As a new pet owner, you may be unfamiliar with which situations are medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment and which can wait until the following day. Since emergency vet visits are expensive, it is important to know which situations are dire emergencies and which are not. Discussed here are a handful of common problems a new pet owner may face. My Dog Is… Vomiting Vomiting in itself is not a cause for immediate concern. If your dog is attempting to vomit but cannot produce anything in conjunction with having a very bloated stomach, you should seek immediate medical attention for your pet, as Bloat may be to blame. However, if your dog is throwing up but acting normal otherwise and the vomit does not contain traces of blood, pet owners are advised to wait 24 hours to see if symptoms subside before scheduling an appointment. Has Diarrhea Dogs are prone...
Continue reading » Dog HealthNo Comment Pet obesity is at an all-time high, with an estimated 53% of America’s dogs registering at least 20% overweight. While many pet owners do not think much of their dog carrying a few extra pounds, the truth is that an animal’s quality of life, as well as its lifespan, decreases as weight increases. Listed below are just a handful of benefits that maintaining a healthy weight for your dog can provide. Longer Lifespan An alarming study showed that obese dogs may live up to 3 year less than their littermates who maintained a healthy weight. If no other reason compels an owner to keep their pet’s weight in check, this should be it! Fewer Health Problems Dogs that are overweight have a drastically increased risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver failure, arthritis, as well as certain types of cancer. Dogs that maintain an appropriate weight are less...
Continue reading » Dog HealthNo Comment Not all breeds are well-suited to living in small spaces. Some dogs, such as Siberian Huskies or German Shorthaired Pointers, require room to roam and excessive exercise. However, circumstances can change, leaving you with the options of rehoming your beloved dog or making a less-than-ideal situation work. Listed below are tips for keeping the peace with your landlord and neighbors. Crate Training Especially if your dog is prone to destruction when bored, a crate can be your best bet for ensuring your dog is well-behaved while you are away. A crated dog is also less likely to bark throughout the day, meaning no complaints from your neighbors when you return home. Extra Exercise A tired dog is a happy dog, so extra exercise for your pet is necessary if cohabiting with a high-energy breed in an apartment. Go for an extra long walk in the morning and in the evening,...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment Despite all the physiological similarities dogs and humans have, there are a number of “human” foods that can be poisonous to our pets. Every pet owner should be aware of the effects of the 8 foods below, especially pet parents of small breeds, which require a much lower dose of toxins before exhibiting symptoms of food toxicity. We suggest reading 5 people foods that are healthy for your dog after reading this article. Grapes/Raisins Grape and raisin toxicity among pets is a recent concern, first appearing to be a national problem in 2003, which has led some veterinarians and scientists to believe the issue is actually due to a pesticide that is used during the growing process of this fruit. While the toxicity mechanism is largely unknown, veterinarians do know that grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs, as well as anuria (lack of urine production). Garlic/Onion Garlic and...
Continue reading » Food/TreatsNo Comment Dogs and bones seemingly go together like peanut butter and jelly; but, are bones really a healthy snack for our dogs? A growing number of veterinarians are warning pet owners to avoid giving their pets bones as treats due to the potentially harmful implications they have for sensitive digestive tracts. Listed below are the many types of bones available to dogs and whether or not they are safe. Cooked Bones Cooked bones, particularly poultry bones, are never recommended for a dog because they become brittle during the cooking process, leading to an increased chance of splintering. Bone fragments cause numerous issues for dogs, including abrasions in the mouth and throat, vomiting, intestinal obstruction, constipation, diarrhea, and perforations in the intestinal tract, which can be deadly. Rawhide Bones A common treat for a dog is the rawhide bone, which can be purchased at any pet store and is comprised of...
Continue reading » Food/TreatsNo Comment As any dog owner can attest, canine introductions can be stressful situations. If the introduction goes well, the two dogs will become playmates and pals; a bad introduction, however, can be extremely dangerous for both dog and owner. What many pet owners do not realize is that the outcome of the introduction is highly dependent on how the owners handle their dogs. Listed below are tips for safely introducing two dogs. Neutral Territory The first step in introducing two unfamiliar dogs is to find neutral territory. A top mistake among pet owners is to attempt to bring a new dog into another dog’s space, such as the home or yard, and expect no problems to occur. Dogs are naturally territorial animals, and even the most submissive pet may feel the need to protect its home and family. The best place to introduce two dogs is in a nearby park or...
Continue reading » BehaviorNo Comment Did you know that Halloween is one of the most dangerous days for pets? Every year, countless dogs are lost due to the commotion of trick-or-treaters, accidental chocolate poisoning, or even because of malicious intent. Listed below are 6 tips for keeping your pet safe this Halloween. Keep the candy out of reach. Especially if your family does not keep candy in the house year round, it can be easy for pet owners to stock up on Halloween candy and forget to store it in a location that Fido can’t reach. After the excitement of trick or treating, children may forget to store their candy in a safe place; or, may even be tempted to share their treats with furry best friends. Educate your children on the importance of only feeding dogs appropriate food and treats, and be extra vigilant that your dog cannot access anything that may make him...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment Dog training can be the most rewarding – and frustrating – undertaking for a new pet owner, especially when a young dog is involved. Watching your dog master a command for the first time is an incredible moment; while other instances may make you feel like you are spinning your wheels. Before you blame your dog for being stubborn consider whether you are making any of the following common training mistakes. Poor Timing Timing is crucial when training a dog, both for reward and punishment. When your dog does the correct behavior, such as sitting when you ask for the “sit” command, your dog should be rewarded immediately. Any delay in giving your dog positive praise will teach your pet that there is no incentive to follow directions. Similarly, punishing your dog long after a bad behavior has occurred, such as yelling at your pup when you find an accident...
Continue reading » TrainingNo Comment Life is all about finding a balance. The same holds true when it comes to finding the best cheap dog food on the market. While you’ll want to give the best to your dog, it may simply not fit into your budget. That’s okay! You do not have to feel guilty about letting your best friend down. You can find high quality dog food that won’t break the bank. We will also show you how you can supplement this food so that your dog’s diet is the best that it can possibly be. Your Dog Needs to Love His Food It won’t do you any good to buy the most expensive and healthy brand of dog food out there if your dog simply doesn’t like it. You certainly have food preferences and your dog does too. When you are first looking for a food that you can afford you also...
Continue reading » Food/TreatsNo Comment We all know that getting enough fiber is important for humans but how necessary is it to find a quality high fiber dog food? Do dogs really need extra fiber and how do you know if you are providing too much of a good thing? These are important questions to answer before running out and buying a high fiber food for dogs. In some cases your dog may need more fiber but in other cases he may be getting just enough. Why is High Fiber Dog Food so Important for Dogs Fiber provides necessary bulk that will help to move the food he eats through his intestines. If your dog gets constipated he will start to get bloated and gain weight. As well, his anal glands can become impacted and smell bad. For this reason, fiber can be found in just about all dog foods. If your dog has been...
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