Tips for Caring For a Sick Puppy

When we get a new dog, we tend to be careful and make sure nothing happens to it, especially if it’s still a puppy. Sometime, no matter how much we make sure they stay healthy, our puppy might still get sick. Sickness while they’re still young could affect their health when their older. They might develop DM in dogs and other genetic illnesses. Here are a few tips on taking care of a sick puppy and nursing it back to health.

Sleep

Make sure the puppy gets enough sleep. Some people keep fussing and bothering the puppy while it’s resting, and children tend to keep a really close eye on it and this might make the puppy think that they want to play. If possible, place the puppy inside a small basket with a soft blanket on it and just let it sleep. You can also just leave it on its bed and warn everyone not to bother it.

Temperature

The room where the puppy is staying needs to be warm. You will be doing other things besides watching over the puppy, so just keep them covered in a blanket and turn the temperature down low.

Water

Water helps flush out toxins and poison that could have entered the body. Give the puppy fresh and clean water. If it’s having a hard time drinking, then help it out by using a food dispenser or a medicine dropper and give it some water every few hours or so.

Food

Giving the puppy the right food is key to getting them better. If you don’t give them enough nutrients, it could be the possible reason why they got sick in the first place. Keeping them well fed with a healthy diet also helps minimize the chances of them developing future illnesses like DM in dogs.

Medicine

You don’t what to give your dog human medication. Always go the vet if your puppy has been ill for 2 to 3 days and have it checked on. Ask for proper medication and stick with it. Most of the time, you can just get this at the vet’s office or you can check the pet supply store if they sell the medication there.

Emergencies

If worst comes to worst, then always have the number for the animal clinic or hospital around. You can also call your vet and rush your dog to the clinic. Most towns and cities already have animal hospitals where you can leave your pet overnight so they can monitor and check on its symptoms.

5 Tips on Puppy Food and Feeding

Puppies are adorable, but when it comes to feeding time, these fuzzy and cute little creatures can turn into monsters. Keeping puppies well fed and healthy can be a big job. You need to give them the right type of food so that they develop strong and healthy muscles and bones, the better for them to avoid illnesses like degenerative myelopathy. Here are some feeding tips to help your puppy get all the nutrients they need.

Clean water is a must

Fresh and clean water needs to be available to your pup at all times. Dogs that are given wet food—like the ones placed in cans or mixed with water—will get extra moisture through the food and might need less water compared to dogs that get dry food. But even so, place clean water in their water bowls just in case. Dogs that have a hard time drinking due to illnesses or physical incapability, like degenerative myelopathy, needs to be given water every few hours or so.

No refills

If your dog had some food left over on their bowls, you’ll want to clean that. Fresh food should be served every meal to avoid any food born problems like diarrhea. Keeping their food bowl clean also helps keep insects like flies and other bugs from getting into the area.

Stored correctly

Opened dog food cans need to be placed in the refrigerator so it doesn’t spoil. Solid dog food can just be kept in the cupboard but needs to be kept dry and sealed. Dog food needs to be given in room temperature so let canned dog food stand for a few minutes on the counter before giving it to the dog.

Complementary and complete

Complimentary dog food is something that you’d want to give your pet as a treat. This goes together with their daily serving of dog food but does not stand alone as a full meal. Complete dog food has enough vitamins and minerals to give your dog their daily dose of nutrition—it can come in dry and canned form. Dogs that need more nutrients, like dogs with degenerative myelopathy, may need both. It’s also a good idea to give them moist or canned dog food instead of the solid ones.

No table scraps

Your puppy is not going to grow up properly if you give them table scraps. This does not contain enough or the right nutrients for their bodies to develop properly.

Keep Points to Remember when Feeding your Senior Dog

Dogs are getting longer life spans compared to what they had 50 years ago. This is mainly due to the recent in dog nutrition and veterinary medicine—similar to how modern medicine has given us longer lives.

