Home » Archive by category "Dog Health" (Page 2)

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Everything You Need to Know about Bloat

If you own a giant-breed dog, such as a Great Dane, Mastiff, or Irish Wolfhound, chances are you are already aware of Bloat – a silent killer of dogs.  While Bloat is most common in large dogs with barrel-type chests and tucked waists, this deadly disorder can affect all dog breeds, yet few owners are aware of the condition.  Everything you need to know about Bloat is discussed below. Image credit: www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com What is Bloat? When an excessive amount of air, food, or water enters a dog’s stomach and causes discomfort, Bloat has occurred.  A second stage of Bloat, called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), occurs when the stomach flips over on its horizontal axis and cuts off the blood supply to the stomach, rapidly leading to tissue death and organ failure. What are the Symptoms of Bloat? Bloat symptoms include a visibly distended stomach that is hard to the touch, as well...
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Is Your Dog Hydrated: What Dog Owners Need to Know about Hydration

This is not enough water for your dog Water is essential for good health, yet many dogs are chronically dehydrated.  Here, everything a dog owner needs to know about dehydration and dogs will be discussed.  Why is Hydration for Dogs Important? Adequate hydration is necessary for all mammals because it aids in nutrient transport and absorption, proper digestion and metabolism, and body temperature regulation.  Dogs that are dehydrated can suffer serious health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, heat stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, seizures, and death.  How do Dogs Become Dehydrated? Unlike humans, dogs are unable to carry a water bottle with them for easy hydration throughout the day.  Instead, they must wait for times when cool, clean water is available (Amazon carries some nice dog water bottles that can be found here).  Additional factors that affect hydration include climate, body size and shape, coat condition, age, pre-existing health conditions,...
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Caring for a Dog Post-Surgery

After a dog has surgery – whether for a routine procedure or an emergency – there is a level of care that must be taken to ensure your dog does not have complications.  Here, everything a pet owner should know about caring for a dog after surgery will be discussed. Types of Surgery Dogs require surgery for a variety of reasons.  Surgeries range from minimally to highly invasive.  Types of surgery include: Spay / Neuter Orthopedic Cardiovascular Tumor Removal Gastric Wound Repair The more invasive the surgery, the greater the risk of infection.  For instance, a neuter has fewer complications than a spay.  Additionally, a dog bite carries the greatest risk of infection because of bacteria introduced from the other animal’s mouth. Wound-Closing Methods There are many different types of wound-closing methods, each of which has advantages, disadvantages, and care requirements.  The most common wound-closing methods are: Absorbable Stitches Absorbable...
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Yard Mushrooms and your Dog – Know What to Look For

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall there are many types of mushrooms that naturally grow in backyards.  Although many mushrooms are harmless, there are certain varieties that can poison your pet.  Here, mushrooms that are dangerous to your dog will be discussed as well as what to do if your dog ingests a poisonous mushroom. Dangerous Yard Mushrooms There are four types of dangerous mushrooms.  Category A mushrooms are most toxic and destroy kidney and liver cells.  Category B and C mushrooms affect the nervous system and can cause symptoms such as hallucinations.  Category D mushrooms cause gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea.  Regardless of the type of mushroom your dog consumes, the most likely symptoms include: Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Disorientation Lethargy Weakness Jaundice Lack of coordination Excessive drooling Seizures Coma Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria) The Fly Agaric is common in wooded areas throughout North America.  This mushroom...
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8 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool this Summer

