getting a balanced diet will help ensure that their skin and fur stays healthy and shiny. A dog’s fur does not only need care from the outside, but also from the inside. If you are planning to give your dog chicken meat, slowly introduce this to their meals and check if it’s causing any problems with its skin and fur. Some dogs are actually allergic to chicken. You can also give them food supplements.

Brush regularly

Regularly brush your dog’s fur to help take out dander and dead hair. It also helps spread natural oils found on the dog’s pelt and enhances circulation.

Bathe them

The issue on how many times a dog gets bath varies from one vet to another. Some say once a week, while others would go for once a month. Too much bathing will cause the dog’s skin to dry out and cause hot spots. But not bathing it frequently will make it dirty and smelly. Dirt and bacteria could also become trapped on their skin. In certain cases, especially with DM in dogs, owners will have a hard time cleaning and bathing their dog. Although DM in dogs will cause them to lose their ability to walk and go out, you will still need to make sure they stay clean. Medicated soap and shampoo helps kills and prevents pests like ticks and fleas.

Have regular vet visits

By going to the vet regularly, the vet can inform you of any problems with their skin while it’s still early. If the dog is already developing skin and fur problems, the vet can prescribe or administer medication. You can also have a little talk with the vet and ask them about what you can do to keep your dog generally healthy and happy.

Taking care of a German Shepherd

A wonderful and loyal dog, German Shepherds are known to be one of the best family and guard dogs around. Originating from Germany, these dogs are a well known breed. Popular amongst the army and police, these dogs are also known to be trained as attack dogs, as well as bomb and drugs sniffing dogs. If you are thinking of getting one of these beautiful dogs, there are a few things that you should know when it comes to taking care of it.

Health

German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs. However, they are the breed that is known to be most prone to DM in dogs. This is a genetic illness that damages the dog’s nerves. DM in dogs develops when the dog is older, so as a puppy, there really is no way to tell if it will develop it. Another common health problem German Shepherds have is hip dysplasia, which is an illness that targets the dog’s hip joint.

Exercise

German Shepherds are active dogs. Since these dogs where bred as working dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep their muscles and bones healthy. You will need to invest a few hours every week to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting enough exercise.

Diet

A protein heavy diet is advisable for a German Shepherd, but keep an eye on their weight. Overweight dogs are more prone to illnesses and will have shorter life spans. Pick out dog food that has a good protein content or you can give them beef as a main protein souse.

Housing
German Shepherds can basically live anywhere. They are territorial animals so give them their own personal spot where they can sleep and lounge around. A big lawn is preferred so that the dog is able to run around and play, but they do not really have issues with living in apartments in the city.

Temperament and Training

These dogs have a pretty powerful bite so you will need to socialize these dogs with people and other animals at a young age. Fortunately, basic obedience training is a breeze since German Shepherds are ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds around.

Fur Care

German Shepherds have thick coats and they do shed, so get ready to clean up any fur that falls off them. Keep them clean by giving them regular baths and brushing their coats. They are not really that hard to take care of when it comes to cleanliness.

 

Taking Care of an Akita

Anyone who has ever seen the movie Hachiko would know the loyalty and love an Akita can give to their owners. Akitas are wonderful, alert, and powerful large dogs that have a heavy structure, similar to a bear. The elite society members of northern Japan once bred these beautiful dogs. Today, they can be found all over the world. Akitas are very flexible dogs and can live in an apartment in the city or in a big farm. Taking care of an Akita is not really as difficult as it sounds, nor is it different from the care given to any other breed for that matter.

Always be cautious if others are around them

Akitas are loyal and wonderful guard dogs. They can watch over your home and scare danger off with their loud barks. However, dog owners can never be too careful. Children, especially toddlers, should never be left alone with the dog. Older children need to know what they can and cannot do with a large dog such as an Akita. When there are visitors at home, the dog can be placed inside a room or they can be leashed.  One thing people find less attractive amongst Akitas is their temperament. These dogs are known to be a bit aggressive and do not take to strangers very well. Akitas that are used to seeing other people and animals are actually better in socializing compared to the ones who are always kept at home.

Keep them clean

Akitas have very thick fur. Japanese Akitas come in four classic colors, Red Fawn, Sesame, Brindle and White. American Akitas are bigger and have more fur colors. Either way, these dogs need a lot of tending to when it comes to grooming. Regular baths are needed and brushing should be done daily.

