You are viewing entries tagged 'health'.
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Just like people, dogs can suffer from arthritis. In fact, arthritis affects 1 in 5 adult dogs in the U.S., and all dogs have a 65 percent likelihood of developing it between the ages 7 and 11. In addition to the many treatment options available from natural remedies to prescription medications, there’s a new development: easy exercises that show specific therapeutic value in easing discomfort in dogs with arthritis. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine discovered that while walking downhill does not appear to have much therapeutic benefit, walking uphill and over low obstacles may help relieve the stiffness and pain in dogs with arthritis.
Woof Report is a free weekly email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products and more. Sign up at www.WoofReport.com. |
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What’s the craziest thing your dog has ingested, and would it make the list of 2010′s most unusual objects ingested by pets from VPI Pet Insurance? Let’s hope not. VPI received nearly 2,000 foreign body ingestion claims. Among the common items pets consumed were socks, sticks and rocks. The odder items include a jellyfish, glue, a bikini, a baseball, a glass Christmas ornament, a bed sheet, a box of pencils, 16 steel wool pads and a barbecue brush. Let this incredible list serve as a reminder that many dogs will eat just about anything so be aware and keep your dog safe.
Woof Report is a free weekly email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products and more. Sign up at www.WoofReport.com. |
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To maintain your dog’s dental health, the American Veterinary Dental Society recommends regular vet dental exams and a home dental care routine. Speak with your vet to discuss which of the following preventative treatments are best for your dog: Brush your pup’s teeth regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste specially designed for dogs (our toothpaste is unsafe for dogs). If your dog resists a toothbrush, try anti-plaque water additives, dental cleansing pads, oral hygiene gels, or even a gauze pad wrapped around your finger and rubbed gently on your dog’s teeth. In addition, dental chews, bones, food and treats help control plaque and tartar buildup, as do chew and rope toys.
Woof Report is a free weekly email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products and more. Sign up at www.WoofReport.com. |
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As canine dental health is often neglected, February has been designated National Pet Dental Health month. Periodontal disease is very common and often leads to more serious issues including heart, liver, kidney and respiratory diseases. Although it is not likely to be the highlight of your dog’s day, regular brushing is the best preventative measure. Be certain to use toothpaste made specifically for dogs as human toothpaste may contain ingredients harmful to pets. In the wild, dogs keep their teeth clean by chewing and gnawing at their food and on bones. Although not a substitute for brushing, this type of natural cleaning can be accomplished with natural bones and specially-made dental chews.
D.P. Hesano is co-founder of FidoDogTreats.com |
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Statistically, most of us don’t stick to New Year’s resolutions for more than a week. We simply try to do things that aren’t realistic. It may become easier to be true to our resolution when we involve our dogs. Most adults can use more exercise, fresh air and time with their pets. A commitment to a daily walk, jog, or visit to the park with your pooch is easy to make as this resolution comes with the reward of both fun and fitness. There is simply no comparison between hours on a treadmill versus a refreshing hike with your pup. It won’t take long before your dog gets into the daily routine and he or she will soon be bringing the leash to you at the
appointed time. Then you won’t be able to give up on your resolution as those puppy dog eyes will
make sure that your time together is not neglected.
Matt Zemba is co-founder of the online dog supply shop FidoDogTreats.com |
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No matter how careful you are, moisture will collect in your dog’s ears after a bath. For long-haired, floppy-eared dogs, ear dampness can be a problem. To help the ears dry up and to avoid moisture related infections and yeast troubles, gently turn his ears inside out (it does not hurt or annoy) and pull both ears back behind his head loosely. Using a rubber band, gently but firmly, using only the fur at the tips and avoiding the skin flap, rubber band his ears open and back behind his head. In a few hours, the ear canals will have dried out and you may release the ears from the rubber band.
Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter. |
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Doggie paws and often the tops of doggy noses can get cracked, calloused and chapped in winter. For a simple solution, gently warm a teaspoon of shea butter (yes the fancy stuff you got in the spa) so it melts and rub the melted shea into his pads and on top of his nose tip. The liquefied shea seals up the cracks and also contains healing properties that will help cure chapped skin. Try to divert your dog so he doesn’t lick, but if he does, no worries, shea is not toxic.
Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter. |
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A few spoonfuls of warm chicken soup can help your dog get his appetite back when he is under the weather. Also, tasty broth helps a dog make the transition from IV to solid food after an illness. It is important to choose the no MSG broth because your dog does not need any food additives when he is not feeling well.
I always choose low salt and organic as well (organic chicken broth is not expensive), but I will confess that sometimes the saltier broth is tastier and helps a reluctant eater lap up more on his own. To get him going, try dipping your finger in the broth and dropping a little on his tongue.
Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter. |
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Crude protein in dog food is not necessarily that which can be digested and utilized by the dog’s body. It is not what most people think of as protein since it includes hooves, beaks and feathers, which are not ingredients a dog’s body can do anything with.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
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Many dogs have an undesired response to certain ingredients. There is, however, a difference between food allergies and food intolerance. Food allergies make up about 20 percent of all canine allergies and the typical symptoms are itching, redness and other coat issues. Food intolerance can be categorized as a digestive issue and typical symptoms are an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. The solution for both is identical. The offending food must be identified and eliminated from the dog’s diet. Typically, your vet will recommend a diet regiment that includes only items that your dog has not had in their previous pet food. Once the harmful ingredient has been identified, your pet will likely require a specific diet exclusive of that item.
L. Hope Hesano tweets useful information on the FidoDogTreats.com twitter feed. |