For instance, dogs can now be vaccinated for common illnesses which used to cause them to pass away much sooner just a few decades ago. This has had made dog owners more happy since they can spend more time with their four legged best friend.

However, even if dogs are living longer, there are still things that pose a threat to their life span. Older dogs are still more prone to illnesses and some, like dm in dogs, only develop when the dog becomes older. The best way to make sure the dog stays strong and healthy all throughout their senior years is to make sure they’re getting the right nutrition.

Changes in the diet

Forget about the high protein, all-meat diets that your dog once fed on. Once your dog becomes a senior, which is around 6 to10 years depending on the breed, you’ll want to give them a diet that’s more focused on keeping their bodies well maintained.

Muscle and bone growth slow down when they get old, so it’s better to give them a diet that makes sure that whatever muscle and bone strength they developed as younger dogs will stay the same.

Overweight tendencies

Older dogs are prone to getting overweight faster than younger dogs. This is because their body functions have slowed down and they can’t really tolerate too much exercise anymore. Being overweight can cause health problems like heart and respiratory difficulties, even dm in dogs. Make sure you’re giving them a diet that’s low in fat and high in fiber. This helps their digestion and keeps them away from getting too big. You can also control portion size or look for a specific dog food mix that’s low fat and are specifically for senior dogs.

Too old to eat?

The older  a dog gets, the weaker it becomes—that’s just the way things are. Some senior dogs might even have a hard time eating and would skip meals or eat less than what they should. Help your dog get enough food to keep them well nourished. You can get an elevated food bowl stand so that they don’t have to bend down to eat. Another thing that you can do is to give them moist food, like canned dog food which usually have the consistency of a stew. This makes it easier for them to chew and swallow.

Dogs vs. Cats – Why Dogs are better

Pet owners have always asked which is better, a cat or a dog. Some people think that cats are more fancy and exotic while others would prefer dogs since they’re rough and can take more stress. Here are a few reasons why dogs are better than cats as pets.

Cats are harder to train compared to dogs

Although it’s possible to train a cat, you have to be really patient and it takes a longer time. With dogs, they can master a tick in just a few days.

Dogs are definitely smarter

It has been a long debate over which pet is smarter, but dogs are more cautious and tend to make better decisions compared to cats.

Dogs can protect your home

A cat can’t really do much when someone brakes in and takes your things. Dogs are better at protecting and guarding.

If you have an active lifestyle, a dog is for you

You can’t take a cat out for a jog or a walk around the block. They’re more suited to just stay at home and lounge around while a dog can definitely keep up with your activities. You’d also want to keep your dog active to avoid illness like DM in dogs.

Dogs stay on the ground

Cats have a tendency to climb up everything they see. If you don’t want to bother rescuing your cat from a tree, then get a dog.

Dogs are more interactive then cats

Dogs will defiantly jump up and play with you while cats would rather just cozily snuggle next to you while you sit or sleep. Dogs don’t mind if you get a little rough with them while cats would just walk away from you.

Dogs can sense emotions better

Believe it or not, dogs can actually tell if you’re not feeling too well or if you’re in a good mood. They can help you out of a sour temper right away if you let them.

They listen

Dogs also listen to you. Dogs and humans have been communicating in their own little ways for the longest time. There is no scientific proof, but it seems that dogs can understand humans when they’re being spoken to.

Dogs are the ultimate pet to most people. Their just the perfect companion to have around the house and we definitely are treating out pet dogs like family member. Keep your dog healthy so they live long and stay by your side for a long time. Learn how to be a good dog owner andresearch about common dog illnesses like heartworm, DM in dogs, rabies and more to keep them in good health and strong.

Common tools to help disabled dogs

We treat our dogs like family members and when they suffer injuries or age, we give them all the medical care and attention they need. Ligament injury, arthritis,DM in dogsand hip dysplasia are just some of the common illnesses that affect a dog’s mobility. The dog becomes less energetic and can’t run around like it use to. Luckily, dog owners now have a chance to give their beloved pets a normal life despite there physical challenges.