Although winter seems to have only ended a few short weeks ago, the dog-days of summer are already here.  As the weather warms up, it is imperative to keep your dog’s core body temperature cool.  Every year, thousands of dogs are hospitalized due to complications from heat stroke, which occurs at alarming rates in canines due to their inability to cool themselves.  Listed here are ways to keep your dog cool this summer. Kiddie/Dog Pool One of the cheapest and easiest ways to keep your dog cool in the summer is to invest in an inexpensive kiddie or dog pool to keep in your backyard.  By filling the kiddie pool with cool water and placing it in the shade, your dog will always have a cool spot to retreat if overheating.  While it is never recommended to leave your dog in your yard unattended, this method is especially useful for...
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Product Review: Pawsome Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Blog Review logo for Pure Natural Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Nutritional supplements are an important component of care for many dogs.  Whether used for preventing, treating, or curing disease, supplements are a very powerful tool that many pet owners do not realize they have at their disposal.  Here, Pawsome Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil will be reviewed. Tester:  Lucy Lucy, my 15 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, received Pawsome Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil with her dinner.  As recommended on the bottle’s label, she received 1 pump of oil each day. Although Lucy is aging, she has great mobility but suffers very badly from skin allergies.  Her tell-tale allergy symptom is a red, watery, gunk-filled right eye that can be very bothersome for her.  She also develops dandruff and is very itchy in the Spring.  We chose for her to receive the fish oil supplement over our Beagle mix in hopes we could clear some of her skin and...
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How to Read Dog Food Labels: Is Your Dog’s Food Healthy?

  One of the easiest ways to ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life is to make sure you are feeding a high-quality dog food.  But, with all the available options, where do you start?  Reading the dog food label is the first step when ensuring your dog’s food is healthy.  Listed here is everything a dog owner should know when reading the label on a bag (or can) of dog food. Which Nutrients do Dogs Need? Before you learn how to read a dog food label, it is important to know the types of nutrients that dogs require.  While dogs have similar basic needs as humans, the macronutrient ratios required for a dog to thrive varies. Protein The most important nutrient in a dog’s diet is protein.  Unlike humans, most of a dog’s energy is converted from protein.  In addition, protein is also necessary for supporting a...
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Product Review: Hanzi Pets Pure Antarctic Krill Oil Soft Chews and Premium Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Supplements are an important component of keeping our dogs healthy.  There are many different types of supplements available, all geared towards addressing various concerns such as joint health, skin and coat, gut health, allergies, and general wellness.  Today I will be reviewing two different products, Hanzi Pets Tru-Krill Premium 100% Pure Antarctic Krill Oil Soft Chews and Hanzi Pets Tru-Salmon Premium Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. Hanzi Pets Hanzi Pets is a company based in Burbank, California that is dedicated to the creation of products that promote health, sustainability, and value for pets (and their owners).  Their line of oceanic pet products addresses many ideals, such as being: Made in the United States in an FDA-inspected facility and are cGMP (current good manufacturing practice) certified. Sustainably sourced, ensuring pet owners do not have to worry about any negative impact their purchases might have on delicate ecosystems or the environment. Human grade,...
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Giveaway and Review of WinPro Focus for Calming

FREE Winpro Giveaway at the Bottom of this review! Have you heard of WinPro? I’m assuming not. Today we are going to take a look at this company, test one of the products they offer and even give you a chance to get your hands on some for free! Before we get to the giveaway, I want to give you my honest review of the WinPro Focus for Calming soft dog chews. If you have followed us here on NewDogOwners.com, you probably know that Rosco is still a little overly affectionate, especially when we have guests. If not, read his story. You will find the giveaway at the end of my review below. So, What is WinPro’s History Winpro is a company founded by Bill Bernardo. Bill was raised in Northcentral Iowa where he grew up as a typical kid. The idea was planted in his head as a college kid...
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Top 5 Value Dog Food Brands That Are The Healthiest For Your Dog

Choosing the best dog food for your pet is an important decision.  After all, the food your dog eats directly affects the length and quality of his or her life.  However, dog foods with the healthiest ingredients often fetch a higher price than foods made from lower grade products.  Additionally, just because a dog food brand claims to be healthy doesn’t always mean that it is best for your pet.  Listed here are 5 dog foods that are healthy for both your dog and your budget! Brand:  Diamond Naturals Diamond Naturals is a brand that is both budget friendly and healthy for your dog.  Available both online and at most retailer’s, Diamond Naturals is convenient as well. Check Current Prices Diamond Naturals Varieties Diamond Naturals has 12 varieties of dog food, including: Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken Diamond Naturals Small Breed...
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