Health issues

Akitas are prone to hypothyroid disease, which causes weight gain. Their diet needs to be monitored to avoid them from getting too big. These dogs, especially pure bred Akitas, are also known to have hip problems, blood and bone disorders and degenerative myelopathy. DM in dogs will mean that they need special attention when it comes to exercise and diet. Checking an Akita’s bloodline is one way of knowing if it will develop DM in dogs in the future, so always check their records.

Lifespan

Akitas can live up to about 10 to 12 years, but some Akitas have lived up to 15 years and more. These dogs are known to survive in most type of climates. However, they are used to more cooler weather. If you live in the tropics, air-conditioning may be necessary during the summer to prevent heat exhaustion and stroke.

Kids and Pets - Things to Consider before getting a Pet Dog

Kids love to have pets and some parents often consider getting their kids a pet dog as a companion and as a friend who they can play with. However, others are still hesitant about getting a pet dog since it’s a huge responsibility for any family. Family members not only have to take care of the dog, but they also have to know how to handle it properly. Here are some things to consider when taking care of pet dogs around kids.

Is the child old enough?

Parents need to make sure that their child is old enough to understand what the dog is and how to take care of it. If the child is still a toddler, it’s best not to expose or leave them alone with the dog. Younger children might end up pulling or pushing the dog, hurting them. The dog might also become aggressive and hurt the child. Parents need to supervise their children with the dog, even if they completely trust their pet. The best age for a child to have a pet dog is about around 8 years old or older. By this time, they can understand what they can and cannot do around the dog.

Health issues

As a rule of thumb, kids who suffer from allergies and asthma should not be exposed to dogs. The dog’s fur and dander might trigger respiratory problems.

On the flipside, some dogs also help heal. Many therapy dogs have help children with disabilities cope better. Dogs have also helped many children with cancer get better.

When it comes to pets and children, it’s always a good idea to seek the advice of a pediatrician. Parents should consult their doctors before getting a pet dog to assure that they won’t get sick because of their pet.

Their responsibility in taking care of their pets

Children should be more responsible before they are given pets. Parents usually assign their child to take care of their pets, such as making sure that it is fed, give it baths and more. Some parents who love their dogs very much also teach their kids about how to nurse their pets. Families who have dogs with degenerative myelopathy will need to understand how to take a little more care of the dog.

Are you ready to help them cope with separation?
Kids are very emotional. They value even the smallest things, especially in relationships with their pets. In cases where the dog becomes ill and passes on, kids might feel devastated and depressed. Slow progressing illnesses, like degenerative myelopathy, might need parents to make a decision to put the dog to sleep because of ethical reasons, and some kids do not really understand this concept yet. Parents have to be prepared in answering their children questions and helping them through the tough time.

Taking Care of a Dog with DM in the Late Stages

Degenerative myelopathy, or DM, is an illness that commonly affects bigger dogs. This is a neurological disease that targets the dog’s lower limbs and moves up to its body, resulting to full paralysis. Sadly, this illness does not have a cure or vaccine as of yet, and no one can really tell if a puppy will grow up to have DM. During its later stages, dogs with DM can be difficult to take care of. This is why many dog owners that have pets with DM would prefer to put their beloved pets to sleep for moral reasons. But if you do decide to keep your dog until the very end, here are some tips to help you take care of your dog through the late stages of DM.

Prepare the Dog’s Bed

During the late stages of degenerative myelopathy, your dog will spend most of its time lying down. The best thing to do is to prepare a nice mat with a cushion on top where the dog can stay. Since the illness targets the dog’s lower body first, its bladder control will soon become weaker and bathroom accidents will surely happen.

Keep it Clean

A good way to keep its sleeping area clean is to cover the cushion with material that is waterproof and easy to clean. This way, it will not get soiled very easily. Keep the area clean and dry so that the dog stays clean and no foul odour develops. Give it regular baths and make sure to dry the dog completely.

Play and Feeding Time

Just because the dog cannot run around and play anymore, does not mean that you still can’t have fun. Play with it and show it that you are still there to take care of it. During meal time, depending on how the illness has already affected the dog, you might need to help it eat. If the dog can still lift its head up, then get a feeding bowl that’s a little lower so that it will not have any trouble eating.

Be Emotionally Ready

Sooner or later, you dog will pass away and you have to move on. It is very difficult to lose a pet, especially if you have been very close and emotionally attached to it. You will have to accept the fact that it soon will be leaving you. The earlier you accept this, the easier for you to move on.