Slings and harnesses

Slings and harnesses are the two most common types of supportive dog mobility items. They offer the fastest supports for pet dogs that are having problems standing up, balancing their bodies, or become tired easily but still have the ability to walk. These walking aids are usually strapped around their hind legs. This also comes with a sturdy leash that the owner or handler can easily lift to help the dog stand up, they are also called rear support leash. Slings and harnesses also have models that go around the dog’s front legs or torso, depending on what type of support the dog needs and where it needs help. These are the perfect tools to help assist dogs that are on the early stages of DM in dogs.

Ramps

Another simply dog mobility tool are ramps. This lets the owner help the dog climb stairs, get into cars for a tip, or even make it on top of the bed or the couch to rest. The down side of ramps is that they’re really inconvenient to carry around and it’s hard to look for one that’s portable enough to take on trips. The ramp also has to be sturdy enough to take on the dog’s weight, especially if the dog is a large breed.

Splints and boots

Letting the dog ware splints and boots can also help them walk. Boots are great for injured or older dogs that lose their footing and needs help in gripping on slippery floors and surfaces. Dogs that have a tendency to drag their soft and sensitive paws can also benefit when using boots. Splints are a good option to help support dogs who have injuries on their legs and joints.

Wheelchairs

Like humans, dogs also have wheelchairs that can be strapped around their bodies. This is a big help for dogs who have lost mobility on their back legs or are becoming too weak to stand on their own. Dog wheelchairs have specific measurements to make sure the dog is comfortable when it’s strapped on.

Tips to Save on Dog Care

Dog owners may not notice this, but keeping their beloved pet happy and healthy actually takes up a lot of money. Believe it or not, you can actually spend at least $1000 to $3000 on dog food and dog care. However, there are actually a few ways to save money while keeping your precious pup happy. You can cut back and save without having to decrease your dog’s quality of life.

Getting a new dog

If you feel that it’s time to get Fido a new friend, you can save money by adopting a dog instead of getting one at the pet shop or kennel. You’re also giving the dog a big help by welcoming it to your home and giving it a family. The down side of adopting a dog is that you really can trace the dog’s bloodline. Some dogs that are up for adoption could have genetic illnesses like dm in dogs that may develop when they get older. But with the right nutrition and care, genetic illnesses can be avoided. Adoption fees range from free to $200, depending on the center.

Dog food

Never buy cheap dog food. You want to make sure your dog stays healthy so as much as possible, keep away for those unknown dog food brands that are sold in sacks for a few dollars. These might even contain chemicals and ingredients that harm your dog. Before purchasing dog food, make sure that the brand is reputable and has passed strict industry compliance. Investing on good dog food also helps you provide the right nutrients to sustain you’re dog’s healthy body and keep it away from illnesses likedm in dogs.

Dog Toys

Two to three toys are a good idea to have around. Giving your pet dog a toy keeps them entertained and preoccupied while you’re doing something else. This can stop them from jumping up on the couch or biting on the furniture. Don’t go over-board thought, have a couple they can chew on and not 10 random toys that are just scattered all over the place. Also, make sure the toys are made from safe materials and do not contain any poisonous paint or rubber that can harm the dog.

Doctor’s visit

Never skimp on vet check-ups and visits. It’s better to spend less money by keeping your dog healthy compared to spending more on hospitalization and medical bills when they get sick.

Dog Care – Things to Consider when Training

Training your dog is a fun, but sometimes hassle experience. Here are a few things people commonly think about when training dogs.

If a dog doesn’t learn, he’s either stupid, dominant, stubborn or all three.

In fact, dogs are like humans in many ways, especially when it comes to learning things. Some dogs learn fast while others take their time with the lesson. It’s always a challenge to teach a dog how to do tricks since you can really talk to them and they can reply back. Keep working on the trick and be patient with your dog. Sooner or later, he or she will understand it. You also need to be aware of their health status. Dogs that are sick, like the ones that have degenerative myelopathy, may need more time and even assistance when taught a new lesson.

Dogs know that they did something incorrectly because they look guilty

Guilt is commonly seen in humans and researchers are still debating over emotions and animals. That “guilt look” that your dog gives you is just reactions that form the body language you let out. Dogs are sensitive to body language and they do react or reply to this in their own little way.

They have to be 6 months old before they can be trained

The “old school” philosophy in training states that a dog has to be half a year old before you start doing rigorous training. The truth is, as long as the dog is old, or big enough to wear a collar around its neck, then it can be managed to be trained. About 4 to 5 months the dog should be old enough to be trained. Another thing is a dog can never be too old to be trained. Training is a change of behavior and you can do this no matter what age a dog is.

Dogs with physical disorders are not trainable

To some extent, they can do certain tricks. However, when it comes to trainability, dogs that have physical disorders due to birth defects and accidents are still trainable. Even dogs that have genetic illnesses, like degenerative myelopathy, can still be trained.

Positive reinforcement is the best way to train

This depends. Some dogs learn better when using nothing but positive reinforcement while others may need some negative reinforcement to learn the lesson. The main difference between both is that you give something during positive reinforcement while you take something away during negative reinforcement. Both aim to increase the possibility of the dog doing the behavior again.

Giving them food is the only way to reward them

There are other ways to show your dog that they did the right thing. Praising them, giving them attention, smiling at them and petting them are just a few ways to reward them.

4 Tips Basic Dog Care Tips

Getting a new dog is exciting news, especially to kids. However, we mustn’t let out excitement get in the way of remembering a few basic rules on taking care of a dog. Below are a few things that you always have to remember about dog care.

Collars and Leashes

There should always be a collar around the dog’s neck, even when it’s taking a bath or just lounging around the house. A tag containing the dog’s name and its owner’s address and name needs to be attached on the collar. This makes it easier for people to identify the dog if it gets lost.

When taking your dog out, always have a leash attached to its collar, even if you trust the dog not to misbehave. Body leashes on the other hand, which look like harnesses, are ideal for dogs with muscle problems like degenerative myelopathy—this is applicable if you adopted an older dog.

Extra Attention

If you’re getting a pupp you’ll need all the extra energy you can get. Puppies move, run, jump and play all over the place and they need extra attention to make sure they don’t get hurt or get into trouble. Giving them that attention also helps you bond and pet and owner.

As for older dogs, they just need to be watched over until they get used to their new environment. Once they feel more at home, you can leave them be to do their own thing. As for dogs that are adopted and have illnesses like degenerative myelopathy, special attention and extra care is needed 24/7.

Fur and Body Care

Giving your dog the occasional bath is not enough to keep ticks and fleas off its fur. Make sure you have a good supply of tick and flea powder and shampoo on stock. Brush your dog’s coat every day to remove any dust and bugs that could have been caught between its fur.

It’s important that you keep them clean outside, as well as inside. Have them de-wormed to make sure that there are not parasites living inside their digestive tract and other body systems.

Doctor’s Appointment

Take your dog to the veterinarian once every 2 months for a full checkup. It’s best to invest in their heath as and know any issues early on. You also have to keep track of the dog’s blood line to know if they have a bigger chance of developing an illness due to genetic factors or not.

Benefits of Including Raw Bones to Your Dog’s Diet

Many breeders and veterinarians advise feeding dogs with raw bones. While some are afraid that this might have negative effects on the pets, a lot of dog owners feed their dog raw meat and bones and report that they have been healthier since they switched to the diet.

One of the reasons why dog owners would rather go for a raw meat diet is due to the fact they don’t have enough time or money to cook and prepare food for their dogs every day. After all, you can’t just give them the same food you eat, you have to prepare things separately.

Some dog owners alternate dog food with raw meat and bones so that their pets can have variety and compensate for the nutrients that raw food just doesn’t have.

Other benefits of this canine diet include:

Raw bones help their oral heath

If you’re not really keen on brushing your dog’s teeth, then feeding them raw bones at least once a week helps keep their teeth clean. The scraping and biting action will take the tartar and plaque off their teeth and mouths like a toothbrush would. Raw bones also help stops their breath from smelling bad. But you have to make sure that you give them new bones. If the bone has been hanging around for a long time, throw it out and replace it with a new one.

Helps digestion

Raw soft bones contain a lot of fiber that can help your dog digest and have better bowl movements. Many dogs suffer from digestive problems and often end up in the veterinarian’s office because of an upset stomach or even blood on their stool. Help ease their digestion with a few soft bones. Chicken necks are a good example for fibrous, soft, raw bones.

Keeps them happy and occupied

Dogs can go for hours and hours chewing on a bone. Dogs find it relaxing to chew on bones and it’s a good way for the dogs keep themselves busy while they’re resting. This also gives dog owners a chance to relax and not worry about what their dog is doing. If your dog can’t more around due to physical restrains or illnesses like degenerative myelopathy, give them a bone to stop them from getting bored.

Overall health benefits

Dogs eat raw food by nature. Although many people are afraid that their dog might acquire the taste of raw meat and become violent if they feed their dogs meat and bones, there have been no cases reported about this.

Giving the raw food helps keep their coats look healthy and shiny, their muscles lean and their bones strong. However, raw food is not recommended for dogs that are ill, especially the ones who are paralyzed, such as dogs who have degenerative myelopathy. But a good bone can help these dogs co0pe with their illness.

Dog Care 101 – Tips for Going for Meat Diet and Different Types of Meat

What should I feed my dog?

It’s a question many dog owners have asked themselves as they obsess over the best diets they can give to their dogs. Some pet owners prefer to give their dogs the most expensive, high quality dog food they can buy in the market, while others prefer to give them raw meat prepared at home.

Although veterinarians, trainers and breeders have different views when it comes to feeding dogs with raw meat, this type of diet actually has plenty of incredible advantages to it.

Before you shift to a meat diet, however, there are a few considerations to make. If your dog is sick for example, they may be more susceptible to the germs found in raw meat. Likewise, older dogs that can’t handle high levels of protein, especially dogs with health problems like arthritis or degenerative myelopathy, are better off with commercial dog food.

Here are some ideas on what type of raw meat you should consider giving your dog for a raw meat diet.

Chicken

Chicken meat is inexpensive and you can get it at any supermarket or grocery. It’s considered as a warming food for dogs, having the ability to nourish the blood, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and stomach.

Beef

Beef has the highest amount of protein compared to all other types of meat. Beef is a good meat to give to dogs that are underweight and are too small for their breed and age. It helps build bones, muscles and blood.

Turkey

Like chicken, turkey meat is a warming meat that has a relaxing and calming effect on a dog’s body. Turkey meat is a good alternative to regular dog food especially if the dog has digestive problems.

Venison

Venison is usually not given to dogs but some veterinarians and pet experts actually advise dog owners to feed deer meat to their pets, especially if they frequently suffer from colds and flu.

Pork

Another common meat that’s inexpensive and easy to find, pork helps restore the fluids lost in the dog’s body. However, pork meat may be a bit too fatty, especially if you take the meat from the belly part, so make sure you take the excess fat off the meat before you feed it to the dog.

Cooked vs Raw

It’s important for you to know if your dog is able to eat raw meat or not. All raw meat bear the risk of being contaminated with salmonella, so you have to be really careful when feeding them raw meat. If your dog is having trouble moving, like in cases of degenerative myelopathy, you might want to cook the meat and then turn it into some sort of a paste by adding some fluids to it and grinding it.